Flintridge Preparatory School

4543 Crown Avenue

La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

7-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 29, 2019

Majority of teachers are good /excellent. However, need changes in administration. Director of Admissions is unprofessional. He makes inappropriate comments about family's finances; unflattering comments on students' characteristics and/or their academic qualifications; makes negative comments about other heads of school/directors, etc. His inappropriate behavior is well known inside and outside of the school community. The head of the school allows this behavior to continue. It is a good the current head will be retiring soon. Lets hope there will be improvements to the administrative side of the school (ABB).
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2016

Prep is an excellent place for learning. The academic rigor is balanced by caring teachers and collaborative students. We looked at other local schools for our student, and she was accepted at all the schools to which she applied. Prep was far and away the best fit. Now that we've been here a while, we can say without reservation that the Prep community (including not only faculty and staff, but also other parents) is fantastic. Finally, the Head of School is the best you are going to find anywhere--on either coast.
Submitted by other on December 09, 2015

I spent 6 years at Flintridge Prep. I acquired a tremendous amount of knowledge and became skilled at taking tests and writing essays. Now that I am in college I see that learning can actually be fun, and that academic work can actually include creativity. Prep is a very traditional school with good teachers, but the curriculum makes no room for creative expression. But you will get good at taking tests. That's Prep's specialty.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

My son graduated from the Prep last year. He was very happy there and academically did great. Most teachers are very nice with great credentials.The biggest downfall of Flintridge Prep is that the campus is very small. My son went to Prep from a small private elementary school at 7th grade and watching high schoolers making out on campus was a shocker for him and inappropriately distracting, So it is better to go there at 9th grade.I also believe that the people who run Prep are extremely arrogant. If you apply, make sure to spend time and resources and to play golf with the headmaster, it will help your child at some point!!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2014

Wonderful school that emphasizes the teacher/student relationship. So far the kids in my son's class have been really great -- funny, smart, and supportive of one another. The school balances academics and fun, and seems to really respect the students. The parents are nice and laid back.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2014

While some schools rely on reputation, Prep continues to lead by humanizing the entire middle/high school experience. A perfect balance b/n academics, arts, athletics and community. This is Prep is Poly, with a heart.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2013

Wonderful school. The kids are kind, the teachers care, and the admin strikes the right balance of academics and fun. This is a rigorous college prep school, so be ready for homework, but it is manageable. Our son was able to accelerate in his math classes which motivated him to do really well! Great kids, welcoming parent community and great faculty and staff!
Submitted by other on October 06, 2013

The most dysfunctional school I have ever seen. Full of cliques, self centered teachers and students. I have been here since middle school and have learned nothing but to hate myself and the school. Highly do not recommend it for anyone who is the slightest bit creative or quirky. You have to be good looking, rich, and good at sports for people to like you. It's a school with students literally right out of mean girls. And the best part. Everyone is naive over the fact that this school is downright horrible. Teens get no sleep - 5-7 hours a night. The homework has torn me apart. An unsatisfactory school FOR SURE.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2013

Re the reviewer who said "Flintridridge Prep is for rich kids who may not be able to cope with more academically oriented school... cliques...The school keep poor children out... a big donation ...buy admittance " I respectfully disagree. I know many wealthy families whose children were not admitted. Re keeping poor students out - I was a single mom of 4 and the school knew that - all 3 of my kids were admitted to Prep & eventually to an Ivy League School, and all 3 came from an LAUSD prior...Homework of 1 hr/subject as suggested by someone is ridiculous. None of my kids did more than 2-3/night. Don't be naive, cliques happen at every school, not just @ Prep. Re materialism-it couldn't be further from truth. I drove up in carpool with a 13 year old Toyota with paint peeling & none of my children were taunted ever. In fact, they were very popular & accepted. I love that they teach Critical Thinking Skills in 7th grade. I've had College Professors tell me that was unusual in junior/high or even college. Human Development is uppermost, which is why F Prep is emulated as a model for Human Development. Curriculum is so good they never prepared for SATs and scored 720-perfect SATs.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

Flintridge Preparatory School Unfortunatly, this school has not kept up with educational research that shows that students thrive best in a balanced learning environment. At this school you are either a "reg" or "advanced" there is no in between. They do not help the students or work with parents to develop a four year plan for high school courses. Please, please be very sure your child can handle the enormous stress that this school puts on the students.. 45 minutes to 1 hour per subject every night...that is minimum of 6 hours of homework every night. They also encourage students to take classes over the summer to "advance". This school is all about the grind, and how much pressure a child can withstand...they are living in a bygone era. Beware.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2012

This school is one of the best academic school in the U.S. Students are wonderful.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2012

Flintridge Prep was the best choice for both of our children. The environment that Prep fosters led both to excellence in academics and a sense of community. Yes, their athletic facilities are not top notch and could be upgraded, but if that's what you are looking for, there are plenty of other schools that make athletics the priority. That's not what we were looking for. Prep staff and teachers know every student and have a strong sense of acceptance to differences in culture and lifestyle, all while encouraging academic and emotional growth. There are some with money at Prep, but it was never blatant or obnoxious. If you are looking for an environment that encourages academics, personal integrity and a sense of community, Prep may be the school for your child. We couldn't have wished for a better experience for our family.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2012

Flintridge Prep promotes student growth through student-faculty interactions and rigorous, college-preparatory academics. Students are bright; still there is some range in student talent that serves to strengthen the school. Prep realizes that increasing diversity is a priority. The distinguishing feature of Prep is the academic focus that emulates a liberal arts curriculum. Students are encouraged to strive yet seek balance in their experiences. There is a professional development program for faculty. The administration is student-focused, not solely driven by fundraising. The school has a sense of humor. Prep is willing to experiment. For example, while Prep has a rigorous but not impossible homework load, some departments are testing if 15% less homework still realizes excellent learning outcomes. Prep s honor code includes teachers and parents. My only one truly concerning feature of Prep the gym is close to the 210 (noisy!). Otherwise, it is an academic oasis.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2011

This is a terrific school for our bright, sensitive, and friendly son who is in his second year of middle school. He came from a non-La Canada public school and has done very well there academically, socially, and personally. A long-time club swimmer, he has been encouraged to--and has participated in--other sports (water polo, basketball). No one mocked his less than stellar abilities in either sport. Alex Rivera, the Director of Athletics AND middle school basketball coach, had him play in EVERY game. Alex Rivera does a great job of taking advantage of every player's abilities. There is a superb balance, and the school educates the "whole" person. Yes, there are students from very wealthy families just as there are some from less economically advantaged families such as ours. Terrific mentoring by teachers and students, respectful and considerate students and teachers--we are delighted with Prep.
Submitted by teacher on December 13, 2010

Flintridge Prep is as proud of its athletics program as it is of its academics. The athletics philosophy is one of integrity, discipline, and respect. We have several coaches who are also teachers. At the beginning of every athletic season, coaches hold a meeting with parents. If a parent or an athlete has an issue or concern throughout the season, the coaches and the Director of Athletics will work to arrange a solution. ACL, the Athletic Council on Leadership, is a student-athlete organization. Members of ACL demonstrate leadership at all levels of the school organization, emphasizing the personal integrity that is at the foundation of the school's coaching philosophy. Any prospective family who has questions about the athletics program at Flintridge Prep is welcome to contact Athletic Director Alex Rivera.
Submitted by other on December 09, 2010

Intimate learning environment fostered by teacher's who love what they do. The academics at prep are top-notch. The math department could use some help, but new teachers hired in 2009-2010 indicate a step to further improve the program. As a student-athlete and four-year varsity soccer player, I can't help but address a specific review bashing the coach. As the team's captain of the 2009-2010 season, I know all the details to the event in question... The players mentioned were not hazed, they simply did not own up to their responsibilities as players. At ANY school, if you play a varsity sport and you constantly miss games/practices without excuses, you will be confronted by your teammates. The coach under scrutiny is the greatest coach I've had in my 12 years of playing soccer, so I will not idly standby while such a gross evaluation exists. I loved this school and I loved the soccer program. Go rebels.