Learning Castle, Inc. (Aka La Canada Preparatory)

4490 Cornishon Avenue

La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on September 26, 2023

My experience at this school was TERRIBLE. I attended this school a couple years ago. I experienced bullying, discrimination, and sexism. A peer had a history of bullying and racial discrimination causing some to move to different schools, unfortunately I had to stay. The school had a detention system called "homework room" or "dictionary page" where the principle or vice principle would sit there and make students "cram" or write over and over a dictionary page as punishment, which did absolutely nothing to correct inappropriate behaviors. At our 8th grade graduation, each student in the graduating class had to give a graduation poem/speech about our experiences and how they shaped us as kids. We prepared for this days before but it wasn't as wholesome as you think. I submitted my poem to the principle, and she thought it sounded too niche or sad and added or got rid of what she wanted into my personal story that were not true, to make it sound more appealing. fake af. I DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2023

I brought my son for summer school. He said he felt like he was in jail. He was an elementary school. You're not allowed to walk in threes. You're not allowed to run. The kids are extremely stressed out. Yes Sure education is great so his education of other schools. Not much difference. They also wanted my son to skip a grade and I didn't want to. And then my son told me he hates the school and he will never go back there. He said he's tired of being in jail. And then, when I had my daughter, I was going to put her at the Sand Castle, but I heard so many horrible things about the Director there, how inconsistent, one minute she says, one thing, and the other next week she said something else. She doesn't know what she's doing! So I say stay away from this entire school system La Canada, Pratt from the top down. It is not worth the money at all.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2022

Terrible teaching. No technique or strategies in teaching Math. They have kids memorize by working on work sheets. No teaching. School has no way in evaluating kids levels in reading other than teacher opinion. Teachers have no teaching degrees. They are good sales people that sell the school by the look not the content. Kids from elementary cry and hate school because of themIf you love your children don’t send them to this place. Kids struggle when they go to high school and college because of the lack of good foundation.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2021

Worst school! The teachers terrorize the students. My kid says teachers are not approachable—they get upset easily, They just give out packets to perfect, and not teach. It’s NOT an environment that fosters respect for each other. And most importantly, it’s not a place where kids could develop what it takes to excel because they’re always questioning if they’re good enough. What you see on the outside is hardly what it really looks like on the inside.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2019

Terrific School; focuses on individualized learning for the student. My son has flourished here and its all in thanks to the school!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2019

I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your kindness and teaching manner. You truly are a remarkable teacher and we were so blessed to have had you be Anthony’s first teacher at LC. You are kind and loving yet set such amazing boundaries with the students and I can’t even begin to tell you how sad we are that Anthony won’t be in orange class next year. What makes me happier is seeing joe much Anthony gravitated to you and how he absolutely adored you and how he would speak so highly of you to us and his grandparents. We feel so fortunate that teachers like yourself still exist and I pray that his teacher next year is half as amazing as you are. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving our son the way you do and enabling such great academic skills for him to progress further on at LC. We love you and will definitely stop by your classroom often to say hello. Hope you have a phenomenal summer!!!! See you soon.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2016

I'm very happy with the overall education level of this school for my daughter. She has learned so much and is way above friends of hers who attend other schools. So much so that their parents even comment on it. She also loves going to the school and loves her teachers. We talk all the time and she pretty much tells me everything. She has never had any issues or run ins with any of the teachers (as mentioned in other reviews here). Every teacher has been so nice and caring and seem to really love helping children. They are focused on academics but this is what I wanted, I don't see any issue with this. And they way they teach is working with rave results. I would definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2015

I am a mother of two at The Learning Castle and have had both of my sons enrolled from pre-K. The school has been fundamental in the character building of my children, my son truly believes there is nothing he cannot accomplish. He is grades ahead in his academics and also a very involved athlete. Miss Terry has provided him with the skills to accomplish the time management, goal setting and confidence necessary to rise to his goals. Teachers are easy to meet with and open to working with your child in any unique circumstances. I am so pleased and grateful with our experience at the school.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2015

This a top of the line elementary school!! I have now had my 2 children in 4 elementary schools over the course of the last 6 years. Coming from a private school education myself I have high expectations of what private elementary education should look like. After the first 3 schools I truly believed that quality private education no longer existed, until now! Wow what a truly amazing school! All of my children's teachers truly want them to succeed and help them get there! The teachers here a professional, educated and work to make sure that every child doesn't just pass their class but learns the material. Homework is quality and minimal. Previously my children were spending 5+ hours on homework and not getting anything out of it. Currently they spend less than an hour and are truly learning from it. This school also has an amazing art and drama program. They also offer tennis and dance taught by professionals in their field. Spanish is also part of their curriculum. This is a well rounded school. Not only are the teachers involved but the director is very hands on. If you want your child to succeed, and have a childhood, this is the place.
Submitted by teacher on May 08, 2015

The biggest problem with reviews or comments on websites like this one is that most people are motivated to post only when they are upset. Rarely do people post when they are happy. I have worked at TLC and LCP for 17 years and when I read some of these reviews, I am initially taken aback but upon further scrutiny, I can tell who the people are. This latest post is from a disgruntled former staff member. What better way to get back at the place that just let you go? I have seen literally thousands of kids come through the doors of this place over the years, and hundreds come back to visit. Why? Because they loved it here. When was the last time you paid a visit to your elementary/middle school? Probably the same time I visited mine. Never. There is no such thing as the perfect school. But check this out. Our staff members send their kids to this school. Former students send their kids to this school. Is there any better reference than that? My hope is that you will take this into consideration as you make your decision. Otherwise, you might miss out on something special.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2015

The school has terrible teachers. More than half of the teachers have bachelor's degree. The principle is one of them. The vice principle is a sadistic animal that abuses children. He does not have a teaching degree at ALL! Yet he has a has a higher position than those who are ACTUALLY qualified For vice principle. The staff even bully one another. Furthermore the the principle Terry Villanueva uses a cunning technique. She forces all the students that are to be displayed during a tour to behave and act happy by threatening the students. She gives a glimpse of the class and only allows the teacher to speak. The "teaching" is actually giving a student one large packet to complete. Additionally, the extracurricular activities mentioned such as art is just having the students copying the art teachers drawing. The drawing is also traced. The theatre department is considered to be " one of the best in all of California. This is an outrageous fallacy. The plays performed are not fun for the students and there are unjust penalties for failure.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2014

I am honored to be a parent at The Learning Castle/ La Canada Preparatory. I am grateful for the phenomenal education my daughter and son are receiving at TLC/LCP. It is unlike any other school I have seen. Truly top notch! I appreciate all the hard work and care of the teachers, faculty and Director. They truly care about the students. The teachers really care about the kids and the principal is very hands on and always walks around campus making sure all is well. The Learning Castle is a wonderful school, has unparalleled academics, well rounded in the arts and technology, great athletic programs, and student centered atmosphere. There is a wonderful family / community atmosphere (amazingly friendly parents and teachers) and a student centered focus. Each grade builds upon the one before it. My daughter began in Pre-Kindergarten and we were so happy, we never left. She has now moved on to the LCP campus and absolutely loves going to school every day! We are grateful every day to have our kids at The Learning Castle!! We highly recommend The Learning Castle/ La Canada Preparatory!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2014

This review is not in response to a disagreement with The Learning Castle and/or La Canada Preparatory. It is to provide a public service. This institution should not be in business. The owners can easily be compared to dictators who rule the teaching staff and students by fear. The students are not taught; they are given sets of multiple packets they are to complete perfectly or are publically humiliated. In result, their self-confidence plummets and they become anxious from the unrealistic expectations placed on them. Parents are forced to hire after school tutors to make up for their child's false report that "they are falling behind" because literally, no instruction is taking place in school. This so called "school" has caused many children to believe they aren't good students, that they won't ever be good enough, and won't make it in high school and beyond. The owners are true salespeople, who can sell their school like a product. Don't take the false advertising or the bait.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2014

I went to school at TLC and La Canada prep for my entire grade school education. My experience overall was very unsatisfactory. I was unable to perform adequately in my high school math classes due to TLC's lack of curriculum progression. At the learning castle I would have to keep taking the same math class over and over again. One teacher would say I passed the level of math but, the next year the next teacher would make me complete the same math class again. The behavior of the teachers and administration is also very unprofessional. When I was in third grade a teacher would not allow me to use the bathroom, due to this I wet my pants and had to sit through the rest of class with dirty underwear. I will never forget these traumatic experiences. Every student that i have spoken to has also had a similar traumatic experience. I hope that you seriously question sending your children to this school.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2014

This is the most amazing school we could ever send our two daughters to! The school is quite fantastic and the teachers are great!! The school is so individualized and everyone works at their own pace!! The kids are all so mature and smart. I would estimate that the student to teacher ratio is 6:1. The campus is so clean and everybody know everyone and they are all friends! I wish that there was a high school in addition to K- 8. All the teachers are very kind and intelligent!! All of the extracurriculars are exceptional! From performing arts to sports and different languages. I would ALWAYS recommend this school to a parent!!!
Submitted by other on September 05, 2012

This school gave me so much preparation for high school. The teachers are excellent and so are the academics. This school really gives it s students guidance for the future. All subjects really prepare students for high school. I attended this school for 9 years and still have friends whose parents send their siblings to this fantastic school. I have so many great memories at this school and gained knowledge that has stayed with me until this day. This school really gave me the foundation to succeed in high school and allowed me to adjust from middle school to high school with ease.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2012

I love the school that my kids go to. It is private bilingual school. But if I could afford Learning Castle year around, I would send my kids to this school. Great experience as a parent and I loved how organized this school was.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2012

I don't know what the previous parent is talking about bilingual school. My daughter has been in learning castle for 2 year and has spanish class 30 mins once a week and her progress is so slow. Every student in the class speak English day to day and I never heard they practice speaking spanish or encouragement from teachers to speak spanish. Probably she is talking about her summer experience which is totally different from regular school period. Now out of nowhere, they change the school uniforms and give all the rights to Land ends. If the school need more funding, please raise the tuition fee but don't burden pitiful parents with these annoyance. Keep the school the way it was with dedicated teaching and bring out the best in each student.
Submitted by parent on December 25, 2011

We had to move out of the area but this school was VITAL to all three of our kids growth; one with special needs and one with an extremely high IQ. We are forever grateful our children had their start at this school!!
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2011

This school is excellent in many ways with several faults that clearly annoy even those who are happy with it. The school is very demanding academically, with loads of homework, & great dedicated teachers. They emphasize individual learning which is great for advanced learners & those who are more advanced in certain areas. The physical education is terrible and the space is very small. For an administrator who said they have tennis courts, fields & a gym... wow, an out right lie. They have some access to public tennis courts, which are used once a week & fields that are hardly ever used, & a gym that is not often used due to fee charged for such use. The teachers many which are excellent all are oddly attractive in high heals & dont play at all with the kids let alone take them to the fields. They spend rainy days ...many days inside.. The head of the school is really uncompromising in anyway, so if you like, you like, if don't you won't. The school is reasonably priced & is strong academically but lacks many things other private schools offer. They are not completely honest about what they offer, for exp. suppose to have Spanish but have it less then once a week