Technology Magnet School

15848 Stare St.

School District

Los Angeles Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Los Angeles Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 13, 2024

My daughter has attended Vintage for the past 5 years and every year I hoped the next one would be better. The play areas are sad; playgrounds in a sea of asphalt with no shade, and the kids are made to wait outside in lines at the beginning of the day, waiting for their teachers to collect them and bring them to class, again with no shade. The after school programs are awful. They don't provide homework help, or even time for the kids to do their homework on their own. There are no enrichment classes unless a teacher volunteers to create one for their class. And the communication from the school is terrible. We would receive requests for donations of items a day before they were due, or we would find out about events happening at the school the day of! The teachers are hit or miss. My daughter loved her kindergarten and first grade teachers, but this was during the pandemic and her handwriting suffered. All school work was done by typing on a computer, so she lost out on valuable handwriting practice, and her first grade teacher introduced the students to YouTube, which I was actively trying to avoid. Her second and third grade teachers were overly strict, one of them wouldn't even allow the kids to take notes during class. Her fourth grade teacher is the first one she's had that feels like she truly loves the students and is trying her best to enrich their time at school. It was also during this year that we pulled her from the after school program, though, because the coaches were uncaring and downright mean. She would call me from the Youth Services program crying because they wouldn't allow her to use a fan on severely hot days, or they would yell at her for doing her homework.Don't even get me started on the free-for-all that is drop off every morning. No parking or rule enforcement whatsoever.One more year to go and I can't wait to get her out of this school.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2023

Last year we missed the deadline to apply since we were in the process of moving to the area but didn’t yet know where we were going to live. So our son attended Haskell Steam magnet for Kindergarten, which he liked somewhat, but overall the school seemed just OK.Then, this year, when the choices applications opened up, we were sure to be right on time with it, and luckily, he got excepted to vintage. At first driving by it seemed just OK as well, nothing special, until we did the first tour inside the school and got to see what it’s really about. NASA partnership, computer lab, big library, ROBOTICS CLASS… and in addition to that, the staff and culture of the school was really great.Our son started 1st grade there this year, and he absolutely loves it! His teacher is amazing, not cookie cutter, she really knows her stuff, and how to teach kids in an effective way, and it’s been showing as our son has been excelling tremendously, even in the short time he’s been there so far. We’ve already attended School Site Council and PTA meetings and they’re so far above and beyond what the other school had. I seriously feel like our son is attending a “free private school“ lolGreat work Vintage team!
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2023

This school used to be the epicenter of innovation and learning. Teachers were motivated to participate in extra activities. All staff had a central vision. The school once boasted Odyssey of the mind, Animal clubs, and various student led, teacher facilitated activities. Vintage once had after school enrichment programs such as chess, science clubs, and many other enriching activities. Vintage was once known for its innovative learning, boasting a state of the art computer lab, science lab, and library. Now the computer lab is nothing but a storage room. There are no after school enrichment programs. there are no clubs that happen during the day. The ONLY thing the administration allows is Robotics. As stated by the administration, "Robotics brings home trophies" I am saddened as a parent of this school of what it once was to now what it currently is, which is a school like many other schools. Beckford Charter is one example that appears to offer many opportunities for ALL students not just robotics. There are also many other Elementary schools in the area that offer many more opportunities. Remember parents test scores are just test scores, when you teach to the test you will always get the desired scores, as that appears to be the direction that the current administration is pushing the teaching staff. Parents and families continue to do your research to ensure that you choose the right school for your child. BTW the teachers are fabulous and are caring, however you can easily tell that they are walking on eggshells when it comes to the administration.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2023

Which school has more than 50% of the teachers have taught there for more than 20 years? That’s right Vintage! The teachers make the school- they are truly dedicated because they are family. Unfortunately, I have seen the community decline over the past 5 years. A campus once full of community volunteers is now only for those that participate in Robotics. If your child ends up not liking Robotics, tough luck because it’s the only program they offer. Principal has cut out all the other programs. It’s impossible to get your child an IEP, the principal has made it clear that if your child needs an IEP that maybe they should go to another school. She’s known to be sneaky with the budget even getting into fights with PTA saying, “I know what’s best for the students”, but then has two assistant principals and a school coordinator?! You’d think that they’d offer more programs with that many administrators, even community events. If you’d like a school that has community events, this is not the school for you. They have three community events a year- a trunk or treat, NASA night, and the Spring Basket Auction. If you’d like a school with the best teachers, then Vintage is for you. Unfortunately, it also has the worst administration the school has ever seen. The principal hides behind the California Blue Ribbon that was earned during the previous administration from 2017. School ratings continue to decline.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2022

I love this school. Ms. Nancy Mourao is wonderful. She is very involved with the children. She is there every morning to greet children by name as they come in and every afternoon to dismiss children rain or shine. I will truly miss this school and I’m looking forward for my daughter to get accepted in the upcoming years.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2018

my son attanded from kinder to 5th grade and we loved the school. The teachers, librarian and staff are great. But I do have to agree Mr. Rome was hands down the best principal at this school... sadly things did change when he left....
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2018

It's so great that they employ a full time librarian who is so dedicated to her job. All the kids just love her. Each week they rotate classes between science lab, computer lab and library. They get so much exposure.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2017

I am at a loss, I filled out the choices brochure and was excited to enroll my child in the school. I was upset when I take my child to the school, and the principal looked very unhappy. Every morning she looks very unhappy, she does not know how to smile. I can also say that this seems to be affecting the teachers as well, they dont seem as happy as when John was the principal. I recently took a tour of various classrooms at open house, and though the students did amazing work, teachers did not look as enthusiastic as they did with the prior principal. I don't know why LAUSD put a principal who does not like to smile and talk to parents, and from another review does not want to do coffee with the principal because "its just a time to complain" I wish I could pull my daughter out, but now I am stuck because of the magnet point program. I just wish the principal would be more willing to talk and be happy with the parents. I want to say that i also heard from another parent that she had to threaten the principal with a lawyer because she told her "we are busy getting ready for culmination, we don't have time for your daughter right now" the mother told me that she was trying to get her daughter tested for special ed, but the principal said no and said she was too busy to help, that is sad, as I know this mother, and she is a great mom. so my advice choose a different school!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2017

I have been a part of this school longer than my kids have attended. I have seen the rapid decline from the principal being sneaky about the schools budget and manipulating the PTA to support her, to her not leading a staff but rather directing a staff. She does not like to talk to parents, and she is not a pro active adminstration. She values test scores more than well being of children. "Test scores are all that matters , my boss is pressuring me, so we need to focus on test scores and everything else well it will be put on the back burner"
Submitted by other on November 09, 2016

My son has been here from 1st till 4th so far. I'm very happy with this school. It is a very parent involved school. So expect a lot of fundraising and volunteering. I will say they use their fundraising wisely and it really benefits the children. They work hard to offer extra's to the students such as the Logo Robotics program now moving to the more advanced Vex program. (these are outside of school hours). They are heavy on computer lab which I love. They open the computer lab for one hour after school on Banked Tuesdays to allow the students free time on the computers as well. They also have a full time librarian at the school and they really utilize the library a lot. That's a plus. They use a science lab for their science lessons. Very hands on.The quality of the teachers is fantastic. I've been very pleased.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2016

My son is 1st grade in this school. We love it so far! Compared to his previous school, Vintage is more organized & systematic. You can be confident that they care about the students & overall welfare of the school. It is well-staffed & staff cares about their work. From the teacher, admins to after-school coaches.With the principal Ms. Nancy Mourao, I appreciate that she takes time to make rounds in the morning and check on each classroom. She makes sure that the teacher and students are doing well and their needs are met . I know because I am one of the volunteer parents. I like that the principal is very visible. Like for example, she takes time to assist the parents and students in the "drop off" gate, opening car doors, greeting and helping out overall. I rarely see that in other schools. In other schools, you may only see volunteers at the gate. Sometimes even under-staff to properly man the gates of the school. But with Vintage, I like that they man the school very well most especially in the morning and after school programs (YDP & YS) to ensure safety of the kids.The academic system is also impressive. I like that they take advantage of technology to teach the students. I'm not referring to the computer lab (although I like their computer lab too). For example, they have this thing called "Mini-teacher" where the teacher pick a student in class and he/she uses a projector-like screen to demo the writing (for example) of the mini-teacher. This is another way to encourage participation and fun in the classroom. The amount of homework and project is also reasonable.In addition, Vintage is not pushy in asking for donation. Yes, they ask for support, fund raising and donations just like any other public schools but not pushy or aggressive at all.Lastly, we are happy with the way they run their YDP and YS (after school program). My son is into YDP (1st grade after school) and we are so far happy with the program and the staff/coaches who run them. Also, I observed that their YS (after school program for 2nd graders and above) is also run very well. The coaches watch the kids carefully, even plays with them and ensure the safety of the kids.Over all, we are happy that our son is happy to be going to this school and we are grateful to be part of the school.
Submitted by other on September 26, 2016

So far my daughter LOVES this school and her teacher specifically. After coming from a school that she dreaded, and feared, it is a relief to bring her to a school that makes her feel wanted and of value. I'm considering transferring my other child from Balboa thanks to her love of Vintage. But as far as academic's go, it's difficult to judge in first grade.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

My son jus started kidergarten and we are new to the schoo but I have to say that I amver impressed with the organization and structure that is set up to make it easy for parents and safe for the children. The pricipal seems to genuinly care and in the mornings he has been seen outside helping to unload the kids from their cars to keep the traffic flowing and kids safe. I have attended the PTA meeting and am very impressed by the amoun of parent support. I am vey pleased with my choice of sending my son here.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2014

After a year of enrolling my child in this school, I was greatly disappointed with their inferior academics, complacent staff and incompetent leadership. The sad reality... most subject matter can learned directly from the internet (KhanAcademy.org and YouTube.com). In short, Vintage Magnet equal High Hype and Low Substance. In the following scholastic year, I placed my child in a private school system resulting in meeting and exceeding my expectations on academics and personal development. Parents... do yourself a favor and avoid the acceptance aggravation. Invest in your children's future and avoid the personal toys (cars, houses etc.). Your children and their legacies will thank you greatly.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2014

This is my daughter school start from first grade to fifth . Everything was fine until new principle, who have big power that she doesn't qualify because she have only one ear. This school should have investigate or audit and report staff. Now I am not recommend this school and Mr. Rome is the best principle ,he deserves to got promoted...
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2014

This sounds like an amazing school. Can someone please tell me where do you send your children to middle and high school after Vintage?
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

We are pretty happy with this school. Great 1st grade teachers, involved principal. Lots of activities, including Robotics, basketball, football, Mad Science. Really no complaints, pretty good first year experience:)
Submitted by other on October 01, 2013

This school is amazing!!!!!! The teachers and staff are very smart . (teachers) Than kyou for teaching our students
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

My 5 th grader loves yo go to Vintage everyday he seems to have a great day there
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

we love this school my husband volunteers on Fridays he loves to help the PTA its a strong PTA and parents love the staff