Monterey Hills Elementary School

1624 Vía Del Rey

School District

South Pasadena Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for South Pasadena 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 February 15, 2023

I was a parent, a PTA Executive Member, and an employee of Monterey Hills Elementary School. So you can say I've seen it all, heard it all. I'm really glad that my child went to this school and that I've been able to see various perspectives on how this school works. My child went to MHS from Kinder to Fifth Grade and was very happy there, the environment/atmosphere was welcoming, diverse, and inclusive. The assemblies, special projects, and special events covered everything from poverty/people experiencing homelessness, the arts, bullying, environmental issues, cultural and gender expression/identity sensitivity, and awareness. MHS also has a strong Arts program including an Art Teacher, Music Teacher, Theatre teacher, 5th Grade Band Teacher.We were happy with the teachers my child had. They were all different which was nice as it taught my child to learn to work with different personalities. My child was not always easy to work with but I never felt like they gave up on him. They all had creative ways to work with him and were very communicative with me. The campus is in the hills and surrounded by so much nature. It's a beautiful place for kids to play, study and eat outside. When the weather is beautiful you’ll see many classrooms doing lessons outside or going to Turtle Hill for mindfulness time.The PTA is very involved in continually supporting the teachers with supplies and materials, and creating fun events for students and their families. They work really hard and many times with very little help. They spend a lot of time at school and they don’t get paid for any of it, they do it because they love the school, the staff, the students, and their families.No school is perfect for every family, no teacher is perfect for every child, and some people will never be happy. But being involved, asking questions, and working with the staff and support staff can really make a difference for the child and the family. If something doesn't work or if additional services are needed just ask. The district has an array of support services. These are just some of the support staff they have at MHS: Speech Therapist, Occupational therapist, Psychologist, Counselor, Reading Specialist, Math Specialist, Behavior Specialist, and not to mention all the Aides.Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2022

As a native speaker I do not like the dual immersion program, the Spanish taught is not of a good proficiency. You have a better chance of learning Spanish with a tutor outside the school. We had a bad experience with the 1st grade instructor because of her lack of empathy, bad manners and hostile attitude. Not a great teacher and not a good environment. Went up to the authorities to report it and they are all the same, covering themselves and acting like everything is good and the problem is you. I started noticing 2nd grade students are the same, minorities don’t thrive.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2022

We have two children attending MHS in the Spanish dual-immersion program and have been very happy with their education. Over the four years we've been at the school, ALL of their teachers have been very engaged, communicative, and supportive when needed. Best of all, our children are excited to go to class and excited to explain what they've been taught when they get home. I feel they're learning much more than I did at their age - plus they're doing it in a second language.One minor gripe is the fundraising done by the PTA and the local South Pasadena Education Foundation (SPEF). I understand that the money raised is helping support the great education my children are getting at Monterey Hills but it seems like it's constant throughout the year. I certainly don't hold this against the school and have come to accept and expect it as the price of living in a community with such a strong public school.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2022

Amazing school, staff is always very supportive and welcoming!High standards on education, my 2nd grader have been studying here from Kindergarten and it’s impressive how much she developed through the school.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

This is not a good school. The only school my son and I have ever had a problem with everything.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2020

The administrative staff and teachers care a great deal about the students here, and I see great progress in my kids from year to year.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2019

Sadly though our family moved here only for the schools, I'd give it just a 6. Diversity is an important factor for our family, and this school does not support a diverse community. It's PTA throws a culturally insulting Cinco De Mayo celebration each year, fit with sombrero-wearing donkey pinatas, mustached cactuses, and sugar skull decorations. So if your child is of Mexican descent, don't expect their heritage to ever be in fact honored with dignity.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2018

Horrible bias treat all children equal regardless.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2018

Scary, I have heard that the experiences that we have had, are way better that LAUSD and Pasadena. I have not had a great experience, but this is our last year here, so I am hoping middle school will be better!
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2017

Needs strong leaders in the administration. Some teachers are arrogant and rude.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2016

My kids loves this school and has been learning a lot from their teachers. Great and safe neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2015

The best part of this school are the Teachers! They're truly dedicated and seem to truly enjoy what they do. I've been a parent at MHS for a few years now, and have noticed improvements each year. The curriculum is strong, but not at all over powering. My kids had numerous educational field trips, as well as, a great number of speakers who came to the school to advise our kids. The Principle is involved in most activities at school, and encourages parents and students every single week, at an outdoor assembly; which in my opinion keeps parents in the loop, and motivates student achievement. I see great things happening here, & I'm a proud parent, Thank You Monterey Hills School for your efforts!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2015

This school is amazing. We were a new family to the area, actually to the country, and Monterey Hills opened her arm to my daughter at her most challenging time. She had been taken good care both academically and emotionally. I am appreciating all teachers and volunteers who contribute to this school, where made my daughter had such a happy year. i could see and feel my daughter's improvement in an amazing way everyday, and also could tell easily that she is not the only one happy about everything. The office is well organised and the school being interactive good way with families. Parents here are also very caring and glad to contribute. PTA is running well through school district. I want to say a big thank you for Mrs Klozle, Mrs Lam about your hard work.
Submitted by other on September 30, 2013

Awful administration. This is not a good school. Teachers and staff are rude. Worst school
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

My two children attend Monterey Hills and are, for the most part, pretty happy. I do however, have two complaints about this school. The first issue for me are some of the Kindergarten teachers. I have personally witnessed a couple of them being rather harsh with the students in their care. The manner in which I have seen and heard them speak to the students is pretty mean-spirited and they just don't convey happiness. I don't know why that is. They seem unhappy and/or overwhelmed at times and it's pretty obvious that perhaps they do not enjoy their job as much as you would hope. Also, the office personnel are not very friendly or particularly helpful. They just don't go that extra step to be helpful in a nice way. I plan on speaking with the Principal of the school soon so bring my observances to her attention.