Campbell Hall (Episcopal)

4533 LAUREL CANYON BLVD

Studio City, CA 91607

28 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 07, 2024

We had a terrible experience here in elementary school. Awful admin and Julian Bull is as fake a Christian as could be.
Submitted by teacher on November 02, 2023

It's telling that almost none of the reviews have been written by teachers, because there aren't many positive things to say. Great teachers usually go somewhere else with better pay, better benefits, and a much warmer elementary school principal. Believe it or not, the average teacher salary at CH is lower than most public schools, and, of course, there's no government pension for schools like CH either, so why would a great teacher stay there long term? What's left are teachers that are connected but unqualified who stay there forever because no other school could hire them. The hefty salaries all go to administrators, and it's beyond ridiculous that a school with only 1,100 students has nearly 100 administrators at any given time. And don't be fooled by a board full of Hollywood honchos, because they're working too much with their real jobs to have a full concept of what the people that actually run this school are doing. Nearly all board members are executives meant to make the school look top tier or are close with the headmaster and serve as nothing more than a rubber stamp. And even though CH is real proud of only having 3 headmasters in a million years, is it really a good thing to keep the same one for 20 years? I would argue it isn't.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

Speaking from experience, I'm skeptical when I see recurring phrases used in CH's marketing like "the school caters to the individual child, and doesn't put kids in a box." It's hard to earnestly say CH meets kids where they're at, because this is a school that doesn't have independent study, specialized education, gifted programs, speech therapy, any real focus on hard sciences, a progressive system, individualized teaching methods, and the kids wear standard uniforms, and are required to go to chapel regardless of their own beliefs. After years where we were asked to contribute more and felt like not even the basics were free, I began to wonder what we were actually paying for since few things are included in the tuition. One example is the campus has been in the same place since inception 80 years ago, and there hasn't been much new construction except an expansive football field so they can play other private schools not known for football. The school doesn't have a pool, an impressive science lab, state of the art STEM equipment, a decent cafeteria, or much you might expect to see. And parents are constantly asked for extravagant fundraising donations or encouraged to do expensive activities or volunteer for basic school functions or donate simple things like school supplies, no different than if this were an underfunded public school that can barely keep its lights on instead of one of the most expensive private schools in LA. Even the financial aid given is very low if you take away the discount given to kids of school employees. Once I began to truly read the yearly report that I only glanced at the first few years, I was shocked to see that 65% of the school budget actually does go to staffing only 250 people, much of that figure being administrators I never met or even heard of in 7 years of being at this school. Yes, the school is hard to get into, and maybe that's why it took us so long to start questioning things. But we were constantly told so many kids were waiting to get in that it almost felt like a threat if you actually started questioning this stuff. All in all, it just left me feeling ripped off. Some of our relatives attend top public schools that are much more academically advanced, and able to prove that objectively since the only data collected by private religious schools is by them. Be aware that most of what's ranked about CH is coming from the school itself, which censors bad stuff. Many negative reviews of CH don't survive
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2023

Our child came to Campbell Hall for high school and has loved it. We found the school community to be nurturing and the teachers are very supportive. Teachers make themselves available for students to come ask questions or get extra help outside of class. The school offers a wide variety of advanced classes for students that want to take college level classes. The school preaches well roundedness and supports students' mental well being through guest speakers, counseling and events. The high school has overnight camping trips to start the school year for the students to bond. We are glad we made the choice to join the wonderful Campbell Hall family.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021

It's very important for people to know that the school does not honor it's scholarships. My son received a "Diversity & Inclusion" Scholarship for his kindergarten year (this was only the third year they had ever done one), and was literally excluded from 1st grade after several months of trying to harass into quitting. Once I voiced a mild complaint about his teacher to the elementary principal in late February, you could tell an immediate difference. Endless behavioral complaint emails for petty things, the teacher writing full reports on Fridays of all the things he had done wrong (she must've been sitting there literally keeping a list), scheduling meetings they knew we could not attend (we had just had a 2nd child), demanding occupational therapy outside of school that he didn't need, strongly advising speech therapy and tutoring that he didn't need, sending him to the principal's office every day for any reason and keeping him there alone and unattended (solitary confinement), encouraging bullying, and demanding in-clinic and "in-classroom" assessments of him before school ended--even though the people they recommended could not possibly do it until the next year, essentially giving us an impossible task.One day in late April, his mom went to the school to give a presentation on African culture, and was treated pretty rudely (no surprise), BUT then my son was suspended the very next day (not a coincidence) and put on a behavioral probation contract an adult could not pass. Even though I complained to the headmaster and he agreed with me that it wasn't realistic--and we never signed it--he then sent a VERY different email in late May saying my son had violated it and wouldn't be allowed back next year, even though his funds were already granted for 1st grade. He also said "other parents" (rich white parents) didn't want their kids in the same room, and that was a factor, which completely defeats the purpose of a "Diversity & Inclusion" Scholarship. He also denied there was any racial bullying that had gone on at the school, and then the very next day my son attended, he was beaten up (again) by the same blonde bully that had done it before. Basically, if a rich white parent complains about you (and there are A LOT of "Ken" and "Karen" types up there), it doesn't even matter if your child was absent the day they're complaining about, the school will take it seriously. But if you're a wealthy donor parent, your kid can do whatever they want.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2019

Out of 10, my son says 7.5, I say 9.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2019

It's nothing but a money pit. Most parents are paying 35K-to-45K a year, but will still have to pay extra for outside services like academic tutoring or speech/behavioral therapy if the school requires these things. Two-thirds of the school budget goes to staffing, which is high even for elite private schools. And the majority of the staff are non-essential, costly administrative jobs like 7th grade social studies coordinator, high school science chair, Vice President of kindergarten, dean of the 10th grade, etc. who will probably never directly interact with students or parents. But you won't hear parents criticize the school because of "Sunk Cost Fallacy." The vast majority of parents are paying outrageous sums of money (or are employees themselves) and become very protective of the school, because they can't admit they've wasted a ton of money. It's one way the school keeps parents brain-washed and jumping through hoops to stay there. Most of Campbell Hall's most successful students are 7th and 9th grade imports that age out of other private schools that end in 6th grade. 80% of CH graduates do not attend the elementary school, but the school gets the credit when an already-made straight-A student they take in 7th grade gets into UCLA.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2018

We are so grateful to this school for all they have done for our children and for giving us a lifelong community of loving, kind, generous, and engaged families.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2018

When deciding between independent schools we were choosing between two K-12 schools and one K-6. We chose Campbell Hall and have been so impressed thus far. K-12: We decided we are a k-12 kind of family. This is just our perspective, but we didn’t want the elementary years to be about building a resume for middle school. We also weren’t excited about the idea of applying to schools again, for both of our kids, with the added pressure of testing in 6th grade. Campbell Hall has the facilities, faculty and resources to meet our children’s academic, athletic and creative needs through the years. Pragmatically, with two kids several years apart, we wanted one drop off, one place to volunteer, etc. SPIRITUAL EDUCATION: The other major deciding factor was morning Chapel. It sets Campbell Hall apart. It is a beautiful start to the day. All the elementary kids get together in the morning and have a moment of silence, the 5th and 6th graders often speak on a meaningful topic, and all the kids sing. Morning chapel has already sparked spiritual conversations in our home.COMMUNITY: The school does an excellent job building a strong sense of community and welcoming new families. There are varied opportunities to be involved as a parent. Our daughter really seems to appreciate seeing her parents involved in her school.From my husbands perspective, he says the school reminds him of the schools he grew up with back east. He feels our kids are safe and getting a great education. Finally, our daughter loves it. She loves art, the 6th grade pal program, music, science and tech labs. She has made great friends and is enthusiastic about all she is learning.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2017

I decided to write a review because I found them helpful when I was researching schools. We were choosing between our public school which is a Blue Ribbon school, a school for gifted children, and Campbell Hall and we are beyond happy with our decision. Campbell Hall addresses the whole child- academic, emotional and spiritual growth- and they do it better than any place I have seen. I've heard parents reluctant to look at CH because it is episcopal and I think that is a huge mistake. My husband is Jewish and I'm Catholic and it doesn't matter what faith you are or if you don't observe any religion at all. The message is that everyone is welcome: everyone is important: and we all must respect and learn from one another. Many parents choose to attend the chapel which is in the auditorium each morning before classes begin because it is a beautiful reminder that we should prioritize being kind members of our community and strive to be the most loving people we can be. I find it to be a wonderful way to start the day. Academically, my daughter is constantly challenged. The resources at the school are unreal. My daughter at 8 years old has written research reports using multiple sources (books, encyclopedia apps on the iPad), used an engineering program to construct a model and a 3-D printer to create it: and has programmed robots in science. There is a hands-on and interdisciplinary approach to learning that I wish I had as a student. My husband and I feel that we are giving our daughter the greatest opportunity to thrive by sending her to Campbell Hall.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2017

We have two very different children at Campbell Hall so we can really see how they approach each child individually. The support we have gotten from the teachers during challenging situations has been transformative. The examples that the teachers set is humble and respectful. The community that we've found here is really wonderful. I could go on and on. I love this school.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2017

We Love Campbell Hall. Our daughter is truly thriving at school and wakes up enthusiastic about learning. We enjoy being apart of such a strong Community. We volunteer in the classroom and on campus. It is a special place and we feel grateful to be apart of it.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2017

Very happy. Happy that my child is engaged with her teachers.
Submitted by other on October 06, 2017

We have 2 kids in Elementary at Campbell Hall and we are so beyond grateful we found this gem! We wanted to find a school/community where our kids could feel at home and inspired and we found it. The things that really stood out to us were:*Well rounded Academic curriculum and how they accommodate children of all different academic levels making sure each child is challenged in all the right ways.*Wonderful Chapel program which allows each child to start their day centered and encouraged to be their best.*Celebration of all religious and non religious beliefs.(The headmaster and chaplains are open minded and super supportive)*No tolerance policy with bullying of any kind.*Competitive sport program that offers something for everyone at any level.*Teachers who are invested. (they offer to meet before school for extra help)*The Principal and VP are the perfect blend of strong and caring.*The after school activities are abundant and diverse.*Love that this school goes from K-12 and how the Elementary, Middle School and HIgh school have their own separate areas but still feels like a small special village.*Living in a big city we wanted to find a school that models great values and morals and help develop strength and character and they definitely walk the talk here.*Great philanthropy opportunities through which the children have a chance to deepen their compassion to the core starting in Kindergarten.*Love that CH focuses on the whole child. Mind, body and spirit so that once they leave for college they are well rounded, prepared and motivated to find their way with courage & confidenceThese are just a few of our favorite qualities about Campbell Hall...my husband and I could go on.We can honestly say that our kids are thriving thanks to this very rare and wonderful school. Very thankful for Campbell Hall & how deeply they care.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2017

I have had two daughters attend Campbell Hall. It is a special place with strong academics. The college placement results tell a great story. The Head Master is progressive and hands on with parents and students. The teachers are passionate and dedicated to the students success. Other reviews seem to be misguided. This is a special place where students build strong character, values and critical thinking skills for college.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2016

My daughter is currently attending this school as a 10th grader. This school academically challenges her, and I feel that our experience with this school has been great so far. She has learned a great deal in her AP and honor courses, and I am thankful for the teachers and staff for offering this academic experience for my daughter. There's only like 8 and 10 students for some classes, so the teachers and students are able to get a better one-on-one experience. The staff members are very friendly and welcoming. Overall, I really recommend this school. I am very satisfied with my decision of sending my daughter here. My daughter has really been enjoying her experience at this school. :-)
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2016

We are in elementary school at Campbell Hall and we love it for the most part. The teachers are great, the principal is refreshingly open-minded and approachable, and most important, our children are thriving. My only complaint at this point would be about the parent community. It's been interesting to try to become a part of this community and we have found one or two families that will be life long friends but for the most part we have experienced a lot of gossiping, partying (hard), opportunists, and families that are typical independent school snobs living in a bubble of privilege. We'll have to give our children a real-world experience to prepare them for real life, some other way.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2016

My elementary school child loves the school and I have to agree that the elementary school teachers have been great. My only issues are that we have witnessed several bullying problems and the school doesn't really address them despite saying they will. It's also been extremely difficult to penetrate the parent association. The same ladies do everything each year and if you don't get in with the group early, you can forget it. Or if the administration doesn't like you, you can forget it. It is very clickish and political that way. We fell in love with the school for everything it stood for and everything they touted when we were looking at school but we are seeing it's not all that it says it is.
Submitted by other on August 18, 2016

Smoke and mirrors. Shiny on the outside but lacking real values once you get to experience the inside especially among the administration and parent volunteer leadership who are hand picked by the controlling administration. Lots of lip service, no real support for teachers, a super detached board that nobody knows, no student or teacher diversity (especially in the lower grades) and a breeding ground for bullies. I wish someone had told me all of this before we decided to go there but the truth is we fell for the schpeal, like a lot of other parents. It really is a sinking ship in need of a major overhaul.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2016

Campbell Hall is one of the most welcoming independent schools in Los Angeles. The school promotes diversity and inclusivity while providing an academically and artistically rich curriculum.