Saint Monica Preparatory

We've been at St. Monica Prep for about a year now. Our family was living overseas and relocated back to Santa Monica. We were lucky enough to have our oldest daughter join for TK, Mrs. Stickley is AMAZING! We saw her soar in ways that I didn't know were possible. She learned about Polar Bears and by the end of TK was writing and starting to spell. In Kindergarten our daughter started Chess and Steam. We feel so lucky to be a part of this school and the incredible care and education it provides our family.

Wonderful school! We are very pleased with the education our child is receiving.

I've wrestled with writing this review, as it brings back recent painful memories. My excitement was palpable when I relocated from Santa Clarita Valley to the westside with my son embarking on his TK journey. I diligently scoured various schools in the area, but Saint Monica had my heart, primarily due to the warm and welcoming Mission Director. My mantra to her was clear: I wanted a school that would embrace my son's uniqueness, not try to mold him into a predetermined shape. At first, the school's philosophy aligned with my hopes, but that's when our tale takes a different turn.
My son grappled with the challenges of adapting to the new environment, and soon, his frustration manifested in tantrums. He lamented about not having friends and feeling isolated as other kids hesitated to play with him. I collaborated closely with his teacher, and we decided to meet biweekly to tackle the situation head-on. I even inquired about the school's counseling services to aid him in managing his emotions, but the progress was frustratingly slow. I had been assured that there was a counselor, but it took weeks to be told that the counselor did not see kids my son's age.
Then came the fateful Thursday of October 19, 2023, a day etched in my memory. I received a call requesting that I pick up my son due to an incident at school. To my utter shock, I discovered that he had been suspended. I found it almost unbelievable that a five-year-old could face expulsion over one severe tantrum. I initiated a series of appeals through email, and we convened a meeting with the principal the following Monday. My appeals were initially denied, and the principal seemed unwavering. I pointed out that my son had never physically harmed anyone and was far from reaching the third level of infractions as per their policy. Eventually, he extended an apology and agreed to draft a behavioral intervention plan set for Thursday, October 26, 2023.
However, just a day later (Friday, October 27, 2023), my son was reported to have had another outburst at school within 2.5 hours of being there. I was informed that it was best to part ways. I questioned the accounts of the incident as numerous inconsistencies made it difficult to follow. Moreover, my son's character didn't align with the actions described. While my son may raise his voice, throw a fit, or stomp his feet, he would never initiate physical contact with another child unless provoked. And, like any child, he would respond to stop the other child from attacking him. It was a shock when I learned that the teacher assistant had security personnel escort my son out of the class, as though he posed a threat. My son, a five-year-old, weighed less than 44 lbs. Who calls security on such a young child?
I requested to speak with the head of the school, but my plea went unanswered. My son has been out of school for an additional week now, as I actively seek an alternative institution for him. It has become evident that Saint Monica isn't the right fit. Instead of aiding him in adapting to his new surroundings, they were more inclined to label my son as inarticulate and unsuitable for their standards.
My son deserves better, and I am adamant about placing him in an environment that truly cares for him. Saint Monica has some genuinely compassionate staff members, but the lower grades require a more empathetic and supportive team. This school may not be ideal for highly active and energetic children, and my experience leaves me wary of recommending it, especially if your child is a person of color. I hope those involved in this ordeal reflect upon their actions and reconsider their approach to nurturing children's growth and well-being.

I would like to make a compliant. One of your drivers on I-15 north past yermo decided he wanted to pull up next to me and flip me off because I merged in front of him while he was speeding with a full Van of students I assume. Then merges in front of me and slows down to get me to brake. I don't know what his intentions were while doing that but I don't think doing that with a bunch of minors in the vehicle is appropriate. My bad for merging in front of you but you shouldn't have been speeding. What a terrible role model for any student. Don't road rage because of this would have gone further. I will protect myself any way I can. Do it again and I will call CHP

Very bad service. Michelle, the admissions director, had a ridiculously hard time clarifying what was necessary to get into the school. Originally telling us, by phone, that the only payment would be the $100 to have the kid take the test for admissions. Later, after we paid and called back to try and schedule the date for the test, she told us that after the test was taken and if the kid passed that we should try applying for financial aid!! I was shocked. Financial aid for what? She then said it's a private school. I asked her why she hadn't told ,e that from the beginning and she brushed it off saying I should have known. Even though I told her from the beginning that I was calling to inform myself and possibly get the kid to attend. Worst part, it's a non refundable fee and financial aid won't help you cover the whole bill. She's a deceiving woman. Don't believe her!!!

Called this school for information on how to get a kid admitted. I asked her if it was a public or private school, since I'd only heard about this school through others. She kept saying it was a Catholic school. Which is fine. The kid is also Catholic. Michelle then said it would be a one time $100 fee for her application test. I asked her 3 times if that would be all I had to pay and Michelle, the director of admissions, said yes. When I found out this wasn't true, I called her back trying to get a refund only to find out ITS NOT POSSIBLE. Kid never even took the test but that money is gone. All thanks to her not being honest about what the cost of the school actually was.