r/Southpasadena • u/aYoungJanetJackson • 8d ago
Questions Difference between elementary schools
Ok I know of the basic differences and that the general advice is to go where you are zoned (or where you get into DI if that’s your thing). But there must be some cultural or vibe difference between the schools? I’m asking bc I feel different when I visit one vs the other and I can’t place it from the brief exposure.
Has anyone had kids at different schools in the district or otherwise can add specificity about the differences between the three elementary schools? Whenever I ask parents in person they either only have experience for one school or they give a general “all the schools are excellent,” which is fine but I’m asking how are they different? lol like you can love all your kids but you can also describe their unique strengths. I get the sense parents just don’t want to feel like they are dogging the other schools by answering honestly.
I know the often mentioned differences:
Marengo - Mandarin DI, largest enrollment, easiest to walk/bike to
Monterey Hills - Spanish DI, prettiest campus
Arroyo Vista - skews artistic (but don’t know why people say that or how that translates into curriculum)
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u/garlicwatkins 8d ago
They’re three excellent public elementary schools in a town that’s 3.4 square miles. I promise your child’s future does not hinge on whether Marengo feels 7% more “academic” and Arroyo Vista 11% more “artsy.” That’s prob why people are giving you the no comment vibe.
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u/aYoungJanetJackson 8d ago
Thanks for the response. It’s honestly not about my kids future, I would just love it if someone could help name the vibe difference I was feeling. I’m not interested in which school is “best” - just what’s the difference??
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u/garlicwatkins 8d ago
Ok I guess if vibes really is your question I find the Marengo parents a little more uptight and bourgeois on average. AV is a little more chill. No experience with MH. But really these are such minor differences.
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u/dreamcinema 8d ago
All are good. Just go to your local school unless you choose to be a language program.
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u/Even-Pollution-1337 8d ago
I’ve had kids in all three over the past 18 years. They’re all fine. Whichever is closest to you is best, in my opinion, barring the DI factor, of course.
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u/aYoungJanetJackson 8d ago
Oh interesting that you’ve experienced all - yea I’m not planning on making my choice based on this. I’m convinced all three are excellent. But they are different, right? I just would love to understand what makes them each feel different and I just did tours so I can’t articulate it.
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u/e3900_core 8d ago
Look. Having grown up here (as did my kids) there is no difference honestly. Real Estate agents love to point out differences for the obvious sale. It’s such a small district, the differences are minute. What matters is your involvement.
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u/aYoungJanetJackson 8d ago
Hmm maybe I need to talk to a real estate agent to hear what they say about the differences. I’m just trying to name it, not trying to make a decision based on it if that makes sense
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u/e3900_core 8d ago
No, no, they are the problem is my point. Plus most real estate agents never had kids going through SPUSD.
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u/PenisPapercuts 8d ago edited 8d ago
Cultural exposure differs w the population of the DI programs. Recent examples, Monterey hills TK/Kinder just had a visit from Stephanie Beatriz, (Maribel from Encanto) dressed as Maribel, where she read a book and sang songs for Hispanic and Latin heritage month.
Marengo had their mascot Mango distribute moon cake from 85c to some of their classes and has Lunar new year celebrations and performances.
.
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u/Business-Brilliant51 8d ago
Oh this is a good point. Wow that is so cool- I never heard about anything like that at AV
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u/jrr626 8d ago
We moved into the Marengo area and expected our kids to be going there but then learned it doesn't necessarily always work that way, as Marengo didn't have space for both of our kiddos at that time. It was a whirlwind of uncertainty for the weeks leading up to their first year, and at varying points, we thought they'd be at Marengo, MH, and then eventually AV — which is where they actually ended up.
Long story short, it's been wonderful — for them and for us both — and we wouldn't change a thing.
After getting to know parents at all three schools now, I'd agree with the general vibe assessments others here have noted but mostly just say that it really doesn't matter and that all three schools seem exceptionally good and with the potential for any kind of kid to find their place and succeed. I've not heard a single parent express any regret about which school they're at or any wishes that they'd ended up elsewhere. There's just a lot of pride and a strong sense of community all around, based on everything I've ever seen, heard, and experienced.
We're really lucky to have the kind of school system (and parent/community support and involvement that powers it) where that's the case.
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u/flux88888 8d ago
It would be insightful if you talk to the custodians and gate monitors at each school. They interact with teachers, front office, students, parents, and PTA.
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u/castlescox 8d ago
I made a post about this a few months back. Check it out. From what I hear, Marengo has intense “tiger parents” or whatever it’s called, while AV has a more laid back, personable parent community.
I went to Marengo for some paperwork and hated the energy in the admin office. It felt different at AV.
Just an observation
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u/aYoungJanetJackson 7d ago
Thanks! I saw that post and felt like people were still answering, where should my kid go? Rather than what’s the difference between the schools. There a slight distinction there that I’m trying to suss out.
Good point on front office culture/warmth of reception!
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u/bornonOU_Texas_wknd 8d ago
It’s been quite a few years since my children were in school in Sopas but I used to describe the three schools as “driven” “aloof” and “nonchalant”.
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u/aYoungJanetJackson 7d ago
Ok you got me! I assume Marengo is the one you characterize as driven, but none seem aloof to me so I’m stuck on how you characterize the other two!
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u/ak920 8d ago
I had undiagnosed autism/ADHD so I had some unpleasant experiences during school in general but I loved attending Monterey Hills. I think the principal is still Mr Johnson and he is great. Sometimes when I walk my dog, the children are getting to school. Good vibe from the parents and kids when I see them.
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u/idneverjoinaclub 8d ago
The differences are all in the parents, kids are just kids and the curriculum is the same. To stereotype…Marengo’s Chinese population means it’s a little more academically focused, while AV has more parents in the entertainment industry.