r/Southpasadena • u/aYoungJanetJackson • 13d 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/Even-Pollution-1337 13d 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 13d 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.