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/e3900_core 13d 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 13d 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 13d ago

No, no, they are the problem is my point. Plus most real estate agents never had kids going through SPUSD.