Van Avery Prep

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

My experience at Van Avery Prep has been extremely disappointing. Communication between teachers and parents was lacking, and there were multiple instances where students were yelled at rather than supported. When my child struggled academically, I did not feel that the school made meaningful efforts to help or provide solutions, even after I expressed my concerns.

The most troubling part of our experience was how abruptly my son was dismissed during a phone call, despite the fact that he had been honest and courageous enough to approach staff about a situation involving another student. The handling of the situation felt unfair and lacked professionalism or compassion.

Based on my experience, I also cannot ignore the concern that race may have played a role. My son was the only 100% African-American student in the school, and the way this situation was handled raises serious questions for me as a parent.

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: February 25, 2026

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Unprofessional , not well trained principal and team. School isn’t clean specially small room preparing lunches without gloves and hairnet. No health office or school nurse. I don’t recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: March 15, 2024

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: September 21, 2022

Sending our child to VAP is the best decision our family has ever made. I am so impressed by the supportive and collegial environment that the teachers and admin foster. The school's curriculum is challenging and will prepare your child well for the challenges they will face in high school. We feel so lucky to be a part of this school and are confident that we are providing our son the very best opportunities to reach his full potential by sending him to VAP.

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: September 21, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Do not send your child here. The tuition money is further more important than your child’s safety

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: June 2, 2022

Posted: August 23, 2021

The only reason I cannot say that it’s been amazing is the lack of activities and sports I was hoping to see, however, this is not due to the school but Covid. If anything not one time was the school shut down or were my kids at risk or felt scared about Covid. The “normalcy” they experienced attending the school was the closest thing to pre-pandemic living. The environment and attitude of the students is fun, caring and welcoming. Academically, my kids were exposed to different topics and subjects that nurtured their interest and without the political narratives we find nowadays.

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: August 23, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2021

Great school. My friends that have their kids at other schools are always complaining about something. I tell them to move their kids over to Van Avery. They are starting to listen now. The 20/21 school year saw my children's education continue and not be stifled by the pandemic. The new administration worked so hard to make this in-person school year possible and did a fantastic job. Thank you, Miss Angela!!


p.s. please open a high school

Posted: December 19, 2018

I just wish they had a high school.

Posted: December 19, 2018

The homework that is assigned has a purpose. No busy work.

Posted: December 19, 2018

Middle staff set my oldest child up for success. Right into advanced language, math and science classes as a freshman. History is a breeze given what my child grew accustomed to at Van Avery.

Posted: December 19, 2018

Absolutely!!! The new house program is a success!! Wish they did something like this in high school.

Posted: December 19, 2018

Miss Angela lets the Teachers teach and is always an advocate for her students. Miss Angela also goes on field trips with the students. She is always available to listen to parents.

Posted: December 19, 2018

I know that the class sizes make it possible to address individual needs. There is tutoring before and after school taught by the Principal.

Posted: December 19, 2018

Not tolerated and addressed the moment the staff are informed of a problem.

Posted: September 14, 2015

I highly recommend Van Avery Prep School as the Principals Tina and Angela and Staff/Teachers are excellent! My children attended Kids World Preschool and learned so much there and it has been a nice transition for them now at Van Avery. I am so impressed with everything my children are learning and love the strong emphasis on math and reading especially! Thanks Principal Tina and the entire staff and teachers for an EXCELLENT job well done!

Posted: September 14, 2015

Posted: September 14, 2015

Posted: September 14, 2015

Van Avery teaches students about honesty and has a very strong anti-bully policy. It is reassuring knowing how much they instill that for our children.

Posted: September 10, 2015

Posted: September 10, 2015

Being busy parents we were so very grateful for homework club where the kids have time to get their homework done with a teacher present to help with questions, etc.

Posted: September 10, 2015

My kids were students attended Van Avery from K-8. Honesty integrity and fairness is emphasized at Van Avery and without hesitation if their were disciplinary concerns with children, the parents were made aware. I felt this was important as it supports what we also teach at home. What I do like about Van Avery is they won't let perpetually misbehaved children -who cannot change their behavior - to continue to disrupt the learning and growing experience of all the rest. It's not often but those kids are eventually not welcomed back which is wonderful about this private school one that cares about ensuring the greater group of students are not impacted by bullies or brats).

Posted: September 10, 2015

My kids went to Van Avery and Kids World. It was by far the best decision we ever made as parents for our children. When you select a school, keep in mind that for 8 hours (sometimes more) a day 10 months +/- a year your kids will not ONLY be learning academically but actually "growing up" at school and developing their personalities, social skills and importantly their confidence for their future. Van Avery administration, faculty, teachers will ALL give their hearts 100% to your kids which is so important during these development "growing up" years K-8. The owners at Van Avery -we now know well now after so many years- want nothing more than to see ALL of their students succeed in their future. And they will. If you look at the graduates who went on to the local high schools and colleges, you will see they are elected into leadership positions, presidents of their class, homecoming court, sports (and team captains), honor society, and forming their own clubs, community service, etc. Coming from Van Avery to a large public high school setting can be scary as a parent so we were overwhelmed with happiness to see our kids (as well as their Van Avery Prep Peers) flourish with these experiences during their high school years, plus exceed academically in AP classes. We've seen so many Van Avery Prep graduates at the top of their class in their respective high schools with these leadership experiences ---and then go on to thrive in college and beyond. It all starts in the beginning of life --as they grow and develop. They will be enriched with academic experiences and confidence.... also arts, sports, and more. They will also always be on stage in plays, musical performances, award ceremonies, etc. --and this helps build their confidence in front of audiences. I can't say enough. If we had to do it again, we'd choose Van Avery. Our kids agree too - great memories! As a bonus, you will find fabulous parents within our community likewise choose Van Avery and feel the same.

Posted: April 22, 2014

Unfortunately my wife and I were very displeased with this school. When we relocated we heard many positive reviews from some coworkers, but wish that we had done more research on our own before enrolling our daughter. This is a for profit school. They are in business to make money, not educate your child. No concern is listened to unless you are part of the inner circle. Do the research before making a decision.

Posted: January 22, 2014

This school is great. I've had my children in VAP for 3 years now and have not had a problem. The parents are very involved with the school programs from boy scouts to girl scouts as well as other programs. One of my children has a learning disability and the school has been very accommodating with the tutor program (from outside VAP) that my child attends to enrich the VAP teaching. interaction. I think that being a part of the "in crowd" is just due to the amount of involvement you want to put into you child's school and education. We get involved and have a great time with our kids there.

Posted: October 18, 2013

My child has attended van Avery for two years now and we both are extremely pleased and happy. The teachers are excellent. My child has blossomed in so many areas. The clubs are fantastic. Worth every penny. We have had a awesome experience at this school.

Posted: April 25, 2013

Love, Love, Love this school!!! Highly Recommend. We transferred from another school private school (that shall not be named) down the street and what an amazing difference and improvement.

Posted: September 20, 2012

My child attended Van Avery Prep for six years, and like many of the other parents I found that unless you are related to the owners, are children of the teachers (or your child is a friend of a teacher's child) you will not receive fair treatment. The principal is not willing to help parents who are not in the "in crowd" even when the child is not at fault. I liked the structure and academics, but the homework was ridiculous and unnecessary. The same "in" students always won art contests, got the best part in plays, and were on the best sports teams--not suprisingly, the teachers' children were always in this group. This is a money oriented school. We had a few outstanding teachers, but we also had some who never should have been in a classroom--I suppose that is the same anywhere. Bottom line is administration does not care about the students unless there is some relationship there.

Posted: May 15, 2012

I've had my children at two public schools before putting them in VAP. My 5th grader is diagnosed with a learning disability and this is the first scho that has made a difference in his learning! The former teacher who commented below couldn't be more wrong! I am not part of the in crowd at VAP and I do not see what they are talking about whatsoever! My kids have excelled here at VAP and my husband and I will continue thier education here. The teachers are caring and go above and beyond for the children. It's a safe and nurturing environment. My kids ate excited to get up and go to school everyday. My son with the learning disability is doing so well that he no longer needs private tutoring. I highly recommend Van Avery Prep!

Posted: May 8, 2012

As a former VAP teacher, I can tell you that the negative comments are absolutely true. The positive comments come from the well-to-do crowd that think they have an "in" with administration. Eventually, the truth comes out and those bridges get destroyed, not just burned. It was tough trying to fit in as a caring teacher there, but did so out of necessity to work. Once an opportunity arose to leave, I was out of there. Many (most?) teachers are not fully credentialed and lack the resources public teachers acquire during credentialing and other staff development courses. I heard many complaints from parents regarding the admin staff and could not really find arguments for their complaints. There is little or no attention given to special needs children. Those that aren't perfect get left behind. Socially, students are far behind those of public school children when they do graduate to public high school. All in all, public school is still the best place for any child to be. Leave your child's education to the professionals.

Posted: January 10, 2012

My three children currently attend Van Avery. They have been in three different school systems. Van Avery is the best. When we moved to California, we were very disenchanted by the local public schools. In fact, in our highly rated local public school, my children were not challenged at all. Van Avery has been very different. Not only have they been challenged academically, they have had more exposure to art and music than they had while in the public schools. The clubs that they offer after school are excellent as well. One of their favorites is a robotics club called Gears2Robots. I had no idea that children could have such an exposure to robotics. One of my sons became so involved that he went as part of a team to Legoland for a robotics tournament. Van Avery also has "Homework Club" after school. The students spend time after school in this club to work on their homework. During this time, the students have access to their teachers to ask them questions. Needless to say, I have been very pleased with the experience that my children are getting while attending Van Avery.