Sycamore Canyon School in Thousand Oaks

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	9/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: December 15, 2025

This a good school if your child is strong academically. But if your child struggles academically, socially, or emotionally, its the WORST SCHOOL!

Posted: October 13, 2025

I love Sycamore Canyon Middle School; most of the teachers and staff here really care about you. My favorite of them all is Mrs. Mitchell, who really cares about her students and loves to help them achieve their goals. Sometimes there is some bullying but the staff here really help the kids who are getting bullied and loves to make them feel better. Many people at this school get really good grades, occasionally some people do have F's in classes but those are the kids who do not try in school. But many kids love to meet new people, and many of the staff and students are inclusive to all students. As of 8th Grade the school has gotten better and better. Im gonna miss this school when I go to high school next year.

Posted: October 13, 2025

Posted: August 13, 2025

My son has been at Sycamore Canyon since second grade, and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The teachers are dedicated and approachable, creating a safe and respectful environment where students support one another. The school offers a variety of opportunities, both academic and extracurricular, and encourages independence a skill my son has really embraced.

Hes self-motivated, but I appreciate that teachers and tutors are always available, whether in class or via email, to provide clarification and guidance. When we needed accommodations for medical treatments, the school was responsive and provided the necessary information.

While interactions with the main office can occasionally feel challenging, the teachers and counselors have consistently gone above and beyond to support students. Overall, Sycamore Canyon fosters both academic growth and personal development, and Im grateful my son has been able to thrive here.

Posted: August 13, 2025

Posted: April 17, 2025

As a parent of a 7th grader who was new to this school, I am deeply disappointed by the administrations inability to protect students and intervene when bullying occurs. From day one, my child was exposed to a toxic environment filled with cliques, exclusion, and alarming behavior that went largely unchecked.

We reported multiple incidents where our daughter was repeatedly bullied including being told to kill herself and, more recently, being physically assaulted by a boy twice her size after he cornered her and she had to push past him to get away. Despite raising these concerns more than once with the school counselor, no meaningful action was taken to ensure her safety or well-being.

The vaping problem on campus is rampant, and its deeply disturbing to hear that some students walk around obviously high or openly watch porn with the volume up in class and yet, nothing seems to be done. There is a serious lack of supervision, accountability, and basic enforcement of appropriate behavior.

The social environment is equally troubling. Rather than fostering kindness and inclusivity, it seems cliques rule the campus. Even within the LGBTQ+ student groups, there is bullying and exclusion of peers. This is heartbreaking to see in a school that should be nurturing all students, especially those who may already feel marginalized.

We chose this school hoping that a smaller, community-based setting in Newbury Park would be a positive and gentle transition from a kind private school environment. Instead, our child was never happy here and we will not be returning next year. I hope the administration takes these concerns seriously and begins to truly prioritize student safety, mental health, and inclusivity.

Posted: June 12, 2024

If your child has academic hardship, there is not much support. Teachers dont build connections with their students. They actually let the good teachers who care and are supportive leave. Bullying is increasing every year. Autistic children are made fun of. school definitely lacks social Emotional education and support. Principal seems OK but you never see him. The vice principal doesnt want to face any challenges students are facing. The good things are that its a super clean school and everyone lines up very well for drop off on pick up. I gave the school four years before deciding to leave. Both my children were very unhappy at the school.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Posted: June 9, 2024

Teachers are very caring. Not fault of school but rather district that certain teachers are not held accountable to behavioral standards. Sometimes you need to take risks for the benefit of the students.

Posted: June 9, 2024

Posted: June 8, 2024

I am a SCS parent who has had the pleasure of volunteering in the STEAM Lab, library, yoga in the garden, outside of the classroom (for centers time), and numerous PTSA events. The staff and teachers Ive interacted with have been very polite, encouraging, and willing to talk about anything that comes up.

My experience was in contrast to the previous posters, in that the ratio of students to teacher has actually been LESS than stated.

My child cannot say enough good things about the current teacher. Absolute favorite.

I would caution taking negative reviews to heart, and simply ask the school directly. Same with positive reviews. Just do some digging, and decide what youre comfortable with.

Posted: June 8, 2024

Posted: November 15, 2022

Ill start by saying that I believe most the teachers at Sycamore Canyon School have good intentions for the students.
However, I would strongly disagree on their school website stating that the student to teacher ratio is 23 to 1. Our experience was a 34 students to 1 very overwhelmed teacher in my grade 5 daughters class when she attended. My grade 2 daughter had the same ratio in her classroom. The school will not accept parent classroom volunteers due to disclosure/privacy. So, the teachers remain overwhelmed and students that are struggling or quiet mannered get completely forgotten and fall through the cracks. The schools focus is to the (GATE) gifted and talented students.
We were very disappointed and put our kids in different schools after that first year at Sycamore Canyon.

Posted: November 15, 2022

Posted: October 10, 2022

Amazing school with K-8 experience. Large school but feels like a small school, with the principal knowing the names of most of the students. Positive experience and amazing teachers. My children have flourished here and we are so happy that we don't need to attend private school, since Sycamore Canyon has been a great experience. Great teachers and sense of community!

Posted: October 10, 2022

Posted: October 21, 2021

I beg you not to send your kids to this school. This place ruined my life and childhood.

After attending this school from first grade, to the middle of my 8th grade year, i became severely ill, depressed, disabled, (physically and mentally) and suicidal. I almost died.

The school caused me severe amounts of trauma and anxiety, that lead to PERMANENT disability. I told multiple staff at the school of what was happening and they did literally nothing. Not to mention, they didnt even seem to care. I was done, and ready to die, but their main concern was my grades and attendance. I was just a number in their system they could profit off.

The school eventually told me that i could not graduate with them and was forced to drop out and finish my school online.

Its been 3 years since i graduated from middle school, but i will never be able to forget the trauma i have of this place. My life will never be the same. I will never drive or be self sufficient, and i will never be able to attend in person school again. My job choices are extremely limited, and i can no longer compete on competitive sports, (my dream) due to physical disability.

I am out of this place now, but i still have to wake up every morning, look at myself, and be reminded of it all. pls dont send your kids here. Theses are the most formative years of their life, and no one deserves to be treated the way i was. Dont let what happened to me happen to your kids too. It will be swept under the carpet and ignored by the staff, just as i was.

Posted: October 21, 2021

Posted: July 21, 2021

I was a student here from 2nd-8th grade. Looking back, I am very greatful for the small feel of the school and how it is truly part of the community. I think it really prepared me for advance placemnt classes in high school and provided lots of extracurricular activites for many different interests.

Posted: July 21, 2021

Posted: February 27, 2021

We have appreciated this school for 6 years! Will miss it. Has been an anchor for the neighborhood, except for the year of Covid.

Posted: February 27, 2021

Posted: March 3, 2020

Very poor experience with leadership and bullying!

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: October 21, 2019

its amazing. no drama. no rumors. no nasty people. no vaping, drugs. no fights. the teachers are amazing there as well.

Posted: October 21, 2019

Posted: December 28, 2018

Prior administration was effective, but the new administration has caused a continual decline in the school's quality every year.

Posted: December 28, 2018

Principal denies its existence while allowing the kids to be hurt.

Posted: December 28, 2018

The homework at this school is very overwhelming!

Posted: December 28, 2018

Very dramatic, they don't meet with the parents.

Posted: December 28, 2018

Both of my kids have been declining in character every year since the new administration took over.

Posted: December 28, 2018

Under the prior administration, the school was great. However, under the new administration it's been declining fast every year!!

Posted: December 21, 2018

I had a mixed experience at this place.. the teachers and students were all generally very nice, but the academic pressure was so overwhelming. Even though I was in the 'gifted' programs etc.. I started to feel very insecure about my intelligence and my academic abilities. The intense academic environment of this school unfortunately led me to start developing schizophrenic and bipolar symptoms..

Posted: May 14, 2018

My experience at this school was not at all enjoyable and having ADD made it worse. I was constantly left out of activities because of my low grades which cause me to be isolated socially. There were some good teachers, but they've moved on to better things. I blame this school for my severe anxiety surrounding work and grades, it was certainly not a relaxing environment.

Posted: May 14, 2018

Most of the teachers I had at this school would single me out and embarrass me in front of the class if I didn't answer their questions correctly.

Posted: May 14, 2018

Most of the kids at this school are entitled and selfish, It was very hard to make friends here. I was often left out because I was seen as "weird." Nobody ever reached out to help me.

Posted: May 14, 2018

When I was diagnosed with ADD my teachers insisted I take medication, rather then them make accommodations for me. They did gave me an IEP eventually. My teachers made almost no accommodations.

Posted: May 27, 2017

As a student who has been here all 9 years. I can tell you this school had made me the incredible person I am today. The teachers are supportive and are so helpful when it comes to questions about an assignment. I remember in 6th grade I had a teacher who was no the best and I got a C in her class but when I got to 7th and 8th the teachers I got were absolutely Fenomenal. I've gotten straight A's in math since then. It really depends on the teacher. But approximately 90% of the teachers at Sycamore are amazing. I really feel like the campus is my home. I practically know the place so well except the teacher's lounge...I wonder what's in there... Anywho I am promoting in 12 days to go to NP and I'm really nervous since Sycamore is such a small but comfy community compared to NP which is a huge, amazing community. I can successfully say that Sycamore has taught me to English, History, Science, P.E, Spanish(High School Program), and Math. Yes I have finally figured out what 2+2 is, after extensive research I've finally cracked it.

Posted: April 25, 2017

A school that only focuses on academical achievement and producing functioning kids. No creativity, no critical thinking. Hours and hours of often nonsense homework and preparation for an incredible amount of tests. there is no time for instruction in school as kids spend their time in class taking tests.

Posted: April 25, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2016

Three of our children attend Sycamore and it is filled with caring teachers and staff that truly promote education and good character!

Posted: September 16, 2015

Sycamore Canyon should be a 5 star school. But, a remote and indifferent set of administrators have basically destroyed the heart of the school. Some teachers are wonderful and will give your child an excellent education while others are hostile and abusive and the administration does nothing to deal with them. Parents who do get one of these bad teachers publically share how they use that experience as leverage to get better teachers for their children in the future. As long as no one complains to the district, the administration is happy to make a deal with those individual families and leave other kids to deal with the bad teachers.

If you ask questions or raise any issues at this school, you will be shocked at the nasty response from school administration and office staff. The office staff is unfriendly and hostile to parents and often to children. Yard supervisors also commonly yell at and belittle children with no consequences from the administration.

It is no surprise why such a wealthy community gives so little money to Sycamore's PTSA.

Our children get excellent grades and are learning the information they need to be successful. But, they have commented on how unpleasant the school is and how much they cannot wait to graduate. I do agree that this is not the school to send your children to if they struggle academically or need extra help.

Posted: June 8, 2015

School is great. Most teachers are good. Our experience with Mark Hoyle (3rd grade) is not too great. While most teachers communicate with parents regularly, this guy thinks he is above the law or something.

Posted: March 3, 2015

When I first came to this school 4 years ago, I was told by parents that this is a great school unless your child is struggling academically. I found this to be true. If your student does well academically, then this is a great school. However, if they struggle, then don't put them in this school. The school does not offer any help academically. The will say that they offer tutoring, but this tutoring occurs during the very class the student is struggling in. So the teachers don't want to recommend this course of action. Apart from that, no help. They will recommend that YOU get a tutor for your child and pay for it. So we have paid close to $2000.00 over the years in tutoring fees. This school is only interested in the academically strong kids and personally, I think they are more than happy to weed out the struggling kids so they can keep their school high rating. I have never felt less supported in a school, than in this one.

Posted: September 18, 2014

Both of my children attend this school. They love the enthusiasm from the teachers and volunteers. They are doing well academically and are receive the nurturing I would expect from a distinguished school.

Posted: March 26, 2014

I only rated one star, because 0 stars was not an option. Sycamore Canyon School gives children hours of homework, and a ridiculous amount of tests per week. It makes me sick. I spend all night doing homework. Sycamore Canyon doesn't treat their students like human beings and the school fails to recognize that students have lives out of school. I already have 7 hours of school a day, why give me 7 hours worth of homework after school? I have a life out of school, you know. This review is from a Sycamore Student.

Posted: September 30, 2013

Sycamore Canyon is a better than average school but not quite my "ideal" school. The majority of the teachers my child has had in the past were wonderful and caring and maintained parent communication throughout the year (not so much in grades 4 and 5). The bullying that goes on in the middle school is a problem that must be addressed by the adminstration. It does exist but is completely ignored by the staff. School to parent communication is mediocre at best - mostly relying on telephone messages or verbal student messages. I don't want to spend my family time on the computer on the school website after being on a computer all day at work. I miss the paper messages. My child maintains all A's and B's through her hard work at home and her good teachers. All in all, I like the school and am glad to be a part of the Sycamore family.

Posted: September 23, 2013

This is a good school because of the neighborhood - most parents hold advanced degrees and pay close attention to the education of their kids. There are very dedicated teachers - every day we see some teachers walking out when we pick up kids from Childcare after 5:30PM. But also some teachers could not remember students names after a whole school year (my kid had a teacher like that before). From my own experience, the previous principal was responsive to parents concerns and I felt he cares about the students. I do not see that from the current principal - he listens to you with a pre-determined decision so it is a waste of time. It is very frustrated but understandable - in the end it is OUR 24 hour job as a parent but only his 8 hour day job, why bother. Overall I am dissappointed about the school's leadership. This is virtually one elementary school and one middle school, maybe too big for one principal to handle.

Posted: September 4, 2013

Beginning the 6th year at Sycamore and I feel lucky to have this school in my neighborhood. It is a great facility, with strong teachers who deliver results both in API scores and with individual students. I find it easy to get involved in the classroom, as the art parent, and overall. The after school enrichment is plentiful and the on-site after school child care is so good that my son is delighted to go. I agree that the parent/teacher/administration communication could be better but that is a two way street. I have found everyone to be very responsive to my questions and concerns, you just have to speak up. The opportunities for improvement: 1. Add a more extensive/inclusive GATE program 2. Stop adding trailer style classrooms to the campus 3. Prioritize parent communication & requests feedback - especially when breaking new ground (example - I found out my son would have a "team" of 2 teachers that would trade off on different days of the week at back to school night, weeks after school started and though it was an "experiment" I was not asked once the entire year for my comments on how it was working. This was a big miss on the part of the teachers/administration.)

Posted: February 1, 2013

I have to disagree with some of these reviews. Parents are involved when it comes to volunteering in the classroom, but attend a PTA meeting and you will see five parents there, at most. The same parents help with every PTA function and it's often difficult to find enough parents to help run events. The parents are expected to do a lot of work with their children outside of the classroom and homework and testing are excessive. High test scores are, in large part, due to the amount of support parents give their children at home. The teachers are definitely hit or miss; there are some amazing teachers who truly love their jobs and there are others that are merely mediocre. The new principal has a lot of potential and I am hoping that he brings great change to the school.

Posted: December 16, 2012

The pocketbook can't BUY high testing scores. Those scores don't just fall out of the sky. The students of Sycamore are producing those scores through hard work and because they are learning everyday at this school. I have worked in some of the schools throughout the district and I am always surprised at the narrow path of learning opportunities given at those schools compared to the wide array of learning opportunities for the students at Sycamore Canyon School. My children LOVE Sycamore and I know they are getting a great education.

Posted: August 22, 2012

I never worry who will be their teacher. My children are challenged, have fun and the communication is always open. My daughter was not enjoying recess and her teacher spent the whole recess, observing to get to the bottom of it....she wanted to be inside writing stories and they made that possible. They care about each child as an individual!

Posted: August 18, 2012

The school is terrible, the teachers are mean, and most students are bullied. My 7th grader chose 2 elective (tech and choir) and was bullied because she was 'geeky' and 'boring.' I thought that this school had a smarter, wiser group of students who wouldn't discriminate or bully. But I was wrong. The school advertises the exact opposite of what it is. And lastly, I rated teacher quality and principal leadership 1 star, only because there was no 0 stars.

Posted: July 2, 2012

We have been at Sycamore Canyon for K-2nd grade. We have not experienced any problems with teachers or staff. On the contrary, teachers have been excellent and the caring staff is above all others. My child enjoys going to school every day and the academics are the best around. I am taken back by the 2011 parents that have left bad feedback about this school...I can only guess that they are the "school-choice" parents who don't live in our DVR community. This is an amazing school with amazing teachers and super involved parents!

Posted: May 31, 2012

Notice how all the reviews are extremely positive or negative? Please don't dismiss that other peoples' reviews are valid and based on inexcusably bad experiences with uncaring teachers, & a principal who turns against anyone who questions the school. Everyone deserves equal opportunities to have a good teacher, unfortunately that's not feasible at this school. It's a step in the right direction that the current principal and dean are leaving Sycamore as of June 2012. I hope the incoming faculty realize the poor judgement of their predecessors, and work to make this school a supportive and positive experience for all the families of this community.

Posted: May 25, 2012

I am grateful to have had Dr. Sand as the principal at Sycamore Canyon, as I really felt that he cared for the children, the school, and the programs they offered. I also feel the same way about my daughter's teacher..She has the same type of caring and nurturing that goes into teaching the children. She's given my child more opportunities to fully utilize her abilities. I have seen my child learn so much within the year, not only from the daily homework assignments, but also the things that she would say or talk about that went on during the classroom. The staff here are also very helpful. It's been a wonderful kindergarten experience for my child, and beyond our expectations!

Posted: April 17, 2012

Parents, please take the reviews seriously. I know everyone wants to go to a brand new, clean school but please do not judge a book by its cover. It is true beautiful school in a beautiful neighborhood but that is all. Teachers just care about high scores. Children are a product here a commodity. They are not valued or treasured. Talent is not developed here. Love of learning is not developed here. Kindness is most certainly not developed here. Sycamore Canyon earns the high test scores on the backs of the students and the pocketbook of the parents. Any of the other NP schools will produce a happier and smarter child.

Posted: March 22, 2012

Horrible experience at this school. Principal is an egotistical elitist, sweeps parents' problems under the rug & feels the school is perfect based on API scores. Principal brags, Sycamore is the best private school at a public price & "meets needs of gifted students"- we found both to be untrue. Principal and dean have serious power issues. Cronyism runs deep between the principal & CVUSD, so good luck getting anyone to acknowledge problems at a higher level. Principal says all his teachers are excellent, and it is just not true (ask parents). If you get a great teacher & your child isn't bullied, I can see how the school might work for some. I agree with the prior post that "a dose of humility" is long coming. If you have issues with this school, do your child (& others) a service & at least email CVUSD's superintendent. Maybe finally some changes will take place at this school if enough people are not scared to speak up. If this school fails to treat you and your child with decency, move on. There are a growing number of families in DVR who have found private schools to offer better academics, social environments & teachers who can be fired (without union threats).

Posted: February 10, 2012

Would score it higher but the administrative staff is weak kneed when it comes to providing a safe learning environment that is free of bullying, including bullying by parent volunteers and the occasional teacher. I've had either amazing teachers for my children, or one I would never let teach my children if I had a choice. They scorn those with learning disabilities and fail to perform as required. I think they could benefit from a healthy dose of humility. The neighborhood is affluent but who cares?

Posted: November 19, 2011

It is a fine school for a perfect child. If there are any struggles at all your child is stepped over like road kill. They have no time to slow down and help. The administration is oblivious to an enormous bullying problem. Some teachers are very good and others are very bad. It is a pretty new school and has some nice features but if I had it to do over again I would have picked a different school.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Camarillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	6.1 mi
2	Foothill Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	6.4 mi
3	Del Prado Town Homes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	7.4 mi
4	RiverPark	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	12.6 mi
5	Hollywood Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	14.9 mi
6	Northridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Northridge	CA	27.2 mi
7	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	39 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Central Camarillo	Camarillo	CA	6.1 mi
2	Oxnard	Oxnard	CA	11.9 mi
3	Ventura	Ventura	CA	16.3 mi

Base	Distance
Point Mugu NAS - Naval Base Ventura County	8.6 mi.
Port Hueneme - Naval Base Ventura County	13.1 mi.
Los Angeles AFB	38.2 mi.

Sycamore Canyon School

Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

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Sycamore Canyon School

Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

School Ratings

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