Topeka Charter School For Advanced Studies in Los Angeles

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	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	8/10	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: September 16, 2025

Our family has been a part of Topeka for 10 years so far and still have 4 more years left between our 4 kids. We are so grateful for this school. Everyone from the Principal, Teachers, Aides, Office staff, and even janitors are fantastic. My kids feel safe and excited to learn. We have had amazing teachers that are passionate about education. There is also a very active PTA and parent community. We're also blessed to have had a school that has received grants for the arts and has provided some wonderful opportunities for field trips around the arts.

Posted: September 16, 2025

Posted: April 19, 2024

Great student to child ratio. Curriculum is stimulating and engaging. Parent involvement is great.

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: August 11, 2023

This school has a strong community feel. The 5th grade class does a lot of fun events and field trips. A lot of families are really involved in the school and actively participate in the events. The principal responds quickly to e-mails. The kids are high achieving. I would highly recommend this school.

Posted: August 11, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

We decided to go to Topeka based on reviews , parent feedback, and scores. We are so happy we found this little gem of a school. We are new to the school and this is our first experience with LAUSD. All Los Angeles public schools seem to have funding issues and the district seems to be poorly run. Thats why its important to go to school where the parents and staff care. Topeka is one of the good lausd schools. My child has made a lot of progress. I have heard other parents talk about how much their children have also progressed. There is a strong community feel.. unlike a lot of the surrounding schools that feel like fortressesand parent participate is welcomed at Topeka. The families in my childs class and other families we have met are very focused on their childs well being and academic success. The principal is very involved and welcomes feedback. The school is extremely diverse which contributes to the positive learning experience.

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: March 31, 2022

Once principal Josie Stevens left, the school went downhill. They have some good teachers but they also have some absolutely awful ones. I literally had a teacher tell me that he wished he would put his hands on my child, meaning physically hit him. Like several LAUSD schools, this school lacks the resources it needs to adequately serve its students. The office staff can be rude and Ive heard them speak harshly to kids. There is not really an attempt to partner with parents. Everyone seems overworked and overwhelmed. Even well intentioned staff seem burdened with too much work and therefore, unable to serve their students the way they might want to. I think the school is in dire need to strong and focused leadership who would benefit from weeding out teachers who are clearly not there to help children succeed. Not the worse experience Ive had with a school but far from the best.

Posted: March 31, 2022

Posted: March 6, 2019

I have often caught the principle and random teachers behaving respectfully and kindly to students. Whether to offer praise or criticism, respect is always employed. This creates an atmosphere of safety that is conducive to learning and fun.

Posted: March 6, 2019

Strong programs to support students of all learning abilities and disabilities

Posted: March 6, 2019

In 5 years, I have personally never had an issue. bullying is prevented through a constant emphasis on kindness and respect.

Posted: March 6, 2019

excellent. we've loved this school for 5 years. I know my kids are loved and taken care of here.

Posted: March 6, 2019

Also homework given is often minimal, I believe there should be little to none.

Posted: March 6, 2019

They care, work hard, and enthusiastically teach work and fun. My kids have learned a lot.

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: August 12, 2018

Terrible. Traumatizing for my child and several of his peers

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: April 16, 2018

My sons love this school and feel very comfortable here. Been here the last 4 years. Loved our old principal, she was absolutely amazing and hard shoes to fill! A new principal came in last year... trying to figure her way. PTA also changed this year. We love the teachers and some have become good friends. Our kindergarten teacher even came to my sons sports events! Happy we landed here through open enrollment!

Posted: February 13, 2017

Community member
Overall experience
This school has an appalling lack of accountability. The needs of special education students are blatantly ignored. IEP's are not followed, and the leadership at this school is not supportive of their special ed students.

Posted: February 13, 2017

Posted: July 5, 2016

I've been very happy with my family's experience at Topeka. At first I was worried because the population is very mixed and many are not able to contribute to the school financially, or with their time. But I soon found that I love the fact that it's multicultural and socio-economically diverse...a true picture of what the real world looks like. I believe this makes it an inclusive and non-competitive environment. The teachers have been wonderful and the academic expectation is high while still exposing kids to music and art, and emphasizing character and community. It comes from the top down with the fabulous principal who pushes to take the school to the next level, but does it with humor and warmth. Many parents think Beckford, Castlebay, or PRCS are the only acceptable options in the area, but if they looked a little closer they would see the gem that Topeka is. Test scores and money are both important, but I'm much more concerned with educating "the whole child". While no public school is perfect, my kids are engaged, challenged, loved, and supported so I'm a happy parent.

Posted: August 27, 2015

This is my 9th year at Topeka and I still love it!! Im one of those parents who is in the inner circle that everyone complains aboutbut guess what? My kids have NOT always gotten the most coveted teachers. One teacher was absolutely useless, but my son is still doing well. He tested gifted and continues to get awards. This is not a school where you drop off your kids and they automatically do well. Parents need to instill in their kids the importance of hard work and education.

The Principal recently cleaned house and the teachers left behind are EXCELLENT teachers. They are passionate, patient, kind, and eager to teach. Some teachers are not as coveted because theyre strict and disciplinarians. It has NOTHING to do with their ability to teach! If your kid gets in trouble a lot, its not because his/her teacher is bad.

If your complaint is youre not in the circle, you have to nudge your way in there. You do that by being presenttalk to the teachers and the other parents. Volunteer once in a while. Im a working mom but all the teachers and administrators know who I am. Topeka offers plenty of ways to get involved---even if all you can spare is an hour here and there. But no, its not a guarantee to get your kids into certain classes.

Our Principal is awesome! She knows all the kids names. She dances with them, she jokes around with them. She emphasizes character, as well as academics. She is the MOST approachable person I have ever met, as a matter of fact, she approaches and greets you first!! Shes been that way since day 1!

Posted: September 24, 2014

Overall, this is a great school if you have a smart compliant child. Unfortunately, my son has an IEP for inattentive ADD. Although most teachers were good, including his resource teacher, his 3rd grade teacher was not. There were three specific incidents last year that, I feel, constitute bullying. Here are two. First, if my son didn t write his name on his homework, he got zero credit. Toward the end of the year, my son received, by accident, some of the other work from his class mates. This one particular student didn t put his name on it, so his teacher wrote his name on it. And, she gave him a 100%. How is that even fair? Second, six weeks before the last report card, he received a letter from his teacher that he would be getting three 2 s on his report card. At no point in the next six weeks, did she ask to schedule a meeting with us regarding his progress. Needless to say, we were shocked and upset to see fourteen 2 s and six 1 s on his report card! We have since left this school and his is flourishing at his new school. Be warned if you have a child that may have and IEP, non-compliant or just even extra needs.

Posted: August 17, 2014

Heavy favoritism is shown at this school. If you are not with the "in" crowd or clique, your child becomes low on the totem pole! There are a group of parents who mysteriously manage to get their kids together in the same class year after year with the most sought after teacher, yet we are told placing is random and you cannot request teachers. BULL. The favoritism is so blatant its disgusting!! You can even get another child kicked out of a class you want to get your kid in if you are part of the IN group! Just wrong in so many ways. Administration ought to be ashamed of themselves for creating divides within the school.

Posted: June 2, 2014

Topeka is a fabulous school that we feel blessed to have been a part of for the last three years. Tomorrow our youngest culminates, so our time at Topeka is almost over, and we will miss it terribly. The Principal is fantastic! Incredibly high-energy, caring, dedicated -- in short, amazing! Teachers and staff are great. PTA is amazing.

Posted: June 2, 2014

My daughter is culminating tomorrow and I can't help but feel extremely grateful for her 6 years at Topeka. She has had wonderful, caring, patient, and intelligent educators year after year. They have encouraged, motivated, and mentored her. What makes Topeka great is the approachable principal who is very much invested in the school. You can tell she really cares about the kids and the community. The teachers are amazing! They make learning so much fun! The parental involvement is awesome! In any organization, it's difficult to get people to volunteer. However, at Topeka, so many parents volunteer and we truly give it our best. Our PTA is comprised of both stay-at-home and work-out-of-the-home parents. Everyone's welcome to pitch in as much as they can.

Posted: May 21, 2014

"A terrible teacher" that's how one of his colleagues described him. Many of his decisions and information sharing throughout the year were questionable but it was overall an ok year, the experience was a little harder on some kids and parents due to some drama created by the same teacher. He would favorite one of the kids due to his mother and he would allow her to even yell at the kids while volunteering in the class. Besides that my child enjoyed kindergarten and I'm glad is almost over. Parents in this school are amazing, a lot of hard worker volunteers. The staff is ok, we noticed a lot of damage control, kids are encouraged to tell on each other which most parents didn't like, sometimes we noticed the staff would tell the parents what they think they want to hear. Overall is a great school, with a few teachers who need better training or be reassigned and a staff that could be more friendly, respectful and committed to the integrity, education and well being of the children, and the peace of mind of the parents instead of just covering each other's backs. There is a lot of room for improvement and I hope I can see some of those changes come to live soon.

Posted: May 4, 2014

Updated review: Unless you are close to the principal, forget decent treatment by teachers, faculty and staff. Pulled out in December and couldn't be happier! We switched to a private school that treats everyone with respect.

Posted: April 27, 2014

This school looks to be well organized and heading in the right direction with the positive trend of increasing test scores the past several years. Looking forward to my child attending kindergarten in the fall.

Posted: October 22, 2013

Topeka is a wonderful school! The Principal truly cares about the students and my two children love going there. The teachers are great and the family atmosphere is one of a kind.

Posted: October 20, 2013

It's our first year at Topeka, our daughters in kindergarten and is learning so much! their PTA is amazing. School is clean. So far so good. We're very pleased!

Posted: October 10, 2013

Topeka school has evolved so much over the years for the great of our kids. I am glad to say we are now a charter school and growing in many ways. The staff is wonderful and the teachers really care about our kids. It's a fun and safe place for the kids with so many activities going on all the time.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Before we enrolled my son to this school, I went there and interviewed some parents after school. Most of them told us this is very good school. Teachers and principal are very good. They pay attention to all the student. My son loves to go to school that is the most important thing. I can not wait to take my youngest son there next year. Highly recommend this school to all the parents.

Posted: October 8, 2013

My daughter just started Kinder here. So far; we're really happy here! The teachers, staff and principal are attentive. Fellow parents are involved.

Posted: October 1, 2013

In our second year in this school I coulnd be happy! Lovely teachers, a group of parents that work 24 hours for this school, a principal who care for every student and know every name of students!...our score has increase 17 points! IM so happy to be part of this school///

Posted: September 25, 2013

great schools and staffs. principal is very understanding and approchable person. remember most of students names and also parents' first name. she clearly shows that she is the mom in school. you can count on her.

Posted: September 6, 2013

This is our third year at Topeka (unfortunately our last, as our youngest is in 5th grade), and we LOVE it! The principal is GREAT! The teachers are great! The PTA is great! Test scores are high and rising even higher. What's not to love?

Posted: September 4, 2013

My kids have been at Topeka for five years and I would not leave for another school if one opened up across the street! 1- The teachers are strict but caring and available to talk to. I have been able to contact them (and they me) by notes, email, phone and text. 2- My one special needs child is handled as the IEP asks for. The resource teachers are also helpful, caring and available. 3- The PTA is amazing and got more done last year than any other year we've been at Topeka! 4- The room parents/volunteers are great. We get emails, an online calendar, Facebook page, website, etc. to keep up with everything. 5- Though I can't be involved much in PTA and volunteering, I do not feel excluded. They say "any help is welcome". 6- The principal is always around and knows my kids by name. We get "Sunday Minutes" from her and "Coffee with the Principal" monthly. Very pro-active not reactive. 7-School grounds are well kept. Library is beautiful and full, computer lab is state-of-the-art. 8- We do need more art and cultural programs, but LAUSD keeps cutting this! If you are looking for a wholesome, all inclusive school, check this one out.

Posted: September 4, 2013

Topkeka is an amazing school. I am the parent of a 2nd and K. Great teachers and great families. Would highly recommend!

Posted: September 1, 2013

Topeka is a family of parents, teachers, community, and students working to provide the best for all of our students.

Posted: August 8, 2013

Topeka Cherter School has very dedicated teachers. Students continue to grow academically and socially. It is a wonderful school.

Posted: July 6, 2013

This was the most horrible school,,prejudice and unwelcoming. My child was forced out because she was Korean!!!! Principal had everything to do with this. Deplorrable!!! Bullying an issue and very dissappointed

Posted: June 5, 2013

This was our first year at Topeka and we love this school. The staff is top notch and really show a genuine interest in the students. After being at two other schools, we have finally found our home. My son was not reading or writing in the beginning of Kinder at another school. After just a few short months at Topeka, the staff was able to turn him around. He now loves going to school every morning. The school encourages parents to be involved whenever possible. This is the only school I've been to where you see parents all over campus interacting with teachers and administrators. They don't lock you out at the gate and make you go through a mountain of paperwork just to help out in the class. Truly an open door feeling.

Posted: April 8, 2013

I'm extremely concerned about the leadership of this elementary school, especially when it comes to bullying. Academically it is improving, but it is unacceptable when belittling or harassment is condoned. No child deserves to be treated with disrespect, and its offensive when the principle, though knowing it is happening, cares so little about the mental damage it's causing boys and girls.

Posted: March 18, 2013

This is my 5th year at the school. Both of my kids have thrived in the great learning environment--thanks to the teachers, principal, and the outstanding parental involvement. As a working parent, I appreciate being well-informed and having the opportunities to volunteer. Topeka is a hidden gem in Northridge.

Posted: March 16, 2013

This is a great School. Children are well rounded and the school has great participation from Staff and Parents. The Principal is one of the best leaders in getting students and teachers engaged.

Posted: September 6, 2012

Wow what a difference a school or more specifically a principal makes. We moved out of Topeka due to some issues the school was having and because the principal lacked leadership. Our new school within LAUSD is managed much more professionally and it reflects in our children's demeanor. Even the most active parents from last year left for other options.

Posted: September 6, 2012

This is my son 2nd year @ Topeka. His kindergarten teacher was amazing and so far his 1st grade teacher is just as good! I am also very impressed with our Principal. She is always hands on and there for the parents. I am very much looking forward to the future @ Topeka.

Posted: September 4, 2012

My child has attended Topeka for 3 years now and we can't tell you how content we are with the teachers/principal and PTA. The school scores were up last school session, our school has now become charter and the amount of parent involvement is AMAZING!

Posted: September 1, 2012

This is a great school. The staff has always been responsive to any and all situations. Everyone, including parents seem to care about our children. My children are doing very well at this school and I couldn't be happier with a school. I believe with the new charter and funding that comes with it will only make Topeka an even more exciting and special place for our children.

Posted: June 19, 2012

With 2 children in school and 2 working parents, I cannot volunteer in school. But, I'm able to get updates from room parents as well as the school directly. We are very pleased with the different forms of communication: Sunday minute from the principal, Thursday folder info, weekly emails from room parents & more. We also appreciate notes from teachers when things are not so great to help keep kids on track. I would really like a much more fleshed out website also. Topeka also just became a chartered school, so money woes that all non Title1 LAUSD schools have been feeling will be eased a bit for Topeka. I am happy with programs PTA has aided with in the past & that I hope will continue with in the future. We are PTA members but do not have time to be involved so we give donations when our budget allows. This is going to be a short summer for our kids so it will be interesting to see how the school year begins with the heat and with less prep time. We're not worried, just curious. The school is clean and safe, the teachers and staff are dedicated and the parents we've become friends with are committed to the school. This is a great place for children to be educated!

Posted: April 23, 2012

My children are in first and third at Topeka. Their teachers are kind, challenging, available and open to suggestions. The office staff, playground staff, computer lab tech and librarian all know my children by name. I've always been able to talk to the principal when I've needed to. LAUSD funding is disgustingly low but the PTA and Topeka really seem to know how to stretch their budgets to remarkable lengths! I volunteer at school as well and have never had issues with anyone-- staff, parent or otherwise. I am proud to have my children at Topeka and believe that a great deal of the happiness and pride my children have in their school is due to the people who work and volunteer there-- they truly care about the children.

Posted: January 29, 2012

I am very happy with Topeka. The teachers, prinicpal, staff and other parents are very involved and seem to truly enjoy what they do and care for the well being of each child.

Posted: August 15, 2011

Test scores have gone down each year since new leadership arrived. Principal knows how to say the right things or make excuses but not sure if she can deliver what she promises.

Posted: July 18, 2011

We were thrilled to get into Topeka last year on open enrollment - home school is in a better neighborhood and has better API scores but the principal was aloof and cold so we picked Topeka over the "better" school. A year later, we are even happier (if that's possible) - Topeka's principal is simply the finest around. She is enthusiastic, smart, committed to quality education, knows how to lead and gets everyone involved in education - rich or poor, educated or not. We Topeka parents are lucky to have her and our kids will reap the benefits of her leadership. For the people who insist on creating drama - there are plenty of schools elsewhere for you to stir up trouble - just leave our kids out of it.

Posted: July 18, 2011

Before putting my kids into Topeka, I asked many parents about the school. In the process, I did not hear a single negative thing, only positive things. To me the fact that I didn't hear anything negative was a big deal, since many people often spout off the negative before the positive. We loved our first year at Topeka and are looking forward to next year. The principal is amazing--I love her openness with all parents and her monthly "Coffee with the Principal" where parents discuss their concerns with her. She encourages all parents to stay involved in their children's education to continue to make Topeka a positive school environment. My son looked forward to every day of school and now his brother is excited to be able to go to Topeka too. I grew up in the private school system and wasn't sure how I would like putting my kids in a public school. I have not regretted it and have, in fact, had a more positive experience than I imagined.

Posted: July 17, 2011

great school, wonderful parents, a top A+ principal. it feels now like a private school. many changes, all wonderful this last past year. keep great people coming!

Posted: July 17, 2011

Topeka is a great school with great teachers, principal and parents. Topeka was a great school before, during and will remain a great school after the KDLP program moves. Topeka was a school with competitive API scores before the KDLP program was implemented, and continued to maintain the same API average scores while the KDLP program was there. This school will remain a great school because of its dedicated, hardworking teachers, principal, staff, and parents. The teachers have high academic expectations of their students and push them to reach their individual potential. I have been a parent here for 9 years and believe my children have received a top notch education.

Posted: July 17, 2011

The principal and teachers at this school are wonderful. Principal is very involved in the school and wants what is best for the students.

Posted: July 17, 2011

We specifically moved to the area so that our children could attend Topeka. We have been happy with all of our teachers, with the exception of one scatter-brained 2nd grade teacher. I removed my daughter from that particular class, and it has been smooth-sailing since then. The teachers are hard-working, dedicated professionals that do their best with the large classes they have. We are happy to be Tigers!

Posted: March 14, 2011

Excellent dual language program, unfortunately weak leadership and lack of support along with some ignorant parents will ruin the school. API scores dropped after new leadership entered. Some parents want to use dual language as a scapegoat for all the problems at the school which is really sad since all students there receive the same education. School is racist if you're Korean or affliated with dual language program. Communication regarding issues have not resolved any of the issues. Truly miss a strong leader at the school.

Posted: January 26, 2011

My children attend Topeka. Our teachers are awesome, caring and challenge the kids. As a director and manager I've learned if you don't speak up, you won't be heard. If you are unable to communicate directly and attempt to influence then you'll remain in your bitter silence. I'm a minority and can tell you the school is not racist.

Posted: December 14, 2010

1. API dropped. Because of New principal. She is good person as neighbor but not as a prinicipal. 2. Poor school. Topeka can not get enough budget from LAUSD. so, PTA kept asking more and more. 3. Lunch area is so dirty. You should come to see. 4. Some teachers got the lowest grade from LA Times. Actually most. 5. Racism. If you are not caucasian, stay away from Topeka. It was on the newspaper.

Posted: November 27, 2010

I completely disagree with the parents that feel that the principal is horrible. She may be new and not have years of experience, but she is young, energetic, innovative, motivated, and supports her staff 100% Her number one goal is the success of the students. I have heard her on many occasions mention that "it's all about the kids". In addition, Topeka is one of the best schools you can send your kids too.

Posted: November 14, 2010

I agree with the other parent. Unless you're in the inner circle of the principal you never get heard. Nothing but problems since she's arrived. You can clearly see the dividing line at the school. I can't wait to move my child out of the school and into a school with someone who has more experience leading.

Posted: November 10, 2010

Topeka is an excellent school. The principal is an amazing woman who supports the staff, parents & students. She is proactive which is something that the prior principal was not. She is a positive influence on the students. The environment there is now friendly & supportive whereas before her is angry & competitive. We will be sad when our child leaves.

Posted: September 25, 2010

Excellent staff. The leadership offers many problem solving answers. They always work with parents in the community.

Posted: August 24, 2010

This is a fabulous school with such dedicated teachers that really care about our children! The principal is warm, open to suggestions and always makes herself available. The office staff is friendly and helpful as well.

Posted: July 11, 2010

There is such a huge push and strain put on students from Sept. to May to get ready for CST testing, that there is no sense of producing a "lifelong learner". Teachers seem to "only teach to the test", and once CST testing is over the curriculum seems lazy and apathetic. I feel the learning ends in mid-May and the rest of the year is about class parties and field trips.

Posted: August 30, 2009

Posted: May 9, 2009

Posted: March 25, 2008

Posted: December 11, 2007

Posted: September 25, 2007

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Northridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Northridge	CA	2.9 mi
2	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	25.7 mi
3	Foothill Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	28.9 mi
4	Camarillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	29.3 mi
5	Del Prado Town Homes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	30.5 mi
6	RiverPark	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	36 mi
7	Hollywood Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	39.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Central Camarillo	Camarillo	CA	29.3 mi
2	Oxnard	Oxnard	CA	36.3 mi
3	Ventura	Ventura	CA	39.1 mi

Base	Distance
Los Angeles AFB	24.7 mi.
Point Mugu NAS - Naval Base Ventura County	33 mi.
Port Hueneme - Naval Base Ventura County	37.9 mi.
Los Alamitos JFTB	38.2 mi.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station	43.2 mi.

Topeka Charter School For Advanced Studies

Los Angeles, CA 91324

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Topeka Charter School For Advanced Studies

Los Angeles, CA 91324

School Ratings

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