Buyer Beware
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7/10/2009
I have twin boys in Middle school. I'm 44 years old and have lived here consistently since the age of 7. So you all need to trust me. I know what I'm talking about.
Avoid Los Angeles like Sarah Palin avoids books.The LAUSD has been ranked in the bottom 10 of all districts in the entire nation. It is corrupt, over crowded, inefficient, out dated, and run by a bunch of air heads. Now that is not to say that the teachers are lousy. In fact, ALL(with the exception of one) have been caring and all around top notch with my kids. Yet they are being pink slipped due to our state's budget crisis and the stress placed upon them, is hurting our students. The young enthusiastic teachers are being forced out, and older ready to retire just give my bennies "teachers" are being kept due to the Teacher Union Bylaws (which by the way, also are corrupt). There are some options like Magnet and Charter Schools. But getting around the games you need to play and finding placement in one is like winning the lottery. There are thousands of applications from parents who can't afford the overpriced LA private schools. There are a very limited number of spots. Have a Special Needs child? Better have a thick skin and a lawyer on retainer. If you can afford a private school. Great. But remember, this town is very shallow. The peer pressure to look like a model starts very young here. I'm not a moralist, in fact I'm quite open minded. But some of these kids in private schools will make you think that they understand the facts of life more than any 30 year old. Personally, I'm hoping to leave. If you don't have kids, and have a thick skin, then yes, LA can be fine. But it's hard town...and very pricey.
Kris | Los Angeles, CA