SJLA - San Jacinto Leadership Academy - San Jacinto, California

ladditza

This school was the worst experience in my life. It's tiring and stressful, teachers expect perfection. I've had experience with not being the most behaved student due to mental issues. If your child has autism, random outbursts, or just energy they can't control, do not enroll them. (MOST NOT ALL) Teachers are not understanding of mental issues and believe every student works the same way.

Military aspect:
I don't mind doing military things but it comes to a point where we are outside in 102 heat marching because someone talked. The pins are absolutely terrible. You can see the criteria of pins on their page. If you fail the pins are out of 200 points in lion time so if you have a problem concerning the pins you better fix it or else your grade is affected. They make it seem as you have a choice to earn the pin but in real life you don't.

General learning:
Learning has never been hard for me but the math classes specifically are absolutely terrible and make no sense. There were nights where I had to watch multiple videos to understand the math they punt me in (I was in advanced math) I asked to be removed from the class but wasn't allowed.

Events:
Although not important in the learning aspect the only good event is the Harvest festival(respectfully). The dances are never 'cool' or 'energized' everyone just sits on the bleachers and eats food. And for me to pay the admission fee for some dance that's not even put effort into is crazy. Free dress is taught to be 'earned' as well as 'spirit weeks' I find it ridiculous we need to earn being able to express your own own style.

Teachers:
The OG teachers who have been here for a while are pretty chill and helpful. Some new and other teachers have some kind of sass and attitude to give you. They LOVE giving detentions and friday school detentions. When you get detention you are sat on a chair in front of the whole cafeteria to write a paper. While everyone basically looks, mocks, and laughs at you (if they are to pay attention to you) I believe it's pretty toxic behavior. but 65% of the time people just look a you and eat.

Personal experience:
I was never a bad student and only earned 1 detention in all my years because of tardiness. I had the best grade I could achieve and never got into trouble. I sadly have to go here against my will and I would rather be ANYWHERE else. It is mentally draining and homework feels endless. In my free time at school I did homework instead of relaxing. It is and overall draining experience

Sports:
The same 5 people play all sports and if you mainly want your kids to earn a scholarship this isn't the right place. Coaches are GOOD they are not the issue at all. Some students don't really try and do it for and extra social hour to go home (track, cross country) specifically.

Overall:
The school expects High school AND Middle school to be crammed into a small area and not complain, I believe they should focus on middle school and not expand if they can't take care of those years properly. Being here were the worst years of my life and I can't appreciate most things about it 2/10 experience, I only appreciate the few friends I made there.

(these are all opinions and personal experiences I have had and how I feel.)

Matthew C. J.

Had a great time when I went there, miss Colonel Sick. Don’t get discouraged by the other reviews, I went through and came out alright no complaints

Marilyn M.

Best school ever!!!! I put my kids here 3 years ago and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. This program of course isn't for everyone, but that doesn't mean the program is any bad! The students here are held to high strict standards, must keep above a 2.0, maintain their uniform, turn work in on time, learn drill and ceremony, and strive in all they do!! Like said, it isn't for everyone, but for those committed to the program, it certainly pays off! A lot of high schoolers in the program have maintained a 4.0!!, counselors work hard in order make sure your student does well, as well as the best admin!!! Also another thing I love is the pinning. Students have to work hard for pins and patches in return for fun field trips set up by the amazing Vollmar , not only will your students have fun here, they will learn respect, discipline, patriotism, and earn an IB diploma, having a good chance of making it to good college!!! SJLA is one of the best if not THE best school in this valley,

Jenny H.

Great students. SJLA is a school of choice. It is an IB world School and sets high expectations for its students. With that comes great opportunities as well, such as the numerous field trips they go on each year. No one is forced to come here, yet people who complain about the school culture and policies choose to keep their enroll students enrolled. I will never understand how people choose to come to the school and then complain about it.

Kristin H.

Great School, Great Teachers, and not too many students in each class. Very respectful except the 8th grade. Plus I love when the security guard tries to run me over.

Bunting S.

SJLA is the top school in the San Jacinto Unified School District.

Isaiah M.

This school is terrible. It makes me wanna drop out of life. The teachers are bad. They never teach, they never cared for the students, and always made school the worse for the kids. They would take any opportunity they had to make you run or embarrass you. I DO NOT RECOMMEND. Save your kids mental health and don’t put them here. and to much homework!

Gacha D.

I hate it here they love embarrassing you and making you feel bad as punishment. I wish I could leave.