Ivy Bound Academy of Math, Science, and Technology Charter Middle

Ivy Bound Academy sits in Sherman Oaks, a pleasant San Fernando Valley neighborhood of tree-lined streets and suburban calm just over the hill from Hollywood, but families considering it should go in with clear eyes — the school's academic performance, particularly in English, trails well behind most California middle schools. That said, its STEM-focused charter mission may appeal to families looking for a smaller, specialized environment for a student who thrives more in math and science than in language arts. It's worth visiting and asking hard questions about classroom culture and support systems before committing.