Middle Schools to Hold Open Houses

With two weeks left to choose, parents of fifth- and sixth-graders will get a chance in the next few days to take a closer look at the district’s three middle schools.

The fall semester will begin the third year that Simi Valley parents will be allowed to choose whether their youngsters attend sixth grade at a middle school or at the local elementary school. While the curriculum is the same, some parents prefer the advanced social environment at a middle school.

The deadline for selection is March 1, so the schools will hold their open houses this week to give parents and prospective students firsthand looks at what they have to offer.

Valley View will hold tours today and Wednesday, Sinaloa on Wednesday, and Hillside on Thursday. All visits will take place from 9 to 11 a.m.

“It gives us an opportunity to show we’re much more of a children-centered facility than the old junior high schools used to be,” said Donald Gaudioso, Sinaloa’s principal.

Gaudioso said about 25% of the sixth-graders in the area served by Sinaloa attend middle school.