18 Best Mfa Programs In Mission Viejo, CA (2022 Updated)

I attended their physical therapist program for a semester and a half (after being offered a fellowship). I have to say, it was one of the most disorganized things i've ever witnessed in my entire life and one of the worst experiences of my life. Luckily, i realized early enough to bail after paying only $40,000. No written policies/procedures for 3 months (they were running late), hard to access labs (you have to be friends with another student, its a "social thing" per administration. Problem is, i dont drink, i dont really like ping pong, and i dont want to date someone in the program, although there were several couples enrolled together in the program. Administration views this as "professional behavior".). There is so much bs, i couldn't possibly fit it all here. If wild conflict of interest is your thing, then this is the place for you. Chapman's mascot is a panther, perhaps their motto is "Chapman University – Where education is predatory."Craig Zach

As always, campus is lovely. I was very impressed by the fact that they maintained the beautiful landscaping and fountains even during the pandemic when they had no students there. Now the people are back, and it is autumn, they have once again shown a beautiful smaller campus…the potential. Lot of people trampling around on the campus and they are still keeping up the appearance. As far as the school is concerned I don't have all that much contact but they certainly seem to have a nice crop of students. The law school however is still suffering significantly, at least among those of us in the field, from their association with John Eastman, he of the Trump insurrection fame. I don't know how that will pan out for them. Still…. Worth a wander amount the grounds & the fountains with a coffee.James F. Haas

The campus is calm and lovely with a colorful taste of student life. The long standing history of the school provides a global perspective for all students. The support staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The facility is nice and clean. There are reasonable varieties of selections in cafeteria for all meals. Overall, I had a great experience attending a three-day conference on campus hosted by the NCACLS and SCCCS on campus.Bianca Chang

The University campus is beautiful and full of fresh air and bright sunshine. The facility management and security systems are awesome. Everybody is so kind and helpful here that it stands tall on its claim of creating value through inclusiveness and by nurturing fundamental human qualities of courage, compassion and wisdom. I hope, wish and pray for every member of this community to live a truely contributive life and make this world a better place.Vineet

The scenery of Soka is amazing in the early mornings and at sunset. The place is flourished with all sorts of plants. The food is amazing and the Dorms are high ceilings and spacious. I love coming here every summer for music programs, the campus is very homey and super welcoming. The architecture is gorgeous, especially the performance hall and the fountain out in the front.Arianna Rodriguez

Beautiful campus. It’s our first time to visit. It’s in the summer, only a few students are on campus. We walk through the main campus for an hour. Quiet and clean, a nice place for the students studying here.Zhiqian Dong

My sister and I have been attending Mission Art Center for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good thoughts about it. Being able to take time out of our busy schedules and paint for a couple hours enables us to relax and have time to not worry about anything and just focus on the painting. Ms. Shabnman is always there to help her students and wants her students to learn the techniques of drawing and painting. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interesting in painting or wants their children to start painting. Painting is such an amazing talent to have and with the help of this class, my sister and I are improving after each and every class.Armine Martirosian

Mission Art Center is one the best Art schools which I am taking my daughter to this center and her improvement in 6 months was so amazing, everyone is amazed of her Art work, I love the environment, so relaxing and everyone can focus good at their work. Thanks to Shabnam the director and manager of this school and two other teachers they teach very good and they are very patient and nice with students, they teach important and real techniques of drawing and painting with easy way. I highly recommend this Art school for who wants to take Art lessons.Farnoosh Rostami

I have been taking oil painting at the Mission Art Center for about three years now and I really enjoy it. It is a very relaxing environment and Shabnam is a wonderful teacher. She is very good at demonstrating exactly what you need to do – how to mix colors, how to make the correct brush strokes. She is very patient and attentive to the needs of every student.I have learned a lot and would highly recommend the Mission Art Center.ChicanoLatino FacutlyStaffAsso

My daughter and son have been taking classes for several years. Initially it was my daughter idea, as she is the "performer" of the family. My son has always been shy. My daughter flourished in her classes. She studies with Jeff Celentano, Pamela Peak & Johnny Timko. I was impressed by their resumes. These people have done some amazing work in the industry, big films with major stars and won major awards. After bringing my daughter for a while, Brianne suggested that I let my son try a class. He was reluctant at first, but he went into Johnny's class and I had my fingers crossed. Well that was an amazing two hours! He loved it and now he's hooked. It has completely changed him. He's not shy anymore. His teachers asked me what the heck have I done to Jason! Serious, I cannot say enough good things about this group. Their classes are amazing. Their pricing is beyond easy on your budget. They work with you with your schedule. The teachers are INCREDIBLE!!! Their summer camps are fun too. When we can fit it in during the summer – we book a week or two. Our family loves The Performer's Academy.Gigi Starvos

This is the best acting school ever. My son loves coming here. He has made friends and loves the teachers. This is his home away from home. All the children are taught to work together and cheer each other on. This school teaches a sense of self and builds self confidence. My son had to do an oral report in 2nd grade. A parent volunteer told me that he ran away with the class. 3rd grade play. 4 different parents tapped me on the shoulder to compliment my sons self confidence.. This comes from the various acting classes he has taken. The owner Natalie has put her heart and soul into this business. She reaches out on behalf of her students. In addition to running this business, she gives back to the community. All in all, this has been a positive experience for us.Ramonda Harling

As per my daughter, classes are boring. We live close enough that we thought we'd give this a shot because our child really loves to act. She is also a dancer. Unfortunately, we quickly realized that this wasn't for her.The classes are repetitive and low energy. The teachers don't really care about the kids having fun. So, she simply hates it. Also they tell you they help you get an agent, but I haven't met any family whose kids got hired by one! I have to say that because our kid hates it, we weren't there for very long. But it's all seems really pointless. BY the way, once you pay them, they keep your money.Steven Ty

This will be our final year after 17 years @ St Marys. Both my boys started attending when they were 2 years old & we never looked back. Our longevity at the school should be review enough. The teachers teach from the heart. They get to know each student & teach to that student accordingly. When I started looking into schools back oh so long ago, I knew I wanted a faith based school, but I wanted one that touched upon faith. St Marys does this. So much so that there are many students of many faiths that attend & are welcomed with open arms!! I will forever be an advocate for St Marys my children have received a wonderful education & on top of it have become global citizens & thinkers. We have been blessed.Lori Evans

Amazing school with top notch educators. The IB program is exactly what every child needs to be prepared for the world and not just an Orange County bubble. They excel in academics and are ahead of other schools in every grade level. This school is worth every penny as it had built my child's foundation for life. I can't say enough great things about St. Mary's. Please contact me if you would like more details.Jennifer Ann

St Mary’s has been wonderful for my 4 children that have attended. They are well prepared for high school and more importantly, life. St Mary’s stresses important skills like public speaking and caring about your community along with a strong academic program. We are not religious and that has not been a problem. The chapel is more about caring for others and our world than religious rituals.Anne Marie McNeill

Meant to post this sooner. Alas…. I didn't. As a future fashion King, I felt it necessary that I obtain a quick hands on tutorial on screen printing, to build on foundation with future triumph (see that? Spartacus-talk). This place is quite entertaining simply to walk through. Jameson lamps, a Logan's Run poster on the wall, and plenty of saws to ensure that you'll be prepared to amputate should Johnny Reb sneak over the rise and put a lead ball in your leg. Niko, our teacher, was greatly knowledgeable on the subject at hand, answered our numerous, numerous questions, and let the class have fun and make print things. I printed a polar bear holding a skill saw that looked suspiciously like a toilet seat. Go here and learn something. Or be forever lame.Vickie Sintia

I signed my wife up for drawing classes. In her first class the instructor was inattentive and was not positive in the feedback he gave her. We requested to be reimbursed for the future lessons we paid for which was permitted by there policy. After two weeks of multiple messages not being returned and not receiving the promised reimbursement by Erica in Finance we spoke to "Boz". Boz was equally unhelpful and unprofessional on the phone. Ultimately we got our refund but I would not recommend this business unless they made some changes.Troy Gielish

My son has been going here for a while – and the work that he's done is really remarkable! I wouldn't recommend it for kids under 8 – I don't think they have the eye/hand coordination yet. But, with my eldest son, it's been a real treat. In fact, my sister-in-law asked where we got one of the pictures he did – she thought we had bought the picture!Rachel Pradhan

It is so nice to be at a University in which the teachers are Christians. The students don't ask you "What party are you going to this weekend?". Instead, they ask you what church are you going to this weekend. The teachers are very personable and they made me feel comfortable transferring from a small community college into the University life. They gave me one-on-one help and encouraged e through my first semester. I am so happy I went here instead of U.C Irvine or Cal State Fullerton. I know that attending here will strengthen my faith and advance me in my academic career. I HIGHLY suggest looking at the campus and considerate it for you future, for both here and the after life.Laren Littlefield

Vanguard University is an excellent university offering high quality and affordable academic options for both traditional undergraduates and adults seeking to complete their degrees. It also offers master's degrees. This is certainly one of the best kept secrets in Orange County.Renea Brathwaite

This school is an amazing place to grow in yourself, with God and with community. The faculty at this school desire to help you with anything personal and academic. This is a great place to grow and be challenged, but not if you plan on staying the same and not learning.Gloria Merrick

This school has turned into a dump-truck. I returned back after a few years hiatus in my education. Both classes used the McGraw Hill Connect book and online learning system. Such a huge failure for teachers and the education system as a whole. The algorithms are off and the system rarely addresses test/quiz materials. The teachers at the school are disengaged and offer little to enhance the cheap program they forced us to purchase. I can’t believe this is even a college accredited program anymore. This program not only risks students also becoming disenchanted with their education, it takes away from true educators’ value in the community college system.Kelly Roberts

The BEST satellite school EVER! This is a very good school to start your first two years then transfer to a university or school that specializes in your needs. My favorite teacher is Professor Farnsworth! He is horticulture 101 and more when I was there a few years ago. He never questioned my extra needs to record audio because of my disability and NEVER judged me. Super nice Professor yest still very professional. I learned ALOT in his class even I thought I already knew everything I needed already about farming. He should me the science behind mother nature's magic 🎩.Jason Grammer

This is an amazing community College. I travel far to get here, because they aren't just an excellent school, but also like a family. The staff treats you warmly. You feel truly cared for.Elite Branding

I was casually minding my own business walking around the canyon waiting for my smog to finish. I enter the LCAD parking lot and right away I am eyed down by a security guard who tells me I need to leave now. There’s no one on sight and I’m not even walking around the buildings. He was a little bit peaceful just a little but I could tell he could get ugly. All I know is I am done with LCAD. I will not recommend to anyone and whenever I get a chance in my artist career to not use LCAD you had better believe I will choose not to use that service. LCAD is no bueno.I have lived in laguna for 20 years and plan on staying around for much more.gcking

Special place. Charcoal, acrylic and hopes embellish your beginnings here. Don't take or accept the English class, get that credit elsewhere, if currently offered. Your love of art, to make art, will only carry you through the first phases of learning… here it's possible to polish your focus. On the business side, you should be visualing your future income your said new skills will earn often and frequently. May you be God's luck!El Nogo

I'm in 8th grade and I already know I'm going to go here when I'm old enough. This looks and sounds like my dream art college.MachoApollo

If you can have surgery at any other hospital, I would suggest giving it some serious thought. My husband went in for DBS. In the preop area, the surgeon NEVER came to see him. Anesthesia was starting to wheel him out of the preop bay when I asked if the surgeon was coming. With great surprise, anesthesia said, the surgeon hasn’t been in? Would you like to see the surgeon? As an OR nurse for 35 years, it has always been required that the surgeon see the patient in the preop area. Anesthesia and nursing said they would have the surgeon see him. They came back asking if it was okay for the resident to come rather than the surgeon. Although I have not seen that done in all my years, I said, sure (only because my husband was having brain surgery and I didn’t want to upset anyone before surgery). The nurse came back and said, can the resident just call you? Again, I said sure for the same reason; however, in my mind, I was extremely upset by this. The following week, my husband went in for the 2nd surgery. They told him nothing to eat after midnight for a 4:30pm surgery. Astounding that they don’t know the appropriate information to give patients. Good thing I am an OR nurse and was able to tell him he could eat breakfast. At the hospital for the second surgery, he was told to arrive at 2:30PM. At 3:00pm I asked for a status of when they would be taking him back to the preop area for which I was told 30 minutes. At 3:45 I asked again and asked if they could call preop. The girl at the desk was refusing to call again telling me they were very busy. There was no consideration for the patient waiting in the lobby who is used to eating something every hour. I explained that if she couldn’t call preop, she would need to call the nursing supervisor to explain why. It took that to get her to call. While my husband was a patient during thee first due, the neuro ICU staff was fantastic! Although you don’t come to the hospital for the food, he said it was absolutely awful!Lisa Casanova Sidoti

UCI has a true potential to be a great university. I helped build up the Engineering School. In particular the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, curriculum, labs, graduate program, the undergraduate senior year program, and served as the faculty member of the LRDP, long range development plan, the results of which you see with the growth to current size. However, the systemic academic corruption, seriously corrupt professors and corrupt leadership has been keeping the university struggling to achieve its potential. Deadwood professors, incompetent school Dean's, department chairs and senior management is incessant and covered by institutional corrupt culture. Simple reasons I did not last there.BEHNAM Bavarian

Large shopping center right next to the University of California at Irvine. There are mostly food stores at this shopping center but also a theater. Since it is right next to a large university parking can be tight and they strictly enforce the time limits. Also the Irvine police hang around looking for illegal turns and cell phone use while driving. Parking is especially tight around lunch and late afternoon, sometimes I have had to park far away from where I was going. Keep an eye out for the young drivers as the are often distracted. The university student pedestrians are even worse, they are completely oblivious to cars.Anthony Smith

WE LOVE THIS SCHOOL! They excel in not only athletics, but scholastically as well. In addition, we have been very pleased with how they handed down discipline when necessary. We really have nothing bad to say regarding this school and are very proud to have our kids attendDavid Baker

Like the school a lot, not the mascot. Don't understand why the school district will approve such a thing. Why should anyone want to be associated with devils? But it is still a really great school. My son graduated there and now my daughter is still there.Yin Lu

I can't believe this school will allow these 'fidget spinner' toys at school. They are ruining our children's lives and they are turning them into wannabe edgy teenagers who want to be cool but never will be.Equinox

This review is specific to the High School Theatre. We have seen a few shows here and they have a very nice facility with great lighting and sound. The only negative is that the parking lot is a bit small so do not be surprised if you need to walk a bit when coming here for a sporting event or other large gathering.C.J. Land

I would admit it that I have never had attended a play before, but as of tonight, I would be a fan of it. A play called living out at UCI school of Arts. An illegal alien mother tried to blend in this society by getting a job as a caretaker so that to earn enough money to bring her other kid from Guatemala over. Her husband also worked odd jobs so they could save the money. In the end , by saving her employers child but could not saved her own. The actors of this play were awesome and well prepared and professional. The storyline was excellent and easy to comprehend especially with today’s climate and political highly unpopular. This was a very interesting story with people from different backgrounds and customs, it was an excellent writer and also superb acting by the cast members, also with those people the scenes…Jimmy Anh Truong

The buildings may seem plain and the campus is small compared to the rest of the school but there is always something new to see, hear, or encounter within the hallways, classrooms, and non event times. There are many small galleries and theaters open to the public. Each building is larger on the inside as those exploring would find new areas, sights and paths. The campus will seem plain during the day but has the prettiest lights at night. Film students can often be found filming here, especially late at night. The ticket office can be found near the cafe while department offices can be found at the Mesa Parking lotMurphy Chu

We went to see a primarily duet classical piano performance. Considering that the performers ranged from young to old mostly being students and non professionals the performance was wonderful. The professor did a nice job giving background information about each piece.Gene Greene

Love going to McKinney Theatre – close to home, small venue, no hassles. Where can one attend a play of Shakespeare's Hamlet for $10.00? A short and 'sweet' play by a promising group of young performers!Graciosa Machado

It is a smaller theater but that just means all the seats are great. The show was fantastic and the theater was clean. We will definitely be going to see a show there again.Jessica Cooper

The student-run Catalyst Undergraduate Art Gallery is an absolute treat! In the first in-person undergraduate show in a year and a half, the Catalyst board showed tremendous preserverance and vulnerability projecting their own artwork onto the walls of the Art buildings while recruiting their classmates for future shows. The event was immersive, vivid, moving. As a professional showcase for student work, Catalyst demonstrates the commitment of UC Irvine and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts to student development and success, and the ingenuity and motivation of the student body.Jim Kennedy

Roski's a decent art school. I took an introductory design class here, and appreciated the seriousness and intensity of the teaching. Yet it seemed they were trying a bit too hard to be taken seriously, judging art by some arbitrary "elite" standard. This seems like a more traditional art school, one that teaches the classical disciplines of painting and sculpture rather than a place for experimental work. They favor students who've already proven themselves with natural talent. I left my class here a bit miffed, a bit discouraged. I had received a pretty low grade, especially given the amount of work I put in. They want people who are already artists. That means they don't want a considerable portion of the student body.Casey Penk

A great place to get your creative juices flowing. Terrarium class = super fun little piece of cool-ity you can take home, nice people. Katie explained everything well so replication at home is possible. Definitely would love to try other things here.Ora Bishop