Private School in Pacific Palisades, CA

St. Matthews Parish School:
St. Matthews Parish School in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, CA, is an Episcopal co-educational day school for preschool through to grade 8. At St. Matthew's, we believe we have created a very special school. Blessed with inquisitive and thoughtful students, outstanding and caring teachers, and helpfully involved parents, the school offers a unique blend of seemingly contradictory attributes that make it special in so many ways.

Education Programs:

Parent-Infant / Toddler Program:
St. Matthew’s offers a Parent-Toddler course for parents who have children age three and younger. In addition, we offer Toddler Extension classes, which meet 2 or 3 afternoons a week for children age two to three.

Toddler Bridge Classes:
St. Matthew's offers Toddler Bridge Classes for those children who are not yet age-eligible for preschool and who would benefit from a more independent program. Bridge Classes provide a safe and positive bridge - first steps - from parent-toddler programs to the greater independence of preschool.

Preschool Program:
St. Matthew’s preschool is located in the heart of the campus’ pastoral setting. Four classrooms and three spacious play areas provide an arena where three- and four-year-old children are introduced to developmentally appropriate activities and concepts. We believe young children gain a sense of their identity and self-worth when they explore at their own pace and experience success at their developmental level.

Learning at this age is through experiential interactions with materials, ideas and other people. Play is one of the major ways in which young children learn about the world around them. Through play, children learn about language, develop intellectual concepts, build social relationships and understandings, strengthen physical skills and deal with stress.

Kindergarten - 4th Grade Program:
St. Matthew’s elementary school consists of one class at each grade level and operates under the leadership of the Principal for Preschool – 4th Grade. Each class is self-contained and team-taught. Team teaching provides the children with a home base and two teachers with whom students can develop a close bond. The two full-time teachers work together and share their expertise to build a dynamic learning environment at each of these grade levels.

Having two master teachers at each grade creates a synergy where one plus one will actually equal more than two. Homeroom teachers have access to “break-out rooms” which allow teachers to work with smaller groups and/or individuals.

Middle School / 5th - 8th Grade Program:
After mastering the introductory skills of the elementary years, a student is ready to develop more disciplined methods of organizing time, pursue subjects in greater depth, and are developing understanding of self and ones place in the world. One of the key elements of a St. Matthew’s education is the age appropriate experiences that facilitate the development of character, leadership skills, and new interests and talents.

Other Programs Include:
- Special and Enrichment Programs
- After School Programs
- Summer School