Private Preschool / Elementary School in Los Angeles

Curtis School, Los Angeles:
Curtis School is an independent K-6 elementary school at the summit of the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles, serving families in Encino, Santa Monica, Beverly Glen and surrounding communities. Curtis is a family school of happy children, enthusiastic teachers, supportive administrators, and active parent volunteers. Working together in a warm, nurturing environment, we pursue our educational goal of "a sound mind in a sound body governed by a compassionate heart." Curtis offers a traditional academic curriculum while adapting new advances in technology and teaching methods. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning to reach the highest academic potential. We prepare our students for some of the most rigorous secondary schools where Curtis graduates consistently succeed. As a family school, we accept children with a variety of learning styles, requiring a corresponding diversity of teaching methods. We are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Lower Elementary:
The Curtis Lower Elementary offers a traditional academic curriculum beginning in Developmental Kindergarten and through Second Grade. We inspire a love of learning by providing instruction that challenges young minds and develops confidence through problem solving experiences. Our approach fosters the young child's natural curiosity and nurtures a child's emotional and social growth as a foundation for intellectual development.

Teachers in the Lower Elementary focus on helping children develop habits of heart and mind that lead to lifelong learning. We teach children how to incorporate patience, curiosity, perseverance and passion into all that they do. Understanding and practicing the values of kindness, honesty and respect are at the core of all learning. As a family school, we celebrate the richness of a variety of cultures and the unique perspectives that diversity offers. The social and academic development of students is supported by character-building skills that help children succeed long after they leave the Lower Elementary and throughout their lives.

Upper Elementary:
The Curtis Upper Elementary (grades 3-6) comprises approximately 200 students. Each grade level is divided into four self-contained classes consisting of 16 or 17 students and a classroom teacher. The educational needs of the students are met by a combination of twenty-five teachers dedicated to the school's mission of providing a challenging, well-rounded educational experience. The core academic subjects of language arts, math, social studies and science are complemented by specialist classes in art, music or performing arts, and PE as well as a wide range of enrichment opportunities and experiences.

We offer a well-balanced, technologically enhanced, integrated educational program that challenges both the intellect and the imagination in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. Traditional foundational skills, concepts and attitudes required for success in rigorous secondary schools are taught through authentic thematic units in lively and creative ways.

Athletics:
The Curtis School Athletics Department takes great pride in the unique approach we take to introducing competitive sports to our students. It is something we do with care, attention to skill development and sportsmanship and a keen focus on helping children learn how to compete in a culture of camaraderie where both winning and losing have important lessons to learn. We offer football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer and golf.