Turning Point School

This is our fourth year at Turning Point and we feel that choosing Turning Point was one of the best decisions we ever made. The teachers, the curriculum, the academics, the sports/art/music/spanish programs, parental involvement, the school ethos, the culture as well as the environment are beyond comparison the absolute best in Los Angeles. An outstanding school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished her first year in the primary program. We chose the school for the strong faculty and the nurturing environment that they provide. Found the entire community very welcoming and supportive. Great program and highly recommended.
--Submitted by a parent

We just finished our first year at this school. I say 'we' because there is a strong emphasis on the entire family being actively involved in the school. Deborah Richman is a strong, maternal leader who has assembled an outstanding team of faculty and support staff. Our daughter completed primary (preschool) and will be continuing into the K1 program next year. One of the things I have appreciated about the school is its emphasis on making the children feel as though it is a second family for the children. The teachers, staff and students all treat each other with respect, and genuine care. Our daughter loves going to school, loves everyone there and feels loved in return. I also need to single out Maggi, the head of admissions. As the gatekeeper she has a knack for choosing families that are a great match for each other and the school. We've had the pleasure of meeting with a lot of fellow parents and everyone is simply great. No extreme philosophies, just great sensible people.
--Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to read that the parent who gave this school 2 stars had a bad experience. Considering all of the other reviews seems to have the same experience as myself, perhaps this just wasn't a good match for that family. The staff, teachers, and students at Turning Point are awesome! The fact that the school not only emphasize strong academics but also how to prepare their students to take on the challenges of the world beyond their school years, is something that is very rarely found at any school I have researched or been a part of. The love, support and caring found at this school is unbelieveable. I'm happy to be a part the Turning Point family.
--Submitted by a parent

The love of learning is stressed at this school. Teachers are great. My daughter looks forward to going to class.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school. It perhaps flies a little below the radar because it is not purely 'academic' or purely 'developmental.' Instead, it offers an approach that is a mix of the two. So parents that are religious about a free-thinking, developmental style of education probably find the school too academically-oriented for their tastes. Conversely, those that value academic challenge above all may find the school does not strictly go in that direction either. But for the parent that wants a balanced approach for their child or children, the school is ideal.
--Submitted by a parent

I have looked at all kinds of schools in Los Angeles, both public and private, and nothing compares to Turning Point. It is academic without using outdated and uncreative traditional methods like memorizing, lecturing and testing. Turning Point values the whole child and respects children's strengths be it academic, creative, social or physical. Turning Point students are 'Well Prepared' and graduate as confident learners who know who they are, how best they learn and where they want to go for higher education. The only problem with Turning Point is getting in. The admission process can be tough and disappointing even for A list celebrities. Good luck!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been so impressed with this school and the staff. There is not only a strong academic presence, but the school also emphasizes a strong 'sense of character' and an appreciation for the community. It is diverse, with families from different socio-economic backgrounds. The Middle School is small but growing, and there is a general sense of respect amongst the kids. Spanish starts at the preschool level (which is rare), and the afterschool classes are numerous and reasonably priced. The school has 2 main fundraisers, and does not pressure you to donate the way other private schools do. (this may or may not work in their favor) Overall, we have found this school to provide a very well rounded education for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school at all levels. My son, now in 8th grade, has been a student there since K. It takes seriously its mission to develop well-rounded, well-prepared students. Strong academics: lots of solid writing and research instruction, my son has been taking Latin for two years, outstanding science curriculum with the opportunity for travel-study in middle school. The school has a great athletic and arts program as well, and they don't just cater to the strongest kids in these fields--the teachers and coaches work really hard to develop ALL children. It's a caring atmosphere--parents get lots of feedback and information about their children. The middle school is fantastic. It's small, but it offers big school opportunities in a safe environment while the kids are navigating through early adolesence. As for fundraising, yes, they do it, but no more than any other private school in Los Angeles.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child joined TP in middle school and it is an amazing program thanks to its dedicated teachers, small class sizes and the wide-variety of subjects covered. We loved our public school for an elementary education, but knew our child needed art, music, drama, a foreign language, integrated learning between subjects, science labs and enthusiastic math teachers in order to stay passionate about learning during the middle school years. Our public middle school had large classes, overwhelmed teachers and no art or music. We also wanted to end the constant memorization that subtitutes for teaching in public school and see our child become an inquisitive, independent thinker. If you are committed to your child's education, fund raising is necessary. The # of fund raising events is slightly less at this private school than our former public school. And everyone just gives to the best of their ability in time and money.
--Submitted by a parent