Stephen S Wise Temple Elementary School

My three children all attend Stephen S Wise What a wonderful school. It offers so much and we have had the most wonderful teachers. My one son is now in the 6th grade and will and wants to attend Milken. How lucky our family is to be involved in such a wonderful community. Strong Teachers, Strong Leadership, Very academic. A+++++++++++++
--Submitted by a parent

The approach at Wise Elementary is VERY TRADITIONAL. While it is also loving and spiritual, it is very much a 'we all color in the lines' kind of experience. Lots of xeroxed workbook pages. The facilities are excellent. The teacher/student ratio is probably among the best in the city. Judaism is an enormous part of the curriculum. Parents need to know this going in. Art is Jewish art. Music is Jewish music. And the practice of Judaism, while called 'Reform,' is certainly on the 'conservative' side.
--Submitted by a parent

I ll tell you what - every child has strong side and weak side. They will give you more challenge if your kid stronger in very simulative way. They approach very individually. Last year my child got sick very badly. Teachers & Principal came to the hospital. Kids wrote every day cards to my child. All parents & kids call us and offered help. Do not worry about snobbish & rich just be open minded and make friends. Academically they are good & very creative teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Milken and I came from Stephen S Wise. Im in 7th grade so obviously, it is my first year of middle school! So far, its fantastic! The transition was so easy and I feel so welcomed. I have so many great friends and absolutely magnificant teachers. We learn Jewish studies as well as hebrew which is great. There is an exceptional advisory program in Milken which takes place every other day. Its a group with 1 or 2 advisors where we share anything and trust anyone. Milken & Stephen S Wise are fabulous schools. Its a great community. Although, most of the people are on the wealthy side (especially in the elementary school), everyone is understandigng and considerate. Truly, I cant imagine a place better/
--Submitted by a student

SSWT Elementary is a fabulous school. I have child who is highly gifted, and one who struggles with a few subjects; for each of my children, the school has gone out of it's way to place my kids in special programs, and to adapt the curriculum to their needs. In seven years, we have had fabulous, caring, imaginative teachers; we had one dud, who is no longer at the school - and what school doesn't have any imperfect teachers? SSWT does not tolerate behavioral issues which result in the distraction of other students and the disruption of the class; frankly, parents aren't paying private-school tuition so our children's education can be interupted and impaired. For the record, our family is not what anyone in LA would call wealthy, yet our family has a wide circle of wonderful friends in the SSWT community. We are extremely happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The values and academic education is wonderful.The teaching is not to the book so it is very creative. SSW has some exceptional teachers and very very small class sizes.Yes, most are wealthy but this is a private school , if you want your child to have friends in lower places there are many public school options. I do not understand why wealth has to be an issue. SSW has an incredible teaching staff and their ppprograms are
--Submitted by a parent

SSWT Elementary is a one-size fits all school. If your child is outside the box in any direction, this school can't handle it. And if your child has trouble, they will circle their wagons, rather than acting as partners to resolve an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

SSWT Elementary is an excellent private Jewish day school (reform). Academically strong. Teachers could be better at teaching math. The children rotate to various specialists throughout the week but remain with the same group of children, with the exception of math. Math placement determines which class the child will be in. Judaic Studies and Hebrew are taught daily and the school day is lengthened to accomodate this (8a - 3:30p). There are a range of teachers - from exceptional to not-so -great. They have been known to fire bad teachers but if your child has one that is little consolation because they generally won't get rid of anyone mid-year. The school community has a high concentration of very wealthy families, which can be quite obnoxious at times.
--Submitted by a parent