Curtis School

I have been to the Curtis School several times over the years as a Caterer at events they gave and can tell you that the place is amazing! From the immaculate grounds and buildings, to the pool and play areas, everything is top notch! The staff all are friendly and seem to love what they do, and the kids seem to love them just as much, from my observances when working there. I wouldn't hesitate to send my children there because I feel the place is safe, well run and the ratio of teacher to students is very low(I believe one teacher told me 14-1). Overall, the school looks like a small college campus and I look forward to my trips there 4-5 times a year!

I graduated Curtis a few years back and have mixed feelings about it and will write my most unbiased review of the school. The Positives: The campus and facilities are spectacular, arguably better than my high school and they have a wonderful athletic program. The school has enough money to bring in great performers for the students and have great field trips, new computers and new technology. The Curtis Fair, and Superstars day are extremely fun and very professionally put together. The Negatives: The student body lacks diversity and the majority of the kids come from very privileged backgrounds $$$$. I did not have any remarkable teachers and did not feel as though they gave enough individual attention for the money. I did not feel a strong community bond at Curtis and many kids had an entitled arrogance as a result of coming from money (as many other westside schools). I did not feel "nurtured" at Curtis. The learning environment felt cold and only the confident smart kids seemed to thrive. Having said all this, I do not think Curtis is for every kid. If you want a more diverse, nurturing and down-to earth school I would say look elsewhere. Curtis is great for some though.

Our three children are currently enrolled in Curtis and my husband and I could not ask for a more nurturing, caring and warm environment for our kids. The academics are excellent, the sports program is phenomenal and the arts and science programs are stellar. Our children could not be happier. Our entire family feels supported and a part of a bigger community at Curtis. The Parents Association is strong and also supported by the Administration. We have found a home at Curtis and know that we will be a part of this family for a very long time.
—Submitted by a parent

Our three children currently attend Curtis and all are extremely happy, well educated and have compassion for their fellow classmates. We started there 8 years ago, and now my oldest is graduating and going to an excellent middle school. Curtis truly embodies what we as parents would like to see for our children...well educated, challenged, in a warm, caring environment where they are known for their individuality. I feel blessed and fortunate that we can send our children to a place like Curtis.
—Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough positive things about Curtis School. We currently have 2 children attending the school and feel so very lucky to be providing them with this incredible educational opportunity. Our children are thriving and look forward to going to school each and every day. From the nurturing and caring teachers to the endless extra curricular opportunities to the beautiful and enormous campus, Curtis has it all. Curtis also provides our family with a wonderful sense of community. The families that attend Curtis all seem to have very similar values and goals for our children. I know our children will leave Curtis as strong, confident and kind young adults and will be prepared for the next school they attend. These qualities will stay with them for a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter both attended Curtis and it was an amazing experience for my daughter who is now in 7th grade at a top school. She thrived at Curtis and took advantage of all it had to offer which was a lot. It was not the right fit for my son and this is the case with each individual student. Finding the right fit for your child at any school is what makes the difference in the experience. My daughter was well prepared for middle school and my son went from being the average student at Curtis to a top student in his class when he transferred to a top rated public school. The public school is a better fit for him though he still has Curtis friends. Being a parent who has now done private and public, I can attest that there are many advantages to private school. Curtis had PE every day with all kids on competing sports teams as they had a no cut policy and broke them into 3 teams. The technology advantages are also vastly different. My daughter had the most amazing education and experience there and my son has thrived in the public school environment but I may move him back to private at MS and hope he will be prepared. If Curtis is a fit for your kid it can't be beat.
—Submitted by a parent

My family went to Curtis over a 10 year period and sadly, we saw the school change from a warm, nuturing environment to a cold, calculated one. A few years ago they changed headmasters to a person, though well educated, has made the school extremly cold as well as all about wealth and celebrity. Many families have been asked to leave over the years because they just didn't measure up in one way or another, though the children had been in the school for many years. Educationally, the school is fair. Curtis prepares the kids well for secondary school though you will not see many Curtis alumm on the National Merit lists. The education is middle of the road and could certainly be more rigorous though it would ipiss off many of their celebrity clientel. These parents do not like to deal with arduous hoework. There is no language program also which is not good for a school this expensive.
—Submitted by a parent

As a therapist and educational researcher, I toured a broad range of top private school ranging from progressive such as Wildwood, Westland and UCLA lab school to more traditional such as JTD, Brentwood, and those in between (Center for Early Education, Oakwood, etc). Our daughter was offered admission to all of the schools to which we applied. We chose Curtis because it has by far the best resources from academic preparation, social development and support, athletics, arts, campus, student teacher ratio, and more. I now have 2 children at Curtis who love school and are thriving! There are amazing science, art, music, athletic, community service and multi-cultural activities which occur regularly. Technology is an important focus and the faculty are highly knowledgeable. It seems that Headmaster Peter Smailes has taken the school in a great direction. This is a school which encourages parent involvement in many ways, primarily with their children. When you come on campus during the day, you can see that the kids work hard and play hard. Middle school outplacement is excellent. Kids leave Curtis very smart, well rounded and confident for the next chapter.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that Curtis is the finest elementary school around. There is terrific balance between academics, athletics and other activities. The school is very focused on producing balanced, well-adjusted kids and the students are well-prepared for secondary school. The current headmaster is an absolute gem and knows the nearly 400 kids well. I am amazed by how well the teachers know my children and have been consistently impressed by how my twin sons have been placed with the right teachers for them. I cannot recommend Curtis highly enough!
—Submitted by a parent

Curtis school is a great school and it is the best all you haters out there have know idea what you are talking about! It has great academics, staff, athletics, and more. It is the best school ever

I went to this school, and I had a really tough time, until I switched to a really great school. This school is cold, and all about money. The people are unpleasant and don't care about children's individual needs. If you aren't really wealthy, your child won't 'fit in'. Unless you want to switch schools mid-year, don't go to this school.
—Submitted by a student

We had 2 kids at Curtis and felt that they did not adequately prepare our oldest for secondary school. Their middle school program (7th & 8th) has been eliminated as of last year, I believe. She was woefully unprepared for the rigorous demands of high school. Curtis, to me, felt like it was lacking a heart and a soul. It was all about money; those with deep pockets were treated more favorably. It was lacking warmth and nurturing and seemed very materialistic and superficial.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the Curtis school is a fantastic school. My child genuinely enjoy learning because school is fun and interesting. The education is individualized. The student-teacher ratio is very low. In the lower grades, there are essentialy 2 lead teachers per class (22 students). In 4-6th grade, there are only 16 students per class. What truly sets Curtis aside is the school's ability to instill confidence both socially and academically in its students. In addition, the athletic, art, music, and drama programs are superb. I feel truly fortunately to have my child attend Curtis.
—Submitted by a parent

The Curtis School is a truly fantastic school. Our son started school in the second grade this year. Our son loves it. The teachers, administration, parents, and other kids are warm, friendly, and welcoming. New families are assigned a 'buddy family.' Our buddy family was incredilbly helpful and made us feel a part of the school instantly. And eventhough the school is relatively large, the administration makes the effort to know you and your child personally from the start. The administration and teachers have a deep understanding of education and they are very attuned to the importance of developmental issues in assuring academic success. The curriculum is very well thought out and also individualized to the needs of the children. In addition to the academic programs, the athletics, art, and music programs are fantastic. We could not be happier with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter at Curtis School and have had an exceptional experience as regards academics, athletics, nurturing of social skills, character development and strong sense of community. There is emphasis on citizenship, poise, politeness, charity, and self-reliance. The graduating class of Curtis has consistently placed remarkably well in the best secondary schools in Los Angeles. Admittedly, in a school which is relatively large (and on a 24 acre campus) for a private elementary school, there will be a few exceptions within the Curtis ' family ' that may not place well, very rarely not place at all (as in less than 1 percent), and understandably but inappropriately some may offer a negative review to anyone that will listen, however the vast majority of families at Curtis are bullish on Curtis. Our biggest regret: not being able to stay at Curtis for an additional six years.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been a Curtis family for 3 years and are generally happy with the education our child has received. Curtis lacks the warmth one would hope to see in a private school. It's quite frankly in large part about the money $$. If Curtis would just implement a bit of nurturing with less emphasis on the superficial, our children would greatly benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

The Curtis School certainly has a beautiful campus but I have severe criticism for their academic standards.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter entered her school lifeat Curtis School in third grade. She felt welecomed by her peers. As a new parent I was given plenty of oppotunity to become involved with The TPA. Curtis School is a nurturing and loving school environment for children who want to learn about the world and within the community. Learning is challenging and yet fun according to our daughter. There is a wonderful school spirit! Curtis students learn the meaning of sportsmanship through an active Physical Education Department. The fields trips are amazing! The Science Department opens up curious minds . The Music department is so inspiring. It has an award winning choir and orchestra. Under the leadership of our beloved Headmaster and all of the divisional Headmasters, Curtis School has goals for our children so that they will succeed in the future. The teachers teach great academisc. Most importantly, the values that are taught and stressed at Curtis School are important for getting along in the world! Curtis School children have integrity, honesty and love for their parents and fellow students. I would like to invite all prospective parents to contact the school and find out about Curtis School. Sincerely yours, L.Ackerman
—Submitted by Laurie Ackerman, a parent

Curtis' mission is to educate the whole child. Given that, sports activities as well as activities in the arrts and music abound. Parents are involved in volunteer activities as well as fundraising. An enourmous fair is put on entirely by parent volunteers each year. The education is excellent and students go on to a variety of highly selective secondary schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a 6th grade student at Curtis who's about to graduate, and I think that it's a wonderful school. The teachers really want you to learn, and if you don't get something, they'll set up a study session with you. The sports program is also great. When I first came to Curtis, I was terrible at sports. Now, I'm actually kind of good! There are lots of great extra activities such as Drama, Debate, the swim team, Choir, and more.
—Submitted by a student