The Westland School

This school is a haven of sanity in the insane, status driven culture of Los Angeles. It is a place where kids can grow and learn in a safe, nurturing environment. The sense of community is extraordinary and stays with you for a lifetime. Kids go on from here to every great middle school in the city, and then matriculate to colleges like Stanford, Columbia, Bard, NYU, Brown, all the UC schools. It's a special place.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is not only learning well academically, but also blossoming socially at Westland. Every school day he is excited and happy to go there. The school is a loving community where minds are taught well and little souls can grow.
—Submitted by a parent

A very special school - parent participation and caring teachers - a progressive education . . the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Westland is a special community which provides a safe, rich and developmental education. My children have gone on to college prepatory high schools and I believe are more prepared to take on the challenges of their next phase of education because of their experiences at Westland.
—Submitted by a parent

If you're wondering where to apply next year the Westland School is an exciting choice. The academic program is active and experiential, with a keen awareness for the children's different learning styles. They are encouraged to explore, discover and ask questions which ultimately leads to a great love of learning. Children actively participate in the work of the group, problem solving and sharing ideas, thus becoming aware of their influence and responsibility not only to each other and the school community but to the outside world as well. Children who graduate from this school are articulate, self-motivated thinkers, well prepared to lead and achieve once they leave Westland. An extremely dedicated parent body also means not only will your children feel part of a nurturing community, but you and your whole family will too.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointing! While located amongst a slew of fantastic college preparatory schools, this progressive ed program is more focused on parental socializing and industry connections, then attending to the intellectual needs of young minds. While they will not tell you this on the tour, the majority of families use tutoring on the side to supplement for an empty curriculum. By the time your child is in '4th grade,' they are far below community standards in terms of standardized test scores and a basic age- appropriate fund of knowledge. Oh, but they can sing well! Each and every week the staff spends an inordinate amount of time focusing on learning songs and playing wooden instruments so that each and every Friday the kids can showcase their 'practical' life skill of performing while their parents are schmoozing. Do not send your child here unless they have special needs that you want to disguise.
—Submitted by a parent

Westland is not only a very nurturing environment but it also develops a love of learning. Everyday my daughter would wake up and be excited about another day of school. Academically it is very strong, my daughter went on to an elite middle and high school as do many other Westland graduates. I know that my daughter looks back on Westland as some of the most enjoyable as well as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Westland will always have a special place in our hearts.
—Submitted by a parent

This school really does live up to its fantastic reputation. You have to commit to the learn process here and have faith that your child will learn all that s/he needs to know by graduation but it does happen. The real gift here is that your child learns how to learn and enjoys the process. Minimal to no focus is placed on test taking.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school in Bel-Air. Safe, clean, good environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Westland was an extraordinary experience for my child, who attended from kindergarden through 6th grade. For those who value progressive education, you cannot find a better place. For those unfamiliar with progressive education, the school is philsophically attuned to John Dewey's theories about education. They believe in experiential learning, and in educating the whole child. And for those who fear that this sort of education leaves students academically unprepared rest assured. Westland regularly sends its graduates to some of the most selective schools in the city.
—Submitted by a parent

Westland provided the most important building block in my child's life. Her positive attitude towards seeking knowledge will forever shape her life. Westland understands and embraces the principles of developmental education. Parental participation underscores a commitment to the process. Children of many talents and abilities learn to appreciates their differences, celebrate each other's abilities, and work together in a non-competitive atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent