Village School, Inc.

Both my kids went through Village. There is a lot to like: many of the teachers are good. A couple are great (Mr. Johnson is the kind that can inspire a kid for life). The kids are generally nice and the parents are probably more relaxed than at some other westside schools, making for a pleasant daily experience. The biggest issue is that the academic program doesnt keep up with the other schools and it shows in the placement process. Furthermore the 3 ladies that run the school (Nora, Barbara, and Sue) just aren't very interested in improving the reputation/placement process/academics so that while they do place some kids at the top schools they can't deliver the kids to their school of choice. Each year many families leave upset with where their kids are going to school. (Mine dont fall into this camp fyi..but I worked very hard outside of the Village program to get my kids where we thought they belonged.) Also, in out experience any parent that has had a point of difference with the school has been met with a strong defensive reaction from Nora. She is not open to questioning or dissatisfaction.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm glad to see I'm not the only parent who made the mistake of buying into the Village School hype. The head of school and most of the teachers are unimpressive and all they care about is money and their public image. Do not put your kids in Village School, it's a joke!
—Submitted by a parent

When I enrolled my children at Village School, I did so because it is truly one of the only private schools proximate to homes in Pacific Palisades. In hindsight, my kids would have been better served riding the bus. The school administration is C-Team at best and their success rate for middle school placements is terrible. There are a handful of teachers who are very good, but you need to know who they are in advance and lobby hard for your children to be seated in their classes. In fact, after my children transferred to a different private school, they ended up so far behind that we had to make special arrangements to help get them caught up. This was evidenced by the results from their Village School ERB tests, with some sections of the test neither taught nor addressed in the classroom. If you are terrified by the thought of sending your children to public school and you have no other private school options, you should choose Village School. Otherwise, if you have another private school choice, talk to parents of Village School alumni, and take the time to meet the administrators. You only will have yourself to blame if you don t.
—Submitted by a parent

As the years have gone by, unfortunately the administration cares only about where kids are being placed. Thus, the school has moved from progressive to highly traditional and test-oriented. If your child is in the mean, the school is fine, if stodgy and traditional. If your child has any special needs, the administration will give lip service to accommodating your child but will be unhelpful.
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to Village School, Harvard-Westlake, and is now at Harvard University. The administration and teachers are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Village school is hands down an outstanding school. I became a member vs a user of this site just so I could write a response to the last couple of reviews which seem obviously written by 1 person with an axe to grind. How does this person know 5 reviews were removed unless they wrote them all. The head of Village has her masters degree in education. My children have received a great academic education AND a great education in how to be a responsible human being. The kids place at all the top schools and go on to be leaders at those schools in sports, student council, debate and the arts. I have seen it and experienced it. The school is extremely upfront about allowing children to retest depending on the subject if they did poorly. If that's not for you choose one of the super traditional schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I notice that GreatSchools continues to remove many of the unfavorable reviews for this school. It is amazing to me that an organization that claims to be unbiased and present accurate parent reviews is really just a place for schools to market themselves. Village School was a terrible experience for our family, from the unqualified teaching staff all the way up to the Head of School who claims to be a "20 year teaching veteran" when in fact public records show otherwise. There have been at least 5 unfavorable reviews for this school that have been removed by GreatSchools. Lets see if this one stays up. Avoid this school at all costs!
—Submitted by a parent

Truly one of the worst school experiences ever. Unqualified teachers, uncaring staff. Need I say more?
—Submitted by a parent

I've had 2 children go through Village School and truly can't understand the last 2 reviews. My children were very fortunate to attend this outstanding school. I guess my advice to parents is check out each school and make your choices based on what you see and what you hear from parents that actually attend the school. We're very fortunate in LA to have so many amazing choices for schools and I believe this is one of the best
—Submitted by a parent

When my husband's job brought us to Pacific Palisades, we thought we did a thorough job reviewing the local private schools. We picked Village because we felt it met all our criteria. Wow, were we wrong. The administration is so far behind current methodology - it's frightening. They spend far more time walking around the town square then they do at school or with the children. I doubt the Head can identify any child by name, unless their parent is a huge financial donor. It was a incredible disservice to our children to place them at Village. Most of the teachers are not qualified to teach and don't seem to understand children. The curriculum is average at best and is taught the same way it was when my parents were in school. Go with your first instinct meeting the administrators. Run, don't walk away from this overrated school.
—Submitted by a parent

Village school creates an environment where each child is treated and valued as an individual and is not afraid to be who they are. Village provides a very nurturing and safe environment where children can be themselves and excel socially and academically. I have 2 children at the school and both have had amazing teachers who are highly qualified and have been so supportive in helping my children achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Besides the academics, the art and music programs stimulate and motivate my children tremendously! We are so lucky to be a part of village school
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have 2 children enrolled at Village School (lower/upper grades). The school continues to provide a full, engaging curriculum at all levels - embracing a more developmental approach for the lower grades, and moving to a more traditional format for the upper grades. More importantly for these younger years, the school provides a nurturing environment where individuality is championed.
—Submitted by a parent

We joined the Village Family six years ago and have enjoyed every year. Our oldest child graduated last year and is currently attending a wonderful secondary school (our first choice), thanks to Village School. Comments from our secondary school administration have been positive in that our child was prepared academically and socially. Village School provides a balanced program which includes music, technology, art, Spanish, and science along with academic studies. When asked why we commute to school we live across town it s because Village School was our first and only choice for elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Village School for 5 years. Village School is a warm and welcoming place for the entire family. The teachers take the time to know the children's strengths and weakness. The administration has a open door policy to any and all issues that may arise. The parents are welcome to volunteer where and when they are able. Village School is truly a partnership of school and home.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't imagine our children anywhere else but Village School. Its program is well rounded and balanced. My children look forward to going to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

Village does an excellent job with it's students. They have a developmental program for the younger grades and a more traditional academic curriculum for the upper grades. The students are extremely well-balanced. The sports program is great. The music program is strong. The school is very well-rounded.
—Submitted by a parent

Village school provides a well-rounded education for students. In addition to traditional academics, students have art, music, and spanish. The community service program is an integral part of the Village community and the children's eucational experience as well. Yes, there are some competitive parents, but most schools have them these days. I do agree that some grade levels cater too much to their students, not expecting students to demonstrate a great amount of responsibility. That, though, is a trait of individual teachers, not of Village School's program.
—Submitted by a parent

Village School has been a dream for our family! My children have been here for several years and couldn't be happier. The administration is a fabulous team. They all have a wonderful open door policy. The academics are very well balanced. There are high expectations, while remaining sensitive to developmental appropriateness of each grade level. There are many highly qualified specialists including: Music, Art, PE, Technology, Spanish, Science, and Library. The two campuses are well kept, kid friendly, and easily assessable. Parents are always welcome. There are so many opportunities for any level of involvement. The families have strong family values, which go hand in hand with the school's strong Character Education program. The Community Service aspect of the school is especially noteworthy. My children also participated in last years summer camp, and it was very impressive as well.
—Submitted by a parent

We were very happy at Vilage School. We had one child at Village and another at the local public school. I must say that both school did an excellent job with the children and both score very high on their testing. I did notice at Village the children were coddled a bit too much and I always felt that the kids did not learn to be responsible for their actions. There is a huge feeling of entitlement among the children and their overly competitive parents. We appreciated the small school size and the extra activities. My son enjoyed all the sport opportunities, even though at the time we did most everything at a near by park.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school. All the teachers are kind and it is a safe enviroment for kids of all ages.
—Submitted by a parent