Friends Western School

Wonderful school. The teachers here are everything we hoped for and more. The co-op structure works for us. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been at FWS for two years so far. He loves it! We tried public school for Kindergarten, and he hated it, so at first we started him part time. He asked to switch to full time, and has wanted to go to school every day since coming to FWS. Our son is grade levels ahead in reading and math, and his teacher is able to give him advanced work. Finding an affordable private school with small classes and regular field trips was a dream come true. So far, this year has exceeded our expectations as parents in the community. We have always had caring and dedicated people working to make the school run, but this year is special. Our new Board President is pragmatic, yet she invites discussion, and is respectful of people's opinions and ideas. She brings a calm and inclusive energy to the school. I feel like parents are taking on tasks and making them their own. There is a mood of mutual cooperation and problem solving that is more positive than ever before. Our Fall Barn Dance was a lovely night full of community spirit. Relatives who attended asked how we found such an amazing community of people! FWS is becoming a real gem.
—Submitted by a parent

We came from London, England, to work in Los Angeles for a year and we could not have found a more welcoming, friendly and positive environment for our children and ourselves. The small class sizes and imaginative curriculum provide children with confidence and stimulation and I was particularly impressed with the regular outings and trips into the city. My kids saw more of LA than I did - highlights included interviewing scientists at an insect laboratory, sketching at Watts Towers, or rambling in Eaton Canyon. Most of all, my children were happy and they miss the school enormously now we're back in England. The parent co-op that runs the school is extremely impressive and utterly dedicated to providing the best education and environment for your children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has begun his fifth year at Friends Western School and we couldn't be happier. We feel that we are part of an extraordinary community, made up of a diverse parent body who contribute their varied gifts and expertise to the school. Our diversity is exciting, but even more exciting is our commitment to making a loving place for our children to thrive. Although the parents are a huge part of this cooperative endeavor, most pertinent are our teachers and children. Our teachers are a dedicated team of professionals who are able to teach their students using developmentally appropriate project based learning approaches. And our children? Well, first and foremost they LOVE school: they love learning and experiencing. This year they have already been hiking, sewing, lego clubbing, barn dancing, painting, calculating, building, singing, reading, cooking, sharing, and riding wheels together! This list only scrapes the surface. I work in the education field, and know first hand how our schools have taken the joy out of learning. At Friends Western, I can truly say that we have a place where children love and respect all that the world has to offer!
—Submitted by a parent

We had an amazing Barn Dance yesterday. I met a mom who told me my daughter watches out for her child at school. Later, my daughter did not win a cake during the cake walk and she was pretty bummed out. One of the older students gave her cakey prize to my daughter, who in turn shared it with everyone. The other kids who didn't win were so excited to have a sweet snack. At FWS, each family determines the scholastic goals for their children with the teachers, the parents work together to run the committees, by laws are created to best support the students, field trips are taken, programs planned. When it's all said and done, it's not about the committees, the bylaws, or programs. It's about the humanity that is nurtured here. It is this kind of compassion that led us here, it is this kind of sweetness that keeps us here. You just can't legislate or quantify that kind of daily opportunity for that sort of human experience. All i can say is a humble, "wow".
—Submitted by a parent

Friends Western School has been a lovely and enriching experience for our entire family. This is our 4th year at the school and it's been wonderful to see the positive growth and the change into the cooperative structure. Last night was our second Membership Meeting of the year, and it was a pleasure to witness the room full of engaged and compassionate parents and teachers working together to create a dynamic and meaningful educational experience for the kids. We've considered leaving Los Angeles for years, since neither my husband nor I are natives and didn't think that we wanted to raise our children in L.A., but now with FWS, we are a part of a down to earth, conscious and real community and feel that we can grow roots here and stay. Most importantly, our child is thriving in this school socially, emotionally, and intellectually. We highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents seeking a school should absolutely investigate for yourselves. Trusting only marketing materials or select spokes-parents would be fooling yourself. Reach out to over 10 families who are no longer there for an array of serious reasons (hint: they didn't simply "move"). Attempts to describe every one of "the disappeared" as a "bad fit" is grossly oversimplifying matters and reveals a determined effort to deflect attention from the real issues plaguing this school. Speak to former parents first hand to determine any peculiar patterns re: governance and student misbehavior. Ask about the circumstances leading to their departure and whether marketing was truthful based on the reality. Examine the by-laws, check for any red flags concerning conflict reslolution and governance. Know exactly what you're getting your kids and yourslef into. We found a school that appeared charming from a distance and on the surface, but was actually engulfed with severe student behavior problems. Combine that with a parent body set on diverting the problems with a calamity of unethical distortions and deceptions. You've now been warned about the behavior and morality experiment that is FWS.
—Submitted by a parent

After hearing about this small school, I was favorably impressed with its nurturing environment for education. Teachers/staff were open and friendly. Students were engaged and looked comfortable and happy. I suggest that interested parents investigate for themselves - be prepared for a wonderful experience!

As a mom who was lucky to have a baby years after my first crew of kids were grown, I had forgotten all about the issue of having to choose a school. I was totally freaked out at the prospect. I tried every form of schooling with my older children. We did public, private, charter and home schooling. I loved home schooling the best, but my kids really missed being around other kids thier age. FWS has the limitless potential of homeschooling but doesn't miss out on the ability to have friends to see everyday. As well, I no longer have to worry about the academic part. With excellent instructors on campus, I can be part of doing fun creative things with no stress. There is the issue of having to work in a cooperative way, which isn't for everyone, as you can see by some oddly negative comments, but with the students, teachers, and parents being so genuinely sweet and proactive I feel safe and confident having my young child here. I never worry because she is surrounded by kids and adults who make her feel loved and important. If my child can't be with me then I want to know she's with others who care for her.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a dad here at FWS and my kid loves it. I see some of the bad reviews and wonder what planet some people are on right now, cuz it ain't on this one. Some people love it, some don't. All I know is that I express my grumpy opinion all the time and I'm still around, so the only suggestion I can give to anyone who uses this site is to take the way out emotional criticism with a big fat grain of salt. And consider that some people are difficult, or maybe even impossible and even though they aren't around they still want to cause trouble to those who are actually building something of value. When I look around at the campus, I gotta wear shades, cuz it's actually pretty bright here at FWS. I guess that's all I gotta say about that. Thanks for even reading my review.
—Submitted by a parent

Given the intimate size of this gem of a school, I was astonished to see the number of negative reviews written until I was made aware of a disgruntled family who was asked to leave the membership because the school could not, with integrity, meet their child's needs. Apparently this family is very angry and can't appreciate that no school provides a "one size fits all" approach and has left numerous negative reviews using different logins. I understand their frustration, as our previous school couldn't meet our needs and we made the decision to leave, but I wonder why they're obsessing about a school that they obviously didn't feel was a good fit, and not looking forward to finding that good match for their child. For our family, FWS appears to be the ideal fit. Our daughter's teacher has taken great care to assess her academic needs and also to make her feel welcome and comfortable. Is it perfect? No. No school is. But I trust that with our hard work, cooperation, and a positive attitude, we'll see our daughter happy, studious and thriving. I wish the same for this other family.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends Western is a sweet little gem of a school. I can say that from both an honest and well informed viewpoint, because I've been a part of its extended community for almost 5 years and have had the honor of observing its growth from being an inspired Quaker administration, to a Quaker inspired Cooperative. It's obvious to me that after reading the negative comments, that there's a disgruntled family sharing their views, repeatedly. That's their right and choice to do so, but I can only hope that they will one day choose to take that energy elsewhere and channel it in a positive manner. FWS has over 5 talented instructors who depend on this school for a living, and over 30 happy families and students who are thriving in a wonderful program. It's true that it's not a fit for everyone, so may they please understand that, and walk in peace and love to find a different program that works for them. Friends Western is well worth investigating, for those inspired. Namaste.

I am a new parent at FWS. Also a lifelong Quaker. It is true that this school iis not for everyone. As a co-operative school it requires hard work and a flexible attitude. The teachers are wonderful, the kids are wonderful and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Navigating all the issues that a school must face is a challenging process but one which can lead to evolution and growth. The families that make up this cooperative are open to growth, seeking engagement and input from their new members. I feel fortunate to be a part of this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing is an understatement in describing this school.Friends Western is the reason we live in Southern California.This school has innovative teachers & dedicated parents.The leadership is composed of selfless parent-members who are constantly working on or at the school.As a new co-op,there is much to learn and much work to do,but that does not mean that every person will be part of every decision made.It's an idea shared in much of the Quaker guidance literature on school governance.Because of this, there IS a structure and a hierarchy, so our leadership can make the most effective decisions regarding the future of our students.The core idea behind Friends Western is that you CAN be part of the decisions made, and you can remain informed by participating on a committee,attending strategic planning,attending board meetings, and running for the board.Standing on the sidelines and complaining is not tolerated by the underlying philosophy of the school, the member community or the leadership. We stand strongly behind each-other, the teachers, the board, and most importantly, our children.Our daughter loves this school.We love this school.We can't imagine our world without it.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends Western School is FANTASTIC!!! We have found the school of our dreams for our children, which is quite a feat! It's an amazing program - it could be classified as a gifted program, wherein every child is recognized as having their gifts and their unique learning style is nurtured, and divergent thinking encouraged. The community of families and teachers are just lovely, as well. There may be a misconception that because it's a Cooperative that there isn't a structured governance nor rigorous academics - there are - it's highly organized and very judiciously governed by intelligent, compassionate parents and teachers, with a very strong curriculum, and it's growing. This school serves as an inspiration and an innovative educational model for others. It is essential that parents are team players, flexible, leave their egos behind, and pleasantly participate and enjoy this amazing educational opportunity for their children, and in essence, their entire family. If you have difficulty with those concepts, this might not be a good fit for you. If you'd like to see a wonderful school with happy, vibrant, thriving students, you should check out Friends Western!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school, with incredibly dedicated parents and teachers. The kids love this school and they care about each other like family. It is evolving into an exciting model of a cooperatively run elementary school. The best way to learn about the school is to come visit and talk to the parents and teachers themselves. A cooperative is not for everyone, but if it's the right match, it will truly change your family's life. It really is a "village" nurturing and raising children together, which is especially important in this big, anonymous city. No one can adequately learn about a school by politicized comments on a website.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is loved by my kid. It's quirky and the co-op structure is different, not for everybody, you actually have to work to make it work! The teachers are passionate, the curriculum is dynamic, exciting, hands on with multiple field trip experiences. It's a pain in the butt to have to clean the class rooms, but I'd rather do that and put resources towards the kids. It'd be easier if every parent who decided to join FWS really understood the level of responsibility they take on when you join a co-op, but that's okay, my kid loves it there.
—Submitted by a parent

I have never seen a more incompetently run school anywhere. There certainly is a very aggressive atmosphere on the playground as well as instances of bullying. The kids seem way behind regarding their grade levels. Teachers and parents seem incapable of imposing even a minimum of discipline. This Co-op does not live up to its lofty goals.
—Submitted by a parent

As parents we would say that the most important thing to know about this school is that every child seems to love the place, and to thrive there. Yes, FWS has had some difficult moments this year, but fundamentally it is built on a warm and very dynamic community of teachers and parents, and we think they are doing a great job. If you are considering it, go and visit, meet the teachers and parents and children, and make up your own mind.
—Submitted by a parent

Our personal experience with FWS CO-OP has been excellent. As a family that advocates the Home School experience, we have always looked to our children, for at least some guidance in the never ending gauntlet that is education in the 21st Century. We have never had any previous experience with a parent run Elementary school CO-OP, so we don't really have any other reference to draw upon. The bottom line, the children are happy. In fact, the children are so happy, that they cried when school ended this year. That sums it all up for us as parents. (Not sure what your experience was as a child in school, but I can assure you, mine did not involve tears when it was time for summer break.) The positive experience for our children has been reflected in the passionate, caring families that have all made a conscience decision to be a part of the CO-OP, and volunteer their time and energy to do all of the things, and we mean all, that frankly, most people take for granted in a Non Co-op school. We certainly did. This has only served to help us feel more connected. We are grateful to have found a place where our children feel warm, safe, nurtured, and loved. That is truly the greatest gift.
—Submitted by a parent