Going into this profession I was beyond excited to jump start a career surrounded by children and…read morelike minded adults who wanted to make a change in children's lives. While working with children was a nice experience, considering I have always been able to gain a child's trust since I was younger, I was excited for the connections I was building. Two months into my employment I started to realize how toxic the team is at the Sawtelle /Mar Vista location. I don't believe they have the best interest in the children who attend this location. They never came up to me to evaluate my performance but instead went straight to the director and told her a bunch of lies. If they are genuinely concerned about your child's well being don't you think they would speak to me immediately about my performance? That certainly did not happen. The director took their word and ultimately told me " you're not fit for this company." Seems to me like they just wanted me out but in the end they did me a huge favor! I wish blue oak the best but they should definitely re-think the people they are hiring. As of right now this location only seems to care about getting through the day and making sure they have someone to clean the classrooms, not a genuine authentic team building atmosphere.

The proof is in the pudding! Upon graduating from preschool at Blue Oak, our 5 year old son is…read morearticulate, confident, competent, independent, self-aware and kind. Words like, "inspired, identity, collaboration, advocacy, equality, mentorship, hospitality, and community" are not only commonplace in his vocabulary, but they are part of who he is and how he understands himself and his world.  We moved our son to Blue Oak after having completed 1.5  years at another local preschool when we had serious concerns about how he was being treated and how he was learning to behave.  The contrast between these two schools could not have been more striking. When my son joined his Blue Oak class mid year, the teachers prepared the class to welcome and embrace him. A few weeks before he started, they placed photos of him and our family in the class room and spoke all about him at morning meetings. They asked the children what they wanted to learn about him and asked them how it might feel to be new to a group of already established friends (using the opportunity both to ensure our son was welcomed with so much warmth but also to teach the other children empathy). They scheduled a playdate for him and us to come meet a few of the children prior to his start date. On this play date, we were all welcomed with such warmth. All of the teachers and administrators greeted us by name (before we introduced ourselves) and you would have thought my son was  a celebrity based on the reception he received from the children. The children (not the adults) gave us a tour and showed our son their favorite things to do at school. Additionally, the administration had a family in his class reach out to us to welcome our family to the community and set up a play date outside of school so our son could build rapport with their son prior to starting school. How they handled this transition was a glimpse into how they do everything; with so much deliberate intention;  knowing that every action, every conversation, every word impacts others (and especially these precious young souls).  I was so worried about my son when he started at Blue Oak, not so much about the transition, as I immediately knew that Blue Oak had that handled, but concerned he'd continue the behaviors he learned at the other preschool - hitting, kicking, biting. I heard nothing from the teachers for the first few weeks, but immediately started to see pictures of my son on the blog looking content and focused, engaging with new friends, digging, wire cutting, climbing, reading quietly in cozy spaces, sitting in small storytelling groups "collaborating" with others and I couldn't help but compare it to the scenes I would witness at pickup at the other school we had just left - unsettled children, chaos, yelling, hitting, frenetic energy while the teachers were eating or gossiping with parents or each other, in short - dysregulated little nervous systems in desperate need of competent adults with both the will and skill to support and guide them. If only that other school could learn from the brilliant directors and teachers at Blue Oak!  .  When we had his first parent/teacher conference, I was in tears when the teachers shared that on his first day at Blue Oak, a friend took a toy from him and he hit that friend. The teachers said that they fully expected this behavior given the environment he had come from and that they were thrilled that they had this opportunity to work with him and teach him the norms and behavior expectations. They explained how they worked with our son and the other friend on conflict resolution (without shame or blame) and THAT WAS THE LAST TIME he ever hit at school.  I remember feeling so relieved, our son was going to be fine...and now after his 1.5 years at Blue Oak, I see that he is so so much more than "fine." He is thriving! I feel so beyond proud of the 5 year old he has become and see nothing but a bright future for him (based on this critical foundation of respect, social and emotional intelligence, empathy, self-regulation and love).  Send your child to Blue Oak if you believe your child is capable far beyond what conventional societal wisdom would assume and if you want your child to be seen and honored for exactly who they are. Your child will be treated consistently by all adults (admin teachers and aides) with nothing but respect, kindness and the healthy structure and boundaries that they need to explore their limits safely and to grow to be their "best self"...and DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED! I think I might have had we not had the "other" experience at another school first. This school is the real deal. You will count yourselves among the luckiest (and blown away by the results)  if your child (and family) have this experience.

We love Grandview! Our oldest just graduated with a biliteracy award in Spanish. Our youngest will…read morebe in third grade and is just about caught up from falling behind during COVID. Their dual immersion program is the best. We don't speak Spanish at home but our kids are pretty fluent. Great teachers, admin and staff.

My son joined Grand View in the first grade and it was the best decision we could have made for…read morehim. We were concerned at first that he would struggle learning Spanish because we are an English-speaking household, but we're partway through the semester now and already he's excited and confident to practice his language skills. The teachers at this school are fantastic. They care about the academic success and emotional well-being of their students, and I am so impressed by the differentiated learning that happens. My son has been challenged in the areas where he excels and given extra help where he struggles. They also have so many extras: gardening, cooking, library, art, and more. The parent community is very passionate and there are many opportunities to be involved if that's what you're looking for. Basically, I can't say enough good things about this school! We left a highly competitive charter to come here and I'm so glad we made that choice.

Inside the Spectrum Program: What They Don't Want You to Know…read more To the parents of New Roads School, I'm writing this because no one else will. Not the smiling admissions staff. Not the polished emails. Not the teachers who know something's wrong but look the other way. This isn't easy to say--but it needs to be said. Because what's happening in the Spectrum program is not care. It's not support. It's quiet, systematic harm dressed up as help. And it broke me in ways I'm still trying to undo. In middle school, I was diagnosed with autism. When I got into New Roads, I was placed in Spectrum. My family was told it was a safe space--a nurturing environment tailored for students like me. I believed them. I wanted to believe them. But not long after I started, I was re-evaluated. Turns out, I wasn't autistic after all. But that didn't matter. By then, I was already locked in--trapped under Elisa Schultz's watch. Once you're in, Spectrum doesn't let go. You don't "exit" the program--you disappear into it. It wraps itself around your life and convinces you that you need it, even when all it's doing is making you smaller. At first, I tried to play along. I was named grade-level ambassador. I met with new families. I made speeches. I wanted to believe I was helping build something good. But eventually, I did what Elisa can't stand--I told the truth. I started asking questions. I stood up for students who felt powerless. I spoke too loudly, too clearly. So they got rid of me. I was replaced quietly, like I'd become an inconvenience. But the worst moment came later--when a classmate I cared about came to me in tears. Elisa had called her a disgusting, sexist name--something that would get anyone else fired. We made the decision to speak out. And the moment we started talking, five staff members closed in on us. Not figuratively. They surrounded us. Physically. Like security guards. They told her it never happened. Over and over, until her hands were shaking and she started questioning her own memory. I stood there watching someone I admired unravel in real time. And I knew: this wasn't a "program." This was something darker. During COVID, I had a bad allergy flare-up. I stepped out of class to blow my nose in the hallway because I didn't want to disturb anyone. The Tesla classroom was right next to the bathroom. I wasn't sneaking off. I wasn't doing anything wrong. Elisa exploded. She screamed at me in front of everyone. Berated me for not blowing my nose in front of the class. As if I had broken some sacred, unspoken rule. I was embarrassed. I was sick. I was trying to handle my body and my space with some dignity--and she crushed that in one moment. No kindness. No understanding. Just public shame. What kind of "support program" does that? Spectrum charges over $13,000 a year on top of tuition. That money doesn't go toward student wellbeing. It goes toward building a system that punishes independence and feeds on fear. They don't care if you were misdiagnosed. They don't care if it's hurting you. They care about keeping your family's money. And your silence. There are others like me. I've spoken to six students--at least--who had stories like mine. Some gave me permission to speak. Most are too scared. That should tell you everything. Parents, you're being sold a lie. And it's packaged beautifully--with buzzwords, learning plans, and emotional jargon. But behind the curtain is something toxic. Something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Ask the questions they don't want you to ask. And when they try to talk around it, listen to what they're avoiding. This program nearly broke me. I'm writing this because I refuse to let it keep breaking people in silence. - A former Spectrum student who refuses to stay quiet

Our two high schoolers are thriving at New Roads. The teachers are excellent and caring, the class…read moresizes are small, and most importantly, they are learning not only academics but how to work toward a better world.

"Our experience at Walgrove elementary school has been absolutely wonderful! The large campus -…read morebeautiful wild-lands and Garden - theater, tap, steam studio, chess, etc. and the teachers are truly loving and dedicated. Parent involvement is strong, which creates a real sense of community. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and enriching environment. Couldn't be happier!"

Awesome community! Academics are strong, plus great steam offering, amazing extra curricular…read more(violin, chess, ridiculously musical theater, etc) , plus a HUGE campus with lots of nature. Really don't know what more you could ask for!!! We've had two kids go through the school!

We were part of this school community for many years, beginning when my son was in kindergarten…read more There is a lot to love--the location is wonderful, the parent community is very involved, and we had teachers who genuinely cared and did the best they could. Unfortunately, over the years we watched class sizes become increasingly overcrowded. Our grade went from three classrooms to two, at some point we had 33 kids per classroom and in my experience, the teachers were simply overwhelmed by the number of students and the amount they were expected to manage. This is not a criticism of the teachers--they were put in an impossible situation. When one teacher is trying to teach a very large class while also managing constant behavioral and discipline issues, there simply isn't enough individual attention for every child. In our case, some important academic gaps with my son were not identified until later, which was very disappointing. I don't feel the school was as hands-on academically as we needed it to be. Ultimately, we decided to leave because we were also uncomfortable with the way ongoing discipline and behavioral issues were handled. There is a wonderful community surrounding this school, but unfortunately, for us, the school itself fell short of what our child needed academically and in the classroom environment.

As someone directly impacted by this school's daily operations, I've experienced both positives and…read morechallenges. The school provides a strong presence in the neighborhood and supports students, but the way they handle traffic and maintenance creates major quality-of-life issues for nearby residents. During the school year, parents often block driveways during drop-off and pick-up, making it frustrating for those of us who live here. Even after raising the issue, it continues regularly. On top of that, maintenance teams sometimes use leaf blowers as early as 6:30 a.m., even during the summer months when school isn't in session. It would be a huge improvement if the school scheduled this work at later hours. I respect the school's mission, but I hope they'll consider how their operations impact the surrounding community.

Nothing is good about this school. Super inexperienced…read moreprincipal and AP. Very rude teachers and staff. They are lucky they even receive food to give to all the kids, every thing else is old and rubbish! Will not recommend this school.

An update on my son's last year here was very disappointing. I pulled my son out because I did not…read morereceive the help I needed. Parents be aware of the school surroundings and do not ignore your children. You are your child's #1 advocate

Disclaimer: THAT time of the month! Sappiness ensues…read more I've been caught in a sea of nostalgia these last few weeks. Mostly because I've suddenly been immersed in a literature that uses childhood as a basis for what many call pathology, but what I call strength and resiliency. It got me thinking of my own childhood traumas, loves, hates, and fascinations. Westminster Elem. was witness to my transformation from a nose-picking pre-schooler to a boy crazy 6th grader. I'll never forget any of my teachers from Westminster. While some were definitely *nicer* than others, each contributed to my growth and evolution. Here you go, teachers of Westminster. My Yelp 100th is dedicated to you! Memories: Pre-K: Lizzy - I'll always remember you in your cut off jean shorts, tie-dye shirts and rollerskates. It would be until I reached middle school that I'd realized that you were my pre-k teacher and not a cool teenager who let us do fun "stuff." I'll never forget how excited you were when 4 months into the year; I spoke my first words in class, "my mommy had a baby." You were there on the very first "best day of my life." Kindergarten: Mrs. Brown. Most things are a blur about this grade. I do, however, remember getting accidentally hit in the nose with those metal skates. This would be the inception to my accident-prone life. 1st Grade: "Oh my god, am I really going to be able to count to 100!?!?" Dear Ms. Soo, at that time it seemed as though it would be an insurmountable task. Patiently, you'd sit there with that long stick, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5..." no longer would I finish off with "dog, cat, car, mom, sister, tortilla, 5, 9, fire." You gave me the gift of counting and would you believe that in college, Advanced Statistics was one of my favorite classes?" 2nd Grade: Mrs. Harris! Good lord -- witches are real. I used to wonder why you were so mean. I never peed on myself (in class) or hit other kids in class. You were a skank and you didn't need to be. 3rd Grade: Mrs. Gurtman - You were a wonderful teacher. I remember being really upset when you pulled a handful of us aside and told us that we'd be going to the gifted class the following year. I was upset because I wanted to go with all my other friends. I almost cried, but you assured me I'd be fine. I didn't entirely believe you until I met Dr. Slaton. 4th Grade: Dr. Slaton - another wonderful and caring teacher. You are the epitome of what an educator should be like. My mother still remembers that parent conference where you told her that I was a bright child with a big heart. You took a polaroid picture of us that day. It is one of the only pictures I have from that time. I think you knew this. 5th Grade: While I'd love to call you a 'poor excuse for a human being' I won't. I've carried with me painful memories from my experience in your "accelerated" academic class. It was 5th grade and we didn't *have to* learn logic or calculus. You called those that didn't learn at the capacity you expected, "flunkies," and you'd publicly humiliate them and their test scores. Your class taught me about pain. It was the year of your husband's death, my childhood friend Blanca's death, Magic Johnson's HIV positive test results and the L.A. riots (a death attempt on South Central by its own residents). As much as I'd love to hate you for berating young children, who really just wanted to be children, I'll only feel sorry for you. Childhood traumas work in mysterious ways. I'm entering an exceptionally empathetic professional field, most of my undergraduate research was on HIV, and I have committed myself to bringing out and showcasing the impeccable capacities for strength and resiliency of South Central residents. 6th Grade: Ms. W. & Dr. Asuquo - genuine laughs and smiles were had in your classes. Not only would I re-learn sex ed through you, but I'd giggle in excitement when I'd catch a glimpse of my *boyfriend*, yet ignore him when he came close. Oh the joys of childhood dating. I'd start wearing training bras, learn how to put a maxi-pad on and say no to drugs and boys. I'd begin to first develop physically, and then emotionally. Mr. Robbins, School counselor - You came into my class one morning and asked us what we'd received for xmas. As I listened to all the nice and expensive gifts everyone had received, I thought about lying about the gifts I'd received. We never celebrated xmas bc of my mom's religion. However, my aunt did give me socks. When I said "socks" you asked me what color. I said they were yellow with white lace. You thought that was the coolest gift ever. I smiled and wore them to school the next day. You have all impacted my life. Sometimes when I try to operationalize success -money, homes and happiness (in that order) find their way into the equation. Tonight, the definition of success is to positively impact ONE individual. Faculty of Westminster-- you have succeeded in my eyes.

Updating now that I have had one child culminate and another in his 5th grade year. This school is…read morevery social-emotional oriented. The administration cares a lot. The teachers that my kids have had with one exception (who is no longer at the school) have all been excellent and really dedicated to the kids. Both my children have been happy there and would have nothing but good things to say about their time at Westminster.

My child graduated this year, and let me just say it was the best 6 years ever, everyone was so…read moreunderstanding when we told them her first language was French and when we enrolled it was so easy! Thank you so much!

One of the best schools in Los Angeles!!! They offer Japanese and Spanish . Like any other school…read moreyour child just needs to apply their will to want to learn, Clean Safe hallways and classrooms. All teachers are friendly supportive and professional, It's a privilege to attend, because it's giving you vibes of a private school