Updating now that I have had one child culminate and another in his 5th grade year. This school is very 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. read more

Love it best pubic school in west la area in my personal option Everyone from the reception desk to the principal are such an amazing, Nice, cool and professional individuals read more

We looked at all the schools near our home in Venice. I dropped in to all of them to see just what kind of gut feeling I had before I did a tour. Westminster was the only school I visited where I was immediately seen by the principal, Barry Cohen, and had a twenty minute conversation about the process to apply to all of the LAUSD schools in the area and he answered any of my questions I had about their school. He took down my family's information and the very next time I saw him, he remembered all of our names and the grade my son was applying. This is my son's third year a Westminster and we cannot say enough about the whole teaching staff. They have shown such leadership and care throughout the pandemic. read more

Took my daughter here and proceeded to pull her out halfway through. Her teacher would isolate her for her being bullied. The principal doesn't care about the well being of the students. The counselor blamed my daughter for being bullied. Absolutely disgusting that a school can't act in such a fashion. Let alone a "magnet" school. read more

Disclaimer: THAT time of the month! Sappiness ensues. 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. read more

I worked here as an after school lead. I will say the principal takes into account every single complain a parent has, and does everything in his utter power to fix it. Not only does he care about that, but he also cares about the well being of every single child. This school has many principles: and one is respect. Not all staff are welcoming, but the majority are. I enjoyed working at this school the most. I had lots of help by amazing staff members, who were attentive. Every child is taken care of well. There is lots of supervision. Of course, no school is prefect. Overall, I loved the atmosphere and how kind some of the aids were. I have a good concept of this school, and if I could work there again: I would. The food that the children are provided with is good. There is open communication and they are always looking for ways to improve and renovate the school. Also, it's near the beach so that's a bonus too. read more

Westminster is everything we were looking for in an elementary school and more. It is a small community school with 350 kids on a large, immaculate, bright and cheery campus dotted with beautiful green spaces, gardens and mature trees. The principal, Barry Cohen, and AP, Karen Reynolds are completely accessible and transparent. If there is an issue, their doors are open and problems are addressed proactively. They care deeply about every child and every family and this sets the tone within the community. The parents are awesome, like-minded and down to earth. They totally get it and many in our class transferred out of SM schools, forfeited private school deposits, gave up spots at Mar Vista and CdA because they understood that something special was happening at Westminster. The educators are passionate, progressive and collaborative. The kindergarten teachers all exceptional and offer a balanced curriculum that supports nurturing the whole child while at the same time focusing on mastery of academics. Miss Abrams, my daughter teacher, is absolutely incredible - the best of the best! The enrichments are off the charts - my daughter has dance, vocal choir, music theory, instrumental music, fine arts, library, technology, yoga, mosaic and gardening. They have a book buddy literacy program where a 5th grader reads to her each week which has given a strong tie between the upper and lower grades that further fosters a sense of community, respect and responsibility. She takes an after school Engineering STEM class which offers both paying and sponsored spots so that everyone in the school community has a chance to participate. It is a very diverse school that reflects our neighborhood and my daughter has quickly built strong friendships with children of all backgrounds. My daughter feels safe, secure and has a strong sense of belonging. Although we have given generously, we have not been asked for one dime. Fortunately, from parking and facility rental revenue the school can pay for the extras without relying exclusively on the parents to foot the bill. This creates a culture of acceptance and inclusivity to those of all means. It is a Title 1 school, and receives additional financial support. To think that I had initially totally disregarded Westminster as a viable option for our children because of a reputation that wasn't rooted in truth is insane! I just assumed that all the chatter must be true and I almost missed out on the gem down the street. Our daughter happily bounces to school each day, is thriving socially and academically which says far more than neighborhood chatter and test scores. I strongly encourage parents in the neighborhood to check out the school. read more

My son is in Transitional Kindergarten. We were going to enroll him in a local private Catholic school but changed our minds for these reasons: the principal is an active, enthusiastic leader; the TK students are mixed in with the Kindergarten students; no other school in the Venice area offers art and music (which builds memory and mathematical skills); and the parents are building a strong network for all students. We are happy in our decision. read more

This school continues to impress me, the teachers and the students are wonderful. Mrs. Steinberg is a great 5th grade teacher she is a teacher who cares and enjoys teaching. I am proud of my son being in her class, thank you Mrs. Steinberg for being a wonderful teacher read more

We started our search for schools 2 years prior to my daughter starting Kindergarten. We toured schools in the Palisades, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City and Manhattan Beach. We talked to teachers and parents in all neighborhoods. In 2013 we initially loved the Westminster campus, but we were turned off by the prior reputation of the school. In 2015 we enrolled and we were accepted to PS1 a private school in Santa Monica. We paid our hefty deposit and that was that....Until, we read a posting by Principle Barry Cohen on Venice Moms. After reading, I knew I needed to do one last tour and go meet this man in person. What I found was that I still loved the campus and a principle so dedicated and caring about the children at his school with a Vice Principle that was just as kind and helpful. I could not believe the wonderful enrichment classes that were offered DURING the school day and the two gardens that the children have classes in every other week. I was impressed by the local parents who are just as involved and willing to give a hand. We live in Venice for a reason and the fact that we almost sold our house and moved to the palisades for the schools enrages me now. Westminster is an amazing school. We walk to school and our kids are benefiting tremendously by knowing our neighbors and running into each other as we grocery shop, have dinner or bike on the beach. I could not have asked for a more diverse community for my daughter. We are grateful that we gave it a shot. It's awesome. read more

Due to a combination of job relocation and dissatisfaction at previous schools, this is my child's fifth school in four years. We've done private and charter, and this by far has been the best: 1. My daughter is happy, a required condition that remarkably was not found at her previous school(s). 2. My daughter is learning (as evidenced by the completed work she brings home and ease with which she finishes her homework). 2. Her teacher has high standards and is kind, proactive and responsive. 3. The administration is approachable and forthright. 4. My daughter's friends are kids I'm happy she's playing with. She has friends of both genders, from inside and outside her own class, and there's been no girl drama (which was present at previous schools). After all our moving around, I agonized over yet another switch. I am so glad we finally found a school where we are happy to be! read more

My son is in TK. We chose to send him to TK vs. staying in pre-school another year in order to support our neighborhood school which is beginning to thrive. The TK class is state of the art and was just donated this year. The brand new TK program is Constructivist. It is an innovative TK classroom yet the TK program is separate but integrated with all programs and integrated with the kinder play yard; there is a play first schedule and enrichments include: modern music, dance, gardening, mosaic classes, yoga, and technology classes. These are things you would find at a private school. A truly great after school program with Prime Time Sports Camp; incredibly clean campus; great teachers, approachable administrators; AND the school playground will be entirely redone next year! read more

We just love this school. Our son started st Westminster in Kindergarden, and he loves it! He looks forward to going to school, which is such a pleasure to see. Our son's teacher Ms Abrams is amazing. And already I see a huge difference. He is learning so much so fast. The principal Barry Cohen is all you could hope for. Involved, knows everyone by name, and trying constantly to improve the school in various ways. We are really feeling part of the Westminster family. Such a hidden gem really thrilled we found Westminster! There is a music program, a library, and some really amazing after care programs that are offered here. Its a wonderful thing to be a part of. read more

My eldest Son goes to Kindergarten here, and he loves it. We came from London in the UK so it was important to feel comfortable with the school we were enrolling in after such a big move. There is a personal touch at WE that we didn't feel anywhere else. Best decision ever. My youngest will be following in his elder brothers footsteps for sure! read more