I came here for a volleyball game with my daughter, and I was impressed. The school has very nice facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone we met staff, parents, and students was friendly and respectful. The gym was clean, bright, and well maintained, which made for a good experience all around. It's always nice when schools take pride in their space. Great environment and a positive visit. read more

We have been part of Wns since our youngest was at the early childhood center, the very first year it opened ( 2017). We transferred our older child in third grade. The experience that both of my children have had at the school has been life-changing for them and for us. My 3rd grader, who was struggling in K-2, felt so welcomed. The teachers and the administration care so much about these kids. And the way that they teach, makes the kids absolutely love going to school. There are a lot of projects that allow the kids to apply their learning in real life situations. My then 3rd grader graduated last year and was extremely prepared for high school and is getting all As at a prestigious private scho Another thing that stands out for me about WNS is that the kids learn how to work things out with each other, how to communicate with each other and to teachers; the kids are able to have mature conversations with each other when things don't go as expected. I just love the school so much... read more

We have been part of the Westside Neighborhood School community for the past 10 years, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for our family. Three of our four children have attended WNS, and our youngest is now an 8th grader preparing to matriculate out. What stands out most about WNS is the strong sense of community and the school's genuine commitment to diversity in the student population, administration, and faculty/staff. Our children have been surrounded by classmates and educators from a wide range of backgrounds, which has enriched their learning experience and helped them develop empathy, curiosity, and confidence. The teachers are deeply dedicated and truly know their students, balancing academic rigor with emotional and social growth. Communication with families is excellent, and we've always felt supported and included in our children's educational journey. After a decade at WNS, we can confidently say it has provided our kids with an exceptional foundation both academically and personally. We're so grateful for the warm, inclusive environment and the lifelong friendships our family has built here. If you're considering WNS, we can't recommend it highly enough! It's a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and thrive. read more

We have been at WNS since 2019. We arrived from Asia and were welcomed into the community with open arms. Our girls have had to move schools a few times and the move to WNS was the smoothest transition of all. WNS's focus on social-emotional learning has created a student body that is kind, compassionate and supportive of each other and both our girls have had a wonderful and enriching few years at the school. We also love the DK-8 model where the graduating students get more responsibility around the school and have an opportunity to be leaders before moving on to high school. We can't speak highly enough of the school and are thankful for the strong academic and social- emotional foundation it has provided our girls. read more

We joined Westside Neighborhood School when our son started seventh grade. He is just now finishing up eighth. We also have two daughters, and we have sent our kids to a few of schools around Los Angeles. So I feel that I can say with a high level of certainty that WNS stands out. First, it is the positive impact that the school has had on our son. He has truly come into his own, academically, extracurricularly, and also athletically. It's not just that he excels in these areas in ways that he did not in the past; it's that he has discovered in himself a sense of agency. He know has a confidence in his own ability to make positive developments in his life. We saw specific interactions happen with faculty and coaches that were practically object lessons in how to teach young people to become the captain of their own ship. Secondly, we found at WNS a perfect balance of progressive and traditional education. WNS definitely considers itself a progressive school. And they are. They are looking at the research and incorporating the latest and greatest educational practices. But they also keep the tried and true practices that have worked in the past and still work today. Not only does this make sense, it also creates a sort of stable foundation that benefits both students and parents. There's a framework that is familiar from which the school builds upon, benefitting from both the past and the future. Naturally, the "right" balance of progressive and traditional is defined by each family and each student. But for us, WNS has a perfect balance. One of the things that we love about all the schools that our kids went to is a sense of community. But naturally, the older the kids got, the less involved the parents are. But WNS maintains a very warm and strong community. There are lots of activities, and there's no pressure to participate, but there are more than enough opportunities to get involved, whether they be as simple as going to sporting events or as intensive as helping with school tours and gatherings. I do think part of this sense of community is the fact that the school ends in eighth grade. And I have heard it said that WNS likes to "keep them young", and that this is meant in the best way. This is good for their development as young adults. It allows students to come into their own in ways that is not easy when there is a high school attached to the school with big scary highschoolers looming about. I think ending in 8th grade does benefit the students in this way and also helps create the sweetness of community that I'm trying to describe. Lastly, WNS was outstanding when it came to their guidance as we applied to high schools. We simply could not have asked for better support. We're happy to report that we got the results that we wanted, and we know many other families who also got their children into their top choice high schools. That cannot always be promised, but I truly feel I would have felt the same even if we had not gotten into our top choice. Because regardless of result, WNS took such great care in the process. That said, WNS deserves kudos for the fact that their students are getting into such outstanding high schools. It's a great school, definitely worth considering. read more

I spent a week in this area and had a chance to come to this school every day of my to visit to see my nephew. I witnessed an assembly, a basketball game, and I got to watch a dance rehearsal (for a fundraiser). All I can say is this is what a private school community should be like everywhere. Seriously, at the assembly they played recorders (OK, so far just like every other elementary school 3rd grade) - a Herbie Hancock medley in honor of black history month - and they were smokin'. Really? Yes, really! BTW, the Jets basketball team won their first game of the season. I like to think of myself as their good luck charm :) read more

Our kids are thriving at WNS. The community is inclusive, kind and committed to having a growth mindset. WNS excels at knowing our kids as individuals and customizing their learning experience to their pace and needs. We know when we drop our kids off at school each day, our kids are extremely well cared for physically, emotionally and academically. The staff are pros at social emotional learning. Bullying doesn't exist at WNS. The student:teacher ratio is STRONG at roughly 10:1. It's extremely valuable because while one teacher is teaching the class, the other teacher can zero in on a challenge or take students aside to work through a conflict without disrupting the rest of class. This also allows them to break into small groups in math and reading based on where kids are in their learning journey. We live in a town with great public schools. We chose WNS because even the best public schools have funding cuts that threaten arts, languages, resources, facilities, aftercare programs, and teachers. WNS is fully funded. Our public school has bullying problems, WNS does not. Our public school is mostly white. WNS is over 50% people of color and represents what the world looks like. Our public school teaches common core. WNS teaches Singapore math. Our public school has kids with cell phones. WNS has strict rules on screen time, group texting and cell phones -- no child below 6th grade should have a phone. Our public school goes from kinder - 5th. WNS is preschool - 8th. If you're WNS curious, go check it out on a tour. You'll love it! read more

This is our first year at Westside Neighborhood School. My son is in 6th grade, and although the year is still in Virtual Learning for his grade due to COVID-19, we have had a very good experience with the school. My son's teachers are exceptional. Despite having to teach through a screen, they have been able to teach content- and my son has many opportunities for 1:1 meetings to make sure he is understanding the subject matter. There are multiple check-ins to make sure that all of the parents' and student's concerns are heard and addressed, and that they feel success in their learning while keeping the bar high and keep students challenged. The administration has been very approachable, receptive and helpful. My son has ADD and they have been able to have meetings with me virtually to be able to establish an educational plan that is customized for my child's needs. The school is great at encouraging the growth of the school community through virtual game nights, weekly meetings, and thorough e-mails to keep connected through this pandemic. WNS is a unique school which embraces its diverse community. It encourages students to feel safe, supported and loved as they are , and that is what makes it such a special community to be part of. We have been very pleased with our experience at WNS so far and are looking forward to being able to experience it in person. read more

We have been here for 5 years and our daughter's (and our) experience has been nothing short of amazing. The community at WNS is compassionate, kind, committed to learning and having a growth mindset. We are a family of color and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here at the school has created an amazingly inclusive environment where all feel welcome and feel a true sense of belonging. If you are looking for a high-quality school in the Los Angeles area that is committed to academic excellence, diversity/equity/inclusion, character and a true sense of community, look no further. WNS is the place to be! Last but not least, I cannot brag enough about how well WNS has transitioned to a distance learning model during this time. The faculty and staff have been thoughtful, strategic and highly intentional with how they've structured our new normal. Our kids are still engaged deeply in learning and the teachers have been supportive, compassionate and patient....all while ensuring our kids are engaged and feeling every bit of goodness WNS has to offer from afar. read more

We cannot say enough wonderful things about WNS & it's Early Education Center (ECC) - it's student-centric approach, the teachers, the parent community. It's an educational utopia in the best way possible and is so evident with the great attention and care they place on helping to nurture empathetic, brave, curious little people. We are so grateful our daughter gets to grow and develop in this wonderful environment. Can't recommend highly enough! read more

This was our first year at WNS and all I can say is the experience was amazing. From the COVID protocols to the teachers my son had the best kindergarten experience. We had access to teachers and felt supported in our questions and concerns as a new family. Additionally the community is great and we have made awesome connections and are very much looking forward to next year. read more

We're new to WNS and my family and I absolutely love the school. I didn't know what to expect seeing that my son was coming from a school that wasn't independent. However, the students and staff were all so welcoming that my son fit right in. Really...every single kids and staff member has been so incredibly nice. To say my son loves WNS is an understatement and as a parent it makes me so happy to know he enjoys going to school. The resources at WNS are amazing and the hands on learning really plays a part in the development of the children. The Diversity at the school is unlike any other school I've seen in LA and the students learn so much from each other. I really do feel like my son can be himself and be free. We feel so fortunate to have our son attend such a great school. read more

We're well into year two at WNS and it's honestly an incredible school. The entire program/school/environment has had a tremendous amount of thought put into it to make it a true learning environment. The staff leads with empathy and warmth and that example is passed on to the kids. Each child is valued as an individual and met and encouraged exactly where they are to be their best selves. The curriculum is comprehensive with language, art, music and STEM along with the core subjects. After a year and a half of being part of their community, I am still in awe of what they have created. If every school in our country mirrored WNS, we would live in a much better world. Truly. read more

This is our 3rd year at WNS and our experience has been nothing short of amazing. We have 2 boys that attend (5th and 8th grade) that came to the school at the 5th and 6th grade mark. We can honestly say that both of our kids have blossomed since attending this school both academically and socially. We came from a public elementary school and there is a clear difference in the materials being taught, the level of commitment from the school staff and the number of opportunities that the kids have at their fingertips with elective choices, school trips and extracurricular activities that are offered. The school has a strong DEIJ program that allow opportunities for not only kids to learn and grow but for us as parents to lean about diversity, equity and inclusion and how to proactively implement the teachings into our everyday lives. The teachers are very accessible to both students and parents which makes us feel so supported. The community is so inclusive and there have been so many opportunities to make connections even throughout the pandemic. We chose the K-8 model when applying for Middle School because we thought it would be a good transition after elementary school but not yet heading to a high school campus. WNS promotes that they want kids to stay kids a little longer with all of the pressures happening outside of school. They incorporated a new lesson plan called "Managing Me" which helps teach the students about things to succeed in school and in life. I don't think we will ever find another school like WNS with their level of diversity, project-based learning and mission of teaching the kids to have a growth mindset for everything they do in life. read more

We were drawn to WNS nine years ago because of the thoughtful way that the school's leaders and teachers seemed to approach helping our children grow. This included attention to the school's four pillars: academic excellence, character, diversity, and community. We have seen that thoughtful attention again and again over the years. For example, we thought the school worked extremely hard to navigate the COVID pandemic exceptionally well, balancing health concerns and students' development in a thoughtful way. We've seen it in the school's innovations over the years, whether through improved facilities, expanded maker programs, or DEI education for students and parents. We're excited for our next years at WNS and experiencing how things will both continue and improve. read more

WNS is the world as it should be! It is a place where everyone is seen and valued. The diversity is unmatched. Children and grown ups are respected alike. Their approach creates free thinkers, courageous leaders, and kind humans. The students value is based on showing up as their authentic self, and not simply on what they can produce. There is a strong academic rigor that integrates learning themes in both in and out of class learning. One of the best parts of WNS is its strong commitment to community. This school takes the village approach and it makes parenting just a little easier knowing you can count on the people around you to support you and your children. I have had the privilege of being a parent there for the last 7 years. My children have thrived but there is also this common thread of kindness that you see amongst all WNS children that is so beautiful to see. If you are searching for a school that values the whole child..... you have found it..... Welcome to WNS!!! read more

This is my son's 8th year at Westside Neighborhood school, and I thought it was finally time to share our wonderful experience! We toured many schools on the west side of town. The minute we set foot in WNS we knew it was home. The faculty and staff are beyond qualified. They take a real interest in not only each child's education but their emotional well being too. The curriculum instills a real passion for learning in the children with tons of hands on/project based experiences. WNS meets each child where they are so they can learn at their own pace. In all our years we've always felt the faculty is responsive, proactive, and always looking for new ways to grow and evolve the school. One very important distinction at Westside Neighborhood School is the preschool-8th grade model. Having started in DK (this was before the school offered a preschool option) and now in our first year of middle school we can really see the effectiveness of the model coming into play. Middle school is a tough period for ALL kids as they grow into young adulthood, navigate emotional leaps, take on larger responsibilities. But being at a school with friends and teachers that have known and loved him since he was 5 years old has made the transition into middle school nearly seamless for our son. He is confident exploring and challenging himself academically, athletically, and socially because he knows he is in a place where everyone is looking out for his best interests. But the real kicker for us is the incredible diversity. Many schools preach diversity, but WNS really lives and breathes it. My son has friends from different zip codes all across the city. His classmates and buddies are a true reflection of LA--racially, culturally, gender diverse. The community is safe and accepting of everyone. We can't imagine him growing through these very formative years with anything less than what he has at WNS. We are grateful for the top notch educational experience we've had at Westside Neighborhood School. read more

Despite their repeated claims to be a safe place, with an inclusive, Social/Emotional Intelligence curriculum, this school nearly destroyed our 2E son. He had a ton of potential, but also challenges, including asynchronous development, Asperger's, dysgraphia, and ADHD. After turning a blind eye to and ACTUALLY PARTICIPATING in the bullying and near destruction of our son, the teachers and administrators said they didn't believe he would ever be able to function in any kind of "normal" school environment or productively live in society. Thankfully, we found a small learning program that helped our kiddo heal and turn his trajectory around. The scars and PTSD remain, but our amazing, tenacious and talented kid moved on to a rigorous arts and academics high school. He graduated with multiple honors and was nationally recognized as one of the most talented young musicians in the US. He is now successfully studying physics at a top UC school, has wonderful friends, and a very bright future. The other middle and high schools brought our kid back from the brink that WNS took him to, and made it possible for him to achieve his goals. I truly believe society is going to benefit in a big way from what our son will contribute. No thanks to WNS. read more

WNS has been a great experience for my family. My daughter has received a great education, gained exposure that is life changing and we both have made the most amazing connections with parents and staff. read more

Our family loves this school! It is our 9th year at WNS and it has been a phenomenal experience from start to finish (our 8th grader will be graduating in 2021). We opted for the K-8 model when our oldest was 4, anticipating that middle school years might be challenging. Now that we have a pre-teen and a teenager at the school, we are grateful we made this choice. It has been a seamless transition from lower school to upper and middle school. Our children treasure the relationships they have made with both older and younger students during their years at the school through family groups, student buddies, and after school enrichment activities. The school's focus on "allowing kids to be kids" has done just that for our children - we've been easily able to postpone cell phones and social media access to a more age-appropriate period and our children have been shaped by a culture of acceptance and lack of tolerance for bullying. The low student:teacher ratio and project-based curriculum has engaged our children from day 1 of school. They are both passionate about learning and BEG not to miss school. The developmentally appropriate curriculum and differentiated instruction has allowed our children to have their individual learning needs met while also challenging them to grow and progress. Finally, we value the school's emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country that is both racially and culturally diverse and wanted our children to attend a school that embodies this larger community. At WNS, children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate commonalities and differences, to become aware of both and are given the language to have conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion. read more

We LOVE WNS for so many reasons.....to name a few - the progressive project-based learning academic program implemented by compassionate, kind, accessible and committed teachers and administrators, small class size of 16:1 (or even less in some classes) in middle school providing more intimate and customized learning and opportunities for students to contribute, the community of other families (parents and students) and the importance placed on the arts (music, theatre, fine arts, design/code/make) as part of the WNS experience. We have been at WNS since 2018 when we enrolled our daughter for middle school after she graduated from our local elementary school. We then enrolled our son in 4th grade during the pandemic and he is now a 6th grader. We chose WNS because our family's values align with WNS' values and our expectations have been exceeded every step of the way. Not only have our children benefited from WNS' rich academic program and community, but as parents, we have been guided with parent education nights on various topics. In addition, the Global Studies Program provided my daughter with the opportunity to travel with WNS teachers and students to Ecuador and Panama. We can't say enough about our positive experience at WNS - come visit and see for yourself! read more

My daughter started in kindergarten at WNS and is currently in the eighth grade. As I look back on our journey here, I'm utterly amazed at how much this school has surpassed our incredibly high expectations. What attracted us initially to WNS was how different it felt than most LA private schools. The inclusive community struck that indefinable balance between open collaboration and effective leadership. WNS takes seriously that this is a rapidly changing world, and they aim to help students adopt a learning mindset that will help them achieve well beyond their school years. The teaching staff is unsurpassable and has been every year since kindergarten. You truly feel like you have a village of experts helping you grow your child. As my daughter enters the high school application phase I'm am so grateful for the expert guidance that the school offers during this transition. I cannot believe our time at WNS is ending and am so immensely grateful that we got to go here. read more

I'm someone who likes to balance going by my gut and doing a ton of research when making important decisions. My journey to WNS was the perfect example of right-brain and left-brain working together to make a great decision. My son is currently in 2nd grade at WNS. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I had found the right place for him and for our family. We were looking for 3 things...diversity you can actually see, a progressive learning environment and the ability for my son to grow as a person - to continue to be nurtured to be a compassionate, creative and confident soul. I couldn't be happier so far. WNS' leadership, teachers and staff are totally on board with our philosophy. I am watching my son thrive and grow, academically and emotionally. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of this community - we've made so many friends. The teachers know my son inside and out - they are always willing to go the extra mile to help him succeed in every way. Just like when we made our decision to apply and attend, the left brain-right brain collaboration is part and parcel of the way that the school treats our children. Always looking for opportunities for them to stretch, supporting their efforts and encouraging them to develop into who they truly are. We are blessed to be part of such an incredible community. read more

My daughter is completing her third year at WNS' ECC (Early Childhood Center) and I can not say enough good things about the school and faculty. This school has become our second home and my 5 year old daughter and all her little friends literally DO NOT want to leave after school. The teachers create a supported, caring and loving environment all-the-while getting our kids ready to enter Kinder confident, well-equipped and excited to learn! You will not be disappointed, I wish all schools created an environment like the one at WNS! read more

I felt the need to write a review for WNS after reading another reviewers 1 star rating. My daughter came to WNS in the 5th grade. She was welcomed from day one by the staff and the students. I knew the day we toured the school it was the school for her. Everyone from the crossing guard to the Principal were friendly and I wanted to be a part of this community. My daughter loves WNS. She has made friends with everyone in her grade as well as other students in other grades because WNS has a program where the kids meet with other kids in different grades. The staff is amazing. The teachers are personal and supportive and the administrative staff is awesome! I wanted to address the one reviewer who felt the school was "racist". Let me be clear, there is nothing about this school that is racist. It's diversity is very important to the school so our experience has been the complete opposite. We are an African American family and at no time or in any way have we experienced any racism. As a matter of fact, we've been so welcomed and felt so much a part of the community that race disappears on the campus of WNS. Both the student body and the staff are diverse. The Director of Admission is African American and there are also African American teachers, as well as other ethnic diverse teachers. I love WNS. I cannot say enough good things about this school. My daughter is doing well both socially and academically. This school is one of the best for academics and for it's welcoming atmosphere. Go Jets! read more

WNS is the most caring, nurturing, inclusive and loving school environment there is. We have been at the school for nine years and have loved every second of it. Our children have flourished both academically, socially and emotionally. I can't say enough about the teachers and their dedication to our children. They truly want them to be their best selves. They encourage them and support them both in and out of the classroom. The school leaders (Brad Zacuto, Heidi Reimann and Stacey Koff) are phenomenal. They are always approachable and willing to support your child however they can. We are so thankful and blessed that are children go to this school. If you are looking for a school that truly cares about your whole child - from outstanding academics to social/emotional learning - look no further than WNS! read more

Westside Neighborhood School is the school I wish I went to! It has the feeling of the perfect public school. We toured all of the schools near our home - private, public and charter - and 6 years ago WNS won us over. The upper grade students were the most engaged of any school we toured, which was a huge selling point! read more

My husband and I had very strict schooling in other countries growing up. We knew we wanted more for our kids and were willing to sacrifice a lifestyle to get it. WNS is all its supposed to be and more. Our kids are encouraged and motivated everyday! They are happy to get to school early in the mornings and often enjoy staying in the after school programs. Our son had some difficulty entering into the "age" of middle school and the middle school faculty has rallied around him to help him succeed in his second year. He has felt so much support and he's aware of how lucky he is to be in such and enriching environment. My husband and I are committed to WNS and so honored to be a part of this amazing community! If we could double the stars we would...can you tell...lol WE WNS! read more

I have been a part of the WNS family for 12 1/2 years. My son attended WNS from DK-8th and is now a sophomore in high school. My daughter is currently in 5th grade and headed to middle school at WNS next year. There are so many reasons to love this amazing school. One reason always comes to mind when I am asked why I love WNS so much, and that reason is the encouragement students receive to step out their comfort zones and explore. My son has been involved in athletics since he was 5 and continued playing all through elementary school. However, while in DK-5th grade at WNS he was exposed to the arts, and in middle school chose to explore the technical side of theater arts for his middle school elective, rather than choosing a sports elective. He was a bit nervous to head in a direction that was unfamiliar to him, but his teachers encouraged him to "stretch" in a new direction while continuing to stay involved in sports after school. He instantly fell in love with the technical side of theater arts and became a part of the tech crew at WNS throughout middle school. Now in high school, he is a part of his high school tech crew and also returns each year to WNS to help with the 8th grade play and the middle school musical. He is also exploring summer internships that will allow him to be a part of tech crews on a much larger scale. My daughter, on the other hand, is a dancer and is heavily involved in theater arts, but once again thanks to the amazing teachers and opportunities at WNS, in 5th grade she decided to join the 5th grade girl's basketball team. Although she had not participated in organized sports since kindergarten, she, decided to leave her comfort zone, just like her brother had. As a result, she now absolutely loves and plans to continue to play a sport she had known little about. I will always be grateful to WNS for encouraging my children to step outside of their stretch themselves and see what else the world has to offer. They both understand that trying new things may not always have a happy ending, but thank goodness they now have the courage to try. read more

This is our 11th year at WNS, and we are still in love! Our son went there from DK-8th, loved it and found himself very prepared for high school. My daughter is still there and we are all going to be very sad when she graduates. I can't say enough great things about this school! From the head of school to the teachers, staff, operations department, crossing guards, etc...everyone at WNS is amazing! They truly care about the kids and community, and have passion for their jobs. We also love the diversity in every way of the community. It is a family! We love that WNS promotes the social well being and character of the child in addition to their academics. We love that the kids have access to so many different classes, extra curricular activities, field trips and retreats, as well as the best core classes...Honestly, I could go on and on and probably write a book, but these are just SOME of the things I love about WNS! We feel thankful and blessed to be there, and I would highly recommend checking it out for your children! read more

10 years ago we were searching for an amazing k-8 school for our daughter... Everywhere we went in our community- whether it be out to dinner or at a park, from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach, we continuously ran into these really amazing children who were engaging, intelligent, respectful, curious beings, who were full of life and very happy. And, they were all wearing Westside Neighborhood School PE uniforms! I knew that the experience that these children were having was what I wanted for my own kids... We toured the school and I was astounded by the art and academics. Amazing student art enhances every wall and hallway. We noticed how incredibly kind and caring the kids were to each other--and how nurturing and engaging the teachers and staff were (and still are). Not to mention the welcoming safe, and beautiful environment... Fast forward--I now have two middle schoolers; and like their schoolmates, they are engaging, intelligent, respectful, curious beings who are full of life, happy individuals! Our oldest will graduate from 8th grade this year, attending WNS since prekindergarten. The school is even better! There has never been a moment where I didn't rejoice the decision to send our kids to WNS... The head of school works tirelessly and couldn't be more dedicated to the kids and the school; and the assistant heads of school are phenomenal individuals who are bonded with the students--honest, caring and very approachable. So glad we made this choice--10 years out! A life-long gift for our kids. read more

As a mother who was panicked about finding the "right school" for my two little girls, I'd researched and toured no less than fourteen schools, from downtown LA to the valley! From public magnets/charters, parochial, progressive and traditional independents, and even co-ops, I'd done my research. I was also overwhelmed and disappointed with the disparity between quality education and personal wealth in this expensive town. I wanted the best education for my kids, but at what cost?!!! I didn't think I could afford what I was looking for. I was elated to stumble across a parent whose children attended WNS. Like me, she'd been searching for academic excellence, mindful approaches to teaching and learning, real diversity (as I have children of color), as well as a supportive community. I wanted my children to feel as though school was an extension of home- loving and nurturing, while extending a growth mindset in every aspect of academic and social learning. I enrolled my oldest child into WNS as a kindergartner, three years ago. It was a magical year. I have witnessed her blossom under the leadership of folks like Brad Zacuto and Stacey Koff. Not only has my child forged amazing bonds with classmates and teachers, but my husband and I have found this school to be a village of support, friendship and invaluable resources. I attend their free speakers' series for parents and families, join the book clubs, provided by our Head of School and faculty, and I look to WNS for sound advisement concerning issues like screen time, internet security/safety, green and philanthropic initiatives and more. It helps to have a stellar faculty and staff who sincerely make time for each parent and child, with their open-door policy. With all of this love and support in the WNS community, you will find confident, happy and considerate kids! Walking in the halls, children will address you with warm smiles and greetings. Older kids are helping the younger ones get to where they need to be. They are all articulate and clear on what it means to be a member of a community- it's absolutely beautiful! My youngest child will soon be leaving preschool and I can't wait to have her join her sister at WNS! The quality and culture at this school is truly second to none. (Take it from a parent who's done to research!) I highly encourage you to take a tour and see for yourself! read more

My daughter is currently in the 7th grade at Westside Neighborhood School, and she has been there since kindergarten. I searched all over Los Angeles for the right school- public, private, Catholic and charter. I was very drawn to WNS because it is a kindergarten through 8th grade school, and I was impressed with the strong project-based learning curriculum and the emphasis on social and emotional development. I also appreciated the true diversity in the student body, and the fact that diversity is a priority for the school administration. I could not be happier with our choice. My daughter loves school, and I attribute that to the excellent teaching staff that creates cutting edge projects and assignments that interest her. With two credentialed teachers in each classroom up to 5th grade, and small middle school classes, her teachers truly know her. They are easily accessible, and she can email them with questions on evenings and weekends and they respond. Most importantly, my daughter feels her teachers care about her and want her to succeed. Middle school has been a wonderful experience, and the retreats and grade level class trips have bonded the kids as a group. My daughter has played in the sports program that allows any child of the appropriate age to play a sport regardless of their skill. In the last 8 years, my daughter has not complained a single day about going to school - in fact, she looks forward to it. I believe WNS has given her the love of learning I was looking for as I searched for that perfect kindergarten class years ago. read more

Our son started school in September 2015 transferring from another private school, with extremely small classes. We thought that bringing our son to a school with more kids in the class room would help him in his personal development. We explained to the school (assistant principal and teachers) that we would appreciate patience with our son, because the transition from his former school to this school would require some adjustment. Within the month we already where called in and "issues" where noted. We again stressed that some patience would be required, and that we would work as a team (teacher & parents) to help our son with his transition. Although the teachers were very attentive an sent us regularly updates, we felt that school leadership did not have that same level of patience. In short, as a father I felt that my son was picked at all the time. I realize that he is very playful, but he is a boy with a good heart, that would like to have friends and that never has done anything malicious. Suddenly, at this school I got the sense he was treated as a "little criminal" and that there was always a problem. Various incidents happened, and it always was brought to our attention as that our son was the initiator of the incident! Now, I am a white man with a black son and given my own (white) upbringing I never assume that racism is in the play, but at this time I could no longer deny my sentiments that some (be it deliberate or not-deliberate) discrimination was taking place. As that is not a place where I want my son to get his education, we took him out after 6 months and brought him to a new school. Our son is happier than ever, no incidents have happened and - most important - he is treated equal! That is a place where I want my son to receive his education! read more

Truly a utopia. WNS has all the offerings of a top private school without the snobbery. True success and accomplishment brings that quiet inner confidence and humility that needs not flaunt itself in an anxiety-driven longing to prove self-worth by competitive displays of material things. Truly successful people have nothing to prove. They are the humble and quiet philanthropists and protectors of the earth, unassuming and gentle toward all. At this school, everyone radiates brilliance. People treat one another with kindness and warmth. We started when my daughter was entering second grade and were welcomed with open arms. Brad Zacuto and everyone at WNS are true visionaries. I chose WNS over literally any other private school in LA. It truly outshines them all. Send your child here and he or she will become not only an excellent scholar, prepared for greatness both academically and intellectually; he or she will also become a beacon of goodness and kindness in this world without a doubt. This school inspires in its students a probing mind of curiosity, a heart of compassion, and an attitude of open-mindedness that great beings in history have all possessed. WNS is a treasure unrivaled. read more

My son is in his last year at WNS and as we approach the end of his 6th year here we are filled with sadness and gratitude. We are heartbroken at the end of the journey for our family and yet so grateful that we found WNS not only for this, our last child, but for his much-older brother who used his experience at WNS as a springboard to go on to a fantastic high school, then a top rated college and now, a Ph.D. Program in astrophysics. All because of the confidence and encouragement he received from his middle school experience. And now, with his very different brother, we see with joy how WNS has bolstered his confidence and supported him in his interests so much so that he is about to enter an extremely competitive arts conservatory for high school. WNS has it all-rigorous academics in a developmentally appropriate supportive environment. Any family lucky enough to get to come here should thank their good fortune. I know we do every day. read more

The Westside Neighborhood School is a DREAM! My son is an alumni, who is doing incredible things at the Vistamar School. He was absolutely prepared coming from WNS. My daughter is in the 6th grade now, and LOVES school. She is having another incredible year. My husband and I hired a very well known educational psychologist, to help us find WNS. The academic program, teachers, staff and administrators are absolutely phenomenal. Brad Zacuto, the Headmaster truly understands how to hire the best of the best. I truly believe every child should have the opportunity to attend a school like WNS. The classes are extremely small, the academic program is incredible, the children are all happy, the homework is age appropriate, and the children have to use their brains to think, not to memorize material. It is truly the school of the future! Plus, the community is truly lovely... Thank you WNS! read more

I am a parent of two young children attending Westside Neighborhood School. While researching for independent schools (and we toured many), we were impressed to see WNS offers an academic environment that can challenge students and yet hold them safe in a friendly and welcoming environment - and allow them to remain joyous kids for a while longer. I noticed this while meeting some of the 8th graders - it is amazing to see them interact with the younger kids. As with its academic curriculum, the school's social and emotional environment meets every child where they are and foster them to to be the best they can be. But most important of all, my kids love learning at WNS. read more