Choosing the Right Elementary School
A Parent’s Guide to Elementary Education
Finding the Right Fit for Your Child
Choosing ann elementary school is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make as a parent. This choice not only lays the foundation for your child's academic success but also shapes their social-emotional development, self-confidence, and lifelong attitude toward learning and future opportunities.
In a city like Los Angeles, where educational options are diverse and abundant, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know which school is the right fit for your family? The best approach is to start with the right questions. What matters most to your child’s development, and how does the school align with your values?
Questions Every Parent Should Ask
Below are some essential questions to ask during your school search, along with insights into how our school brings these principles to life.
-
WHPS believes every child is unique (not just as a platitude on our website), and their education should reflect that.
How WHPS Addresses This:
Individualized Learning Plans: Our research-based Developmental Learning Progression ensures each child receives a customized approach that meets them where they are and challenges them to grow.
Co-Teaching Model: Two fully qualified teachers in every classroom provide personalized attention, ensuring no child gets lost in the crowd.
Flexible Choices: Students have opportunities to choose how or where they learn best, encouraging independence and self-awareness. Much of this is reflected in how we teach with our workshop instructional model, over textbooks and worksheets for everything.
Continuous Observation and Feedback: Teachers use formative assessments and ongoing observations to adjust instruction in real-time, creating a responsive and supportive learning environment.
-
A child’s emotional intelligence is just as important as their academic progress.
How WHPS Addresses This:
Integrated SEL Curriculum: From preschool to fifth grade, students engage in social-emotional learning that builds empathy, self-regulation, and resilience.
Positive Psychology Tools: Programs like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People empower students to focus on their circle of influence and develop actionable strategies for success.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Students learn to navigate disagreements with respect and empathy, fostering a collaborative and caring classroom community.
Classroom Norms for Brave Conversations: Our Accountable Talk framework encourages students to express ideas thoughtfully, listen actively, and engage in respectful dialogue about complex topics.
-
The best learning happens when it’s meaningful and enjoyable.
How WHPS Addresses This:
Project-Based Learning: Students connect academic concepts to real-world applications through collaborative projects that spark curiosity and critical thinking.
Workshop Model: Our approach to reading and writing prioritizes authentic, personalized work over rote assignments, helping students build deep skills and independence.
Movement-Based Learning: Integrated physical activities prepare students’ brains for learning, enhancing focus, engagement, and memory retention.
Outdoor Learning Opportunities: WHPS incorporates green spaces and nature into the curriculum, recognizing that outdoor time supports cognitive and emotional development.
-
A strong school helps students develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.
How WHPS Addresses This:
Mentorship Programs: Upper elementary students mentor younger peers, practicing leadership through empathy and responsibility.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Students lead group projects and participate in activities that build cooperation, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Student-Led Initiatives: From creating a class Bill of Rights to organizing community events, students take ownership of meaningful projects that make a real impact.
Opportunities to Build Confidence: Regular public speaking, class presentations, and performances help students develop poise and self-assurance in front of an audience.
-
A great school helps children navigate the next chapter with confidence.
How WHPS Addresses This:
Focus on Resilience: Students learn to embrace challenges, manage setbacks, and adapt to new situations with confidence and optimism.
Critical Thinking Skills: WHPS emphasizes problem-solving and analytical thinking, ensuring students are prepared for complex academic tasks in middle school and beyond.
Celebrating Diversity: By learning about different cultures, perspectives, and histories, students develop a global mindset and appreciation for others.
Smooth Transitions: Our program ensures students are emotionally and academically prepared to thrive in middle school, equipped with the skills to build independence and explore new interests.
These questions aren’t just about academics—they’re about how a school champions personal growth. A truly great school helps children discover who they are as learners, friends, and leaders, empowering them academically, socially, and emotionally.
Finding the Right Fit
At WHPS, we are unapologetically passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children thrive. We believe that academic success goes hand in hand with social-emotional growth, a love of learning, and leadership opportunities for every child.
When visiting schools, it’s important to ask how they explicitly teach, model, and live out the values that matter most to your family. For us, these principles are not just ideals—they are woven into every aspect of our program.
What makes WHPS unique is our commitment to personalized education. Every child learns differently, and we embrace that. Our individualized approach ensures that each student is challenged and supported at their level, setting the stage for lifelong success.
A Warm Invitation
We understand that no two families are alike. That’s why our ultimate goal is to help you find the school that best aligns with your child’s needs—whether that’s at WHPS or elsewhere.
We warmly invite you to visit our campus, meet our students, and see our approach in action, and we hope this guide provides clarity and confidence as you navigate this important decision for your child’s education.
