Choosing the Right Elementary School
A Parent’s Guide to Elementary Education
Finding the Right Fit for Your Child
Choosing an elementary school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. It lays the foundation for your child’s academic journey while shaping their social-emotional development, self-confidence, and lifelong relationship with learning—impacting how they embrace new opportunities for years to come.
In a city like Los Angeles, where educational options abound, the process can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering an independent school education, it’s especially important to ensure your investment aligns with your child’s unique needs and your family’s priorities. The key lies in asking thoughtful questions: What matters most for your child’s growth? How does a school reflect your family’s values?
Here are five essential questions to guide your search, along with insights into how WHPS approaches these areas.
5 Questions Every Family Should Ask
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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: We use research-based Developmental Learning Progressions to ensure every child is supported on a path of continuous growth, providing a customized approach that meets them where they are and challenges them to excel—even beyond grade-level expectations.
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.
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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: We explicitly teach, model, and practice strategies for navigating disagreements with respect and empathy, building a collaborative and caring classroom community.
Classroom Norms for Brave Conversations: Through our Accountable Talk framework, students gain the skills and confidence to express ideas thoughtfully, listen actively, and engage respectfully, even when discussing complex or challenging topics.
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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.
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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.
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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 will help you uncover how a school fosters personal growth, empowering children to develop as learners, friends, and leaders while supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.
Finding the Right Fit
Education is about more than academics—it’s about fostering curiosity, building resilience, and nurturing leadership in every child. Truly effective schools understand that children thrive when treated as whole individuals, balancing academic rigor with emotional well-being and social growth.
At WHPS, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. We help students uncover their unique strengths and capabilities by integrating humanistic principles and positive psychology alongside our academic and enrichment programs. Through goal setting, emotional regulation, and collaborative problem-solving, we empower children to approach challenges with confidence and resilience. Even small moments, like resolving a disagreement at recess, become meaningful opportunities for growth and leadership.
Tailoring learning experiences to each child’s needs fosters a lifelong love of learning while helping children build strong relationships and develop essential skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
When visiting schools, ask how their values translate into daily practices. How do they create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and challenged?
A Warm Invitation
At WHPS, we are unapologetically passionate about the transformative power of our program, but we also recognize that every family’s journey is unique. Choosing an independent school is an investment in your child’s future, and we are honored to guide you in finding the right fit—whether that path leads you here or elsewhere.
We warmly invite you to visit our campus, explore our classrooms, and experience our approach firsthand. Meet our students, connect with our teachers, and see why WHPS is a place where children truly thrive.
We are delighted that you are considering WHPS for your family, and we hope this guide provides clarity and confidence as you navigate this important decision.
