Choosing the Right Elementary School
A Parent’s Guide to Elementary Education
A Reflection on What Matters Most
Choosing the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. It shapes their growth and development today, their love for learning, and their capacity to embrace future opportunities. In a city like Los Angeles, with its many options and diverse educational approaches, this decision can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
At WHPS, our mission is not just words on a page—it’s a promise brought to life in every classroom, every interaction, and every child’s journey. We understand that families are searching for a place where their child will thrive, feel genuinely seen, and grow into their best selves.
We carefully backward-plan our entire program based on the qualities we want to see in our graduates: confident, curious, and compassionate individuals prepared to embrace the future. We accomplish this by celebrating each child’s unique potential through personalized learning plans and goals, all within a warm, inclusive community that values children’s input and strengths.
What Makes WHPS Different?
Over the past 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to work in public, private, religious, and progressive schools, gaining a broad perspective on what works—and what doesn’t—in education. I’ve led district action research projects, piloted model classrooms, and measured the impact of innovative practices on children’s growth, motivation, and love for learning.
These experiences have profoundly shaped the program we’ve built at WHPS. Unlike schools constrained by district mandates or limited resources, we have the freedom to create a truly dynamic educational experience tailored to meet the needs of every child. By blending the creativity and engagement of progressive education with the structure and clarity of traditional methods, we’ve designed an approach that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
Why Families Choose WHPS
WHPS isn’t just for high-achieving or gifted learners—it’s for every child who deserves to feel challenged, supported, and celebrated. Families are drawn to WHPS because it helps every child unlock their unique potential.
Here, your child’s strengths and curiosity are at the heart of their learning journey. The rigorous yet engaging curriculum sparks joy and builds mastery. Students benefit from a personalized learning plan that helps them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
With small class sizes, a co-teaching model, and individualized attention, every child is noticed. Every child is empowered to grow at their own pace, discovering the joy of learning. Parents often tell us that WHPS provides an unmatched balance of challenge, creativity, and support—something they didn’t realize their child was missing until they joined our program.
If you’re exploring other schools, it’s worth asking: Will your child’s unique needs truly be met in a one-size-fits-all program? At WHPS, every student is challenged, supported, and inspired every single day.
What Truly Sets Us Apart
At WHPS, we’ve intentionally designed a program that blends structure with creativity, ensuring every child grows academically and personally. Here’s what sets us apart:
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At WHPS, we’ve carefully blended the best of traditional and progressive education to create a truly unique learning experience.
Traditional schools often focus on textbook-based lessons, memorization, and standardized tests. While this approach develops basic skills, it can lack the depth and excitement needed to foster a love of learning.
Progressive schools emphasize project-based learning and student-driven exploration, which ignite curiosity but can sometimes leave gaps in foundational skills.
At WHPS, we bridge these extremes by combining structure with creativity. Our students gain the foundational skills they need while exploring topics that inspire and motivate them. This balanced approach ensures children are both academically prepared and excited about learning.
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Our teaching methodology is grounded in research and designed to adapt to the unique needs of each child.
We use formative assessments to determine what each student already knows and tailor their lessons to meet them where they are. For example:
In literacy, students work at their spelling or reading level while mastering shared skills like analyzing text.
In math, children engage with hands-on activities to build understanding before moving on to higher-level concepts.
Our flexible approach ensures that all students feel challenged and supported. Learning is personalized, relevant, and meaningful, helping children make real-world connections that deepen their understanding.
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At WHPS, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation of everything we do.
Students help create their classroom rules, fostering ownership and accountability. Through reflection, goal-setting, and Student-Led Conferences, they learn to self-assess and take responsibility for their growth—both academically and emotionally.
By practicing skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience, WHPS students build the emotional intelligence they need to thrive in relationships, overcome challenges, and become leaders in their communities.
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Our co-teaching model is a cornerstone of WHPS’s personalized approach.
With two fully qualified teachers in every classroom, we can provide:
Dynamic small-group instruction tailored to each child’s needs.
A consistent and supportive environment where students feel known and understood.
Continuity of care, even when one teacher is away, so students are always guided by someone who knows them well.
This model ensures no child is overlooked, and every student gets the individual attention they need to thrive socially and academically.
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Leadership is woven into the fabric of WHPS, from our students to our staff.
For students, we create opportunities to develop leadership skills through collaborative projects, student-led events, and classroom roles that foster responsibility and initiative.
For staff, we provide a robust support system with dedicated leadership, including a Principal, Dean of Students, and Administrative Director, ensuring teachers have the tools and guidance needed to deliver an exceptional individualized program.
Our strong leadership structure allows WHPS to provide unparalleled attention and a truly open-door policy for families.
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Enrichment at WHPS is not an afterthought—it’s a core part of the school day.
Our students enjoy:
Immersion Spanish for early language development.
Music, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts to foster creativity and confidence.
STEM and Robotics to prepare students for a tech-driven future.
Inquiry-Based Science and Animal Studies at our on-site teaching zoo to inspire curiosity.
Physical Education to develop teamwork and coordination.
These programs engage the whole child, helping them explore their passions while building essential skills.
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Minimum Days: We avoid the disruption of weekly early-out days, keeping our focus on continuous learning.
Extended Care: Is managed by WHPS staff, ensuring a familiar environment, rules, and teachers. Many public schools outsource extended care to the YMCA or other organizations, which can mean less consistency and sometimes waitlists for space.
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WHPS provides unparalleled support for families with:
Extended Care managed by our staff for consistency and a familiar environment.
No Minimum Days, so children benefit from uninterrupted learning.
Open-Door Communication: Families can connect with teachers during drop-off and pick-up or schedule dedicated time for deeper conversations.
Intake and Student-Led Conferences: These sessions build strong school-home partnerships and ensure alignment on goals for every child.
Our commitment to accessibility and consistency gives families peace of mind and fosters a strong sense of community.
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At WHPS, we prioritize creating a community where every student and family feels a deep sense of belonging.
We build cultural proficiency through:
Celebrating Joyous Diversity: Collaborating with parents to honor traditions and events beyond the dominant culture.
Field Trips and Experiential Learning: Helping students connect with history and other cultures firsthand.
Learning Hard History: Approaching complex topics thoughtfully, ensuring students gain a full understanding of the world around them.
Affinity Spaces: Providing dedicated spaces for underrepresented groups to foster connection and inclusion.
Through these initiatives, WHPS ensures that every child feels valued, empowered, and supported as part of a vibrant and inclusive community.
Final Thoughts
Parenting and education are two of life’s most meaningful journeys. At WHPS, we’ve seen how a small, supportive community can transform a child’s experience, helping them grow into their best selves.
We warmly invite you to see what makes WHPS special. Join us for a tour, attend our events, or speak with our current students and families. Experiencing our program in action will help you make the most informed decision for your child’s future.
