Upcoming Neighborhood Council Education Committee Meetings: (The public is strongly encouraged to attend)

Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista Neighborhood Council Education Committee: Meetings are held every other fourth Wednesday of the month in the Westchester Municipal Building Community Room, 7166 W. Manchester Avenue (at the corner of Lincoln Boulevard), Los Angeles, California 90045. The public is encouraged to attend. Meetings for 2017 are held from 6:30-8pm.

 

 

   

 

    Del Rey Neighborhood Council Education Committee: Meetings are the first Thursdays of the month at 7pm at Del Rey Square.  Learn more at: http://www.delreync.org/education#sthash.aSGqA7zu.dpuf  

 

   Mar Vista Neighborhood Council Education, Culture, and Arts Committee: 6:30pm - 7:55pm on the last Monday of every month in the Mar Vista Library community room across from the firehouse on Inglewood Ave and Venice Blvd. (Learn more at: http://MarVista.org/Committees/EdCultArts 

 

   Venice Neighborhood Council Education Committee:  6:00–8:00pm at Venice Abbott Kinney Library,  501 South Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90291. Learn more at: http://www.venicenc.org/committees/education-committee 

 

Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista Public Education Leaders' Contact Information

 

Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista Elected Officials' Contact Information

 

 

Charter Schools in Los Angeles

Questions about Los Angeles Charter Schools?

 

http://achieve.LAUSD.net/Page/397 

http://achieve.LAUSD.net/Page/1814

http://www.CCSA.org/understanding/

Questions about Charter Schools' Facilities Information and Proposition 39?

http://achieve.LAUSD.net/Page/1828

http://www.CCSA.org/2010/09/about-Proposition-39.html

http://Achieve.LAUSD.net/cms/lib08/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/106/FAQ%20-%202014-15%20110113.pdf

Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista Schools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Neighborhood Stakeholders - 2014-2015 (FAQ is Currently being updated for 2015-2016)

Many stakeholders in the Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista community have questions about the accessibility, function, and options available to families with school aged children. The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) have been generated as a coordinated effort of the Loyola Marymount University Family of Schools (LMU FOS) and the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) Education Committee. The goal of providing these FAQ’s is to:

“demystify” the local school options for Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista residents; engage stakeholders in the local schools (e.g., local realtors in promoting the benefits of local schools, providing opportunities for stakeholders to explore how they may contribute to the local schools); and provide accurate information that may assist parents in enrolling/retaining their children in our local schools.

**Please confirm with the websites listed to verify information. LMU Family of Schools is not responsible for maintaining the information found on this webpage. Email any corrections or comments to the LMU Family of Schools at FOSinfo@LMU.edu

Thank you for your interest in the students and schools in the Westchester/Playa communities. A downloadable version of this FAQ is available on this Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa – Education Committee webpage: http://www.ncwpdr.org/westchesterplaya-schools-faqs-neighborhood-stakeholders 

1.    

What are different types of schools located in the Westchester/Playa Community?

a.     

Public– A public school is an elementary, middle or high school supported by public funds and provides free education for students in a community or district. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/public+school)

                                                    i.    

Traditional

A traditional public school is controlled and operated by a school district or appointed officials and derives its primary support from public funds. (http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/glossary.asp)

Within the Westchester/Playa area the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the main district for the traditional school system. (http://home.lausd.net/)

                                                  ii.    

Charter

The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA;http://www.calcharters.org) defines charter schools as, “public schools that are tuition-free and open to any student [that]wishes to attend. Charter schools are designed, tailored, and governed by each local community, rather than by a central bureaucracy.”  

There is a difference between Independent and Affiliate Charter Schools.Independent Charter Schools are fully autonomous schools with a board of directors and operate within the California Charters Schools Act. Affiliate Charter Schools are semiautonomous and they operate in accordance with district policies. Affiliated charter schools also follow existing union agreements set by the Board of Education. (http://www.calcharters.org/blog/PSC_School%2520Models_English_11x17_0.pdf)

For a child to be eligible to attend a charter school, a parent/guardian must fill out an intent to enroll form at their desired school.

                                                iii.    

Magnet

A magnet school is a public school that offers special instructions and programs that may not be available elsewhere. They are designed to attract a diverse student body from the entire school district. For more information see http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6486 

For a child to be eligible to attend a magnet school a parent/guardian must fill out the e-Choices application and submit it to their desired school. For more information see http://echoices.lausd.net/default.aspx

                                                iv.    

Pilot

In LAUSD, Pilot schools are a network of public schools that have autonomy over budget, staffing, governance, curriculum, assessment and the school calendar. This autonomy allows them the flexibility to meet their student’s needs. (http://pilotschools.lausd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=190037&type=d&pREC_ID=393572)

For a child to be eligible to attend a pilot school, a parent/guardian must fill out appropriate Inter-district online application form and turn it in to their desired school.

b.    

Private

                                                    i.    

Parochial

Parochial schools are schools that are supported by a particular church, synagogue, mosque or parish and are funded by private resources instead of tax dollars. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parochial%20school)

For a child to be eligible to attend a Parochial school, a parent/guardian must fill out an application, submit required report cards/standardized tests and make an appointment with the school for a tour and interview.

                                                  ii.    

Independent

Independent schools are run by a self-perpetuating board of directors as a not-for-profit institution. They are funded by private resources instead of tax dollars. (http://www.cais.ca/page.cfm?p=648)

For a child to be eligible to attend an Independent school, a parent/guardian must fill out application, submit required report cards/standardized tests and make an appointment with the school for a tour and interview.

 

2.    

What schools am I eligible to send my child to?  What are the home schools designated for residents in the Westchester/Playa Community? 

a.     

Public schools – Public school eligibility is primarily dependent on the child’s residence. LAUSD provides a webpage for finding your “home” school. Enter your full home address where indicated on this website: http://rsi.lausd.net/ResidentSchoolIdentifier/. 

b.    

There are many public school options in the Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista communities; see them listed at the bottom of this FAQ page.

c.     

Private Schools (Parochial and Independent) are also options. You must apply to these schools and – if admitted – pay tuition for your child to attend. There are many private school options in the Westchester/Playa del Rey/Playa Vista communities; see them listed at the bottom of this FAQ page.

 

3.    

What is the LMU Family of Schools?

a.     

The Loyola Marymount University Family of Schools is a university collaborative dedicated to promoting student success and educational equity for the schools in the Westchester/Playa community. The LMU Family of Schools (FOS) focuses on creating a partnership between Loyola Marymount University and the schools in the Westchester/Playa area of Los Angeles. The LMU FOS mission focuses on school culture and climate, academic achievement, and college and career-readiness. 

b.    

Its partner schools include: Cowan Avenue Elementary, Kentwood Elementary, Loyola Village Elementary, Paseo Del Rey Natural Science Magnet, Playa Vista Elementary, St. Anastasia School, St. Bernard High School, St. Jerome School, Visitation School, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School, Westport Heights Elementary, WISH Charter, and Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet.

c.     

More information about the LMU Family of Schools can be found at: http://soe.lmu.edu/centers/lmufamilyofschools/ , Twitter: @LMU_FOS or Facebook: LMU Family of Schools.

 

4.    

What is the procedure for obtaining enrollment permits for LAUSD schools and when are they needed?

a.     

You would need to obtain a permit for your child to attend a LAUSD school if you would like to switch your child to another school within the boundaries of LAUSD.

b.    

Types of permits available:

                                                    i.    

Information about enrollment and student transfers in the LAUSD system can be found at: http://notebook.lausd.net/portal/page?_pageid=33,168887&_dad=ptl

                                                  ii.    

LAUSD Inter-district Online Application Form is available between February 1st and April 30^th. The following is from the LAUSD website:

 

 ******************************** 

5.    

What does it mean for a school to have a STEM or STEAM focus?

A school with a STEM focus places its emphasis on curriculum and programming that supports the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to increase American academic competitiveness.

A school with a STEAM continues their focus on science, technology, engineering and math while adding an emphasis focusing on Arts programs.

 

6.    

What does it mean for a school to be a “Distinguished School”?

a.     

The California Distinguished School program honors California’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected have demonstrated significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap. A recent list of the Distinguished elementary, middle and high schools can be found at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/ 

b.    

Magnet e-Choices process

                                                    i.    

There are three programs available through Choices: Magnet, Permits With Transportation (PWT), and CORE Waiver Priority School Matriculate Choice Program (PSMCP).

1.    

Magnet: Magnet Programs arecourt ordered integration opportunities available to students in grades K-12 residing within LAUSD boundaries.

2.    

Permits with Transportation (PWT):This program is offered to residents of the LAUSD that live in a PWT sending school area. District paid transportation is provided for Elementary and Secondary applicants if they reside outside a two-mile radius or outside a PWT school attendance boundary.

3.    

Core Waiver Priority School Matriculate Choice Program (PSMCP):This program gives parents the option to enroll their child in an alternative school of choice at kindergarten, 6^th, 7^th or 9^th grade levels.

                                                  ii.    

Highly Gifted Magnet Program: The highly gifted magnet program serves students that have the ability to work two years above grade level in all academic subjects. A list of schools offering the gifted/high ability program can be found at: http://echoices.lausd.net/Magnet/GiftedCriteria.aspx

                                                iii.    

Information about the e-Choices process can be found at: http://echoices.lausd.net/

 

7.    

What is Common Core?

a.     

The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade.

b.    

More information about Common Core may be found here: http://www.corestandards.org/ 

8.    

How can I learn more about special education/gifted education services provided within local schools?

a.     

The Public School system is required to provide specialized services for students diagnosed with specific emotional and/or learning disorders. The types of services are identified in the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

                                                    i.    

Special Education Services: Special education services make sure that all of the needs of students with disabilities are met through additional and specified services, supports, programs, placements or environments. Special education services are provided at no cost to families. The purpose of the special education services is to give students with disabilities access to the same educational programs and activities that are available to their peers without disabilities.

For more information please visit: http://achieve.lausd.net/sped. Contact each specific school to explore what specialized services they provide for students with learning differences.

                                                  ii.    

IEP: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan describing the child’s abilities and needs. It determines the placement and services needed to help the student be involved in, and progress in, the general curriculum. For more information on the construction of an IEP, IEP Meetings and Transition Services please visit: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2266

                                                iii.    

School Mental Health: School Mental Health programs offer services that emphasize student support, advocacy and resiliency building. Individual schools opt to purchase a Psychiatric Social Worker to provide mandated counseling services to students receiving special education including students that are identified as: emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, deaf and hard of hearing, and visually impaired. For more information about School Mental Health services: http://notebook.lausd.net/portal/page?_pageid=33,922977&_dad=ptl

b.    

Private schools are not required to provide these services, but many make accommodations following the written recommendations of an independent child psychologist or pediatric neuropsychologist.

c.     

More information on Learning Disabilities may be found at the Learning Disabilities Association of America website: http://ldaamerica.org/

 

9.    

What are key questions parents should ask when selecting a school?

a.     

Questions asked by parents are dependent upon grade level of student and information desired.  However, here is a website that provides sample questions that may be useful regardless of grade or type of school: http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/school-visit/24-the-school-visit-what-to-look-for-what-to-ask.gs

b.    

Sample questions asked may include the following: 

1.  Elementary School 

a.  What is the student-teacher ratio in each class?

b.  How are behavior problems handled?

c.  What distinguishes your school from other schools in the area?

d.  How much homework is given nightly?

e.  How do you support children with different learning styles and needs?

f.  What before-school activities do you provide? At what costs?

g.  What after-school activities do you provide? At what costs?

h.  What is the physical environment?

i.  How are teachers supported and held to a high standard?

j.  What are the school’s expectations for its students?

k.  Are their visual and/or performing arts?

l.  How often are physical education classes held?

m. If there is tuition, do you offer financial aid?

2.  Middle School 

a.  How many minutes of math instruction will my child receive per day?

b.  What electives are offered? How many may the student take at one time?

c.  Is second language regarded as an elective or part of the core curriculum? What foreign language options are there?

d.  Do your science classes offer hands on labs?

e.  How do you measure teacher effectiveness and high teacher quality?

f.  What extracurricular activities are there? What organized sports? Costs?

g.  Are there visual and/or performing arts?

h.  How often are physical education classes held?

i.  If there is tuition, do you offer financial aid?

3.  High School 

a.  What percentage of your students graduate from high school?

b.  What percentage of your students enroll in a two- or four year college?

c.  Do you have a college preparatory program?

d.  Do you offer AP (advanced placement) or Honors courses? What percentage of your student pass the AP exam?

e.  What academic support will you offer your students?

f.  Will my child receive help with the college application process?

g.  What electives are available?

h.  What extracurricular activities are there? What organized sports? Costs?

i.  Are there visual and/or performing arts classes?

j.  How often are physical education classes held?

k.  If there is tuition, do you offer financial aid?

 

10. 

How can I support local schools?

There are many opportunities to support your local schools. Each school’s website provides options for becoming involved, typically including:

a.     

Fundraising

b.     Academic Tutoring/Mentoring

c.     

PTA/PTO Committee Membership

11. 

What are the local Westchester/Playa community schools?

For more details and specific school information, please visit the school websites.

Schools are listed alphabetically by elementary, middle, and high schools.

* indicates LMU Family of Schools affiliate

⁺ indicates the school borders the Westchester/Playa boundaries

 

TK = Transitional Kindergarten (see http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2822) 

a.    

Elementary Schools

                                                    i.    

Public Elementary Schools

1.   ⁺Coeur d’ Alene Elementary

Grades: TK-5

810 Coeur d'Alene Avenue, Venice, California 90291

http://www.cdaelementary.org/

2.   *Cowan Elementary  

Grades: TK-5

7615 Cowan Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 645-1973

http://cowantigers.org/

3.   ⁺Goethe International Charter School of Los Angeles (GICS)

Grades: K-5

12500 Braddock Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Phone: (310) 306-3484

http://www.goethecharterschool.org/

4.   *Kentwood Elementary  

Grades: TK-5

8401 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 670-8977

 www.kentwoodes.org/  

5.   *Loyola Village Elementary

Grades: TK-5

8821 Villanova Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-0480

http://www.loyolavillageschool.com/

6.   *Loyola Village Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Center

Grades: 1-5

8821 Villanova Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-0480

http://www.loyolavillageschool.com/

7.  ⁺Ocean Charter School (Mar Vista)

Grades: K-3

1606 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 827-5511

 http://oceancs.org/

8.   

Ocean Charter School

Grades: 4-8

7400 Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 348-9050

http://oceancs.org/

9.  Open Charter Magnet

Grades: K-5

5540 W 77th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 568-0735

http://www.opencharter.org/

10. *Paseo Del Rey Elementary Natural Science Magnet

Grades: TK – 5

7751 Paseo del Rey, Playa del Rey, CA 90293

(310) 823-2356

http://paseomagnet-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/

11. 

⁺Playa Del Rey Elementary

Grades: TK-5

12221 Juniette Street, Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 827-3560

http://www.playadelreyschool.org/

12. *Playa Vista Elementary

Grades: TK – 5

5510 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90094
(310) 822-0074

http://www.playavistaschool.com/

13. 

*Westchester Innovative School House (WISH) Charter

Grades: TK-8

6550 West 80^th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 642-9474

 http://www.wishcharter.org/

                                                  ii.    

Private Elementary Schools

1.   Carousel School

Grades: Preschool – 12 (Special Needs)

7899 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 645-9222

http://www.carouselschool.com 

2.   *St. Anastasia Catholic School

Grades: K-8

7390 W Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-2243

http://school.st-anastasia.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

3.   *St. Jerome School

Grades: K-8

5550 Thornburn Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 670-1678

http://www.st-jeromeschool.org/

4.   Westchester Lutheran School

Grades: TK-8

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 670-5422

 http://www.wlcs.org/

5.   ⁺Westside Neighborhood School

Grades: 3-5 years old; DK - 8

5401 Beethoven Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 574-8650

http://www.wnsk8.com/

6.   *Visitation Catholic Elementary School

Grades: K-8

8740 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 645-6620

http://www.visitationschool.org/

 

b.    

Middle Schools

                                                    i.    

Public Middle Schools

1.   Ánimo Westside Charter Middle School

Grades: 6 – 8

5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

(323) 565-3251

http://www.greendot.org/page.cfm?p=3990

2.    

⁺Marina Del Rey Middle School

Grades: 6 - 8

12500 Braddock Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 578-2700

http://www.marinadelreyms.org/

3.   Ocean Charter School

Grades: 4-8

7400 Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 348-9050

http://oceancs.org/

4.   *Westchester Innovative School House (WISH) Community School

Grades: 6-8

7400 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 410-9940

http://www.wishcharter.org/

5.  *Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet

Grades:6 - 8

6550 W 80th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 258-6600

 http://www.wrightms.org/

6.   *Katherine Johnson STEM Academy 

Grades: 6-8 

8701 Park Hill Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(323) 673-1230

 

 

http://www.kjstemacademy.org/

                                                  ii.    

Private Middle Schools

1.   

Carousel School

Grades: Preschool – 12 (Special Needs)

7899 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 645-9222

http://www.carouselschool.com

2.   

*St. Anastasia Catholic School

Grades: K-8

7390 W Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-2243

http://school.st-anastasia.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

3.   *St. Jerome School

Grades: K-8

5550 Thornburn Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 670-1678

http://www.st-jeromeschool.org/

4.   *Visitation Catholic Elementary School

Grades: K-8

8740 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 645-6620

http://www.visitationschool.org/

5.   Westchester Lutheran School

Grades: TK-8

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90045

(310) 670-5422

http://www.wlcs.org/

6.   ⁺Westside Neighborhood School

Grades: DK - 8

5401 Beethoven Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 574-8650

http://www.wnsk8.com/

 

c.     

High Schools

                                                    i.    

Public High Schools

1.   Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy

Grades:9 – 12

5431 West 98^th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(424) 789-8337 http://www.brightstarschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=104588&type=d&pREC_ID=204934   

2.   ⁺Venice High School

Grades: 9-12

13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 577-4200

http://www.venicehigh.net/

3.   *Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School

Grades: 9-12

7400 W Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 338-2400

http://westchesterhs-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com  

 

4.   *Westchester Innovative School House (WISH) Academy High School

Grades: 9-10 (9-11th in 2019-2020)

7400 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 743-6990

 

http://www.wishcharter.org/

 

 

         ii.     Private High Schools

1.  Carousel School

Grades: Preschool – 12 (Special Needs)

7899 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 645-9222

http://www.carouselschool.com 

2.  *St. Bernard High School

Grades: 9-12
9100 Falmouth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 823-4651

http://stbernardhs.org/

 

Westchester/ Playa Community Education Partnerships

1)    

Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) – Education Committee

Website: http://www.ncwpdr.org/Education

Contact: Dr. Michele Cooley Strickland / MCoolstrick@gmail.edu

 

2)    

Westchester Rotary Club

Website:http://rotary-westchester.com/

Contact: Heather Martillo / hmartillo@renovagroup.hostpilot.com

 

3)    

Westchester Family YMCA

Website: http://www.ymcala.org/westchester

Contact: Ernest Johnson /ernestjohnson@ymcala.org

 

4)    

Westchester Farmers Market

Website: http://www.westchesterfarmersmarket.com/

Contact: Cynthia Rogers/ RWestchester.cfm@gmail.com

 

5)    

Westchester/Playa Education Foundation (WPEF)

Website: http://www.wpef.org/

Contact: Kelly Kane/ kelly@wpef.org

 

6)    

Otis College of Art and Design

Website: http://www.otis.edu/

Contact: Matt Tecle / mtecle@otis.edu

 

7)    

Friends of Ballona Wetlands

Website: http://www.ballonafriends.org/

Contact: Patrick Tyrrell / patrickt@ballonafriends.org

 

8)    

LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce

Website: http://www.LAXcoastal.com

Contact: Gwen Vuchsas / gvuchsas@secoteam.com

 

9)    

Rotary Club of Playa Venice Sunrise

Website: http://www.playasunrise.org/

Contact: Gwen Vuchsas / gvuchsas@secoteam.com

 

10) 

Community Outreach and Opportunity Programs

Website: http://www.co-opla.org/

Contact: Sharma Henderson / shenderson@co-opla.org

 

11) 

Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

Website: http://community.lmu.edu/

Contact: Grace Yao / Grace.Yao@lmu.edu

 

12) 

LMU Family of Schools

Website: http://fos.lmu.edu/

Contact: Darin Earley / Darin.Earley@lmu.edu

 

 

Description The description may be used as the label of the link to the file.

 

Learning Disabilities Information

 

Free downloadable resource from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), "Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know (2013)"

 http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/DyslexiaInTheClassroom.pdf

 

 

 

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