Taft Charter High

Hands down, Woodland Hills Private School (or WHPS, as we like to affectionately call it) is a gem and an impeccable find for any parent looking for an engaging, caring, nurturing and academically challenging environment all in one. As a family, we came seeking refuge from a terrible experience at a local Montessori preschool, and we stayed through elementary after truly finding our home. We've all grown as a family through WHPS, but I also can't underscore enough the school's focus on community - that support has carried through for us even beyond school. Many of our friends are now our family, and all of them have come from or touched WHPS in one way or another. Throughout our stay at the school as well, the teachers have put an unmatched focus on inspiring our kiddo to take on new academic challenges (and to not fear asking for help to get better), to understand that social skills are "soft" skills we all need (and can actually learn to improve) and to advocate - for self, for friends, for school and for community. As a parent, the teachers and administration always welcome insight and innovation, always keep us connected and always provide an array or incredible touch points to the school. Of course, it also helps that the campus is one that cannot be matched. With a calming, open feel to each classroom (and the grounds overall), security on-site at all times (not to mention staff available on grounds and by phone at all times) and the barnyard (comprised of loving goats, ducks and animals we now know by name), it is a truly special place. For parents thinking about the beyond time of middle school and high school, I will add that there isn't a middle or high school that we have considered (whether local or on the West Side, even with some of the most competitive schools) that hasn't also spoken well about the academic preparedness of WHPS. That kind of momentum opens doors when you are searching beyond elementary school. To us, the reaction of other schools just solidified our position that we have truly found our place, and for that - we cannot recommend the school enough to prospective parents. For all new parents who are out looking at options, WHPS should be top of your list.

We have both of our children enrolled at Woodcrest. We drive 20 minutes out of the way to get here because we feel it’s safe (most important), fun, and the community of other families are all very nice. My daughter just graduated from TK this past June and we were so impressed by the graduation ceremony, we’re deciding to send her to Woodcrest Elementary instead of the charter school we were accepted to. The teachers are warm and kind and I feel like my children are very well taken care of. We love getting multiple pictures & updates a day and my kids always seem happy going to school. Again, I feel like my children have made friends that will last for years to come. So important when they’re so young.