Longfellow Elementary School

Broadoaks was once a standout demonstration school with a long waiting list. After COVID-19, the school failed to adapt and modernize its offerings, losing many students to a nearby private school, St. Mark’s Lutheran School, which offered lower tuition and a broader range of extracurricular and educational programs.In May 2024, the school and Whittier College announced that 5th and 6th grades were being "temporarily" cancelled for the 2024-2025 school year due to declining enrollment. Responding to parental pressure, Broadoaks finally ended COVID-19-era practices, introduced Chinese language and art classes, reinstated field trips, and revived after-school enrichment programs. A re-energized PTA secured funding for new library books, and a dedicated team of parents reopened the library for K-8 students.However, as the 2024-2025 school year progressed, initial gains in marketing and recruitment stalled. Applications for 2025-2026 continued to fall, with many families enrolling at St. Mark’s instead. In April 2025, Broadoaks announced that its middle school would permanently close after the 2025-2026 school year, and several elementary grades would be combined going forward.Teachers and office staff remain strong, but there is limited transparency from the new Executive Director and Whittier College. Unless leadership treats families as collaborative stakeholders, the enrollment decline is likely to continue.

Best decision ever to enroll our son at St Mary’s. He started to go to SMA since he was 4 yrs old. He is always excited to go to school. We are blessed to be part of SMA Family.

My children started Plymouth at two years old and continued all the way through to sixth grade. They received a great education in a nurturing, Christ centered environment.