Lydia Jackson 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.

This school is a tiny hidden gem in Whittier where my son has been attending for two years. He is a happy and thriving student. He loves going to school and learning. The multi age small classrooms cultivate a culture of tolerance and cooperation. The small student to teacher ratio ensures dedicated and through lesson plans where students are taught in a classic lesson then pencil to page reinforcement style without screens and a lot of teacher/ student interaction. Computers are used occasionally and sparingly. I see this as a positive because eye contact when speaking, problemsolving and communication skills are built while learning. We get a report about how the day at pick up that include the day's class activities, behavior and reminders about any school activities or meetings that are taking place or upcoming. The school takes lots of field trips that encourage learning outside the classroom and apply to the current curriculum. This school fosters a culture of scholarship, good citizenship, physical, mental and emotional health, and tolerance. Each child is encouraged to be his or her own unique and wonderful self in a gentle and structured environment. I am so happy we found rhis school and so happy with my son's academic progress. He will be attending this school until he ages out.