Echo Horizon School Viewbook

the mission

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL’S MISSION is to cultivate a joyful community where children blossom into capable scholars and bold explorers of new possibilities. Through our pioneering coenrollment model, we unite deaf and hard-of-hearing students with hearing peers, instilling lifelong communication skills and an authentic respect for diversity. Our graduates lead with kindness and integrity, and venture forth into the world with confidence and purpose.

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

Dear Prospective Family, Greetings from Echo Horizon School, a Pre-K–6 independent elementary school located in the heart of Culver City’s Arts District.

We are delighted to welcome you to our vibrant community!

Choosing a school for your child is an important decision. In a city full of options, the challenge is finding the right fit—one that reflects your family’s values, beliefs, and aspirations. As author and anthropologist Simon Sinek reminds us, it’s about finding a place “that believes what you believe.”

At Echo Horizon, academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with joy and balance. Our school is not a pressure cooker—far from it. Parents describe our community as caring, kind, and down-to-earth. In our intentionally small, inclusive environment, students have the freedom to explore, question, take risks, and imagine—all within the guidance of caring and dedicated educators.

Echo Horizon is also home to the renowned Echo Center, where approximately 15% of our students are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH). Using listening and spoken language technology, DHH students learn and play alongside their hearing peers in a fully inclusive environment. This pioneering model benefits all students, fostering empathy, advocacy, authentic communication, and a deep appreciation of difference.

Equity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We believe our school should reflect the world in which we live: approximately 50% of our students identify as people of color, and together they represent 43 different zip codes across Los Angeles. Our graduates leave Echo Horizon as kind, empathetic leaders, equipped with confidence, purpose, and the ability to see the world through multiple perspectives.

Come discover the joy, curiosity, and connection that make Echo Horizon extraordinary. We welcome your family to explore our joyful, engaged learning and begin a meaningful partnership in your child’s educational journey.

Sincerely yours,

Peggy Procter Head of School

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our educational approach:

the best of both worlds

Traditional or Progressive? Both.

Our “Best of Both Worlds” philosophy blends the strength of traditional education with the innovation of progressive practices.

Rooted in brain science and child development, our approach combines foundational skills with project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and collaboration. The result is students who think deeply, learn rigorously, and grow with confidence.

Academic or Social-Emotional? Both.

At Echo Horizon, we know that children thrive when strong academics are paired with equally strong social-emotional learning. Research shows that students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and empowered to take risks—an environment our caring and dedicated educators create every day.

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While mastering content and foundational skills is essential, true success also requires independence, adaptability, ethical decision-making, and the ability to think critically. By nurturing both intellect and character, we prepare our students not just for the next grade, but for a lifetime of learning and leadership.

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

OUR FLOURISH PROGRAM:

Mindful, Social, and Emotional Learning The Flourish Program nurtures nine key traits—Curiosity, Empathy, Kindness, Optimism, Interconnectedness, Introspection, Emotional Navigation, Growth Mindset, and Gratitude—that guide scholars toward wise effort, ethical action, and community well-being.

Celebrated throughout the year, these traits help students grow into thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate learners.

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These values are woven into the fabric of our school and: Reflect our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and our Echo Center Program Are incorporated across all subject areas Are modeled by educators and staff in their interactions with scholars and each other Serve as anchors of connection through all-school Morning Meetings and monthly assemblies

The Buddy Program Rooted in our Educational Approach and Flourish Program, the Buddy Program pairs Pre-K students with 5th graders and Kindergartners with 6th graders.

Through play and meaningful activities, Upper Elementary scholars develop leadership skills while building lasting connections with their younger buddies.

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joyful engaged learning At Echo Horizon School, it is our honor and responsibility as educators to nurture foundational skills that spark wonder and curiosity, and grow into critical and independent thinking—helping our scholars become bold leaders. Each academic division prioritizes essential skills in communication, collaboration, and confidence, allowing our capable and curious scholars to blossom into their best selves, from Pre-K through 6th grade and beyond.

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

The Bright Beginnings of Early Education PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN

Our young explorers in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are introduced to the Echo Horizon School “Best of Both Worlds” educational philosophy through developmentally appropriate practices, a focus on strong foundational skills, and a commitment to purposeful play. Our approach to early learning instruction utilizes multi-sensory strategies to support and strengthen cognitive development, language development, motor skills and social emotional growth.

The Experience of Lower Elementary GRADES 1-2

Our young scholars in 1st and 2nd grade engage in the Echo Horizon School “Best of Both Worlds” educational philosophy through a dynamic mix of challenging academic practices and curiosity driven real-world learning experiences. During this unique developmental time, students are eager to apply their rapidly developing cognitive abilities and their imaginative points of view to their learning.

The Journey of Upper Elementary GRADES 3-6

Our young leaders in 3rd-6th grade engage in our “Best of Both Worlds” educational philosophy through purposeful hands-on learning experiences coupled with rigorous curricular programs. We capitalize on their emerging social emotional development to support self advocacy and independent thinking. Immense cognitive growth allows them to tackle more complex academic, social and emotional tasks with determination and adaptability, leading to learning environments filled with bold learners and leaders.

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the echo center The Echo Center is a program that supports students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) in the mastery of listening and spoken language.

Approximately 15 percent of Echo Horizon’s students are DHH and use hearing technology.

Through the Echo Center program, they learn alongside their hearing peers, developing meaningful advocacy skills and experiencing true inclusion for all students.

Echo Horizon School was founded in 1983 by Carol Proctor and Kent Landsberg, but the Echo Center is even older—it was established in 1970.

Although the Echo Center is for DHH students, all of our students benefit from this unique educational model.

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

How Does the Echo Center Benefit All Students?

Hearing and DHH students learn and play together, developing empathy, an appreciation for differences, and strong communication skills—like making eye contact when speaking. All students practice self-advocacy and thoughtful communication, learning to consider the needs of others in both conversation and play. General education and Echo Center DHH teachers collaborate closely, allowing for differentiated instruction, small-group support, language scaffolding, and ongoing checks for understanding. Classroom hearing technology ensures that every student, whether directly connected or listening through the soundfield tower, can clearly hear and engage with the speaker. This creates an inclusive learning environment where all students are able to thrive.

How Do Echo Center Students Learn in the Classroom?

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The Echo Center does an excellent job of teaching our DHH students advocacy skills, public speaking, and effective communication with their peers and teachers. Each day, we work with them to strengthen their ability to advocate for themselves and to understand that they can do so in any environment. Nothing affirms the impact of our teaching more than seeing our students graduate with the confidence and skills to succeed in whatever path they choose for the next stage of their lives.”

—JENNIFER MASCOLO Director of Echo Center

Our Echo Center scholars don’t use sign language. DHH students use personal and classroom hearing technology to listen, speak, and fully participate in learning. Devices like cochlear implants, hearing aids, and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) work together with classroom tools—such as Phonak Roger™ (DM) Digital Modulation system, microphones and soundfield tower systems—to transmit the speaker’s voice clearly, even across distance or background noise. This technology helps students with hearing differences learn, socialize, and engage with confidence, creating a more inclusive and empowering learning environment for all.

In addition, DHH students are supported by specialized Echo Center teachers who collaborate closely with their general education teachers. These Echo Center teachers are specifically trained to work with students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, using the listening and spoken language approach to deaf education.

What Is the Purpose of this Educational Model?

The Echo Center is more than a unique program—it is the foundation of our school. For over 50 years, Echo Horizon has brought our founders’ vision of inclusive, diverse education to life. Our graduates move on to middle school as confident, caring, and bright scholars who stand up for others and strive to make the world a better place for all.

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justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI)

Our school was founded on inclusion, when our founders set out to create a program—and later a school—where deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) scholars could learn and grow alongside their hearing peers. This commitment to inclusion has evolved into our JEDI program, a cornerstone of Echo Horizon’s identity and community. From their earliest days in Pre-K, scholars learn to celebrate their identities, honor differences, and engage in meaningful conversations about the world around them. Woven throughout the curriculum and supported by dedicated JEDI lessons, assemblies, and community events, scholars build empathy, pride, and a strong sense of justice.

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

Our whole-school JEDI Days bring the community together to explore themes of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through hands-on projects, discussions, and partnerships with local organizations—setting the stage for every child to graduate empowered with the knowledge, compassion, and joy to thrive in an increasingly diverse world. Families, faculty, and staff also engage in this work through parent education events, professional development for educators, and affinity group meetings, reinforcing that JEDI is truly everyone’s work.

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global arts

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Our unique Global Arts program offers students a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, and Spanish Language and Cultures. Designed to nurture creativity and self expression, the program encourages students to discover their unique voices while connecting with others. Through differentiated instruction, every student can engage meaningfully, regardless of skill level. Cross-curricular projects and integrated units deepen understanding of diverse cultures, fostering empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking. This holistic approach to arts education empowers students to connect with the world around them and become thoughtful, creative global citizens.

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

The 4 C’s of Global Arts In the arts, we emphasize Culture, Community, Creativity, and Communication—four essential pillars that guide students toward becoming thoughtful, engaged global citizens.

Culture

Creativity

Students explore Music, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Spanish Language and Cultures, cultivating respect for diverse traditions and a deep understanding of the world. This awareness encourages empathy, critical thinking, and reflection on their own identities.

By engaging in multiple art forms, students develop imagination, curiosity, and problemsolving skills, learning to express themselves confidently and think beyond conventional boundaries.

Community

Through creative and cultural experiences, students practice listening, expressing ideas clearly, and engaging in meaningful dialogue, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a connected, global society.

Collaborative projects foster meaningful relationships, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, helping students understand the power of diverse voices both within the school and the wider world.

Communication

Celebrating Community and Culture Through the Arts At Echo Horizon, we honor the power of arts education by celebrating diverse cultures and creative expression throughout the year. Students and families come together to participate in events such as: Pinwheels for Peace Winter Festival of Holidays Family Art Night (Youth Art Month) Diwali Día de los Muertos Spring Arts Showcases at each grade level …and many more!

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inquiry x innovation 2 =i At Echo Horizon, the Inquiry and Innovation (i²) Program inspires students to think beyond the classroom. By fostering curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, i² encourages scholars to make meaningful connections across subjects and explore ideas through hands-on experiences. Guided by educators, peers, and community partners, students take ownership of their learning, build resilience, and gain the confidence to share their discoveries with the world.

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Program Benefits

Our students don’t use technology just for the sake of it— We strive to be intentional and use it as a tool to bring their creative and innovative ideas to life.”

EVERY STUDENT CAN SHINE Every student can shine while exploring any subject.

The i² approach helps students discover where their skills can be celebrated while making authentic connections to the curriculum, encouraging creative thinking and empathetic collaboration.

—ALEX SOWA Director of Technology and EdTech

SKILLS FOR COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION Through hands-on experiences in design, engineering, coding, and problem-solving, students learn to use their knowledge not only for personal growth but also to make a meaningful impact on their community.

IDEAS THAT MATTER As students build, experiment, and create, they see the real-world impact of their ideas. Whether through design-thinking solutions, interdisciplinary projects, or technology-driven expression, they understand that their skills and contributions are valued.

TECHNOLOGY

We are pleased to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for inspiring, imagining, and impacting teaching and learning schoolwide through continuous innovation.

ACTIVE CONTRIBUTORS TO THE WORLD By learning to adapt, innovate, and think critically, scholars become more than consumers of knowledge—they become empowered contributors. i² projects cultivate a sense of agency, helping students grasp the power of small ideas to create big impact.

To me, science lies at the intersection of all other subjects. By applying the skills we learn in math, humanities, art, and STEAM, we can better understand the world around us. i² provides a unique platform for self-guided discovery, leading to meaningful action!”

MAKER/STEAM

Our Makerspace STEAM Lab is a hands-on learning environment where our scholars can tinker, create, build and explore. Design Thinking at Echo Horizon isn’t about product—it’s about process. It’s not about making a robot or an invention; it’s about using our skills to help others, noticing a problem and developing the skills to solve it. It’s okay when designs don’t work at first—our scholars learn by planning, testing, sharing their ideas, and refining their work through feedback into the final design.

—RYAN YOUNG Director of Inquiry and Innovation (i²) and Science Teacher

Learn more about our i² projects during the admissions process!

Imagine 2nd graders designing and building a tool to sift sand and shells while filtering out unwanted plastics and particles at the beach in their States of Matter unit, or 5th graders exploring sustainability in the Future of Farming unit as they collaboratively design and build a working aquaponics system.

The most important things we make are decisions.

The most important things we build are relationships.”

—DR. SAM PATTERSON Maker/STEAM Teacher

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foundational literacy inspires a

lifelong love of reading and writing

The love of stories begins in our Early Education classrooms and grows throughout the school, nurtured by a research-based approach to developing strong foundational literacy skills.

Our youngest learners build early reading skills through the UFLI Foundations curriculum— an explicit, systematic phonics program— supplemented with resources and strategies tailored to each child’s needs.

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

As students grow, their literacy journey expands through Writers’ Workshop, guided reading, and rich classroom experiences that inspire both reading and writing for joy and expression. Imagine students gathered in a reading circle, practicing comprehension through lively conversations with their teachers, or celebrating their work at publishing parties where they proudly share their stories with peers.

Older scholars might even script, film, and edit creative book reports—proof that literacy at Echo Horizon is not only academically enriching but also engaging, joyful, and fun.

Every step of the way, students are cultivating confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of language, reading, writing, and storytelling.

OUR LIBRARY:

A Haven for Young Readers Our library is a warm and welcoming space, lovingly guided by longtime librarian Mrs. Claudette Brown. Students visit with their classes and are also welcome during recess to explore more than 17,000 books—far exceeding the state’s recommended number of books per student.

Library events and highlights include: V isits from renowned authors!

These visits have included Brian Selznick, Stuart Gibbs, Jessica Sima, Caroline Arnold, and more

Book clubs

Annual Book Fair

Annual Poetry Slam

Celebration of Books

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our community, our strength

At Echo Horizon, our greatest strength is our community. We celebrate the unique strengths of every individual, and every family who joins becomes an integral part of our school family.

Our community is rooted in kindness, respect, and empathy—values that guide how we learn, play, and grow together.

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

Parent Association Involvement The Parent Association is at the heart of our inclusive community, connecting families, faculty, and administration. Every parent is a member and invited to share their passion, expertise, and energy through a variety of volunteer opportunities—from fundraising and event planning to hot lunch service and the annual book fair. There’s a place for everyone, no matter your schedule or interests, and participation is a wonderful way to contribute, connect, and become part of the Echo Horizon family.

Community Engagement and Partnerships Learning extends beyond our campus. We are proud to be part of the vibrant Culver City community and greater Los Angeles area, where our school actively engages to build empathy, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Through partnerships with organizations such as LIFT-LA, Mar Vista Family Center, Boys & Girls Club, S.P.Y., and One Voice LA, our community participates in meaningful outreach and service rooted in justice. You’ll also find us at local events—Culver City Fiesta La Ballona, Culver City Art Walk & Roll, Culver City Pride Ride, Larchmont Fair, and Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup at Ballona Creek, where Echo Horizon proudly serves as a host site.

Community Education Speaker Series We believe our entire community is made up of lifelong learners. Just as our scholars grow each day, so do the adults who support them. Parents and guardians are invited to engage through dynamic events such as our speaker series—featuring experts like author Ruth Whippman and educational expert Lindsay Astor Grant. Our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) team also hosts special events for parents/ guardians to continue the conversations scholars are having in class. For a more casual connection, our Parents Association organizes Morning Coffees after drop-off—an easy way to stay informed, ask questions, and build community.

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fun and learning beyond the classroom

afterschool programs:

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Our AfterSchool Program offers a safe, engaging, and flexible option for our families, bringing together AfterSchool Enrichment Classes, our Recreation Program, and Hawk Athletics. Scholars can explore their interests, stay active, and build friendships in a supportive environment—making every afternoon an opportunity to learn, play, and grow beyond the classroom.

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

AfterSchool Enrichment Classes AfterSchool Enrichment Classes offer scholars the chance to explore their passions, try new activities, and connect with peers across grade levels—all within a safe, encouraging environment. Classes are taught by both our talented Echo Horizon educators, as well as experienced outside vendors, including Zooga Yoga, ACE Enrichment, Curated Care, and more, providing a rich mix of experiences after school.

Offered on a trimester basis (Fall, Winter, Spring) with a typical course lasting 10–12 weeks. lass offerings can include Yearbook, Choir, C Broadway Dance, Cooking, Soccer, and more!

Recreation Program Our Recreation Program, led by energetic Echo Horizon counselors, gives students the chance to stay active, play games, and explore new activities in a safe and lively environment. Beyond crafts, games, and making friends, scholars look forward to special events like Tie Dye Day, scavenger hunts, the annual talent show, bake sales, and family fun hours with potlucks and pizza parties.

There’s always something exciting to enjoy!

Offered five days a week until 5:45 PM. The daily schedule can include homework assistance, games, crafts/projects, quiet-space time, free play, and snack time.

SPORTS AND WELLNESS:

The Roots of Hawk Athletics

Hawk Athletics The Hawk Athletics program emphasizes teamwork, fair play, character development, and a growth mindset to help our 4th–6th grade athletes build confidence and resilience.

Our coaches combine regular practices with competitive games in an uplifting, inclusive environment. With a “no cut” policy, every student who wants to play can join—and all athletes receive equal playing time. Sports offerings include Co-ed Flag Football, Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Volleyball, and Co-ed Soccer, with opportunities to compete in the Coastal Canyon League.

Sports and Wellness goes beyond traditional physical education. From Pre-K through 6th grade, scholars participate in Sports and Wellness multiple times per week to build motor skills, explore a variety of sports, and engage in movement activities that promote teamwork, leadership, confidence, and self-awareness.

The program also emphasizes mental and emotional well-being, teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy habits that support a balanced lifestyle—both in school and beyond.

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graduate

the Echo Horizon

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ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL

Accomplished.

Empathetic.

Passionate.

Curious.

Collaborative.

Brilliant.

Creative.

These are just some of the words that secondary school directors use to describe our scholars. Echo Horizon alumni go on to be scientists, athletes, artists, and changemakers who have the intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and courage they need to improve the world for future generations.

Our alumni have been accepted to the most exceptional secondary schools in the greater Los Angeles area, including: The Archer School for Girls

Marlborough School

Brentwood School

Milken Community Schools

The Buckley School

New Roads School

Campbell Hall School

Notre Dame Academy

Chadwick School

Oakwood School

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

Saint Monica Preparatory

Geffen Academy at UCLA

Windward School

Harvard-Westlake School

Wildwood School

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how to

apply

joyful engaged learning starts here!

Getting started is easy!

Simply register a Parent Account to begin your journey with Echo Horizon. Once registered, you can: Submit an Inquiry Form Explore the Admissions Portal Register for events and tours Start and update your application at your own pace

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Track your progress with a personalized Admissions Checklist Stay on top of important dates with our Admissions Calendar QUESTIONS? Reach out to us at admissions@echohorizon.org!

ECHO HORIZON

at a glance

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LOCATION:

3430 McManus Avenue Culver City, CA 90232

morning care and afterschool program available

total students

monday–thursday: 8:30 am–3:00 pm

SERVING

founded in

approx

15%

of our students are deaf or hard-of-hearing students come from across Los Angeles county

pre-k THROUGH

grade 6

8:1 PRE-K

friday: 8:30 am–2:00 pm

approx

50% 10:1

KINDERGARTEN

of our students identify as people of color

12:1 GRADES 1-6

student-to-teacher ratio ACCREDITATION: California Association of Independent Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL 3430 McManus Avenue Culver City, CA 90232 310-838-2442 echohorizon.org |

@echohorizonschool

Echo Horizon School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national or ethnic origin or ancestry in the administration of its education or admissions policies or its financial aid, athletics, or other programs.

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