EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Santa Monica High School recently hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Discovery Building. Architecture firm HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), in collaboration with Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners, designed the new academic complex that has transformed the school’s North Campus. It has elevated educational, cultural and recreational pursuits; improved campus access and circulation, and supports whole child development and diverse learning styles. The five-story, 280,000-square-foot complex fosters social interactions and strengthens the sense of community on the campus. Wrapped around an openentry courtyard, the innovative structure is designed as an “open building” with a flexible open-column grid, raised floor and non-load bearing walls that can be reconfigured over time. The new complex is sustainable and flexible, featuring displacement ventilation, photovoltaic and solar thermal arrays, and a two-story living green wall. Outdoor classrooms, including a rooftop hydroponic garden and science classrooms, connect students with the natural world to support hands-on learning, while interior classrooms are organized around common spaces to build on a sense of belonging, identity and interconnectivity. Additional features include a publicly accessible 50-meter pool, a central kitchen and dining facility, medically fragile suite and labs, and parking. School board members, district leadership, Samohi administration and dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At PS1, children grow up in—and help shape—an exceptionally joyful, empathetic, dynamic learning community. From this intentionally created microcosm your child emerges excited and prepared to change the wider world for the better.

www.psone.org • 310-394-1313 X 107 Inquire & Connect with Us! Apply Online Now!

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, PS1 Pluralistic School is a coeducational day school for children in grades K-6. At PS1, pluralism is our highest aspiration—for our children and our world. It also describes our methods for achieving that goal. The school’s name intentionally echoes our nation’s motto, E pluribus unum: Out of many, one. As our students master essential skills and knowledge, we ensure they understand themselves as individual learners and human beings, and as members of numerous larger communities. Why does pluralism matter? By attending to each child as a unique and valued individual, we build a kind, cooperative, dynamic learning community that models the larger world as we think it can and should be: one that considers, honors, and welcomes every person, so all can joyfully contribute their best selves to the greater good. When your child spends their earliest years in this carefully designed educational environment, they step forth prepared and energized to put their values into practice wherever they go. Today, we need such delightful, dedicated, effective thinkers and citizens more than ever. For more information visit: www.psone.org

Notre Dame Academy is a college preparatory high school for young women located in West Los Angeles. In partnership with parents, NDA creates a nurturing and culturally diverse community for girls to grow as they strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. Imbued with Catholic values, NDA’s culture of learning provides an engaging environment in which to develop self confidence and strong habits of mind. With a dedicated team of expert educators, students benefit from a rigorous, research-based curriculum and activities designed not only to expand knowledge but also to cultivate essential life skills. NDA prepares students to thrive at selective colleges and universities, with an emphasis on “right fit.” A robust Advanced Placement program and extensive visual and performing arts offerings develop well-rounded students. Athletics and extracurricular activities further expand self-discovery and personal growth. Every aspect of the NDA experience – curriculum, teaching methods, clubs and activities, even the eight-period schedule — is created exclusively to propel girls’ development. Over four transformative years, NDA empowers each young woman to make a difference no matter her path or passion. For more information, contact Magee Mudge, mmudge@ndala.com.

Cathedral High School, in its partnership with the Archdiocese, alumni, and the business and civic communities of Los Angeles, is more successful than at any time in its history in providing its students with a quality Catholic college preparatory education. Cathedral High School has been educating young men from throughout the greater Los Angeles area since 1925 on its North Broadway campus. Through the dedicated work of the Christian Brothers and colleagues, Cathedral provides a human, religious and academic education for young men, within a Catholic community directed by the Spirit of Jesus Christ and the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, who founded the Christian Brothers in France in 1680 to educate the working class and the poor. Through its academic programs, campus facilities, technology offerings, sports programs, visual and performing arts productions, and Christian service programs, Cathedral has made itself a school of choice for many young students. There is a great spirit of unity and belonging at Cathedral High School — something that is needed more than ever by young iseburn people. There is a great spirit of devotion to God and the Church amongst the students, and they are doing more to serve the poor in the community than at any time in the school’s history. Unified School Visit cathedralhighschool.org Advertorial District

The Wiseburn Unified School District empowers students with the skills necessary to become capable lifelong learners and The Wiseburn Unified School District empowers students with the productive citizens in the technological skills necessary to become capable lifelong learners and productive and complex world of the 21st century. citizens in the technological and complex world of the 21st century. Through our five schools and childcare Through our five schools and childcare programs, the district provides programs, the district provides a safe, a safe, orderly, and engaging environment focused on the academic, orderly, and engaging environment focused on the academic, social, and physical needs of the whole child while emphasizing community participation. social, and physical needs of the whole child while emphasizing community participation. There is a well-deserved reputation for educational excellence within the Wiseburn Unified School District. Both parents and community partners perceive the District as successfully offering a personalized learning process focused on the whole child within a There is a well-deserved reputation for educational excellence within the Wiseburn Unified School District. Both parents and community partners perceive the District as successfully offering a personalized safe, positive, learning environment. Acquisition of skills needed to learning process focused on the whole child within a safe, positive, compete in a global economy is a major thrust. Staff members are learning environment. Acquisition of skills needed to compete in a highly committed, and students achieve. The staff is dedicated to global economy is a major thrust. Staff members are highly commitmaintaining high academic standards for students and continuing ted, and students achieve. The staff is dedicated to maintaining high the tradition of pride in the District. academic standards for students and continuing the tradition of pride More detailed information about all Wiseburn schools, please in the District. visit our website at www.wiseburn.org, for more information regarding interdistrict permit options, please visit our website at www.wiseburn.org/enrollment/new-interdistrict-permit-application. To register for one of our school tours, please refer to our website More detailed information about all Wiseburn schools, please visit our website at www.wiseburn.org. For more information regarding inat www.wiseburn.org/enrollment/school-tours. terdistrict permit options, please visit our website at Advertorial www.wiseburn.org/enrollment/new-interdistrict-permit-application To register for one of our school tours, please refer to our website at www.wiseburn.org/enrollment/school-tours.

St. Monica is a private Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school for students in grades 9-12. St. Monica’s goal is to provide a personalized learning environment where each student is encouraged to discover and pursue their own individual aptitudes, curiosities and talents. In addition to their strong academic journey, students have the opportunity to grow in the areas of faith, leadership, athletics, the arts, as well as through dozens of interest-specific clubs and organizations. St. Monica’s counseling and advisory programs nurture an environment where students feel connected, seen, safe, and supported. In collaboration with their family and counselor, students develop a four-year high school academic plan. The school’s 100% four-year college acceptance rate is structured around one-to-one planning meetings each semester, with annual round-table student, parent and counselor meetings. 21st century learning requires 21st century spaces. The Mariner Ocean Research Institute (MORI), MakerSpace, and Robotics Lab provide hands-on, creative ways to engage students to design, experiment, build and invent. But not all learning happens in an academic classroom. Students are encouraged to practice what they love within a community where experiential learning is valued. Learn more about the St. Monica community. Be part of this unique learning experience!

Since 2009, Goethe International Charter School (GICS) has been offering a unique learning program with an international focus for students and families. Located on the campus of Marina Del Rey Middle School, GICS is a tuition-free independent charter school that provides a rigorous curriculum for all students that challenges the mind and nourishes the heart. GICS is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Primary Years Programme and a Candidate School for the Middle Years Programme. The GICS curriculum is based on the acquisition of significant and relevant knowledge and skills, the development of conceptual understanding, the formation of personal, positive attitudes and the capacity for students to take responsible actions. Our approach to learning is based on inquiry and encourages critical thinking and real-world application for all students. A key aspect of the IB program is the focus on language. GICS offers a German Language Immersion program as well as German and Spanish language acquisition programs. GICS also promotes Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a major emphasis for students. Please visit www.goethecharterschool.org to learn more about our school. Tours are held January through May every Thursday at 9:00 A.M. We are looking forward to meeting you!

Voted Best Elementary and/or Middle School. Advertorial

This is the perfect way for your business to reach active consumers who care about healthy living, looking good and staying fit. This issue will focus on a variety of health, wellness, and beauty topics relevant to Westsiders. Don’t miss this chance to kick-off new year business by reaching health-conscious Westsiders!

Larchmont Charter School is a free public charter school serving over 1,600 students in grades TK-12th on four campuses in Los Angeles. Larchmont has become a national leader in diverse-by-design, whole child progressive education, fulfilling our mission to provide a socioeconomically, culturally and racially diverse community of students with an exceptional public education. With participation from our entire community, we strive to instill in each student a dedication to improving the world we inhabit. We offer all students in CA a free education with rich programming, including: • Highly qualified teachers with expertise in both academic and social emotional development • Small class sizes •Exceptional academic program rooted in constructivist, project based learning • Diverse student body • Students of all backgrounds at Larchmont outperform their peers in surrounding schools • Robust offering of AP classes • Dynamic arts program • CIF sports program in high school • 1st place in the 2020 Get Lit Classic Slam finals - largest youth classic poetry festival in the nation • “#3 in Best Charter Elementary Schools in Los Angeles Area” according to 2021 Best Schools by Niche.com • Top 6% of ranked high schools nationally according to U.S. News &

World Report (2021)

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In February, thousands of visitors will descend upon Los Angeles for the BIG GAME and will be looking for great places to eat, stay and play. If your business would like to attract these patrons, now is the time to invest in an ad in The Argonaut.

We are only local paper covering 15 square miles on the Westside where locals and visitors will be looking for a fun place to enjoy game day and explore our famous coastal businesses.

Reservation Deadline: Friday Jan. 28 • Artwork Due: Monday Jan. 31 Call to reserve your space (310) 463-0633

Did you know that Culver City Adult School is the home of the Westside’s most popular children’s summer program? Summer Enrichment 4 Kids offers many choices and the ABCs: Activities, Buddy Building and Curriculum Enrichment. Our classes fill up quickly, so please take advantage of our early bird discount. Registration opens on January 14 via our website at: ccas.ccusd.org. This is the program for your family, friends and neighbors — where Fun & Friendship meets Academics, Arts & Athletics. • Term 1 dates: 6/20 – 7/8 and Term 2 dates: 7/11 – 7/29 • Classes are Monday through Friday, 8:30–11:30am and 12–3pm • This program will be located on one of our conveniently located Culver City campuses • Extended Care will be available until 6pm Some of our classes include: Japanese, Spanish and Chinese, Hip Hop, Clown College, a wide variety of visual arts, not to mention STEM classes, Team Sports, Cooking, and more! Please also visit ccas.ccusd.org to sign up for our “Spanish for the Workplace” and “Art Explorations” classes for adults. Create art from the masters on Tuesdays, learn and/or practice Spanish on Thursdays. Join us for one or both of these wonderful classes. Advertorial

Free, public charter school open to all students in California Highly qualified teachers - trained in academic and social-emotional development Small class sizes | Diverse student body | Progressive, whole child education

Outstanding academic program rooted in constructivist, project-based learning Unique programs like Edible Schoolyard which nurtures healthy eating habits and teaches eco-literacy 97% of our graduates were admitted to college, including 29 of the top 50 colleges in the US

As a reminder, families that qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch receive a preference in the lottery & have a better chance of getting in.

Loyola Marymount University’s Music Department is once again hosting its New Music on the Bluff Festival in April, and is currently seeking composition submissions from high school or junior college students. Eight finalists will have their pieces performed by LMU’s world-renowned music faculty in the culminating live concert in LMU’s Murphy Recital Hall, which will be broadcast on the Internet and on KXLU 88.9 Los Angeles. They will also have access to masterclasses, meet and greets, and private composition lessons with festival faculty. LMU’s New Music on the Bluff Festival is a composition competition and new music festival for current high school and junior college students, inviting talented young composers from the U.S. and beyond to submit scores for consideration. Students currently enrolled in either high school/secondary education or in a two-year undergraduate degree program (junior college or community college) are invited to submit one or more pieces or songs for the festival. The festival will be held on April 29 and 30 at LMU. Applications are due electronically by Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Apply here: bit.ly/3rq5IxY LMU Music is seeking composition submissions from high school and junior college students for its New Music on the Bluff Festival in April.

Proudly Serving Marina del Rey, Westchester, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Venice, Playa del Rey, Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey

Welcome to Grandview House Preschool! A quality child care center fulfilling the dream of one mother whose mission was to provide a loving and enriching home away from home for all children in her care. Lena Haiek founded Grandview House in Summer 2012 and along with a dedicated staff has since served nearly a thousand children and families who continue to make her vision a reality!

At Grandview House, we believe that the care and education children receive in early childhood will serve as the foundation for leading a joyful and rewarding life. Our staff models gratitude and teamwork daily, and values parents as partners. Our commitment is to serve each child individually, to celebrate their unique qualities, to deliver an enriching curriculum with clean, state-of-the-art supplies and learning centers, and to ensure students feel welcome and safe in our care.

My staff and I are excited to be a part of this wonderful Marina del Rey community and thank you in advance for allowing us the opportunity to care for your children! Call (310) 437-0105 or visit our website, GrandviewHousePreschool.com, and schedule a tour today!

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