California Association of Independent Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
National Association of Independent Schools
LAIS
Los Angeles Association of Independent Schools
The Independent School Alliance
Private School Village + Somos PSV
I welcome you to explore the narratives in this brochure, which tell the story of the dynamic and student-centered Westerly experience. For over 25 years, Westerly has been committed to our founding vision: a school that recognizes, respects, and teaches to each student’s individual needs and potential—a school where every student thrives academically, emotionally, and physically.
We continue to realize our mission through our nurturing and talented faculty, who challenge, inspire, and connect with our students every day. They partner with families to ensure a connected community, and offer multidimensional programs that build on students’ curiosity, helping them become leaders, helpers, and creators. Through inquiry-based pedagogy and curriculum, we are committed to fostering students’ lifelong love of learning.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the unique and vibrant Westerly experience. Westerly strives to be an inclusive school community where children and families are inspired, connected, and empowered.
I hope to see you soon.
Dr. Lauren Plant
Westerly means friendship, learning and creativity. The teachers are really kind and there are so many subjects! I get to express myself in all my work.
Westerly School develops the whole child through an inquiry-based program that balances academics, creative expression, critical thinking, social-emotional awareness, and physical development. The school celebrates and understands each child’s viewpoint, culture, and capabilities so they may become compassionate, global-minded citizens.
Westerly School stimulates the joy of learning through collaborative inquiry, experiential learning, and making real-world connections.
Through service opportunities, our young leaders learn the value of giving back, on both a local and global scale.
Westerly’s Lower School (K–5) is rooted in our inquiry-based program where students learn by asking questions, thinking creatively, collaborating, and exploring. Small class sizes—24 students or fewer, alongside two full-time educators—ensure that each student’s needs are recognized and strong student-teacher connections are built.
Westerly Middle School students learn by doing. They are challenged to think critically and creatively about the world. Dynamic learning opportunities include advisory, mentorship, field studies, and Choice Workshops. Middle Schoolers learn to think deeply, question assumptions, and to play an active role in their learning process. They conduct experiments, construct solutions, and present their understandings.
Middle School builds students who are
Westerly School is a safe and trusting community where students are allowed to take academic and emotional risks.
Westerly school is amazing because I learn something new everyday! I love the teachers, the campus, and all my classes.
– Westerly 6th grader
Learning a second language enhances critical thinking and listening skills while supporting creativity and mental adaptability. Westerly’s K–8 Spanish program also fosters global and cultural awareness. Lower School students learn fundamentals through the study of Spanish-speaking cultures, music, and dance. In Middle School, they learn grammar, reading, and writing while continuing multicultural studies. By the end of 8th grade, students will have taken an advanced course that prepares them for high school Honors Spanish. The culminating service-learning trip immerses students in a Spanish-speaking country where they will communicate in the language they have learned over nine years at Westerly.
Westerly School stimulates the joy of learning through collaborative inquiry, experiential learning, and making real-world connections.
Technology integration is a priority at Westerly, where students build the skills they need in a globally connected digital world. Technology is both a tool for learning and an integral part of the curriculum.
In K–4, students utilize iPads to learn math and language arts, research skills, and coding/computer programming. All K–4 classrooms have access to MacBook carts and other learning tools, including robots and circuit boards.
Grades 5–8 feature a 1:1 laptop program. Students receive either a Chromebook or a MacBook Air to expand on their skills and to creatively use technology in slideshows/presentations, podcasts, and storytelling. Students develop skills to utilize Google Education, including Google Classroom, Drive, and Forms for writing, organizing, and communicating.
Westerly’s Middle School curriculum is a comprehensive high school preparatory program in which 100% of graduates gain admission to their top choice of school. The rigorous academic program, test preparation, counseling, and parent education begins in grade 4. The Head of School and 8th grade advisor help students and families identify high schools that match their goals and prepares students for exams, interviews, and essay writing. Faculty ensure their academic readiness, and write recommendations for students applying to independent schools.
The Arts program at Westerly supports all the dimensions of student creativity. In K–8, students explore painting, charcoal, sketching, and watercolors alongside ceramics, glass work, and sculpture. Our art studio features kilns, spinning wheels, and workstations for individual and collaborative work.
Students build an online portfolio that they can take to high school and college.
The performing arts program includes music and theater production. Students take general music, music history, and instrumental music from grades 5–8.
Students also perform in theatrical productions and act, sing, choreograph, produce, and design sets.
All arts programs are integrated with core classes, so that content is brought to life and reinforced through the visual and performing arts.
The small class sizes and teaching styles of all the teachers is what makes Westerly special. The teachers always put the kids first.
– Westerly 7th grader
In grade 5, students select an instrument and perform in the Westerly Band or String Ensemble.
Students in K–8 are exposed to and taught how to play instruments, starting in K–2 with drums, tambourines, bells, and xylophones. In grade 3, students are introduced to the recorder, a fundamental instrument for improving musicality, and an excellent pre-band instrument. They stay with and develop their skills on their instrument throughout their Middle School years.
2D and 3D Art at Westerly instructs students in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, multimedia, glass work, and printmaking. Students learn the principles of art and design as well as the technical skills to complete a variety of projects in different media. Students are also introduced to art history, criticism, and aesthetics as they learn about historical and contemporary artists and movements. They utilize visual communication as self-expression, and incorporate research and written personal reflection into projects.
The goal is to instill a lifelong love of music, drama, and performance, cultivating students’ passions.
Westerly’s performing arts program is based on inclusivity, exploration, and self-expression. We provide an environment in which students
Our curriculum includes a robust performance element — students perform in the Winter Concert, Talent Show, K-8 Theater Productions, and Spring Arts Festival. The goal is to instill a lifelong love of music,
In middle school, advisory and morning RULER is where we talk about how we are feeling; it is where I feel supported and cared for.
– Westerly 7th grader
graders connect with and advise K–3 students. Fourth graders act as “mentors-in-training” to learn mentorship from the Westerly seniors.
for grades 6–8 nurtures kindness, responsibility, respect, honesty, and adaptability—core values at Westerly. Middle School advisors build connections with students beyond the classroom setting to provide perspective and build independence.
students, faculty, and the community. It supports the next generation of leaders and fosters academic knowledge, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence.
Westerly features a K–8 physical education curriculum along with intramural athletics beginning in 4th grade. The program is based on inclusivity, fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are exposed to a wide variety of sports, as well as nontraditional games and cooperative activities to enhance their social-emotional learning, communication, and teamwork abilities. We recognize that physical education is integral to developing the whole child—their bodies and minds—and our program is designed to support that though multiple opportunities.
Beginning in 4th grade, students can participate in league
Volleyball
#my schoolofchoice Westerly means a safe place where learning is fun!
– Westerly 5th grader
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Community tour days are opportunities for visitors to tour our campus, experience our classrooms during the school day, and learn about Westerly’s curriculum and community. For dates and to sign up, visit westerlyschool.org
Applications for the 2023–24 school year are due:
Recommendation Form(s) (for all grades)
Transcripts (for Grades 1–8 only)
The Financial Assistance (FA) application is available online and must be submitted with the admissions application to be considered. Admission notification will come out in mid-March. Westerly will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline if space permits. For more information about our admissions process, please visit our website at westerlyschool.org We look forward to getting to know your family.
