The Village Difference
At Village, we believe education is not just about what students know—it’s about who they become. Our philosophy, programs, and resources foster a culture where students engage in the essential “work of childhood”—wonder, joy, and challenge—equipping them with the confidence and skills to grow into their best selves.
From wonder they develop a deep love of learning, from joy, a positive mindset, and from challenge, perseverance and grit.
A strong foundation in social-emotional learning develops empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, giving students the tools to navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships.
The Village Values are at the heart of this work. Caring, courage, fairness, respect, responsibility, trust, and integrity are not just ideals, but daily practices that shape character. They guide how our students treat others, approach challenges, and make decisions.
When our students leave Village they carry with them the habits of heart and mind that make them resilient, compassionate, and ready to make a difference in the world.
A Village graduate:
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Thinks critically
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Asks thoughtful questions
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Writes with clarity and purpose
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Problem solves with determination and creativity
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Seeks opportunities for growth
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Builds relationships grounded in kindness and empathy
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Makes values-driven decisions
Academic Philosophy
Mastery-Based Curriculum
Village students are assessed against specific academic standards across core content areas, which ensures a solid foundation of skills. It allows teachers to identify gaps and create targeted individual instruction. Research shows that by focusing on mastery before moving ahead, students develop confidence, self-advocacy, resilience, and a growth mindset—qualities that support long-term academic success.
Structured Literacy
Our youngest learners are introduced to literacy guided by the science that shows phonics is the key that unlocks the code of written language. While readers can be taken to magical places, reading itself is not magic, it is a skill. Developing an understanding of Phonics and Phonemic Awareness gives students the tools to connect letters to sounds. decode, and understand text.
Math Lab Model of Innovation
When we recognized a need for math instruction that complemented the curriculum and focused specifically on deepening problem-solving and critical thinking skills, we created the Math Lab. This space is unique to Village and an example of how our academic program pivots to meet the needs of our students and our ever-changing world.
Social and Emotional Learning
Students cannot achieve at their highest academic potential without social and emotional learning. Learning how to understand and manage their feelings, build healthy relationships, and manage challenges with resilience leads to academic risk-taking and values-driven decision-making. Village’s SEL program ensures that every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
The Outdoors as a Classroom
We believe children benefit from a connection to the outdoors, specifically space to explore, learn, and play in the natural world. (The best days are often when they come home a little dirty!) Our Santa Monica campus’s expansive fields and gardens inspired a crucial element of the Palisades rebuild: the new campus will include an acre of outdoor space- for both academic and recreational use.
Intentional Reframing
Our library is the Information & Imagination Center. Our tech lab and makers’ space is the DREAM Studio (Design, Research, Engineer, Art, Make). P.E. adds a “W” for wellness. These titles are more than just terminology. They reflect our yes, and... approach to learning: deliberately promoting collaboration and new perspectives.
Core Academic Programming TK-6th Grade
Arts & Letters
Orton-Gillingham
Fundations
Letterland
Novel-based instruction
Words Their Way
Illustrative Math
Global Studies - Curriculum complemented by Social Justice Standards
Science - Curriculum aligned with the U.N Sustainable Development Goals
Specialist Classes: TK-6th Grade
Every TK through 6th-grade student attends the following specialist classes 1-3 times per 8-day rotation:
DREAM Studio (Design, Research, Engineer, Art, Make)
Information & Imagination (Library)
Math Lab
Performing Arts
PEW (Physical Education & Wellness)
Science
Spanish
Visual Arts
Upper Division
Media Arts
Navigation
Academic Enrichment Classes
sample over the last two years:
Coding
Debate
Homework Club
ISEE preparation
Lego Robotics
Village School Newspaper: The Viking Post
