Curtis School

15871 Mulholland Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90049

37 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 28, 2024

Our experience at Curtis School has been nothing short of exceptional. This school truly embodies a warm, inclusive community where each child feels valued and supported. From the moment you step onto campus, there’s a welcoming, positive energy that reassures you your child is in the best possible hands.The teachers and staff are incredibly dedicated and genuinely care about each student’s growth and well-being. They not only prioritize academic growth but also focus on developing kindness, resilience, and curiosity in every child. This school places the students’ needs at the forefront, creating a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to reach their fullest potential. It’s clear that the school values each student’s unique qualities and works hard to help them flourish.Beyond academics, Curtis School offers a wealth of enriching activities that make childhood magical. From arts programs and science projects to outdoor learning and community events, there’s always something new for the children to explore and enjoy. The sense of community extends beyond the classroom, fostering strong connections among families, students, and teachers alike. Their Parents Association is so robust and thoughtful in everything they do.We couldn’t ask for a better place for our child to learn and grow. This school goes above and beyond to create a supportive, enriching, and joyful educational experience. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a school that feels like a family!
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2024

I highly recommend this school for a family seeking an exceptional education for their child. The school offers a variety of volunteer options which provide a sense of community (forming memorable relationships). This school has a well-rounded curriculum that prioritizes both academic excellence and character development, ensuring students are prepared for future challenges. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are passionate about fostering a love of learning. The school also emphasizes a strong sense of community and values, encouraging students to be compassionate, critical thinkers. As known, every child is different, and our three has enjoyed their experiences differently. Although, our family is one of the small percentage (race), the school provides opportunities to share our culture and enjoy spaces that creates a sense of inclusion. Additionally, a wide range of extracurricular activities, from the arts to athletics, ensures that every child can explore their interests and talents.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2024

As you research schools, beware of Curtis School. People are applying to the school and hoping for admission based on it's reputation of academics, large campus, and past secondary school success. Unfortunately, Curtis was such a disappointing experience for our family and countless others who also withdrew. Upon enrolling, our children weren't welcomed by the other students. In fact, our children and many other were bullied by problematic students and the teachers and administrators did nothing about it. Also, though the good teachers try hard to educate students, the curriculum hasn't helped students learn some of the essentials for development. The majority of families add tutors and academic coaches to educate their child. The parental community is so toxic and an overwhelming majority of parents are awful. Many parents believe they're superior and tout their power, but they're obviously so insecure. The parents association, committee members, and volunteers are selected by immature and unprofessional parents who believe they will receive favoritism and better recommendations for their roles and donations. The school has struggled to raise donations because of all the disappointed families. Sadly, the administration and admissions have failed to ensure a healthy school community. Parents read all these negative reviews and beware.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2024

Curtis from the outside is a beautiful, shiny campus. You see children happily running around the campus. They tout diversity and well-rounded education. But once you're in, it's apparent that it was all a facade. If you're not a huge donor or extremely involved in the Parent Association, forget about even receiving a hello from the administrators. And to be a part of the Parent Association, you have to be a part of their clique. And while there may be many happy young faces running around, take notice of the sad children hiding in the corners. Who have been told that they need learning support. Or are told by their peers that they are fat, or poor, or too dark. They are building a new multi-million dollar building that will put the previous "debt-free" campus into decades of debt. Faculty and staff are already seriously underpaid in comparison to their LAUSD counter-parts. But somehow funds are found for an extraneous, unnecessary building that will be an eyesore on a previously lush, beautiful campus. There are so many better, more inclusive options for young students.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2024

My child attended from DK to 6. I found that the school was not diverse despite lip service about it, the PA is run by gangs of rich entitled mean girls, and while the kids all start out cute, the closer they get to middle school, the more their true selves as entitled Westsiders starts to emerge. The kids are as cliquish and rude as the parents. And the school administration cares only about the rich donors. One of them sent me an insane accusatory letter in all caps about how my child bothered his child, it was found to be untrue, and yet he continued to send me bullying emails that the administration ignored. By the time my child was done with this place they hated it and so did I. Very disappointing.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2024

After carefully researching LA independent schools and being accepted to all, Curtis was recommended and selected based on its academic reputation and nice campus. However, upon immediately enrolling, the parental and student community was horridly unwelcoming and unkind. What was equally disappointing was that the administration and board were unprofessional based on some of their policies and their actions. It was clear the administration only values and defends the families who significantly donate and are selected volunteers. Also, the head of school protects some children and parents who act out or bully, especially if they're one the favorite families. For example, some problematic kids and families are asked to leave, but others are not based on administration bias. Fortunately, our family and MANY other families (including all socioeconomic and diverse demographics) left the school after nonstop terrible experiences. Since leaving, our family has had a more positive experience and our child is thriving in a better school environment.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2023

We are also a family who left this school and our experience was nothing less than appalling. We interviewed many schools but ignored the red flags because of Curtis’s reputation due to the previous principal. This school is certainly not a warm and welcoming place. My kids still talk about how mean the kids were at that school and refer to it as a sad memory:( The parents are mainly self-entitled and cold. The administration is dismissing, disconnected and incompetent. If there was bullying (and there was a ton) the school did nothing about it. There are not many quality teachers left at this school due to lack of competent leadership. Most of them are over-worked and unhappy and this is clearly apparent from their revolving door. We are really happy we left this school. Our kids love their new school and are thriving and welcomed. Please look for the things many of us have pointed out here and look the other way if you are a loving, kind, and happy family who cares about top-notch education!
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2023

As a parent of three Curtis students [K, 3rd, and 6th], I can’t say enough good things about the school. Our first child started Kindergarten in 2017, not knowing anyone there & we had toured so many good schools in LA. It was a tough choice! However, its school community was very warm and welcoming but even after we decided – we were still not sure until our daughter started school that fall. Each day we would wait to see how she was or felt & each day she seemed happy and eager to go back the next day and slowly by slowly our fears stopped. And I will never forget this- we were new at the school when I had my 3rd child, and a Curtis parent brought my family dinner after I came back from the hospital- This was a family whose kids were not even in our daughter’s class. Curtis is really that kind of community and you see it in the kids too. They are happy, kind and really enjoy their days at school. So many loving, caring and supportive teachers who are well trained in their field to bring out the best in these students. As a parent, you really don’t just get a robust academic curriculum, but this is a school that caters to the wellbeing of Whole child from academics, character development, as well as social and emotional learning. This was so valuable to us because we knew our child could go anywhere and learn Math, English, Science, and many others but one’s character is hard to form beyond these foundational years. They also have a vast sports program open to all students regardless of how good they are which was also good for us. As a family, we really can’t say good enough things about this school. It has been such a wonderful school experience for our children, so grateful we made it a choice.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2023

Curtis School is an absolute gem in the world of elementary education! It transcends the definition of a mere school and truly embodies an inclusive community where warmth and love are in abundance. Our family's experience here has been nothing short of extraordinary.One of the standout features of Curtis School is its exceptional administration. The dedication, support, and leadership they provide are simply unparalleled. They have created an environment that is not just about academics, but also about nurturing the hearts and minds of our children.The teachers at Curtis School are nothing short of remarkable. They go above and beyond to provide a top-notch education, infused with creativity and enthusiasm. What sets them apart is their seamless partnership with parents. The collaboration between educators and families is a key ingredient in the success of the students. It's heartwarming to witness how the school encourages this strong bond, ensuring that the child's journey is a collective effort of everyone involved.We feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the Curtis School community. It's not just a school; it's a second home, a place where our children grow, learn, and flourish in an atmosphere of inclusivity, kindness, and genuine care. Curtis School, with its exceptional administration, outstanding teachers, and warm-hearted community, is a true testament to the power of education and the beauty of nurturing the next generation. We couldn't imagine a better place for our children to thrive and develop into well-rounded individuals. Thank you, Curtis School, for your unwavering commitment to our children's futures.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2023

This is our 6th year at Curtis School and we absolutely love the Curtis Community and are honored to be a part of it. Our children are thriving at Curtis and are blessed to be on their beautiful, vast campus. The academics at Curtis are wonderful and strong - and the children even get to study Spanish as part of their everyday curriculum. Aside from academics, Curtis is very much focused on the social and emotional well being of the student. I can attest to the fact that Curtis truly strives to develop, in every child, a sound mind in a sound body, governed by a compassionate heart. The students that come out of Curtis are kind, respectful and intelligent humans. We feel very lucky that our children get to experience all that Curtis has to offer and it is a wonderful place for them to grow up and develop. Our only wish is that it continued on past 6th grade! It will be hard to find a secondary school that rivals Curtis!
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2023

So many families have left this school and many don’t think they have better choices. The level of negativity by the principal and the community is chilling. The most important assets are not the children but the donations and who you can rub elbows with at the school. So much racism and bullying that it is nauseating. Teachers are not happy and neither are the kids. This is not a school that likes to nurture kindness and positivity.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2023

Utterly lacking in leadership, terrible vibe, and to boot with the other parents: Self-entitled parents with the wrong values, and together, the focus is almost exclusively on the children getting in to the next exclusive private school and raising money off the rich parents. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN. It does NOT live up to it's reputation whatsoever.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2023

A truly horrible experience for my son. He went there for one year, and had a miserable year in every way. He recently told me that some of those kids were the worst people he ever met. I found some truly appalling too. My son was the sweetest, outgoing, kind, happy kid ever. What he came up against was miserable kids, unhappy, vacant, and in some cases just no good. The teachers were very business-like and not nurturing, seeming largely stressed and unhappy themselves. They also told me in a meeting that he was in need of testing and something was wrong as in learning disability/disorder. No surprise, in over three years since, he's fine and done great. One of the worst mistakes I ever made was sending my son there.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2023

Please reconsider having your children attend Curtis. This school has been such a sad disappointment for us with its inability to deal properly with various issues and valid concerns that parents have such as poor middle/high school placement, social behavioral issues, lack of properly handling battery/bullying issues, low teacher moral, and issues with general emotional and physical safety of children while attending the school. Curtis is not a supportive place where children and teachers can focus on learning. This is mainly because the head of school is not a fair-minded, supportive, and well-mannered educator and lacks the ability to lead and instill a strong positive impact on the teacher’s and children’s attitude and personality. There are many current and alumni families, as well as teachers who are disappointed with the administration and the negative direction the school is headed towards. We were told with any change people will be unhappy. This is not about change. This is about an incompetence that is affecting all aspects of the school. Curtis should not be on your list as a choice if you care to protect and prosper your children’s education and well-being in a friendly and supportive surrounding. Do your research please.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2023

Discriminates against Minorities it's very Sad we live in a time where Racism exists especially in our Schools.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2022

Change can often be difficult, discomforting, and frightening; that said, it can also be necessary and/or beneficial. As a parent at Curtis for the last 7-8 years, I have witnessed a school being led in a new direction and a community experiencing changes at many levels. From what I can see those who are open to change and engaged in understanding the rationale behind shifts in mindset, methodology, and vision are excited and supportive. Additionally, I have seen many folks who were apprehensive at first come to appreciate and celebrate the changes the head has spearheaded. There have been others, however, who are displeased and upset; while that is entirely understandable, it has been disappointing and, at times, unnerving to see how a few folks have weaponized their dislike of the direction of the school generally and of the head of school personally. From what I have seen, Curtis remains dedicated to developing, in every student, a sound mind in a sound body, governed by a compassionate heart. In fact, the changes which seem to have triggered the most extreme negative reactions, albeit from a vocal minority, are precisely the sort of shifts that can help our children grow into more empathetic adults capable of compassion, understanding, and advocacy for others.
Submitted by teacher on June 15, 2022

Curtis has many amazing experienced teachers but the same can't be said about the current leadership team. Over the past few years many great teachers have left due to the current administration, this alone almost 20 people have left. Sadly several teachers who have been at Curtis for decades were forced out this year by the current head of school. Due to the current administration team's lack of experience in leadership roles practically nothing is done about students with behavioral issues as they are too scared to upset parents and risk losing their money. Curtis used to be an amazing place to work at but until there is a change in leadership it won't be as great as it once was as it continues to lose experienced teachers.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2022

Our family has been at Curtis for almost a decade with multiple children going through the school. While each of our children have had their own experiences at the school, one thing has stayed the same: the teacher's and administration's love and devotion to the students. Even after many years, our love for our school only grows stronger and stronger. We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Ratnesar and the whole team at Curtis for helping us raise confident, courageous and wholesome children!
Submitted by teacher on July 24, 2021

Curtis school lacks invested, experienced leadership. The administration has a top down, "do as I say" mentality and management style that is off putting. The sense of a cohesive community within the school is lacking due to an inner power struggle between staff and the principal. Corinne, in the advancement department ,over steps her role and job description. She injects herself in projects and other departments, which causes confusion with staff. Her micromanaging style negatively affects experienced employee moral. The school board of directors needs to re-evaluate their choices for administrative positions. While there is a business side to the school context, placing an enthusiastic, invested, experienced, understanding, flexible, non-ego based leader is imperative for a productive educational environment. This school needs an administrative revamping.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2021

Curtis is no longer what it once was, and this is a direct result of Meera's headship. If you can get a teacher to confide in you, you'll hear tales of condescension, fear-based tactics, and retribution. Families are leaving. Alumni don't want to be involved because so many beloved teachers have left or been fired. Enrollment is down. And, the Board is negligent. Meera hand-selected a Board she can manipulate. The Board seems unwilling to do due diligence to ensure the school's long-term well-being in spite of hearing from families and teachers. So good teachers have left and mediocre ones have replaced them. This is really a shame because the school itself has beautiful facilities and a wonderful program filled with opportunities. It is my fervent hope that there will be a change in administration so future families can leave better reviews. Our family is relieved to be leaving now that our last child is finished.