Turning Point School, PK-8 (Private)

The love of learning is stressed at this school. Teachers are great. My daughter looks forward to going to class.

This is an outstanding school. It perhaps flies a little below the radar because it is not purely 'academic' or purely 'developmental.' Instead, it offers an approach that is a mix of the two. So parents that are religious about a free-thinking, developmental style of education probably find the school too academically-oriented for their tastes. Conversely, those that value academic challenge above all may find the school does not strictly go in that direction either. But for the parent that wants a balanced approach for their child or children, the school is ideal.

I have looked at all kinds of schools in Los Angeles, both public and private, and nothing compares to Turning Point. It is academic without using outdated and uncreative traditional methods like memorizing, lecturing and testing. Turning Point values the whole child and respects children's strengths be it academic, creative, social or physical. Turning Point students are 'Well Prepared' and graduate as confident learners who know who they are, how best they learn and where they want to go for higher education. The only problem with Turning Point is getting in. The admission process can be tough and disappointing even for A list celebrities. Good luck!

We have been so impressed with this school and the staff. There is not only a strong academic presence, but the school also emphasizes a strong 'sense of character' and an appreciation for the community. It is diverse, with families from different socio-economic backgrounds. The Middle School is small but growing, and there is a general sense of respect amongst the kids. Spanish starts at the preschool level (which is rare), and the afterschool classes are numerous and reasonably priced. The school has 2 main fundraisers, and does not pressure you to donate the way other private schools do. (this may or may not work in their favor) Overall, we have found this school to provide a very well rounded education for our child.

This is an outstanding school at all levels. My son, now in 8th grade, has been a student there since K. It takes seriously its mission to develop well-rounded, well-prepared students. Strong academics: lots of solid writing and research instruction, my son has been taking Latin for two years, outstanding science curriculum with the opportunity for travel-study in middle school. The school has a great athletic and arts program as well, and they don't just cater to the strongest kids in these fields--the teachers and coaches work really hard to develop ALL children. It's a caring atmosphere--parents get lots of feedback and information about their children. The middle school is fantastic. It's small, but it offers big school opportunities in a safe environment while the kids are navigating through early adolesence. As for fundraising, yes, they do it, but no more than any other private school in Los Angeles.

Our child joined TP in middle school and it is an amazing program thanks to its dedicated teachers, small class sizes and the wide-variety of subjects covered. We loved our public school for an elementary education, but knew our child needed art, music, drama, a foreign language, integrated learning between subjects, science labs and enthusiastic math teachers in order to stay passionate about learning during the middle school years. Our public middle school had large classes, overwhelmed teachers and no art or music. We also wanted to end the constant memorization that subtitutes for teaching in public school and see our child become an inquisitive, independent thinker. If you are committed to your child's education, fund raising is necessary. The # of fund raising events is slightly less at this private school than our former public school. And everyone just gives to the best of their ability in time and money.

We think that Turning Point is an excellent school. It is very individualized to our child even in primary and our child h is learning how to write even at age 4, and is beginning on reading. There is no pressure but if your child is ready for it, they receive generous support and encouragement. The extracurricular, language, music, and sports programs are top notch. The library is well-stocked and the librarian is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time each week to tailor books to our child. There is fundraising as at any school, but it is not excessive. Our child, and us, are very happy there.

Turning Point has been wonderful for our family. Our oldest graduated from TP and was accepted to a top college prep school that was his first choice. In talking with admissions officers at private high schools, there was a common theme: TP graduates are prepared accademically and have a strong sense of community responsibility. Our youngest started at TP in Primary (preschool) and was able to read and write very early. The middle/upper grades have small classes and caring teachers. The program is somewhat traditional with plenty of homework but not overly competetive. There is some turnover among assistant teachers, who often leave to take head teacher positions at other private schools. The school has two fundraisers a year (Hoop-A-Thon and Silent Auction), plus a giving campaign. We have never been pressured to give. Best of all, there is very little of the arrogance that you see at many private schools.

Turning Point is an extraordinary school. It provides a nurturing, challenging environment without undue stress or pressure. Each child receives individual attention and has the opportunity to excel. Our daughter loves going to school and has made tremendous progress. We would highly recommend this school.

This is an amazing school. My son moved from public school to Turning Point and the change in our whole family is remarkable. This school addresses the 'whole child' so my son is getting a sound foundation both socially and academically. We are not an especially wealthy family, but the school does such a great job in creating a diverse and welcoming set of students that we never feel out of place. As far as the academics, I feel that my child is getting a customized education, where the teachers tease out his actual needs and not just enforce one curriculum regardless of his strengths or weaknesses. And more importantly - my son loves this school so much he askes if he can go in on weekends! What more could you ask for.

The school is all 5 stars on all levels: academics, teacher/parent involvement, administration, sports and extracuricular activities...whatever else-- you name it--an excellent choice. All schools fundraise however this one actually hasn't broken my bank account or pressured me into giving. It's a choice. It would be difficult to find a school this well rounded and like the motto 'well prepared'. Students emerge from this institution going into all the top rated high schools and above all knowing how to think and act responsibly and kindly.

This is an incredible school. I wasn't sure about sending my daughter to private school but within one month, I knew it was the right decision. I noticed a remarkable change in her social and language skills within a month. The faculty is wonderful. They care about the children and go above and beyond to make the school experience great for both the children and parents. My daughter is at the primary level. In addition to the core education, she has physical education twice a week in a beautiful gymnasium with specialists, music class twice a week with a specialist, Spanish class twice a week with a specialist, and library once a week with the librarian. My experience with the parents has been great. They care about their children's education and are remarkably grounded and diverse, regardless of wealth.

This is a great school that cares about its students, offers them a first rate education and learning environment, has high quality teaching and administrative staff and is just generally wonderful. The parents, while mostly well off, are friendly and involved without being snobby. The children are respected and encouraged to respect others as well which has created a confident, considerate, lovely group of kids. The facilities are excellent and state of the art with large, bright classrooms and a full sized gymnasium. The school recently acquired a large adjacent property and plans for expansion are underway. This is a fantastic school.