FAQ

We are open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, offering a 4 or 5 full day program and a 4 or 5 half day program.

Our 2025-26 school year begins on August 13, 2025.

We start children when they are 3 years old by November 1st. They culminate when they are ready for kindergarten, typically at 5 years old.

We do not have a Toddler Program.

Our children, families and teachers loop together for two years. We have a strong Pre-K program and we support parents with information regarding next steps to kindergarten.

Rather than formal tests, we use observational and documentation techniques. Teachers capture children’s thinking via photos, journals, project logs, reflections, and portfolios. These help us and parents see growth over time in inquiry, collaboration, language, and self-expression.

We would like children to be on their way to be toilet-proficient upon entrance to NSW. We also recognize there are various stages toward independent toileting, and we will work with parents and children toward this goal.

We are licensed for 60 children per day. There are 13 teachers and 3 admin on staff.

Licensing requires a minimum of 12 units in Early Childhood Education (ECE). At NSW, all the staff exceed this requirement, some with BAs and MAs. All are actively involved in continuing education via college courses, workshops, and/or ECE conferences. All are CPR and First Aid trained.

We follow most LAUSD holidays, as well as three weeks for Winter Break and one week for Spring Break. We are closed for three weeks in the Summer. We close six days per year for our teacher's professional development and have a 2:30 pick up on the first Friday of each month for staff in-service.

Yes. Our tuition contracts are based on annual tuition. For the convenience of our families, we accept the tuition in 12 monthly payments. Monthly tuition payments for the year are due, regardless of your child’s attendance.

No, we do not offer sibling discounts.

We honor our siblings and legacy families and give them priority when creating yearly enrollment.

We work hard on establishing relationships with our families, starting with the parents, so there will be a variety of events for parents to meet each other before the children begin school.

We gradually introduce new children to the program:

• We have three scheduled playgroup days for you and your child to get acquainted with us and each other to gain the trust needed for open communication.

• You will be given a "Child History Form" to share important things about your child that will help strengthen the links between home and school.

• Beginning in the fall of 2004, NSW instituted home visits as a part of our desire to make stronger connections between home and school. Your child's teacher will arrange a visit to your home during the first few weeks before your child starts school.

We believe in recognizing behaviors and what they mean to support each child's need to identify and express their feelings in socially appropriate ways. We take the time to value each individual circumstance and work through the problems that arise with the children, modeling reflective listening, validation, and guidance.

We also work closely with our parents and parenting experts, speech therapists, and occupational therapists and together we will find best resources for your child if they are needing extra support. Outside resources are an extra cost for the parents.

The health of children and staff is important to us so each child must arrive at school with no symptoms. We will do health checks upon arrival and wash hands frequently throughout the day. If your child should become ill while at school, you will be notified immediately to arrange for them to be picked up.

If your child has a fever (100.4 or higher), diarrhea, and/or vomiting, they can return to school only when they are symptom-free (specifically no fever, cough, diarrhea, vomit) and for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication.

Yes, all NSW staff are fully vaccinated.

We have a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year all organized by the Parent Teams. The funds are used toward teacher professional development and benefits, family support and environmental maintenance and enhancements. Learn more about our NSW Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3).

Some of our fundraising money is set aside to support our NSW families which include teachers' children. The financial support is reviewed in a case-by-case format and revisited every year.

Yes, we have a disaster plan in place and posted in each classroom. We practice safety drills monthly so all are familiar with the process, where to go, and what roles are in case of an emergency. Parents sign up to. be part of our Emergency Team and we have a strong list of community resources including neighbors and alumni families.

Parents receive information in several ways:

• We use an app (Parent Square) for posts of children’s work and documentation, upcoming calendar events, and updated information, etc., that is updated daily during the school week.

• Availability to connect daily with your child’s teacher or make arrangements for follow up.

• Parent-Teacher conferences twice a year to discuss each child’s progress and create goals together.

• Coffees and evenings with Roleen and/or the teachers highlighting Child Development and the Reggio Approach including presentations of the children’s work.

At New School-West, “Reggio-inspired” means children are viewed as capable, curious, and full of potential. Our teachers act as collaborators and co-learners, and our environment is treated as a “third teacher.” Children’s questions spark projects, investigations, and deep learning. We document their thinking through photos, reflections, and displays — inviting families into the process. Learn more about our Philosophy.

While many of our current families live in Mar Vista, we welcome families from all over Los Angeles, including Venice, Palms, Culver City, Ladera Heights, Westchester, and Santa Monica.

We use the Parent Square app to share students’ work, daily updates, and announcements. We offer regular parent–teacher conferences, informal check-ins, workshops, and “coffee with teachers” events. We encourage family engagement in the school life, documentation, and curriculum.

Yes — we offer scheduled tours, open houses, or observation days. Prospective families can see our classrooms in action, meet teachers, and ask questions. Find out when our next tour is happening here.