The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade independent school enrolling 475 students annually.
Nationally recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader, The Willows` strong academic program incorporates experiential learning and thematic instruction into cutting-edge curriculum and integrates technology, maker, design thinking, and the arts into the classroom.
At The Willows, we believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn. Our mission is to grow that gift by challenging our students to uncover meaning and significance in the world around them and to become capable, confident individuals who demonstrate character, engagement, and a joyful passion for creative inquiry across a lifetime. The Willows is strongly committed to financial assistance and seeks a broad-based student body with a diversity of race, ethnicity, economics and learning styles.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 455 students
- Yearly Tuition: $34,025
- Application Deadline: Dec. 20 / Jan. 30
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Willows Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1994
Student Body
Total Students
455 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Willows t-shirt worn Monday thru Friday
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 20 / Jan. 30
Yearly Tuition Cost
$34,025
Tuition Notes
DK-5 $34,025
6-8 $38,850
% on Financial Aid
19%
Admissions Director
Steve Futterman
Admissions Associate
Cody Gutches
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
School Notes
- The Willows Mission Statement
- At The Willows, we believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn. Our mission is to grow that gift by challenging our students to uncover meaning and significance in the world around them and to become capable, confident individuals who demonstrate character, engagement, and a joyful passion for creative inquiry across a lifetime.
- Our Philosophy
- The Willows is committed to a balanced yet demanding progressive curriculum rooted in experiential learning and social values. We teach and model a zest for learning and the courage to take risks. We challenge children to challenge themselves and set high standards for academic excellence, which they pursue with energy and joy. We nurture a sense of compassion and community that begins at home, reinforcing what it means to be a respectful, involved citizen-of-the-world. We believe that great minds grow in a near-infinite variety of ways. In the spirit of the willow tree itself, our "great minds" are flexible, resilient, and beautiful at every stage of development.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Willows Community School cost?
The Willows Community School's tuition is approximately $34,025 for private students.
What schools are The Willows Community School often compared to?
The Willows Community School is often viewed alongside schools like Turning Point School by visitors of our site.
What sports does The Willows Community School offer?
The Willows Community School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Dance, Flag Football, Golf, Martial Arts, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Willows Community School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Willows Community School's ranking?
The Willows Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for The Willows Community School?
The application deadline for The Willows Community School is Dec. 20 / Jan. 30.
In what neighborhood is The Willows Community School located?
The Willows Community School is located in the Hayden Tract neighborhood of Culver City, CA.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Willows Community School vs. Turning Point School
People that viewed The Willows Community School also viewed these schools: Turning Point School, Echo Horizon, Wildwood School K-12, New Roads School and Pacifica Montessori School.
The nearest high school to The Willows Community School is Star Prep Academy (1.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Echo Horizon (0.5 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: NS-8 | 296 students 0.5 miles 8780 National Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 841-2505
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 841-2505
0.5
NS-8
296
Grades: PK-6 | 185 students 0.5 miles 3430 McManus Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-2442
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-2442
0.5
PK-6
185
Grades: K-12 | 726 students 3.1 miles 12201 Washington Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(301) 442-6300
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(301) 442-6300
3.1
K-12
726
Grades: K-12 | 554 students 4.7 miles 3131 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 828-5582
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 828-5582
4.7
K-12
554
Pacifica Montessori School
Montessori School
Grades: PK-1 | 54 students 3 miles 6585 Green Valley Cir
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 417-3087
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 417-3087
3
PK-1
54
School Reviews
Endorse The Willows Community School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
