PS1 Pluralistic School

Our daughter has had a wonderful experience at PS1. The teachers are incredibly warm and open-minded, genuinely open to all perspectives, and treat every child with care and respect.The child-centered philosophy really shines through - teachers respect each child''s individual pace and personality, and the creative, independence-focused curriculum has helped build our daughter''s confidence and self-expression.What stands out most, though, is the parent community. It''s warm, supportive, and genuinely welcoming to everyone regardless of background - truly a school where anyone feels welcome, and that inclusive spirit runs through the whole community, not just the classroom.Communication with teachers has also been excellent - always warm, thoughtful, and clearly invested in our child''s growth.If you''re looking for a warm, open, and inclusive learning environment in Santa Monica, I highly recommend PS1. We wouldn''t hesitate to choose it again.

It''s been a wonderful experience at PS1 for us. What stands out most is how deeply the teachers and staff take the time to understand each child as an individual. Our son loves going to school every day, and as parents, that says everything. Without us ever needing to formally ask, his teachers have naturally made thoughtful accommodations based on their observations of him, supporting him in ways that feel both intuitive and respectful. It''s clear they are not just following a curriculum, but genuinely nurturing the whole child.The community feels warm, intentional, and grounded in values that truly show up in day to day interactions. We feel very grateful to be part of a school that leads with empathy, curiosity, and care.

As a PS1 parent, I can confidently say this school is a hidden gem. From the moment we toured, we knew it was where our daughter belonged. We felt welcomed into an incredibly warm, tight-knit community that has become an anchor for our entire family. Our daughter has now been at PS1 for two years, and every single day when we pick her up, she hops into the car with the same joyful report: "ANOTHER AMAZING DAY!" What has impressed us most is how connected she feels. She often tells us about her sixth-grade buddy, the adventures she has on camping trips, and all the new activities she's discovered through the after-school program, from dance and theater to martial arts. Academically, she is thriving. Her confidence has blossomed, her curiosity is nurtured, and she's supported by educators who know her so well (and celebrate her) as an individual. It's all a parent could ask for. We often say it feels like we won the lottery with this school and CANNOT wait for our son to join her next year.

I remember touring PS1 as we were assessing elementary schools. All I could think was, "When you know, you know." We immediately fell in love with the school and knew that it would be the best fit for our boys. Hearing about the philosophy and how they respect each child and want them to be their own unique self brought tears to my eyes. What we have experienced at PS1 with both our boys now (1st grader and 4th grader) is exactly that. Our boys are vastly different, both in personality, interests, and approach to life, and the school has such an incredible way of honoring those differences and helping them shine and develop in a way that is true to themselves. Our kids are happy, grounded, confident, and most importantly, seen. The relationships the staff builds with the kids are exceptional and heartwarming. They are treated with respect, they are valued, and they are challenged and encouraged. We could not be happier, and more importantly, our kids could not be happier.

This is a wonderful school with a pluralistic outlook (that's what the "P" stands for), meaning that they see each child as both highly individual and also part of the collective whole. My two boys have flourished here: They feel celebrated for being themselves while also being pushed to stretch in places where they don't feel as competent. Their curiosity is on fire—questions are welcome and expected and they're allowed to follow their interests—but they're also academically prepared for what's next My oldest, now an alum, is flourishing in middle school and crushing his schoolwork. The most important thing, though? They love school. There's no fight, ever, to get them to go.

Ps1 is the best school my kid has ever been to she comes home in the car telling me that she had an amazing day. She loves the school so much that she loves being in the blue class. She says McKendree and MAREN, are the best teachers ever. she is loving being in class every day, she is excited to go to school and eager to get up every morning. She tells me to come on come on let`s go to school. I think PS1 is a lovely school for all children.

PS1 is a wonderful environment for students to learn to love learning and become the best versions of themselves. When we were looking for a kindergarten, we at first balked at the idea of paying private school tuition for the early years of education as we thought "how hard can it be to teach finger painting?". But I'm so glad that we made the investment! Our child is in sixth grade now and she is a confident learner who is intrinsically motivated to do her best, try new things, be kind, and think of others and the world around her. The "magic" of PS1 is difficult to describe in a review but is palpable on campus. There is nothing pretentious about this school. It is dedicated and focused on young children. The atmosphere is one of happy childhood laughter coupled with serious learning and global citizenship. I highly recommend anyone considering private school for the elementary years to visit and see for themselves.

As a former student, I can honestly say that I have only happy memories from ps1. As a mom of 3 now, I base every interaction I have with their schools on the amazing standards Joel instilled in everyone that goes there. I truly feel that if you have the choice (we live out of state) to send your child to ps1 than it would be the best choice to make.

One of my sons is a recent graduate, and my other son is in third grade at PS1. In choosing an elementary school, our goal as a family was to land at a place where kids are encouraged to explore different ways of solving problems and where they succeed academically because they love to learn, not because of external pressures. We found that and so much more at PS1. PS1 students feel secure to explore interests, express ideas, step outside of their comfort zones, and, most importantly, be themselves. Last spring, the graduating class of 27 students matriculated to 14 different middle schools traditional, progressive, public and independent a testament to the individuality, confidence, and achievement that PS1 cultivated in each of them. I can't imagine our family being anywhere else!

Our family is coming to the end of our tenth year at PS1 as our youngest daughter is about to graduate and head to the Archer School for Girls where her older sister, who graduated from PS1 three years ago, also attends. From the moment we heard the head of school, Joel Pelcyger, speak at an educational seminar 11 years ago, we knew PS1 was the school for our family. The curriculum is integrated and the teachers are fabulous, allowing each of our two daughters, who learn in different ways, to receive a fabulous education that is just right for each. I cannot say enough good things about the school, the teachers, the administration, the curriculum and, most importantly, the community, all of which make PS1 a special place to grow.