At PS1 Pluralistic School, we believe many voices build a better world.
We spark curious and critical thinkers who confidently contribute to their communities.
We value learning with joy, discovering your full self, honoring our lived experiences, and being part of something bigger.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 170 students
- Yearly Tuition: $41,500
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 12 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
PS1 Pluralistic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Year Founded
1971
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
Campus Size
1 acre
Student Body
Total Students
170 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
19 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 12 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$41,500
Tuition Notes
% on Financial Aid
32%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$31,321
Admissions Director
Beth Kemp
Admissions Associate
Evelyn Cazún
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
& Comic Book CreationAnimal Invasion!
AnimeCartooning
Chess WizardsJurassic Dino World
Kids CookingLEGO Engineering
Professor EggheadsRobotics
Arts and Music Programs:
Sounds Like LA (formerly Santa Monica Youth Orchestra)Theatre 31
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball ClubSoccer
Young Ninjas
School Notes
- School Motto: Many Voices Build a Better World
- Pluralism is the belief that a community is enriched when individual differences are understood, respected, and welcomed.
- Pluralism is both our goal and our method. Our name, PS1 Pluralistic School, echoes the United States' motto, E pluribus unum: Out of many, one. The words convey the complex, ongoing, optimistic work of creating and sustaining a truly democratic society.
- That's the founding and enduring purpose of PS1-and what makes us unique. We believe that empathetic, innovative, collaborative thinkers can and must build a better world for all. And the best time to cultivate this vital mindset is in children's earliest years.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does PS1 Pluralistic School cost?
PS1 Pluralistic School's tuition is approximately $41,500 for private students.
When is the application deadline for PS1 Pluralistic School?
The application deadline for PS1 Pluralistic School is Dec. 12 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 12 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is PS1 Pluralistic School located?
PS1 Pluralistic School is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA.
School Reviews
5 2/15/2023
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.
5 11/3/2022
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.
5 2/4/2021
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.
5 10/7/2018
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!
5 8/11/2018
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.
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