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 (2025)
- 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
Campus Size
4
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
List of Courses Offered
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
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
School Notes
- School Motto: Where great minds grow
- 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.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Brycen Tremayne - NFL Player and Stanford Graduate, Class of 2014 -
- Naomi Nicholas - Medical Student and Willows Alum, Class of 2013 -
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.
Who are famous alumni from The Willows Community School?
The Willows Community School famous alumni include: Brycen Tremayne - NFL Player and Stanford Graduate, Class of 2014 and Naomi Nicholas - Medical Student and Willows Alum, Class of 2013.
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, Westside Neighborhood School and New Roads School.
The nearest high school to The Willows Community School is Vista School (1.8 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: NS-8 | 598 students 3.9 miles 5401 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 574-8650
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 574-8650
3.9
NS-8
598
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
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
June 09, 2025
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
June 09, 2025
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the StigmaFinding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed EducatorsNavigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.
