What is a typical day like at Westside Neighborhood School?

A day at WNS is anything but ordinary. Students start with community-building activities like morning meetings or advisory, then dive into hands-on academics in small classes that prioritize collaboration and creativity. You’ll find kids coding, painting, dissecting, debating—and maybe even singing—all before lunch. Afternoons are filled with enrichment: art, music, PE, innovation labs, and clubs. Whether it’s a science experiment or a student council meeting, every moment at WNS is designed to challenge the mind and nurture the heart. It’s structured enough to support students, but flexible enough to let curiosity lead the way. In short, it’s a day that kids look forward to—and often don’t want to leave when it’s over.

What kinds of clubs and activities does WNS offer?

Clubs at WNS are all about voice and choice. Students can join everything from Robotics and Art Club to Student Council, Drama, and Math Club. And here’s the fun part—if a student has a new idea for a club, they can propose it and lead it. Leadership is encouraged at every level. Beyond clubs, students participate in performances, sustainability projects, and community service initiatives. These activities build confidence, foster friendships, and help kids discover interests they didn’t even know they had. Whether you’re into coding or costume design, there’s a place for you at WNS to shine outside the classroom.

How does WNS support student well-being and social-emotional growth?

WNS doesn’t treat social-emotional learning (SEL) like an afterthought—it’s a daily practice. Through structured advisory time, mindfulness exercises, and restorative conversations, students learn to recognize emotions, resolve conflicts, and build empathy. Teachers actively model inclusive behavior, and every student is known, seen, and supported. The low student-to-teacher ratio also helps staff stay attuned to each child’s needs. From preschool through 8th grade, WNS weaves emotional intelligence into everything—so kids grow not only academically, but as kind, grounded people. It’s not just about raising smart students—it’s about raising good humans, too.

What makes Westside Neighborhood School different from other private schools in Los Angeles?

WNS stands out for its joyful learning environment, strong community spirit, and commitment to equity and belonging. It’s a place where progressive academics meet purpose-driven education. You’ll find project-based learning, a dynamic arts program, and leadership opportunities starting in the earliest grades. But you’ll also find a culture of warmth, diversity, and mutual respect. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” here—students are encouraged to be themselves, try new things, and take risks in a supportive setting. The result? Confident, compassionate learners who leave WNS ready to thrive in high school and beyond—not just as students, but as leaders and changemakers.

Inside Student Life at Westside Neighborhood School: What a Typical Day Looks Like

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a student at Westside Neighborhood School? Picture a place where curiosity is contagious, teachers actually get you, and learning is more adventure than chore. Buckle up—here’s a walk-through of a typical day in the life of a WNS student.

A Warm Welcome to the WNS Community

There’s something special about walking into WNS in the morning. Maybe it’s the smiles at the gate. Maybe it’s the “Hey, I saved you a spot!” from your friend. Or maybe it’s just the comfort of knowing you’re in a place where it’s cool to be yourself.

Community isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the secret ingredient. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, students are known by name, by heart, and by the little things (like who brings the best snacks on field trips).

Morning Routines and the Homeroom Experience

The school day kicks off with more than just sleepy yawns and backpacks slung over shoulders. Homeroom is the daily launchpad—part check-in, part mini therapy session, part “Who watched the latest science doc?” debrief.

It’s also where friendships warm up, planners get filled, and the day gets its rhythm. No one’s left behind, and no one starts the day feeling invisible.

Social-Emotional Learning and Advisory Time

At WNS, social-emotional learning isn’t just a periodic worksheet on “feelings.” It’s a full-on lifestyle. Advisory time is when students take a break from math and reading to ask the real questions:

How do I handle stress without turning into a tornado?
What does healthy conflict even look like?
And why is middle school so weird sometimes?

This is where empathy gets practiced, resilience gets flexed, and everyone gets a little better at being human.

Learning in Action: What Happens in the Classroom

Forget the image of silent rows and chalk squeaks. WNS classrooms buzz with ideas, collaboration, and the occasional dramatic reenactment of historical moments (yes, with costumes). Learning here doesn’t just stick—it clicks.

Project-Based Academics and Interdisciplinary Themes

Instead of drilling facts, WNS dives into doing. Want to understand ecosystems? Build one. Studying ancient civilizations? Turn your classroom into a living museum.

Subjects don’t live in silos. An art project might tie into science, while a math lesson sneaks into a social studies investigation. Students become problem-solvers, storytellers, and occasionally, time travelers.

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Support

With small class sizes, students aren’t just a name on a roster—they’re known deeply by teachers who notice the little things:

Who needs a nudge?
Who’s ready for a challenge?
Who’s secretly a math ninja?

Support is tailored, not templated. Whether a student is racing ahead or needs a moment to pause and breathe, there’s room—and attention—for everyone.

Life Beyond Core Subjects

At WNS, learning doesn’t clock out when math ends. The magic happens between the lines of a textbook—when a student hits the high note in music class or makes a sculpture that somehow looks like both a volcano and a dinosaur (and somehow, it works).

Arts, Music, and Creativity Across Grade Levels

Creativity isn’t treated like an afterthought—it’s baked into the curriculum like the best part of the brownie. Whether it’s visual art, digital media, or ukulele strumming that somehow becomes a class-wide jam session, WNS gives students the tools (and freedom) to express themselves in technicolor.

You’ll find Kindergartners painting with full-body enthusiasm and middle schoolers composing music that could give Spotify a run for its money.

Athletics and Movement as Part of the Day

Forget “sit still for seven hours.” Movement is part of the WNS DNA. From soccer drills to dance choreography, PE isn’t just a break—it’s a celebration of teamwork, energy, and learning to high-five your way through a challenge.

And it’s not all competitive. WNS values effort over ego. (Though yes, that epic dodgeball win will be talked about at lunch.)

Student-Led Experiences and Community Connection

WNS isn’t a place where adults run the whole show. Here, students lead—sometimes with a clipboard, sometimes with glitter, and always with heart.

Clubs, Leadership, and Enrichment Activities

Want to start a podcast club? Lead a sustainability initiative? Build a robot? WNS says: go for it. Leadership isn’t reserved for the loudest voices—it’s cultivated in everyone.

Clubs and enrichment activities reflect students’ interests and give them real-world experience in collaboration, planning, and sometimes, snack negotiation.

Building Character and Belonging Through Events and Traditions

WNS traditions are the stuff of legend. Spirit days. Cultural celebrations. Middle school socials with just the right mix of awkward and awesome. These events aren’t just fun—they’re where identity and inclusion meet celebration.

Every tradition weaves a thread into the school’s culture. They remind students that they belong here—not just in class, but in the bigger WNS story.

Why WNS Feels Like a Second Home

A school is just a building—until you fill it with people who care. That’s where WNS stands apart.

Relationships That Go Beyond the Bell

The bond between students and teachers here doesn’t dissolve at dismissal. It’s not unusual to see a student pop into a former teacher’s classroom just to share a personal win or get a pep talk.

WNS is built on relationships. And the laughter, respect, and trust flowing through the halls? That’s the kind of stuff you can’t fake.

Preparing Students for the Future While Valuing the Now

Yes, WNS students leave ready for the next chapter—high school and beyond. But they also leave with something deeper: self-awareness, empathy, and a genuine love of learning.

The future matters. But so does the now. WNS helps kids be grounded in the present while still dreaming big—and chasing those dreams with confidence, compassion, and probably a paintbrush.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you can see your child growing, creating, and belonging at Westside Neighborhood School, let’s talk. Cardinal Education can help you navigate the admissions process with confidence—from interviews and parent statements to optional components like the Character Skills Snapshot.

Reach out today, and let’s make your child’s next school day the first step in something extraordinary.

How to Get Into Westside Neighborhood School: The Best Guide to Getting In

Beyond the Classroom: How Clubs and Activities Build Leadership and Community at WNS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical day like at Westside Neighborhood School?
A day at WNS is anything but ordinary. Students start with community-building activities like morning meetings or advisory, then dive into hands-on academics in small classes that prioritize collaboration and creativity. You’ll find kids coding, painting, dissecting, debating—and maybe even singing—all before lunch. Afternoons are filled with enrichment: art, music, PE, innovation labs, and clubs. Whether it’s a science experiment or a student council meeting, every moment at WNS is designed to challenge the mind and nurture the heart. It’s structured enough to support students, but flexible enough to let curiosity lead the way. In short, it’s a day that kids look forward to—and often don’t want to leave when it’s over.
What kinds of clubs and activities does WNS offer?
Clubs at WNS are all about voice and choice. Students can join everything from Robotics and Art Club to Student Council, Drama, and Math Club. And here’s the fun part—if a student has a new idea for a club, they can propose it and lead it. Leadership is encouraged at every level. Beyond clubs, students participate in performances, sustainability projects, and community service initiatives. These activities build confidence, foster friendships, and help kids discover interests they didn’t even know they had. Whether you’re into coding or costume design, there’s a place for you at WNS to shine outside the classroom.
How does WNS support student well-being and social-emotional growth?
WNS doesn’t treat social-emotional learning (SEL) like an afterthought—it’s a daily practice. Through structured advisory time, mindfulness exercises, and restorative conversations, students learn to recognize emotions, resolve conflicts, and build empathy. Teachers actively model inclusive behavior, and every student is known, seen, and supported. The low student-to-teacher ratio also helps staff stay attuned to each child’s needs. From preschool through 8th grade, WNS weaves emotional intelligence into everything—so kids grow not only academically, but as kind, grounded people. It’s not just about raising smart students—it’s about raising good humans, too.
What makes Westside Neighborhood School different from other private schools in Los Angeles?
WNS stands out for its joyful learning environment, strong community spirit, and commitment to equity and belonging. It’s a place where progressive academics meet purpose-driven education. You’ll find project-based learning, a dynamic arts program, and leadership opportunities starting in the earliest grades. But you’ll also find a culture of warmth, diversity, and mutual respect. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” here—students are encouraged to be themselves, try new things, and take risks in a supportive setting. The result? Confident, compassionate learners who leave WNS ready to thrive in high school and beyond—not just as students, but as leaders and changemakers.