Before Westmark, our daughter thought she wasn’t ‘smart.’ Within three months of starting here, she was teaching us about her dyslexia and how she learns. The change in her self-esteem is worth every penny of the consulting package from Cardinal Education.
How To Get Into Westmark School: The Elite Authority Guide to Admissions
Admission tips from the best boarding school admissions consultants in LA.
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The private school scene in LA is intense enough on a good day, but when you’re looking for a spot that actually gets a kid with a language-based learning difference, the pressure is on a whole other level.
Of course, you’re looking for a place where your kid’s actual intelligence doesn’t get buried under their dyslexia or ADHD. That’s why our consultants recommend Westmark School. It’s that kind of breath of fresh air for families in Encino who need a college-prep track that actually understands neurodivergence.
Most parents we talk to reach this point because they’re just tired. Tired of the three-hour homework meltdowns and tired of watching a bright kid start to believe they aren’t smart just because they’re stuck in a system that wasn’t built for them.
So, let’s break down how to handle this. This guide is meant to take some of that weight off your shoulders. We’re going to look at how to take your child’s testing and history and turn it into an application that shows Westmark exactly what we already know: that your kid is capable, college-bound, and ready to thrive if given the right tools.
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
Getting into Westmark School requires a documented diagnosis of a language-based learning difference and an application that demonstrates the student’s potential to thrive in a multimodal, college-preparatory environment. As the premier Westmark School entry strategy, families must prioritize a current, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation that clearly outlines the student’s cognitive profile.
Because Westmark operates on a rolling admissions basis, the most successful families engage early in the fall to secure space in their intimate, 5:1 student-teacher ratio classrooms. Success hinges on proving that the student is not only a fit for the specialized curriculum but is also ready to engage with a vibrant, “Lion Pride” campus culture.
Why Families Choose Westmark School
Founded in 1983 as Landmark West, Westmark School has evolved into a global leader in LD (Learning Difference) education. Families choose Westmark because it refuses to see neurodiversity as a deficit to be fixed. Instead, the school’s mission is to empower students in Grades 2–12 (and expanding to Grade 1 in 2026) to celebrate their distinct learning styles. The school’s curriculum is built on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and informed by high-level research partnerships, including work with the UCSF Dyslexia Center.
That said, Westmark is built on the belief that a student with dyslexia or ADHD has a brain that is simply wired differently, often possessing high levels of creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills. By removing the barriers to traditional literacy and organization, Westmark allows these strengths to take center stage. This is not a remedial school, but a specialized college-prep environment where the ceiling for achievement is just as high as any other elite LA institution.
How Hard is it to Get Into Westmark School?
While Westmark does not release a traditional acceptance rate in the same vein as Harvard-Westlake or Brentwood, it is highly selective based on profile fit. The school is exclusively designed for students whose primary challenge is a language-based learning difference (LBLD). If a student’s primary profile is behavioral, or if they fall on the autism spectrum without a primary LBLD diagnosis, they likely will not be admitted. The school’s expertise is narrow and deep; they only admit students they know they can serve perfectly.
The school is currently experiencing a period of historic growth, particularly with the opening of its award-winning new Lower School campus. While they offer rolling admissions, specific entry points (especially 6th and 9th grade) can fill up quickly.
To gain a competitive edge, families should consider working with a highly regarded private school admissions consultant well-versed in Westmark School’s admission process. Consultants can provide invaluable guidance in framing an applicant, especially those with learning differences, as highly desirable for admissions.
Top Tips for Westmark School Admissions
- • Ensure your child’s neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation is no more than two years old and includes the WISC-V. The committee needs fresh data to understand the student’s current zone of proximal development.
- • Use the application to showcase what your child does when they aren’t struggling with school. Are they a master LEGO builder? A talented illustrator? A gifted athlete? Westmark wants “whole” children.
- •Westmark looks for families who are ready to collaborate. In your statement, express your willingness to support the school’s multimodal approach at home.
Best Practices for Westmark School Prospective Families
- • Schedule the “Westmark Wednesday” early. These tours are the only way to see the 5:1 ratio in action. They fill up months in advance, so book yours in September.
- • Prepare for the Shadow Day because, unlike other schools where a shadow day is just a social visit, teachers at Westmark are subtly observing how the student responds to their specific teaching modalities.
- • If your child has a current educational therapist or speech-language pathologist, ensure their contact info is available. Westmark’s admissions team often does deep-dive consults with a child’s current support team.
Common Questions About Getting Into Westmark School
Q: Does my child need a formal diagnosis?
A: Yes, a documented language-based learning difference (e.g., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia) is a mandatory requirement.
Q: Do they accept students with ADHD?
A: Yes, provided it is accompanied by a language-based learning challenge or if the ADHD significantly impacts their ability to access a traditional language-based curriculum.
Q: How does rolling admissions work?
A: It means they review files as they become complete. If a spot opens in February, they fill it. This is why getting your strategy and paperwork in early is vital.
Q: Do they accept students with IEPs?
A: Yes, and they will review the IEP as part of the transcripts and files to determine if their program can meet the specific goals outlined by the district.
The Westmark School Admissions Process
The first step in the application process is creating an account on Ravenna. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from the school, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:
- Online Inquiry: This is the first ‘ping’ to the school. Be detailed in your description of your child’s needs here.
- The Tour: Attending a Westmark on Wednesday is required. It’s an intimate 90-minute deep dive into the school’s philosophy.
- Application Submission: This includes the parent statement, student statement, and the application fee.
- Testing Submission: Uploading the full neuropsychological report (this is the most critical document).
- Teacher Recommendations: Sent via the Ravenna system to your child’s current English and Math teachers.
- Student Interview & Shadow Visit: A full day where the student attends classes and the admissions team conducts an informal interview.
- Parent Interview: A formal meeting between the parents and a member of the admissions leadership.
Westmark School Admission Requirements
Enrollment at Westmark School involves a multi-step process designed to help the admissions committee understand each applicant beyond their transcript and test scores. In this section, we will identify the key components of the application and what families should know to help them prepare for the admissions process’s rigor.
Westmark School Parent Statement
The parent statement at Westmark should read like a biography of resilience. Do not shy away from the struggles your child has faced in other schools. Instead, use those challenges to highlight your child’s character. Describe the “Aha!” moment when you realized their current school wasn’t providing the right support. If you struggle to strike the balance between ‘advocate’ and ‘objective observer’, we can help you craft a narrative that resonates with the admissions committee’s specific values.
How to write an effective parent essay
To write an effective parent essay, the guardian or parents must strategically plan how to frame and present their child in a manner that does not appear overly proud. When choosing what to write, focus on your child’s strengths and characteristics. Mention specific anecdotes that positively support your statement. Another proven approach is to describe how the school’s teaching approach aligns perfectly with your child’s learning style. Detail how the family’s values also align with the core principles of the school. A persuasive parent statement balances pride with objective insight. Explore our expert guide on how to write a compelling private school parent essay for further strategies and examples.
Teacher Recommendations for Westmark School
Westmark requires recommendations from current teachers. Because your child may be struggling in their current classroom, it is helpful to choose teachers who see your child’s effort and heart, not just their test scores. If a teacher can speak to your child’s grit or their willingness to try new strategies, that carries significant weight.
How to get the best letter of recommendation
To secure a strong recommendation letter, it is crucial for your child to build a genuine relationship with the teachers. Your child’s leadership in the school community is equally important as their academic performance. For the recommendation to be of value, the teachers, principal, or the school counselor must be able to talk about how your child plays a big role in the school community in terms of their leadership and how they model good behavior and excellent academic performance for their peers.
Transcript
The school looks at the last two to three years of grades. They are looking for patterns—perhaps a dip in grades when the “reading to learn” shift happens in 3rd or 4th grade. If your child’s GPA is currently low, don’t panic. Westmark understands that a low GPA is often a symptom of an unsupported learning difference. Many families use our academic coaching to help students manage their executive functioning so that their transcripts show an upward trend leading into the application season.
How to improve grades?
Your child’s transcript will demonstrate their readiness for any school’s academically demanding curriculum. But what if your grades are not as competitive as those of the other applicants? Begin your private school admissions consulting early!
Our subject tutors will work with your child closely to improve their foundational knowledge and study habits, ultimately helping your child achieve the grades that meet the admission requirements. We provide both online and in-person tutoring for a variety of courses. However, we also acknowledge that improving your child’s grades is not a linear process. It takes a holistic change in your child’s executive functioning to truly guarantee long-term success, which our academic coaches are excellent at.
Westmark School Personal Statement
For the student statement, Westmark wants to see the authentic self. This isn’t the place for a polished, five-paragraph essay (especially for a student with dysgraphia!). It’s a place for them to share what they love. Whether it’s their passion for marine biology or their skill at digital illustration, the goal is to show intellectual curiosity.
How to write a compelling personal statement
To help the admissions officers get a full view of the applicants beyond their statistics, crafting a well-written and thoughtful candidate essay is crucial. When choosing what to write about or which areas of the students’ profiles to highlight, the key thing to remember is to remain authentic rather than trying to appear on par with professional writers. Crafting a narrative that stands out requires a unique perspective; learn more about developing an authentic writing voice to help your child resonate with admissions officers.
Westmark School Standardized Testing
Westmark does not require the ISEE or SSAT. In fact, they often find these tests to be poor indicators of an LBLD student’s true potential. Instead, they rely heavily on the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) and achievement tests like the WIAT. If you feel your child needs to build academic confidence before transitioning to a college-prep environment, our test prep offers customized support to help students master the ‘how-to’ of taking tests without the usual anxiety.
Westmark School Admissions Interviews
The interview at Westmark is designed to be low-stress. They want to see if the student is ready to own their learning journey. They might ask, “How do you feel about reading?” or “What helps you learn best?” They are looking for self-awareness. To help your child feel prepared to answer these questions with confidence, our Interview Prep offers a safe space to practice during a visit or shadow day.
Westmark School Campus Tours and Open Houses
The campus tours are highly structured. You will see the Lower School Eye and the specialized Upper School Commons. Pay close attention to the assistive technology in the rooms (laptops with specialized software are standard, not an “extra.”) These tours are your chance to see if your child looks like the students in the hallways.
Top Tips for Westmark School Admissions Interviews & Events
- • Speak the Westmark language. Use terms like ‘multimodal,’ ‘strengths-based,’ and ‘self-advocacy.’
- • Talk about your child’s college goals. Westmark is a preparatory school, and they love families who have high aspirations.
- • During the tour, let your child ask the questions. It shows they are engaged in the process.
Best Practices for the Westmark School Interview & Campus Visit
- • If you have recent IEPs or extra evaluations, have them ready.
- • Remind your child that they don’t have to be perfect at Westmark; they just have to be willing to try.
- • Ask About the Lion Pride. Show interest in the school’s culture, not just its academics.
What is Student Life Like at Westmark?
Life at Westmark is vibrant, loud, and incredibly supportive. Because the student body is relatively small (around 250 students across all grades), everyone knows everyone. The Lion Pride philosophy permeates everything: a set of values focused on Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Enthusiasm.
Westmark Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is ‘College Prep’, but the delivery is ‘Neuro-Forward.’ In the Upper School, students take a full suite of lab sciences, mathematics through Calculus, and a variety of Humanities courses. However, instead of a three-hour lecture, a history teacher might use a mix of documentary film, Socratic discussion, and a hands-on project to teach the same material. This ensures that a student’s reading speed never limits their ability to master complex historical or scientific concepts.
Athletics at Westmark
Athletics are a massive part of the Westmark experience. For many neurodivergent students, the playing field is where they first feel expert. Westmark offers a ‘no-cut’ policy for many teams, ensuring every student has the chance to play.
| Season | Lower/Middle School Sports | Upper School Sports |
| Fall | Flag Football, Volleyball | Cross Country, Girls Volleyball |
| Winter | Basketball | Boys & Girls Basketball, Soccer |
| Spring | Soccer, Baseball | Baseball, Golf, Track & Field |
Arts and Music
The arts program at Westmark is world-class. The school recognizes that visual-spatial thinkers often excel in the arts. Their film program allows students to use professional-grade equipment, and their digital arts lab is a hub for budding graphic designers. The theater department puts on high-quality productions where students are encouraged to take on roles both on-stage and behind the scenes in tech and lighting.
Clubs and Organizations
From the Robotics Team to the Student Council, there are dozens of ways to get involved. The Neurodiversity Club is particularly popular, where students discuss the latest research in brain science and advocate for neuro-inclusive policies in the wider community.
If your child is looking to build a specific hook for their college application, choosing the right summer activities or clubs is essential. Our Summer Program Strategy can help you identify which of Westmark’s offerings will best showcase your child’s unique talents.
Top Tips for Student Life & Programs at Westmark
- • Join a team. Even if your child isn’t an athlete, the social bond of the team is the quickest way to integrate into Westmark.
- • Use the technology. Don’t let your child shy away from the assistive tools; they are the best stepping stines to Westmark’s success.
- •Participate in service learning. Westmark has a strong commitment to the local Encino community.
Best Practices for Student Success at Westmark
- •Build a relationship with the advisor. Every student has an advisor who acts as their “point person.” Communicate with them often.
- • Attend the Parent Education Series. Westmark hosts incredible speakers on the science of learning.
- • Celebrate the small wins. At Westmark, finishing a book or mastering a new software is a major milestone.
Common Questions About Westmark Student Programs
Q: Is there a graduation requirement for service?
A: Yes, Westmark emphasizes giving back as part of their character development.
Q: Do they have a music program?
A: Yes, including digital music production and traditional instrumental instruction.
Q: What is the “Eye” in the Lower School?
A: It is a specialized, central learning hub designed to facilitate collaborative, multimodal learning.
Q: Are summer programs important for my child?
A: Yes, summer programs help prevent summer learning loss, foster social-emotional growth, and explore new interests.
Westmark School Famous Alumni
Westmark graduates are proof that a learning difference is often a superpower in the professional world.
- • Creative Directors: Many alumni have gone on to lead major advertising and design firms in Los Angeles.
- • Film & Television Professionals: Graduates work at major studios like Disney and Sony, often excelling in production and editing.
- • Tech Entrepreneurs: The “out of the box” thinking fostered at Westmark has led many alumni to start their own successful software and hardware companies.
- • 100% College Acceptance: In recent years, every single graduating senior has been accepted into a four-year college or university.
The Cardinal Education Strategy for Elite LD Placement
Applying to a school as specialized as Westmark requires a delicate touch. You aren’t just selling a high-achieving student; you are selling a high-potential student. At Cardinal Education, our founder, Allen Koh, has pioneered a strategy for high-stakes placement that focuses on the whole child.
We understand that for a Westmark family, this isn’t just a school choice, it’s a life-trajectory choice. We help you navigate the nuances of the neuropsychological report, ensure your parent statement is pitch-perfect, and prepare your child to walk into their shadow day with their head held high.
Related Articles
Westmark School: An Exclusive Insider Guide to LA’s Premier Choice for ADHD and Dyslexia
Understanding the WISC-V: An Insider’s Guide to Neuropsychological Testing at Westmark
Did You Know?
The Westmark Lion mascot was chosen to represent the courage it takes for neurodivergent students to navigate a world built for typical brains.
Fun Fact!
Westmark’s new Lower School features learning stairs—a massive, open-concept seating area where the entire school can gather for community meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westmark provide a diploma?
Yes, Westmark is a fully accredited independent school. Graduates receive a high school diploma that meets all California “A-G” requirements for admission to the UC and CSU systems, as well as private universities nationwide.
What is Westmark’s student-teacher ratio?
Westmark has a 5:1 teacher-student ratio. This means that for every five students, there is one staff member. This allows for incredibly small class sizes (usually 8–10 students) and ensures that no child can hide in the back of the room. Every student gets the individual attention they need every single day.
How does Westmark handle social-emotional learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is integrated into the daily schedule. Because many LD students have experienced academic trauma in the past, Westmark prioritizes rebuilding their confidence through specialized counseling and a supportive peer culture.
Is transportation provided?
Westmark offers several bus routes throughout the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area to make the commute easier for families.
DISCLAIMER
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any private school, including those mentioned on this website. All school names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.