With over 20 years of graduating classes, Crestview Preparatory School has established a strong reputation in the community for preparing our graduates with an excellent foundation for success in academics and life.

We seek to offer a rich, developmentally appropriate yet challenging curriculum within a supportive, caring learning environment that encourages taking risks and accepts mistakes as part of the learning and growing process. The Crestview program fosters a solid foundation of basic knowledge good study habits and sound thinking skills as well as the opportunity to wrestle with complex concepts that capture the imagination and curiosity. As teachers, we bring to the classroom the right mix of challenge that will engage students combined with the success and fun that will encourage them.

At Crestview, we recognize that what children do in school is called "learning," not "knowing." True learning is a process of trial and error, success and, yes, even failure at times. Children need the opportunity to strive, to persist, and experience success. This is how true self-esteem is developed.

The data bears out the success of our program.

• Test Scores

  While we do not like to define our students or program solely on the basis of test scores, in today's hard data-driven society parents often ask about test scores. As part of the California Association of Independent Schools we use standardized testing through the Educational Records Bureau. We test in the fall so that the information may serve as a diagnostic tool to help guide our work with students during the year.

  Routinely, our third through sixth grade students score in the 85th percentile and above when compared to national norms with our median students scoring typically in the 90th percentiles. (We do not use standardized testing at the primary grades.)

• Middle School Placement

  The outstanding secondary school placement of our graduates is a testament to our students' readiness for the next academic challenge. Recognizing that the critical factor for school success is the right match between child and school, we take very seriously our responsibility for assisting students and their families in the transition into the next school setting. Over the sixth grade year, we actively guide and counsel our families through the application process and the consideration of the outstanding school options in our community.

  Over the last 4 years the majority of our graduates have matriculated at the following local independent schools, including (in the order of number of students enrolled):
  

  Flintridge Preparatory School
  Chandler School
  Westridge School
  Harvard-Westlake
  Clairbourn School
  Marlborough School
  Polytechnic School
  Oakwood School
  Barnhart School
  Waverly
  Wesley School
  
  (Depending on the community in which they live, some graduates and their families will elect enrollment at their local public schools.)

As a school community, we strive to give children an environment that meets the unique needs of childhood.

• The structure and discipline children crave without being oppressive, holding high expectations for students as well as adults in achievement and behavior
• Respect and opportunities for responsibility that acknowledge and celebrate the abilities of children
• A school day that balances academics, creative pursuits, and physical development
• A nurturing, safe atmosphere to make mistakes and learn from them
• Opportunity for unstructured play that allows for creativity, curiosity, and developing relationships
• Time for family and friends

Even our playground with the magical rocketship reflects the Crestview spirit that honors childhood sprinkled with imagination and wonder. At Crestview, kids can be kids.

Although a regional school, drawing students from a number of local communities, Crestview has the essence of a neighborhood school. It is a neighborhood created by a shared value for a child- and family-friendly academic environment where respect and responsibility are practiced.

Our intimate community is created by both Crestview's size and the engagement of parents and extended family. The strong culture of parent participation creates friendships among parents as well as children, creating a supportive environment in which to raise children and a shared sense of responsibility for all the children of the school. When given the opportunity, Crestview families are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work for the good of the community, and when done working together, they can often be found playing together. The connection among Crestview children and families continues long after the school day ends, even years after students graduate.

It is a community engaged in raising good kids.

There is only so much you can learn about a school without actually visiting a school; therefore we invite you to visit our campus on one of our many tour groups. We also encourage you to talk to members of our community, faculty, parents, students, and alumni, to get the best understanding of why Crestview might be right for your child and family.