BRENTWOOD SCHOOL INSPIRES EVERY STUDENT TO:
Think critically and creatively. Act ethically. Shape a future with meaning. WEST CAMPUS // KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 5
TRUST
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
HONESTY
CARING
DIVERSITY
COMMUNITY
K-12 Notable Numbers
25,000
HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE BY BRENTWOOD STUDENTS EACH YEAR
40%
FAMILIES FROM
90
ZIP CODES
STUDENTS OF COLOR
APPLICANTS FROM
30 years
OF HELPING VETERANS THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WEST LA VA
2
83
PRESCHOOLS
300 DREAMERS, DOERS, AND CHANGE-MAKERS IN TRAINING, GRADE K–5
REMARKABLE PERFORMANCES EACH YEAR IN ALL GRADES, INCLUDING SEVERAL ORIGINAL PLAYS
Dozens OF PROJECTS FOCUSED ON REALWORLD CHALLENGES THROUGH OUR BELLDEGRUN CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP
7CORE VALUES AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO
BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
A World of Wonder Brentwood School offers children an experience that is rich with developmentally appropriate challenges while building a foundation for future learning—and much more. Yes, Brentwood lower schoolers build the skills they will need for academic success. They also discover how it feels to step into the spotlight in the magical musical productions each of our grades stage each year, how to help other people in meaningful ways through service learning, and how a diversity-themed Crayon Club lunch can be a chance to invite the whole community into your culture. Walk across campus and you may see 1st graders dressed as penguins for their studies of the Antarctic, 5th graders participating in team building activities on the lawn, or a class of 3rd graders running by, eager to get to music. You will see a place where the world of learning is filled with possibility and full of joy.
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .01
WE KNOW CHILDREN’S REMARKABLE POTENTIAL.
High Expectations, Deep Engagement The Lower School academic program is shaped by an appreciation of just how much young minds are capable of understanding and achieving. It builds a solid foundation in core verbal and quantitative literacy, then branches beyond into the territory of science, social studies, art, music, library, technology, and world languages. Through thematic units, students explore a single topic—the desert, for instance— in multiple connected ways, such as studying desert habitats, reading desert stories, and creating desert-themed art. By tapping into the power of technology, students can adopt pioneer personae and virtually immerse themselves in a journey on the Oregon Trail. They also take on open-ended, real-world challenges through our Belldegrun Center for Innovative leadership. The result of these and so many other inspiring experiences is a truly exceptional start in the lifelong journey of learning.
“ N OTHING ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM IS OFF-THE-SHELF. EVEN WHEN WE DRAW FROM AN ESTABLISHED PROGRAM IN MATH OR PHONICS, WE ADAPT IT, ENRICH IT, AND MAKE IT OUR OWN.” Assistant Director, Lower School
“ Our approach is intensely studentcentered. Everything we do starts with the question, ‘What do the students need?’” 4th Grade Teacher
“ IT’S AN ENVIRONMENT THAT’S BOTH ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING AND JOYFUL. CHILDREN LOVE TO COME TO SCHOOL AND LOVE TO LEARN.” Director of Admissions, West Campus
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .03
OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES Kindergarten “Baby Elephant” // 4th Grade Instrumental Music Study // All-School Art Show // Mindfulness
WE CREATE AND COLLABORATE.
The play includes acting parts for every child in the grade—a chance for everyone to shine.
One of several original musical comedies written by the music teacher, Achilles’ Heel is a lighthearted take on myths and events drawn from The Iliad.
The show takes shape over weeks of intensive preparation, during which students learn lasting lessons about the power of hard work and teamwork.
in the Art Studio // Full Menu of After-School Activities // League Teams for Athletics
The Joy of Achilles’ Heel Each year, the 5th Grade classes stage a musical, and each year, in a long-standing tradition, this musical comedy becomes a culminating rite of passage for the class about to move up to the Middle School. This musical is an opportunity to grow in confidence, to practice collaboration, and to experience the patient effort it takes to produce an excellent show.
“ The students truly appreciate and support each other in their efforts. By the end, they are empowered to feel capable of anything.” 5th Grade Teacher
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .05
This is the beginning of a new day. We have been given this day to use as we choose. What we do today is important Trust, respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, and diversity are at the core of our
because our days are priceless.
Lower School Creed
because it can change what tomorrow brings. community
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .07
MEMORABLE MILESTONES 4th Grade “I Can’t” Ceremony // Banner Speeches // Overnight Outdoor Learning // Women’s History Month Panel //
WE LIVE THE VALUES WE LEARN.
Starting in Kindergarten, classes develop their own charters, articulating guidelines for classroom behavior through a process of teacher-guided discussion.
Ideas like sharing and inclusion take on real meaning—not as arbitrary rules but as ways to interact that are essential for making the kind of classroom community students want to be part of.
2nd Grade Wax Museum // Student Leadership Council // Library Reading Circle // Field Trips // African-American Read-In // Buddy Program
Creating a Community of Caring At Brentwood, teachers work with skill and intent to nurture not only students’ academic progress, and also their social and emotional growth. Lower schoolers take part in a robust service learning program. They actively use a six-stage process for conflict resolution. And they meet each week for Community of Caring, an integral part of the program dedicated to navigating the social world—expressing feelings, understanding others’ perspectives, and learning to be an “upstander” rather than a bystander, when someone needs your help.
“ Our day is filled with learning opportunities. If an issue comes up in class or on the playground, we find a moment to talk and work through it.” Kindergarten Teacher
Topics related to values and community are woven through the curriculum in many ways. They come alive in the books children read and the conversations those books spark.
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .09
WE ARE AN OPEN AND WELCOMING SCHOOL.
The Power of Community Among the most important lessons children can learn at Brentwood School is what it means to be part of a community. It is a concept we explore in many ways, starting with the community of each classroom, then expanding out to the community of campus and school, and, finally, reaching into our neighborhood, city, and world. We believe the strength of each of these communities depends on its diversity and its inclusivity. Families from many backgrounds come together at Brentwood and shape our school community. Fundamentally, ours is a school culture that eagerly welcomes the perspectives and voices of all families and students.
“ THERE IS NO ONE KIND OF BRENTWOOD STUDENT, AND WE WOULD NEVER WANT THERE TO BE.” Service Learning Coordinator
“ We were drawn to Brentwood by the sense of community and the feeling of openness. Both were very clear from the moment we visited.” Brentwood Parent
“ IT’S A MAGICAL PLACE, AND THE MAGIC IS ALL ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIPS.” Lower School Head Librarian
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL .11
Program Highlights
ACADEMICS
L I B R A RY
A rich, balanced curriculum comprises Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and, in 5th Grade, an introduction to world languages, with a one-trimester exposure to each of three languages: Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese. Students at each age encounter ample, developmentally appropriate challenges with a focus on meaningful understanding, not acceleration.
All classes visit the library weekly, and the librarian plays an active role supporting the curriculum and faculty, encouraging reading for pleasure, teaching research skills, and sponsoring special events.
Visual arts and music are both integral to the Lower School experience, starting in Kindergarten. An optional after-school music theater program begins in 4th Grade. AT H L E T I C S Physical education classes offer an exposure to some 20 different games, sports, and activities (from a climbing wall to yoga). In addition, after-school interscholastic sports (flag football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer) are an option starting in 4th Grade. COMMUNITY OF CARING Students meet weekly in small groups to explore topics such as Brentwood’s Core Values, sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and inclusion.
.12
WEST CAMPUS // BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
The Lower School is home to an exceptionally strong service learning program that begins in Kindergarten and includes real-life experiences that are meaningfully connected to the curriculum. They also take part in a number of annual food, toy, and other drives. STUDENT SUPPORT A learning specialist, two school nurses, and a Lower School counselor support students’ academic, physical, and emotional needs. EXTENDED CARE Before-school and after-school programs are provided to Lower School families at no additional charge. These include supervised play and arts- and athletics-related extracurriculars. Because these programs attract many participants, they provide a convenient opportunity for friends who live far apart to enjoy time together outside school.
Kelsh Wilson Design kelshwilson.com
THE ARTS
SERVICE LEARNING
BWSCAMPUS.COM An Independent, Coed College Preparatory K-12 School, Founded in 1972