Great teaching. Great values. Great kids.
We are all different, and that’s a good thing. We collaborate to reach our goals. We all have different talents that lead us to our victories. - Joseph Kagan / 6th Grade Student
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One of the qualities we looked for in an elementary school was the wonder that comes when you make learning an adventure. At Echo Horizon School, the way a child learns is as valued as the learning itself – each child gains confidence in his strengths. When you show children that you believe they already have in them their own personal tools for learning, and then unlock those tools, those children feel seen, heard, understood, and begin to experience learning as a powerful form of self-expression. - Cecil Slye Current Parent
A Safe Haven in a Complicated World n today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, we believe nurturing a child’s intelligence, creativity, character, and social development matters more than ever. So every day, in and outside of our classrooms, we teach our students to think critically, see the connections between themselves and others, and explore and embrace their unique gifts. We believe the seeds of our kids’ greatness can be found in preserving their childhood. We create a safe, wholesome community with strong, loving adults that students can trust. We give them that essential time to discover, explore, and yes – play – that will set them up for even greater success. Echo Horizon School is a diverse and dynamic community where great teaching and great values help to guide great kids. We see ourselves as a safe haven in a complicated world, and we welcome your family to our community.
t Echo Horizon School, we attract highly qualified, well-trained, and committed teachers who share a passion for learning, both for their students and for themselves. Our faculty see themselves as teachers of children, as well as content. As a result, our students are encouraged to be thoughtful, inquisitive, and respectful of different ways to view the world. Our curriculum reflects the highest standards for academic achievement, but in a way that fuels a joy of learning. Through project-based activities and peer collaboration, our students are given more than one way to learn and multiple opportunities to build their self-confidence and knowledge.
What Great Teaching Means to Me
Celebrating Every Child Children learn in different ways, at different paces, and bring different abilities.
n an Echo Horizon School classroom, we celebrate what makes each of our students truly unique. Our approach to teaching is an individualized one, focusing on the next concept or skill that each child is ready to learn. We believe that when instruction and practice are targeted at the right level, a child can feel both challenged and confident. It is rare to find a learning environment where every child knows he or she is seen and valued by the adults around her. Echo Horizon School has a unique attribute that supports this goal: approximately 10% of our students are deaf or hard of hearing. As a result, teachers are really tuned into each student, ensuring that each understands what he or she is being taught and that communication is being clearly received. Our teachers are focused on each and every student’s unique needs and personalize their approach accordingly. Imagine what a great learning experience results when children are truly heard by adults they care about, and those they know care so much about them.
Our two children are very different, and Echo Horizon School teachers have adapted their instructional approach to fit our sons’ diverse learning styles. They tap into their interests and encourage them to be self-directed learners. With our older son, the teachers have used technology to motivate him. They have discovered that our younger son responds well to project-based learning. We couldn’t be more pleased with the teachers’ willingness and ability to meet our kids’ needs. - Julie Marsh and Steve Mayer Current Parents
Experiences in the arts cultivate ingenuity, confidence, problem solving skills, and perseverance. They also support a child’s ability to focus, communicate non-verbally, adapt, collaborate, and build relationships. Creativity and the skills that define it are in demand, and our school is dedicated to providing a comprehensive arts education for our students. - Cathleen Wolff / Arts Education Coordinator
Every child needs a chance to shine. t Echo Horizon School, we take a whole child approach to learning, which means investing in arts education as an integral part of our curriculum. All students have an opportunity to foster their creativity and imagination through the exploration of music, dance, visual arts, and theatre arts. Our arts program is designed purposefully, integrating with and connecting to the core curriculum. Students gain the joy of discovering their artistic gifts while engaging in an invaluable process that takes them from concept to completion of an original work.
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Echo Horizon School is not just teaching technology for technology’s sake. They are incorporating technology across all areas of learning. Whether it’s math, science, language arts, social studies, or even music, they use iPads, laptops, and SMART Boards to help children learn and explore each subject further. - Leslye Goldberg Current Parent
Hear More from an Echo Horizon School Parent
We have created a technologicallyenriched environment, incorporating laptops, iPads, iPods, video and digital cameras, and Smart Boards to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. hrough technology, we foster our students’ imagination while providing them with practical skills. Echo Horizon School has earned an “Apple Distinguished School” designation three years in a row recognizing our innovative use of technology. We are one of only 43 schools in the nation to earn such an honor.
We equip our students with a wide range of technology tools and provide them with experiences that give them the confidence and the skills to apply them in a variety of different situations. - Elaine Wrenn Director of Technology
To learn more about the use of technology at Echo Horizon School, download our “Echo Horizon School” Multi-Touch book from the iBookstore.
Great teaching combined with great values results in great kids at Echo Horizon School. s part of our values, we embrace a mission to educate children in a collaborative environment that is academically challenging and developmentally appropriate. We actively promote mutual respect, individual responsibility and ethical action. The Echo Horizon School graduate is an inquisitive and critical thinker who brings creativity, kindness, and selfreliance to the lifelong journey of learning.
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We Value Green
Whether it’s changing consumption habits or tending to our school garden and composting center, sustainability is at the core of our Echo Horizon School community. Our students gain a deeper appreciation for their role in protecting our environment and discover how their efforts can make a difference at school and beyond.
As adults, we have challenges in knowing how to respond to certain situations. We cannot assume that our children know everything, from playing fair, expressing opinions in a responsible way, to being a good citizen. We need to teach them these things so that they can ultimately thrive in our society, which thrives on community. Consistent encouragement, mindful guidance, and abiding patience goes a long way for a child in his or her journey of learning. - Jennifer Kwon 3rd Grade Teacher
We support our mission by a commitment to four core values that are essential to our students’ success:
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Mutual respect: listening to and learning from others, with kindness and consideration Inclusiveness: understanding that all students have unique talents and contributions
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Self-reliance: assuming responsibility for learning and persevering in the face of challenges The best educational practices: common sense teaching informed by effective educational research
Within every project, lesson, activity, and conversation, there’s an opportunity to build character and integrity. The faculty and staff embrace this idea, making it a high priority to realize the broader potential in every teaching moment. This helps build community here at school and promotes responsible citizenship in the world beyond. - Jennifer Mascolo Echo Center Teacher
Voicing Points of Pride
• Caring • Citizenship • Fairness • Respect • Responsibility • Trustworthiness
e value character education as highly as we do academic achievement. Together, as a learning community, we have defined six Points of Pride that help us to live our values every day. Students, teachers, and parents alike are encouraged and reminded how to reach for their best selves.
One of the things that I have always cherished and found to be valuable during my time at Echo Horizon School would have to be the Points of Pride. Starting in Kindergarten we were told what they were, what following
Building a Vibrant Community n a city as large and urban as Los Angeles, Echo Horizon School is a welcoming place where families and friends come together to be part of a like-minded and likehearted community. Every member of our community is valued for his or her unique perspectives and gifts, creating a truly vibrant learning environment. An important part of who we are as a community is our Echo Center. Regarded as one of the leading auditory-oral education programs in the nation, Echo Center creates opportunities for both hearing and deaf and hard of hearing students to learn from each other, guided by exceptional teachers who tailor their teaching to each child’s needs. Our small number of deaf and hard of hearing students are seamlessly integrated with their hearing peers, enabling each to develop the necessary skills to participate confidently in society.
I walked through the doors of Echo Horizon School with high expectations. As the years have progressed, my surprise isn’t that my children have become self confident, independent, and engaged learners, but that my husband and I have become better parents due to the authentic nature of the active parent community. What I thought was going to be an educational experience just for my children turned out to be an enriching opportunity for our entire family. - Jennifer Forman / PA President  
each point meant, and what it required of you. Now that I am in high school at Harvard-Westlake, I fully utilize the lessons that I learned about citizenship, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness. - Benny Weisman Class of 2009
Our parents are also an important part of who we are, contributing to every aspect of school life and serving as genuine advocates for all students. They make sure that the values we instill at school are woven into family life, because they share them too. Our students take these values in deeply, because they live them in every part of their day and life.
Great Teaching. Great Values. Great Kids.
My son graduated from Brown University Magna Cum Laude. He is a wonderful young man with a strong character, deep concern for others, and an amazing work ethic. The seeds for all of these fine qualities were sown during his time at Echo Horizon School. I credit Echo Horizon with being so completely in sync with the development of each child that appropriate work and expectations were always the order of the day. I am so grateful for the journey that began on that first day of kindergarten. - Jeannie McBride Walla Parent of Daniel (Class of 1999)
When great teaching meets great values, that’s where you’ll find the great kids of Echo Horizon. ur students are described as kind, openminded, and willing to discover and take risks. They’re open to exploring new ideas and new ways of learning – and they take that outlook with them throughout their academic and professional careers.
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Establishing Roots
“We have two gifts to give our children: one is roots, the other, wings.� e know that children only take risks academically when they feel supported to do so. As a result, from the moment your child walks through our doors, we help to establish strong, deep roots from which to grow. We are a school committed to providing a broad academic foundation and the critical thinking skills that prepare each student for lifelong learning. Our students’ roots grow strong because each child is encouraged to explore, question, and participate in his or her own learning.
At Echo Horizon School, students are encouraged to work with peers as well as express their individual voices and take initiative. Last year, I wanted to start a Global Studies Club to learn more about current world events. With the help of administration, my dream turned into reality. - Robert Carlson 6th Grade Student
Echo Horizon School has prepared me well. I was put into the honors program in middle school, and I felt I was one of the more prepared kids thanks in part to my study skills and my confidence with technology. My technology skills have helped me explore a subject further and challenge myself. Now as a freshman at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I can look back and see how Echo Horizon helped me build a solid foundation for my educational pursuits. - Erin Ryan / Class of 2006
Once children are equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, they grow the confidence to explore and achieve even more. This mindset is an integral part of Echo Horizon School. We strive to give each student wings to reach his or her unique potential. Among the schools that Echo Horizon students have gone on to excel at are the following: The Archer School for Girls
Pilgrim School
Brentwood School
Turning Point School
Campbell Hall
Westside Neighborhood School
Crossroads School Harvard-Westlake Immaculate Heart Marlborough School Milken Community School Oakwood School
Wildwood School The Willows Community School Windward School
We have two gifts to give our children... one is roots, the other wings.
Echo Horizon School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs. Echo Horizon School does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion or sexual orientation. 3430 McManus Avenue Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 838-2442
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