The Plymouth School

use the data to inform instruction.” A goal of hers is to build a community where students feel proud of who they are and see the blessings of their learning differences. “The school is good at building individualized programs. We are focusing on a growth mindset instead of a deficit mindset,” she said.

Porter was attracted to the school because she didn’t see enough attention in this part of town paid to children with learning differences. She said she thinks there is an opportunity to take families and kids from a situation that can feel like a crisis and turn it into a celebration.

‘Diverse’ Expo April 30

To help share resources with those not attending Park Century, Porter and the school are holding a research expo, which they hope will become a yearly event. It’s called “Diverse Minds, Bright Futures” and will take place at the school, 3939 Landmark St., Culver City, on Sun., April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community outreach event will feature approximately 35 exhibitors, multiple speakers and breakout rooms to help attendees learn how to support their neurodiverse learners. Up to 100 free screening tests in areas such as reading, language expression and comprehension, occupational therapy and focus and attention will also be available starting at 8 a.m., but those must be scheduled ahead of time. Contact parkcenturyschool.org.

New facilities

The school hopes to be able to support even more students soon. The school’s capital campaign started in March, and the goal is to raise $10 million to help build an addition to the school and to increase the financial aid fund.

The new premier learning center will allow Park Century to expand its student body to 200. School leaders are excited about the plans designed by architect John Berry. Proposed is a three-story building with parking underneath, an amphitheater and an outdoor play space. Each parking space will feature a charging station (which could be used after school hours as city parking spots), and there are plans for a lattice of solar panels that would power the school and also feed energy back to Culver City.

The building itself will serve as the school’s creative learning center. Rooms will allow students to focus on movement education, visual arts, performing arts, gaming and the digital arts. It will also house space for educational therapy. Plans are for ground to be broken on the project in June of 2024 with a projected construction time of 18 months.

For more information, visit parkcenturyschool.org.

• Preschool program for children 2 to 5½

• Creative activities to encourage cognitive & social development including art, music, movement & play

• Experienced teachers devoted to fostering self-esteem in a safe nurturing environment

• Over 45 years serving the neighborhood

315 S. Oxford Ave. • 213-387-7381