THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL

Founded in 1933, The Buckley School is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The all-gender, K–12 school is located in a residential neighborhood, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains.

WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL’S MISSION?

The Buckley School is a nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion. Our innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage and collaboration. By promoting the balanced development of mind, body and character, we encourage each student to find joy and meaning in life and make an impact in the world.

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART?

Buckley sets itself apart from other independent schools by its commitment to equity and inclusion. The school’s robust diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program is one of the oldest among Los Angeles independent schools, with reach into the K–12 curriculum, cocurricular programming and wider community culture. Buckley’s Center for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (“the DEC”) is the hub for this work—where students in Diversity Club and affinity groups meet and plan assemblies and monthly DEI symposia, where ninth graders take the flagship course Intersections of Identity, and where faculty come to hone their work on equity literacy and curriculum mapping.

WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL’S DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

Buckley’s definition of success is in our Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the qualities and skills we believe all students should possess when they cross the stage at graduation—those of a Creative Thinker, Dynamic Storyteller, Resilient Explorer, Inclusive Leader and True Friend.

WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR ACADEMIC PROGRAM?

With a new strategic plan focused almost entirely on new academic programming, Buckley is at the forefront of innovation around teaching technology and environmental literacy in schools. Two new high school classes lead the charge: Tipping Points, which addresses the scientific implications of climate change, and How to Save the Planet, which tackles the geopolitical effects. This spring Buckley will launch a Climate Conference, in which our students and those from other Valley schools will present works of art, activism and independent research.

WHAT DO YOU FEATURE THAT’S NOT TYPICAL FOR SCHOOLS IN THE AREA?

In a big city where nature is not often an integral part of school life, Buckley’s setting offers a curriculum that integrates the environment and the natural world. All grades enjoy the same lush campus, which features a nature trail, green wall and indigenous garden, in addition to a field that boasts one of the best views in the San Fernando Valley.