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DK-8 Advantage

Benefits of a DK-8 School Structure

The Willows DK-8 educational program is one of our greatest strengths. We believe, and extensive academic research supports this structure as the optimum academically, developmentally, and social emotionally. Willows students grow through the years on a single DK-8 campus, in an environment that recognizes the needs of each developmental stage while fostering connection, continuity, and wellbeing. Leadership and mentoring opportunities, skill development, multi-age learning, emphasis on math and reading instruction, and the safe, encouraging community at The Willows lead to academic and personal success and to a smooth transition to upper school.

Michael Thompson, renowned child psychologist and New York Times bestselling author states, "If I could design psychologically safe schools every elementary in the united States would go from Kindergarten through grade eight."

Scientific studies indicate significant benefits to the K-8 (or in our case, DK-8) structure. Each division—Primary (DK through Grade 2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), and Middle School (Grades 6-8)—is housed in its own building, with an academic program tailored specifically to the needs of each age group.

As students grow with us on campus, they develop a sense of connection—to each other, to the school, and to the greater community. It’s one of the factors that enables our students to transition successfully to high school and the world beyond, having begun their education in a place where they felt safe, cared for, and connected to the people around them.

The Willows child-centered program offers students distinct, compelling advantages in comparison to other models:

5th Grader reads to Kindergartener at The Willows, Private School Los Angeles

If I could design psychologically safe schools every elementary in the United States would go from Kindergarten through grade eight.   

Michael Thompson, renowned child psychologist and New York Times bestselling author