Frequently Asked Questions
- How competitive is admission to Brentwood's Lower Division, and does it vary by grade? Hide
Yes, admission to Brentwood School is competitive and this competition does vary by grade. We accept a total of 44 kindergarten students, and anticipate two hundred and fifty applications. For grades 1-5, we will only replace students who leave the School. Because such attrition to these grades (1-5) is limited or very few spaces become available, we will only process applications to grades 1-5 from students who are moving to Los Angeles. Sixth Grade is the other point of entry into the Lower Division and while openings remain limited, we will process all applications for this grade.
- Does acceptance into and successful participation in the Lower Division ensure automatic entry into the Middle Division? Hide
Yes. Brentwood School is a kindergarten through twelfth grade independent day school with two campuses. Regardless of the grade level involved, promotion from one grade to the next involves similar criteria and a reasonable mastery of the academic requirements, as well as fulfillment of the community's expectations regarding citizenship.
- Do siblings and legacies have preference in the admissions decisions? Hide
Yes and no. Many parents have very positive feelings for our School and wish to have their other children share the same educational experience as their siblings or parent(s). But, at the same time, the best match for one child is not necessarily the same for another, especially where one may have different learning needs, or be in need of more or less structure, etc. We focus our admissions decision on whether the sibling would thrive in our learning environment. During our admissions process, a sibling receives special attention, but not special consideration. This may seem like a subtle distinction, yet it is a significant one. Sibling parents attend an informational meeting each May to review sibling application procedures. Another important consideration with siblings is how engaged the family has been in the life of Brentwood School. Our School is a community where parental involvement is welcomed, valued, and encouraged. It is our hope and expectation that parents will contribute to the extent that their time and resources permit. Against this backdrop, we recognize that it is important to invite new families into Brentwood School.
- Is there much pressure in Brentwood School’s Lower Division? Hide
Hopefully not. The Lower Division's mission, in part, is to prepare each student for the dual challenges of an academically rigorous Middle School, and the world beyond. To accomplish this task, our program is designed to be challenging. There is homework; however, the School recognizes the value of a balanced childhood where school and home-life are not synonymous and simply having fun is important. We have created our curriculum and academic expectations with that in mind. Students who manage their time well should be successful here, participate in a wide variety of non-school related activities, and spend ample time with family and friends.
- Is there "extra help" in the Lower Division? Hide
Yes. On our staff, we have a learning specialist, a school counselor, and a nurse. The School wants children to enjoy learning and to achieve a mastery of the material. The faculty appreciates that additional presentations of material and supported practice may be appropriate for students to achieve that mastery. Faculty are available most days after school for extra help or any review sessions.
- Do you have a gifted program? Hide
Not as such. All classes are heterogeneously grouped because we believe that such groupings are an advantageous learning structure for all students. They learn in different ways and have a range of viewpoints and learning strategies. We believe that school is more interesting when children learn with and from others who have different styles, strengths and interests. The philosophy of heterogeneous grouping is predicated on two features of Brentwood's School. First, the School accepts students who we believe can and will do the necessary work. This policy helps ensure that the student abilities in any given class will be within a reasonable and manageable range and diminishes the need for any permanent ability grouping or gifted programs. Second, our faculty utilizes a variety of teaching and learning modalities that allow and encourage students to achieve and experience success.
- How would you characterize your faculty? Hide
There are three important characteristics that distinguish our faculty. First, and foremost, a teacher should possess a genuine interest in elementary school-age children and have the ability to transmit that interest into their teaching style on a daily basis. Second, a teacher should be inspired by a sense of professionalism that requires him/her to seek out the best ways to deliver material while recognizing and assisting students with individual learning styles. Third, a teacher must display a commitment to, and a proficiency in, working with families in the best interest of the student. Our faculty is selected with these three points in mind.
- Does the Lower Division have a dress code? Hide
Yes. Except for special days, all students are required to wear a uniform. Boys have the option of pants or shorts, with a polo shirt. Girls have the option of a jumper, skirt, pants, or shorts, with a polo shirt. The rationale behind the dress code is simple. We want children to focus on learning about themselves and the world around them, not on who is wearing what. Uniforms are, in the long run, less expensive. We want our children to represent the school when we travel off campus and to be identified as Brentwood students. Finally, we hope your mornings will be less stressful at home because the clothing options are limited.
- Is there a commitment to character education at the Lower Division? Hide
Definitely. We are proud to supplement our students’ first-rate education by continuing to teach and reinforce the valuable lessons they learn at home. Our weekly class meetings and monthly School assemblies are dedicated to the development of character. Lower Division students learn responsibility, caring, trust, honesty and respect, and how to apply each of these concepts to their own lives. Emphasis is also placed on problem and conflict resolution skills. Community Service is an integral part of our character education program. A raised consciousness regarding service to others should begin in kindergarten and carry throughout a child’s schooling. You can expect that each student will participate in a variety of lessons and activities that cultivate an increased awareness of the world beyond and its needs.
- What transportation resources does the school provide? Hide
The Lower Division offers bus service to areas of high residence density. For those who do not live in these areas, genuine efforts to carpool are required. The traffic conditions on Bundy Avenue are less than ideal, and the fewer cars involved, the more efficient and safer the drop-off and pick-up procedure will be. Each family is provided with a zip code list and the school secretary is available to facilitate carpool arrangements.
