Why Chadwick?

We challenge and support our students.

At Chadwick, we develop our curriculum with the whole child in mind. Our faculty work together to create enriching, challenging classroom experiences while also providing office hours and mentorship to ensure that students maintain a healthy life balance. That means Upper School students are comfortable taking a challenging course on multivariable calculus, performing in the school musical and enjoying time with their friends — all while gaining the academic foundation they need to succeed in college and beyond.

We limit our enrollment.

With an overall student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, we're able to structure our learning in an individual and meaningful way, focusing not just on test scores but on personal engagement and retention. Our faculty incorporate powerful discussion, writing and debate into the learning experience. This approach provides a true snapshot of a student’s overall understanding of material and the opportunity to revisit and refocus where needed. It also allows our teachers to stretch our students beyond "standard" learning goals, helping them to think critically and apply complex concepts to daily life.

 

We know your child really well.  

 

Because of these meaningful exchanges, our teachers make genuine connections with their students. We know where your child is excelling and where we can nudge them even further toward pursuing their goals. In fact, we consistently encourage our students to spread their wings in a safe, supportive environment. That kind of personal attention allows students to build confidence and courage over the long term. It also ensures that our teachers and college advisers can play a strong mentorship role in the growth and development of your child. It’s very common for Chadwick graduates to keep in touch with their Chadwick teachers long after graduation.

We create big opportunities.

Small class sizes mean our students can play a meaningful role in campus life. There's always room to participate in classroom discussions, the school newspaper, a varsity team or the student council. Even better, at Chadwick, you'll rarely find reference to "the smart kid" or "the athletic kid." Students have time to explore all the things they love — from community service to soccer to orchestra.

Our hands-on curriculum creates a foundation for success.

It's not just what students learn that makes Chadwick special — it's how. Chadwick develops curriculum that offers students the chance to experience their learning hands-on, be it programming in our Robotics course, dissecting sheep brains in a kindergarten class, or developing a real-time comedy — on stage — in Chadwick's Improv class. Experiential learning isn't just more fun for our students, it also enhances understanding and increases retention of course material. 

We care.

We commit to developing and supporting your child academically, socially and emotionally. A Chadwick education is about growing as a person, finding one's way and learning to adjust to a changing world. Our talented faculty also serve as advisors, focused on the individual needs of every student. That's especially important during adolescence, when children are faced with an incredible range of choices, including the kind of people they want to hang out with and the kind of person they want to be.

Our teachers are genuinely passionate about teaching your child.

At Chadwick, our teachers have the time to focus on what’s most important. With small classes and a small course load, they have room to build an engaging curriculum and space in their schedule for one-on-one time with students. They also participate in co-curricular activities on campus, be it coaching water polo, advising the yearbook staff or participating in a community service trip abroad. Some 80 percent of our Upper School faculty have advanced degrees in their field of study, and they're passionate about sharing their expertise with students.

We're a tight-knit, active community.

Chadwick is more than a school. It's a community. When you enroll your child at Chadwick School, you become part of a family. With a multitude of activities, including athletic teams, theater performances, the arts, affinity groups, community outreach efforts, and more — there is always something for students and families to enjoy together.

We cherish our alumni, and they care about us, too.

Since our first graduating class in 1940, Chadwick has sent more than 4,647 alumni out into the world. No matter where they go, they continue to play an important role in the school community. That's because, for many, the friends and teachers they meet at Chadwick are like an extended family, and the school itself is like a second home. Alumni often return to our classrooms as teachers, guest lecturers and friends. They support our programs, financially and through volunteerism. They're committed, as we are, to ensuring the continued success of Chadwick for future generations. Discover upcoming events and see where some of our alumni are now! 

Our campus is breathtaking.

At Chadwick, our tree-filled, 45-acre campus is a living extension of the classroom. From our private canyon to our outdoor amphitheater, and from our spacious athletic fields to our expansive lawns and pathways, there’s always a new spot for students to study, rest or simply catch an awesome and awe-inspiring view of downtown Los Angeles. It's something you really need to see to believe. Explore our campus.