Chris Holabird
Tuition Assistance Fund

CHRIS HOLABIRD (February 19, 1927 – June 16, 2023)

Christopher “Chris” Holabird founded Los Encinos School in 1980 with a vision for a school culture and philosophy that stands today. His basic “recipe” for success:

“Gather some talented teachers, enterprising students of assorted flavors with supportive parents; mix thoroughly in any available container, add a few books, balls, brushes, also stories, songs, suitable challenges, abundant opportunities, and sprinkle liberally with fresh experience. Then stand back and trust the process to begin. The mix will generate much warmth, sometimes heat, sometimes spilling over and requiring clean-up, but always with the process continuing. For best results, this recipe requires much time, encouragement, and support…”

Out of this clever analogy grew these inherent practices at Los Encinos School:

• Saying hello to every student;
• Open door policy;
• Community Service;
• Be your best self – Do your personal best, not your neighbor’s best, your best.

A good teacher, a good citizen of the world, continues to learn and is curious about the world, past, present, and future.

Chris lived his philosophy. He never stopped learning and encouraged his faculty and staff to do the same. The value of being a lifelong-learner is passed on to every student, parent and caregiver who walks through the red gates.

For Chris, a life was full if it had curiosity, a love for learning, and kindness. He was passionate about the belief that every child – no matter their socioeconomic status – must have the opportunity for a great education, an education that could see and nurture the individual child while growing in a community of support. He strongly advocated for students and families in need to receive financial assistance in order to attend Los Encinos School comfortably. He did this by building a community of parents, grandparents, family members, and friends who also believed that we are citizens of the world, of a community.

To honor the memory of Mr. Holabird and his life as an educator, Los Encinos School has designated a fund that is devoted to supporting students and their families who seek the education Chris dreamt into existence and continues to grow to this day.

The Holabird Tuition Assistance Fund was launched at our 40th anniversary gala (originally planned for 2020, yet delayed by Covid until 2022).  The evening honored Chris and celebrated LES with 300 of our community members. We were fortunate to have Chris and his wife Rhoda present at this momentous occasion. Chris spoke eloquently about the school and the students he impacted, both past and present. Thank you, Mr. Holabird, for everything.

Please consider making a meaningful, tax-deductible gift to the fund by clicking the button below.

In the video posted below that was screened at the school’s 40th anniversary gala, “Sailing Through the Years,” Mr. Holabird and other key builders recall the founding of Los Encinos School.