Beyond the red gates,

learning matters.

Three photos depict the range of study an LES student gets to experience each day.

Program

Curriculum Overview | Humanities | Community EngagementD.E.I.J.B.

Los Encinos School provides a balanced, integrated curriculum with a differentiated instructional approach. Our teaching methods utilize varying modalities through which children learn, tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Our curriculum for grades kindergarten through six extends beyond the core areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science to include instruction in the areas of visual and dramatic arts, music, library, computer science, and physical education. Dedicated and passionate teachers provide students with a variety of opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and strive to make learning fun and engaging. Students participate in year-long, grade-specific volunteer service programs that cultivate a deep appreciation for service and connections with the larger community.

The program balances core subjects and creative arts with traditional methods and innovative techniques through extensive integration. Small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio enable the teachers to know each child and to assign work that challenges individual ability levels and learning styles. Coursework follows an established curriculum that is personalized by the incorporation of current events, student interests and curiosity, community opportunities, and individual student needs. Technology, manipulatives, and cooperative projects are used to involve the students in the learning process. Students work in a variety of settings including peer-to-peer, small groups, and flexible groupings.

A variety of optional student activities is offered. After-school classes such as art, sports, and science are offered throughout the year. Extended day is available at an additional cost.

Curriculum - Los Encinos School - STEM

Primary Grades (K-3)

Our primary grades (K-3) curriculum celebrates each child’s strengths and interests, building a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. Through hands-on, project-based learning, kids connect with the world around them.

Starting in kindergarten, we focus on social and emotional growth alongside cognitive development. As students progress, they expand their knowledge in language arts, math, social studies, and science.

At Los Encinos School, we cultivate a warm and nurturing literacy program that cherishes the joy and love of reading. Our students thrive in literature-rich environments, where the magic of books fosters a lifelong passion for reading. Reading instruction is rooted in the five key pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These concepts are taught systematically and differentiated to address each student’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized learning experience.

Math is an exciting journey with a program that builds number sense, spatial relations, and problem-solving skills. Social studies is brought to life through classroom and school-wide themes, literature, and projects. Science offers hands-on exploration of plants, animals, and the environment.

By the end of the primary grades, students are ready to take their skills to the next level in new and exciting ways in the upper grades.

 

Curriculum - Los Encinos School - STEM

Upper Grades (4-6)

In the upper grades (4-6), our student-centered curriculum continues to build on each student’s strengths through differentiation. Students apply their knowledge from the primary grades to new situations, enhancing their understanding through cross-curricular connections. The focus on social skills shifts from cooperation to leadership.

Language arts in the upper grades includes read-alouds, core literature, and a nurturing literacy program that fosters a lifelong love of reading. Students grow into thoughtful readers who can discuss and interpret complex texts, making connections to themselves, other texts, and the world around them. They also learn to write expository, persuasive, literary, and personal essays.

Mathematics builds skills sequentially and becomes more differentiated as students approach sixth grade, with offerings in pre-algebra and algebra. Social studies integrates with classroom and school-wide themes through literature and simulations. Science promotes critical thinking by examining the scientific process through various thematic lenses.

Students leave Los Encinos School with a well-rounded education, ready for the challenges of middle school.

 

Admissions Events

Our Admissions Events for the fall of 2024 have been set.

Applications for 25-26

We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.