Viewpoint School

Founded in 1961, Viewpoint School educates children in grades TK–12 on a scenic 40-acre campus in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The school operates under the leadership of head of school/president Mark McKee, a leader in education for more than 20 years.

Describe your academic focus.

Love of learning does not emerge necessarily from a quest for grades or even from sustained academic success as defined by grades. Rather, love of learning emerges naturally from authentic engagement in the process of learning—when students are emotionally engaged in the work and have “bought in.” Viewpoint teachers incorporate a set of core competencies into their classrooms and curricula: Collaboration, Creativity, Classroom Climate and Application. Perhaps the most important of these is Classroom Climate, since establishing a trusting, safe space is an important part of inspiring students to engage with learning. We believe firmly that the future will belong to those who know how to work successfully in diverse, creative, problem-solving teams. 

How does Viewpoint celebrate diversity?

Viewpoint families value and honor unity in diversity. We all strive to work collaboratively, continuously deepening much-needed levels of trust, curiosity and respect—especially during these challenging times. Our annual Diversity Leadership Day offers nearly 60 sessions—most created and led by students—covering timely topics that are most important to them. Parent Partners for Diversity and Inclusion host an annual multicultural potluck, when families from some of the 75+ countries represented at Viewpoint gather to share foods that have been passed down through generations. We offer a variety of opportunities to learn more about traditionally marginalized folks from guest and in-house speakers and through specially curated events and celebrations.

How do you nurture kids’ creativity?

At Viewpoint, the arts are valued, nurtured and emphasized for all students. One example is our annual Arts Fest, where we welcome the community for a celebration of the arts. All ages are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music in the canyon; visual art displays and demos; scenes from this year’s musical and theater productions; screenings of award-winning student films; and a showcase of our dance program. Mark McKee says, “It’s important that we celebrate the signature strength of our arts programs, which promote all of our core values and especially imagination.”