Huntington Pier | 721 Utica Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | HuntingtonPier@LePortSchools.com | (714) 465-5300
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Welcome to LePort School Huntington Pier!
Montessori Toddler – Preschool
Private Elementary School and Middle School (1st – 8th Grade)
Conveniently located just minutes from the Huntington Beach pier and downtown Huntington Beach, LePort’s Huntington Pier campus offers high-quality preschool through junior high programs. At LePort, our mission is to equip our students with Knowledge for Life, to enable them to thrive as joyous children today and as successful adults tomorrow. [Read more about LePort’s unique educational approach.]
With over twelve years in Orange County, and six schools with over 900 students, LePort is a professionally run private school network. We are dedicated to providing your children with a profoundly meaningful and rewarding education, while offering you the convenience and customer service that will make your life as busy parent a lot easier. [Read more about LePort’s history & people.]
We encourage you to explore our programs by clicking on the links below. You can also learn more about the Huntington Pier campus by exploring the tabs above. [To see details about LePort Huntington Harbor, LePort’s other Huntington Beach school, click here.]
PRESCHOOL Toddlers (ages 2-3 years) and preschoolers (ages 3 – 6 years) thrive in our bright, spacious classrooms. Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced: head preschool teachers hold bachelors degrees and have completed a full year of specialized Montessori training. Low student-teacher ratios (no more than 1:7 for toddlers and 1:12 for preschool & kindergarten) enable us to give your child the nurturing, individualized attention he or she deserves. [Read more about our Montessori preschool programs.] |
LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st – 3rd grade.) Our academically advanced Montessori lower elementary program builds upon a child’s Montessori preschool foundations. A 1:12 teacher to student ratio, with highly experienced and trained teachers and the scientifically designed Montessori materials enable us to achieve unparalleled individualize instruction. Students become strong readers, learn grammar and spelling, master arithmetic into the millions and deeply understand concepts from place value to fractions and decimals. [Read more about our Montessori lower elementary program.] |
UPPER ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH (4th – 8th grade.) Our 4th through 8th grade program features specialized subject teachers, a 1:16 teacher to student ratio, and a carefully crafted curriculum that enables students to acquire a breadth of knowledge about the world around them. From our culture of intellectual curiosity to our emphasis on life skills such as organization, we prepare our students to flourish in high school and beyond. [Read more about LePort’s 4th – 8th grade program.] |
Mommy & Me Montessori (18 - 36 months.) Not sure if Montessori is right for your child? Are you looking for a fun, educational experience to share with your toddler? Join us for Mommy & Me Montessori, a once-a-week 90 minute class. You’ll learn about the Montessori method, as an experienced Montessori teacher guides you and your child in exploring the fun materials found on the shelves of a Montessori preschool classroom. [Read more about the Mommy & Me Montessori program.] |
Montessori Summer Camp |
Elementary Summer Camp (1st – 8th grade.) Make summer fun and educational! LePort’s elementary summer camp offers LePort and other students a great way to keep learning, and to have fun. [Read more about elementary summer camp.] |
READ WHAT PARENTS SAY
MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL: I have a two and a five year old who both attend LePort Montessori in Huntington Beach. I can't imagine placing my kids in any other school. My husband and I both work as public school teachers and this school is beyond superior. Our 5 year old will start kindergarten in the fall and is already reading, writing and solving arithmetic problems. He is doing work 1st graders do in the public school. Both of our kids amaze us, along with our friends and family, at the things they are able to do at such a young age. The best part is that they love school and want to attend even on the weekends. The teachers and staff are extremely caring and educated. You won't find a better school!!!!!
—LePort parent, on online review site
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL: I am thrilled to have my two children attending LePort Schools. My children (6th grade and 8th grade) have truly enjoyed the distinctive and unique teaching styles exhibited by your teachers, and the personalized attention that such a wonderful school has provided them. When I first visited LePort over three years ago, I thought it was impressive. However, I was initially skeptical, as I often told myself that ‘what appears too good to be true most likely is too good to be true.’ I can’t tell you how shocked I have been to find this philosophy completely incorrect in the case of LePort. After the past few years that my kids have attended the middle school, I can say that what appeared to be ‘too good to be true’ has actually turned out to be better!
—Kathy C., unsolicited thank you letter to LePort
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Staff
Our passionate, professional staff looks forward to meeting you and your child.
Administrative Staff
Vanessa Stewart
Head of School
Ms. Stewart holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary education (B.Ed.) from the University of Greenwich in London, England, and a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs from Exeter University, England. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, specializing in Language Arts and Behavior management. Before joining LePort Schools, Ms. Stewart was Deputy Principal for a Special Education School in Derbyshire, England, where her focus was curriculum development and engagement for pupils with emotional and behavioral needs.
Colleen Hazard
Assistant Head of School
Ms. Hazard’s teaching career began in 1990, when she taught for the Santa Ana and Downey Unified School Districts. Ms. Hazard has been teaching in private schools since 2005.
In 2012, Ms. Hazard took on the role of Assistant Head of School, shifting her focus to curriculum development and staff training. She loves the challenges associated with every aspect of the educational process and realizes that a good education is founded on both excellent teaching and a solid partnership between the school and the home.
Ms. Hazard attended the University of California, Irvine where she completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Social Ecology. She went onto National University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.
In her spare time, Ms. Hazard enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves taking long walks on the beach and tent camping at National Parks in California.
Dianne Stanford
Preschool Director
Ms. Stanford has been working with 3 and 4 year olds since 1988, and has taken a leadership role with the preschool programs since 1998.
As a mother, Ms. Stanford balances her time between her family, working in the office and helping out in the classroom as needed. Ms. Stanford has an extraordinary love of children and enjoys passing on those special moments to the parents.
Ms. Stanford’s hobbies include spending quality time with family and friends, watching sports, bowling, and cooking.
Kelly Van Dyke
Administrative Director
Ms. Kelly Van Dyke earned her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach, with a double major in English Literature and English Education. In her early career, Ms. Van Dyke gained five years experience as the administrator for her family business and two years experience with Wells Fargo Advisors. Later, Ms. Van Dyke realized that she was happiest on a school campus, so she sought out opportunities as Site Director and Designated School Official for two private schools, including a private university in Newport Beach. She jumped at the opportunity to bring her extensive administrative experience as well as her love for working with students to the LePort Schools community. You will never see Ms. Van Dyke without a smile on her face and a friendly word to say! Outside of work, Ms. Van Dyke loves volleyball, her six brothers and sisters, and paddle boarding.
Montessori Teachers
Janine Bowman
Head Montessori Teacher
Ms. Janine Bowman has been in the Montessori teaching field for two and a half decades. She attended the Montessori Institute of Los Angeles and the International Montessori Institute in Sage, California. In addition Ms. Bowman completed her Montessori Infant Toddler training in Sage, California and completed her administrative certificate at UCLA in 1993.
Ms. Bowman began her teaching career in Manhattan Beach, California in 1987. She was given the opportunity to open a new Montessori School in Rancho Palos Verdes, California in 1993. She was also a Head of School at a LePort Montessori campus for several years.
Peggy Metz
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Peggy Metz has worked with children since she was 15 years old: it is truly her lifelong passion. In addition to teaching the kindergarten class, Mrs. Metz enjoys organizing and directing theatrical productions for the students. Mrs. Metz has also taught sign language for college students and serves as an interpreter in her church.
Mrs. Metz enjoys reading, movies, country western music, American history and spending time with her husband and family.
Catherine Smith
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Smith graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from California State University, Fullerton in 2007. She is an experienced teacher of young elementary students, and she particularly enjoys bringing music and art into the campus and her classroom. Mrs. Smith loves teaching and interacting with young minds and believes in finding meaningful ways to reach and benefit all students. She feels that her background in music gives her a unique approach to education.
Mrs. Smith enjoys spending time with family - especially her two sons, Harry and Riley. When not teaching, Mrs. Smith likes to read, and is active as a professional singer. She is the Second Alto Section Leader for the Meritage Vocal Arts Ensemble, the core group for the Southern California Master Chorale.
Dale Vaderman
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Vardeman has been teaching since 1995. She has a B.S. in Human Services, a Master’s in Education, and a Clear Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential with CLAD.
Ms. Vardeman is currently continuing her education at Concordia University, where she is researching and writing new teaching strategies. Her focus in on the ways children learn naturally through self-motivation, self-discipline and self-mastery to fully develop their potential.
In her free time, Ms. Vardeman pursues American and International Ballroom dancing, and practices regularly for regional and local competitions. Ms. Vardeman continues to enjoy growing and learning and has recently started piano lessons.
Mikelyn Weber
3rd Grade Teacher
As the mother of six, Ms. Mikelyn Weber developed a strong interest in education through her parenting. She returned to school to pursue her B.A. in Liberal Studies, with a minor in American Studies, from California State University, Fullerton. After completing the CSUF teaching program, Ms. Weber began teaching in private school in 2006. Besides being extremely busy with her family, she enjoys sports, reading, and classic films.
Annmarie Lambert
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Lambert received her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology from California State University Long Beach. She has since gone on to complete her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and earn a Master’s Degree in Education. Mrs. Lambert has spent the last fifteen years teaching at a private school in Huntington Beach, where she taught Language Arts, Math, Literature, and History, before joining LePort in 2011. This experience has given her opportunities to be involved in developing the 4th grade Literature curriculum and creating classroom resources.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Lambert enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her husband and children.
Barbie DeLoa
5th Grade Teacher
Ms. DeLoa earned her B.A. in Psychology (with a Music minor) and her M.A. in Multicultural Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Ms. DeLoa has been teaching elementary students for over ten years. She has always wanted to be a teacher and feels that in doing so she is fulfilling of her lifelong dream. Ms. Deloa enjoys spending time with family, taking her daughters to Disneyland, and singing and performing in her church’s annual Christmas musical.
Cindy Nguyen
6th & 7th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Nguyen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She also has a single subject Teaching Credential in math from Pepperdine University, and a Master’s in Education. Mrs. Nguyen has recently completed a year long research project on “Real World Strategies to Enhance Student Learning Retention” at Pepperdine University.
Mrs. Nguyen has eleven years of experience in providing one-on-one and small group tutoring for all grades and subjects. This includes several years of experience in supervising and planning appropriate behavioral programs for students with Autism or other learning disabilities. Her awareness of the different ways students learn has convinced her that all students have the potential to learn. She believes in establishing a positive and safe environment for all students, where they are encouraged and motivated to learn. Besides teaching she enjoys cooking for her husband, playing with her two dogs, spending time with her family and friends, and finding random math games and jokes to tell her students.
Maryann Paco
7th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Paco has been working in the field of education since 1999. She attended California State University, Long Beach where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to the University of California, Irvine where she completed a Master’s degree. Mrs. Paco’s favorite subject is Science. She loves to see how students’ faces brighten up while discovering the world around them.
Debra Hashin
8th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Hashin grew up in Orange County. She was a police dispatcher for the City of Huntington Beach for fourteen years. She retired and went back to school at California State University at Long Beach, where she earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies, graduating Cum Laude. While earning her B.A. degree, she also earned her teaching credential in Elementary Education with a concentration in Global Studies. She has taught and tutored lower and upper mathematics, as well as other curriculum, in both private and public schools.
Mrs. Hashin loves working with children and knowing that she is helping to shape their lives by teaching them to think and experience life, not just to accept what is written or said. She is passionate about teaching because each and every day is new and different with its own challenges and triumphs. She lives for the “ah ha” moments when a student finally understands a new or difficult concept. Teaching is not a job to her -- it is her joy.
Mrs. Hashin enjoys spending time with her husband, five daughters, and nine grandchildren. She gardens, reads, goes to movies, line dances, and travels in her spare time.
Colette Waldron
French Teacher Grades 4th to 8th
Madame Waldron received her B.A. in French from California State University, Long Beach. She joined the Huntington Pier campus in 2003 as French instructor. She developed and implemented the French program for grades 4 through 8. Madame Waldron is a member of AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) and her 7th and 8th graders participate in Le Grand Concours, the AATF sponsored National French Contest. Madame Waldron’s students have earned gold, silver and bronze medals, ranking in the top 10% of participants in the nation. Each year, students look forward to seeing how far they have progressed and successfully competing for medals and other recognitions. She enjoys sharing her love of the French language and culture with her students, and looks forward to hearing from former students who are now studying abroad!
Mary Boatman
PE Teacher Grades 1st to 8th
Mary Boatman has been teaching for 26 years. She started her teaching career as a substitute teacher for Orange County Unified School, and has also worked as a Preschool teacher. During this time Ms Boatman also gained experience as a personal trainer and now devotes her teaching time to the PE program. In her free time Ms Boatman enjoys playing sports and working out. She supports the Lakers whenever she can and also enjoys gourmet cooking.
Petro Drummond
Technology Teacher Grades K to 8th
Mrs. Drummond received her BA in Literature from Minas Gerais, Brazil, she continued her education in the United States where she gained a master degree in Psychology. Mrs. Drummond teaches French and Spanish to Preschool students through to third grade, and runs the technology classes throughout the school.In her spare time Mrs. Drummond enjoys travelling, visiting museums, art galleries and the theater.
Testimonials
Huntington Beach Parents Rave About Us!
Montessori Testimonials
The quality of education and care is much beyond any other preschool in Huntington Beach. “The quality of education and care at Leport Montessori in Huntington Beach is much beyond any other pre-school in HB that I have visited and heard about. Both our son (6) and daughter (3) started here at age 18 months. Our son recently transferred to KG at public school. The classrooms are calmer than other pre-school classrooms that I have seen and the children more engaged. Our son learned how to read and write at this pre-school and is so immensely proud of himself. And we are really impressed. At first I was worried that it might be too academic but I found that there is really no achievement pressure, no forcing kids to learn, no rewards, no punishments, no competition. This school is just a great example of how children do so much better when internally motivated as opposed to externally motivated.”
Both my daughters cannot wait to go to school, and they are truly thriving.“I cannot say enough about LePort Montessori! Both my daughters cannot wait to go to school in the morning, and they are truly thriving. The staff and teachers are always available, courteous, nurturing, and friendly. They truly understand children and are able to tap into their potential and innate curiosity. My children are constantly exploring, engaged, thinking, and excited about learning. I don't believe there is anything better out there!”
LePort has prepared my kids for a bright academic future. “Two of my children have attended LePort Montessori Huntington Beach. One of my sons is currently enrolled in the lower elementary program. He loves going to school, and he loves his teacher (she is amazing!). My oldest son left LePort after third grade and is currently attending a local public school. Very little of what he has learned this year is new. Most of what he is being taught he learned in second and third grade at LePort. The academic program at LePort is exceptional. The only reason we left LePort is because the school does not currently extend beyond the third grade. The lower elementary program has prepared my kids for a bright academic future, and I'm looking forward to my toddler joining the LePort Montessori family.”
My son who is starting Kindergarten is doing work 1st graders do in the public schools. “I have a 2 and a five year old that both attend LePort Montessori in Huntington Beach. I can't imagine placing my kids in any other school. My husband and I both work as public school teachers and this school is beyond superior. Our 5 year old will start kindergarten in the fall and is already reading, writing and solving arithmetic problems. He is doing work 1st graders do in the public school. Both of our kids amaze us along with our friends and family at the things they are able to do at such a young age. The best part is that they love school and want to attend even on the weekends. The teachers and staff are extremely caring and educated. You won't find a better school!!!!!”
Caring teachers and staff eased our shy child into the classroom. "Our child attended LePort Montessori-Huntington Beach for over a year until we moved from the area and the experience was all POSITIVE. The caring teachers and staff eased our shy child into the classroom and did a great job introducing her to a full Montessori environment. She is now a confident and well-learned 4 year old who is excited about school and has easily transitioned into her new school. Keep up the good work."
Clean, warm and inviting – with lots of grass and sand that comes home on jeans and in shoes every day. “Our 3 year old and 18month old boys are both currently enrolled at LePort Montessori School, In Huntington Beach. They both started school at 18 months old. As a family we love this school; it’s our boys’ home away from home! The teachers and staff are the nicest and most caring individuals. Our boys truly enjoy going to school, not only to see their friends, but also to see all the teaching staff at the school. All of the staff makes it a point of knowing every student on campus, regardless of whether they have them as a student or not. Since both our sons have been enrolled at the school, we have noticed that their vocabulary skills and independence have tremendously expanded. In our oldest, we noticed right away a willingness to engage in conversation and interact with not only children but with adults as well. This is not only due to the teachers, but also to the entire environment as a whole. The campus is clean warm and inviting and continues to improve with new equipment and landscaping, which includes plush green grass that our sons bring home on their jeans every day, and a sandbox, which they also brings home in their shoes. Keep up the excellent work, LePort Montessori.”
By the end of Kindergarten, my son knew how to write in cursive and had a strong understanding of geometry, long division, multiplication. “My son has attended Le Port for 3 years. He spent his first year in the pre k program. By the end of this year he was reading the scholastic 3 letter word books. He knew all his colors, continents, and numbers to 100. He started his kindergarten year and exceeded all my expectations. Before the end of the fall semester his teacher and the school administrators approached us about moving him in to the elementary class after the winter break. He is leaving the school this year knowing how to write in cursive, having a strong understanding of geometry, long division, multiplication tables, and addition and subtraction. He is reading chapter books and has an understanding of the differences between nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives. I believe that Ms. Bonazza has given him an excellent foundation for his upcoming years of education. I highly recommend this school to anyone wanting to give their child a head start for their educational career. The entire staff does an exceptional job and truly cares about each and every student.”
My son wants to go every day. "My son has been at this school for two plus years now, and at the age of 4 he is enjoying going to school and is reading, writing and doing math at a the level of a first grader. The fact that he wants to go every day is a testimonial to the teachers. The entire staff "gets it" and they care about each child. I would rate this 6 stars if that were a choice."
Enrich your child's view of the world. "This school is wonderful for enriching your child's overall view of the world. Class structure is based on individual interest in math, reading, writing, geography, history and science. It has been wonderful for our son."
My children learned to love school at LePort... it's worth the price! "My daughter attended LePort Huntington Beach from 18 months old in the toddler classroom, to 5 years old in the primary classroom. She was reading, thinking, and computing above grade level through her entire time with the amazingly loving LePort teachers. My son has attended LePort since 18 months old and is currently a 4 year old who is counting angles and sides on plane shapes and naming phonemes in words. Both of my children learned to love school at LePort. The teachers are exceptional. There are very few preschools where you will find such highly educated and able teachers. The tuition is not small, but it is comparable to other schools in the area—and the education and love your child will encounter at LePort is worth the price!"
Invidualized attention and teaching methods foster a child's innate curiosity. "My child has attended LePort for over three years. The school provides a very good academic foundation. The individualized attention and teaching methods foster a child's innate curiosity and love of learning.
This is it. "If you are looking for a small private school utilizing Montessori teaching methods, this is it. Staff and teachers provide a nurturing environment, individualized attention for each student, and strong academics. The entire staff (including daycare assistants) is outstanding."
My kids have become independent, confident, and friendly. "This is an excellent school. My kids get a lot of personal attention from the teachers and caregivers. Their reading, writing, and mathematical skills exceed their age levels. They have become more independent, confident and friendly. The curriculum also help kids to develop their problem solving skills. Administrative staff member are very friendly and helpful."
Elementary and Junior High Testimonials
Students think about what they learn. LePort teaches organization
"LePort Schools Mission Viejo campus is amazing! The environment is safe, warm, and caring. The staff is exceptionally trained, organized, excellent at communication, and deeply committed to providing the best education possible. Students are taught to think about what they learn--making all the difference in the world. The teachers take the time to review the student's work and everything (and I mean everything) is marked. No busy work is done here--and students learn quickly to finish what they start. Another great thing LePort teaches is organization--which was something that has tremendously helped my children at school, and has greatly benefited our family at home. Where else could an 11-year-old read Shakespeare--and love it? The tutoring they offer is great--truly targeting areas of need. The only problem I have with LePort is that they don't have a high school program...yet!"
Miracle. Dedicated teachers & small class rooms
"When we discovered Le Port, it truly felt like a miracle. Finally a place where not only could our son get excellent help in the areas he was struggling but also a school that would encourage and celebrate his areas of strength. We have been at Le Port for four years now and every year has been wonderful and what our son needed. Of all the exceptional things at Le Port, two stand out as critically important to our son's success. First the excellent faculty. These teachers are bright, warm and deeply insightful to the needs of their classes. Their passion for learning is contagious to the kids. Secondly the small classroom size allows a teacher student connection that allows kids to never get 'lost between the cracks' and to find their own strengths and soar."
From almost drop out – changed his outlook and life
"LePort has cherished my child, helping him to find his confidence and challenging his intellect. My son was close to dropping out of public school due to persecution and boredom. In the two wonderful years we've been at LePort, his outlook, his options, and his life have undergone an incredible turnaround. The team of staff and teachers at this school have the passion, and the TIME, to care for each individual child. I feel truly blessed that our family found LePort."
Great length on how to best teach each child
"I have a four year old and a ten year old at the LePort Mission Viejo campus. After extensive experience with other schools, I am confident that my kids are finally in the right educational home. The curriculum is incredibly thorough, exciting and challenging. My fourth grader is always expected to do her personal best, a first for her. I can't rave enough about the quality of the teachers. They are incredibly dedicated to meeting the needs of each child. My children have only been at LePort for four months, yet the teachers deeply understand their individual needs, learning styles and personalities. They go to great lengths to evaluate how to best teach each child. I wish more children could experience the level of learning the LePort students receive. Heck, my husband and I wish we could go too!"
Consistency – a fantastic system in place
"A good friend of ours who actually visited our school recommended LePort to us. We were trying to recruit this family to our school but instead she recruited us to LePort. I cannot say enough about the organizational & administration of this school. Consistency in everything they do is a major factor which they have mastered. The teachers are phenomenal in both education as well as relationship with kids. My son who absolutely hated history from the first day he was introduced to it, is now saying it's his favorite subject. I did not think this was possible as I hated this subject as well. Parent / teacher communication is outstanding. One low grade & you are informed by e-mail or a notice that must be signed otherwise the child will lose recess. They basically have figured it all out & have a fantastic system in place. Bravo!"
Read more independent parent reviews at www.greatschools.org
Campus Events
There are no upcoming educational events. Check back soon.
Enroll
Welcome! We are eager to see you join the LePort Huntinton Pier campus!
Dear Family,
Thank you for your interest in LePort’s Huntington Pier campus. I am the Head of School, and I am excited to meet you and your family as you explore whether our school is right for you. If you haven’t already done so, please call us at (714) 465-5300 to set up a tour, or contact us online.
We love to show parents and students how we teach Knowledge for Life at LePort, so please do visit us! When you tour our campus, we will spend time with you—to understand your goals for your child's education, to educate you about our program, and to explore whether LePort is a good fit for your child. We will show you our facilities, and let you take a peek into one or several classrooms. Since the Pier campus will be in transition over the coming months as LePort institutes its program, we also invite you to tour at our Mission Viejo location, where our program is fully implemented: we invite you to spend an hour or an entire day observing the type of classes your child or children would join.
If you are ready to enroll your child, our enrollment process is simple. Start by visiting the school, so we can meet with you (and, for an elementary age student, bring him or her in for an orientation visit and assessment.) The complete an enrollment application (if we have a spot available for your desired start date) and pay the enrollment deposit. If we do not have a spot available, we encourage you to place your child on the waitlist to maximize your chances of gaining admittance to our school.
We look forward to meeting you soon,
Vanessa Stewart
Head of School, Huntington Pier
Click here for a detailed description of our application & enrollment process
Carden Transition
Carden Academy Huntington Beach is now LePort Schools’ Huntington Pier campus.
Effective April 1st, 2012, LePort Schools is taking over the operation of the former Carden Academy of Huntington Beach. With new management comes a fresh approach and many improvements to the program.
- A focused educational approach. We are transitioning all programs to the LePort Knowledge for Life approach.
- Montessori toddler & preschool/Kindergarten programs. Effective September 2012, we will add a toddler program to the Montessori preschool program already introduced as part of the transition. The Carden preschool program will be phased out by September, and is no longer accepting new enrollments. The Carden kindergarten program will be phased out by September 2013, and is accepting limited enrollments.
- Montessori lower elementary program. Starting in September, we are offering a Montessori elementary program for 1st – 3rd grade. This program optimally builds upon children’s Montessori preschool experiences. Current Carden K-3rd grade students are invited to transition to the Montessori program; the Carden program will continue for K-3rd grade as long as there is sufficient demand from currently enrolled families; no new enrollments will be accepted into this program.
- 4th – 8th grade Knowledge for Life approach. Starting immediately, the 4th – 8th grade classes will transition to the LePort approach. We are hiring subject matter expert teachers to complement homeroom teachers. We will implement LePort’s unique curriculum, with an emphasis on switching grades 4-6 as rapidly and completely as we can while taking students’ existing educational background into account. (7th & 8th grade will undergo a partial transition, to ensure that currently enrolled students receive a consistent education and aren’t overwhelmed.) New students are accepted into all grades of the program, on a space permitting basis.
- Capital investments. Over the past several months, the campus has received a fresh look. From repainting the buildings to upgrading the playground, from a new computer lab to a more welcoming office space, we are investing in improving the facilities at our newest school.
- Professional management. LePort has brought in an accomplished Head of School, as well as a qualified Administrative Director, because we understand that teachers need support, and parents deserve great customer service. The LePort leadership team, including operations, academics and parent outreach, are actively working to apply LePort’s best practices throughout the program at the Huntington Pier campus.
