Academics

The Westview WASC-accredited academic program features a unique blend of departmentalized and self-contained classes that are designed to meet a wide range of academic needs and learning styles. We are committed to helping our students grow in the areas of attention, receptive language, expressive language, focus, critical thinking and concentration. Development of organizational and study skills is a high priority at Westview, as are social growth and interaction.

Westview’s standards-based curriculum follows state and district guidelines. The Middle School’s moderately departmentalized program focuses on core curriculum such as math, English and written language skills. The High School offers a full complement of classes required to achieve high school graduation and fulfill college entrance requirements, such as calculus, biology, chemistry, and Spanish.

To supplement content delivery, teachers focus on building traditional study skills, including attending to lectures, note taking, participation in classroom discussion, daily homework, preparing for midterms and finals, and completing research reports.

Classes are taught by credentialed, experienced special education teachers trained to deal with a variety of learning styles and differences, in collaboration with a dedicated staff of therapists, classroom assistants and deans. Westview’s small staff-to-student ratio allows for a great deal of individualized attention from our staff members who truly create an environment where our students can experience success.

Student Life

At Westview we are driven to create an environment where all students are able to achieve and, as a result, enjoy heightened self-esteem and increased academic success. The program offers a wide variety of electives, extra-curricular opportunities and enrichment programs:

• A vibrant arts program that includes art, music, and drama.
• Athletics, including CIF basketball, baseball, golf, cross country, softball, soccer, and girls’ volleyball.
• Student Government, clubs and social activities.
• Electives such as computer, yearbook, yoga and Driver’s Education classes.
• Community service opportunities.

College Counseling

College counseling at Westview adheres to the school’s overall philosophy of individualized attention and focuses on helping each student succeed by capitalizing on their unique strengths and interests. The High School Principal collaborates with students and their parents to explore the student’s goals, strengths and needs in order to find the most appropriate post-secondary placement.

Over the course of the junior year, students are escorted on tours of local college campuses and attend local college fairs. Admissions representatives from various colleges also visit the Westview campus. Our High School Principal works closely with juniors on determining testing needed for college admission and with seniors in providing support as needed with the application process.

The vast majority of Westview students matriculate directly to institutions of higher learning after graduation. Some enroll immediately in four-year colleges or universities, while others begin their post-high school education at a two-year or community college.

Westview graduates have been accepted to the following institutions:

• American Jewish University
• Arizona State University
• California State University, Northridge
• California State University, Channel Islands
• California State University, Dominguez
• California State University, Fresno
• California State University, Long Beach
• California State University, Monterey Bay
• California State University, Sonoma
• Chapman University
• Denison College
• Dominican University
• Marymount College
• Mt. St. Mary’s College
• Occidental College
• Northern Arizona University
• Pitzer College
• Tulane University
• University of Arizona
• University of California at Berkeley
• University of California at Davis
• University of California at Irvine
• University of California at Santa Barbara
• University of California at Santa Cruz
• University of California at San Diego
• University of Michigan
• University of Redlands
• Whittier College

Supportive Services

Westview’s aim is to improve the academic achievement, work habits and self-esteem of our students so that they may experience personal success in the school environment. Westview offers a number of services to support students from middle through high school:

• Counseling designed to support the student’s school-related goals, which may include improving organizational skills, social skills, and problem-solving strategies
• School-wide behavioral management system that rewards responsible behavior and positive work habits
• After-school study hall to ensure that students stay current with their daily assignments
• Speech therapy and occupational therapy as needed

Technology

As part of the Westview course of study, students are required to take two semesters of computer coursework.  Students use computers equipped with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.  With Microsoft Office, the students can create professional-looking documents, eye-catching spreadsheets and charts, impactful presentations and professional-quality marketing materials.  In addition to the above mentioned programs, computer classes also offer students the opportunity to explore graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as digital video editing and DVD authoring.  Students gain the necessary skills to help them to be successful with their current high school classes, to prepare  for the challenges of college, and  to be in a position to acquire jobs during and after high school

Thank you for your interest in the Westview School of Arts. We encourage you to attend our Open Houses.

For dates and times and to RSVP, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@thehelpgroup.org or 877-943-5747.

Campus

Westview – Culver City Campus

12101 W. Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Telephone 310.478.5544 • Fax 310.397.4417

Program Administration

Elin Bradley
Director of Therapeutic Schools and Residential Treatment

Cheryl Myers, MA
Administrative Principal

Christa Occhiogrosso, LMFT

Assistant Clinical Director