A Guide to South Bay Schools: Palos Verdes
This post wraps up our series, A Guide to South Bay Schools, with a comprehensive look at schools on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A beautiful, lush area with ocean views, spacious lots, and thriving horse and golf communities, the Palos Verdes Peninsula houses many charming neighborhoods beneath its magnificent eucalyptus trees. Here is a rundown of the local schools:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Point Vicente School – With the theme “I can. I care. I count.”, Point Vicente welcomes kids in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade, and offers an Outdoor Garden and Classroom program, Battle of the Books, and a Chorus. 30540 Rue de la Pierre, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.377.6972
Dapplegray Elementary – Located in Rolling Hills Estates, Dapplegray serves children in grades K-5 and is committed to a strong literacy curriculum as well as programs in math, art, science, history, and technology. 3011 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates – 310.541.3706
Lunada Bay Elementary – For over 50 years, Lunada Bay Elementary has educated kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, preparing them to be “contributing citizens of a global society”. A strong arts program, STEM lab, and a Library Media Center provide innovative education under a storied bell tower. 520 Paseo Lunado, Palos Verdes Estates – 310.377.3005
Mira Catalina School – “Dedicated to the development of the whole child”, Mira Catalina offers a music program, student council and an annual Spelling Bee and has provided kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade a quality education since 1963. 30511 Lucania Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.377.6731
Montemalaga Elementary – Kids in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade will be introduced to Character Education through Montemalaga’s partnership with Harper for Kids, based on Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, in addition to a GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program, music, and garden activities. 1121 Via Nogales, Palos Verdes Estates – 310.378.5228
Cornerstone at Pedregal – A parent-participation school serving kids in grades Kindergarten through 5th, Cornerstone at Pedregal has been awarded a California Gold Ribbon School as well as a 21st Century School of Distinction award. Programs such as Character Counts and Growth Mindset as well as a Learning Technology Center ensure that this school is at the forefront of elementary education. 6069 Groveoak Place, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.378.0324
Rancho Vista Elementary – Signature programs including STEM, CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) and Focus Math provide children in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade the tools they need to succeed in middle school and beyond at Rancho Vista Elementary. 4323 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates – 310.378.8388
Silver Spur Elementary – With a mission to “educate the whole child”, Silver Spur elementary teaches Kindergarten through 5th grade with a focus on academics, the arts, music, outdoor education, and STEM. 5500 Ironwood Street, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.378.7674
Soleado Elementary – Kids from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade are offered a variety of educational programs, including STEM, Homework Club, GATE, music, arts, and summer programs, in addition to a thriving academic curriculum. “A Place in the Sun” is Soleado’s motto.
27800 Longhill Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.544.0916
Vista Grande Elementary – “Voyagers Exploring Vast Oceans of Knowledge” in grades TK-5 will have opportunities for leadership through the Team for Kids program, as well as Art at Your Fingertips, Laps for Learning, and a very involved PTA. 7032 Purpleridge Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.377.6066
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Miraleste Intermediate School – Kids in grades 6th through 8th will find a school “dedicated to high standards of achievement” as well as thriving programs in sports, the performing arts, music, and various clubs. 29323 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.521.8915
Palos Verdes Intermediate School – Winner of a Distinguished School Award for 2021, PV Intermediate offers 6th through 8th graders an education to equip them for success in high school and beyond. Their unique PBIS (Positive Behavorial Intervention and Support) program teaches vital lessons in kindness, integrity, and citizenship. 2162 Via Olivera, Palos Verdes Estates – 310.544.4816
Ridgecrest Intermediate School – “A dynamic campus that prepares students to feel confident in their next steps”, Ridgecrest provides middle-schoolers with an education focused on the whole child and includes programs such as Booster Club and school-wide performances and assemblies.
28915 Northbay Road, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310.265.1716
HIGH SCHOOLS
Palos Verdes High School – Home of the Sea Kings and serving grades 9th through 12th, PVHS “places a very high emphasis on the academic well-being and emotional well-being of all students”. A variety of programs to support students at all levels are available, as are many academic and extra-curricular activities. 600 Claydon Road, Palos Verdes Estates – 310.378.0311
Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Known as Peninsula High School and home of the Panthers, PVPHS is nationally recognized for academic excellence. Located at the top of the PV Peninsula, kids in grades 9 through 12 are offered regular and AP classes, a College Counseling Center, and multiple opportunities to participate in sports. 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates – 310.377.4888
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Chadwick School – A private school with limited enrollment for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade, Chadwick School has been an institution since 1939. Offering small class sizes, Chadwick is committed to supporting kids “academically, socially, and emotionally”. Featuring hands-on learning and a focus on the individual, Chadwick boasts a student teacher ratio of 8:1. 26800 South Academy Drive, Palos Verdes Peninsula – 310.377.1543
Rolling Hills Country Day School – Located in Rolling Hills Estates, RHCDS is a nonsectarian school for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Founded in 1961, their mission is to present a forward-thinking curriculum while maintaining traditional educational values. 26444 Crenshaw Boulevard, Rolling Hills Estates – 310.377.4848
Rolling Hills Prep, REACH + Renaissance Schools – A group of independent schools serving kids in 5th through 12th grade, these schools offer an option for an education that focuses on the “Four Pillars”: Disciplined Minds, Sound Character, Healthy Bodies and Creative Spirits. See www.rollinghillsprep.org for more information on these three schools. 1500 Palos Verdes Drive North, San Pedro – 310.791.1101