Turning Point School

For Jewish American Heritage Month, one of our Grade 7 students, Noa, took the lead in sharing a meaningful tradition with our Kindergarten students. Noa coordinated with teachers, created a presentation, and taught students about the hora, a traditional Israeli dance. After explaining the history and significance of the hora, she taught the Kindergarteners how to perform the steps while holding hands and moving together in a circle. Noa said she felt like the hora was the perfect introduction to Israeli dance because it’s uplifting, fun, and easy for younger students to learn. We are so proud of Noa for taking the initiative to share an important part of her heritage by creating a memorable learning experience for our Kindergarteners!

We are thrilled to celebrate the Turning Point School Class of 2026 and their outstanding high school placements!

This year’s graduates earned admission to 26 independent and public high schools across Los Angeles and beyond, a testament to their intellectual curiosity, character, and the deep preparation our program provides. Each year, our students are embraced as confident, thoughtful, and well-prepared candidates who know themselves as learners and individuals.

From early childhood through eighth grade, every experience at TPS is intentionally designed to support this moment. Click the link below to read more about our high school placement process.

https://www.turningpointschool.org/class-of-2026-high-school-acceptances/

Each year, Grade 5 students partner with seniors from the Culver City Senior Center for a six-week Intergenerational Writers Workshop. They meet weekly to write together, using shared topics and conversations to guide their work and deepen their thinking about kindness, moral courage, and citizenship. As the weeks unfold, these exchanges foster meaningful relationships and help bridge generational divides, strengthening connections within the local community.

Flower Day is one of our favorite TPS traditions! Each year, our PA Appreciation Committee gathers armfuls of flowers from students and turns them into stunning bouquets that brighten our classrooms and offices with spring color. Thank you to everyone who contributed flowers, and to our amazing parent and grandparent volunteers for bringing this joyful day to life!

Last trimester, our middle school Drama students delivered an exceptional production of Roald Dahl’s W***y Wonka, bringing energy, humor, and heart to every moment on stage. Guided by pure imagination, they embodied the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and courage that makes theater so powerful. Congratulations to our cast and crew, and thank you to the faculty and families who supported this memorable production!

Excellence in education begins with exceptional educators.

At Turning Point School, professional learning is an ongoing, collaborative process. Through experiences like Teachers Teaching Teachers, our faculty lead, learn from one another, and continually refine their craft. This shared commitment strengthens and enriches the student experience each and every day.

Take a closer look on our blog below!

https://www.turningpointschool.org/professional-development-at-tps/

Grade 7 students took on a Geometry House‑Flip Project, using their Pre‑Algebra and Environmental Science knowledge to renovate a $350,000 home and sell it for a profit. Students applied mathematical skills to calculate the area of various geometric shapes and incorporated sustainable elements into their designs. Working within a $25,000 budget, students created detailed 3‑D SketchUp models showcasing all remodeling and furnishing specifications. Now, they’re taking the next real‑world step by filing taxes on their profits, just like homeowners!

Happy Nowruz! Our students stepped into spring this week by celebrating the Persian New Year. Guided by our amazing parent volunteers, we learned the significance of the Haft-Seen table and the tradition of jumping over fire to welcome health and strength. Our Grade 3 and 4 classes even got creative by decorating tanks for their goldfish. Huge thanks to the families who made these vibrant traditions come to life on campus!

In partnership with the AAPI Parent and Middle School Affinity groups, last week we welcomed to campus for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. The Immortals, a multigenerational troupe with roots in Southern California’s Chinese American community, combine traditional lion dance, martial arts, and live percussion to celebrate their heritage. The lion dance tradition is believed to bring courage, welcome good fortune, and chase away negativity. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience this exciting tradition together as a school community!