Curtis School
Curtis School is a nonprofit, independent DK-6 elementary school founded in 1925 on a 27-acre Los Angeles campus, serving 495 students with a whole-child, developmentally focused curriculum. It generates revenue from $42,921 annual tuition, annual giving, and auxiliary programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1925
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Curtis School does
Curtis School is a private, nonprofit, independent elementary school serving approximately 495 students in Developmental Kindergarten through 6th grade at a single 27-acre campus located at 15871 Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1925 and celebrating its centennial in 2025-26, the school operates under a "whole child" educational philosophy that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional learning, character development, physical wellness, and DEI programming. Core academic programs include Lower Elementary Academics (DK-2) using Singapore Math and explicit phonics, and a departmentalized Upper Elementary Academics (3-6) program with homebase advisory, electives, and study hall in 6th grade. Specialist offerings span visual and performing arts (Orff-Schulwerk music, drama, orchestra, choir), athletics (flag football, basketball, swimming, soccer, track, baseball, volleyball for grades 4-6), the Curtis Library with author-visit programming, Maker Space and robotics labs, and experiential learning including overnight trips, outdoor education via a Fulcrum Adventures partnership, community service, and student government. The technology stack centers on a 1:1 iPad program for all students and the CougarNet web portal (built on myschoolapp.com). Curtis is accredited by both the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), is governed by a Board of Trustees, and is led by Head of School Dr. Meera Ratnesar (appointed 2015).
The school generates revenue primarily through annual tuition of $42,921 per student for 2026-2027 and a one-time $2,500 new student fee, supplemented by the Curtis Fund annual giving campaign, a tiered donor recognition program ranging from $1 (Friends) to $100,000+ (Visionary Circle), planned giving vehicles, after-school Extension program fees, supervised daycare at $8.50/hour, and three paid bus routes serving Inglewood/Cheviot Hills, West Hollywood/Beverly Hills, and Brentwood/Santa Monica. The Financial Access Program provides need-based tuition assistance (average award $27,432 for 2024-2025) assessed through the Clarity platform. The go-to-market motion is a direct, structured admissions process: applications are submitted through CougarNet (DK/K due November 1, grades 1-6 due November 13), followed by campus tours, parent conversations, student assessments, and ISEE testing for grades 3-6, with decisions published March 12 and contracts due March 19. Marketing channels include seasonal Open Houses, Mornings with Meera sessions with the Head of School, the admissions Viewbook "Always Begin with the Child," LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook presence, and an active Parents Association and alumni network.
Curtis School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Curtis School
- Legal name
- Curtis School
- Website
- https://curtisschool.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1925
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Curtis School is a nonprofit, independent DK-6 elementary school founded in 1925 on a 27-acre Los Angeles campus, serving 495 students with a whole-child, developmentally focused curriculum. It generates revenue from $42,921 annual tuition, annual giving, and auxiliary programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Curtis School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Private Elementary Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Academic/School-Readiness Preschools (EDACABAB)
Keywords
Where Curtis School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Curtis School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition: Primary revenue stream from tuition payments. Tuition for 2026-2027 school year is $42,921. Additional one-time new student fee of $2,500.
- Curtis Fund (Annual Giving): Tax-deductible donations supporting essential programs including faculty/staff, financial access, campus maintenance, and learning programs. Operates alongside tuition as financial lifeblood of school.
- Donor Recognition Levels: Philanthropic contributions at various levels: Visionary Circle ($100,000+), Founder Circle ($50,000-$99,999), Benefactor Circle ($25,000-$49,999), Partner Circle ($15,000-$24,999), Head of School Circle ($10,000-$14,999), Cougar Circle ($5,000-$9,999), Leadership Circle ($3,000-$4,999), Associates ($1,500-$2,999), Friends ($1-$1,499)
- After-School Programs: Extension program offering after-school enrichment classes in two sessions per year. Fees vary per class. Includes daycare at $8.50/hour after 4:15pm.
- Transportation: Three bus routes serving Inglewood/Cheviot Hills, West Hollywood/Beverly Hills, and Brentwood/Santa Monica areas.
- Planned Giving: Estate planning donations to ensure school's educational mission continuity. Various planned giving options available.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | 2026-2027 Annual Tuition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | New Student Fee |
| Subscription | Annual | Financial Access Program |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | After-School Daycare |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | ISEE Testing (Upper Elementary) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Curtis School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Curtis School delivers a Developmental Kindergarten through Grade 6 independent school education on a 27-acre Los Angeles campus for approximately 495 students. Core academic, arts, athletics, library, and experiential-learning programs are offered alongside after-school enrichment classes, three bus transportation routes, and need-based financial access (tuition assistance). Every student receives a 1-to-1 iPad device and family access to the CougarNet web portal.
Product overview
Curtis School is a Developmental Kindergarten through Grade 6 independent private school offering a comprehensive educational program. The core offerings include Lower Elementary Academics (DK-2) and Upper Elementary Academics (3-6) covering language arts, mathematics, social studies, and anti-bias curriculum. Specialist programs include Arts (visual arts, music, performing arts), Athletics (PE and competitive sports for Grades 4-6), and Curtis Library. The school provides Experiential Learning through community service, outdoor education, overnight trips, leadership development, and Student Council. After-school enrichment includes an Extension Program and various Clubs and Activities (chess, robotics, debate, eco club). The Financial Access Program supports tuition assistance. The school operates on a 1-1 iPad program for all students and uses CougarNet, a web-based portal (built on myschoolapp.com) for parent/student access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lower Elementary Program Academic program for Developmental Kindergarten through Grade 2 with low student-to-teacher ratios and a developmental-education philosophy; serves Curtis School families with the youngest learners.
- Upper Elementary Program Academic program for Grades 3 through 6 culminating in Grade 6 and secondary-school outplacement; serves Curtis School families as students bridge into leading independent secondary schools.
- Visual and Performing Arts Program Music, drama, dance, and visual arts instruction for all Curtis School students, supporting performing-arts strength and whole-child education.
- Athletics Program Team and physical education athletics offerings delivered on Curtis School's campus facilities for enrolled students.
- Curtis Library On-campus library providing print and electronic resources, research support, and literacy programming for Curtis School students.
- Extension Program (After-School) Fee-based after-school enrichment classes for enrolled and outside students, extending the school day on the Curtis campus.
- Experiential Learning Program Overnight trips, outdoor education, leadership development, and community service opportunities for Curtis School students across grade levels.
- Clubs and Activities Student-led and faculty-supported clubs and activities extending enrichment beyond the core academic, arts, and athletics programs.
- Financial Access Program Need-based tuition assistance for qualifying Curtis School families, supporting access to the school's K-6 independent education.
Quantifiable outcome
- 17 Gold-rated performances at Forum Music Festival for Curtis Choir
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Curtis School
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Curtis School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Curtis School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Fulcrum AdventurescoreCurtis School partners with local outdoor education vendor Fulcrum Adventures to deliver customized programs for students in Grades 3-6. Programs engage students in activities focusing on communication, collaboration, and reflection. Elements take place both on- and off-campus, including ropes courses and team-building activities tailored to each grade level.
- ClaritycoreCurtis School utilizes Clarity platform to assess family financial capacity for tuition assistance determinations. The platform evaluates each family's financial situation and makes recommendations to the Financial Access Committee. Clarity can transfer tax documents directly from the IRS for streamlined applications. Fee is $65 per application.
- Morgan StanleyminorCurtis School partners with Morgan Stanley to provide employees with full range of financial guidance including 403(b) retirement planning, personalized financial planning sessions twice yearly, retirement and education savings guidance, and investment strategy support. Morgan Stanley serves as fiduciary advisors offering unbiased, tailored advice.
- Educational Records Bureau (ERB)coreERB provides ISEE testing for Curtis School admissions. Applicants for 3rd-6th grade are required to take the ISEE: Primary 3 Level for 3rd grade, Primary 4 Level for 4th grade, and Lower Level for 5th-6th grades. Curtis School ISEE code is 054000.
- Claremont McKenna CollegeminorCurtis is a member of the Golden West Debate League, the only league designated solely for 5th and 6th grade students. GWDL is the founding league in the Youth Public Debate Program, an offshoot of the Middle School Public Debate Program - a debate outreach initiative of Claremont McKenna College.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Curtis School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Curtis School social profiles
Digital presenceCurtis School compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Curtis School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Curtis School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Curtis School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Curtis School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Curtis School
What does Curtis School do?
Curtis School delivers a Developmental Kindergarten through Grade 6 independent school education on a 27-acre Los Angeles campus for approximately 495 students. Core academic, arts, athletics, library, and experiential-learning programs are offered alongside after-school enrichment classes, three bus transportation routes, and need-based financial access (tuition assistance). Every student receives a 1-to-1 iPad device and family access to the CougarNet web portal.
Is Curtis School a public or private company?
Curtis School is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Curtis School founded?
Curtis School was founded in 1925. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Curtis School based?
Curtis School is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Curtis School make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Tuition is the primary driver. The others are curtis Fund (Annual Giving), donor Recognition Levels, after-School Programs, transportation and planned Giving.
Does Curtis School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Curtis School.
What industry is Curtis School in?
Curtis School's product category is Private Elementary Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACABAM, Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools, with a secondary code of EDACABAB, Academic/School-Readiness Preschools. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.