For more than a century, The Broadoaks School at Whittier College has provided generations of children with an extraordinary start to their educational journey. Founded in 1906, Broadoaks has long been admired for its evidence-based, child-centered approach and its mission to create a safe, supportive, and vibrant learning environment that empowers children to explore, collaborate, and achieve their full potential. Since joining Whittier College in 1931, the school has served as a model of excellence in early childhood education and a learning laboratory for future teachers and scholars.
To carry this mission forward, Whittier College will reposition Broadoaks as an educational hub of early learning for the region, beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. At that time, Broadoaks will offer programs for preschool through kindergarten, returning to the work that has always defined its strength and reputation.
All current grades–preschool through 5th grade–will continue without interruption through the end of this academic year. Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year will begin in November 2025, with priority enrollment for current Broadoaks families of rising preschoolers for preschool, transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten.
This next phase is both a renewal of purpose and a strategic investment in the future. As an educational hub of early learning, Broadoaks will provide the highest quality educational experience for young children through a research-informed curriculum designed to spark curiosity and prepare students for success in elementary school and beyond. It will also serve as a center of inquiry and professional learning, where teachers and education professionals engage in practitioner workshops, classroom demonstrations, and community partnerships that elevate the field of early education. Broadoaks will continue to offer enriching, age-appropriate programs unique to its affiliation with Whittier College and will remain a living laboratory where college faculty and students learn through hands-on teaching, research, and observation.
This decision is grounded in Broadoaks’ mission and Whittier College’s commitment to ensuring the school’s long-term success. Like many independent schools, Broadoaks has experienced financial pressures in recent years, which created the urgency to act. Still, this transition is ultimately about mission and sustainability. By returning to its roots in early childhood education, Broadoaks is taking a thoughtful step to strengthen what it has always done best: provide exceptional early learning experiences and serve as a model for teaching excellence.
As Broadoaks enters this next chapter, its purpose remains steadfast: to nurture young learners in an environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, and to prepare the next generation of educators to do the same. We are deeply grateful for the enduring support of our families, faculty, and community. Together, we will honor the proud legacy of Broadoaks by ensuring that its tradition of excellence in early childhood education continues to thrive for generations to come.
Broadoaks is committed to supporting our elementary families through this transition. School leadership will work closely with each family to assist in identifying new school options and ensure students experience a smooth and positive next step in their educational journey.
Questions and Answers
Is Broadoaks closing?
No, Broadoaks is not closing. The school is returning to its historic strength as an early childhood education provider. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Broadoaks will be repositioned as an educational hub of early learning for the region, offering programs for preschool through kindergarten. This shift allows Broadoaks to focus on what it has always done best: providing an exceptional foundation for young learners while serving as a model school for educator preparation at Whittier College.
Why is this change happening?
This decision is guided by The Broadoaks School’s mission to provide exceptional early learning experiences and to serve as a model for teacher preparation. A review of enrollment, operations, and finances made it clear that returning to this focus is the best way to ensure the school’s long-term strength.
While the early childhood program has remained vibrant and financially stable, the upper grades have faced ongoing challenges, and Whittier College can no longer offset those deficits. Refocusing on early childhood education preserves Broadoaks’ future and strengthens what it has always done best.
When will the change take effect?
The transition will begin with the 2026–27 school year. Families and staff will receive detailed guidance in the coming weeks, including support for placement and transition planning.
What grades will be offered going forward?
Broadoaks will offer programs for preschool, TK and kindergarten only, beginning in 2026–27.
What about the teachers and staff?
Staffing will be adjusted to align with the new grade configuration. Leadership is working closely with affected employees to provide support and clarity throughout the process. The expertise and dedication of the Broadoaks faculty are recognized and respected, and every effort is being made to support them through this transition.
Why not keep preschool through third grade, since those grades are still considered early childhood and enrollment is strong in third grade?
This option was carefully evaluated during the review process. Ultimately, the resources available to Whittier College and The Broadoaks School can have the greatest impact when focused on preschool through kindergarten. Concentrating on these foundational years allows the school to deliver the highest quality early learning experience, strengthen its role as a laboratory for teacher preparation, and ensure that programs remain sustainable and aligned with Broadoaks’ core mission.
Is this decision final?
Yes. After careful review of the school’s mission, finances, enrollment, and long-term viability, Whittier College leadership made the decision to return Broadoaks to its historic strength in early childhood education. This decision reflects a commitment to fulfilling the school’s mission, preserving its excellence, and ensuring its long-term stability.
What is happening with the planned Fall Benefit?
We understand that this decision about Broadoaks, which was reached in October, is not well-timed with respect to the Fall Benefit planned for November 13. Acknowledging some families will be focused on their planning for next year, the Community Outreach Group has decided to cancel the Fall Benefit and will consider ways to honor the community at a future event. The school will be in touch to issue refunds to those who registered and gave donations for the Benefit shortly.
How will the preschool through kindergarten grades be structured next year? What will be available?
All kindergarten programs will remain in place, including enrichment, before- and after-school care, and summer programs. Before-school care will continue to be available for preschool and transitional kindergarten (TK) students. We are also enhancing on-campus enrichment by developing a dedicated early childhood maker space that encourages hands-on artistic and scientific exploration. In addition, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with Whittier College, expanding access to campus resources and faculty-led enrichment opportunities.
Will letters, grade reports, and other required documentation be provided for children who are transitioning to another school?
Yes. Broadoaks will provide all necessary documentation to support your child’s transition and facilitate their acceptance into another school.
Is enrollment in kindergarten guaranteed for current preschoolers?
Yes. Current preschoolers are guaranteed placement in the kindergarten program through the end of this calendar year. Families simply need to complete the required paperwork and submit the deposit to secure their child’s spot. After December, preschool families will continue to receive priority consideration for any remaining kindergarten openings.
Can there be a special farewell for children who will be leaving Broadoaks?
Yes. We will celebrate our departing kindergarten students with a culmination ceremony and provide a meaningful farewell for students in the elementary grades. Each child will receive a yearbook commemorating their time at Broadoaks, along with other special activities. Additional details will be shared as the end of the school year approaches.
How should we share this news with our children?
Since it is still early in the school year, we are not planning a formal assembly about the restructure. Teachers will continue to monitor and support students as needed in the classroom. As we approach the end of the year, we will integrate age-appropriate discussions and coping tools into the curriculum to help students process the transition.
We have provided a two-page guidance sheet—distributed at the town hall, sent via email to affected families, and available in the Broadoaks office—that offers practical advice for families on how to talk with their children about these changes.
Who can families contact for support or questions?
Broadoaks Executive Director Nicole Baitx-Kennedy.