CCS embraces the principles of diversity, self-determination and participation in democracy. We foster critical thinking, compassion, and respect for each student, their community and their world.

Over 40 years ago, Neal Wrightson and Leni Jacksen, founded Children’s Community School, and it is still committed to its core value: education for democracy.

Neal and Leni initially rented rooms behind a small church in Van Nuys; they began with a kindergarten and first grade. Shortly thereafter, they were joined by teacher Neal Hemmelstein. The three of them invited a new class of kindergartners each year, their first graduating class of seven matriculated in 1987. We are, happily, still in touch with these students and Neal H. (who lives on the East Coast and is still a CCS supporter).

Having made an indelible mark on our School, Leni retired in 1996. Leni has since passed away, but her memory continues to guide us.

As the School grew, CCS acquired an adjacent property, razed the dilapidated house on it and transformed the corner of Sylvan and Erwin into a grass field for the CCS students to play on. In 2000, the CCS Board of Directors began to plan a major addition to the campus and in 2006, we broke ground on the largest construction project in the history of the School. With the enthusiastic support of CCS parents, alumni parents, the Board of Directors, the Staff and three major Foundations, the CCS community raised $1.8 million to fund the building of three new classrooms, a new auditorium and a beautiful new playspace. In June 2007, the first CCS community event was held in our new auditorium. It was a powerful moment for this small school community.

In 2021, after serving CCS as the Founding Head of School, Neal Wrightson retired. As a celebrated educator and thoughtful leader, the CCS community expressed (virtual) gratitude for the man who made this small school a beacon of progressive education. He confidently handed the leadership of this school to Azizi Williams.

During Azizi’s first year at the school, we launched the public phase of our campaign for the Neal Wrightson Endowment for Financial Aid. By raising over $5 million with the help of generous donors, we have guaranteed diversity and access to a CCS education for generations to come.

Over the course of over 41 years, CCS has accumulated more than 400 alumni who have added their individual creativity to our school. They leave our grounds with a strong sense of being part of a community committed to education for democracy; a passion for making the world a better place; and a comprehensive knowledge of themselves that serves them into adulthood.

Children’s Community School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).