Frostig School West is a close-knit learning community recognized as an independent school where children and teens with complex challenges are proud to be themselves and ready to learn to their full potential.

Frostig School West opened its doors in August 2019 to provide a specialized education to children and families living in West Los Angeles.

The seed for Frostig School West was planted when Lynn Pollack, parent of a child with special needs, asked Frostig School leaders to consider opening a campus on the Westside. Lynn’s vision and enthusiasm for the project quickly won the support of Executive Director Dean Conklin and the Board of Trustees. Parents, trustees and school leaders worked together to make Frostig School West a reality. That spirit of trust and cooperation among parents, staff and trustees remains a hallmark of Frostig School West and shapes our approach to special education.

The school, located on the beautiful grounds of Bel Air Church on Mulholland Drive, offers a safe, supportive environment for elementary, middle and high school students who have complex learning differences. These challenges may include specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

The new campus is an extension of Frostig School in Pasadena, which has been serving children with learning differences for 70 years. Like Frostig School, Frostig School West is built on five core values: community, achievement, individuality, dignity and kindness.

The two schools work closely together to foster a strong curriculum and compassionate culture at Frostig School West.

Frostig School West embraces research-based practices and values a well-rounded education where academics are supported by the arts, social learning, and transition planning. Our goal is to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Frostig School West stands out for its exceptionally small classes of 4 to 5 students to every teacher. This gives teachers the freedom to build relationships with their students and to tailor education plans to the specific needs, strengths, and interests of each child.

Our credentialed teachers utilize a variety of teaching techniques to meet the unique needs of every student. Staff are trained in several evidence-based programs, including Lindamood-Bell, Wilson Reading System, Rewards Reading Intervention, and Step Up to Writing.

Frostig’s curriculum is aligned with state standards. Middle and high school students enroll in grade-appropriate courses in language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students also enjoy a daily arts elective of music, drama, or studio art.

We believe one of our biggest responsibilities is to prepare our students for success after high school. Starting freshman year, high school students benefit from an exceptional Transition Program that offers classes on career exploration, development of employment skills, social learning, and independent living skills.

To help families with transition planning, Frostig staff compiled a comprehensive collection of resources for transition-aged teens and young adults. The Transition Resource Guide includes information on government agencies and programs, legal and advocacy resources, residential independent living programs, and much more. Click here to download the Transition Resource Guide 2021.

The high school program offers two approaches to learning, depending on the unique needs of the student. Some students are enrolled in courses that focus on traditional academics and lead to a high school diploma. Others enroll in classes that emphasize applied academics and lead to a certificate of completion.

All completed courses, earned credits, and high school diplomas are recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the California Association of Independent Schools, and the California Department of Education.

Kim Petrarca, M.A., joined Frostig School West when it opened in 2019 after 14 years of working in public and private education. Kim obtained her B.A. from Salve Regina University and began her career as a high school ELA teacher. Throughout her years as an educator, Kim has worked with students of various academic, social, emotional and socioeconomic levels. While teaching, she discovered that her true passion is working with students with learning challenges. Kim pursued that passion and earned her M.A. Education: Special Education from Pacific Oaks College.

Dr. Dean Conklin, who has served as Frostig’s Executive Director for the past 10 years, has recently transitioned into his new role as Assistant Head of School at Frostig West. Dean Conklin, joined The Frostig Center in 2013 after a long and successful career in public education. Dr. Conklin started as a special education teacher and gradually rose through the ranks to become superintendent of two Southern California school districts, Duarte and Walnut Valley. Dr. Conklin has held numerous leadership positions in California education, including president of the regional Superintendents’ Council; member of the Cal Poly Pomona Doctorate in Education Planning and Development Committee, and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Azusa Pacific University. Currently he is a member of the board of directors of the International Dyslexia Association. Dr. Conklin earned his doctorate in school administration from the University of Southern California.