A letter from our Head of School

At Chippingford, we believe childhood is sacred – a season not only of preparation, but of living fully through learning, playing, wondering, and growing. Our purpose is simple: to give every child the deeply personal attention, moral foundation, and joyful community that allows them to thrive.

Chippingford is a small, highly intentional Pre-K through 6th grade program in Westwood created for families seeking a truly personalized, human-led education. Innovation and artificial intelligence hold great promise, but too early they can constrain a young child’s social and emotional development. So we emphasize the human element, especially in the preschool and primary years.

Our classrooms of five to eight children allow seasoned educators to know each child deeply and design learning that meets their specific academic, social, and emotional needs. Instruction is offline-first, rooted in classical virtues, and grounded in the understanding that every child is a child of God. We want children who seek truth, think critically, act kindly, serve humbly, value liberty, and are grateful — virtues lived, not posted.

At Chippingford we are a true partnership – between school and home, educators and parents, and among families who share a common vision for their children’s growth. One of our defining strengths is the careful curation of our parent community. When the parents of your child’s friends hold similar values, a genuine home–school partnership becomes possible. Privacy, discretion, and peace of mind are foundational to how we operate.

A distinctive part of life at Chippingford is our personalized parenting partnership. Drawing on more than 30 years spanning kindergarten through 12th grade – including service as Head of School at Carlthorp School, and work as a consultant and family-foundation director – I bring both professional insight and the perspective of a parent of adult children. I understand the unique challenges of raising children in Los Angeles while helping them remain grounded, kind, grateful, and respectful of their family’s spiritual and cultural traditions.

We maintain a thoughtfully selective approach to enrollment. Preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten are the door. We have the rooms. We still choose the families. Primary remains five to eight children. We are also preparing to open a new primary campus in Westwood — built for beauty, safety, and design that serves childhood.

For families who travel frequently, we offer a Hybrid Enrollment option that provides the full support of a private school curriculum, guidance for a traveling teacher, and meaningful connection to our community – while accommodating a mobile lifestyle.

Chippingford is more than a school. It is a place where children are formed – not merely taught – and where childhood is treasured, not rushed.

If you believe this is the right fit, begin here.

With gratitude,

Tim Kusserow
Head of School