Peninsula Heritage School
- Address
26944 Rolling Hills Rd.,
Rolling Hills Estates - Phone
310-541-4795
- Website
- Photographed by
Fabien & Laura Castro
- Special Section
Peninsula Heritage School was founded in 1961 by a group of parents seeking a challenging and values-based education for their children. Over the years the school expanded, moving to its present site in 1976 and later adding a middle school campus.
How does your school stand out?
Peninsula Heritage’s character education started with the opening of the school and continues through 64 years to the present. In addition to a full academic and co-curricular program, our teachers and administrators emphasize our six character qualities of Caring, Attitude, Respect, Gratitude, Perseverance and Self-Control throughout the school day. Our graduates are often noted by their high school teachers and administrators for their outstanding character and positive attitude.
What makes Peninsula Heritage engaging?
Our students find that school is particularly engaging since our teachers frequently prioritize hands-on learning. For instance, in the science lab we empower students to actively engage with the curriculum and explore scientific concepts through practical experiences. In the photo above, kindergarten students are building a rainbow density tower—identifying patterns and observing how water behaves with varying amounts of sugar (each amount colored differently) that create different densities. This hands-on experiment not only deepens their understanding of density but also sets the stage for more advanced explorations in later grades, ensuring a strong foundation for future scientific learning.
How do you encourage middle school students to develop beyond academics?
During the elective Genius Hour, students in grades 6–8 are free to engage in activities and build skills beyond curriculum. One student wanted to play the cello. With no prior experience, he consulted with our music teacher, rented a cello and launched a learning program using online videos. Witnessing his enthusiasm, his parents provided lessons and later purchased a cello. After graduation from Peninsula Heritage, he joined high school performance groups and came back to campus to perform at an all-school assembly. Now at university, he performs with a 13-member string ensemble and relishes the opportunity to compose music.