What we do…

For 14 years, we have been committed to Reimagining Education And Living Meaningfully (REALM). We provide kids and families with:

  • freedom to choose their own educational journey, you can design your own schedule here

  • an amazing community where kids thrive because they are able to explore their passions

  • teachers who LOVE the subject they are teaching

  • nurturing and authentic relationships that help kids thrive

We welcome all kids - we have removed the barriers of grade levels, standardized testing, and large class sizes that often hinder a love for learning - to create an environment where kids thrive!

Our Approach

We believe…

  • kids learn best when they love what they are learning - 120 classes to chose from!

  • the best teaching comes from a place of passion, teachers design their own classes

  • kids demonstrate learning through cool projects - our year-end events are EPIC!

  • learning in the world is critical to kids awareness, confidence, and sense of place

  • building kind community members is equally as important as academic learning

Love: We accept everyone for who they are and teach tolerance and acceptance as a core tenant of our community. Small classes (8:1 ratio) reinforce a close-knit community where each student feels valued - and - we give lots of hugs here too.

Our Values

Choice: Flexibility reigns supreme. Students and families choose their courses, schedules, and attendance frequency. Teachers teach based on passion and modern relevance. We offer a vast selection of super cool opportunities that kids love!

Challenge: Students select classes based on desired challenge levels, diving deep into content through presentations, projects, and real-world applications. No traditional grade levels, grading, or testing - placing the real value on the challenge of the assignment.

Belonging: We blend school, family, and community to embrace all learners. Families collaborate on tailored class plans and community partners contribute to our class offerings, ensuring kids feel a sense of place and purpose.

Imagination: We believe that education, like the world around it, needs to constantly evolve, change, and grow. With a little imagination, our kids can see the world for not just what it is, but what it can be.

Our history

The REALM started in 2010 in Santa Monica, CA in response to the lack of creative outlets for children in many schools and communities today. As more emphasis was being placed upon test scores as a means for determining a child’s level of success, we noticed extremely talented and passionate kids start to lose faith in their potential.

After many brainstorming sessions with immensely passionate educators, artists and parents, The REALM began to take shape. We realized the potential for change was greatest if we could offer a versatile space in which diverse groups of students could receive support both individually and within group classes. We set out to develop exciting, crazy, super fun classes in both the academics and the arts (and of course the combination of the two!)

We also leverage the teachings of the Peace Literacy Institute, as a framework for how to support students not just in academic growth but in their ability to understand and work towards the betterment of humanity.

14 years and over 2,800 students later, we are honored to continue serving families and have BIG dreams for a larger space, the launch of our High School program and future expansion to other cities!