A tradition of excellence, growth, and success was born 81 years ago when Curtis School was established as a proprietary school by Carl Curtis and continued after a 1937 reorganization by his nephew, Carl F. Curtis. In 1964 the school was purchased by long time Athletic Director Willard E. Badham and two partners. Under Mr. Badham's leadership, enrollment grew from 100 to 500 students over the next 10 years.
The school was reorganized as a nonprofit corporation in 1975, and "Baddy" continued as Headmaster until his retirement in 1992. He was succeeded by Clay V. Stites, who served for fifteen years as Headmaster of Friends Academy in Massachusetts prior to arriving at Curtis. Stephen E. Switzer was appointed as Curtis School's fourth Headmaster in 1997. Mr. Switzer has a twenty-nine year career as Head of Community School in St. Louis and Le Jardin Academy in Hawaii.
Curtis School began in 1925 on a small half-acre campus with a seven room building on Beverly Boulevard. In 1983, after three relocations, the school moved to its permanent site located on 27 acres of gentle hills and grassy playing fields on Mulholland Drive at the top of the Sepulveda Pass. In 1996 the school completed a major renovation and construction process made possible through the extraordinary generosity of parents, families, alumni, and friends who funded the successful Curtis 2000 campaign.
Throughout the many changes in its physical plant, the philosophy of Curtis School has remained constant. Our goal is to provide sound academic training and to develop young people who are thoughtful, creative and responsible citizens. A standard uniform is worn in all grades, and morals and values are emphasized in daily teaching. The school also gives major importance to physical education and athletics; all students engage in physical education daily. Curtis is dedicated to pursuing "a sound mind in a sound body governed by a compassionate heart."
Curtis School remains in keeping with its traditional values and vision while looking to the future. We continue to be a leader in the independent school community by doing the best we can possibly do for our children through our programs, our exceptional faculty, and an active partnership with our parent body.
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets six times a year. An Alumni Association, representing over 3300 former Curtis students, and a Parents Association assist the school in social, cultural, community service and fundraising activities.
Curtis School hold membership in the National Association of Independent Schools and the California Association of Independent Schools.
