Whether you are a current or prospective parent or employee, an alumnus of the school, or a friend in the community -- thank you for taking time to learn more about our extraordinary elementary school.

Since its founding in 1929, JTD has stayed true to the purpose of our founders, Cathryn and John Dye, to provide a nurturing environment “based on high ideals, integrity, and the quality of excellence.” There are core elements of education that are timeless, and yet the tools and strategies we use to deliver on that education must emulate the world our children will occupy as adults. We take pride in upholding traditions that bridge the many generations of JTD graduates together, whether it is the recitation of the Salutation of the Dawn every morning or the Candle Lighting Ceremony at the holidays. We also know that we have a responsibility to prepare our children to be contributing members of their community in the future, and as such, we emphasize critical thinking, character education, and service learning.

The vibrant, child-centered spirit of the Dye family, as well as long-time Head of School Ray Michaud, continues to shape the School today. Through the 5C’s - Caring, Common Sense, Consideration, Cooperation, and Courtesy - our students develop a sense of how they should be in this world as an individual and as a community member. While the world seems an increasingly more complex place to raise children, JTD offers a values-centered education where we celebrate childhood and the lessons that can be found through joyful, purposeful learning. Opportunities for leadership and public speaking, competitive athletics and physical education, experiential learning, and the teaching of values are integral to our program and complement the rigorous study of language arts, history, mathematics, science, technology, and the visual and performing arts. JTD students love coming to school because they are challenged and yet supported in all that they do.

My history with The John Thomas Dye School goes back to the early 2000s when I was hired by long-time Head of School Ray Michaud to teach Fifth Grade English. Although I was only at the school for two years, I always hoped one day to return to the community I cherished. When that dream came true in 2017, I realized I had found my forever home at JTD. In my role as Head of School of The John Thomas Dye School, I blend a deep-rooted appreciation for what makes JTD so special with a collaborative, student-centered, and research-based approach to education. What is more, I am also a parent of a JTD graduate, and I bring that lens to my leadership.

I am deeply grateful to represent the JTD community and to lead it into this next chapter. I hope you will visit our beautiful campus in person to see for yourself the magic of our little school on the hill.

Warm Regards,
 
Rose E. Helm
Head of School

Composed by Rose

List of 3 news stories.

  • Risk Taking

    By Rose Helm
    I grew up skiing with my family, but then when I turned 16 I figured if I was going to be a mediocre skier who only went to the mountains a few times a year, I might as well be a mediocre snowboarder, given that it was still a relatively new (and cool) sport, especially growing up in Laguna Beach. I still am a pretty average snowboarder—only making it to the slopes 2-3 times a year—and generally speaking, I am too risk averse to do much more than the blue runs. So this past weekend when I found myself at the top of the chair lift with a snapped binding, I faced a choice: cajole the lift operators to let me ride back down the lift, or try to “surf” my way down on my heel edge (only my toe strap would buckle). I knew I would look a little silly, and would definitely invite some jeers from the locals, but I also knew I could do it. It had been a long time since I pushed myself to take a risk outside my comfort zone, but I kept repeating the mantra, “You can do this,” and eventually I made it to the bottom of the mountain.
    Continue reading ›

  • High Expectations, High Support, and Teacher Appreciation

    By Rose Helm
    This past weekend I traveled down to Laguna Beach for the birthday party of one of my childhood friends. As I walked through the sliding glass doors leading to the backyard of my friend’s childhood home, I immediately noticed the expansive view of the ocean, something I had never paid attention to before despite the hundreds of hours I spent there throughout middle school and high school. It reminded me of a line from a Tom Waits song, “I never saw the east coast until I moved to the west,” though ironically, it was the west coast I was only noticing after having lived east.
    Continue reading ›

  • Culture of Joy & Celebration

    By Rose Helm
    As the days get longer and the weather warms, we feel the simultaneous push and pull of one year coming to a close and the next year on the horizon. The result is an atmosphere of joy and celebration all around.

    The joy on campus has been palpable in the weeks back from Spring Break, especially as the year-end events start to kick into high gear. In this past week alone, our Upper School students have participated in 17 games (baseball, soccer, and volleyball); we have had 4 parent coffees and our final Collage meeting of the school year; our new families gathered at the Family of New Students Cocktail Party and the New Family Ice Cream Social; and we have had beloved grade-level traditions like Biography Day and the Grade 1 Half Over.
    Continue reading ›
READ MORE FROM ROSE
"As I look to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the strength of our community and inspired by the bright future ahead."
- Rose Helm, Head of School

The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.