Teaching and Learning

At JTD, we fundamentally believe in providing our students with a robust learning experience.
We strive to make that experience developmentally appropriate, relevant to the world they live in, and based on best instructional practices and educational research.
From the Director of Teaching and Learning
At JTD, we are committed to providing a comprehensive academic program that aligns with our mission to inspire purposeful learning, cultivate character, and celebrate childhood.
Every day, we strive to create opportunities and experiences that spark students' curiosity and enable our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
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Curriculum Insights

List of 4 items.

  • inSTED

    The inSTED program at JTD aims to inspire innovation, joy, and curiosity by combining science, technology, engineering, and design. The Science program uses interactive learning materials to engage students in topics like physical, life, and earth and space sciences. The Technology program encourages creativity and critical thinking through high-expectation projects and access to cutting-edge tools like 3D printers and robotics kits. The Engineering Design process is integrated throughout the curriculum, providing opportunities for hands-on challenges that apply scientific concepts and encourage critical thinking and collaboration. Design challenges are inquiry-based and encourage students to use the engineering design process to test solutions to real-world problems.
  • Language Arts/Library

    At JTD, we use Teachers College Reading and Writing Project’s approach for Language Arts instruction as it is based on best practices for teaching and learning. This comprehensive K-6 skills based program enables teachers to interact with students in whole class, small group, and individual settings. Differentiation can also be achieved effectively within this model as a range of strategies are used to differentiate including content, product, pace, learning style, and interests. Our students are taught key skills that help them to understand themselves as independent lifelong learners and advocate for support when needed, while preparing them to become confident readers and writers.

    Learn more about our Library ›
  • Math

    We believe that Mathematicians are flexible thinkers and creative problem-solvers and therefore, that the learning of mathematics should be authentic and active, and filled with transferable hands-on experiences that strengthen students’ ability to reason.  Instructional practices and grade level content goals are guided by a Singapore Math text, Math in Focus (MiF).  MIF is developmentally appropriate and balanced, promoting conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strong number sense, as well as flexible thinking.  Content is presented in a logical order, intentionally building on prior knowledge, while providing students with opportunities to generalize and revisit foundational ideas. Differentiated instruction and resources will ensure that opportunities for support and enrichment consistently co-exist within lessons.
  • Social Emotional Learning

    In grades K - 4, we use the program Second Step to underpin our social and emotional skill instruction as it teaches essential skills for learning that include—listening, focusing attention, using self-talk, and being assertive. Students learn invaluable skills that help them navigate their way through elementary school as well as their community. Second Step has an intentionally planned, age appropriate, learning progression that includes age-appropriate games, activities, and media that provide skill-based learning experiences in the following key areas during in skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving.

    In grades 5 and 6, a hybrid advisory program has been designed to build on skills learned in earlier grades, and begin to identify personal strengths, challenges, and growth areas. Key elements of this program include collaborating in smaller groups of 16 students, engaging in opportunities to show initiative and resilience to complete tasks independently, and responding and interacting respectfully and appropriately with others.

Lower School (K-3)

This where it all begins--fostering curiosity and a love of learning.

Upper School (4-6)

The journey continues--cultivating empathetic, independent thinkers.
Ready to apply?
Applicants for admission are accepted one year prior to the student's enrollment. If you have just found out you are moving to Los Angeles or if you have any questions, please feel free to call the admissions office for information.

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.