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If you are the parent of a smart and quirky kid, you already know how difficult it can be to find the right school. We took the homeschooling route for upper elementary school, but my son wanted more independence from his parents for middle school. Enter Qualia, which has offered him the freedom to still choose what he learns—as he did in middle school—but alongside intellectual peers, with brilliant teachers (who were once smart and quirky kids themselves), and in a pleasant and relaxed setting. Qualia is uniquely a school that even middle schoolers want to go to every day.

Qualia has a very different structure than we were used to, so at first, we were a little skeptical. But I can tell you that their unusual structure works. At Qualia, not only do my kids thrive, but they surpass what we could have ever hoped they could achieve at a school. On their "shadow day," my 3rd graders attended, and participated in, a philosophy class! My 13-year-old takes Theoretical Physics with Seniors! The school is small by design, and its application process is much more thorough than we experienced with any other school. They have worked hard to achieve a carefully curated community and it matters to them that each child will fit into, and succeed, in their unconventional setup. Qualia truly embodies the concept of "meeting children where they are". Their small size allows them to have children switch teachers or classes to ensure the best possible match at all times. We also love how responsive the school is. Communication is timely, friendly, and thorough. If you are looking for a progressive school for your highly curious child, give Qualia a look. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Qualia has been a godsend for us. Our child has learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia and dysgraphia), AND also amazing strengths. He's found an inclusive community here in Calabasas that draws from all over Los Angeles/Ventura County. This is truly a progressive, intellectual environment with teachers and administrators who care deeply about the students. Suddenly my child who had such a miserable experience elsewhere LOVES school. He's now curious and excited! If you are uncertain if this is the place for your family, reach out and start a conversation. A neighborhood friend recommended Qualia, but we weren't sure at first. It took us time to learn about the school and get comfortable. We explored many, many options in the area. We are so happy we found Qualia.

We are incredibly grateful we found Qualia. Our son had already started 11th grade in a local public school, and we moved him after meeting with this incredible team. He had experienced the combination of an undetected need for a differing learning style and the impacts of online learning through COVID. (He thrives in an environment of communication & collaboration) It had impacted him greatly. After just a few months at Qualia, not only did his love of life return, but the school also supported his passion for a kitchen garden and showed extreme patience while he navigated out of a traditional spoon-fed model, to one of 100% accountability for understanding himself, articulating when he doesn't know something, and listening to all of the varied opinions which make up the human dynamic.

Qualia has been magic for our son and his gifted brain. He struggled to engage with the stock-standard curriculum at his previous school, but now gets up excited each day. He's able to deep dive into subjects that stimulate his intellectual curiosity. The staff encourages the students to lean into topics that interest them. Further, the peer group is incredibly inclusive and supportive of one another. We are incredibly grateful that a place like Qualia exists.

It's hard to believe a school like Qualia exists. Wish every child could experience something like it. The growth that we've seen in our son since he started is remarkable- he's a different kid. He thanks us often for finding Qualia, and he'll tell anyone who will listen about his time there. His intellectual curiosity is being encouraged/nurtured in ways we could have only dreamt about years ago. And he's found his tribe! He's the happiest he's ever been, and that's saying a lot b/c he just finished middle school (a time that can be fraught with angst/insecurity). We're so unbelievably grateful.

Qualia has been very responsive to our needs. The discussion-based format fits my child well who often needs to reason through and "play" with ideas. Classes are interesting and the teachers are engaging. The ability to meet the needs of inquisitive children is a gem.

This school has been a delight for my son, who started here in 9th grade. It's a unique school that truly individualizes its instruction and caters to the passions of its students. For example, my son was able to take calculus as a freshman, and linear algebra was created as a class for him and other advanced math students. He also was able to take two languages and study philosophy each year plus receive support to take 29 credits of dual enrollment classes at local colleges. The emphasis on analysis and expression means that students become adept at speaking in front of their classmates and defining their viewpoints. The faculty also support emotional and social growth, which means my son has friends across groups and with his teachers, who have been amazing and involved. I'm so impressed with the man he has become during his time there. He's now a senior. It has been a wonderful place for him that I think he will treasure and rely on in different ways throughout his life.

I am so happy I found Qualia. My son was very unhappy in two different middle schools. He was clashing with teachers and not connecting with fellow students. Someone suggested Qualia, so we took at it. At first, I didn't think the focus on philosophy would work for my son. But the way they implement that focus is very attractive to the students, largely because the students help craft the classes. The Idea Lab and Robotics classes have gotten my son interested in school again. He has found a great group of friends here who share his interests and are all very supportive. He is doing very well in his classes. He even wants to spend time on campus over the summer continuing to build a tree house. We are very happy here.

My daughter went from feeling unchallenged, bullied, and unsafe to even exploring her self-advocacy to declaring herself a "model student", being totally accepted, making true friendships, and even designing her own honors classes to help feed her never-ending thirst for information and exploration. I cannot imagine who this kid would be if it weren't for Qualia and the faculty.