Polytechnic School

Specialties

Polytechnic School was established in 1907, as the first nonprofit, independent school in Southern California, enrolling 106 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. True to its name and to the educational philosophy of the day, Poly’s curriculum emphasized both academics and manual arts – from English and math, to ceramics and woodworking.

The original school buildings were designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt and feature his revolutionary «open air» school design with residential-​scale classrooms and adjacent courtyards and playgrounds. These buildings continue to form the heart of the Lower and Middle School campus 100 years later.

Fifty years after the school’s founding, the decision was made to expand the educational program through the 12^th grade. Poly’s Upper School campus opened in 1959, and in 1962, the first senior class graduated.

History

Established in 1907.

Polytechnic School was established in 1907, as the first nonprofit, independent school in Southern California, enrolling 106 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. True to its name and to the educational philosophy of the day, Poly’s curriculum emphasized both academics and manual arts – from English and math, to ceramics and woodworking.

The original school buildings were designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt and feature his revolutionary «open air» school design with residential-​scale classrooms and adjacent courtyards and playgrounds. These buildings continue to form the heart of the Lower and Middle School campus 100 years later.

Fifty years after the school’s founding, the decision was made to expand the educational program through the 12^th grade. Poly’s Upper School campus opened in 1959, and in 1962, the first senior class graduated.