History of The Oaks School

The Oaks School is located on the campus of the historic Hollywood United Methodist Church (HUMC). Constructed in 1927, this campus quickly became a local landmark. A postcard from the time describes the church building as “…one of the most famous churches on the Pacific coast,” with an atmosphere of “…reverence in symbolic beauty and compelling stillness.” It is within this magnificent environment that the school operates. Our classrooms are large and light-filled and many have original stained glass windows. Recent renovations have modernized the infrastructure and restored much of the campus to its original beauty. There are classrooms, a large library, and music, art, and Maker studios. A full-sized gymnasium is used for physical education classes and a new field and outdoor green space has been added, providing a beautiful outdoor environment. While The Oaks is not affiliated with the HUMC, the school and church work together to maintain and preserve the campus.

In December 1981 the church was declared Historic-Cultural Monument #248 by the City of Los Angeles.

In the autumn of 1985, a small group of parents began the search for a progressive, child-centered elementary school. Their children attended the same preschool, and the parents were looking for a Kindergarten program that would continue to provide the same individualized and progressive education. Unable to find a good program in the Hollywood area, they decided to start their own Kindergarten on the premises of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Under the leadership of Deborah Wyle as the first principal and program director and Tinker Beatty as Board Chair, The Oaks School opened in September 1986, with 11 children enrolled in Kindergarten.

In 1986, The Oaks School incorporated as a nonprofit educational institution and moved to the historic Hollywood United Methodist Church, where it rented two classrooms for its Kindergarten and first grade programs. In 1990, Chloe Eichenlaub became the school's second Head of School, followed by Mary Fauvre, Ph.D., in 2000. After a national search, Ted Hamory was appointed the fourth Head of School in 2010. During his tenure, The Oaks expanded its programs, thoughtfully restored and improved the historic campus, and created the beautiful outdoor field and green space that continue to enrich daily student life. In 2026, Deborah (Debby) McLean was appointed the school's fifth Head of School. Building on The Oaks' strong foundation, she brings deep experience in independent school leadership and a commitment to progressive, student-centered education as she leads the school into its next chapter.

The Oaks School is a well-respected progressive elementary school, sought after by parents looking for a strong education in a warm and nurturing community. Graduates of The Oaks are well-prepared, confident, and kind individuals who matriculate into a wide variety of independent and public middle schools in the Los Angeles area.

The Oaks is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The history of The Oaks continues to unfold as each new generation of students, families, faculty, and leaders builds on the school's enduring mission and vibrant community.