Report on Philanthropy
2024–2025

Letter from the Board Chair

September 2025

Dear Westmark Community:

At this year’s Commencement Exercises, I reminded the Class of 2025 that I had addressed many of them when they graduated from Middle School. That ceremony took place four years ago, in my first year as Board Chair. We were gathered on the sports field, six feet apart, in a world that had changed dramatically in a matter of months. We’ve come a long way since then.

While change may be the only constant in our world, I contend that the Westmark School mission has endured the test of time. In 2024–2025, the Westmark community came together once again to live the mission fully each and every day, delivering a transformative educational experience that educates, empowers, and celebrates students with language-based learning differences (LD). 

This achievement was made possible by all of you—our current and past families, grandparents, trustees, alumni, foundations, faculty and staff, and friends. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your generosity in all its forms throughout the past school year. Every hour of volunteerism elevated our Lion Pride.  And every philanthropic dollar enabled us to invest in our students—not only by expanding access through the School’s tuition assistance program, but by enriching every facet of the Westmark experience, from innovation in the classroom to vibrant co-curricular programming to professional development for our educators. 

Thank you again for your generosity of time, talent, and treasure. I look forward to another year in fulfillment of our lasting mission.

 

 

James Kilcourse
Chair, Board of Trustees

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Letter from the Head of School

September 2025

Dear Westmark Families and Friends:

As I reflect upon 2024–2025, I am inspired by the resolve and resilience of the Westmark School community. Each in your own way, you stood by the School and one another, recommitting yourselves to championing our students, families, faculty, and staff in their endeavors.

Powered by a considerable challenge grant last fall, many of you contributed generously to the Westmark Fund, which reached the highest participation level in many years. This success enabled the School to meet the critical needs of our Westmark Lions, day in and day out. It is a testament to our shared responsibility for the achievement and well-being of every learner.

Shortly after we rang in the new year, community members showed up for one another again, this time in the face of unprecedented wildfires. In a time of historic loss for Southern California, Westmark families met the moment with care and compassion. Despite the challenges faced across the region, many of you nevertheless lent support to the Spring Gala, raising funds for our tuition assistance program and special projects. 

Because of your generosity throughout 2024–2025—demonstrating how we are truly Better Together and Lion Strong—Westmark was able to grow and sustain what has made us a renowned LD school of excellence:

• Student-teacher ratio below the national average
• Differentiated interventions and instruction for each learner
• Year-round, evidence-based teacher training 
• Classroom practices based on the latest brain science
• Strong college-acceptance rate to seniors’ first-choice schools
• Robust calendar of sports games, field trips, retreats, and service learning opportunities, as well as plays, concerts, art shows, and film screenings
• High engagement in our revitalized parent-education series, Westmark Essentials: A Learning Series to Empower Families
• Upgrades to buildings, grounds, and technology
• Countless everyday moments of student progress

None of this could be possible without you.

As you read this year’s Report on Philanthropy, I hope you feel proud of the investment you have made in our mission. Please accept my sincere thanks for your steadfast support.

 

 

Claudia Koochek
Head of School