// ─── DATA ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── const SHORTLIST = [ { name: "Center for Early Education", rank: 1, location: "West Hollywood", type: "Private", porterFit: 5, arts: 4, sel: 5, academic: 4, ai: 4, topChoice: true, note: "Your number one. West Hollywood location is ideal, the developmental culture is warm and unhurried, and the SEL reputation is as strong as anywhere on this list. Porter's outgoing nature and creativity will thrive here. Strong community integration — families stay connected for years.", lenses: { ai: "Embraces project-based, child-led inquiry which maps well to how AI is reshaping learning — adaptability and creative thinking over rote recall.", sporty: "Less athletics-forward than Crossroads or Brentwood. Movement is built into the day but no varsity culture at K. Porter's energy fits, but he'll get sport elsewhere.", creative: "Strong arts integration without being arts-led. Studio time, music, and storytelling are core — Porter's creative streak will be visible and rewarded here.", community: "The Wagon Wheel #3 destination. Families stay close for years, parent network is unusually warm. The 'club' feel some find polarising; you'll either love it or feel adjacent.", tate: "Sibling preference is meaningful here. Where Porter lands changes Tate's odds materially — worth confirming policy on the tour.", }, }, { name: "Oakwood School", rank: 2, location: "North Hollywood", type: "Private", porterFit: 5, arts: 4, sel: 5, academic: 4, ai: 5, note: "The most popular Wagon Wheel destination for five years running. Progressive culture, arts embedded across the curriculum, and exceptional SEL. Porter's mix of creativity and social confidence is exactly what Oakwood is designed for.", lenses: { ai: "One of the more forward-thinking schools on pedagogy — project-based learning and student agency are core. Strong fit for an AI-era education philosophy.", sporty: "Decent athletics through the K–6 years; the K–12 continuity means Porter could play through high school without changing schools.", creative: "Arts are embedded across the curriculum, not bolted on. Strong fit for a creative kid who also wants to be challenged academically.", community: "Wagon Wheel #1. Mike and Ruth's relationships here are deepest, and the parent body is the most familiar to you. The default outcome.", tate: "K–12 means no middle-school cycle for Porter, and a likely sibling pathway for Tate. The single highest-leverage school on your list for Tate's process.", }, }, { name: "Campbell Hall", rank: 3, location: "Studio City", type: "Episcopal", porterFit: 4, arts: 5, sel: 4, academic: 4, ai: 3, note: "The strongest arts school on this list by a clear margin. Specialist programs run deep into the lower school — not just upper grades. Episcopal affiliation is present but not overbearing for most families. Good Valley location.", lenses: { ai: "Arts integration at this depth — music, drama, visual art as genuine disciplines from K — builds creative confidence and lateral thinking, both increasingly valuable as AI handles more linear tasks.", sporty: "Strong athletics culture, especially as Porter ages. K–12 with a recognised sports program. Good fit for a sporty kid.", creative: "The strongest arts school on this list, full stop. If creative identity matters, this is the place where it gets the most oxygen.", community: "Episcopal lane — chapel weekly, but most families describe the religious presence as light. Worth assessing the culture on a visit.", tate: "K–12, sibling preference policy is real. Confirm on the tour. Studio City location is fine for Valley families.", }, }, { name: "The Willows", rank: 4, location: "Culver City", type: "Private", porterFit: 4, arts: 5, sel: 5, academic: 3, ai: 5, note: "Project-based, arts-forward, and genuinely exceptional on SEL. Small school, tight community. Scores highest across your top three priorities. The slightly lighter academic structure at K level might not matter given Porter sounds like he'll push himself anyway.", lenses: { ai: "The most future-forward pedagogy on the list. Designed around curiosity, collaboration, and self-direction — the exact skills that hold value as AI automates routine cognitive work.", sporty: "Smaller school, lighter athletics program. Movement and outdoor time are core, but if competitive sport matters early this isn't the strongest match.", creative: "Project-based and arts-forward by design. Porter's creative streak will set the pace here, not be the exception.", community: "Small (290 students), tight, deeply involved parent body. The community is the product. Polarising for families who want a bigger institutional feel.", tate: "K–5 only — same admissions cycle in 6th grade for both kids. Lighter on continuity than Oakwood or Crossroads.", }, }, { name: "St. James' Episcopal", rank: 5, location: "Mid-Wilshire", type: "Episcopal", porterFit: 3, arts: 3, sel: 4, academic: 4, ai: 3, note: "Solid all-round school with a warm community and good SEL reputation. Episcopal affiliation is worth assessing on a visit — culture varies school to school. Mid-Wilshire location works for central LA families. Appeared consistently in Wagon Wheel history.", lenses: { ai: "More traditional academic structure — which isn't a disadvantage, but less explicitly forward in how it frames future skills.", sporty: "Modest athletics at the K level. Solid PE program, less of an athletic identity than Crossroads or Brentwood.", creative: "Solid arts but not the differentiator. If creative-first matters, Campbell Hall or The Willows is the stronger lane.", community: "Wagon Wheel #4. Warm community, established Episcopal lane. Mid-Wilshire is convenient for central LA families.", tate: "K–6 — full cycle again for both kids. Sibling preference applies but check the practical odds on tour.", }, }, { name: "John Thomas Dye", rank: 6, location: "Bel Air", type: "Private", porterFit: 3, arts: 3, sel: 3, academic: 5, ai: 2, note: "Highly selective and academically rigorous. If Porter continues to show strong academic ability, JTD is worth keeping on the list — it signals serious intent and the alumni community is strong. Less arts-centred at the K level.", lenses: { ai: "Traditional, academic-first model. Less emphasis on the creative and collaborative skills that will matter most in an AI-augmented world — but the alumni network and academic foundation are real advantages.", sporty: "Sporty culture is real. Athletics matter institutionally. Good fit for an active kid even if the academic intensity is the headline.", creative: "Less arts-forward at K. Creativity exists but isn't the school's primary identity.", community: "Tight, polished, alumni-driven community. More 'establishment' in feel than the rest of your list.", tate: "K–6 — both kids will go through the cycle. JTD is one of the most selective on the list, which complicates the Tate pathway.", }, }, { name: "Crossroads School", rank: 7, location: "Santa Monica", type: "Private", porterFit: 5, arts: 5, sel: 5, academic: 4, ai: 5, note: "On paper, one of the best fits for Porter — arts-forward, progressive, excellent SEL. Hosting the LAIS Fair Apr 9, which makes it a natural first look. Slightly more competitive admissions. Worth applying if you feel the culture on the visit.", lenses: { ai: "One of the most progressive schools in LA on pedagogy. Strong arts-tech integration, student agency, and project-based learning. Excellent AI-era fit.", sporty: "Strong K–12 athletics program. Active campus, real sports culture. The most athletics-forward of the progressive schools.", creative: "Arts-tech integration at a level few schools match. If Porter's creativity wants room to grow into music, film, or design, this is the deepest pipeline.", community: "Westside, progressive, industry-heavy parent body. Polarising on culture — some families love it, others find it intense. Tour will tell.", tate: "K–12 means no middle-school cycle for Porter and a strong sibling pathway for Tate. Highest-leverage on continuity after Oakwood.", }, }, ]; const PHASES = [ { id:"now", label:"Now", dates:"March – April 2026", tasks:[ { id:"t1", text:"Attend LAIS Fair — Crossroads School, Santa Monica (Thu Apr 9, 5:30–7:30pm) · worth it as a first look at Crossroads" }, { id:"t2", text:"Alternative LAIS Fair — Buckley School, Sherman Oaks (Thu Apr 23, 5–7pm) · pick one only" }, { id:"t3", text:"Confirm shortlist and request tours at all 7 shortlisted schools" }, { id:"t4", text:"Ask Mike & Ruth for the fresh 2026 Wagon Wheel matriculation list (released Apr 1)" }, ] }, { id:"tours", label:"School tours", dates:"Spring – Fall 2026", tasks:[ { id:"t5", text:"Tour Center for Early Education (top choice — prioritise booking)" }, { id:"t6", text:"Tour Oakwood School" }, { id:"t7", text:"Tour Campbell Hall" }, { id:"t8", text:"Tour The Willows" }, { id:"t9", text:"Tour St. James' Episcopal" }, { id:"t10", text:"Tour John Thomas Dye" }, { id:"t11", text:"Tour Crossroads School (can also visit at the LAIS Fair Apr 9)" }, { id:"t12", text:"Send a follow-up email after any tour where you feel a strong connection" }, { id:"t13", text:"Ask Mike & Ruth for introductions to Wagon Wheel alumni families at your top schools" }, ] }, { id:"assess", label:"Assessments", dates:"Oct – Nov 2026", tasks:[ { id:"t14", text:"Porter's playdates & assessments — rested, fed, comfortable clothes" }, { id:"t15", text:"Brief Porter simply: 'fun visits to play at different schools before finding the best fit'" }, { id:"t16", text:"Parent interviews — research each school, align on family values beforehand" }, { id:"t17", text:"Give Ruth the contact info to coordinate teacher evaluations (LAIS form)" }, ] }, { id:"apply", label:"Applications", dates:"Nov 2026 – Jan 2027", tasks:[ { id:"t18", text:"Submit applications — check each school's individual deadline" }, { id:"t19", text:"Write values-driven responses — show how you parent, not just Porter's highlights" }, { id:"t20", text:"Ask Mike & Ruth to review responses, especially the 'greatest challenges' question" }, { id:"t21", text:"Confirm all teacher evaluations are routed through Ruth, not sent directly" }, ] }, { id:"choice", label:"Top choice signal", dates:"February 2027", tasks:[ { id:"t22", text:"Signal to Center for Early Education that they are your top choice" }, { id:"t23", text:"Share your full ranked list with Mike & Ruth so they can advocate accurately" }, ] }, { id:"decision", label:"Decisions", dates:"Early March 2027", tasks:[ { id:"t24", text:"Decisions released — review all offers" }, { id:"t25", text:"Enrol and notify other schools promptly" }, { id:"t26", text:"Start thinking about the Tate timeline — Fall 2029 K, process begins Spring 2028" }, ] }, ]; const TOUR_QS = [ { cat:"Location & logistics", qs:["Where do most families come from — is carpool realistic from our area?","Is after-school care or an extended day available?","Does the school offer bus transportation?","What does the school calendar look like — breaks, professional days?"] }, { cat:"Arts & enrichment", qs:["What arts specialist programs are available specifically in kindergarten?","How much time per week do kindergarteners spend in music, visual art, drama, or movement?","Are arts integrated across the curriculum or taught as standalone subjects?","What enrichment programs are offered beyond core arts?"] }, { cat:"Social-emotional culture",qs:["How is social and emotional development supported day-to-day?","How does the school encourage kindness, empathy, and conflict resolution?","How are disagreements or social difficulties between students handled?","How does the school communicate with parents when social issues arise?"] }, { cat:"Academic & AI-readiness", qs:["How does the school balance academic challenge with developmental readiness?","Does the school incorporate any thinking around AI, technology, and future skills?","How much project-based or self-directed learning happens at the K level?","How does the school encourage creative problem-solving and flexible thinking?"] }, { cat:"Community & family", qs:["What does parent involvement typically look like?","How does the school help new families feel integrated?","What qualities does the school hope students develop by the time they leave?","How would you describe the school culture in three words?"] }, ]; const STATUS_OPTIONS = ["Touring", "Applying", "Applied", "Skip"]; // LA atmosphere imagery — palm trees, hillside, golden hour // Sourced from window.__resources (set up by bundler) — falls back to direct paths in dev. const IMG = { hero: (typeof window !== "undefined" && window.__resources && window.__resources.heroImg) || "assets/la-hero.jpg", porter: (typeof window !== "undefined" && window.__resources && window.__resources.porterImg) || "assets/porter.png", field: (typeof window !== "undefined" && window.__resources && window.__resources.fieldImg) || "assets/field-bg.jpg", }; // ── KIDS — Porter is now, Tate is the next cycle ── const KIDS = [ { id:"porter", name:"Porter", age:5, targetYear:"Class of 2027", applyingFor:"Kindergarten — Fall 2027", image: (typeof window !== "undefined" && window.__resources && window.__resources.porterImg) || "assets/porter.png", tagline: "Curious, social, creative, and physical. He's our 'will join the LA scene.'", traits: [ { label:"Outgoing", note:"Walks into a room and finds his people fast." }, { label:"Creative", note:"Storytelling, drawing, building. Loses time to it." }, { label:"Sporty", note:"Wants to move. Outdoor time is non-negotiable." }, { label:"Considerate",note:"Notices when other kids are left out. Acts on it." }, { label:"Brave", note:"Tries new things first, asks questions later." }, ], hopes: [ "A school where his energy is welcomed, not managed.", "Teachers who push him academically without dampening the play.", "A peer group with range — different backgrounds, different interests.", ], watchouts: [ "Can read a room TOO well — sometimes performs over learns.", "Needs time to settle in groups bigger than 8 or 9.", ], }, { id:"tate", name:"Tate", age:1, targetYear:"Class of 2030", applyingFor:"Kindergarten — Fall 2030 (3 years away)", image: (typeof window !== "undefined" && window.__resources && window.__resources.tateImg) || "assets/tate.png", tagline: "Steady, observant, deeply attached. We don't know him fully yet — and that's the point.", traits: [ { label:"Watchful", note:"Studies the room before he joins it." }, { label:"Persistent", note:"Will work on a thing until it's solved." }, { label:"Affectionate", note:"Reads as cuddly and warm. Strong attachments." }, { label:"Curious", note:"Picks up a thing, turns it over, examines." }, { label:"Emerging", note:"He's 1. We're holding the picture loosely." }, ], hopes: [ "Wherever Porter lands becomes his path of least resistance.", "A school that welcomes a different kind of kid than his older brother.", "A community where the boys can grow together, not be compared.", ], watchouts: [ "Sibling preference is a real factor — but only if Porter is admitted first.", "Three years is enough time for him to become someone we don't yet know.", ], }, ]; // ── SIBLING / TATE PATHWAY per shortlisted school ── // Cross-references SHORTLIST.name. How likely Tate's pathway is, and what to confirm on tour. const SIBLING_PATHWAY = { "Center for Early Education": { strength:4, grades:"K–6", note:"Sibling preference is meaningful and explicit. Confirm policy specifics — usually 'considered with significant weight'. K–6 means Tate goes through the same cycle, but the door is materially more open." }, "Oakwood School": { strength:5, grades:"K–12", note:"Highest-leverage sibling pathway on the list. K–12 means Porter never reapplies; Tate's odds shift dramatically once Porter is enrolled." }, "Campbell Hall": { strength:4, grades:"K–12", note:"Sibling preference policy is real. Confirm on the tour. K–12 continuity removes a re-application cycle for Porter, simplifies Tate's path." }, "The Willows": { strength:3, grades:"K–5", note:"Sibling preference applies but the school ends at 5th — both kids will go through a 6th-grade application cycle eventually. Not a continuity bet, but the family-fit signal is strong if Porter is in." }, "St. James' Episcopal": { strength:3, grades:"K–6", note:"Sibling policy is in place but not as decisive as at Center or Oakwood. Worth asking the practical question — what % of K spots went to siblings last year?" }, "John Thomas Dye": { strength:2, grades:"K–6", note:"Highly selective even with sibling preference. K–6 means another full cycle. The sibling lift is real but smaller because the base rate is so low." }, "Crossroads School": { strength:5, grades:"K–12", note:"K–12 + sibling preference = one of the strongest pathway combinations on the list. Worth weighting heavily if Crossroads moves up after the tour." }, }; // ── WIDER FIELD: 24 schools beyond the shortlist, segmented by region ── const WIDER_FIELD = [ { region: "Westside", schools: [ { name:"Carlthorp School", loc:"Santa Monica", grades:"K–6", tuition:"$41,330", deadline:"Nov 1", lens:"Worth a look if you want a more academically structured anchor on the list. Less arts-forward than your shortlist but matriculation outcomes are excellent. Sporty culture, big sender to Harvard-Westlake.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"The most academic of the Westside options. Founded 1939, the oldest independent coed school in California. 6:1 ratio. Each day starts with Flag Line." }, { name:"Curtis School", loc:"Bel Air", grades:"DK–6", tuition:"~$38,000", deadline:"Nov 1 / 15", lens:"Genuinely worth considering for Porter given the sportiness. Bigger campus and athletics program than anything on your shortlist except Crossroads.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"25-acre Mulholland campus. Coed, balanced curriculum combining traditional core academics with arts and sports. A meaningful Harvard-Westlake feeder." }, { name:"Westside Neighborhood (WNS)", loc:"Playa Vista", grades:"PK–8", tuition:"$48,650", deadline:"Dec (priority)", lens:"One of the strongest 'no middle school stress' options. Geography-dependent. Tuition is all-inclusive, which is a real differentiator.", pedagogy:"Developmental-progressive", note:"Opens new 5-acre Playa Vista campus Fall 2026. Three K classrooms of 20, two teachers per class. K to 8 means no middle-school admissions cycle." }, { name:"PS1 Pluralistic School", loc:"Santa Monica", grades:"K–6", tuition:"~$41–44k", deadline:"Dec 12", lens:"Real progressive culture, similar in feel to The Willows but smaller. Worth a tour if you want a Westside progressive option closer in than Wildwood.", pedagogy:"Genuinely progressive", note:"Founded 1971. Pluralism is the explicit philosophy. K taught with five specialist teachers on top of the homeroom. ~32% of families on tuition assistance." }, { name:"Wildwood School", loc:"Mar Vista", grades:"K–12", tuition:"$46,190", deadline:"December", lens:"If you love what you hear about The Willows philosophically, Wildwood is its bigger K to 12 cousin. Same progressive DNA. Strong AI-era pedagogy fit.", pedagogy:"Genuinely progressive", note:"The most explicitly progressive school on this brief. Project-based, narrative assessments through 5th. 50–60 K spots/year." }, { name:"Echo Horizon School", loc:"Culver City", grades:"PK–6", tuition:"~$40k", deadline:"Early Jan", lens:"Often described as a 'hidden gem' on the Westside. Same neighborhood as The Willows, similar price, less progressive tilt.", pedagogy:"Developmental-progressive", note:"Notable Hearing Impaired program integrating deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Strong arts integration. Smaller, intimate." }, { name:"Brentwood School", loc:"Brentwood", grades:"K–12", tuition:"~$48–52k", deadline:"Nov 3", lens:"More buttoned-up than your shortlist. The most polished version of K to 12 continuity + serious athletics on the Westside.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Lower school ~300 students K to 5, 7:1 ratio (3:1 in K). ~$10M annual financial aid. K to 12 means no middle-school admissions stress." }, { name:"Westland School", loc:"Encino", grades:"K–6", tuition:"$32,400", deadline:"Dec 7", lens:"The most authentically progressive small school on the Westside. Genuinely different vibe (rural in feel, despite Encino).", pedagogy:"Genuinely progressive", note:"Opened 1949 as the first progressive school on the West Coast, founded on Dewey's philosophy. Organic edible garden, chickens, outdoor education core." }, { name:"Berkeley Hall", loc:"Beverly Glen", grades:"PK–8", tuition:"$43,500", deadline:"Jan 21", lens:"Geography is the question (Beverly Glen, between Sherman Oaks and Bel Air). The campus is one of the most spectacular in LA.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Beautiful 66-acre canyon campus. Independent, not religious despite Christian Science origins. Does not require ISEE." }, { name:"Mirman School", loc:"Bel Air", grades:"K–8", tuition:"~$50k+", deadline:"LAIS", lens:"Only relevant if Porter tests in. Mirman culture is intense in a way that suits some highly-gifted kids and is wrong for others.", pedagogy:"Specialty (gifted)", note:"Highly gifted only. IQ 138+ required. Strong feeder to Harvard-Westlake." }, { name:"Park Century", loc:"Culver City", grades:"K–8", tuition:"$55,120", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Only relevant if Porter shows learning-differences indicators. Worth knowing as a backstop.", pedagogy:"Specialty (LD)", note:"Language-based learning differences. Fully clinical: small classes, multisensory instruction, integrated speech and OT." }, { name:"Village School", loc:"Pacific Palisades", grades:"K–6", tuition:"~$35,000", deadline:"Dec 1", lens:"Smaller and more intimate than your shortlist. The fire context matters: the community is unusually tight right now.", pedagogy:"Developmental-progressive", note:"Founded 1977. ~290 students, 6:1 ratio. Curriculum around art, navigation, science, Dream Studio. Relocated post-Palisades fire." }, { name:"St. Matthew's Parish", loc:"Pacific Palisades", grades:"PS–8", tuition:"~$36–40k", deadline:"Dec 15", lens:"The third major Episcopal option in town and the strongest feeder of the three to Harvard-Westlake.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Episcopal, K to 8. Major Harvard-Westlake feeder ('sends droves of students annually')." }, ]}, { region: "Valley", schools: [ { name:"Wesley School", loc:"North Hollywood", grades:"K–8", tuition:"~$40–45k", deadline:"Mid-Jan", lens:"Same neighborhood as Oakwood. Meaningfully less competitive, very warm community, K to 8 continuity. Worth a comparative tour.", pedagogy:"Developmental-progressive", note:"Founded 1999. Methodist affiliation present but light. K admissions centers on a large group playdate in February. ~3 apps per K spot." }, { name:"Laurence School", loc:"Valley Glen", grades:"K–6", tuition:"$41,090", deadline:"Dec 22", lens:"Already on your radar — #2 most popular Wagon Wheel destination historically. Worth a tour given the established relationship.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"5-acre campus. 21st-century academic curriculum balanced with character and arts. Strong athletics. Notable character education program." }, { name:"Buckley School", loc:"Sherman Oaks", grades:"K–12", tuition:"$64,000", deadline:"Dec 10", lens:"Flat tuition matters: it gets cheaper relative to peers as Porter ages. K class size (22) is on the larger side.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Flat tuition K to 12 (unusual). 'Four-fold plan': academic, creative, physical, moral. Major full-aid program for families earning under $100k." }, { name:"Children's Community (CCS)", loc:"Van Nuys", grades:"TK–6", tuition:"$38,800", deadline:"Jan 31", lens:"Among the more affordable progressive options. Same pedagogy family as Wildwood and PS1 at a meaningfully lower price.", pedagogy:"Genuinely progressive", note:"Authentically progressive, inquiry-based, mission-driven. Real-world projects integrating reading, writing, math, science, arts." }, { name:"Highland Hall Waldorf", loc:"Northridge", grades:"K–12", tuition:"~$30k", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Only relevant if Waldorf philosophy resonates. Bigger commitment because the pedagogy is genuinely different.", pedagogy:"Specialty (Waldorf)", note:"Genuine Steiner-Waldorf curriculum. Biodynamic farm on campus. No screens early. Reading introduced later (Grade 1 or 2)." }, { name:"Wise School", loc:"Bel Air", grades:"PK–6", tuition:"~$40–44k", deadline:"Jan 29", lens:"Only relevant if a Jewish day school education is part of what you want. The largest and most established option.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Reform Jewish day school. WASC-accredited. 5 Star Award for Gifted Programming. Hebrew immersion." }, { name:"Pressman Academy", loc:"Mid-City", grades:"K–8", tuition:"~$30–35k", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Only relevant if Jewish day school is part of the picture. Listed for completeness.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Conservative Jewish K to 8 affiliated with Temple Beth Am. Smaller and more traditional than Wise." }, ]}, { region: "Hollywood / Central", schools: [ { name:"Hollywood Schoolhouse", loc:"Hollywood", grades:"K–6", tuition:"$33,000", deadline:"LAIS", lens:"One of the most accessible options on this brief in price. Worth a tour purely as a sanity check on what $33k vs $46k actually buys.", pedagogy:"Developmental-progressive", note:"Small (~140 students), 8:1 ratio. K is intentionally play- and observation-based. Built around joy and confidence." }, { name:"Pilgrim School", loc:"Koreatown", grades:"24mo–12", tuition:"~Low $30s", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Very different demographic mix than your shortlist. One of the most genuinely diverse K to 12 options in the city.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Founded 1958. Congregational. K to 12 continuity. 8:1 ratio. Spanish and Chinese language. The most ethnically and economically diverse on this brief." }, { name:"Westside Waldorf", loc:"Santa Monica", grades:"NK–8", tuition:"~$30–34k", deadline:"Dec 12", lens:"Only relevant if Waldorf appeals. Closer in geography than Highland Hall for Westside families.", pedagogy:"Specialty (Waldorf)", note:"Westside Waldorf, smaller and more accessible than Highland Hall. Follows LAIS calendar." }, ]}, { region: "Pasadena · for completeness", schools: [ { name:"Polytechnic School", loc:"Pasadena", grades:"K–12", tuition:"$47,100", deadline:"LAIS", lens:"Geography is the obstacle. If Pasadena were on the table, Poly would be a strong alternative to JTD on rigor with much stronger arts and culture.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Founded 1907. The most prestigious K to 12 in greater LA after Harvard-Westlake. 45 K spots/year. Top-3 college placement nationally." }, { name:"Mayfield Junior", loc:"Pasadena", grades:"K–8", tuition:"~$30–34k", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Only mentioned for completeness given Pasadena geography is unlikely to work.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Catholic K to 8 of the Holy Child Jesus tradition. 524 students, 8:1 ratio. Sends students to Polytechnic for high school regularly." }, { name:"Sequoyah School", loc:"Pasadena", grades:"K–12", tuition:"~$35–40k", deadline:"Standard", lens:"Pasadena equivalent of Wildwood or Crossroads. Mentioned for completeness.", pedagogy:"Genuinely progressive", note:"Founded 1958. 'Challenges the mind, nurtures the heart, celebrates human dignity.' Smaller and more values-driven than Poly." }, { name:"Chandler School", loc:"Pasadena", grades:"K–8", tuition:"~$26–32k", deadline:"Dec–Jan", lens:"More affordable than peers. Pasadena geography only.", pedagogy:"Balanced traditional", note:"Founded 1950. 450 students K to 8, 9:1 ratio. K admissions includes a developmental assessment via ILS." }, ]}, ]; // Tuition table — sorted ascending const TUITION_TABLE = [ { school:"Chandler", tuition:"~$26–32k", region:"Pasadena" }, { school:"Highland Hall Waldorf", tuition:"~$28–32k", region:"Valley" }, { school:"Westside Waldorf", tuition:"~$30–34k", region:"Santa Monica" }, { school:"Pressman Academy", tuition:"~$30–35k", region:"Mid-City" }, { school:"Mayfield Junior", tuition:"~$30–34k", region:"Pasadena" }, { school:"Pilgrim School", tuition:"~Low $30s", region:"Koreatown" }, { school:"Westland School", tuition:"$32,400", region:"Encino" }, { school:"Hollywood Schoolhouse", tuition:"$33,000 / 36,800", region:"Hollywood" }, { school:"Village School", tuition:"~$35,000", region:"Pac. Palisades" }, { school:"Sequoyah School", tuition:"~$35–40k", region:"Pasadena" }, { school:"St. Matthew's Parish", tuition:"~$36–40k", region:"Pac. Palisades" }, { school:"Curtis School", tuition:"~$38,000", region:"Bel Air" }, { school:"St. James' Episcopal", tuition:"$38,315", region:"Mid-Wilshire" }, { school:"Children's Community", tuition:"$38,800", region:"Van Nuys" }, { school:"Echo Horizon", tuition:"~$40,000", region:"Culver City" }, { school:"Wesley School", tuition:"~$40–45k", region:"N. Hollywood" }, { school:"Wise School", tuition:"~$40–44k", region:"Bel Air" }, { school:"Center for Early Ed.", tuition:"~$40,900", region:"W. Hollywood" }, { school:"Laurence School", tuition:"$41,090", region:"Valley Glen" }, { school:"PS1 Pluralistic", tuition:"~$41–44k", region:"Santa Monica" }, { school:"Carlthorp", tuition:"$41,330", region:"Santa Monica" }, { school:"The Willows", tuition:"$41,350", region:"Culver City" }, { school:"John Thomas Dye", tuition:"$41,818", region:"Bel Air" }, { school:"Berkeley Hall", tuition:"$43,500", region:"Beverly Glen" }, { school:"Oakwood School", tuition:"$45,990", region:"N. Hollywood" }, { school:"Wildwood School", tuition:"$46,190", region:"Mar Vista" }, { school:"Crossroads", tuition:"$46,694", region:"Santa Monica" }, { school:"Polytechnic", tuition:"$47,100", region:"Pasadena" }, { school:"Brentwood School", tuition:"~$48–52k", region:"Brentwood" }, { school:"Westside Neighborhood", tuition:"$48,650", region:"Playa Vista" }, { school:"Mirman School", tuition:"~$50k+", region:"Bel Air" }, { school:"Park Century", tuition:"$55,120", region:"Culver City" }, { school:"Buckley School", tuition:"$64,000", region:"Sherman Oaks" }, ]; // Pedagogy spectrum bands const PEDAGOGY = [ { band:"Genuinely progressive", desc:"Dewey lineage. Project-based, big questions, narrative assessment. Student agency. Reading taught when developmentally appropriate.", schools:["Wildwood","PS1","The Willows","Westland","Children's Community"] }, { band:"Developmental-progressive", desc:"The dominant lane in LA private K–6. Warm classrooms, arts integration, project-based with more recognizable academic structure. Most thoughtful LA families end up here.", schools:["Center for Early Ed.","Oakwood","Crossroads","Wesley","Echo Horizon","Hollywood Schoolhouse","Village","WNS"] }, { band:"Balanced traditional", desc:"Morning assemblies, structured curriculum, clearer behavioral expectations, explicit academic measurement. Strongest college placement records and sports programs.", schools:["Carlthorp","Curtis","John Thomas Dye","Brentwood","Polytechnic","Laurence","Buckley","Campbell Hall","St. James'","St. Matthew's","Berkeley Hall","Wise","Pilgrim","Mayfield","Chandler"] }, { band:"Specialty pedagogies", desc:"Different pedagogical worlds. Worth knowing they exist, but only relevant if the philosophy resonates or Porter's profile maps to a specialty.", schools:["Highland Hall (Waldorf)","Westside Waldorf","Mirman (gifted)","Park Century (LD)"] }, ]; // Continuity buckets const CONTINUITY = [ { type:"K–12 (no transition)", note:"Porter would not need to apply again until college. The LA middle-school cycle is widely described as more stressful than college. Avoiding it has real value.", schools:["Brentwood","Buckley","Crossroads","Oakwood","Polytechnic","Pilgrim","Wildwood","Sequoyah"] }, { type:"K–8 (one transition, 9th)", note:"One admissions cycle in 8th grade for 9th. Less stressful than the 6→7 cycle but still real.", schools:["WNS","Wesley","Mayfield","Chandler","Highland Hall","Westside Waldorf","Berkeley Hall","Pressman","St. Matthew's","Mirman","Park Century"] }, { type:"K–6 (LAIS standard)", note:"Apply to middle school in 5th–6th grade. Upside: 6th-grade applications get the benefit of full lower-school reputation. Downside: another round of stress in 2032.", schools:["Center","Campbell Hall*","The Willows","St. James'","JTD","Carlthorp","Curtis","Laurence","Westland","CCS","PS1","Echo Horizon","Hollywood Schoolhouse","Village","Wise"] }, ]; // Three concrete suggestions const SUGGESTIONS = [ { num:"01", title:"Add Carlthorp and WNS to your tour list.", body:"Carlthorp gives you an academic-traditional comparison point (more academic than Center, less than JTD) in Santa Monica. WNS gives you a K to 8 progressive option with a brand-new campus and the no-middle-school-stress story. Both are within radius and likely admissions-feasible given the Wagon Wheel pipeline." }, { num:"02", title:"Drop one of St. James' or JTD if you are at capacity.", body:"Five to six tours is plenty. If Carlthorp scratches the academic-rigor itch, JTD is duplicative. If Hollywood Schoolhouse or CCS scratches the SEL-warm-community-affordable-tuition itch, St. James' is duplicative. Lean over completionist." }, { num:"03", title:"Push on sibling preference and K–8/12 continuity.", body:"The variable that compounds across both kids is admissions stress. Every K–6 school means two more cycles. Every K–12 school means zero. Ask at every tour: 'How does sibling preference work in practice, and what does the middle-school cycle feel like for your families?'" }, ]; // Strategic considerations const STRATEGY = [ { eyebrow:"How many", title:"Apply to four to six. Five is the sweet spot.", body:"The standard advice is to apply to at least four to five schools where you would genuinely be happy. Five lets you signal a top choice, hedge geographically, hedge philosophically, and have a real fallback." }, { eyebrow:"Top choice", title:"Use your top-choice signal carefully.", body:"Signal your number one only to your number one, in writing, after the assessment but before decisions. Your second choice should hear they are 'one of our top two' but not be told they are number one." }, { eyebrow:"The essay trap", title:"The 'greatest challenges' question.", body:"The bad answer minimizes ('Porter has had no real challenges'); the worse answer projects ('he's too smart for his peers'). The good answer names a real, specific, age-appropriate challenge and shows the parenting work around it. Mike and Ruth offer to review this — take them up on it." }, { eyebrow:"Sibling preference", title:"Real, but not automatic.", body:"Most schools have explicit policies, but they are not guarantees. Ask on every tour: 'How does it work practically? Of 50 K spots, how many typically go to siblings?' At the most popular schools the answer is sometimes 'half'." }, { eyebrow:"Aid", title:"Financial aid is more available than reputation suggests.", body:"21–32% of students at these schools receive aid (Wildwood ~21–25%, PS1 ~32%, Crossroads supports 1 in 4 with $10M+ annually). Even at full pay, schools want socioeconomic diversity. Ask early; it is not a red flag." }, ]; // Market context const MARKET = [ { eyebrow:"LAIS calendar", title:"The consortium that runs the calendar.", body:"60+ member schools share notification (Mar 13, 2026) and reply (Mar 20) dates. Two LAIS Admissions Fairs run in spring. Application deadlines are not standardized — most fall Nov 1 to Jan 12, with JTD, Brentwood, Carlthorp early (Nov 1–3) and Wesley, St. James', Wise late (mid-January)." }, { eyebrow:"Wagon Wheel", title:"You are inside one of the most efficient feeder pipelines in the city.", body:"Oakwood is consistently #1, Laurence #2, Center #3, St. James' #4. Mike and Ruth's relationships with admissions directors are real currency. The family network is the biggest non-academic factor in your favor." }, { eyebrow:"The math", title:"~3 applications per K spot at most schools, 4–6 at the most selective.", body:"Wesley publicly states ~3 apps per K spot. The most selective (Center, JTD, Mirman, Polytechnic, Carlthorp) typically run 4–6. Published acceptance rates blend across all grades and overstate accessibility at K. Apply to four to six where you'd be genuinely happy." }, { eyebrow:"K is the door", title:"Grades 1–5 are 'non-entry'.", body:"Most LA independents fill 40–70 K spots a year. After that, space only opens through attrition. Applying in K is materially easier than waiting — and matters for Tate too, because most schools have explicit sibling preference." }, ]; // ─── EVENTS / CALENDAR ──────────────────────────────────────────── // Today is anchored to Apr 6 2026 in this prototype. // Events have: id, dateISO, kind (tour|fair|deadline|notification|reply|info), school (matches SHORTLIST.name or null), title, time, location, note const EVENTS = [ // Past — already happened (so the "next up" + recent activity work) { id:"e-stj-pe", dateISO:"2026-04-02", kind:"info", school:"St. James' Episcopal", title:"Parent evening", time:"6:30 PM", location:"On campus, Mid-Wilshire", note:"Casual Q&A with the head of lower school. Already attended.", done:true }, { id:"e-cee-tour",dateISO:"2026-03-26", kind:"tour", school:"Center for Early Education", title:"Campus tour", time:"9:30 AM", location:"West Hollywood", note:"Already toured. Notes captured under Center.", done:true }, // Upcoming { id:"e-mike-dinner",dateISO:"2026-04-30", kind:"info", school:null, title:"Dinner with Mike & Ruth", time:"6:00 PM", location:"Alba, West Hollywood", note:"Their boys are at Crossroads (8th) and Brentwood (5th). They've been through this gauntlet — bring the question list and ask about backchannels, head letters, and what they'd do differently. Tap the card to open the question set.", linkTo:"questions" }, { id:"e-laisfair",dateISO:"2026-04-09", kind:"fair", school:null, title:"LAIS Admissions Fair", time:"5:00–7:30 PM", location:"Crossroads, Santa Monica", note:"All seven shortlist schools confirmed plus most of the wider field. Two-hour drop-in." }, { id:"e-oak-tour",dateISO:"2026-04-15", kind:"tour", school:"Oakwood School", title:"Campus tour", time:"9:00 AM", location:"North Hollywood", note:"Lower school tour, ~90 min. Mike has flagged you to admissions." }, { id:"e-cmh-tour",dateISO:"2026-04-22", kind:"tour", school:"Campbell Hall", title:"Campus tour", time:"10:00 AM", location:"Studio City", note:"Lower school + arts walkthrough." }, { id:"e-wil-tour",dateISO:"2026-05-06", kind:"tour", school:"The Willows", title:"Campus tour", time:"9:30 AM", location:"Culver City", note:"Small group tour. Project-based learning demo." }, { id:"e-cro-tour",dateISO:"2026-05-13", kind:"tour", school:"Crossroads School", title:"Campus tour", time:"10:00 AM", location:"Santa Monica", note:"Ask about K–12 continuity and sibling policy for Tate." }, { id:"e-jtd-tour",dateISO:"2026-05-20", kind:"tour", school:"John Thomas Dye", title:"Campus tour", time:"9:00 AM", location:"Bel Air", note:"Most academically-forward visit. Bring questions on differentiation." }, { id:"e-laisfair2",dateISO:"2026-05-28",kind:"fair", school:null, title:"LAIS Admissions Fair (2)", time:"5:00–7:30 PM", location:"Marlborough, Hancock Park", note:"Second consortium fair of the spring." }, { id:"e-app-open",dateISO:"2026-09-01", kind:"info", school:null, title:"Applications open", time:"All day", location:"Online", note:"Most schools open the K application portal early September." }, { id:"e-jtd-dl", dateISO:"2026-11-01", kind:"deadline", school:"John Thomas Dye", title:"Application deadline", time:"11:59 PM", location:"Online", note:"Earliest deadline on your list." }, { id:"e-cro-dl", dateISO:"2026-12-15", kind:"deadline", school:"Crossroads School", title:"Application deadline", time:"11:59 PM", location:"Online", note:"" }, { id:"e-stj-dl", dateISO:"2027-01-12", kind:"deadline", school:"St. James' Episcopal", title:"Application deadline", time:"11:59 PM", location:"Online", note:"Latest deadline on the shortlist." }, { id:"e-notif", dateISO:"2027-03-13", kind:"notification", school:null, title:"LAIS notification day", time:"All day", location:"All consortium schools", note:"Coordinated notification across 60+ schools." }, { id:"e-reply", dateISO:"2027-03-20", kind:"reply", school:null, title:"LAIS reply day", time:"All day", location:"All consortium schools", note:"Decisions due back to schools." }, ]; // ─── QUIZ — 'What we want from a school' ────────────────────────── // Slider quiz: each criterion 1–10. Each parent independently. Then story prompts. const CRITERIA = [ { id:"academic", label:"Academic rigor", desc:"Pace, expectations, depth at K." }, { id:"sel", label:"Social-emotional core", desc:"How seriously the school treats SEL." }, { id:"arts", label:"Arts integration", desc:"How embedded arts are across the day." }, { id:"ai", label:"Future / AI readiness", desc:"Project-based learning, agency, adaptability." }, { id:"sport", label:"Athletics culture", desc:"How seriously the school takes sport at K and beyond." }, { id:"community",label:"Parent community", desc:"Warmth, involvement, the people Porter and Tate grow up around." }, { id:"continuity",label:"K–12 continuity", desc:"Avoiding a middle-school cycle, especially with Tate behind." }, { id:"location", label:"Location / commute", desc:"How much daily logistics matter to your life." }, { id:"diversity",label:"Diversity (race, class, neurotype)", desc:"How important demographic and learning diversity is." }, { id:"values", label:"Values alignment", desc:"Religious, secular, progressive, traditional." }, ]; // Reflection prompts (story-driven, conversational) — answered separately, then compared const STORY_PROMPTS = [ { id:"age10", label:"Imagine Porter at age 10 — what does a great Tuesday look like?", placeholder:"He's halfway through fifth grade. What is he doing, who is he with, how does he feel walking home?" }, { id:"avoid", label:"What do you most want to avoid?", placeholder:"Be specific. Pressure? Conformity? A particular kind of culture?" }, { id:"win", label:"If we get this right, what's true in 5 years?", placeholder:"What's different about Porter, you, your family if school is the right fit?" }, { id:"deal", label:"One non-negotiable.", placeholder:"The single thing that, if a school can't deliver, takes them off the list." }, { id:"lighten", label:"One thing you're willing to compromise on.", placeholder:"Where can a school fall short and still be a great fit?" }, ]; // 'About Porter' — what we think our son is. Jamie + Tom answer separately, then together. const PORTER_PROMPTS = [ { id:"strengths", label:"Three words that describe Porter at his best.", placeholder:"e.g. curious, generous, bold" }, { id:"struggles", label:"Where does he most need support?", placeholder:"What's hard for him? What does he avoid?" }, { id:"loves", label:"What does he love so much he loses time to it?", placeholder:"The thing where the world disappears for him." }, { id:"social", label:"How does he handle a group of new kids?", placeholder:"Walks in confident? Hangs back? Finds one person?" }, { id:"learning", label:"How does he learn best?", placeholder:"Doing? Watching? Stories? Side-by-side with you?" }, { id:"future", label:"What kind of teenager do we hope he becomes?", placeholder:"Aim high. Specific is better than aspirational." }, ]; Object.assign(window, { SHORTLIST, PHASES, TOUR_QS, STATUS_OPTIONS, IMG, KIDS, SIBLING_PATHWAY, WIDER_FIELD, TUITION_TABLE, PEDAGOGY, CONTINUITY, SUGGESTIONS, STRATEGY, MARKET, EVENTS, CRITERIA, STORY_PROMPTS, PORTER_PROMPTS });