Interview series
Who is Areté?
If you’re a curious parent like me – or a student looking for an awesome school or an educator inquiring about fresh new educational models, you may be wondering what fabulous things are cooking over at this relatively young independent micro school on the Westside of Los Angeles.
My kid just started as a high school freshman and is loving it. But truth be told, he gives me jack in details of his days at school. So, of course, I find myself wishing to be a fly on the wall – or a bird on the window ledge – listening and watching what conspires during the school day to make him so happy and engaged. Yes, the bird analogy is much better. The mama bird following junior bird out of the nest when she should be focused on her own tasks, like being the early bird to get the worm or something like that! Sheesh.
And hence, this interview series. So we can all breathe and get to know the people at Areté – the students, teachers, staff, and alumni – that make this community as wonderful as it is. Enjoy!
Nicole Schubert, Areté Parent


Congrats to Katie! on Winning 2nd Place in National E-Ethics Bowl Intramurals Essay Contest
We are so proud of Katie, Areté Senior, on winning Second Place in the National E-Ethics Bowl Intramurals Essay Contest Judged by the Columbia Law School Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity!
Here’s her essay concerning ethical considerations in the official government distribution of vaccines during COVID-19.

Max N., Areté 2014 Alumnus
How did your education make your life better?
I had a horrible experience at every school before Areté. The worst was middle school. This had to do with the way public schools were overcrowded and underfunded, as well as all the tests and not having relationships with teachers and always being disciplined.
I was always a very curious person, and I loved learning but I can’t remember learning much of anything in those kinds of environments. Many curious but unconventional learners end up thriving at Areté.

Leah, Areté Senior ’20
How are you different now from a few years ago? I am different now than I was before. It started at Areté because I learned to question things and not to believe everything that I think, hear, see, etc. Areté taught me that “why” or “how” should be the first things said when you have new ideas. I also learned how to respectfully debate a topic with someone who does not agree with me and the fact that a debate is not about winning but about educating.