History of the Children's School

Two sisters Ada Mae and Imelda Brooks built La Loma House in 1906. Ada Mae was the Director of the first public kindergarten in Pasadena, and therefore; became well known for her understanding approach with young children.  In 1907, the Brooks sisters were asked to care for a newborn infant by his terminally ill mother.  Very soon, the sisters were caring for several orphaned infants and La Loma House became known as a Resident Home for Infants and Young Children.

Within a few years, Ada Mae and Imelda established a kindergarten and primary school for the original orphaned children.  When the Brooks sisters were looking toward retirement in 1931, they deeded the school to Whittier College and it became known as the Broadoaks School. In 1945 the school was purchased by seven Quaker families and re-named Pacific Oaks Friends School. Today, Pacific Oaks Children's School continues to practice the founding principles of equality, harmony, simplicity and community.