Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary
Early in 1971, Paul Cummins and Rhoda Makoff—then headmaster and assistant headmaster, respectively, at the elementary school St. Augustine by-the-Sea in Santa Monica—laid out their vision for a new school, essentially re-imagining what a school could be. In the first Crossroads brochure, they wrote:
“The Crossroads School seeks to imbue each student with a respect for learning, with an awareness of the valuable traditions of the past, with a sense of social commitment and concern for the future of man, and with a sense of his unique, personal worth.”
Fifty years later, Paul and Rhoda’s words (male pronouns aside), still describe Crossroads’ DNA. Their vision has provided a steady foundation for the School over time because it allows for evolution and innovation.
A look back at the history of Crossroads reveals 50 years of moving forward. Thoughtful questioning, open dialogue, risk-taking and social responsibility have led the School to create new solutions, to grow and to flourish. For five decades, Crossroads has pushed boundaries to respond to an ever-changing world and remained at the forefront of progressive education.
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Who Are Paul and Rhoda?
Who are Paul and Rhoda?Click here -
Mary Ann and Paul Cummins’ Love Story
Mary Ann and Paul Cummins’ Love StoryClick here
Celebrating 50 Years
Why the Kaleidoscope?
For 50 years, Crossroads has been not just a school, but a movement for good.
Our 50th anniversary logo, designed by Alicia Patel of Golden Design Studio, reimagines the Crossroads X as light reflected through a kaleidoscope. A vivid, ever-changing interplay of art and science, it’s a fitting symbol for Crossroads, where we continue to seek out complexity, evolution and innovation.
A look back at the School’s founding and growth in the 1970s recalls the vision required to start a new school as well as the pioneering experience of the students, families, teachers and administrators who brought it to life. It wasn’t an easy project, but it was fueled by the idea that school could be reinvented to better serve the lives of students and the greater community. The spirit of curiosity and invention of the early years has served as the foundation for the School’s continuing development and remains at the heart of the Crossroads experience.
50 Years Forward
Through the Decades
Celebrate With Us
What’s Happening!
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Spring 2022
Roadrunner Hall of Fame Celebration -
Winter 2022
Leading Forward: Council Training, Level 1 Workshops -
Dec. 3, 2021
Parent (In the Alley) Party -
Sept. 8, 2021
Sam Francis GalleryAlumni Biennial Art Exhibition, “Glance Back, Forge Forward,” Opens
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Celebrating 50 Years
Community Reflections
Over the past 50 years, Crossroads has celebrated the act of self-reflection. Below is a look back at the many ways students, faculty, parents and alumni have reflected on the School itself.
We’d love to hear your stories and reflections, too, as we celebrate Crossroads 50th Anniversary. Please feel free to add to the collage. You can add written reflections, photos, videos, documents. Just click the plus (+) icon toward the bottom-right to get started! Don't forget to include your name and affiliation to Crossroads!
Note: There is an approval process before contributions get posted, so they will not show up right away.
We’d love to hear your stories and reflections, too, as we celebrate Crossroads 50th Anniversary. Please feel free to add to the collage. You can add written reflections, photos, videos, documents. Just click the plus (+) icon toward the bottom-right to get started! Don't forget to include your name and affiliation to Crossroads!
Note: There is an approval process before contributions get posted, so they will not show up right away.
Crossroads Then and Now
By-the-Numbers
Crossroads School’s growth over the last three decades is striking. While Crossroads was founded on big ideas like student-centered education and whole-child development, the initial scale of the operation was decidedly small.
The numbers show the School’s consistent expansion of innovative programming and demonstrate its founding commitment to a socially, economically and racially diverse student body. The consistent growth is a testament to the School’s philosophy as a foundation both strong and flexible enough to withstand the pressures of increasing enrollment, and to the leadership that has kept the philosophy at the forefront of decision-making for fifty years.
Show Your School Spirit
Merchandise Store
Our new Crossroads School merchandise store is now open! New products! New 50th Anniversary logo! New mascot logo! Check it out, and show your Crossroads spirit.
Support Crossroads
Make a Gift
Thanks to generations of donors, Crossroads has been able to flourish and grow into one of the premier independent schools in the nation.
All that our students enjoy today is made possible by the vision and generosity of parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, friends, faculty and staff who believe an investment in our School is a worthy commitment. Please consider making your gift today.
