Alpha Santa Monica is launching in Fall 2026.
Join us for an info session, and see firsthand why Alpha is ranked among the best private schools thanks to its groundbreaking learning model.
When choosing a school, nothing matters more than hearing from families just like yours.
These Alpha parents share how their children gained confidence, learned faster, and rediscovered their love of school.
In one evening, you’ll see how Alpha kids learn twice as fast, meet guides, and talk with parents whose kids are already thriving. Walk away knowing whether Alpha is the right fit for your child.
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Alpha Santa Monica
Dr. Tasha Arnold is a dynamic educational leader with extensive experience in American and international schools across the US, Europe, and Asia. She has spent her career transforming schools, implementing innovative learning models, and fostering personalized educational experiences that empower students to reach their highest potential. She has taught at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, specializing in IB/AP Sciences and Learning Support across various curriculums (USA, UK, IB, and AP).
I joined Alpha because I believe in redefining education. Personalization, hands-on learning, and skill development are the pillars of a truly impactful education. Alpha’s approach aligns with my vision of ensuring every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a way that is uniquely suited to them.
As Lead Guide of Alpha Santa Monica, Derek believes that every kid has limitless potential. A UCLA Honors grad and Teach for America alum, he has taught 6th grade math in Oakland, led philosophy classrooms, and built an outdoor program that has trained 100+ students in mountaineering and avalanche rescue. He has also scaled education products with world-class performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais. From classrooms to summits, Derek challenges students to tackle the impossible.
Fau is a Chicago native with a background in global education and student advising across five countries. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame and a MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS. Fau’s passion for empowering learners to grow with confidence, curiosity, and purpose drew her to the Alpha mission. As a guide, she is excited to bring her global perspective and creativity to help students thrive not only in school but in life beyond it.
Steve Jobs once said, 'Stay hungry. Stay foolish,' and it has stuck with me since. Never be afraid to try new and hard things, because making mistakes and learning from them is the only path that has ever led to real growth and success.
Taylor Swift’s path prior to Alpha has taken her through education, athletics, entertainment, and several countries along the way. She earned a B.A. in Politics, Hispanic Studies, and International Studies from Oberlin College, where she graduated with Honors in Politics, received departmental awards in Politics and Hispanic Studies, and competed in varsity field hockey, lacrosse, and track. She later lived in Spain for five years, earned a bilingual Master’s in Advertising Communication, taught English, and played field hockey for a club in Madrid. Before joining Alpha, Taylor spent more than eight years coaching swimming and field hockey, teaching private lessons, working as a substitute and online ESL teacher, and leading private and group fitness training. She also worked for two years as a Digital Production Coordinator for The Daily Show and studied improv at Upright Citizens Brigade and comedy writing at The Second City. Across these roles, Taylor has loved helping people build confidence, take on challenges, and surpass what they think they are capable of.
Will Robbins’ passion for education began at an early age. He grew up around his mom’s preschool, where he started working part-time at 14 and later worked full-time while completing his master’s degree. Those experiences gave him an early appreciation for the impact education can have on young people and helped shape his passion for working with students. Will earned his B.A. in Psychology and Master of Education (Ed.M.) from Rutgers University. Before joining Alpha Santa Monica, he taught high school U.S. History, IB Economics, and AP Government in New Jersey, where he also coached soccer and wrestling. Outside the classroom, Will has coached youth soccer, jiu-jitsu, and ski racing. Across each of these roles, Will has been most energized by helping kids take on challenges, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of, both as students and as people.
Pavel Lieb’s path to Alpha has taken him through science, education, experiential learning, and school leadership. He earned a B.S. in Molecular Biology and began his career in scientific research, including coordinating a DNA sequencing facility and working in a Human Genome Project lab. He later earned an M.A. in Education and spent more than 20 years working in independent schools, primarily as a science teacher and educational leader. He taught science across grades 6–12, developed new courses, and designed experiential education programs that took students beyond the traditional classroom. He eventually moved into school leadership, serving as a Principal at a K–8 school. Throughout his career, Pavel has been most energized by helping students move from learning about something to actually doing something with it. He joined Alpha because he is excited by the opportunity to rethink what school can be and help students develop not only knowledge, but also the agency, curiosity, resilience, and confidence to use it.
Sarah Moore is the Director of Admissions at Alpha School’s Santa Monica campus. With 20+ years as a teacher specializing in gifted education and six years in admissions and school leadership, she is passionate about helping families find the right educational fit and introducing them to Alpha’s innovative approach to learning.
Yari has worked in education for over 7 years — as a teacher assistant, 2nd grade teacher, and K-8 literacy interventionist. She now serves as a Reading Specialist and guide for LL students at Alpha across multiple cities, passionate about pushing students beyond their limits and astounded by kids’ development, capabilities, and humor. Outside of work, she competes in local pickleball tournaments and enjoys hiking, the beach, reading, journaling, and Zumba. She’s especially fond of cuddling with her dog, Chi Chi.
Aidan is one of our middle school guides here at Alpha Santa Monica. He's originally from Boston and graduated from the University of San Diego, where he balanced Academics with collegiate athletics and continued with his passion for coaching and mentoring the youth through sports. He spent time as a senior consultant at Deloitte, building strong problem-solving and communication skills, but he always found himself drawn back to working with students through coaching, camps, and mentorship. He's extremely excited to be at Alpha, where he can combine those experiences to help students grow both in and out of the classroom. Outside of school, you'll usually find him outdoors exploring, playing sports, or in the kitchen working on his culinary skills. He loves learning and believes the best learning happens when students feel supported, stay curious, and aren't afraid to make mistakes while growing.
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