[2] WNS is notable for a program of "Family Groups," collections of students from all grades who meet several times a year during school hours to work as a team on projects such as dramatic programs, organizing school functions, and work on community service projects.

These joint efforts unite the students into a community unlimited by age and grade levels.

Through the school year ending in 2005, WNS was Westchester Neighborhood School, located in south Westchester directly under the final approaches of aircraft landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), hence the "Jets" nickname used by the school's athletic teams.

In September 2005 classes resumed in a vastly improved 50,000-square-foot (4,600 m2) facility in Playa Vista.

WNS added a second building to its campus in 2010 featuring additional space for performing arts, Spanish, and choral music.