Choosing a preschool on the Westside can feel overwhelming. Between waitlists, wildly different philosophies, and whispered recommendations at the park, it’s hard to know where to start. This guide brings everything into one place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive directory of preschools in Santa Monica, Venice, and Mar Vista — including addresses, age ranges, and general curriculum styles — so you can compare options clearly and confidently. Whether you’re looking for Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio-inspired, play-based, bilingual, faith-based, or something in between, this is your starting point.
Brentwood
Barefoot Atelier Preschool
www.barefootatelier.com
Barefoot Atelier Preschool is a Jewish, Reggio-inspired preschool serving families in the Brentwood area. The program blends project-based learning with hands-on exploration, incorporating animals, gardening, and creative arts into daily experiences. With a strong emphasis on community, inclusivity, and social-emotional development, Barefoot Atelier creates a warm, welcoming environment for children and families of all backgrounds.
Age requirement: 2+
Curriculum style: Jewish, Reggio-inspired, project-based preschool with strong emphasis on outdoor learning, animals, gardening, and creative exploration. Welcoming to families of all backgrounds.
Brentwood Presbyterian Church Preschool
www.bpcpreschool.com
Brentwood Presbyterian Church Preschool is a play-based early childhood program located in Brentwood serving children ages 2–5. The school focuses on nurturing the whole child through hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and age-appropriate academic foundations. Rooted in Christian values, the preschool emphasizes kindness, community, and building strong relationships in a warm, supportive environment.
Age requirement: Must be 2 years old by September 1
Curriculum style: Play-based, developmental preschool rooted in community values and exploration.
Brentwood Sunshine Preschool
www.brentwoodsunshinepreschool.com
Brentwood Sunshine Preschool is a play-based early childhood program located in Brentwood serving children ages 2–5. The school emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness within a nurturing, structured environment. With small class sizes and a strong sense of community, Brentwood Sunshine Preschool focuses on building confidence, independence, and strong foundational skills in the early years.
Age requirement: Must be 2 years, 8 months old and toilet trained by the start of school in September
Curriculum style: Play-based preschool emphasizing social-emotional growth, early literacy, and school readiness.
Crestwood Hills Preschool
www.crestwoodhillscoop.org
Crestwood Hills Preschool is a cooperative, play-based preschool located in Brentwood. Through its co-op model, parents actively participate in the classroom on a rotating basis alongside teachers. With a focus on social-emotional development, creativity, and outdoor exploration, Crestwood Hills fosters independence, resilience, and strong community connection.
Age requirement: Must be 2+ by September 1
Curriculum style: Cooperative, play-based preschool with strong outdoor focus and community involvement.
The Dandelion School
www.thedandelionschool.com/
The Dandelion School is a nature-informed, play-based preschool located in Brentwood. The program emphasizes outdoor exploration, creativity, and child-led learning, encouraging children to develop independence and confidence through hands-on experiences. With a strong focus on social-emotional growth and community connection, The Dandelion School fosters curiosity and resilience in a nurturing, thoughtfully designed environment.
Age requirement: Must be 18 months+
Curriculum style: Nature-informed, child-led early learning with emphasis on creativity and whole-child development.
Gan Chaya JECC
www.ganchaya.com
Gan Chaya Preschool is a Jewish early childhood program located in Brentwood serving children ages 2–5. The school offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates Jewish traditions, Hebrew language exposure, and holiday celebrations into daily learning. With an emphasis on social-emotional growth, hands-on exploration, and strong family partnerships, Gan Chaya creates a warm, community-centered environment for young learners.
Age requirement: Typically age 2 by September
Curriculum style: Jewish early childhood program integrating play-based learning with cultural and community traditions.
Montessori School of Brentwood
www.montessorischoolofbrentwood.com
Montessori School of Brentwood is a Montessori-based early childhood program located in Brentwood serving children approximately ages 2–6. The school follows traditional Montessori principles, offering mixed-age classrooms where children develop independence, concentration, and practical life skills through hands-on materials and self-directed learning. With a calm, structured environment and individualized instruction, the program supports both academic readiness and social-emotional development in the early years.
Age requirement: Must be 2+ by September
Curriculum style: Montessori education emphasizing independence, practical life skills, and mixed-age classrooms.
Private School Outcomes
Brentwood Sunshine Preschool has a great reputation within the LA independent school circuit, sending graduates to Brentwood School, John Thomas Dye, The Center for Early Education, Curtis School, and Carlthorp — all of which are among the most sought-after private elementaries on the Westside.
Crestwood Hills Preschool also has clear documented feeder paths. Crestwood Hills is one of the preschools from which students jockey for spots at The Willows Community School, and Crestwood Hills Co-Op sends scores of kids to The Willows, which is in turn a feeder to Crossroads and Windward.
Brentwood Presbyterian Church Preschool and Montessori School of Brentwood are well-regarded neighborhood schools. Families from these tend to apply to a mix of private elementaries across the Westside — Brentwood School, Carlthorp, The Willows, and Wildwood come up often — though they don’t have the same formalized feeder reputation as Sunshine or Crestwood Hills.
Barefoot Atelier, Gan Chaya, and The Dandelion School are smaller or newer programs. They don’t appear on published feeder lists, which doesn’t mean their graduates don’t attend competitive private elementary schools — but it may mean fewer long-standing admissions relationships compared to larger legacy feeders. Families coming from Jewish-affiliated preschools such as Gan Chaya or Barefoot Atelier sometimes pursue schools with strong Jewish community presence, while others apply widely across secular independent schools.
Mar Vista
Mar Vista Montessori & Infant Care Center
www.marvistamontessori.com
Mar Vista Montessori & Infant Care Center is a Montessori-based early childhood program serving families in the Mar Vista area. The school offers infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms designed around traditional Montessori principles, with mixed-age groupings and hands-on materials that encourage independence and self-directed learning. With a focus on practical life skills, concentration, and social-emotional development, Mar Vista Montessori provides a structured, nurturing environment for young children.
Age requirement: Infant program available; Montessori preschool typically begins at 2.5–3 years old
Curriculum style: Montessori method with mixed-age classrooms emphasizing independence, practical life skills, and hands-on learning.
New School-West
www.newschoolwest.com
New School-West is a Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool located in Mar Vista serving children ages 3–5. The program centers on inquiry-based, project-driven learning, where children explore ideas through collaboration, documentation, and creative expression. With thoughtfully designed classroom environments and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, New School-West fosters curiosity, independence, and a deep love of learning in the early years.
Age requirement: Must be 3+ September 1
Curriculum style: Reggio-inspired preschool emphasizing inquiry-based, project-driven learning and environment-as-teacher philosophy.
Free To Be Me Preschool
www.freetobemepreschool.com
Free To Be Me Preschool is a play-based early childhood program located in Mar Vista serving preschool-aged children. The school focuses on nurturing social-emotional development, creativity, and independence through hands-on exploration and age-appropriate academic foundations. With a warm, community-centered environment and small class sizes, Free To Be Me Preschool supports kindergarten readiness while honoring each child’s individual pace of growth.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5+ by September 1
Curriculum style: Play-based early childhood program focused on social-emotional growth, creativity, and kindergarten readiness.
Private School Outcomes
Mar Vista Montessori & Infant Care Center is a well-regarded neighborhood Montessori program, though it does not appear on published private school feeder lists. Families who wish to continue on a Montessori path often explore options like Montessori School of Brentwood (K–6). Others consider Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) in Culver City, which offers a Reggio-inspired early childhood program and continues through 8th grade. Families pursuing a more traditional independent school route typically apply broadly to schools such as Wildwood, Westland, and Turning Point.
New School-West is an established Reggio-inspired program that has been operating since the late 1990s. Its inquiry-based, project-driven philosophy tends to align naturally with progressive private elementaries on the Westside. Wildwood School (located nearby in Mar Vista), Westside Neighborhood School, and Oakwood are commonly mentioned among families coming from Reggio-style preschools in this area. Families seeking a more traditional academic structure sometimes also apply to schools like Turning Point or Carlthorp.
Free To Be Me Preschool is a small, intimate program (with a maximum of 14 children per day) known for its progressive, outdoor-focused, and social-emotional approach. That educational style often appeals to families who later pursue progressive independent schools such as Wildwood or Westside Neighborhood School, and in some cases strong LAUSD magnet programs. While it does not have the long-established feeder reputation of some larger Westside preschools, its graduates are generally well-prepared for child-centered, inquiry-based elementary environments.
Santa Monica
Big and Tiny 10th St
www.bigandtiny10thst.com
Big and Tiny 10th Street is a community-focused preschool in Santa Monica serving toddlers through early elementary ages. The program blends play-based learning with structured early academics, fostering social-emotional growth, creativity, and foundational literacy and math skills. With small class sizes and a strong emphasis on building confidence and independence, Big and Tiny creates a supportive environment that prepares children for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond.
Age requirement: must be 3 months for infant program, 18 months for “little school,” and 2 years for preschool
Curriculum style: Play-based with structured early academics and strong community focus.
Early Years School
www.theearlyyearsschool.com
The Early Years School is a play-based preschool located in Santa Monica serving toddlers and preschool-aged children. The program focuses on nurturing social-emotional development, independence, and curiosity through hands-on exploration and age-appropriate academic foundations. With small class sizes and a warm, structured environment, The Early Years School supports kindergarten readiness while honoring each child’s individual pace of growth.
Age requirement: 2-5 (though priority given to 3 years +)
Curriculum style: Play-based, developmentally focused with emphasis on independence and exploration.
Evergreen Community School
www.evergreencommunityschool.com
Evergreen Community School is a progressive, Reggio Emilia–inspired school in Santa Monica serving preschool through elementary students. The early childhood program emphasizes project-based, inquiry-driven learning where children explore ideas collaboratively through hands-on experiences and thoughtful documentation. With a strong focus on social-emotional development, creativity, and community engagement, Evergreen fosters critical thinking, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Age requirement: Must be 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Progressive, project-based, Reggio-inspired approach emphasizing collaboration and inquiry.
First Presbyterian Nursery School
www.first-pres.net
First Presbyterian Nursery School is a Reggio-inspired preschool located in Santa Monica serving children ages 2–5. The program emphasizes play-based, inquiry-driven learning where children explore ideas through hands-on experiences, creative expression, and collaborative projects. With a strong focus on social-emotional development and community, First Presbyterian Nursery School fosters curiosity, independence, and a joyful foundation for kindergarten readiness.
Age requirement: 2–5 years
Curriculum style: Reggio-inspired, play-based program emphasizing creativity and exploration.
FUMC Preschool & TK of Santa Monica
1008 11th St, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Age requirement: Must be 2 years old by September
Curriculum style: Faith-based, play-based early childhood program with structured TK option.
Garden of Angels School
www.garden-of-angels.com
Garden of Angels School is a private preschool and elementary school in Santa Monica offering a project-based, hands-on approach to early learning. The preschool program emphasizes creativity, social-emotional development, and foundational academic skills within a nurturing, small-class environment. With a focus on individualized attention and community connection, Garden of Angels supports children’s confidence, independence, and readiness for the next stage of learning.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Project-based, hands-on learning with strong emphasis on creativity and community.
Hill & Dale (various locations)
www.hillndale.org
Hill & Dale Family Learning Center is a play-based early childhood program in Santa Monica serving infants through preschool-aged children. The school focuses on nurturing social-emotional development, independence, and confidence through hands-on exploration and structured classroom routines. With small class sizes and a warm, community-centered environment, Hill & Dale supports kindergarten readiness while honoring each child’s individual pace of growth.
Age requirement: Must be 2 years old by September
Curriculum style: Play-based program emphasizing independence and structured classroom learning.
Kigala Preschool
www.kigala.org/
Kigala Preschool is a Santa Monica early childhood program serving toddlers and preschool-aged children. The school blends play-based learning with elements of international and language enrichment, fostering creativity, independence, and global awareness from an early age. With an emphasis on social-emotional development and hands-on exploration, Kigala provides a nurturing environment that supports both kindergarten readiness and whole-child growth.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Holistic, play-based environment with emphasis on language, art, and early academics.
Little Dolphins by the Sea
https://www.littledolphins.org
Little Dolphins by the Sea is a play-based early childhood program that emphasizes a nurturing, child-centered environment with strong roots in social-emotional development and experiential learning. With a focus on exploration, creativity, and connection to nature, the program supports early independence while maintaining a warm, community-oriented atmosphere that appeals to families seeking a progressive preschool foundation.
Age requirement: 2+ by September
Curriculum style: Play-based early childhood education with progressive, child-led elements and an emphasis on social-emotional growth and experiential learning.
Maple Tree Academy
www.mtacademy.com
Maple Tree Academy is a Reggio-, RIE-, and Soka-inspired early childhood program with campuses across the Westside, including Santa Monica and Mar Vista. Serving infants through Transitional Kindergarten, the school emphasizes respectful caregiving, child-led exploration, and strong social-emotional development. With thoughtfully prepared environments and a focus on independence, creativity, and community, Maple Tree Academy supports the whole child from the earliest years.
Age requirement: Infant options available, must be 2.5 years old for preschool program
Curriculum style: RIE- and Reggio-inspired program emphasizing child-led exploration and respectful caregiving.
Maohr Hatorah Synagogue & Preschool
Maohr Hatorah Preschool is a Jewish early childhood program in Santa Monica serving preschool-aged children. The school offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates Judaic learning, Hebrew language exposure, and holiday traditions into daily classroom experiences. With an emphasis on social-emotional growth, hands-on exploration, and strong community values, Maohr Hatorah provides a warm, nurturing environment for young learners.
Age requirement: Typically 2 by September
Curriculum style: Integrated Judaic and general early childhood curriculum in a play-based environment.
Montana Preschool & Toddlers
www.montanapreschoolsantamonica.com
Montana Preschool & Toddlers is a play-based early childhood program located in Santa Monica serving toddlers and preschool-aged children. The school emphasizes social-emotional development, hands-on exploration, and building independence in a nurturing classroom environment. With a focus on kindergarten readiness, creativity, and strong communication with families, Montana Preschool & Toddlers supports the whole child during the early learning years.
Age requirement: Toddler program begins at 18 months, preschool program begins around 2.5
Curriculum style: Play-based early childhood program with focus on social skills and motor development.
Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool
www.mtolivelutheranpreschool.org
Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool is a faith-based early childhood program located in Santa Monica. The preschool offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to nurture social-emotional growth, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness within a structured classroom setting. Rooted in Christian values, the program emphasizes character development, kindness, and community while supporting children’s curiosity and independence in the early years.
Age requirement: Must be 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Christian, play-based preschool emphasizing character development and early academics.
Palisades Preschool
www.palisadespreschool.org
Palisades Preschool is a Reggio-inspired early childhood program serving infants through Transitional Kindergarten in Santa Monica. The school emphasizes inquiry-based, child-led exploration within thoughtfully designed classroom environments. With a strong focus on creativity, collaboration, and social-emotional development, Palisades Preschool fosters independence and confidence while building strong foundations for kindergarten readiness.
Age requirement: Must be 2 by September
Curriculum style: Reggio-inspired, child-led program emphasizing exploration and creativity.
Playgroup House
https://www.theplaygrouphouse.org
The Playgroup House is a play-based preschool in Santa Monica serving children ages 2–5. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, imaginative play, and hands-on exploration within a warm, relationship-centered environment. With a focus on building confidence, communication skills, and early independence, The Playgroup House supports kindergarten readiness while allowing children to learn through creativity, movement, and meaningful peer interaction.
Age requirement: Must be 20 months by September for toddler program, 2.5+ for preschool
Curriculum style: Play-based, developmental program emphasizing social-emotional growth, imaginative exploration, and hands-on learning.
Piper Preschool
www.piperpreschool.com
Piper Preschool is a Santa Monica early childhood program serving infants through pre-K. The school blends play-based learning with elements of Montessori and Reggio-inspired practices, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independence. With small class sizes and a focus on social-emotional development, Piper Preschool provides a nurturing, structured environment that supports both kindergarten readiness and whole-child growth.
Age requirement: Must be 2 by September (though known to have exceptions)
Curriculum style: Emergent, play-based program blending Montessori and Reggio influences.
Santa Monica Montessori School
www.montessorischoollosangeles.com
Santa Monica Montessori School of Los Angeles is a Montessori-based early childhood program serving families in the West Los Angeles area. The school follows traditional Montessori principles, offering mixed-age classrooms where children develop independence, concentration, and practical life skills through hands-on materials and self-directed learning. With an emphasis on individualized instruction and a calm, structured environment, the program supports both academic readiness and social-emotional growth in the early years.
Age requirement: Must be 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Montessori method emphasizing independence and hands-on learning.
Starting Point Mandarin Immersion Montessori Preschool
www.startingpointedu.com
Starting Point Montessori Preschool is a Mandarin immersion Montessori preschool located in Santa Monica. The program combines traditional Montessori methodology—featuring mixed-age classrooms, hands-on materials, and self-directed learning—with daily Mandarin language exposure. With a strong emphasis on independence, concentration, and cultural awareness, Starting Point supports both academic foundations and social-emotional growth in a structured, thoughtfully prepared environment.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Mandarin immersion combined with Montessori methodology.
The Growing Place
www.growingplace.org
The Growing Place is a Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood program in Santa Monica serving infants through preschool-aged children. The school’s inquiry-based curriculum is rooted in child-led exploration, thoughtful observation, and project work that encourages critical thinking and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on nature, outdoor learning, and social-emotional development, The Growing Place fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of community in its carefully designed learning environments.
Age requirement: Infant options available, typically 2.5 by September to start preschool program
Curriculum style: Reggio-inspired, nature-focused, inquiry-based early childhood education.
The Mulberry Tree
www.mulberrysantamonica.com
The Mulberry Tree is a nature-based preschool in Santa Monica that centers its program around outdoor learning, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Children spend significant time outside engaging with the natural environment, gardening, and participating in open-ended, project-based activities that encourage curiosity and independence. With a strong emphasis on social-emotional development and experiential learning, The Mulberry Tree fosters resilience, confidence, and a deep connection to nature in the early years.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Nature-based preschool with strong outdoor learning emphasis.
The Nest School
www.thenestschool.org
The Nest School is a play-based preschool located in Santa Monica serving children in the early childhood years. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, hands-on exploration, and building independence in a nurturing, small-class environment. With a focus on creativity, community, and kindergarten readiness, The Nest School aims to support the whole child through developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Age requirement: Typically 2.5 by September
Curriculum style: Play-based early childhood program with small class sizes.
Untitled No. 1
www.untitledno1.org
Untitled No. 1 is a Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood program located in Santa Monica. The school emphasizes project-based learning, creative expression, and deep inquiry, with a strong atelier (art studio) focus woven throughout the curriculum. Children engage in child-led exploration, collaborative work, and meaningful documentation, building critical thinking skills and social-emotional development in a thoughtfully designed learning environment.
Age requirement: Must be 30 months by September
Curriculum style: Reggio-inspired, art-forward, project-based early childhood program emphasizing creativity, process over product, and child-led exploration.
Westside Montessori School
www.montessoripreschool.us
Montessori Preschool is a Montessori-based early childhood program serving families in the Westside Los Angeles area. The school follows the traditional Montessori method, offering mixed-age classrooms where children develop independence, concentration, and practical life skills through hands-on materials and self-directed learning. With an emphasis on respect, structure, and individualized growth, the program supports both academic foundations and social-emotional development in a calm, thoughtfully prepared environment.
Age requirement: 18 months for toddler program, 3 years old for primary school program, 6 years old for elementary school program
Curriculum style: Montessori early childhood education emphasizing independence and self-directed learning.
Private School Outcomes
Big and Tiny (10th St) is frequently cited in parent discussions as a consistent pathway into progressive Westside elementary schools. Families coming from 10th Street often pursue Wildwood, Crossroads, and PS1.
The Early Years School is a progressive, developmentally focused program whose philosophy aligns naturally with child-centered independent elementaries. Families commonly apply to schools such as Wildwood and PS1, and it appears among the preschools represented in PS1’s current student body.
Evergreen Community School is one of the longest-running Reggio-inspired programs on the Westside. Its inquiry-based approach aligns closely with progressive elementaries such as Wildwood, Crossroads, and PS1, though it also sends students to Mirman, Carlthorpe, JTD, and Seven Arrows in any given year.
First Presbyterian Nursery School is referenced as a documented source school for Wildwood and also appears among the preschools represented at PS1. Families typically apply broadly across the Westside private landscape, with Wildwood, Crossroads, Carlthorp, and New Roads frequently mentioned.
FUMC Preschool & TK (First United Methodist Church Preschool) appears among the preschools represented at PS1. Its TK bridge year makes it a practical transition point into both public and private kindergarten. Families pursuing private elementary options commonly consider Wildwood, PS1, or Turning Point depending on educational orientation.
Free To Be Me is a small, progressive, community-centered program whose philosophy aligns most closely with child-centered independent schools such as Wildwood and PS1, though families apply broadly across the Westside private landscape.
Hill & Dale and its structured play-based approach gives families flexibility, and applications are commonly submitted to both progressive and more traditional schools, including Wildwood, Turning Point, and Carlthorp.
Piper Preschool is widely regarded as well-connected within the Westside private school community. Its creative, arts-forward identity aligns most closely with progressive schools such as Crossroads, Wildwood, Seven Arrows, and PS1, while families also apply broadly across traditional independent options.
Little Dolphins by the Sea is notably transparent about its elementary school outcomes. Families pursue a wide range of Westside independent schools — (including Seven Arrows, Crossroads, The Willows, JTD, Brawerman, Carlthorp, and Brentwood, to name a few). The range of placements reflects broad familiarity within the Westside private school community.
The Growing Place is a Reggio and nature-based philosophy aligns naturally with progressive elementaries such as Wildwood and PS1, and families commonly pursue those schools when applying private.
Untitled No. 1, Maple Tree Academy, The Mulberry Tree, Kigala Preschool, Palisades Preschool, and Playgroup House are more boutique programs that do not have any published elementary feeder lists (yet). Families coming from these schools tend to pursue progressive independent elementaries whose philosophies feel aligned (PS1, Wildwood, Seven Arrows, Westside Neighborhood School, and Crossroads) come up often in parent discussions. Their size and newer status may mean fewer long-standing admissions relationships compared to larger, legacy preschool programs, though outcomes ultimately depend on individual family applications.
Montana Preschool and Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool are well-regarded neighborhood schools with more traditional foundations. Families from these programs might apply to a mix of private elementaries across the Westside, and strong local public options are frequently mentioned, though they do not have the same concentrated feeder reputation as larger progressive hubs.
Pacific Palisades
Calvary Christian Preschool
www.calvarychristian.org/academics/preschool
Calvary Christian Preschool is a faith-based early childhood program located in Pacific Palisades serving families across the Westside. The preschool provides a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports social-emotional growth, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness within a structured classroom environment. Rooted in Christian values, the program emphasizes character development, kindness, and community while fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners.
Age requirement: Must be 2 + September 1
Curriculum style: Christian, play-based preschool emphasizing character development, structured kindergarten readiness, and faith-integrated learning.
PJECC (Palisades Jewish Early Childhood Center)
www.pjecc.org
Palisades Jewish Early Childhood Center (PJECC) is a Jewish preschool serving families in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding Westside communities. The program offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates Jewish traditions, holidays, and Hebrew language exposure into daily learning. With a strong focus on social-emotional growth, hands-on exploration, and community connection, PJECC creates a warm, inclusive environment that supports children’s confidence, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten.
Age requirement: Typically 2+
Curriculum style: Jewish early childhood program blending play-based learning with Reggio-inspired elements, community traditions, and holiday integration. Strong emphasis on social-emotional development and experiential learning.
Playa Vista
Treehouse Tots
www.treehousetots.com
Treehouse Tots is a play-based early childhood program serving toddlers and preschool-aged children on the Westside. The school provides a nurturing, small-group environment where children engage in hands-on learning, creative expression, and social exploration. With an emphasis on building independence, communication skills, and confidence, Treehouse Tots supports strong social-emotional development alongside early academic foundations to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
Age requirements: Must be 2.4+
Curriculum style: Play-based, developmental program emphasizing creativity, social-emotional growth, and hands-on exploration.
Venice
École Claire Fontaine
www.laclairefontaine.org
École Claire Fontaine is a French-English bilingual preschool located in Venice, offering an immersive language environment for young children. The program blends play-based learning with early academic foundations, helping children develop fluency in both French and English through daily conversation, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. With a strong emphasis on cultural enrichment, creativity, and social-emotional growth, the school provides a nurturing environment that supports confident, globally minded learners.
Age requirement: Typically begins at 2.5+ by September (but there have are exceptions based on readiness)
Curriculum style: French-English bilingual preschool combining play-based learning with language immersion, cultural enrichment, and early academic foundations.
First Years Preschool
www.firstyearsvenice.com
First Years Preschool is a play-based, developmental preschool located in Venice, serving children beginning at age 2½. The program focuses deeply on social-emotional growth, helping children build independence, resilience, and strong peer relationships before academics take center stage. With an emphasis on child-led exploration, outdoor play, and thoughtful teacher guidance, First Years creates a nurturing environment that prioritizes readiness for both kindergarten and life.
Age requirement: Must be 2.5+ by September 1
Curriculum style: Play-based, developmental preschool with strong emphasis on social-emotional foundation, self-regulation, and child-initiated exploration.
Little Angelenos School
www.littleangelsla.org
Little Angelenos Preschool is a faith-based early childhood program serving families in the West Los Angeles area. The school offers a play-based curriculum focused on social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness within a nurturing, structured environment. Rooted in Christian values, Little Angels emphasizes character development, small class sizes, and strong partnership with families to create a supportive community for young learners.
Age requirement: Typically begins at 2 years old (confirm September cutoff annually)
Curriculum style: Play-based early childhood program with bilingual (Spanish-English) integration and arts focus.
Young Minds Learning Academy
www.youngmindsla.com
Young Minds Learning Academy is a play-based preschool serving families in the Westside area of Los Angeles. The program focuses on nurturing social-emotional development alongside early academic foundations in literacy, math, and critical thinking. With a structured yet engaging classroom environment, Young Minds emphasizes kindergarten readiness, creativity, and building confidence in young learners.
Age requirement: Typically 2+ by September
Curriculum style: Play-based preschool with structured early academic foundations and kindergarten readiness components.
West LA
St. Paul the Apostle Preschool
www.sptacc.org/preschool
St. Paul the Apostle Preschool is a Catholic early childhood program serving families in West Los Angeles. The school offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support social-emotional growth, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness. Rooted in Catholic values, the preschool emphasizes character formation, community, and a nurturing classroom environment that helps children build confidence and independence.
Age requirement: Must be 2+ by September 1
Curriculum style: Catholic, play-based preschool with structured kindergarten readiness focus.
Westwood United Methodist Preschool
www.preschool.westwoodunitedmethodist.org
Westwood United Methodist Preschool is a play-based early childhood program serving families in the Westwood and West Los Angeles area. The school focuses on nurturing the whole child through hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and age-appropriate academic foundations. Rooted in Methodist values, the program emphasizes kindness, community, and character development in a warm, supportive classroom environment.
Age requirement: Must be 2+ by September 1
Curriculum style: Play-based preschool with developmental focus and faith-integrated values.