Our two girls have been in city kids for four years and we are so thrilled with the school and community. Having a school that goes till 6pm is so helpful for us as a family with two working parents. We also really appreciate the bilingual education the school provides. We've seen such tremendous strides in our kids comprehension and use of Spanish over the last few years in this program. The teachers at city kids really really care about our girls and we have had lasting relationships with them over the years. They are passionate, hard working, and so dedicated. We have personally had incidents where our kids have needed special considerations, such as dietary restrictions or sleep and nap schedule changes and we have been so touched by the way the school did their absolute best to accommodate those concerns and issues to the best of their ability. They consulted a sleep specialist to find the best solution for one daughter who needed to end naps earlier than usual, and worked with the other daughter's changing dietary restrictions gracefully when we were trying to find out which foods were causing her problems. We have also seen numerous sensitive issues over the years handled with a measured and deft response that secured our confidence in the priorities , abilities, and mission of the school. In parent teacher conferences, we get a thorough written evaluation and ILP ( individualized learning plan) for our child's performance in both Spanish and English programs and can see in detail where our kids are thriving or could use additional assistance. It includes specific recommendations on things to work on for them, such as which numbers they skip in counting , or reverse in writing, or social emotional issues the teachers see while watching the kids play. We are so grateful that the school has such an incredible level of attention to each child's needs. As a family we consider ourselves so lucky to have found this school and couldn't be happier. read more

Our daughter has attended Argo preschool for the last two years and it has been an incredible experience for her and our family. The preschool director and the teachers are incredible, they love the kids so deeply and get to know all the families so well. The kids are challenged academically and it's been incredible to see how much our 4 year old has learned. They go on fun and exciting field trips, have access to extracurriculars and have a nice rotation of activities depending on the season (water play in summer, areal class in the fall etc). The hours are great for working parents and the kids are fed very healthy and interesting foods, helping to expand their palates. Each month they focus on a different global destination and they also learn about social issues in an age-appropriate way. I can't imagine a better preschool experience for our daughter and I'm so thankful for everything she has learned in such a short period of time! read more

The Argo Navis School is amazing!! If you have spent any time working in the field of education, you will find ANS to be the school of your dreams. Finally!! A place that follows cutting edge research and embraces a joyful and loving atmosphere and works to free kids from the drudgery most schools unthinkingly and ill advisedly embrace. Argo Navis always has its heart in the right place and does what's best for kids----even when it hurts their bottom line. They are concerned with education not schooling. Wow! As an educator for over 30 years, I can't imagine a better school for my child; simply put: she is thriving there! The small class sizes and personalized teacher attention make the school unparalleled. They know her and work to help her find her passion. My kid has always loved making little newspapers. Guess what Argo did? They helped and supported her dream and published a school newspaper that she spearheaded---all in breath-taking speed, held up only by her. LOL. I have been involved with every type of school there is and believe me, something like this would never have happened in them or if it did, it would have taken so long and by the time the slow wheels of bureaucracy got it done, the passion and interest would have long dissipated. Argo's travel and real world experiences are the icing upon the cake. Scuba diving, babysitting class, sailing, aerial, hip hop dancing, World Peace camp. YOWZA! Every day, my child is happy and excited to get to school and I am thrilled to get here there. It is priceless. Yay Argo! read more

Argo Navis School - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My daughter is about two finish up 2 excellent years at the Argo Navis preschool in Mid City. I am so grateful to the school for the experience she's had there. The teachers are exceptional and the curriculum is exciting. I also love that they teach the kids about stuff like kindness, social issues, how to manage their feelings and emotions, and life skills like financial literacy. I never learned anything like that even in high school, let alone preschool, and I think it's so valuable. Every single staff member that I interacted with during my daughters time there was kind and respectful. I will miss them and I know my daughter will too. read more

I cannot recommend Argo Preschool highly enough! My daughter has flourished here, and the experiences she has had are simply unparalleled. From the moment we enrolled, it was clear that this preschool is special. The teachers and staff are incredibly nurturing and dedicated, creating a warm and welcoming environment where my daughter felt comfortable and excited to learn each day. Their commitment to early childhood development is evident in everything they do. The curriculum offers a perfect balance of academics, creativity, and play. My daughter has developed so many new skills, from early literacy and numeracy to social skills and independence. The hands-on activities and projects have sparked her curiosity and imagination, giving her experiences she wouldn't have had anywhere else. The facilities are designed with learning and play in mind, safe, clean, and engaging spaces both indoors and outdoors. My daughter loves the playground and the various learning centers set up throughout the school. shes particular keen to the aero dance area and class. Communication with parents is excellent. We are always kept informed about our child's progress, upcoming filed trips, and any important updates. The sense of community among the families and staff is genuine Argo, has exceeded all our expectations. It has provided our daughter with a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and joy in learning that we know will benefit her for years to come. We are so grateful to have found such a wonderful place for her early education. Thank you Argo, for the incredible impact you've had on our daughter's development and for creating such a positive and enriching environment! read more

I cannot express my gratitude for this school and its education model enough. if I could shout it from the rooftops, I would! I have a child attending their second year at Argo Navis as a 4th grader. It's a new school, but what they have been able to accomplish in a short time is remarkable. It's hard to list all of my favorite things because Argo does so much, but here's a few: The kids have lockers and the school serves breakfast and lunch, so no need for heavy backpacks! The teachers are incredible in their specialized fields and students rotate 5 standard classes per day plus a ton of extra curriculars all offered in house. I love that music is a daily class, and so is Spanish. The small class sizes of under 10 kids also mean that your child can be met where they are for their educational needs. Argo also offers all the extra classes you could ever want so you don't have to coordinate things like dance classes and sports. They also go on several field trips and epic activities like sailing a scuba diving are included for no extra costs! one of my personal favs is the school pets. Pigsly the pet pig, and Thay, a highly trained Australian Shepard bring so much joy to school as well. As an added bonus, you'll find the most amazing community of families here. it's so hard to find your tribe in this city, and the Argo community is a refreshing breath of fresh air. read more

These are a group of dedicated, compassionate and deeply committed visionaires. My child is thriving at Argo whereas at an LASD Charter school last year, my child was unhappy and getting swept under the rug. They kept sanctioning her for defiant behavior. Although she learned the material and tested high (98%) LASD had the opinion she wasn't cutting it, doing it their way. At Argo they have helped the child understand the social and emotional maturity they need to succeed. read more

I can't express enough how good our experience has been at this school for our elementary aged daughter who came in needing a little extra help with learning. From the beginning, the teachers and admin at Argo Navis took the time to make sure she received the attention and support she needed to thrive. The school's commitment to her was a game-changer, and we've seen so much growth in her development since we started there a few years ago. She now loves school and learning and I think a large part of that is because of the school's focus on experiential learning through hands on STEM classrooms as well as weekly field trips. The range of destinations, from the sea lab where they learn about the ocean to farms, museums, parks, and libraries, has been perfect for my child who would really struggle with a traditional education sitting entirely at a desk. The school takes advantage of the cultural and educational goldmines that Los Angeles has to offer. We are working parents and this was the only school that we could find that had regular all-inclusive hours from 8:30-6:30 pm. And because it's year round schooling - we don't deal with any of the drama looking off after-school programs, summer camps, or extra-curricular activities. As someone who loved summer camp though, I do feel a bit like she's missing out on the camp experience and as she gets older I think I will have her take a week or two off to try out some of the LA camps. The school is very flexible with their summer curriculum so it does allow us to take vacations or a week off here and there without her falling behind. But she does get a lot of the outdoor activities that we think of with camp already. In addition to regular lessons my kid gets to do rock climbing lessons at a nearby gym, skateboarding classes, swimming lessons, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and SCUBA! Yes - they have a scuba program for all students over the age of 8 and the older kids 10+ have the option to go to Catalina and Cozumel for open water dives. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact this school has had on our daughter's life but what I also selfishly like is that I get to be kind of a lazy parent who isn't driving all the time to different activities, teams, and camps. She gets to experience SO MUCH through her school that when weekends roll around we feel free to just spend the time together as a family. And that right there... is pretty priceless. read more

My children don't attend the school but I truly wish they did. I went on a tour and it was like an educational paradise... I wouldn't even put those 2 words in a sentence together. This school deserves 5 stars. Schedule a tour, find out for yourself. read more

Our two boys (now ages 6 and 10) attended Argo Navis (previously City Kids) for 3 and 6-1/2 years, respectfully, and thrived there. It is a truly remarkable place. They were nurtured by dedicated, creative, loving teachers. They were supported to reach their full potential in their academics and their social-emotional development. They were taught half of each day in Spanish. They received training in music and circus arts and skateboarding and dance and theatre. They have visited more museums and iconic sites in Los Angeles than I have, attended concerts and plays and rock climbed and sailed on boats. They have a pet pig. I wish I was a student in this school! Here are some specifics that are worth calling out: -- This is a project-based school. Students learn by doing, making the learning holistic and persistent and, most importantly, fun. For example, the students themselves are engaged in the landscaping of their new campus, using math and science (and getting lots of fresh air and exercise in the process!) The overarching focus is on teaching students to love learning, follow their passions, and be active agents in their own education. -- The school is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging, and has a beautifully diverse and tight-knit student body. -- The school is set up for working parents -- it is open from 8:00am - 6:00pm and runs year-round, with three weeks off in the winter, two in spring and two in summer. They feed the kids creative, nutritious meals inspired by their international studies curriculum so you don't have to pack a lunch. -- As private schools go, and especially for what you get, the price is incredibly reasonable. Granted, this is a school for adventurers. Even the preschoolers go on field trips every week. In older grades they do week-long, immersive out-of-town studies and international travel and scuba diving. This spring as a family we were able to participate in a truly magical program in Costa Rica (the inaugural year of this exchange), where the kids attended a local school for three weeks. We went hiking and zip-lining and saw monkeys and sloths and swam in the ocean on the bike ride back from school through the jungle. Not all of the Argo curriculum may be in every family's comfort zone. But what an incredible educational experience to give a child. read more

Over the last 4 years City Kids has been a amazing school for my two daughters to grow emotionally and intelectually . The head of the school Ryanne, is constantly thinking up new activities and adding falicities to make education a fun and engaging experience. City kids understand that if we are going to prepare our kids for the future then we can't rely on outdated methods of teaching. I cannot say enough good things about this school, the teachers, the administrators, and all the parents who devote their time to make this special community to grow our kids minds and spirits. I see other parents who claim to have bad experiences. Let me say that the owners of the school and administration have always listened to the needs of my family and made lots of accomadations that were not convienant but benefitted my daughters. They are people with big hearts, great minds, and none of the ego. read more

Our first child had an incredible experience with Argo. He was there during the pandemic and the faculty and staff did an amazing job keeping everyone engaged and safe during unprecedented conditions. The teachers are so kind, caring, and loving - it feels like an extension of family and we were able to rest assured knowing our three year old was in capable and compassionate hands. He grew up so much during his two years in preschool and we are thrilled to be sending our daughter back to Argo this fall. read more

We've had 2 kids and 3 years at Argo Navis Preschool and are so happy with our choice. The hours are so helpful for working parents and the unique learning experience has been a dream come true. We weren't sure how to even begin navigating our school journey in Los Angeles, but with the Spanish immersion experience, preschool field trips, and their kind and caring teachers, we definitely found a gem in Argo. read more

We attended City Kids for almost two years; during their transition from a smaller school to their new building next door. Like other reviewers, we were deeply attracted to their philosophies, field trips and meal program. During our time with City Kids we experienced several high moments (attachments to certain teachers, our child's emotional and educational development) and several disturbing lows... Teacher turnover is unlike anything we've experienced. We had teachers literally walk-out during a school day because of dissatisfaction with administration. "New" teachers were brought in with little to no notification to parents and some "teachers" lacking qualifications to be called teachers by other private school standards. Some relationships I formed with teachers afforded me a glimpse into their working life: overworked, underpaid, a feeling of unrealistic goals, and an administration that was unable to lead and lacked empathy. Safety was also an issue. Doors were left open, a child was found alone on Venice blvd where a parent (thankfully) found her and returned her, my own child experienced a head trauma (another child had pushed him into a light switch where he cut his head and was bleeding) on a swim day and I wasn't notified because - I was told - he said it didn't hurt, a field trip I personally experienced was only staffed by one teacher with 12 kids. Anything could have happened to that one teacher and the kids would have been exposed to a public park full of strangers... What was most disturbing was the administrative response to these events. Defensive posturing, gaslighting and in some instances, gossiping about families personal experiences with other parents. We had hoped to continue with city kids and be a part of their development and maturation, but when we compared their environment to other schools we realized - quite quickly - that this wasn't the best fit for us. read more

We absolutely LOVE City Kids. Our son attended for the past three years and we enjoyed every minute of our time there. From the small class sizes, the weekly field trips, Financial Literacy program, the Spanish-immersion program and the commitment to diversity, City Kids was the best choice we could have made for our son. We loved the teachers who felt like family. Other reviews here mention that there were teachers who walked out during a school day because of dissatisfaction with administration which is absurd. The administration pays their staff higher than other private schools and gives full health benefits. They have an open door policy so all teachers feel that they can come to the administration with any issues they may have. The teachers are a tight knit group who truly love the kids they are teaching. The administration is always transparent and they did an amazing job on navigating the pandemic. They were compassionate to families situations and worked with their financial situations so that all families could remain at the school. I can say with certainty that the administration does not "gossip." They wouldn't have a thriving school as they do if that's how things were run. They were and are professional and communicative. read more

We found City Kids by way of a recommendation from a friend during the pandemic. During the Zoom tour with Ryanne, the director, we instantly felt at ease and was drawn in by her philosophy and ideaology. We quickly made the decision to send our twins to the school and it was one of the best decisions we ever made. The teachers and entire staff are attentive, respectful and kind. Our experience at City Kids during these precarious and chaotic times has been effortless and our kids are thriving. We are grateful to have found Ryanne, Paul, and the entire CKLA community. read more

Argo has been such a wonderful preschool for my son. The teachers are kind and loving and the curriculum has sparked so much curiosity and genuine academic interest in a wide range of topics. I love the art projects. The flexible schedule and healthy meals contribute to a very parent-friendly place. read more

The saving grace of Covid has been my daughter's transition from public school to Argo Navis. As a student with an invisible but complicated set of special needs, she needed a small, nurturing community. She has made friends and connected with some truly loving teachers. She has met challenges beyond our wildest dreams, most recently by participating in a dance competition for which she practiced every day with mounting nervous excitement. The dance teacher deserves a special mention for believing in my daughter, enriching her experience by placing her with her friends, and giving her the extra time and attention she needed to succeed. In my daughter's words, she feels wanted and understood at Argo Navis, and wants to stay there for college! read more

My son has gone to Argo Navis(previously City Kids)for 5 years. When we originally started the plan was to finish up Pre-K and go to a near by elementary school once he got to Kindergarten. However, by the time we finished the year we loved the school and trusted Ryanne's vision for its future and our son's education. Our first parent teacher conference they were able to pinpoint exactly who our son was. The teachers knew his strengths and weaknesses and had a plan for both. This has continued throughout our entire experience at the school. In first grade I was worried that he wasn't reading yet. They assured me that although he was a little behind it was not yet worrying and that they were working with him. By the end of the school year he was reading chapter books and now reads far beyond his grade level. This past year I was worried about his math skills but then the school created a math club to help students who needed extra support and I've seen incredible improvements in the subject. We've also seen huge growth in his social skills and the overall way he approaches the world. As parents we were scared that he would be a kid who fell through the cracks in a large classroom. They saw this immediately and have helped him to understand that his voice is valued and important, that it's okay to speak up, and that there is strength in getting out of your comfort zone. He is now a leader in the classroom and speaks up for himself while continuing to be kind and helping others. He has joined the dance team and done countless other things that a few years ago I would have never expected from him. I am so grateful we chose this school, my son has not only had wonderful experiences, friends, and teachers but has also created a strong foundation for his future both educationally and in who he is as a person. read more

City kids review Finally... a school based on real life experience!!! I have been involved with city kids since it's inception. I cannot express enough how impressive their program is. When initially hearing their idea of a revolutionary new way to educate students I was very excited. Seeing the way that their theories of teaching, mission, and values were Incorporated into the program was amazing. Not all learners are the same. As an educator myself, I have done enough studies on students to learn that the majority of learners, at this point in time, are hands on. There are not enough programs that support this, but this is for sure one that does!!! They incorporate all styles of teaching and are accommodating and flexible in their lessons. When it comes to the staff and administration I have a comfort level that I have never experienced before. Everyone from the teachers to the Director of the program are very approachable. I feel that they make it a priority to be open and welcoming to feedback. They encourage families to come to them with issues whether it is with peer students, learning objectives... all the way to finances. They work with families to resolve issues and are very sensitive to situations. They listen to individual families and really take to heart there complaints, situation's, and suggestions. On a personal level, they respect the privacy of the children, families, and their employees. When issues arise they are discrete, compassionate, understanding and at the same time maintain their professionalism. They work with individuals privately and preserve confidentiality. They investigate rumors, discourage gossip and uphold a high moral standard while avoiding judgement. A school should not be just about the classroom. City Kids employees are gifted at being professional and personal at the same time. Their priority is education/ family life balance. Overall, this is a great program with amazing people. I hope more schools adopt these methods and values. read more

We had a checklist when we were choosing preschools: Spanish immersion, academic excellence, diversity, healthy foods and extra curricular activities. When my partner told me about City Kids and that they checked off ALL of our boxes, I was skeptical. But are more than a year in and I can say that City Kids has not only met our expectations but exceeded them. How many other preschools actually incorporate global learning and financial literacy into the curriculum!? At four years old, I think my daughter may know more about the city of LA than I do (Lol) because they are on 2-3 field trips per week exploring the city. From the Ballona Wetlands to the CA Science Center or the senior living facility they regularly visit, they learn math and science, about community service, about kindness and empathy and critical thinking skills. I also love that our daughter is treated as an individual who can learn at her own pace while at the same time being challenged to learn new and exciting thing about the world and about herself. When I drop her off at City Kids every morning I leave with peace of mind knowing that she will be eating well (all organic meals and snacks!), playing in a fun but safe environment, and most importantly getting the best education available to her. But, the community of families at City Kids has been the biggest gift of all. Ryanne (Head of School) has not only focused on creating an amazing learning environment but also creates a space where families can get to know and support one another inside and outside of school. City Kids has an annual camping trip, family beach days during the summer and other events to help families connect. So City Kids has been great for our whole family. read more

We cannot say enough about how wonderful City Kids LA is. The experiences the children have are phenomenal and in addition to become global citizens and learning educational (reading/writing/math) and life skills (financial responsibility/design and construction) they are learning a new language in the process. Our little Girl loves it and so do we! read more

City kids is amazing school! I am a picky mom when it comes to choosing schools and City Kids has the most well rounded education for pre-k and elementary. Their curriculum includes social-emotional learning, financial literacy, Spanish language immersion, and much much more. The teacher to child ratio is 1:7 which allows for adequate attention paid to each child. My daughter has been there for almost 2 years now. She is in elementary school where she goes on field trips almost every day. Her reading is at the 4th grade level and her Spanish is getting better. Now she understands when being spoken to in Spanish. I hope to keep her there as long as possible until she is fluent. The curriculum aside, the staff is the other reason why I love this school. The parents and teachers all know each other. We are a tight knit group who share the same vision for progressive education. I could write an entire essay on why all schools need to be like city kids. Definitely check out the school website, schedule a tour, and talk to the head of school. You will see why I'm so excited about it. read more

It's only been 5 months and we can't imagine life without LA City Kids. Our 2.5 year old son is thrilled to go to school each day (which is a working parent's dream!) and he has grown so much -- one of our very favorite parts is getting a glimpse (via an app) of all the activities they do throughout the day. From singing to learning about different countries and aerial arts to identifying their own feelings, the school focuses on a full 360-degree education. The teachers are the absolute best - we talk about them at the dinner table each night. In a big city, LA City Kids has fostered a sense of community that we're so grateful for. This school is truly a gift for our family. read more

I can't say enough great things about City Kids. My daughter is learning spanish, she cooks, she is cognizant of all the animals, she like to plant....and of course, her reading, her math, her artwork and her socialization are all on par! I love that they incorporate social emotional learning into the daily curriculum and overall it has been the best experience for our family. Thank you City Kids. read more

My son has been attending City Kids for almost 2 years now. He has been to multiple preschools within the LA area but here is where we feel the happiest. This is not a traditional school where kids are expected to sit for long periods and retain loads of information everyday. The kids go on many field trips and are always engaged in lots of activities. They utilize a variety of learning methods. This place is more than just to a school to us. It's more like a small community of friends. The staff and teachers are some of the nicest people and there is genuine support for everyone. We are truly privileged and grateful to be a part of City Kids LA. read more

After an extensive search, we found City Kids and are SO grateful that our daughter attends such an amazing school. Ryanne and her team are amazing educators - turning every day play into learning opportunities. They offer amazing programs: financial literacy, global learning, etc. - all through fun play! (They also serve amazing homemade food.) read more

City Kids has helped my child learn to be both an independent learner and a member of a caring community. She loves every moment of her day, and frequently fights my efforts to take her home when the day is done! She is empowered throughout the day to follow her interests and passions and to work out conflicts confidently and kindly when they arise. City Kids offers exactly what I was looking for in a preschool! read more

Our son loves going to City Kids. Ryanne and the whole staff are excellent. They are full of warmth, kindness, and tons of ability to engage kids' curiosity. Whenever I drop off or pickup my son the atmosphere just feels right; an emphasis on fun, learning, and cooperation. There's always great communication about what all the kids are doing together, and about the daily successes and challenges my own kid experiences. City Kids also serves the kids healthy food that my son loves. read more