This is a special place. Irreplaceable. Our child started in the toddler program where we attended with her. We enjoyed the experience and bonded with her peer parents and the teachers. We were hooked. The operator, Patricia, created a beautiful environment that feels both intimate and aspirational. The staff is immersed in the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, which makes the school feels less "schooled" and not like a daycare where they're just "watching" children. Every space presents an opportunity for learning, engagement and growth. Every teacher engages with your child. There are no "worksheets." The children learn through projects and individual study. We loved the annual camping trips and nature hikes. Over time, the school and families became a safe haven for our family, changing our perspectives of what a school should be. It should be an extension of community. I can't say enough about how amazing this place is. I literally can't find anything that compares. read more

Branches Atelier - My daughter loved the garden. - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Our child has continued on the Branches journey, first at summer camp, and now in the preschool program. This school, the administration and teachers are truly the best and we feel so grateful to be here. Additionally, the parent community is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend. read more

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This is an incredible preschool. The teachers are so educated, well-prepared, kind and thoughtful, and the campus is gorgeous. From the teachers to materials to the play areas, everything is top notch. They work hard on building community, so if you're looking for a place for your child AND a place where you feel comfortable and welcomed as a parent, this place is for you. One of my kids is graduating from the school (* tear *) and the other will enter preschool, and I could not imagine a better place for them to develop such a strong foundation. read more

Branches has the most enchanting natural environment for infants thru preschoolers. The staff truly nurtures our children's curiosity while aiding their social-emotional development. All this and feeling at home in a community of like-minded parents who genuinely enjoy time together makes it a surefire win for a preschool and a place to develop as a parent. read more

Branches Atelier is a magical preschool. Located in Culver City, the school offers a wide range of programs, including parent-and-me infant classes, toddler classes, and both half-day and full-day preschool options. The Director and founder, Patricia McGrath, is the most passionate early childhood educator you will ever meet. Her dedication to the Reggio Emilia philosophy is reflected in the way the entire school community operates, with teachers and staff fully embodying this approach to early childhood education. As soon as you walk through the gates of Branches you are immediately transported to a magical fairyland with a lush garden of fruits, vegetables, and aromatic scents of herbs and flowers. It is an oasis for children (and adults!) complete with a climbing hill and cave. The beautiful outdoor environment gives children the opportunity to explore nature through immersive experiences with sand, water, clay and even gardening! These activities encourage the development of peer relationships and meaningful connections with the natural world. But the heart of the school is the Art Atelier where the children use artist-quality materials like pastels, watercolors, oil and acrylic paints, and other beautiful natural materials like Japanese Washi paper. With these rich materials they learn to explore different ideas and theories, how to collaborate and connect, and how to express their creativity and imagination and create meaningful works of art. My family and I were lucky to find Branches through a recommendation of a family friend that is an educator. As soon as we toured and heard Tricia talk about her school and program with so much passion and dedication we knew we had found the right school. At the time we were first-time parents and were desperately seeking support and guidance. We didn't have any friends with young children and were looking to find our "village." We started with the Infant Program and met other like-minded young families and formed strong connections and friendships that have grown beyond the classroom. Under the Reggio Philosophy you will learn to talk to your children and treat them like capable little humans. As a result you may one day hear your toddler advocate for themselves and tell you that "that doesn't work for my body" and then you will know with certainty that this philosophy works! Our daughter is graduating preschool this year and, if we didn't have a second child who will be entering the Transitional Toddler Program in the fall, we'd very much be in tears. Branches has done so much to support my family and helped to shape my fierce little daughter who has the most wonderful free spirit and imagination. I can't say enough good things about the school, the teachers, the community and Patricia. Branches Atelier is a nurturing and inspiring environment where children, families, and educators thrive together, fostering a love for learning, a deep connection to nature, and a strong sense of community. If you're looking for a preschool that offers a rich, creative, and dynamic early childhood education, then Branches Atelier is a wonderful choice! read more

Where do I even begin with this magical little preschool?! From the founder of the school, to the teachers, materials, creativity, mindfulness and intention that this school exudes, I can't recommend it enough! Of all the preschools we toured, this is the only one that brought me tears. Patricia, the founder, lives and breathes the children's growth, development, and enriching their lives with art, music, and instilling a sense of wonder about the world around them. Beyond the school grounds, the community of like-minded parents is next level. We have made so many new friends that we'll cherish forever. As far as scheduling goes, they offer half day classes (8:30-1pm), full days (8:30-4pm), mommy/daddy and me infant classes, toddler programs, a drop off toddler class (1x a week at the moment), and for the first time this fall they are offering the option to add a full day/days if your child is in the half day pre-k program. I did the infant, toddler and pre-k programs with my son and recommend them all! For infant and toddler, sure the child benefits, but as a parent you will gain priceless knowledge and information that will make you a better parent. Have I said enough? Now go tour the school and see for yourself :)) read more

Branches has been an exceptional place for our children to grow and thrive. Our sweet and sensitive son has blossomed here, thanks to the nurturing staff and engaging curriculum. The infant and toddler program is equally enriching for parents and children. Every week, I've gained invaluable insights into child development and parenting. Building a community in Los Angeles can be challenging, but through Branches, we've connected with down-to-earth, caring families who have greatly enhanced our parenting journey. The director has fostered a welcoming, supportive, and fun community that is one-of-a-kind. There is no better preschool in LA. read more

We are so grateful to have found Branches Atelier when we were looking for a toddler program for our first daughter. We have now been community members for six years and during that time, we have been able to reflect on the incredible foundation this school has given to our girls. The campus is magical, the teachers patient and brilliant, the learning materials are of the highest quality. I recommend this school to everyone we know, who is at any stage in their child's infant, toddler and preschool development. read more

My children go to this special Reggio preschool and we are so happy there. The teachers, community, space is all so special. Highly recommend for those looking for a preschool on the Westside of LA. read more

Simply the best, most thoughtful Reggio-inspired education for little ones. Our daughter completed two programs there and our son is beginning this September. We were bowled over by the quality of the teachers, the curriculum and the incredibly charming and intimate, indoors/outdoors campus. A+ - highly recommend read more

My son and daughter have been attending Branches since 6 months and we did the infant, toddler & preschool classes. I am so impressed with the way they approach learning, empowering children to think and advocate for themselves while also working in community. I visited 16 schools, met with lots of teachers/directors and had a spreadsheet of all the pros/cons. Ultimately I appreciate how my son is learning to be a thoughtful and collaborative little person. The phrases he uses are so mature I'm kind of blown away sometimes! We're not super artsy and creative in our household but the school really embraces and incorporates arts in the teaching, which has made my construction focused 4 year old really insightful in his builds ;). I really love the community and recommend this place for families that want a caring, creative and progressive learning experience. read more