We just finished our first year at Cottage and it has truly exceeded our expectations. We toured many, many preschools, but this one truly stood out. It is such a wonderful, caring, engaged community of parents and teachers. All the teachers are so amazing and the program is truly play-based with a focus on social-emotional learning. Every aspect of the day is thought out with true intention, while allowing kids freedom to explore and immerse themselves in play. My daughter looks forward to going every day, and we feel so safe and grateful knowing she is truly in the best hands. The parent community has been such an unexpected gift, and the opportunities for involvement and parent education make the experience even richer. It's truly a magical place! read more

This school is such a gem. The kindest and most inclusive community I've ever been a part of. If you are looking for a truly play based family-like community - check out cottage! read more

Our son has been at Cottage for nearly two years. We are planning to renew for a third year. I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I've learned about myself by being a Cottage parent. At first, I thought that the Parent Education requirements were a burden. However, when I started applying the basic parenting techniques I've learned from Cottage to my daily interactions with my son, I started seeing a positive change in what used to be very challenging situations. I am now finding myself actively seeking these Parent Education opportunities. Another reason I like Cottage is that it encourages unstructured play. I'm a strong believer that play is the way children optimally learn. They are little scientists and they are conducting experiments, either technical or social, all the time. At Cottage, they are allowed to freely explore their own curiosity and creativity. read more

***2016 BEST PRESCHOOL OF PASADENA according to Pasadena Weekly readers*** This is our son's second year at Cottage. He loves it. So do we. Cottage is a special place where kids have the freedom to play outdoors on their amazing backyard. They can take the time to enjoy what they're doing without getting shuffled from one activity to another. This is a play-based preschool where children and parents alike learn to connect, care and respect each other. The focus is social-emotional development not academics. On our first year, when our son was having a hard time getting dropped off and separating from us, we were never told that it'd be better if we left and let him cry it out. Instead we received a lot of support from the teachers and other parents. That was SO important to us. It was one of the many reasons we chose to enroll our child at a co-op. We were looking for a supportive environment and to be part of his school experience. It has been very rewarding to know his friends and his friend's families. We are one big family at Cottage. Every child is respected for who they are. There's no room for labeling, shaming or punishing a child here. Differences and conflicts are seen as great learning opportunities. Not just the children but parents and teachers are constantly learning from those experiences. I can honestly say that the Director and the teachers genuinely care about every single student and know each one of them on a deeper level. To say that Cottage accepts application fees knowing that there won't be spots available is an unfair and uneducated comment. We are a small, tight community that every year welcomes a number of new families. And, just as our family didn't, you do not need to know someone at the school to get your child accepted. Bottom line, we feel completely comfortable dropping our son off at Cottage knowing that he'll have an awesome, super fun morning with his friends. And that's what matters to us. read more

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We loved this Cooperative Preschool! This was our home for the past few years and we miss it, so! The Director is compassionate and kind. The teachers helped provide our family with a safe haven to learn to be supportive. The only reason our child no longer attends is that we moved to Seattle, Washington. read more

Cottage is as good as it gets. It is so much more than a preschool; it is a community that supports children and their families during such highly formative years of rapid social and emotional growth. I love the play-based emerging curriculum approach. I love the director. I love every single teacher. I love the environment. Most importantly, my daughter absolutely loves it. read more

Cottage has been such a wonderful space not only for my son to learn and grow, but also for me and my husband to expand our knowledge as parents. We sincerely appreciate the parent education component, and there are SO many amazing opportunities to engage both with experts and peers around topics relevant to raising children. There are commitments to being a part of a co-op, so folks coming in need to want and be able to commit to that kind of experience. We love working in the classroom, attending events, and supporting the community and school in the hands-on way that a co-op allows for. There is flexibility for people with different circumstances and life events that come up, so those things should not deter someone from exploring this as an option! Aside from that, it has also been an incredible experience to witness the growth of our son since starting. He came in with a speech delay, and only having his parents as caregivers since birth. I was prepared for the transition from being at home with his parents all the time to being with other children and adults to be difficult and to take some time. While I know that this transition is different for every child regardless of where they are, the Cottage community creates a welcoming and nurturing environment that greatly contributed to the ease with which my son came into the space. The teachers and director listen and use what they hear in their curriculum, interactions, and day-to-day work in general. Fellow parents treat your children like their own. It feels like everyone is working together to support your child. My son applauds and cheers from his car seat when we pull up for school in the morning. He loves being at Cottage! read more

Cottage Co- op is so much to many families. It's not just a place/space that you bring your child to daily. A yard, a classroom, teachers. Cottage is the warm soil that is waiting for your tiny seed to grow in. :) For my family, Cottage has for the past 2 years been a place where my Son has learned so much by engaging in play. Where conversations and ideas of one's own thoughts are nurtured, respected and brought to light. Where little people are treated like people, taken care of with the most gentle care, consideration and understand of where each individual is, socially, emotionally and developmentally. Cottage staff is the best. All of the Teacher are passionate about helping children navigate. The director of Cottage is outstanding, bright and super super supportive of parents as well as the children who attend. This is a whole child school not matter the need of your child. We love Cottage for so many reason. I could not be more happy that we choose this lovely school for our son. My Son who is almost 5 know started when he was 3 1/2. He truly loves coming to Cottage 3 days a week. He loves the water play. He loves morning meeting and he loves his teachers so much. Cottage is a wonderful wonderful start that I would recommend to every one. read more

I understand the whole parent co-op but not entirely the best choice for me because there's really only one or two qualified teachers for the entire group. I would totally be for it if I didn't have to work and could be there to pay a tuition for so I can participate in taking care of other children.... (ya, i lost myself too) The half day babysitting by other parents and all play with no structure just didn't cut it for the average working 9-5 adult. The building were in bad condition and some areas were really dirty. read more

My daughter is now in her second year at Cottage and I am so thankful that we found this place! The teachers are all excellent and invested and committed to helping the kids grow into themselves. They care about your kids like you do. The classrooms are always changing and are full of appropriate challenges. I have watched my child tackle these and become so confident. Love this place! read more

Beautiful place for a child to grow happy and kind. Both my children were at Cottage Co-op when they were 2 and 3 years of age and loved every moment (my children are now 13 and 17). All teachers there were so lovely and nurturing, the food encouraged was always so nutritious and delicious. Children were encouraged to freely explore and learn while they are guided through open play within a friendly scheduled day. A healthy way to grow and develop for all young children! read more

Cottage Coop is the best. You can search high and low for a cooperative nursery school in this area and wont find one better than Cottage. Honestly when my husband and I were doing the research early on when our 1st child was 15 months old, we toured and interviewed at many different schools, but we really did not feel comfortable until we landed here. We were not looking for a day-care, or a completely institutionalized school, we wanted our child to be able to PLAY, get CREATIVE, and GROW. This school is all about substance, community, friendships, and kindness. The teachers at Cottage are not robots who scold, or force children to learn ABC's & math, but every classroom is thoughtfully guided by their students in emergent curriculum. So lucky to be a part of this community! read more

I couldn't be happier with our choice of preschool! It has been our home for 1.5 years now. I feel like I found my people - honest, kind, authentic and soulful. My kids are flourishing there and the teachers are the best! read more

No too happy with the way this preschool get your money first for fees ($75.00) to call you or email you and let you know your kid could not make it. It is very disappointing all these situation. SAD SAD SAD!!! It is an old building in Pasadena, beautiful outside. Inside needs a lot of repairs. The bathrooms are not good. But we loved the idea of being involved in our kids' education. Anyway, I think nobody should pay anything just to be told SORRY, WE CAN NOT TAKE YOUR KID FOR THIS YEAR. which is almost FOR SURE they are going to tell you that after you give them your money. read more

I am proud that our family has a been a part of the Cottage family for 3 years. When I first began looking for a preschool for my daughter, who at the time was 3 years old, and my son who had just turned 2, I was new to the area. We don't have any family here and only a few friends at the time. When I first stepped inside this school I knew immediately this was the place I wanted my children to be. I absolutely love being part of a co-op. A couple of days every month each family is assigned to work in the class room as either a "yard parent" or a "snack parent." My husband and I take turns to share this responsibility. Our children look forward to these days and it has become wonderful quality time to share in their education. The schedule is made in advance and the class room parent will work with each family to ensure its a schedule that works for everyone. If something comes up, the other families are wonderfully flexible and always help each other out. I could tell you this school is wonderful because of their play-based approach, emergent curriculum, or focus on the children's emotional and social development. But I won't. I think what makes Cottage so special are the teachers and the families. As I mentioned, we are a part of the "Cottage Family." One of the first events I attended I over heard another mom talking about the children and saying, "they are all our children." That really stuck with me. In a lot of schools there is so much competition between children and families, but it's not like that Cottage. Parents are so supportive of one another. It's an inclusive school of diverse families. If a family is going through a rough time, maybe a medical crisis, or a baby is born prematurely, for example, I've seen everyone come together to support that family in need. The families and teachers here go above and beyond. It's so nice to know my Cottage will be there for me, as I"ll be there for them, during a time of need, especially since my family lives several hours away. Every week, parents share activities they will be doing with their child, whether it is going to a park, indoor playground, museum, etc, and invite the other families to join. I really enjoy getting together with the other families. Who said play dates are just for kids??? I also love how much the children get to play outside. Young children need to play outside. At Cottage they are encouraged to reach their full potential. Now, only have my 4 year old son attending Cottage. Many days, my little guy does not want to leave. Every day, when I ask him how is day was, his reply, "it was the best day ever!!!" :Last week he was happy to share that he got to build a fort with his friends. A co-op preschool is certainly not for everyone. It does require a lot of time and sacrifice. However, if you want to be a part of a community, I encourage you to come visit our school. I'm sure you will instantly fall in love and see for yourself all that makes this little school so special. read more

This is a cute 'mom and pop' pre-school that is mostly play based. It's a co-op, so parents are required to spend 2 days a month in the classroom in addition to picking up a job at the school. Generally, not a situation for a home where both parents work full time, but co-ops are more affordable if you have the time. Very short class sessions (about 90 minutes twice a week) to begin with, with an emphasis on play, not academics. I have a neighboor who is happy here and another who is looking to move because she is not happy with the co-op situation and says there is constant fundraising required. I found both pluses (nice location and very transitional) and minuses (their age cut-off date would put my 3 yr. old in the 2 yr. old class). Warning about the application process: the fee is $75 and they generally have only a few spaces each year, which they do not tell you. They also compare themselves to Pacific Oaks in their advertising, which is a real stretch. Two friends did not get in and were upset that they wasted a steep application fee and felt mislead by the application process. Know you are probably kissing $75 good-bye unless you know the staff. read more

We LOVE Cottage! It is a magical, one-of-a kind preschool where our daughter spent 2 wonderful years. Although she is now in Kindergarten, we will always be a part of the Cottage family. I'll start by saying- if you're worried that a less structured preschool won't prepare your child for a more structured elementary school environment, there's no need to worry! My daughter is thriving in kindergarten, even though she attends a traditional public school. In fact, her teacher has told us that she does a wonderful job staying on task and following directions the first time they're given, and she plays beautifully with her classmates. Thank you, Cottage! OK, now more specifics about Cottage - first of all, it is a true community. When your child attends Cottage, your child is not the only one who joins this family; you do, too. It is the most compassionate, loving, unconditionally supportive community of incredible teachers and parents that you could find. As a parent, I grew just as much as (if not more than) my daughter did during our time at Cottage. Second, because social-emotional development is at the core of the Cottage approach, children are never shamed or given time-outs; they are supported in learning how to find healthy ways to express their difficult feelings and how to successfully resolve conflicts (instead of having adults "solve" problems for them). And it is all done with complete acceptance and without any judgement - even if your child *spits in another child's face* (which my daughter actually did!), you won't find a single teacher or parent judging. Instead, a teacher will kneel down to the kids' level, make sure no more spitting is going to happen, help your child use her words to express what she's feeling, and then help the two children develop a solution to their conflict. Later, the teacher will even check in with you and help you process your feelings around the incident. It doesn't get better than that! And that brings me to the AMAZING teachers. I can't even explain how talented and phenomenal these teachers are. They really know each child and love them for their uniqueness. My daughter felt so safe and happy at Cottage, and I know that one of the reasons is that she was truly seen and appreciated in all her quirkiness. The Director of Cottage is also incredible - she is completely grounded in progressive education, always available to parents for questions or support, and really sets the tone for a respectful, child-led approach. Next, I know that "play-based" has become a bit of a buzz term lately, but Cottage is TRULY play-based. This is not about "learning games," which isn't really play-based learning. This is about children being able to engage in free, self-directed play, and to learn through that play. Instead of the teachers telling the children what they will play or how they will learn, the children decide how they will play, and the teachers follow their lead and support their learning through self-direction. With the guidance she received at Cottage, my daughter developed an amazing sense of self-efficacy. Don't worry about your child learning the alphabet etc.! In line with Cottage's child-led approach and emergent curriculum, they really understand that children learn best when they are met at their level of interest/need/readiness. Even though there was no structured academic instruction, my daughter entered Kindergarten exactly in the range of academics where she was expected to be. Healthy social-emotional development actually lays the groundwork for cognitive development! Finally - yes, the actual building doesn't look like a traditional school, but that's great! It looks like a home, which is perfect, because that's what it really is. Also, the outdoor space is phenomenal! The bottom line is if you want your child to get to run around in a beautiful outdoor space all day, learn based on their own unique interests, develop the ability to successfully resolve conflicts and express themselves in truly healthy ways, and be truly happy, then Cottage is the preschool for you! read more

My son attended Cottage Coop for 2 1/2 years. I loved being able to be there with him some days and to leave him there some days :). It was a very loving and accepting environment that he thrived in. My reason for choosing a Co-op pre school for both of my children was selfish, really; I wanted to get to know other parents! My Children are now 12 and 8 and most of my close friends are from those pre-school days. Cottage was a beautiful place to watch not only my child, but many children thrive and learn and PLAY! read more

We have two children at Cottage and couldn't be happier with the school. Working in the classroom a couple times a month is a great way to watch your child develop and grow into a little person. The teachers are amazing, the play areas are thoughtful and my kids beg me to take them there starting at 6:30 EVERY morning. When we compared Cottage to the other co-ops in Pasadena and Sierra Madre, we found that the costs/fundraising/time commitments were all about the same. Since it is a smaller school, we do consider ourselves fortunate that we were accepted, but have enjoyed the family-like atmosphere that this affords. read more

My husband and I had an idea in mind about what a preschool is supposed to be like. When we attended Cottage's Open House, we found that this progressive school was a much better option for our child. We didn't know this type of school existed and we wouldn't want it any other way. It was a school we always wanted without really knowing what we wanted! The co-op way is not for everyone and parent participation can be a bit much for some. I will say, that parent participation is key to the success of this school. Parents are our children's first teachers and will continue to be their teachers. If you don't believe in that concept then this school is not for you. Play-based curriculum is also something that many parents don't understand. Preschool is a time to develop a love for learning. It's not a time for academics. Children learn through play and academic interest can be promoted through play. Cottage is play-based and we believe its the optimal way children develop a love for learning. We don't require children to practice letter writing, unless of course, the child wants to learn it --- which many of them do! And because our kids lead their own learning, they take in what they learn more than they would when lectured to by a teacher. Finally, Cottage promotes emotional readiness and social skills development for Kindergarten preparedness. Cottage kids, along with their teachers and parents, promote appropriate expression of feelings and conflict resolution. Cottage kids are able to regulate their emotions better, have more empathy for others, and are strong in problem solving their differences with peers in non-violent ways. If you were to ask a Kindergarten teacher which student they find easier to teach, an emotionally ready child who can only write his name is preferred over a child who can write full sentences but hits his peers. Yes, it IS difficult to get into Cottage. There is sibling preference and very few openings each year despite over a hundred applications. We were wait listed but pounced on the opportunity when we got the call a month into the start of the school year. I'm grateful to Cottage for the experience my family is getting. My daughter is growing in her confidence and is more social than I ever was at her age and my husband and I feel like better parents too. read more

Hard to believe we have been here for 4 years! Love this school and the play based education. The focus here is on conflict resolution! Blown away by May's review, odd to rate a school years after your child attended. We haven't had any of those issues and as I mentioned been here for 4 years. We are delighted with our professional teachers. Highly recommend this school for parents who want to be actively involved in their child's education read more

This is a wonderful play-based preschool. My oldest just graduated and I have another one starting in the fall. You do not have to have connections to get in (we had none). However, a positive attitude and excitement for your child's education helps. Cottage is a co-op, so parental involvement is required. So obviously Cottage is looking for parents who will work well together and create a friendly environment. read more

Cottage is not your typical preschool. It is magical! Kids get to explore, grow their little creative minds, learn about their emotions, and interact with other kids who come from stellar families. Cottage is a place where parents get to learn along with their children and where the community supports each other...and everyday the kids get healthy and nutritious snacks, to boot! We have had 2 kids go through Cottage and we can't say enough good things about our school! Best. School. Ever!!! read more

As a first time mom, I want to make sure my child is in the best environment and as close to home as possible, in terms of love, attention, play, nurturing, etc. I've heard mixed reviews about Cottage so I wanted to look into for myself, as the idea of a parent involved, play based and lower tuition school appealed to me. After attending the parent night, I knew the glow of the school had dissipated. It's in a very old house in Pasadena which is fine, but with the tuition not being much less than the average preschools in the area - shouldn't they invest in revamping their facilities a bit? I'm assuming it was cleaned but the walls, floors, supplies all look old, dingy and overly used. The parent volunteers were nice, along with a teacher or two, the main principle was rude and cold but again, can't have every one be the lovable bears - there was one parent who said they had an internal debate with the staff on whether or not to have the alphabet on the wall as they didn't want to stress out the children....REALLY?! UM...NO. Look, I'm all for play and not pressuring or pushing a child - but what's wrong with having some colors, letters, numbers, animals - everyday life items on the walls and in the surroundings of the school? Is the world a blank, dingy, off white canvas? I mean the air is gross but I digress - I couldn't believe that statement.... So I signed up for a play date with my child to look further into it. I can't have one teacher / parent or rule make my choice. When I saw the kids play, I felt better - I will say their outdoor playground is gorgeous - my child wanted to move right in! The children all seemed happy and there were plenty of adult eyes on the kids - that's a benefit of a COOP - more adult to child ratio, at least it seemed this way here. BUT...the 'room' where they place the 2-3 year olds is DISGUSTING!!! It's literally the shed / garage of the house and is beyond filthy. Look I'm sure it's hard to clean 100 year old floors - so maybe take some of that tuition money and replace the floors and re-paint the walls! I was mortified that my child would be sleeping, playing and such in a room that should house tools and junk. The bathrooms were also a disaster - old and a leaky faucet. Look - I get it, there are a lot of old properties in the area and it's costly to renovate, but we're not asking for a complete re-haul of the house. I'm shocked parents are cool with their kids napping in the shed and having their environment that way. If funds are an issue - throw a fundraiser! There's such a waitlist to get in, so where does the tuition go?! Not into the school buildings that is for sure - and that is a BIG problem. We got in, but I couldn't wrap my mind around the condition of the property - minus the backyard play area....so we passed. Also - it's part time no matter what age. I understand a 2 or 3 year old, but a parent should have a choice at their school to keep their child enrolled longer than 1pm - not ideal if you WORK. read more

4 words - Great Idea, Poor Execution!!!!! Parents should avoid this preschool. It was a few years ago that they called my friend to be a substitute teacher when they had no teachers. They called her just because she sent her daughter to this school at that time. My friend ended up paying her daughter's tuition and also worked for them as her daughter's teacher. She was probably the best teacher Cottage CO-OP Nursery School ever had. She received 2 master degrees in arts BUT..... she WASN'T a teacher! I felt many people could teach there since their standard was LOW. My son's teacher also had no credential to teach. She was another parent who sent her daughter to this school before. The tuition was cheap since they didn't hire real teachers to teach and they utilized parents to work for school. I had to clean the house(classrooms) and washed the dishes sometimes. My husband made fun of me since I didn't have to clean our own house but I was asked to clean my son's classroom for school! I wouldn't complain if my son had good education there, but they only let kids play and claimed that was all they needed. A play date could be more fun, right? Parents were scheduled to bring certain snack for the class so the school never had to pay for food. But some parents were concerned what food others brought to school to feed their kids and that created some problems. I had to check the ingredients with some parents. The facility itself was in an old and dirty house with someone rented a room on the 2nd floor. How could a "SCHOOL" be like that?! It was very disorganized. My son received very little attention from the teachers and I saw the teachers allowed him to drink dirty water!! I was mad at the moment and felt I shouldn't step away. During snack time, the teachers didn't pay attention to kids and I saw a little boy chewing banana peels. I stopped him because I thought his mom wouldn't feed him banana peels. The teacher threw that banana on his plate and walked away. Another problem was that the teachers didn't encourage kids to wash their hands. There were no restroom breaks and they allowed some kids to use diapers when they should be trained to be diaper-free. My son was there for a month when he just turned 3. He was more confused than ever. I stayed with him most of the time since I couldn't trust the teachers. The tuition was too cheap, but I actually paid for nothing. I felt I could keep my son home to care and teach him better than this school. The administrator and teachers did lots of "lip service" and I fell for it like many other parents. I found out they only talked about their theory but didn't take care of many basic needs of young children. I took my son to another preschool. It was a real school with real teachers. My son was happy. He already forgot he ever went to Cottage CO-OP Nursery School. He goes to Chandler school now. read more

My first child attended Cottage for all four years and my second child is now in her third year there--and will be returning next year. And we LOVE it. The play-based teaching approach creates enthusiastic, curious learners. And when my boy moved on to kindergarten, I saw the effects of the peaceful problem solving promoted at school. He advocates for himself, for others, and views a problem as something that can be solved. And for us as parents, I feel so lucky to be able to see the kids' development up close and to see the teachers modeling such positive parenting techniques. Parent education is a constant and vibrant discussion here and I know that I am a better parent because of it. read more

My daughter is in her third year at Cottage and I am very happy with it. If you are looking for a coop, I can't imagine a better one. The teachers are just amazing. My daughter took a while to get comfortable socially in a bigger group, but I never felt pressured to push her, instead was given encouragement to respect her pace in acclimating. The teachers are compassionate,patient and fun! They are truly invested in the children and in helping parents as well. I am a much better parent because of the many parent-education opportunities offered at Cottage. I have so enjoyed watching my daughter explore, and blossom in this environment. The house and yard are magical spaces constantly changing. I love this place! read more

Cottage was the perfect preschool for both my daughters and my family as a whole! Cottage embraces the child-led philosophy and takes the time to create a program that is tailored to understand child development and individualized care. The teachers are skilled at working on conflict resolution and guiding children through conflicts in a nurturing and age-appropriate manner. My children were empowered to use their voice but also experienced appropriate boundaries. The Director once told me that Cottage is a "yes environment" and I saw that every day. The staff are skilled and trained to work with children and understand their needs and developmental stages. The focus is on play and relationships. Furthermore, they supported my parenting journey and invested in me becoming a better parent every day. Cottage is a magical preschool that will always hold a special place in my family's heart. We made our very best friends there. Thank you for being a gift to children and families in Pasadena. read more