We love Horizon Hills. I attended the school when I was 3 years old, my son (age 3) has been attending for the last two years, and soon my daughter (1) will be enrolling. We look forward to class every week - I can really see how my son's social skills improved since attending HH. I also love the parent discussions, it has really validated my parenting experience! We love the teachers, they are incredibly loving towards the kids, knowledgeable about toddlerhood/parenting, and make the day so much fun. 10 out of 10 recommend!!! read more

I truly cannot say enough good things about this preschool and parenting program. It has completely changed our lives. What makes this program so unique is that it's not just about the kids, it's about the parents too. They actively teach parenting tools focused on breaking unhealthy cycles, respectful communication, conflict resolution, and truly seeing children as human beings with thoughts, feelings, and opinions. The play based model is magical. The kids are outside, exploring, creating, problem-solving, and building real social skills. In a world that pushes academics earlier and earlier, this space protects childhood a little longer and that feels priceless! Miss Danielle, in particular, has been an absolute gift to our family. She has supported me through navigating a difficult public school situation with my older daughter and provided resources and guidance I didn't even know were available. Her wisdom, calm presence, and advocacy have truly changed the trajectory of our experience as a family. Beyond the program itself, the community is something special. I've met some of my closest friends here, friendships I know will last a lifetime. If I could keep my kids here until they were 18, I would. It is that magical. Forever grateful. read more

We love Horizon Hills! My son has been attending for three years, and we've loved each of the classes he's been a part of. The campus is full of trees, flowers, and plants, and it has so many fun outdoor areas to play. It's a wonderful environment. As for the classrooms, they are clean and have so many diverse and engaging activities for the kids, from art, to dramatic play, to blocks, there's always something fun to get into. I love that I get to stay and have so many fun ways to play and interact with my son, as well as socializing and commiserating with the other moms and dads. Finally, and most importantly, the teachers are wonderful! They are caring, patient, thoughtful, and supportive of both the students and parents.I love their philosophy for helping little ones learn, grow, explore, and problem-solve. I highly recommend this school for both students and parents! read more

Horizon Hills Parenting Program - Preschools Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

My daughter has blossomed in this program. She has become her own little person and through it I have learned to become a better parent for her. I am learning to guide her to make decisions for herself and to be independent. She's learning conflict resolution at 3 years old! She's got skills that grown adults don't have yet. HH is the best! We love Teacher Dana and everyone in the Teams multi age class. Our Director is so involved and knows all the kiddos and families. HH is the village you have been looking for. read more

Highly recommend Horizon Hills! We did this as a preschool for both my kids. We had Ms. Caroline the last two years with my son and we absolutely adore her! She was so great with my highly emotional kid and I learned so much in her care. She was so fun and easy to be around with just the right amount of structure for toddlers and tired moms. read more

I am so incredibly sad that we do not have more time at this lovely, wonderful place. Do yourself, your child and your family a favor and give this school a chance. It has changed our lives. Words cannot express my gratitude for the gift we have received in Horizon Hills. There is so much. How do I even begin? The grounds of the school are beautiful. There are toys, games, books, swings, bikes, art, music, fruit trees, a brook to wade in, a hill to roll down, an always-open kitchen for snacks anytime, and so much more. It is a place filled with happiness, love, laughter, learning and the joy of childhood. It's what every school should be. Parent support here is unparalleled. The parenting classes are amazing but the support for parent and child happens all day every day. If you need some parenting advice, or even life advice, just ask one of the teachers. They love to help! And, of course, our children thrive here. It is miraculous to see the progress so many children have made. Some of the most challenging kids have made astounding progress at this school - mine included! The teachers are incredible. They are the best in the world! The actual whole world. They really love children. All children. They have an intrinsic motivation that goes beyond just doing a job. They care deeply about kids, parents, families and people. They work with purpose, are mission-driven and clearly love what they do. These teachers do not shy away from issues or challenges. They welcome the opportunity to work calmly toward resolution and teach life skills that help our children blossom. It's impossible to put into words the magic of this place. There is a sweet, gentle spirit at Horizon Hills. It has been around a long time and it is filled with memories of the blessings given and received by all those who have entered its gates. I feel incredibly sentimental about this place because I love my child more than anything and we experienced it together. Everywhere I look, I see him, our time together and the friends we made. Each parent and child leaves behind a small piece of themselves and an impression of the love they cultivated and nurtured here. It's a program like no other. Our days here have passed far too quickly. Though we won't be at Horizon Hills anymore, we will carry it in our hearts forever. read more

My kids have attended Horizon since they were two. Part of our decision to move from the Valley to Thousand Oaks was so our commute here would be shorter! We love the teachers and their philosophy on child education and relationships. I love the opportunity to be involved in my child's education. It is a wonderful and safe community. I feel like if I have any qualms or worries about raising my kids I can confidently go to an adult here for advice and receive great direction. It is a parenting program. We receive education on topics pertinent to early education and child rearing. You do have to do a work day or two a week depending on how many days your child is enrolled. I have found that this environment help wholly prepare my daughter to enter into primary school with confidence and positive social skills. I recommend scheduling a tour and seeing for yourself! read more

Horizon hills definitely holds a special place in my heart. I started going there since my daughter was 6 months old. She is now almost 3. It has been such a wonderful experience. I've learned so much about parenting and loved being with my daughter one on one. I've met mom friends that are still friends today. Ms. Nikki was our teacher from 6 months to 2 years. She's perfect in every way. Kind, patient, helpful and supportive. Then we had Ms. Carolyn for the 2 year old class. I can't thank her enough for her loving spirit. She's so great with the kids! My daughter feels so safe with her and loves her circle time and arts and crafts. You won't regret having them as teachers :) read more

This place is amazing- it gives parents tools to help themselves and their children. It has been a welcoming and loving community of support for my family and friends read more

What can I say about this program? It's a communal based environment where every single person that works there is genuinely invested in each child's individual success, as well as the success of the entire community as a whole. The level of thought and care is unparalleled and, needless to say, exceeded my expectations. Beyond that, the environment there is fun, light-hearted, and is a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Our entire family has benefitted from being a part of this program. I would personally recommend this school to anyone who wants the best for their child. read more

Beyond thankful for this preschool and the wonderful teachers and families we have met. If your looking for a beautiful outdoor space and enriching your child with all social/emotional needs then this is your families place. Each week the children are submerge in different activities or (jobs) there is so much play opportunity and the teachers have so much experience to share. It's such a gift to be able to attend with my son and learn how to be a better parent and see him grow each week. The teachers support each family and child. We have had Ms Debbie, Ms Kandy and now Ms Cheri. read more

Horizon Hills Parenting Program - Preschools Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

See all

Best preschool in the Conejo valley. You will not find a more engaging and supportive place for you or your child. It is 100% worth the time to be a part of this program. It's not a fully drop off program. You do volunteer and are a part of the class. It has become my favorite part of the week. It has a beautiful outdoor campus and every child and all levels is supportive. Very neurodivergent friendly and also supportive with parenting discussions. read more

I have done this parenting program with all three of my kids. It is such a lovely community to be a part of. All of the teachers are wonderful and the kids love going to class. The discussion time for the parents is one of my favorite parts of the class as well. I have learned a lot and also enjoyed talking about parenting issues with other parents. I have made many friends in this program as well. Love this place! read more

Such a game changer in so many ways for parents and children alike! I met my closest friends in this program and met so many amazing teachers. What a wonderful community! They really practice what they preach. I'm now in the program with my second child, and it's meaningful all over again in new ways. It's really more than just a parent-and-me class. It's a community, a real school focused on both parents and kids, and filled with incredible people from all around the Conejo valley and beyond. read more

Horizon Hills has given me the skill and confidence to become a better Mom. Situations that used to baffle me are now much more manageable. I see my connection with my child deepening as I learn to be her guide rather than her warden. If you want to give your kids the best parts of you, you should join us. read more

When I was looking for a place for my then 3 year old, I had pretty specific criteria. I wanted to see loving staff. I wanted to see a lot of opportunities for autonomy. And I wanted to find a community. Horizon Hills became the perfect fit for our family. The teachers there are not only amazing with little ones, but care about the parenting journey and become invested in the whole family. Everyone there has extensive training in child behavioral development. I love that they handle the interactions among the kids with so much respect and understanding. This also has the largest outdoor play space from any other program I've seen. Love this place!!!! read more

I can not recommend Horizon Hills highly enough. I started coming when my oldest was 23 months and youngest was 2 months, and am still there with both of them, with my oldest now 3.5 and my youngest 23 months. This place is a piece of heaven for a family that is looking for a coherent philosophic approach to education, rooted in the principles of positive parenting, respect for the child, and support for the needs and values of the whole family. Every teacher I have come to know (Dana, Nissa, Carolyn, Danielle, Meghan, Jessica, and Kim to name a few...) has a heart of gold, as does the incredible administrative staff who is unfailingly kind and helpful (Danielle, Tracy, Gayle). They make you feel like family. I have learned so much from the education I have received at Horizon Hills, as well as by watching the teachers in action. They really see and hear each child, lead with the utmost positive regard for each child, take into account each child's point of view, and help the children come up with their own solutions to problems... It is a joy (and an education) to watch. I had a unique situation, too long to detail, where I had very real struggles with separation anxiety for both of my children. The extent to which Horizon Hills worked with me, making special accommodations given the specific needs of my family, allowing us to stay together until slowly, over time, my children acclimated to being in different classrooms (which is still in process).... was (and is) unparalleled. I am completely certain there is no where else I could have found this kind of support. Not only that, but the love, kindness and understanding I was shown, and the sense of welcome and belonging that was always extended to me and my children, meant so much. Parenthood has very much limited by social circle (and social life), but Horizon Hills has given me an environment where I feel connected again, happy, and part of a community. It is a joy for myself, and my children, to come to this school, and it will always occupy a very special place in my heart. read more

My son and I really enjoy this program. The teachers and staff are so friendly and my son loves going here every week. The community of other families is great as well. Would highly recommend this program for families especially younger kids. Seeing my son learn so much through play is fantastic. read more

We have loved Horizon Hills parenting program! We took our daughter, and learned so much and built lasting relationships with other families we met there. We've also returned with our son! The music, story time, open play, and rotating adult discussions help build a foundation for lifelong learning and support in the parenting process. 10/10 highly recommend read more

This program has been amazing for both my child and myself. We started attending in 2017 in the infant program and have continued our participation in TEAM. While I have social anxiety and find TEAM challenging for myself, my child is absolutely thriving. He is learning in leaps and bounds, and while everything is shut down due to Coronavirus, he keeps asking when he is going back to school. I also feel like the teachers really care about both of us and have fantastic advice on what to do when we are struggling through things. This program is ideal for parents who want to connect with other like minded parents and actively participate in their children's early education. read more

A very unique early education school. Nothing like it! A nurturing environment for children to embark on their big adventures of self-discovery! And for parents to learn to be the best versions of themselves in supporting and guiding their children on their individual journeys! read more

I have so much love for this school. My daughter has been going from age. 1-5 I have had only the most lovely experiences with all of the teachers and staff as well as the other parents, many of which I consider friends now. This school is so special there truly is no where else like it. The parent participation is exceptional. We look forward to many more days at HOrizion hills with baby number 2 read more

I have been here for nearly 5 years with my boys. My kids love it and are always excited to go to school in the morning. The activities and special events are out of this world and we feel so lucky to have discovered this place. Its so wonderful being able to meet other parents and I have made wonderful friends for myself and my children. read more

Director Eileen Green believes that in labeling itself as an adult education program that the school is not subject to the laws and regulations governing child care facilities, and is not subject to family court orders in Ventura County. Example 1: when i requested records related to my daughter (specifically an invalid vaccination medical exemption), i was told that since my daughter is not the enrollee they had no obligation to provide the record. Providing records to parents is an obligation of all child care providers under California Health and Safety codes. Example 2: during a special event yesterday, i was asked to leave (which meant my son and step-mom had to leave also) because i was not the student/enrollee.... and it ultimately meant that my daughter was denied the opportunity to participate in the event with her family. When informed that court orders specify i am allowed to attend all events and extracurricular activities, Eileen Green expressed no interest in understanding or complying with court orders. Further California Family law specifies that all legal parents are able to be present at facilities unless they are causing a disruption which i was not (i was peacefully interacting with my daughter on playground equipment) Sadly it seems Eileen Green needs serious reeducation regarding her duties and obligations under California State Law. read more

We Love Horizon Hills! As parents, we have learned so many tools to approach childhood/parenthood in a calm, enjoyable manner and we have been shown strategies to help us in the tough moments. Our kids love the teachers, the activities and the environment. As a parent it has been wonderful spending quality time with my kids (and other children and their parents). It has been a great place to connect with other parents. Grateful for the opportunity to play and learn with my kids. read more

We have been in this program since my son was about 9 months old. I have learned so much about positive discipline/parenting and made an incredible community of friends here. The teachers are very well informed and confident in their field. I look forward to continue watching my son grow and develop socially here. read more

Incredible program and way to meet other parents! Great preschool style program that is so unique. Highly recommend!

From the beautiful outdoor space to the gardens, to the hands on learning to the incredible teachers and affordable pricing, this program is nothing short of amazing! If you are looking for a learning program for you and your child that focuses on growth and success through utilizing a whole child learning approach, that encourages curiosity and problem solving, while taking advantage of the teachable moments, this is it! It is evident that the teachers here are credentialed and find joy in what they do. Ms. Danielle M. did an excellent job in not only teaching my child the foundations of academics, but also how to be part of a community and an all around good person! She will always hold a special place in our family's heart and the parents I met have become treasured friends of mine. Overall, I am ever grateful to have been a part of a program that valued my child and taught me skills of how to be a better parent. read more

My daughter started in TEAM class and loved the impressive yard, bike collection, art projects, teachers who "got" her, and most of all, the age-appropriate freedom to do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted. She then transitioned to Ms. Danielle Middleton's slightly more structured class and found a perfect fit. Ms. Middleton is an incredible teacher who expertly fosters the kids' socio-emotional growth and instills important life skills. She goes above and beyond to capture for parents invaluable memories of their children (e.g., what they said instead of what they made). My 2 yo son just finished the year in Teacher Dana's class. Teacher Dana is a fun, smart, devoted, experienced, and loving teacher who has created a class full of beautiful rituals and fun and varied activities that encourage growth in the kids and it's just amazing to see their progress over the course of the year. Her parenting lessons are the best! read more

Horizon Hills has helped me immensely in my parenting! I love the community of parents and teachers as well as their philosophy of parenting. I feel like I am building the connection and relationship with my sons that will carry me through their lives. I also love to watch them explore and engage with all this place has to offer! If you are hesitant, don't be!! Come check it out! I am so grateful to this place. read more

I am BEYOND excited we found Horizon Hills. We are in Ms Bonnie's class! She is a true blessing to not only our son, but our whole family. It really does take a village to raise children. I am so GRATEFUL for one of the best villages called Horizon Hills. On rough days when you think it's just way too overwhelming, you are picked up and dusted off by the most amazing "village". To the Teachers and Parents of Horizon Hills, I'm truly blessed to have you in my corner. Especially on those rough days . I'm very grateful to grow and learn along side of my sweet, charismatic, adorable Son. Ms Bonnie Vandenberg you are Amazing!!!! A True Treasure Horizon Hills is a safe school and a great community for families without costing a lot of money. read more

This is an amazing, unique program. I was terrified of the politics of school but the positive discipline philosophy and community atmosphere permeates all aspects of Horizon Hills. I am very happily an active participant now. This is an adult education program and you bring your kids to class for hands-on learning. It is important to keep in mind that your participation and enthusiasm will positively impact your time here and your future. This is not a place for drop-off daycare to be the main focus. Positive discipline, positive communication, and hands-on participation are integral to the program. It is an investment of time for immediate and future parent/caregiver-child supportive interaction and building positive developmental foundation. Classes begin for a child in utero through 5 years old. Breastfeeding Cafe (breastfeeding support) and Picnic Pals (afternoon classes) are available. There are also night and weekend workshops and classes offered for more intensive learning. Fees are very low and supplemented by parent volunteers and fundraisers which offer a variety of extended enrichment opportunities. I've gone from hard-core skeptic to being able to enjoy the safe and supportive learning environment that helps me to be a better parent. If we had more programs like this, I think our goals of world peace could be achieved a lot sooner. Conflict resolution is a major focus of the lives of young children and the training received here allows us all to be better teachers, parents, partners, employers, employees . . . humans. Horizon Hills makes better humans. read more

Horizon Hills has been such a wonderful part of our families lives. We have been there since 2013 and could not be happier. My daughter is thriving in Elementary school in no small part to the exceptional teachers at Horizon Hills. Plus the parent participation component has made me a more confident mother. I cannot say enough about this program! read more

A strongly child-centered, highly developmentally based program. Wonderful preschool setting that creates both happy, self-confident children and families. I have been so lucky to go through the Team classroom with both of my boys, and would highly recommend the program to any parent considering preschools right now. read more

One of a kind jewel of the Conejo Valley for over 30 years! A place for families, where parents learn confidence and tools. A place where children are enriched in every area of learning: physical, mental, academic, emotional, social, and spiritual. The gardens and play areas are beyond amazing and each teacher goes above and beyond to try to reach, help and embrace every family who enters her gorgeous classroom. The professional and attentive office staff makes every effort to meet the needs of a ever-changing public, as evidenced by the 1000"s of families who return to classes with their 2nd, 3rd and more children. Parenting is an incredible task, and although there are no handbooks as such, Horizon Hills is as close as it comes to a handbook of how to bond, teach, and play with your child! read more

We LOVE horizon hills, a handful of my friends kept talking about it and finally a push from my therapist friend convinced me I should care out a half day a week for the good of my family. So glad I did we take Mrs Debbie class and it has been one of the greatest gifts to our family. We learn creative skills, reading, social skills every week and the mentorship from Mrs Debbie as well as fellow moms makes friday my favorite day. Each class we have a topic which is always time relevant such as eating, sleeping, tantrums ect that let you know hoe to handle the obstacles with confidence. For any parent this is an invaluable resource! read more

What an absolute gift this school is! It taught me to both listen to my instincts as well as my child's. My son thrived! His positive experience here started him towards an amazing sense of himself that carried through all the way through high school! He just graduated and is off to college but still remembers Miss Carol's classes! LOVE THIS SCHOOL! read more

Horizon Hills, as its more commonly known, has great things about its toddler program. The best IMO is that a parent is able to be with a young toddler in a "school"'setting, observing how their child interacts with other children and adults and guiding them through the process, while learning some valuable parenting tools themselves. On the down side, their office is very inflexible, maybe because they are a co-op (and need money desperately??) so are absolutely inflexible about any change in scheduling/refunds EVEN IF they can find another student to take the spot (refusing categorically to refund any payments or apply as future credit), regardless of the situation (this was experienced by myself and multiple other parents I met there, causing some of them to simply quit the program mid term before the next payment was due), they are not terribly organized, never return calls and are only open for a few hours in the morning by phone or in person, making it extremely difficult for busy parents - especially parents with multiple children - to communicate their needs easily with the school. All that said, it is still a place where the kids are happy and free to play without any pressure of "learning academics", so if that's what you are looking for, and you can "volunteer/work" at least one day a week there in your child's class, it will suit your needs. TEACHERS REVIEW: BEWARE OF MS. BONNIE BARUCH She recently took over the "upstairs classroom room 16" for the mixed age 3-5 year old class, replacing a well respected and loved teacher who'd been there forever (Ms. Kelly Cummings) --- this happened unexpectedly and last minute in the beginning of the Sept 2016 school year and pretty much every parent who has been in her class this year (some of which had attended the previous year with Ms Kelly) was extremely disappointed and disliked her for different reasons: personality, unfriendliness, not great with the kids/parents, bad class structure, and overall not being a good/warm leader, which is the usual trait of most other teachers at that school. A real shame. TEACHERS I RECOMMEND (personal experience or through multiple great feedback): Ms Kandy ONO, Ms Bonnie VANDENBERG (the other Ms Bonnie, who has the younger 1-2yo class), Ms Danielle SENFFNER, Ms. DEBBIE and the teacher in the upstairs room 17 (also mixed aged group 3-5yo) I heard is amazing. Hope this helps when selecting teachers read more

This school has a mediocre infant program at best. They need to work on their customer service. I had a decent experience with the older infant class, met a bunch of wonderful women which was the only perk. I joined another toddler class, went once, my experience was not good, and my schedule changed, and they refused to give me my money back, and ignored my messages and calls for over a month. They finally followed up after a lot of persistence and then told me they MAY have been able to refund me but since it had been over a month it was a whole other process and they had a "meeting" about it and we happy to credit me until June. Even though I told them I wouldn't be able to join any classes in the foreseeable future and how upset I was, only to be ignored, and never heard back from them. They wonder why they have issues with funding, a little kindness and understanding would go a long way for them. read more

DO NOT HAVE YOUR CHILD ATTEND THIS SCHOOL - IT IS AN UNMONITORED AND UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN - ESPECIALLY THE PICNIC PALS PROGRAM It is unfortunate that I am writing a one star review of this school. My daughter attended this school for over 4 years when in her final year there she was repeatedly harmed by a boy in her class - he punched her in the stomach (after she told him No when he asked her to take her clothes off), kicked her in the face on the rock climbing wall, he and his sister pinned her down, pulled her pants down and spanked her bottom, and he also choked her when she refused to play with him. Shockingly not only did the staff seem to never see any of these incidents but when they were repeatedly reported to the staff and the director - not enough action was taken. In fact the director Eileen Green told my husband and myself that if we wanted to keep our daughter safe we would be required to shadow her at all times. And when after a meeting with her we told her our daughter felt stressed and unsafe she said it was because we had planted seeds of distress in her mind. The victim shaming and parent blaming that Eileen Green AND Sandy McGlynn from Picnic Pals engaged in was very distressing. We ultimately had to pull our daughter out of school in the middle of the year. There are some pretty incredible teachers at this school - Mrs. Cheri, Mrs. Alyssa, Jen Mundy, Mrs. Bonnie, Mrs. Dana, Mrs. Kandy but I strongly advise any parent who is concerned for the welfare and safety of their child to NOT enroll your child in Picnic Pals - is is nicknamed Lord of the Flies with lunch for a reason. I would also not recommend allowing Sandy McGlynn to be in charge of your child OR Eilene Green - she is a bully who protects bullies. This boy and his sister were not even toilet trained and should never have even been allowed to be in the Picnic Pals program. In addition, the mother would repeatedly show up late (which is when the abuse towards my daughter would typically take place) and was never given a consequence nor fined despite that being a school rule. When a school fails to follow its own policies and procedures - kids get hurt. And that is exactly what happened with my daughter. We are not the first to leave over something like this and I am sure we will not be the last. Be warned. read more