Moving to Palm Springs in 2020 as an LGBTQ family was both exciting and honestly terrifying as…read moreparents. Like every parent, we simply wanted our son to feel safe, supported, challenged academically, and excited about his future. Unfortunately, our early experiences within the public school system in this area were deeply disappointing. There was bullying, a lack of meaningful support, and moments where we truly felt our child was not being protected or seen in the ways he deserved. Finding Palm Valley School changed everything for our family. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmth, professionalism, inclusion, and genuine care not just from the faculty and administration, but from the other families and students as well. Palm Valley doesn't just educate children. They help them thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. The teachers here are exceptional. The electives and extracurricular programs are incredibly impressive and genuinely future-focused. Whether your child is interested in the arts, leadership, academics, athletics, technology, or community involvement, there are opportunities everywhere. The school creates pathways that truly prepare students for universities, scholarships, and successful futures while still allowing kids to actually enjoy learning. One of the biggest differences we noticed was that learning here feels alive. Our son comes home excited about projects, field trips, discussions, and experiences almost daily. There's a practical, hands-on approach that has helped him grow in confidence and maturity in ways that honestly continue to amaze us. Since enrolling at Palm Valley, our son has absolutely thrived through grades 7, 8, and now 9, and we genuinely look forward to continuing his educational journey here all the way through graduation. No school is perfect, and like every school navigating today's world, Palm Valley has faced challenges. What impressed us most was how professionally and compassionately the board and faculty handled difficult moments. You can genuinely feel that they care deeply about these students and families. Their response during challenging times did not weaken the school community. If anything, it strengthened it. There is resilience, accountability, kindness, and heart here, and it is obvious the students are benefiting from being part of a community that chooses growth and compassion over division. As LGBTQ parents, we cannot overstate what this school has meant to our family. Feeling safe matters. Feeling represented matters. Feeling protected matters. And feeling welcomed without explanation or judgment matters more than people realize. If you are an LGBTQ family considering schools in this area, our advice is simple: do not waste time second-guessing this decision. Learn from our experience. If Palm Valley is a feasible option for your family, enroll your child. And truthfully, this recommendation is not only for LGBTQ families. It is for any family looking for a school that genuinely sees children, supports them, challenges them, protects them, and helps them become excited about who they are and who they are capable of becoming. Palm Valley has been life-changing for our family, and we will always be grateful for that.

My son has attended Palm Valley School since 5th grade. He is now completing 9th grade and he is so…read morehappy with the school! He plays every sport because it is a small school and all the kids join in. Many of the teachers attend the sports events to show support for their students. It's is such a great feeling to know that your child feels totally supported by their school and their teachers. He has really grown and matured as a student in this remarkable environment and he adores the teaching staff. We could not be happier with our experience at Palm Valley School and we find it to be worth every penny. We have toured other schools in the area both for grammar school and high school and there is no other option in our opinion. Having relocated temporarily during the pandemic and we thought we might stay for one year but we decided to relocate our family from Marina del Rey solely because our son is so happy and thriving academically of Palm Valley School. Yes, we left the beach because nothing is better than a happy thriving kid!! This school would be 50k in the Los Angeles area and the class sizes would be far larger. Additionally, the families at PVS are down to earth and the PVS community in general is very warm and welcoming. We plan on staying until our son graduates. My only regret is that he did not start at Palm Valley School in kindergarten. PVS may be the best parenting decision we have made thus far.

This is a wonderful school for developing a child's interest in education and creative expression…read more My godson has increased his vocabulary consistently and has enjoyed the many creative projects and social interaction with both the students and teachers.

From the owner: We are an intimate setting Boutique Preschool with full and halftime programs available. We have…read moreboth multi-cultural and multi-ethnic curriculum. We offer developmentally appropriate teaching techniques by qualified staff.

I was there a week ago and I talk to an employee her name was Miss Cara she was so nice and helpful…read moreI was just asking prices for my grand baby who is 3 moving into town she made me feel like I can trust this facility it was clean and the people were friendly I can see the love she has for the kids Thank You to Miss Cara for her hard work and dedication to these children R Schoonover

First School is a wonderful preschool. Everyone working there is very nurturing and the individual…read moreas well as group activities cannot be beat. I especially appreciate Miss Cara as she has been most helpful, knowledgeable, and is so very patient with children. If you are looking for great preschool with an excellent program, staff, and teachers then I suggest you look no further than First School of Palm Springs.

My daughter, Akira, started attending First School the day after her 2nd birthday. Since being…read morethere she has grown and thrived; she has mastered potty training; and she is all about those letters! I'm very glad they use a classroom model (unlike in-home daycares) so kids can treat "daycare" like "school:. Akira even got enrolled in their optional gymnastics program! It's been a great place to see her grow. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff. Frankly, the staff is the reason I chose First School over the other daycares I considered. My first staff interaction was with Ms. Vanessa - who manages the front desk and enrollment. Ms Vanessa is the one who gave me the tour and introduced me to the teachers who would be working with my daughter. She spent about 20 mins one-on-one with me before I even committed to sending my child to this school. It was a great introduction! All the teachers are wonderful. Ms Jenn, Ms Trina, Ms. Marlene, Ms. Myra - just to name a few. They are calm, kind, and gentle. And - unlike her last school - they don't have a ton of turn over with a new teacher every 2 months. First School has a built a real community and I'm so glad my daughter gets to be a part of it.

We absolutely love first school cathedral city…read more Ms.Vanessa and Mrs.Nina Ms. Trina Mrs.Marlene and Mrs Arcadia are all amazing Ms. Mayra and the rest of the staff are also fantastic From day one, she has provided a nurturing, safe, and loving environment for our two boys!. This daycare is clean, well-organized, and filled with educational toys and activities that keep the kids learning and engaged. Ms. Trina has a wonderful way of making each child feel special and supported. She communicates clearly and consistently, and I always feel confident leaving my child in her care. If you're looking for a daycare provider who truly cares about your little one's development and well-being, Ms. Trina is the best choice! Highly recommend.

We were really pleased with our Aunt Fran's experience. Communication and scheduling were easy, our…read moresitter arrived each time with fun new toys and activities, and overall the experience really enabled us to better enjoy our trip. Highly recommend -- a very well-run service.

We had a vacation in Palm Springs lately and I would have to say our babysitter from this company…read more(she asked not to be named) was one of the best we've ever had! She came prepared with toys and arts and crafts for older kids, she was very flexible with her hours while we were figuring our or plans at the time of. We scheduled her to only watch my baby, but she also watched 3 kids (ages 12 months, and two 6 year olds) when we needed her, with no hesitation. She made our vacation so much easier! I HIGHLY recommend!

My daughter attended First School for two years, and during her last year she had Ms. Saira as her…read moreteacher. Ms. Saira was absolutely wonderful, my daughter adored her. She was warm, patient, and always took the time to update me about my daughter's day. She also created so many engaging and fun learning activities for the class. Thanks to her, I felt my daughter was very well-prepared for kindergarten! All the teachers at the PD were amazing. I highly recommend this preschool!

First School Palm Desert Attention : Heather…read more October 17, 2025 Regarding : Ms. Sylvia I am writing this letter to let you know, how wonderful it is to have Ms.Sylvia on your staff. She brings with her, nurturing, and guidance to all the children at First School. She knows just the right thing to say to a child that is having a sad day, whatever that might be. She always makes sure that the children have what they need to be secure and have a pleasant day. For myself and my son Bradley, we enjoy talking with her and giving her hugs. Sincerely, Jeanine Matzie Bradley Thaxton-Matzie

Forever grateful for Creative Beginnings! Both of my children had the opportunity to go through…read morethis school! Ms. Manique is an extremely hands on owner and assures each child is handled with care! The teachers have been with her for years which allows them to all be on the same page as far as their teaching methods! And gratefully both my children left this school above grade average! Definitely a school you would want your children to attend!

At first when my daughter was 3 she started coming here for pre-school. it was fast paced and I…read morefelt there was a lot we were missing, not knowing who to ask what really we just went with the flow. she's in kindergarten now and she hasn't gotten hurt, never had lice, nothing bad has happened. She speaks lovingly about her teachers and doesn't want to go back to the previous school. I have had a few hiccups but the were resolved almost as soon as they appeared. I feel comfortable with her teachers and they love the kids. I just think we're lucky to have our daughter go to this Montessori school.

Extremely great teachers and the quality education is awesome. Very well run private school and a…read moresafe environment for the children .

This school has taken a turn for the worst!! The last 6-7 years, not enough teachers and the…read moreteachers they have are so underpaid they can care less about teaching your child. They scream and belittle them all day which causes your child to lack self esteem, and be vocal. Parents are the last to know anything unless your one of Mr.Keno favorites then you will know what takes places. Most teachers are not credentialed, one of the home room teachers was a Medical Assistant with no teaching background. Classrooms are out dated there's no happinesses on any child or employees faces, the only person who smiles is Miss. Maravilla she's the janitor.

Ms. Tessa is absolutely amazing tailoring the lessons to each child. My oldest was terrified of…read moregetting in the water and now he is a confident swimmer. The individual attention is such a blessing. These lessons are worth every penny!

Tessa is professional and has a very gentle and encouraging demeanor. Our four year old was a bit…read morenervous at first, but she quickly eased his anxiety. She had him floating and putting his face in the water very quickly. We would definitely recommend Tessa

Every year Palm Springs High School theatre hosts as a venue for the PSIFF. We have been going for…read morealmost 20 years! We like to support the theatre kids by purchasing food; candy, popcorn and hot chocolate. The parking access to the theatre is easy to get to. The campus theatre is well maintained and one of the largest in the area. Restrooms are maintained and replenished. Seats are built in, not luxury but well laid out. On this previous visit we were able to view a film that we now consider our favorite from all the festivals we have participated in. Starring Anna Barishnokov... you can probably guess who her father is if you know ballet. Go see Idiotka, it is making it's premiere in LA, about a wannabe fashion designer who gets on a reality tv show. I won't say more, but laugh out loud fun. Happy to have seen it before it streams here at PS High School! #PSHighSchool #PSIFFSupporter #MyOtherHome #SupportTheatreKids

We came here for the Palm Springs Film Festival. I'm reviewing the auditorium we saw the film in…read more Not going to lie, when I heard we were seeing a film at the high school I thought it was going to be old school folding chairs since it was an international indie film. I was pleasantly surprised that the auditorium was huge and the seats were super comfy. Also, huge stage! Definitely would go back to see another film from the film festival.