NELA Forest School was the absolute perfect place for our son. Being outdoors in a gentle,…read morechild-focused environment helped him thrive. When he got a little older, his bookish interests were supported and encouraged by the teachers. (He was curious about a puddle one day and a teacher brought in a microscope so they could examine the water drops more closely!) NELA is about nature--but I think it's the culture and the educators that truly make it special! Now, my daughter is at NELA and experiencing the same encouragement. The forest is the perfect setting for her imaginative play (and every day her backpack is full of sticks.) TW: They will get dirty. Your car will get dirty. But if you're anything like our family, you will love it. Now whenever we are in outside, our kids point out the native flora and fauna. My husband and I are not particularly outdoorsy. They are our nature guides. NELA has been a gift.

Our son attended NELA forest school from ages 4-6, starting in the Sparrows class for preschool and…read morecontinuing into the Hawks class for transitional kindergarten. Simply put: this school was one of the greatest gifts of his early childhood. From the very first day, it was clear that this was not just a school -- it was a deeply thoughtful, child-centered community that honored who he was and helped him grow in the most meaningful ways. The teachers are exceptional -- warm, attentive, and deeply respectful of each child's individual rhythm. They truly see and celebrate each child. The nature-based, play-driven curriculum allowed our son to thrive in a way that no traditional classroom ever could have. He became curious, confident, resilient, and deeply connected to the natural world around him. He learned how to ask questions, solve problems, collaborate with peers, and express himself -- all while climbing trees, building shelters, observing insects, and engaging with real life in real time. By the time he moved on from the Hawks class, he was not only more than ready for the next step academically -- he was grounded, joyful, and full of love for learning. We are endlessly grateful for the foundation this program gave him, and would recommend it wholeheartedly to any family looking for something truly special.

My time with Grace Lino is almost coming to an end as my child will be transferring out to a…read moredifferent facility out of necessity but I will say that bringing my children to Grace Lino and watching them grow fond of their caretakers has brought such peace and joy to my working-mother life. My smallest who is almost 1yr started at 11 weeks and she smiles so big and gets so happy to arrive at Grace Lino's door. It will be missed!

Thak you for do your best job with my child I'm appreciate im very happy with all teachers my son…read moreis miss you GRACE LINO IS THE BEST PLACE Good bless you

My little one loved Baxter (she is now at Micheltorena Elementary). Ms. Li and the other teachers…read moremade her first school experience very special. She misses them dearly.

Absolutely love this school! Our son has been attending Baxter for the last year and a half, and we…read morelove it so much we have decided to skip TK and keep him there for one more year. He has learned so much and developed life skills while having a lot of fun. We love his teachers, friends and community that has been built through the current and previous parents and children attending the school. Ms. Li the director has been working at the school since the 80's and is a very genuine, knowledgeable, and loving teacher. All of the teachers at the school are incredible, can't recommend this school enough!

I have two children (preschooler and toddler) who attend Cal-Tot; both started around four months…read moreold in the infant room. They absolutely love their teachers and caregivers, and are very happy at school. The director (Mr. Mike) and the teachers are wonderful people, who are fantastic with the kids. I have seen my own children grow and learn so much, and gain independence and confidence at Cal-Tot. My preschooler comes home daily excitedly telling me about something new she learned at school, or some fun activity she loved. I appreciate how the teachers send photos of my kids and notes throughout the day via an app, and all the communication from them at drop off and pick up. The parent community is also very welcoming and involved. So lucky to have this school downtown, near my office.

My three children have been at Cal Tot since they were infants. We have absolutely loved the…read moreexperience! The director, Mr. Mike, is wonderful with the kids and so responsive to parents. My kids have so much fun, and I can really see all of the skills they are learning. The teachers are supportive and kind - they are genuinely interested in the well-being and progress of all the kids. I feel very safe having my kids there. I'm so grateful that this school exists so close to where I work.

Great place with great people. The bond my son developed with this teachers was more than I could…read moreask for. His education, emotional, social and physical confidence gave him a great head start. I also learned a lot on the few days I volunteered which gave me an insight into child development. The rates are the going rates everywhere else. Best thing, no television, no computers. Only Books, art, outside play , nature, playgrounds, legos, music, parades, manners and more. It's was scary leaving my toddler at first but when you find the right place, it all comes together.

My son started attending center in 1999 to 2001. Left because we moved out of area. Center was…read morewonderful! Staff was great! Wonderful memories. Today, 6/10/2016, we happen to be in the area and stopped by for visit and tour. Very welcoming. You can see and feel the love and joy in the center, staff and kiddies. Thank you Councilwoman Joy Picus for such a beautiful and much needed place for the City of LA and its employees. What a pleasure to have attended the center, today to visit once again.

I have a 4 year old soon to be 5 and a 2 year old turning 3 in July..and I must say that I am so…read moreblessed that both my children attend this school. They both have only been here 10 months and they have both grown so much. The love for God and for the children is definitely present and I feel very safe and happy to leave my children here everyday. Ms. Norma is the director and shes been very helpful with all my needs. She's very understanding and will work with your schedule. I also give Ms Katherine big kudos, she's the 2 year old teacher. I must say she is the most loving and patient teacher I have ever met. She gives the little ones lots of love and comfort. My son cried for a month when he first started but ms Katherine always comforted him and made him feel safe, she always assured him mommy was coming back. Ms Katherine is also in charge of the potty training...as a working parent I must say that I'm so happy I found a school that included potty training.. ms Katherine did a fantastic job. Now my son instead of crying says bye mommy! he loves being here. The 4 year old class had some turn over but now it seems to be pretty stable and both ms Lupe and Ms Merissa do a wonderful job together in getting the kids ready for kindergarten. My daughter is now writing her 8 letter name and is starting to read. Little by little the center is doing its best to improve their facility...and I'm more than happy to be part of their growth.

This preschool has been amazing for not just our son, but for the entire family!…read more We started our son going here right after he turned 2. He's now 2.5, so we've got half a year experience there and love it! Upon visiting the school for the first time and also when we went back to turn in his forms, he cried when it was time to leave because he wanted to stay!!! We've done short days, medium length days, and super long days, and he's done well in every case. The school's flexibility with my varying work schedule is one of my favorite things about it - I've been able to vary which days my son goes to school and how long when I need to. Katherine, the 2-year-old teacher, is the toddler whisperer...the way she keeps multiple toddlers' attention and interest while maintaining calm is unbelievable...plus she's warm and comforting (holding, hugging, or carrying children who need it in the moment) which is so important in my opinion because they're so little! She's always got new, fun, exciting activities and crafts planned for the kids that they are so proud of and excited to tell about/show off. You can tell she loves what she does and she's at the top of her game, for sure. The facility inside is just lovely and full of fun experiences and learning centers. I especially love how they bake and cook with the kids in the kitchen sometimes. (They made and then ate a birthday cake for Dr. Seuss' birthday, for example...how cute is that?!) Outdoor facility isn't as nice as the indoor facility, but they do get the kids outside a lot when it's nice - bubble play, water play, bikes, playground, lunch outside - which is really nice. They are truly super supportive of potty training at the child's own pace (and changing diapers if that's where the child is at)...I'm so grateful they didn't require pull ups when we were training my son. He had a couple of minor accidents there in his underwear, but he finished potty training quickly and confidently because it was supported at school the same as at home. To top ALL of these wonderful things off...the kids really do learn - even at 2! BUT Katherine never forces them to do more than they have the interest/attention for...it's a beautiful thing watching her teach them. And so fun the way our son uses what he's learned at home - breaks out into songs he's learned there, picks up a quarter and says "Washington," counts, points out letters, etc. My son was a late talker - barely using words when he started school just past age 2, but his speech began improving and expanding so much once he started school...I really do think it was a big help for him growing in that area. Norma, who runs the school, is a lovely woman who truly cares about the kids. It's a very special place...you'd be lucky to have your child there... Oh - and it's THE MOST AFFORDABLE preschool I've found in the area, too.

Before my kid started TK at LAUSD I enrolled him here during the summer. This was the place that…read moregot him to love arts & crafts. Got him interested to use scissors (found out he's a lefty here and provided him lefty scissors) and through his art class made some classy stuff. Pieces that are still on the walls of our house. Stuff he made for Father's Day that is still sentimental to the hubby. They go on monthly field trips (like Kidspace) but what's cool is that they utilize Metro or Dash to the city library for magic shows, story time, puppet shows, or to parks like Grand Park (splashing around). It is affiliated with a Japanese Buddhist church so they do go to the Hondo for some gassho and singing with the minister in the morning (15 mins). From observation the families that utilize this resource are very diverse--I would even say that Japanese families are in the minority here. I am of the group that chose this place due to its proximity to my workplace, and I think others have too. Ms. Susan has been director for quite some time and I've personally seen old students now adults say hi to her at Nishi obon. Staff are very kind and nurturing. The daycare is nicely situated in a space that is shaded so they aren't going to roast when playing outside. Even now as my kid is enrolled at public school TK I still take him here during LAUSD winter breaks, or the myriad of "no instruction days" on their calendar. They take kids up to age 6 so this has been a godsend to me. Kids as young as 2 must come potty trained. Currently monthly tuition is $1170 might be $50 lower per month if you pay to become a temple member.

Two years ago, when my older child started at Nishi, I was nervous, since he was a covid baby who…read morehadn't attended any outside daycare or childcare previously. But Ms. Susan, Ms. Maria, Ms. Gaby, and the whole team are so loving, that my fears melted away immediately. They made my son know that he belonged, and that they looked forward to seeing him every day. The teachers really get to know the kids, their strengths and needs, and develop an individual plan for each one to help them grow intellectually and personally. Each year, they complete an academic and social-emotional evaluation for each child, and it's amazing to see how much personal detail goes into the daily activities. The Nishi Center isn't just a school, it's a real community, both for the kids and the parents. Some of my son's classmates have parents who went to Nishi when they were kids thirty years ago, and they drive across town to give their kids the same great experience. My younger child just started at Nishi, and I'm so glad that we get to continue our relationship with this beautiful group of people in this very special community.

Damian S. and Ford A. have got it right!!! The school, also known as Playgroup is fantastic!!! I…read morevisited so many schools (both on the Westside and Eastside) and all the work was well worth it. Playgroup's a diamond in the rough and a well-kept secret. You, fellow Yelpers, are lucky I'm sharing it with you! I would've been fine keeping it all to myself but I've got to give credit where it is due! Playgroup was established decades ago and is undergoing somewhat of a revival under their director, Tina. She's passionate, vibrant, and educated (a Trojan - but I won't hold that against her). ;) Under Tina's leadership, I feel that Playgroup is just going to get better and better. The school's teachings are based on RIE, Reggio Emilia, and are child-centered. Basic concepts are children are curious learners and active participants, and thrive in an environment that is safe, challenging, nurturing. Playgroup is located in the hills of Echo Park in a former residence. The rooms have all been converted to classrooms. It's really quaint. The playground is composed of a large slide structure and 1/2 of the ground is covered in a nice, rubbery material that absorbs shock and is almost spongy, whereas the other 1/2 or so is a large sandbox. There is also a little garden and I believe they will start composting soon. Students regularly paint and play with the organic playdough Playgroup makes. Also, every week there are additional (free) activities such as yoga, dance, music, soccer, and nature walks. Unheard of!!!I Most schools charge for these "extras"! Note: Tina, if you're reading this, please don't get any ideas. LOL! My daughter loves her teachers. The teachers all speak Spanish and English. They vary in age, which means there is a good mix of experience. Teacher Irma sends a daily handwritten note with a summary of events, and any important reminders. Teacher Betty sends a weekly e-mail to wrap up the week. The student-to-teacher ratio is amazing! On any given day, my daughter's class has 5-8 students and there are always 2 teachers. That is seriously unheard of in Los Angeles! Believe me when I tell you this is incredible. The best preschools in LA (including UCLA and LMU) don't have this! So what does this really mean? It means that (a) your child gets a lot of attention and (b) your tuition money is very well spent. Speaking of which, tuition is very reasonable given the (a) student-to-teacher ratio, (b) flexible hours (7 AM - 6 PM), and (c) nutritious breakfast and snacks are provided. I can go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea! We heart Playgroup!

The center, known also as Playgroup, is the absolute best daycare around. The staff to student…read moreratio is the highest I have found. The philosophy of the school is called "non-violent education" and is based on empathy for the child's point of view. Ruth Beaglehole, the school's founder, is also the director of the Center for Non-Violent Education in Echo Park. We can bring our 3 year-old son at 8 am and pick him up at 6 pm if we have to. As it is we usually get there at 10 am and pick up at about 5:30 pm. But it is nice to have the option of longer hours if our work week is intense. Our son has really blossomed since he started at Playgroup the very day he turned 2 years-old. What was also great is that he didn't need to be potty trained when he started. He uses the potty now and I feel like training was so much easier because he saw other children doing it and modeled their behavior. Anyway, it is an a great place for children and the other parents are cool, so the social aspect is good for adults as well. There are also a dozen or so subsidized slots for families with moderate incomes. And the prices are not bad for full and part time students even without subsidies, considering what we paid a babysitter before our son was 2 just so we could work a few hours a week. I highly recommended this school and suggest you call right away to get on the waiting list and come visit Playgroup.

If I could give Bright Montessori a thousand stars, I would. Our youngest (of three kids) started…read moreat Bright at barely age 2 when our full-time nanny unexpectedly had to take medical leave. When I arrived for my visit, the director, Sakina, was hoisting a palate of strawberries from her car that she had bought from the farmers market for the kids' snack. From day one, our family felt welcomed and supported by Sakina and her colleagues and the parents at the school. Our daughter is thriving and we see every day how this loving community has contributed to her growth and development. The school has two beautiful classrooms with large glass windows/doors and a serene courtyard. One parent on Yelp commented about uneven pavement and I'm not sure I understand that. The space is perfectly safe (as well as clean and beautiful) for children to run around--I certainly wouldn't have sent my 2-year-old daughter to the school if I had any concerns. The teachers are extremely engaged and loving and I've watched them on a daily basis help kids to learn how to communicate and resolve conflict. Overall, the school is an absolute gem and I am so glad that we became part of this wonderful community. Our family is forever grateful for the marvelous work by Sakina, Vanessa, Michelle, and Romaline.

If I could give Bright Montessori a thousand stars, I would. Our youngest (of three kids) started…read moreat Bright at barely age 2 when our full-time nanny unexpectedly had to take medical leave. When I arrived for my visit, the director, Sakina, was hoisting a palate of strawberries from her car that she had bought from the farmers market for the kids' snack. From day one, our family felt welcomed and supported by Sakina and her colleagues and the parents at the school. Our daughter is thriving and we see every day how this loving community has contributed to her growth and development. The school has two beautiful classrooms with large glass windows/doors and a serene courtyard. One parent on Yelp commented about uneven pavement and I'm not sure I understand that. The space is perfectly safe (as well as clean and beautiful) for children to run around--I certainly wouldn't have sent my 2-year-old daughter to the school if I had any concerns. The teachers are extremely engaged and loving and I've watched them on a daily basis help kids to learn how to communicate and resolve conflict. Overall, the school is an absolute gem and I am so glad that we became part of this wonderful community. Our family is forever grateful for the amazing work by Sakina, Vanessa, Michelle, and Romaline.