Gan Malibu Preschool has been an absolute gift for our family. Our daughter started at the infant…read morecenter around 16 months old and is now 4.5 years old, still happily growing, learning, and thriving there. If they offered more years, we would stay forever! Sarah, the director, along with her incredible family and the entire team of teachers, has created a warm, nurturing, and very loving environment that we consider an extension of home. The care they provide is unmatched, my daughter is seen and supported. They also do so much baking and cooking I love it! All the arts and crafts and creative projects - wow ! The nature-based learning approach is magical. The children are always exploring, discovering, and learning in ways that honor their curiosity and connection to the world around them. Anaya has not only blossomed academically and emotionally but has also formed meaningful friendships that we know will last beyond preschool. Gan is more than a school, it's a community, a family. We are endlessly grateful to be part of it.

I could write a novel on my love for Gan Malibu. What a magical place for children to explore,…read moreplay, and grow. The teachers are so kind and warm and there's something so special about this place. My son started at 3 and was previously struggling with drop off at his previous school. He'd just cry hysterically. At Gan Malibu, they encouraged us to do a slower drop off to ensure he was feeling okay and what do you know... drop offs only became easier and easier with time. He knew he was safe there and that his teachers cared for him. We had such a wonderful experience we opted to put our 1 year old daughter at the Gan too instead of keeping her at home with a nanny. We knew she'd thrive and flourish under their care and she did. I unfortunately lost our home in the Palisades Fire and there were only 2 things keeping me in Malibu: proximity to our family and access to the Gan. At one point right after we evacuated we were driving 3 hours round trip to keep the kids at the Gan. It's that special. We ultimately decided it was best for our family to move out of state but we had the hardest time parting with the Gan. Sarah is one of the most compassionate educators you'll find. Her leadership really sets the tone for the school and you can see how much all the teachers love the kids. The gan becomes a home away from home for the children. Teacher Lauren has the patience of a saint and really tries to understand toddlers even when they're being little maniacs. Teacher Jacqui is a baby whisperer and even though my daughter can take a minute to warm up to people, I knew she was obsessed with her from early on. Teacher Imelde is great too and is always so calm and positive. There is so much enrichment happening. They are intentionally recycle and upcycle everything, which I LOVE. They have yoga and gardening and cooking and even beach trips. They overlook the ocean and watch the dolphins play in the water. You won't find a better place for your kids.

Our family couldn't be happier with CCW. They are assertive, smart, friendly, loving people who…read moreteach the kids more than we would expect. Our son can't wait to get out of the car in the morning and run to his classroom. Five stars isn't enough!

What do I remember about my preschool experience…read more.. Really nice teachers. One went on to become my favorite babysitter! A gigantic stone Turtle. I liked it way better on the shell than under its belly. Sitting on the floor and singing along to an acoustic rendition of "The Ants Go Marching One, By One." In retrospect, I'm pretty sure that was a 'Hippie Circle.' The first time I saw a girl naked. Incidentally, this girl went on to become Miss Golden Globe. Water-colors. This was much less important in my formative years than, say, the fact that Alcoholics Anonymous met right next door. 80% recess, 20% classroom. That's more like it.

I survived the preschool years (4 kids spanning a decade) with the help of Malibu Presbyterian…read moreNursery school! They nurtured my kids and loved on them when I needed some time away to work and think. They also helped me become a better parent, reassuring me that my kid's behavior was age appropriate, the drama would pass, and encouraging me to enjoy the process. I'm so grateful that Malibu Presbyterian Nursery School is a welcoming place for both parents and kids! My kids still quote their many mottos including "there is always room for 1 more friend". We learned good life lessons for every age.

My son graduated from Malibu Presbyterian Nursery School around 24 years ago now. When I first…read moreenrolled him, my wife/his mother had recently passed away, and I was struggling to raise him at all, much less the right way. He was met with open, loving arms every day; and it wasn't long until the school became an integral part of his parenting. He was loved, cared for, taught how to interact with other kids, played hard; and the curriculum developed him while at the same time being fun. The stories he had to tell each day! At the same time, I was kept up to speed on his progress, on any issues (that I could help reinforce at home), his strengths (ditto), and I was introduced and made part of the Malibu Pres network of teachers and parents who I know to this day. All of which helped me to meet my parenting challenges. I am fully convinced that the life foundation he received there made the difference between being a scholastic failure and the great educational success he became. I am forever grateful to Malibu Presbyterian Nursery School.

My child and our family had the most beautiful pre-school experience at Mountainview. Each and…read moreevery teacher and staff is warm and professional and the education is true to the Montessori approach. Because of the heart and dedication of the teachers, my son is and eager and capable learner- both emotionally and academically. Over the year and a half that my son was there, he gained independence, learned how to interact and communicate with others, and gained knowledge that will support him in learning for years to come. He can crack an egg better than me, clean up after himself, initiate play with his peers, identify continents and sound out words at 4 years old. The most important and memorable part of Mountainview are all the Spring and Winter performances, the daily updates and words of encouragement from the teachers at pick up/drop off, and the special events, such as the reptile show, Splish Spash day, and more. The year round education was so beneficial to his learning and maintain consistency in our family's schedule. I was so proud and sad to see my son graduate but because of his experience, he walked into his first day of TK with confidence. I can't wait until my next child is ready to start Mountainview!

Our experience with Mountain View Montessori has been nothing short of incredible. From the very…read morebeginning, we felt a sense of warmth, intention, and genuine care that truly sets this school apart. The environment they've created is calm, nurturing, and thoughtfully designed to support each child's independence and curiosity. It has been such a joy to watch our daughter grow in confidence, develop a love for learning, and feel so safe and at home in her classroom. The Montessori approach is beautifully honored, children are respected, guided, and encouraged in a way that feels both empowering and deeply supportive. We especially want to give a heartfelt shoutout to all of the amazing staff, and to Ms. Rola, Ms. Nina, and most especially her teacher, Ms. Avery. They are truly incredible, genuine people with such a clear passion for children and learning. The care, patience, and intention they bring every single day does not go unnoticed. It means the world to us as parents to know our daughter is surrounded by such kind, attentive, and inspiring educators. We are beyond grateful to be part of the Mountain View Montessori community. It is a truly special place filled with heart, and one we will always look back on with so much appreciation and love.

This preschool is a dream come true for our family. I often tell people that it's "biodynamic soil…read morefor our daughters soul", enriching her play and expanding her growth and development at light speed. She is often singing the lullabies she learns, reciting the stories, and always so very excited to return for more. We live in Las Flores Canyon near the campus and we have watched in amazement and awe as this magical epicenter of love and support has enlivened our local community and been a connecting link in bringing together families with like minded awareness. The teachers and directors are some of the most lovely and heart centered people on the planet. They see our daughter for who she is, and have been an enormous help in guiding her spirit into the most beautiful expression of her instincts and interests. I am very particular about clean food and it's such a relief knowing that they only serve organic food and snacks! They take care to be very respectful of dietary restrictions and the special needs of each unique child- it's such a huge blessing and absolute requirement for me. The teachers have each shared such sacred wisdom with me about each developmental stage, and I continue to learn so much from them. Anytime I have questions they always take the time to help guide me toward more understanding and grace with my child. It really means the world to me to have this beautiful support in this conscious community. One of our deepest desires and highlights of parenthood is providing the absolute best for our children to enable them to flourish and grow in the most harmonious and conscious way possible. During the first parent meeting this year we all sat in a circle and expressed how incredibly grateful we each are that this sacred space still exists in this world, and we all wished that we would have had the opportunity to attend such a delightful school when we were young. It's truly and honor and great privilege to have found this treasure nestled under the ancient oaks and so close to home in so many ways.

My daughter is now thriving in TK and I appreciate the foundation that was laid at The Growing…read morePlace. Still highly recommend!

The program director and those in charge at this school have little to no regard for the parents…read moreand school employees. I strongly recommend going elsewhere.

Children's House Montessori has been the home for both of our kids since they were both 1 and 1.5…read more(respectively) and I couldn't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a daycare in the area. The teachers are phenomenal. The environment is loving, nurturing, and caring. The school is always clean and maintained. The kids are stimulated and challenged on the daily. Their progression is measured, tested, and we (the parents) are given quarterly status reports showing where the child stands in their development in various areas. They read, write, do math, learn other languages, and practice social skills that put them head and shoulders above their peers who do not attend this school. To recap, if you value your child's education, mental stimulation, and a sense of belonging then you must consider CHM. You will not be disappointed!

Our son has attended Children's House Montessori of Agoura Hills for almost a year, starting in the…read moretoddler class and now preparing to move into primary, and we've had such a positive experience. From the moment we toured, the space felt warm and welcoming, the children were clearly connected to their teachers, and the director immediately made us feel at ease. The teachers are incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely interested in each child. Miss Kay is especially wonderful. My son talks about her constantly, including on weekends, which feels like the highest compliment a toddler can give. He also speaks positively about the other teachers he interacts with, which says a lot. I have seen them handle end-of-day toddler meltdowns with calm and grace, which honestly feels like a superpower. Since starting, we have seen so much growth in our son's independence and emotional regulation. He loves doing things himself and often repeats phrases like "we keep our hands to ourselves" and "sharing is caring," sometimes while correcting me. The classroom environment feels calm but still stimulating, and the small class sizes make it clear that each child is truly known. We also love that they offer exposure to different languages along with extracurriculars like dance and sports. There is truly no better feeling than dropping your child off and having them be so excited to be there that they do not even notice you leaving. Knowing your child feels safe and happy enough to run into the classroom means you can walk out, go to Starbucks, and drink your coffee while it is still warm, in peace and quiet. That alone is priceless. I highly recommend this school to parents looking for a nurturing, structured Montessori environment that supports independence, kindness, and parents' sanity.

I wanted to update my review because I've continued to see so much growth and positive change since…read moremy last post. This school has truly been such a gift to our family. My son has made wonderful friendships with children who have grown right alongside him, and it has been amazing to watch. The teachers put so much heart, dedication, and genuine care into what they do every day, and it shows. A special thank you to Miss Jonnay! She has been an incredible teacher to my son, and I am so grateful for the care and attention she gives him. She keeps me updated, celebrates his successes, and truly understands him. Over the last couple of months, I've seen such a big change in him, he's grown in confidence, understanding, and independence. It means so much to have someone who spends her days with him, notices these milestones, and genuinely cares about his development. The support she provides feels like having a second mother in his corner. Miss Tressa has created such a special place for children to learn, explore, and experience their first years of education. This school is truly a hidden gem, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found it and to be part of this community. If you're considering this school, I encourage you to visit and meet the staff. You'll quickly see how passionate, caring, and dedicated they are. We couldn't be more grateful for the love and support our family has received here.

Editing to recognize certain teachers:…read more I have gone back and forth for over a year about writing this review. Parents deserve to know what we experienced before trusting this school with their children. Our experience started off well. Like every daycare, there were minor issues here and there, and we gave the school grace because no childcare center is perfect. The problem wasn't that mistakes happened. The problem was that the mistakes kept getting more serious, and every concern was met with excuses, denial, or an attempt to make us feel like we were overreacting. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts and left much sooner. One of our first major concerns happened in the infant room. My daughter came home with bleach stains all over her pants. The teacher admitted they had sprayed bleach on her high chair, forgot to wipe it down, and then placed my infant in it. That should never happen. Then came something even more alarming. I picked up my infant one afternoon, and she screamed hysterically from hunger the entire drive home. I checked Brightwheel because I assumed someone had simply forgotten to log her bottles. Instead, I discovered there were no bottle entries because they had not fed her formula all day. Not a missed log..a missed feeding. As a parent, that is terrifying. Then there were the coyote issues. Coyotes were coming right up to the school fence and parents even photographed a coyote standing right outside the children's fence (see attached). Tressa's response? Cayenne pepper around the perimeter. It took months of parents pushing before only one small section of fencing was raised. To this day, much of the fence remains low. Another issue involved mold. The children's play couch had mold covering the bottom. Rather than simply acknowledging the problem and informing parents of mold exposure, the initial response was that it "might be black paint." Parents know what mold looks like. Cleanliness was another ongoing concern. My children routinely came home with dried food on their faces, dirty hands, and crusted noses. This wasn't dirt from outdoor play. They simply weren't being cleaned throughout the day. My children were constantly sick while attending this school. The final straw was something I still cannot believe happened. My daughter came home wearing the exact same diaper I put on her that morning. It was soaked, sagging, cold, and hanging to her knees. I immediately contacted Tressa. Rather than investigating what happened, her first response was that another child also wore Coterie diapers and the teachers must have accidentally used someone else's diaper. That explanation fell apart almost immediately. Coterie prints a unique quality-control code on every diaper in a package. The diaper my daughter came home wearing had the exact same code as the open package sitting in my house. It was the diaper I put on her that morning. Only after I sent photographs proving it did the apologies begin. That was the day I reported the school to Community Care Licensing. Despite all of this, I want to recognize the people who made our experience better. Ms. Chandler, Ms. Jonnay, Ms. Jenn, and Ms. Debbie are wonderful educators who genuinely love children, and my daughters adored them. I also want to acknowledge that my daughters loved Ms. Tressa as well. My criticism is not about whether Tressa cares about children. I believe she does. My criticism is about leadership. Running a preschool requires more than caring about kids. It requires accountability, transparency, and the ability to admit when something went wrong and fix it. Instead, I consistently felt dismissed. Concerns were minimized. Excuses came before accountability. I was repeatedly made to feel like I was simply a difficult parent for raising legitimate health and safety concerns. An experienced director once worked at the school and made noticeable improvements because she accepted responsibility and addressed problems head-on. I truly believe the school would benefit tremendously from hiring an experienced director and allowing that person to manage the day-to-day operations. Tressa, if you're reading this, this review isn't being written because mistakes happened. Every school makes mistakes. This review exists because of how those mistakes were handled. Your response to concerns was almost always to deny, minimize, or explain them away instead of simply acknowledging them and making meaningful changes. My daughters are thriving at their new school. Every teacher they've had at ANY school has described them as kind, respectful, and a joy to have in class. They weren't the problem. I wasn't the problem. Parents raising concerns about children's health and safety are not the problem. I sincerely hope this school improves because the children deserve it. But until accountability becomes a priority, I cannot recommend that families entrust their children to this daycare.

What a unique find. This preschool has done an overwhelming amount for the parents in this area…read more They offer preschoolers part time attendance between 9-1, without charging what a majority of preschools could and do. At first I was curious as to why, but apparently the school kept family affordability in mind. Something many schools, even good schools, can't help but exploit. The teachers and director Kim seem to truly care. I am grateful my son currently attends. I wish they had more information online, glad I actually stopped in or else would of never known.

We have had two kids going through OPNS and a third one eligible to enroll this fall. We love it…read morehere! The school setting is beautiful and pleasant; teachers are loving, caring and full of creative ideas; the art and music programs are just amazing!

Wildflower is the most amazing school, where kids have the opportunity to grow and flourish…read more The classroom is always thoughtfully prepared. The indoor space feels like a magical place to play, create, and connect. My daughter is an "outside kid," and Wildflower has the most incredible outdoor space for children to climb, explore, play in the dirt, make potions, look for bugs, invent their own games and the list goes on. The teachers truly tune into the needs of each individual child while also creating a warm and connected classroom environment. They are patient, nurturing, and deeply kind. At every pickup I'm greeted with a huge smile and can immediately tell she's had an amazing day. She always leaves with her cup full after spending time with her friends and teachers. We feel so grateful that our daughter got to spend these early childhood years at Wildflower, and I know the memories and foundation they've given her will stay with her for a very long time.

Wildflower is a TREASURE!! My older son went there for two years, and now my younger son is…read morestarting his second year in the fall, and I could not be feel more lucky to have found this gem of a preschool and these incredible teachers. They are truly "in it" with the kids - guiding developmentally-appropriate conflict resolution, nurturing confidence and voice, expanding their understanding and knowledge, and having fun. The place itself is magical, and the thought and care they put into each interaction, choice, and offering is unmatched. Their gentle flow of the day is beautiful; it's really crafted with such care. They have truly helped both of my kids blossom in incredible ways. I can't recommend this school enough; their love and care is really next level.