We absolutely love this preschool. Our daugther started when she was 2 and we could not be more grateful for the experience it has given her. The focus on empathy, kindness, and meaningful daily activites has made such a positive impact on her growth and confidence. The teachers are truly wonderful, warm, attentive and deeply invested in the children. The food is incredible and thoughtfully prepared, and the sense of community is really special. This school is so much more than a preschool and we highly recommend it! read more

River East is an excellent preschool. The entire staff are very nurturing and caring toward each child. They put us at complete ease when dropping our 2 year old off for her first out of home childcare / school experience. The activities and ethos of the school are uniquely intentional and researched. Every day is curated to focus on the appropriate phases of early childhood development. At River East my child is safe, learning, eating well and developing beautiful friendships with her peers and teachers. We couldn't be happier that we found this school. read more

My daughter (3 years old) has been going to River East for about a year now and I cannot say enough good things. It has stood head and shoulders above other programs we have experienced. The attention to the environment, curriculum and each individual child is mind blowing. It is a parent's dream for sending their child to a place that is engaging, supportive and allows them to prosper. The staff are deeply involved and knowledgable. I credit much of my daughters emotional intelligence and strong sense of safety to the school. I recommend it to anyone looking for a preschool. read more

We've been part of the River East School community for almost six years. Our oldest daughter spent three wonderful years there, and our youngest is now in her second. We only have good words for this oasis of socio-emotional growth, the incredible food that teaches children to truly enjoy healthy eating, the safe and creative environment for exploration, and the extraordinary group of teachers and parents who make the school feel like home. It's a real community, one that will always be part of our lives. We recommend it to all our friends with kids in preschool age. read more

My daughter attended River East from age 2.5 to almost 5. She started as a baby and left as a little girl. The teachers at River East shepherded her through this long, short, precious time with love, respect, affection and joy. Every moment of the day at River East is approached with consideration, intention and beauty. I felt so good bringing her there, knowing that in my busy life as her mom I'd probably never get around to tie dying with avocado skins and hibiscus flowers with her, but at school she had access to these beautiful materials and "provocations," which were always thoughtful and always changing. The children at RES are encouraged to express themselves while they gently learn to become part of a respectful community of friends. Her social and language skills developed naturally as part of this community and through art and play. The children are emotionally grounded and they all seem so happy in their little ecosystem. Plus, when my daughter turned 4, she entered into the TK/ kindergarten prep group. She was activated by practicing her ABC's, counting and entered Kindergarten prepared for early academics. Thank you RES! read more

We feel so grateful to have found this wonderful preschool. We enrolled our first son in 2017, and our second son is currently enrolled. The peace of mind we have, knowing our kids are safe, surrounded by nurturing staff and many wonderful activities every day is invaluable. The children are championed to be themselves, channel their creativity, and explore a vast variety of materials and concepts. The food is just beyond! When I see the weekly menu I get jealous of what my kid gets to eat. Something I particularly appreciate about RES is the zen environment. My kids never seemed overstimulated upon pick up. The children get to explore yoga, dance, music, art, and there is even a sensory gym for them to get their energy out. We have had such wonderful experiences at RES; there truly is no other place like it (and we have the basis for comparison). If you can make it work with your budget, I highly recommend this school. It's really worth every penny. read more

RES has been instrumental in helping to build a strong foundation of emotional understanding and empathy in our son. Dina, Josh and Dee are understanding and thoughtful leaders who have created a curriculum and environment that help to nurture these elements. We love the focus on community building, storytelling and creativity. When our son first started at the age of two, he was quickly adopted by an older friend who became his mentor. She quickly helped him to adapt and feel comfortable at the school. It has been amazing to see that three years later, he is now assuming more of a mentorship role at the school. His creativity and problem solving have also blossomed during his tenure. We notice that he is always thinking of creative solutions and is very collaborative in his approach, which stems from communal storytelling time at the school. The food at RES has also been a stellar experience. Not only is it fresh and organic, but it has also helped him expand his palette. He'll surprise us by stating his love for food we haven't cooked yet at home, and it gives us courage to challenge our own menu at home. The school also has had some incredible guest teachers for classes that he's loved--from music to breakdancing to yoga. The TK program has also been a recent standout. He's been able to accrue the building blocks of kindergarten skills in a very play based environment. His love for learning has exploded since he began the program. Dee has been wonderful in crafting such a thoughtful program. Most of all, we've been heartened to see his empathy grow. And it has grown steadily since he began at RES. We couldn't have chosen a better starting environment for our son. read more

Most people only write reviews (and by most people I mean me) when we are outraged as it takes time and effort which as a parent is hard to muster for anything other than survival (and the aforementioned rage). Yet, here I am, writing one for River East because of quite the opposite - we are just so in love with this school that we have been moved to write about it. River East is a truly magical place, a space for learning, a space of community, of nurturing, of wonder. As a type A parent, I went to every preschool in the greater Los Angeles area to not only tour, but to do parent and me classes at. River East was the final school we looked at and the moment we saw it, we knew our son had to attend as it truly was so far beyond any of the other schools we had looked at/ attended. From the diverse, caring staff to the Reggio inspired learning and spaces, to the sensory gym, to the freshly cooked meals and snacks - it is preschool utopia. The materials that the children work with are incredible, the way in which their curiosity is nurtured is amazing and the kindness and attention that each child receives makes you believe in humanity again. Our son sadly graduates this year and we have been begging River East to start a kinder - 6th grade so that we don't have to leave their cocoon, but alas our time at RE is coming to an end. We cannot think of a better place to send your child if you are interested in nurturing a love of learning, kindness, empathy and as a bonus you will have a non picky eater due to all the incredible food they eat/ try daily at school (that they can help prepare in the kitchen if they are interested!). read more

We are incredibly grateful to have found this school three years ago! Our oldest is graduating to kindergarten and our youngest has two more years here. This preschool is simply amazing, with incredible teachers who our kids have fallen in love with. The atmosphere at drop-off every morning is magical, with a craft or activity set up for the children to begin their day. There's a sensory gym, a chicken, a bunny... the children are taught kindness to themselves and one another... I can't recommend this preschool enough! read more

A few things all parents should CONSIDER before enrolling and what STAFF does not tell you. From Good to BAD. This preschool is aesthetically pleasing but beyond great looks here's some things every parent should think about! I'm a fan of architecture but it doesn't justify what I'm going to reveal to future parents! THE FINANCIAL PIECE: Part time is 1750.00 a month and full time is roughly paying around 3k a month. Their hours are inaccurate on the site and on yelp. 9am - 4pm and on fridays its 2:30 -3pm. One other thing they don't tell you. Once a month they take a day off your paid schedule to "review" the children. Moving on from the financial piece. Lets talk about your TIME After the 3rd day I realized that they don't care about your time or your concerns. Check in could take up to 15 - 20 minutes. I was late to work often because they would ask intensive questions before your child entering. Leaving a line of parents to wait before entering to "screen your kids" Even if kids were screaming and crying the staff would continue to ask questions about they're well being before entering. 6- 10 questions for 2 year olds who can barely speak! They won't accept you to answer. Your childs clothing will also be compromised. I quickly learned that my sons clothes was being stained on a weekly basis. Ignoring the first few times I realized this was becoming repetitive. When I addressed this to staff the answer was "ya it happens". Jeff is Dina's husband who you don't meet but is highly defensive and sensitive. I didn't meet him but he would respond to emails or send you ones that were dissatisfying. My boyfriend and I decided after a 5 paragraph email from Jeff defending the school and not considering our Money, Time, and belongings that this was not a good fit for us. We kept it sweet, simple and short. WE ARE OUT OF HERE!!! read more

If you want an immaculate, emotionally and physically fulfilling place for your child where they can be exposed to the breadth of the world through the microcosm that is their sweet and chic space, River East is your spot. Everything about the space is incredible but top attributes for me: * The teachers dedication to my child's individual needs is expected anywhere but profoundly exceeds my expectations here. Too many examples. But they are wonderful. * Not having to pack a lunch is so valuable and my kid is exposed to so many foods and their cultures that I just don't have the capacity to provide with extremely health conscious food filled with organic fruits and veggies and wild caught seafood. If they were a hipster restaurant they would make major bank! Inexplicably valuable on so many levels to include communal eating and prep into the curriculum! * Speaking of health conscious- I think they have navigated the pandemic well and the entry policy took some getting used to but it's amazing what our kids are capable of when given the opportunity! My kid now understands and communicates things about her body she wasn't aware of before! Wow! * Teacher communication is great, through the app, private instagram and weekly newsletter. They also include helpful ways parents can continue school lessons at home. * My kid asks to go to preschool at least 10x a day on days they are not there. * Chickens!!!! Need I say more?!? Everyday at River East is a gift. We are grateful we can afford to give our kid the very best NELA has to offer. read more

Our son started school here just over a year ago and it's been wonderful to see him blossom with the help of his teachers and friends. We picked this school because we loved the student to teacher ratio, the focus on play and creativity, and the organic homemade food. We have come to love all these aspects of River East and more. The building they are in is gorgeous and the outdoor space is truly magical. The environment becomes a teacher at River East and the kids get to garden, cook, and create art inspired by everything they see. It's wonderful to know our child is spending his time with teachers and other kids who have become like his second family. He even asks to go to school on the weekends sometimes ha. The program is a big financial investment (hence 4 stars not 5) for our family but we have been incredibly happy with the time our kiddo has spent at River East School. read more

Dina & Maha are simply THE BEST!! We feel so lucky to have had our children learn from them. They have such a natural way with the kids & really helped me to understand my own kids even better. They pointed out traits unique to my children that I hadn't noticed prior, which helped me be a better parent. They taught them how to pause, recognize what emotions they are feeling, why they are feeling the that way & healthy ways to respond to those feelings I also appreciate the physical health/nutrition they impart on the kids. We try to live this way & it was so nice to have these values echoed at school. Not just echoed but raised to a whole new level. Just spend 5 minutes with them & you will understand just how special this place is! We cherish the time we had with them read more

We cannot say enough good things about River East. Our daughter absolutely adores coming here. Everyone else has already said the things I was going to write... I would like to attend! From the delicious organic food that they prepare while involving the children to the open play and encouragement of imagination, we could not envision a better experience for our child. Maha & Dina run a most loving, inclusive and delightful world for children to expand and develop who they are going to be. read more

I really cannot explain in words exactly what the teachers and experience with River East has meant and done for our family. My 2 children were fortunate to attend summer camp for 7 weeks at River East with 3 incredibly patient and caring teachers. My kids have been in daycare/preschool part-time since forever. I work in the field of child development and I am in and out of daycares/preschools all day, all over LA. While there are many incredible programs in LA, this program is second to none. I have never been particularly hung up on "structure, academics" or any 1 single, cookie-cutter approach that is supposed to work for every single child. I simply believe that nurturing relationships are the most fundamental and critical component for young children. I love what Maha is doing with stem learning through a play-based, child-led approach and REI...But, more than anything, I love that she and the other teachers understand the importance of fostering the development of the "whole-child" through their nurturing approaches and individualized care to each child. At River East the teachers get down on the child's level, they patiently explain things in developmentally appropriate language, they expose the children to new experiences, they keep clear boundaries for safety, and they create manageable challenges to promote growth. River East is a recipe for success when it comes to supporting children as they move from needing external-regulation to developing their own self-regulation skills. Other major perks include the amazing, healthy, organic foods that the kids help cook and eat each day, gardening, yoga, outdoor exploration, art, art, art, and more art. Their new space is beautiful. Maha has helped me work through challenging transitions and routines with my own children. She is always approachable and kind when I ask for advice with specific circumstances. I appreciate that she's also a mother and she's realistic with her recommendations. I have seen an incredible transformation in my children from their experience with River East - and in myself too. I have learned so much watching my children and the teachers. They have all been a huge inspiration to me and I am so grateful for this gem of a preschool! read more

Maha is an awesome educator and artist. She has a great chemistry with young children and is an attentive and caring person. My daughter loves spending time with her. We previously attended her summer school program and can highly recommend her artistic, creative schooling environment. I particularly love the emphasis and care placed on the nutritional aspects of the school day--something that is very hard to find elsewhere. read more

We sent our little to summer camp with Dina and Maha last year and she had an incredible time! They are truly gifted educators with a sincere love for early learning. Our little is now almost 6 years old and we feel strongly that the summer she had with Maha and Dina helped to prepare her for the success she experienced in kindergarten. The curriculum they provided was truly meaningful to our little's learning and she came home each day with something new and exciting to share. She especially enjoyed helping make lunch and snacks each day and being an active part of such an incredible learning community. Any family would be truly blessed to have their child attend River East School... I know we were and feel so very grateful to have found Maha and Dina for our little's early learning journey. read more

our son, age 2.5, has been attending river east since last fall. not always happy to separate from us, he absolutely loves going to school. the stunning space (indoors and out--STUNNING), the incredible warmth and attentiveness of the teachers, the nourishing home-cooked meals, and the richness of activities and offerings--all continually adapted based on the teachers' observations of the children's interests and abilities--combine to make river east a truly exceptional learning environment. i am so grateful to have my child at a school where the teachers are paying deep attention and bringing a remarkable thoughtfulness to what they can do to enrich the experience for the kids. that is so rare and so wonderful. i am also thrilled by the emphasis on art and creativity at the school. the kids have AN ART STUDIO. one that rivals many professional artist's studios. it's legit and inspiring and special. when we arrive in the morning, there is always some sort of art project set up for the kids to engage with if they choose, in addition to more structured creative time (they are about to start weekly basic woodworking, for example). this combined with the music, gymnastics, and dance offerings make for a fun and stimulating curriculum for the kids. oh and they just got baby chickens! this school is awesome and we are so happy there. read more

River East School is a dream! Our 2 1/2 year-old son could not be happier or more creatively engaged. The space itself is beautiful, airy, bright and vibrant. The backyard play area is huge and really nicely designed, so the kids get lots of active healthy outdoor time. The food they provide is fantastic! Super healthy and delicious. I'm jealous every time I read the week's menu! And the kids get to participate in much of the preparation, which they just love and is really valuable in connecting them with good, healthy eating habits. The teachers also go out of their way to cater the learning environment and activities to the interests of all the kids. Our boy loves vacuum cleaners, smoothie blenders and making pancakes (go figure?) and they've made sure he can do all that to his heart's content. As well as all the art, music, stories, and just plain playtime he wants and needs. It is a wonderfully nurturing and inspiring place run by loving, creative people who care deeply about each and every one of the cute little monkeys in their care! I can't recommend it enough. I only wish I was still a cute little monkey so I could hang out at The River East School! read more