Mission Statement

“To partner with families in cultivating a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosities drive an emergent curriculum, fostering the social confidence and creative spirit needed to navigate a complex world with empathy and wonder.”

About The Early Years School

At The Early Years School, we believe that preschool is more than just a first step into academics—it is the foundation of a child’s identity as a learner and a friend. Located in Santa Monica, on the residential section of Montana avenue just blocks from Palisades Park, our school is built on the belief that children thrive when they are truly seen and heard.

Our Philosophy in Practice:

  • An Emergent, Child-Centered Journey: We don’t follow a “one-size-fits-all” box curriculum. Instead, our educators observe and listen, allowing the children’s interests to shape their daily explorations. This ensures that learning is always relevant, exciting, and deeply personal.

  • Small Groups, Big Intentions: With our low teacher-to-child ratios, we provide a level of individual attention that allows for meaningful mentorship. We don’t just supervise play; we facilitate discovery.

  • Social Intelligence & Heart: Early childhood is a critical time for learning how to navigate relationships. We prioritize social-conflict resolution skills, teaching children how to communicate their needs, respect others, and find collaborative solutions with kindness.

  • A Village for Families: We recognize that when a child joins our school, their family does too. We are dedicated to building a supportive community where parents and educators work hand-in-hand to nurture the “whole child.”