We are finishing up our first year at ANS and I cannot say enough positive things about it. From our first tour as a prospective family, we felt immediately at ease and could tell this was truly a special, child- and family- centered place. The teachers are all dedicated, kind, wise and fun, and the community of parents is wonderfully supportive. We are just so thankful! read more

ANS has been so wonderful for our family. We're in our 3rd year, and 2nd child, at the school. It's such a fun and joyful place -- and it's been so gratifying to watch the kids -- (ours and their friends who I love so much!) -- explore their interests, learn through play, and gain confidence and compassion. It's also been meaningful for us as parents -- we've learned so much, made friends, and found community. We'll be sad to leave ANS when our daughter graduates next year, but we know -- like her brother -- she'll be ready for anything. ANS is a gem... there's a reason it was voted Best Preschool in Pasadena Weekly (2025).... read more

Altadena Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Pasadena, California

So grateful we made a last minute switch to this school. It's the MOST amazing nursery school. Not only for our child but for us as parents. The teachers provide such a magical, messy, thoughtful environment for play for our kids, and for us as parents to learn.The community of families and teachers is so supportive. It's not only our child's favorite place to be, but being part of this community has made us better parents. read more

Our family loves ANS and we hope other parents can get to love it too! PLAY The school is for every child and child at heart. Our children have been able to explore different ways to play while learning to communicate and build relationships with others around them. The social aspect has tremendously helped our very shy covid baby blossom into a leader. We've seen him offer solutions when three kids have to figure out who's going to play with the monster truck first. He's learned to ask for help from adults when it's appropriate. He's also gained self-confidence in asking others to play. We got to see our shy, nonchalant child grow up to tell stories about his classmates and make friends with all the kids in school. We love that all ages get to play with each other - there's so much to learn from everyone. It is a parent-participation school, so parents get a chance to watch and interact with the kids during the school day on what are called "workdays". We love that we get to be a part of our son's world at school. FACILITY The school is located in church grounds but is not affiliated with the church. They have 3 classrooms, one bonus play room, one play area shared by all ages, 2 children's bathrooms that are so appropriate for their heights. The youngest class is in the Discovery Room and consists of 2-3 year olds. The most magical class is the Art Room consisting of 3-4 year olds. The strongest bonds are formed in the Block Room consisting of 4-5 year olds. Each class has its own unique schedule and activities that are developmentally appropriate to the students. TEACHERS Discovery (2-3y/o) is facilitated by two wonderful human beings, Jill and Steph. I am envious of their patience and sense of humor. The class is always fun and light-hearted. Our 2 year old loves them! They're able to cheer up the youngest ones who may be missing their parents. They've been able to understand the mumbles and kids who are barely learning how to talk. It's amazing! Art (3-4y/o) was where we first started with our eldest. It is such a magical, wonderful, and memorable experience. This class is facilitated by our beloved Niamh and Melissa. Niamh has the best ideas for crafts that allow our children to express themselves. It's like being in the Art Attack show but everyday! Melissa is the toddler whisperer. When our kids are about to do something maybe-not-so-safe, she is really good at negotiating and leading them to think about their decisions. It was in this room that our eldest learned the ANS language, which is so helpful in helping them express themselves. It was in this class that they not only got to be messy but they got to make friends while doing it. Block (4-5y/o) is our current classroom led by Desiree, who loves our kids as much as we love them - and that's what we all want in a teacher. She has gone above and beyond in setting up a fun, learning environment for the kids, in preparation for the "big kid school" (kindergarten). She has been able to foster teamwork and critical thinking on young minds and I have no doubts my child will be ready because of her. We love all the ANS teachers! For future families, definitely join a school tour or go to an open house/play date. Highly recommend - will do it again if I had more kids :) read more

Altadena Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Pasadena, California

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We love ANS! 3 years in and could not have picked a more perfect school for our kiddo. From the parent-ed, to inclusive community to play based curriculum, ANS is truly magical. If you're looking for a co-op based preschool, look no further read more

Our child loves ANS. After touring a number of preschools this was the only one where she left my side to play! She was comfortable here from the moment we stepped into the school. Separation for us was a breeze but the teachers are so supportive with the other kiddos that might have a harder time. They support the parents too! It was harder for me to say goodbye than it was for my child but they gave me lots of encouragement and validated all my feelings. This community has been an incredible place for our family. The parent ed is so helpful and being around like minded families feels like the village we all need to raise our children. read more

My daughter loves ANS. If you are looking for a play-based, parent cooperative nursery school, you will find no better option. All of the teachers are extremely attentive, and truly care about your child's feelings and emotional development. Every child gets to explore the magical world of ANS at their own pace. If you are even remotely worried about the separation process, I can't even express how wonderful ANS makes the experience for each and every family! I love ANS because it isn't just a school - it is a community. All of the parents are laid back but also thoughtful and kind. Parents are given many parent education opportunities as well as social opportunities. If you are new in town, or perhaps don't have much family around, you will quickly make a whole network of supportive friends! I look forward to my co-op "workdays". How many parents get to experience the magic of preschool through their child's eyes? If you have the flexibility to come into school with your child every once in a while, you could give no better gift to yourself. read more

Altadena Nursery School is a hidden gem, we loved everything from the school, the kids learn so much, but so us as parents. The community is very supportive, the teachers and staff are just spectacular!, we are truly thankful for this school. All our kids graduated from ANS and we are forever thankful to have had such a beautiful solid base for our kids, this school truly loves and respects kids, and it made us be better parents. This little school is the best education you can give a kid. read more

I can't say enough good things about ANS. This is our third year at the school, and we love everything about it. The staff are kind, loving, fun and gentle with the children--but just as importantly, they are attentive and perceptive, and have a deep knowledge of what's going on with each child. The school has a more laid-back vibe than some of the co-ops and preschools I toured, and that felt like (and has been) the right fit for me and my family. When we brought our oldest kid to ANS, we were daunted. She was only two, but was so curious about other children that we felt she'd be happiest and be most interested if she were with other kids during the day. ANS has a lovely, gentle separation process, where parents begin by sitting out at the yard through the day, and gradually phase out their presence (the rate at which it happens depends on each kid). Miss Jill and Miss Stefanie are so attentive to each child as they get used to being at school, and are also so considerate of all the feelings you're feeling, as you watch your kid wander off to play without you! We were also getting used to having our first toddler, and were caught pretty off-guard when our happy, easy baby became a feisty two-year-old, tantrums and all! The parent ed classes were so helpful for navigating our new phase of parenthood; they gave us positive, constructive language to work through conflicts (or prevent them); they helped us understand what was happening to our child, developmentally; they gave us good examples for how to "troubleshoot" when new things come up. And the director, Janet Ann, has a lovely open-door policy--when you need some advice, she's ready with moral support and a lucid, perceptive approach to kids. Going to the classes and watching/talking to the teachers, I can't count how many "lightbulb" moments I've had, when I wasn't sure what to do about a problem, and they showed me something new that I hadn't considered, that I loved way more. Three years in, I love how the school has given my oldest daughter all kinds of language and tools to navigate her world--to build relationships, to manage conflicts, to delight in her own capabilities. I'm so proud of the person she's becoming, and so grateful to the school. My second kid started this year, and I'm already seeing how much more independent she's grown, how much fun she's having, how quickly her language and comprehension are developing as she learns, and learns, and learns, at ANS. Logistical stuff: ANS has only one major fundraiser each year (the Orange Sale), which happens in January. It's work, but I love that it's (1) only one, condensed period of work, and (2) relies on a network of outside folks (alumni, longtime customers, friends and family) as funders. So many schools and co-ops seem to rely on parents to plan elaborate fundraisers, for which parents are then the primary attendees and expected donors. The other requirements are parent ed classes, workshops (twice a year cleaning/maintenance at the school), and workdays (amount varies on how often your child attends). It does seem like most families either have a parent who is stay-at-home or who has a flexible work schedule, but there are definitely families with regular 9-5 jobs who are able to make it work. Extended family, etc., can also do workdays. Someone once told me that, with co-ops, you get out what you put in, and I think that's really true. At first, we were only going to school twice a week, and we didn't know anybody, and it felt a little hard to connect to the community at first, despite how friendly everyone was. (And really, with 45-55 families, that's no surprise.) Each year, the kids also attend school more days, and you're also around for more workdays/dropoffs/pickups. At least for me, there was a certain threshold I had to cross in terms of how present I was that helped me really feel like a part of things. By our second year, though, I was really feeling like a part of things, and feeling a sense of shared ownership in the school. ANS is such a special place. I can't recommend it highly enough. read more

My daughter is finishing her first year at ANS. It has been a transformative year for us and I'm so grateful to have found such a magical place for my children to expand their horizons. As she's a November baby I was reluctant to send her to preschool already. I didn't want to send her off away from family life too early. As I noticed her intense desire to socialize with other children I became I started to look for pre-schools. My husband and I liked what we saw at ANS. The kids have lots of free play. Each week there are new activities set up for the kids to explore. There are opportunities for outside play, sensory tables, a water station and activities in each classroom. After an hour of free play, kids go into their rooms where they have snack and work on socialization at the table. I've loved watching my 3 year old learn to converse with her friends and talk about the weather or what they did that weekend! It also helps with out home life since the learn to be responsible for washing their hands and putting their dishes away. The co-op community is wonderful to be a part of. There are play dates, new parent friends to lean on when needed and friendly smiles when you come for pick-up or drop-off. I've developed lasting friendships there even after only a year. I note how intense that becomes when you see families "graduating". It's going to be a hard place to say good-bye to. I know most people love their preschools. They are easy places to love- kid centered people and lots of fun.However, I truly believe ANS has something that other preschools don't. The parent education opportunities have provided me useful tools in helping shape my daughter's emotional intelligence. The staff is well educated, warm, nurturing and largely come to the work as their second careers. The children learn to be thoughtful, empathetic, imaginative beings. I can't recommend it highly enough. read more

We are so in love with this preschool/ co op. They really nurture the children's autonomy and practice and teach emotional intelligence. They validate children's feelings and never use distraction methods to move kids past their feelings. They are so respectful with the children and implement wonderful methods of redirection rather than punishment and time outs. Children are self directed and mixed age in the first half of the morning and can freely play in any of of the classrooms and shared yard and then go to age specific classrooms for the last half of the morning. This enables the children to get exposure to free play and structure alike. There is always heavy sensory play, dramatic play, an art specialist , music, cooking, building, and a focused child interest based curriculum. The parent education is amazing and insures that all of the parents working in the classrooms are trained in the same language and philosophy. It is the most cohesive co op I have ever seen and I have seen a lot! The director and many of the teachers have masters degrees from pacific oaks. And it's not a lot of parent work even though it's a co op! read more

Our son attended ANS for 3 years and we couldn't have chosen a better school environment for him! As a CO-OP parents are required to participate in a variety of ways, and this helped strengthen our bond with teachers, parents and the other children. All the faculty is amazing and treats each child as if it's their own (most staff have had kids attend ANS). The annual orange sale is a big highlight as well! The oranges and grapefruit are AMAZING and all our friends and family ask throughout the year when they can get more. Amazing nursery school to set your child up for success on their life's journey. read more

Our family has had such a great experience at Altadena Nursery School. Its small, warm and loving environment was a great fit for our family. It is child-focussed and the kids learn through play. The teachers understand preschoolers and respect every child. I'm a big believer in the co-op preschool model and have learned so much about children and parenting through participating at this school. My kids were well-prepared for kindergarten because of the social, emotional and physical development fostered at ANS. read more

My son is in his 3rd year here and this school has been so incredible for him and for our family. The school's curriculum and social-emotional program is thoughtful and developmentally appropriate. The teachers are amazing and I've learned a lot from them. My parenting at home has definitely benefited from ANS! My son is so excited to go to school each day and I enjoy my work days there. The parent workday situation runs like a well-oiled machine, as does the ONE fundraiser we do a year. I love this school... my only regret is that I didn't know about it when my older child was headed to preschool! read more

9/20/17 From my first tour last April to today, i have been continually pleased to be a member of this wonderful co-op preschool. ANS has a simple, yet dynamic way of engaging children as individuals while easing them into the wider creative/engaging/ fun group activities. My daughter started at age 2 and this past year has brought such joy and engagement to her, increasing independence, and most importantly she's shown deep respect and care at every turn. At ANS teachers and parents co-operate in guiding children, working alongside each other to help young ones find their sense of place and grow at their own pace. Their is a trust that develops very early in the classrooms and that is built is upon throughout the year. Their is ownership and sharing at every level. It's a wonderful place for children and parents to find out who they are. ANS has deep roots and wonderful traditions, while continuing to shift to address the needs of the community as they arise. It's a truly dynamic and thriving community filled with emotional intelligence and a co-operative spirit. I am so happy we have found this place to grown. read more

ANS is a truly wonderful community. Not only do they offer a beautiful, enriching, safe, play based environment for the children, but they also offer a wide range of parent education opportunities and an incredibly supportive and lovely community of families and staff. This is our 3rd year (2nd child) at ANS and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are deeply committed to the social emotional growth of our children, and it is apparent in every interaction. read more

This is our second year at Altadena Nursery School and we are so thankful to have found such a great community! The staff is knowledgeable and always focused on what is best for the kids. My daughter loves going to school each day, and the co-op atmosphere makes us feel like part of a big family! read more

We have two children - one first year and one third year - at ANS and am so happy with our choice to send them to Altadena Nursery School. The school's play-based approach and the respectful language used by the teachers is just what we were hoping for in a pre-school. The kids have blossomed thanks to the attentive teachers who are sensitive to each child's needs. The themed curriculum is dynamic and imaginative, resulting in an ever-evolving outdoor space that includes, among other elements, easels, a garden, a puppet stage, wooden playhouse, tree stumps, and play structure all of which serve as rich starting points for imaginative play. For those with an interest in RIE, this school is a great fit in many ways partcularly with regard to the simple items used - e.g. repurposed materiels such as eggs cartons and tissue boxes, clay, sticks, sponges - as the raw materials for learning and exploration. The school year is marked by various celebrations that reflect the diversity of the student population and the wider Pasadena community. The co-op model fosters a great sense of community among the parents who pour their energy into making the school be the best it can be. I love parent-ed classes which have been invaluable to our family as we learn how best to support our kids' growth socially and emotionally. I am so grateful for ANS and the incredible community that enables it to thrive. read more

I am so grateful to the alumni parents who sent us to visit ANS. We could not be happier about this preschool. The staff is warm, kind and create amazing learning experiences for our kids. It's obvious how much these teachers love their job. I love that I am able to work at the school. I get to know my son's classmates and their families. It's a wonderful community. I love that there is only one fundraiser, the orange sale (which has been happening for 50+ years). Check ANS out for yourself www.altadenanurseryschool.org Side note - I never experienced any clickiness as mentioned by another reviewer. read more

This is my family's third year at the school, and I can honestly say that I have learned as much there as my son has. Through parent-ed classes, through teachers' examples, through a deep sense of community, I have learned about language, social and emotional development, and the concept of intrinsic motivation. Plus, I have a true village. As a co-op, parents spend a few days a month volunteering in the classroom, so we know each other, we know each other's children. We are also witness to just how much magic goes on there. It's a place where children are encouraged to explore, create, and imagine. They learn self regulation and social interaction. The school has a wonderful mix of open play and structured learning that has helped my son gain confidence in the world and me gain confidence as a parent. It has made all the difference for our family. read more

My son is six now, but I never forgot my experience here. I had several conversations with the director over the phone everything seemed to be going great but sadly when I actually came to meet with her things were way different. The first thing that I noticed when I arrived was that there were groups of moms just hanging out. When the director saw that I was wearing my work uniform the first thing she asked if I would be able to commit to the volunteer hours required to attend. I had a gut feeling from the way she kept questioning if I had the time that I wouldn't be getting a call back from her. I wish that I hadn't wasted $50 dollars trying to get my son in. The director seemed to be very judgmental towards working moms. read more

I am so happy to find this co-op. I have visited numerous pre-schools before enrolling my kids here and I can definitely say that it has been the best decision for our family. My daughter is graduating this year and I can see what positive impact the co-op's philosophy had on my child. Her social interaction, conflict resolution and self awareness is the result of wonderful teachers work and ANS ideology. They teach kids independence, problem solving and social interaction through play. They also use the language kids respond to and help to develop awareness of little one's feelings. My kids are thriving here. read more

This is an amazing parent co-op school. They hired staff really know how to speak with kids and it is really a delight to watch them working with the kids. You learn so much when you work in the classroom. You get to see who and how your child plays with other children. Incredible learning for both the kids and parents. read more

I can't say enough about this amazing little community. ANS is more than a school, it's a truly special place where kids are respected and loved in an environment that fosters independence, growth, and play. My daughter is graduating from the block room this year and I'm sad to be leaving the school because it's so much more than preschool. The ANS community is a true example of what cooperation between humans can accomplish. When my new baby is old enough to attend, we'll definitely be back to ANS. Highly recommend this gem. read more

I love the outdoor setting and the freedom the children have to learn via play. However, many of us moms experienced a very clicky staff showing favorites to a select group of parents making it very uncomfortable to work your service hours at the school. It is not a warm inviting setting as they claim it to be. I suggest Hasting's Ranch, Sunrise or Sierra Madre Pre-school. The staff has been working there way too long and it's time for a fresh group of young instructors to jump in. read more

Our family has had such an amazing, positive experience with this school. It's a small, close knit community of parents and children - it's really more like a family. The staff is absolutely devoted to the children, and I always enjoy my workdays because I just love the teachers & parents so much. My daughter has grown so much here, I'd say the most obvious thing she's learned is how to speak her mind, and be confident in her decisions. I know they're helping shape her into a very strong & happy person during these super important formative years. And I'd like to point out one last thing, as I noticed a review on here seemed to indicate the school is not accommodating to working moms - as a working mother with two very demanding jobs (a 9-5 day job & freelance career), whose daughter has been attending this school for a couple of years now, I couldn't disagree more. Sure - it's a co-op, so you're going to need to work a couple times during the month. That's just the way co-ops work. But, compared to other co-ops I toured, the schedule is WAY less demanding, & the school is still fantastic. When I'm not able to work (because of a last minute meeting I need to take, or a lunch I just can't miss) I have had NO problem finding a sub, and have had 100% support from the director & parents. Never once have I felt out of place as a working mom. It's a very accepting, diverse community. I really can't say enough nice things - such a wonderful school! read more

I'm not sure what that first reviewer was speaking to. This is my 6th year at ANS - my son is now in 1st grade and my daughter is just starting in the 2/3 yr old room. The first parent teacher conference we had when my son started kindergarten, the teacher mentioned that he was 'really well prepared for kindergarten, is a pleasure to have in class....'. He had started ANS when he was 2 and continued until he was 5... the staff at ANS are attentive and kind. The parents who participate reenforce the moto at ANS - play driven and child supported. We are all on the same page as far as parenting - giving our children the tools they need for being successful citizens, with self confidence and compassion. read more

We were so lucky to stumble upon Altadena Nursery School when we moved to Pasadena 4 1/2 years ago. My daughter is a graduate and my son is in his final year. I was specifically looking for a play based preschool along with an opportunity to build community in our new neighborhood. The teachers at ANS are incredibly nurturing and build curricula based on the interests and needs of the children. The themes and activities are so creative, fostering imagination while promoting skill building. The children develop social skills and learn how to handle big emotions within the context of play. My daughter was quite well prepared for kindergarten when she started this year, showing confidence in an unfamiliar environment. My son looks forward to going to school each day and says his school is "the best school ever." I enjoy being a part of the co-op community. Through workday commitments, I have had a chance to really get to know my kids' friends and their parents. I have also learned a great deal about child development and different approaches to promoting growth among the children. I have not experienced a cliquish community as described by a previous reviewer. It did take me a little while to familiarize myself with the membership and settle in, which I'm guessing is pretty normal when you enter a community of close to 50 families. read more

We love ANS. If you are looking for a caring, playbased preschool and want to have an active role in what's going on with your kids school there is no better place. The teachers are wonderful, warm and enthusiastic, they truly care about all the children. If you have any concerns about separation, ANS has absolutely the best policy for a smooth transition for new students. I don't know of any other preschool that takes the time to really make sure all the children are comfortable. Every day there are new things to do during free time and weeks are "themed" across all the classes. There is a lovely safe outdoor space to play and lots of indoor room. Crafts, art, cooking, music; everything is there. ANS children are taught to be kind and capable and the language everyone there uses to communicate really helps guide them to make great choices on their own, and has helped my own parenting. (Don't worry, it's quick to pick up!) If you can make the co-op aspect of it work for your family it is so beneficial. It's great to see your kids interact with peers and get a first hand view of what's going on. ANS is run by parents, so If that is something that interests you there are lots of opportunities to get involved at the most important levels of school business. We have one fundraiser a year where we sell citrus fruit for our famous Orange Sale. It's sounds daunting but it's actually pretty easy because the fruit sells itself to longtime customers and it's such a fun, healthy way to raise funds. Tuition is REALLY reasonable as well. read more