I couldn't disagree more with the first reviewer. What is sad is that I actually sent my son to this place. He's now 7yo. and just told me in the car coming home from his charter school the other day just how much he loved his kindergarden, 1st & now his 2nd grade teachers! He went on to say just how much he hated his pre-school teachers - except for Miss Danielle. How they picked on certain kids, were mean to him etc. My son is now reading at a 4th grade level, math at 3rd! He is bright and has many friends! His only problem @ La Canada was that he was shy and willful - something the Director does not understand or allow - very old school, traditional thinking - in our opinion. Oh and for the record - I'm not the only mom that thinks this way - I know another mom who sent her son to this pre-school & he's now at the same charter school. We had a real heart-to-heart one day about this place. This is only my experience and my opinion - for what's it's worth to you - I was almost in tears when my son told me his true feelings about this place. He's told me a few things before - but this was very emotional. Ms. LF read more

I had my twins at La Canada Preschool for the 'Pre-K' program. My children were on the age bubble and I wanted to send them somewhere that they could get some real Kindergarten prep - this was THE BEST year for my kids! They made books, learned the alphabet and some writing and reading skills, worked on social behaviour (which one of my children needed extra help with - and they did a fabulous job with him!!). I would highly recommend this school and its' loving, caring, educated staff. My kids beg to go back and see them - and they graduated two years ago. If you can start your child there when they are 2.5 all the way through the pre-k program, your kids will be fully prepared for an amazing Kindergarten experience, no matter what type of school you are transitioning to! With warmest regards and memories to and amazing school, Cat P. read more

My oldest daughter enjoyed her time here for preschool and Pre-K. We didn't call it school we called it "Debbie Camp" because it was always a fun friendly place to go each day and learn. We are returning this Fall with her little sister. read more

Two of my children have attended this wonderful school. It has a perfect balance of learning and fun. The teachers are very loving and the kids really respond to them. This is not a day care type school. They teach the younger children through play, song and social interaction. The older children in the pre-kindergarten program actually are prepared for kindergarten!!! What a concept. Anyone who has searched for a pre-k program knows how difficult it is to find a good one. If you are looking for the best environment for your child in a preschool and/or pre-kindergarten program, this is the place. The school is very small and the student/teacher ratio is amazing. They split the classes and one teacher has 8-10 children, but the teacher has at least one TA sometimes two. My kids and I have made lasting friends with families from this school. Call the director, Debbie, and talk to her. You'll know very quickly just how special she is. read more

Love this school. It's intimate and inviting and the staff is wonderful. My daughter cries if she has to miss. Sadly she leaves this preschool next year for K, but I will begin my two year old next. I have happily recommended to colleagues and friends. read more

My 4year old son started la Canada preschool last year and he loves it there. He has great teachers that he loves and he gets plenty of 1on1 attention due to low student and teacher ratio. He proudly says that it is 'His School' and brings home all his artwork from school. There are multiple art stations set up each day that the kids can pick to work on. He enjoys free play based learning and 'finding treasures' in the back play yard'. They also have music and gym teachers come in on a set schedule. My older 6 yr son wished he went there, too! Jlee read more

Our daughter spent 3 years at this wonderful, nurturing school. She was exploding with confidence by the time she completed her Pre-K year and super prepared for Kindergarten. We loved the intimate, down to earth feeling of the grounds and the staff. We also loved the play-based and very artful nature of the daily activities. Debbie and the staff are also great to parents. You won't find a more support and respectful environment for the whole family. -ttk read more

When we moved to the area, we wanted a place where our son felt at home right away. We knew that would be difficult in the middle of the school year, but our son never skipped a beat. He immediately found friends and loves his teachers. His growth and development since he started there has been immeasurable. I have no doubt he'll be well prepared by the time he enters Kindergarten. We have a second child on the way and will no doubt be sending him to La Cañada Pre School too! read more

I cannot say enough about how wonderful La Canada Preschool is!! Debbie (the owner/director) is incredible and has a talent for hiring really fantastic teachers. My son is an only child and didn't have much experience with other kids before he started school. Debbie and her staff made him feel so comfortable from day one. He loves it and looks forward to going every day. Our family is so lucky to have found this amazing gem. read more

My three and a half year old son began attending La Canada preschool April 2014. I visited a few other preschools in neighborhood and they were all very nice. La Canada Preschool stood out for me though mainly because its a smaller more intimate setting and the director is very knowledgeable and warm. My son tends to be more on the stand offish side at first and needs time to warm up to people. We had my son at a preschool downtown and he did not like it and never wanted to go to school in the mornings. At this school I have a hard time taking him out of the school, he never wants to leave. He absolutely loves it. For me this is the number one litmus test. My son loves the backyard, the art and the running around he gets there. Overall we love the school, it works well for our family and most importantly my son absolutely loves it. read more

We have been with La Canada preschool for almost 4 years now! Our daughter attended for 2 years, including her Pre-K year and our son has almost completed 2 years and will attend Pre-K in the fall. Throughout our time at LCP, we have always felt it is a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. Both our little ones started off pretty shy and were helped by the teachers to assimilate into the preschool environment. We have treasured the play-based philosophy which teaches kids to love school and offers them many opportunities to express themselves doing art projects or being more active on the playground. Having seen the transition into Kindergarten from LCP last year, I'm thrilled that our 4 year old son will doing the Pre-K year at LCP too, as it was a wonderful preparation for elementary school. We're grateful to the school for their flexibility as our needs change as the kids grow and develop. We truly value both the school and the community of kids, parents, and teachers we've become friends with over the years. read more

Our son and daughter both spent 2 wonderful years with the exceptional teachers, aids, and director Miss Debbie at LCPS. Both my wife and I so appreciated the care, guidance and attention the school gave to our children and highly recommend LCPS. read more

Such a wonderful preschool, wish we had found it sooner. The school offers a safe, nurturing, and fun place to learn and play! The director and teachers really go above and beyond and have your child best interest in mind. My high energy son was welcomed with open arms and I am truly grateful to have found this school. read more

We recently moved to the LA area halfway through the school year and were met with open arms from this school. The teachers and director have been incredibly welcoming and warm. They have helped my daughter transition so nicely during a big move and big change in her life. We had parent/teacher conferences only a few weeks after we arrived and I was so impressed with how well they knew my daughter in such a short time. They really understood her and her needs. She has learned so much through the pre-k curriculum and I feel she will be very ready for kindergarten. They also do a great job with the social dynamic and teaching social skills and problem solving. Most of all, she had FUN every day while learning! We have been so happy here. read more

My daughter is almost 4 years old (in Nov 2018) and I enrolled her in La Canada Preschool when she was 2.5 years old. She is fun and playful at home but tends to be extremely shy around lots of people or in new situations. She was with a nanny for 2 years, then with me for 1/2 a year, so I was very uneasy about putting her into a daycare/preschool program. I looked at almost 10 places in the La Canada, Montrose, and La Cresenta area. I thought we wanted a place with structure and a place where she could learn. But when we toured LCP, a play based school, we soon realized that there was so much learning taking place! Let me start off by telling you everything I was nervous about and quite frankly that I didn't like. (1) Why does this school not look as fancy as the others? Equipment looks a little older. (2) There's a ton of sand. There's a huge tree. They spend SO MUCH TIME outside. They eat under a tree, oh no! For a germaphobe like me, this was a huge concern (3) Why are the kids grouped in the morning all together ages 2-5/6? Why aren't they put into groups by age/developmental level? Will younger kids "drag" my kid down and will older kids be too advanced and leave my daughter behind? (4) She was just potty trained not to long ago, how is she going to know how to use the toilet, wipe, flush, and most importantly, WASH HER HANDS. Yes, I know some of these things sound crazy but I was a first time parent then. And i had many other concerns. However, I decided to stay at this school for several reasons. First and foremost, it's all about how I see the teachers interact with the children. You can be a great educator but you may not be meant to deal with kids. Studies coming out of many Ivy league universities show how EMPATHY is one of the most difficult things to teach to little ones. These teachers are A+ at having empathy for the kids, and teaching them how to have empathy towards others, how to resolve conflict, and how to problem solve on their own instead of swooping in right away. However, this is balanced with their ever present eye and constant support. If children need help, teachers are always available to support, referee, and help the situation. For example, if there's a conflict where one kid hits another kid, teachers don't just redirect and act like nothing happened. They acknowledge the situation, and teach the children how to resolve through words and actions. Secondly, it's a play-based school but there's structure and boundaries that help children as they navigate their complex emotions, physical needs, relationships, etc. Third, I have seen my daughter learn and develop in such accelerated ways through play. Art, imagination, building (engineering), music, show and tell (public speaking) etc. When she was 2-3, she was "mentored by all the older kids at school. Her older friends taught her how to get on a swing by herself and pump her legs, slide down a poll, flush the toilet, etc. Incredible learning taking place. Now that she is about to turn 4, she is starting to be able to "mentor" younger kids. We had our second child in March 2018, and I believe that my daughter's interactions at school with younger children prepared her to be a good older sister. She is in the pre-K group at school now, which means she gets homework, but don't freak out for those of you who are all about the play-based model. This is more to help children get used to the idea of homework, responsibility, and they learn and have a ton of fun doing it. They get to trace letters, spell their name, and learn concepts like "color the pair of flowers on this page." Fourth, while I'm still concerned about germs =), I learned through observation that outside play is good for my daughter, dust and dirt help with allergies and build immune systems. The teachers make the kids wash hands before all snacks and lunch, so I'm good with that! The equipment may seem dated but everything is safe and has purpose for learning and development. Fifth, people at the school (children and teachers) are happy. When I was looking at schools, someone told me to visit and see if the children and teachers look happy. Seems obvious but we went to so many places where kids looked really sad, teachers looked bored and uninterested, or other places where teachers seemed a little mean, or the environment seemed SO chaotic (loud, crazy, children running everywhere). So I'd like to pass this advice on to anyone reading. Go to the school and see if people seem happy. And I'll add a little bit of my own advice, go at the same time so you can reduce any variations (i.e., the teachers are tired bc it's morning, children are crazy and chaotic bc it's almost the end of the day). Lastly, I feel that this school is a true community and a family. We're so lucky to have our daughter there and can't wait to send our little one once she turns 2. The only thing I wish is that the school took babies under 2 =). read more

My daughter loves it here. I'll put it this way, a week ago we arranged a little get together at the park with some classmates, since it's the summer break. My daughter (3) saw one of the girls and shouted "you're from preschool" and ran over to give her a hug, get her an ice-cream cone, and run off to play. read more

I feel so fortunate to have found La Canada Preschool. Both of my kids are extremely happy here. The teachers and staff are kind and nurturing and also have an excellent understanding of child development. I have solid communication with the teachers and feel my kids are genuinely loved and cared for at LCP. My children come home with lots of artwork and spend the day playing, climbing, being silly, but learning, all at the same time. I am a huge fan of the drop-off system. It makes life so much easier when trying to wrangle the little ones into the car. We love LCP and are so happy to begin our second year here! read more

I have had my son in this wonderful gem of a preschool for now the 2nd year. He started here going 2 days a week in the morning at age 3 and is now 4 and in the afternoon Pre-K program 5 days a week. The director Debbie is so kind and loving and as a mom of 4 herself, she is such a wonderful resource to parents and first time preschool moms such as me! She really understands the psyche of young children and her along with the incredible teachers have created an environment that the children can grow and become independent yet embrace childhood and have alot of fun. The play area and structure is perfect for the children 5 and under and it's small all the teachers really get to know each child. We actually left the school to try a more academic school in La Canada for my son but it was such a terrible fit for him I called Miss Debbie and she was so wonderful about inviting us back to join the pre-K program (luckily there was a spot left) after a month into the new school year. My son could not be happier! He loves going here - he talks about wanting to go on the weekends and how excited he is on the "sharing" days. He is learning so much with the Zoo Phonics program in the pre-K and with his handwriting and scissors skills. We are confident he will be very prepared for Kindergarten but very sad to leave this lovely school and the teachers here - both the ones who are there in the morning and the afternoon. The school has low student to teacher ratios so parents can be assured that while they have lots of friends to play with they will have alot of individualized attention from the caring teachers. La Canada Preschool is like a home away from home and I look forward to sending our daughter when she is ready and I'm sure she will love it just as much as her big brother! read more

My 2 sons went/go to La Canada Preschool. You could not find a nicer, sweeter place for your kids. The director believes in a play-based developmental approach to learning and my sons thrived under her and her talented staff's guidance and teaching. I recommend this school without reservation. Top notch! read more

My son has been attending La Canada Preschool since November 2012. He is now 3.5 and I can honestly say that because of this preschool, my little guy is learning all about who he is, in a safe place that allows for growth and finding out who you are! I feel very very lucky as a parent, to have found this gem of a preschool. My son has ALOT of energy. LCP helped guide his energy toward growing the garden, painting, crafting, learning how to pump on the swings, music, tumbling, circle time story time, the list goes on and on. I have witnessed the staff handle conflict in a way that helps them learn how to deal with it rather than placing blame and making them feel bad. If you are looking for a safe, wonderful haven for your dear one, take a tour, the staff here and Debbie the founder are more than impressive! It's amazing... read more

My daughter started at this wonderful preschool when she was 4 years old. My only regret is that I didn't find this gem of a school sooner! It is a play-based, intimate, and charming school. Art and tactile experiences are emphasized. I am 100 percent confident that my daughter is well-taken care of and learning at an age-appropriate pace. The Director and teachers are warm and loving. Immediately after switching schools (she as previously at another local Montessori) we noticed her attitude towards school, her confidence, and her overall happiness improved. We couldn't be happier with her preschool experience and highly recommend this preschool! read more

My daughter has attended this preschool for a year now and and my son will be joining her in the fall. The teachers and the director are all very sweet and caring. My daughter tends to be on the shy side but has really blossomed at this preschool. She especially enjoys all the art that they do and I love seeing her happy face when I pick her up! read more

Part of me is hesitant to post this because this place is such a wonderful hidden gem, and I don't want everyone to know about it! But this is truly a special place and I'm so glad we found it. It's a very loving, cozy environment. The teachers truly love the children and it shows. Kids are happy - they play, they do art, they climb, they read books, there's music and more. My son had a bad experience at his first school and hated school. He would cry every morning because he didn't want to go. Now he cries when he CAN'T go to LCP. He loves school. He's so happy every morning, he bounds out of the car with a huge smile on his face. The teachers tell me great stories about things he did or said, which makes me feel like they really notice and spend time with my child. He feels nurtured there, and he's learning to work through frustrations like sharing or not always getting his way. He's learning to become a great citizen of his community. We're so happy we found LCP and look forward to being part of the family for years to come with his little sister as well. read more

I am in my second round at LCPS and we love it. We came back for more. My 4 year old is in her second year at pre-school and will be in pre-k next year. My 7 year old still loves to go back and visit. I can barely slow down the car before my girls would jump out and run in to start their day...that is very telling because you know when your kid is reluctant to do something or go somewhere, it shows. And when my 7 year old started her present school, her kinder teacher told me she was VERY well prepared by LCPS. So another professional's opinion is very validating. read more

Over the last 5 years, my 2 sons have attended La Canada Preschool. It is such a warm and loving place that has been a positive experience for the whole family. Absolutely exceptional for the children- lots of play and developmental learning, art, gently guided social skills learning and just enough structure to prepare for kindergarten. Supportive, flexible and easy for the parents too. The families that attend are diverse and friendly. I will really miss having it as part of our lives when my younger son starts kinder next year. read more

We have two girls--ages almost 5 and 3--at LCPS who couldn't be happier. My older daughter attends 5 days per week and is in the Pre-K program and her younger sister attends pre-school twice per week to expand her social skills and independece. There is no doubt that our older daughter is well prepared for kindergarten next fall and more importantly has already built confidence in her ability and desire to learn. She comes home excited to share her mini-homework assignments (5-10 minutes max per week) and other social skills taught to her by the LCPS staff. Our youngest girl enjoys playing with her sister occasionally throughout the day and splitting off to develop her own sense of independence. The weekly visits from their music teacher Mr. Jared is a favorite day for both girls. LCPS offers the perfect balance of play, art, choice, and structure with a fantastic introduction to traditional academics. read more

Our daughter has been attending this school for about a year and a half. She loves playing outside, making art, and loves the teachers. I am so happy to have found a place for her where she gets to play and be creative, surrounded by caring teachers. It is a happy place and we are so lucky to have found it. read more

Miss Debbie and her team just get it. They have a calm and consistent way of working with children that is loving and effective. Our son thrived in the environment--he learned, made friends and got seriously dirty, which is exactly what a preschooler should be doing. Bravo. read more

At first impression, I thought this school might be a good fit for our son. As the weeks went by, I felt like I was not really getting a good idea of what had been going on for our son during his day at school. One of the problems was that pick up and drop off is curbside from you car. Often times, the teacher bringing my son to my car had just started work and had no idea what had happened earlier in the day. I also felt that this curbside pick up and drop off made it difficult to get a sense of what was happing in the classroom. The times when I parked and walked my son in to school, I got a very unwelcoming feeling, as though the director and teachers would much rather I not come in. I pulled my son out after 3 months and switched schools mostly because of the very unwelcoming feeling I received trying drop off in person and the great lack of communication about my sons daily activities and challenges. This school really didn't work for us! read more

This preschool is an enchanted little piece of La Canada. Ms. Debbie's (the director) email signature says "Be the change you want to see in the world", and you can tell she really lives by these words through her actions and the preschool. There is order, mutual respect among teachers, students, and parents, and yet a lot of freedom to be a child. Every teacher is kind, deeply thoughtful toward children and parents, and the vibe you get from each of them is one of high emotional intelligence. I can't list all their positive qualities, but here a few highlights: Ms. Erika is deeply warm and caring, Mr. Tony is the king of art and fun, Ms. Melissa is kind and always finds something positive to share, Ms. Flora is very calming and gentle, Ms. Lori always makes my son feel welcome, Mr. Hugo is very kind and positive, and Ms. Debbie is a very broad-minded and kind person. It is not easy to be a teacher or director of a preschool; neither is it easy to be a parent, or even a kid, but somehow at this preschool you feel like you have support and a sense of community. Stars all the way. read more

What is not to like about Lacanada Preschool? With that peaceful environment and kind teachers. My first son had a blast in this school 2 years ago and although we had an unplanned situation and he missed his class for the last six weeks, he was so amazing in kindergarten and was completely prepared. My younger son had difficulty with following school's rules and communication with his classmates; Mrs Debbie / the principal patiently guided us in every step we took to ease my son's transition from home to school. Now he loves his school and friends and is totally a happy and eager student of La Canada Preschool. He has improved in every aspect of his life and I appreciate teacher's hard work and specially Mrs Debbie's dedication and love of her work which makes it a whole lot different from any other school in the area. You don't need to look for preschool if you live in glendale/la Canada area. This is the place you won' t regret to send your kid to. read more