My kids absolutely loved this school! We only spent a year here but, it was fantastic. If you enjoy being really involved in your children's education, this is the place for you! If you don't this is definitely not the place for you. All the parents are so fun and interesting! The fundraisers are great fun! It's such a hidden gem. Want in? Better email for a tour at least 6 months in advance. read more

The Canyon School, Inc. - Bike ride! - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

When we first moved to Los Angeles with our 8 month old baby, I was so clueless as to how to make "Parent Friends" I would go to parks and awkwardly make conversation. I even joined a Mom playdate app but everyone else I connected with was anxious about actually meeting up. It can be daunting. Fast forward to our touring this Cooperative Preschool. My daughter was welcomed in immediately, playing with other kids, riding tricycles and sitting through circle time. On top of that, every staff member and every parent we met was cool. I didn't get any weird energy at all. We were so ready to join in and figured out a way to make these, very reasonable, tuition payments monthly. We took an afternoon spot at first as that was all that was open and the moment full time opened up, we were all in. There are parent lead projects in theme every week. Many opportunities for your little one to figure out social behavior through play. Incredible field trips like Strawberry Picking, The Aquarium and the Fire Department (to name a few) They celebrate everything. Every holiday and every birthday. It feels like straight up Steel Magnolias. The tuition is reasonable because we all pitch in. We work at the school organizing, playing, cleaning and caring which provides a beautiful opportunity to get to know all of the kids, their parents and the staff. If you are looking for a sense of community with your kiddo, this is the way to go. We only had 1.5 years here but I can wholeheartedly say this school changed our lives for the better. Our daughter is graduating this year and so beyond ready and set up for success for Kindergarten. I have built lifelong friendships and finally feel that sense of Community that I longed for. read more

The Canyon School, Inc. - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My first kid attended this school for about 3 years and my second one just started. It is absolutely an excellent school. I was not a co-op parent type of personality, but I think my kids have really benefited from the deep parental involvement. I have also met many wonderful parents here. The teachers have been first-rate and the school director has always been there for us. This school is an absolute gem. read more

Canyon Co-op has been such a God send for me and my family!!!!! I have a 3 year old son who was previously enrolled at a pre-school for a short term which wasn't a good fit for him, so we removed him from the pre-school very shortly afterward. In our quest to find the right fit and environment for our son, especially a school that was based more on art/play, my husband and I started researching more and talking to our friends and acquaintances about other schools and programs and Canyon Co-Op repeatedly keep coming up in these conversations!!!!! Naturally, my husband and I set-up an appointment to check out Canyon Co-Op and we are soo glad we did!!! When we arrived at the Co-Op with our child to take a look around, the anxiety, which our son had displayed while at the pre-school he attended prior to Canyon Co-Op was instantly gone. Our son made himself very comfortable immediately, almost as if he were at home, which put us at ease as very protective parents. Seriously, it was like magic!!! The parents and staff who were at the Co-Op that day all greeted us and welcomed us as if we were family and that's exactly what Canyon Co-Op is! One big happy family and a village that truly takes care of one another. Our son absolutely loves going to Canyon Co-Op, and we are so happy we found the perfect match for our little guy!!!!!THANKS CANYON CO-OP!!!!!! read more

We are truly happy to be part of this amazing community. I truly enjoy being a part of my children's preschool experience this year. Canyon school has only brought joy and satisfaction to my family. After being in several other preschools in the past we realized that cooperative system was the best fit for our family. There is a warm and friendly energy surrounding this preschool and most important is ran by Ms. Celia, the director. She is such a asset to canyon school and brings so much light and joy to the children with many years of experience. What I mostly value about the director is that she is so open and kind to offer guidance to us parents when going through any parental difficulties with our children. I highly recommend this preschool to those that UNDERSTAND and VALUE the cooperative system and its philosophy. It's been proven to be effective to ALL children, unfortunately it may not be for ALL parents. http://www.explorerpreschool.org/Resources/Home/Working-Together-Article.pdf http://bright-beginnings-folsom.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Play_vs_Academics.pdf read more

The Canyon School, Inc. - Apollo :) - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've been at the Canyon school for over 3 1/2 years and we have 3 kids attending there. I can not fully express the gratitude and love I have for the school. It is my sanctuary and home away from home. We have healthy delicious lunches that the parents prepare themselves, projects that enhance the lesson plan for the week, dance, music and sports! It is a play base school and therefore the kids organically learn how to negotiate, apologize, and stand up for themselves. There is "share day" once a week so the kids practice how to articulate and story tell in front of their peers. The director has tremendous wisdom and insight to raising resilient and loving kids. She is extremely hands on, firm and FULL of heart! The school has a small intimate feel so you really get to know the parents and kids on a daily bases. My favorite part of the coop is all the information exchange and support you get when being at the school. It is a struggle and a joy to raise these miraculous creatures and to do it with a group of like-minded parents is such a blessing! It takes a whole village to raise a child and I couldn't imagine doing it without the Canyon school tribe! read more

Dear Yelpers. We are now in the month of October 2016! The Canyon School has still failed to followup with our family regarding admission into the preschool. We enjoy our school tour, completed the application, submitted a cashier's check if $35, to only receive the Hollywood brush off. My follow-up call from Stacy after multiple attempts to reach her for a decision, not one email or written letter. This school is not welcoming to children of color. The lack of regard for our family time is insulting and highly disappointing. The only recourse I received was a notification from the bank that the Canyon School cash our $35 check... Parents beware.. especially if you have children of color. read more

A beautiful co-op school in the heart of Hollywood. We spent three glorious years here developing friendships with both parents and kids that I hope to cultivate for years to come. My daughter learned more than I can list here, and so did I! Parent involvement is a must so if you are looking to drop off your kid for an 8-hr day this is not the school for you. We were lucky to be a part of this unique school run by a great Director and teacher who embody the values they teach. read more

What an amazing school! With twin daughters we were looking for something affordable, and this certainly is. Never having been part of a co-op before, I was amazed at the devotion, team-spirit and self-lessness of the staff and all the parents involved. I found that devoting my time to the school, our Canyon School community, has been invaluable to not only my children but myself as well. We've made wonderful friendships and my girls have an environment that is welcoming, nurturing, loving - one that invites social and developmental growth that I've personally seen in my own kids and their classmates. Both the director and teacher are kind, warm, loving and truly devoted to the children. I trust them fully and I know my girls are getting the optimal guidance and support that that they need. And I'm proud to be a member of this wonderful community. read more

After visiting several preschools in the area, Canyon school was the clear winner. As soon as we walked in the first thing we noticed was how happy the children looked. We quickly realized this was the main thing that was missing from the other schools. The second thing was how friendly and inviting all of the parents were. Our son immediately started playing with the many toys and creative play areas through out and we knew this was our school. Circle time, share day, field trips, lots and lots of learning crafts, music, dance, sports and celebrating all holidays and birthdays are just a few of the reasons our child is thriving at Canyon School. They have a different theme every week and our son has learned so much about planets, weather, the human body and so much more. Within weeks of being there he was singing the months of the year and telling me the eating habits of dinosaurs I didn't even know how to pronounce! We also love the parent participation which allows us to get to know all of the children and other parents. It truly feels like a little family. Everyone is there for support especially the director who is a wealth of information and really the main reason everything runs so well. She is a seasoned professional and earns the respect of the children with a balance of boundaries and lots of love. I feel so comfortable going to her with any questions (and I often do) about my son's development and feel confident in her advice. We feel very fortunate to have found this school and are looking forward to having our younger son attend soon! The Canyon school is a treasure! read more

This school was great for the atmosphere and activities! But the parent staff sucked. No direct line where someone answers the phone, which is scary when your kid is there at the school. Parents help the school but are a little rude and take awhile to respond to texts. The lady in charge of the school is a little aggressive with the kids and rude when it comes to conflict. Unfortunately, there is something very off about this school. read more

We love this school. The community, the parents, the teachers and the principal far exceed our expectations of what a pre-K can offer. My son has been here for over a year. He's thriving at school - making friends, doing crafts, learning weekly educational topics. It's exciting and fun. But most importantly, the parent involvement, has brought him in touch with a community of people who are really involved with their children. This place is a blessing. Our family is so grateful to be a part of what's going on at The Canyon School! read more

Canyon Co-op is amazing! It is a gem hidden in the middle of Hollywood My 4 year old daughter started at Canyon a year ago and my son loved being there so much he began attending the minute he turned 2. We have found a wonderful family at Canyon School and could not dream of being anywhere else. The emphasis at Canyon (which is a play based school) is on the emotional and social growth of a child. The teachers are wonderful and, as it is a co op, there are always several parents working so I know that my children are being well cared for. There are constant opportunities for play through art, music, dance, sports, books, nature (the kids are out in the play yard 90% of the day) and the children have the freedom to discover what inspires them. While I love the fun and freedom of this fantastic little place, seeing the confidence, empathy and curiosity it has inspired in my children has me convinced there is no better preschool. read more

I love this school! Being in a co-op has been great in so many ways, but for me, the best part has been being able to see what my child is doing at school. (You know, because it's hard to let go!) It's full of fun, music, dance, sports, and there are art projects all the time. Loving teachers, cool parents and great kids. My son started in the toddler program and has been flourishing. If you have the time to give to a co-op, I highly recommend this school. If you have a 2 year old and want to check it out and get them around other kids, I recommend joining the toddler program! read more

My oldest and dearest friends are the ones I made at Canyon School back in the 80s. I loved my experience there so much that we decided to enroll our kids. It's a wonderful hands-on learning environment full of joy. And the fact that it's a co-op means that parents get to take part in the fun, too! read more

With so many choices for the parents of a pre-school age child the mind boggles. We came to Canyon School originally drawn because we not only heard great things (one of the oldest and most respected co-ops in Los Angeles) but also because the cost of tuition was significantly lower than the other schools we visited because it is a co-op. They say it takes a village and Canyon School will become an extension of your family. Due to the hands-on involvement of all the parents everyone knows every child there. Let's see a conventional pre-school boast that! We all share in not only helping (with our wonderful teachers Miss Celia and Miss Nikkia) to nurture the children but also to watch generations of Canyon School kids develop and grow into well-adjusted and school-ready young people. Make sure to come see the school ASAP because enrollment fills up quickly every year. read more

My first one is about to graduate from Canyon School in a few days and I am a bit sad about the ending of this chapter in my life. However, I am really proud of the kid she has become. She is responsible, she is polite, she is very social, very inquisitive and very helpful. The Canyon School has been an incredible environment for her. All the parents are involved and I love that my daughter has all these adults in "her" life. I am glad that my 2nd will be starting school this fall, even though it is a bit of a drive from our new place, I wouldn't put him in any other environment. The Director is awesome, she has a heart of gold, she's your friend, your parent coach and you partner in helping you raise your little one. The teacher rocks, I am always amazed at all the projects she comes up. Both of them are incredible resources when it comes to child development. This is a coop so you do need to be involved in the school and have to work 1 day a week. How fun! you get to be with your child and see them in their "school" environment. I always love seeing teenagers/older kids come through the gates to say hello to the Director. I guess that's the affect she has had on these kids. read more

Our little boy goes to Canyon School and he - and we - love it. It's a great school, run by wonderful teachers and supported by an active and involved parent group. It's a co-op school so parent involvement is part of the school's DNA - it also helps keep the fees lower - and for us, has been a great benefit. It means working at the school 3 hours per week during school hours, but being around our son and his friends for that time is one of the best things about it. There's a very diverse culture with people from all walks of life and ethnicities - and the principal Ms Celia is an amazing presence for both parents and children. If you have the time to give and want that extra involvement, I highly recommend this school to you. read more

This woman is the most unprofessional human being I have ever had the displeasure of coming across. It took two weeks and multiple phone calls and emails just to be able to reach someone to inquire about space. Two weeks later I finally got a tour scheduled, however when I got there no one answered the phone when I kept calling to be let in the gate. The director paid no mind to me when I was asking questions about her school, instead pushing the responsibility onto the parent volunteer who had no answers to half my questions. Not only this, but when I paid my application fee, she couldn't be bothered to make change so the other parent gave it to me out of his wallet. I filled out the paperwork and left expecting someone to call me about a start date. This was in late January. I called no less than three times a week since then asking when my daughter could start, what tuition would be, and what her schedule would be (they don't even offer a normal, consistent schedule, they just give you random spots during the week until more open up) and no one ever responded. Finally, last week (end of February) one of the parent volunteers finally called me back and gave me the information I'd been requesting and said my daughter could start today (March 1st, 2016). I asked her about the phone situation and if there was a better number for me to call and she said that's just how it is there unfortunately. Unacceptable when you're watching the children of many other people, but I figured I could offer some resolutions to this serious problem once we started since parents are required to work there once a week. Today, as I was loading up my daughter to head there, I called to find out if they preferred cash or check for tuition. I had to call FIVE times before the director answered SCREAMING "I'm not answering because we're in circle time and you're interrupting!!" As I tried to get a word in and explain I needed information and someone should be answering the phone she continued to yell and scream "don't tell me how to run my business!! I'm hanging up now!!" and slammed the phone down. This "woman" has at least six parents working there everyday and thinks it's ok no one answers the phone? That's unbelievable. This whole experience has been awful and I urge anyone looking to go here to find somewhere else. I don't know how they have five stars, all the parents look miserable there. I wouldn't be surprised if this trashy woman made multiple profiles just to make herself look better. No person tasked with caring for children should be this disorganized, short tempered, and unprofessional. read more

The Canyon School, Inc. - No one should have to call five times to reach their childcare provider. - Preschools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My child has attended this school since she was three (for about a year now) and I LOVE it! The teachers are great and really wonderful with the kids. I've also really enjoyed being part of a co-op preschool, since I have gotten to really know the families and become a part of my child's school environment. I'd highly recommend this school! read more

Canyon School is an amazing oasis in the heart of Hollywood. My children have been able to explore, develop their sense of self, and develop lifelong social skills in this nurturing community of hard working parents and teachers. The Director has been committed to this school for over 20 years and it shows. read more

my 2 granddaughters, age 5 and 3, have attended canyon school for 16 months and we shall be there another 2 years. if you are looking for a school that will help your child socially develop, this is the place. the teachers are incredible, patient and flexible. i work at the school 1 day a week but often i stay to help out--the more time i spend @ canyon, the happier i am. the parents are welcoming and very helpful, after all it is a co-operative school. the children - these children are incredible. since each family has to work 1 day a week, every adult learns the names of the children very quickly. graduation is coming in the middle of june; not only the parents of the graduates but all the parents and grandparents at the school will be supportive, interested and most assuredly in tears of joy t t read more

Canyon School has been a great experience for our family. Being a Co-Op, it does require a bit of your time, but the rewards of getting to know your children's friends and their families are great. The space is cozy and the teachers take care to include and encourage everyone. The price doesn't hurt either. It's about half as much as the less expensive preschools. We have had two girls there and they both have learned through playtime and experience. read more

What an amazing school! After being utterly overwhelmed and frightened by the preschools we visited it was so refreshing to find a school that allowed kids to be kids. Ms.Celia is such a kind welcoming soul, and Ms Nikkia is a wonderful teacher. Save yourself the trouble, if you want a kind and loving environment for your child this is the place to be. Canyon School all the way! read more

This wonderful school has changed my whole family's life for the better. I really cannot say enough great things about this place and the director Celia. l have loved watching my daughter learn the skills to build lasting friendships, be kind and give back in a free and loving environment. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Canyon family. read more

My son LOVES Canyon co-op. He has become so much more social and looks forward to going to school. The teachers are amazing and the parents become your best friends. If you're looking for a co-op, this is the place to be and it is so affordable! read more

I LOVE THIS PRESCHOOL! i'd looked at 20 preschools before choosing canyon school. as a single mom i was reluctant to do a co-op because of time commitments but fell so in love with this school. (a friend had highly recommended them) from the moment we walked in it had such a happy feel to it. joyful. artistic. the parents were so welcoming (loved the ratio of adults to children!!). my daughter didn't want to leave! miss celia and miss nikkia are terrific teachers. there is time commitment (work day once a week, craft once a month, etc) but you get the rare opportunity to be a part of your child's school and working with families and teachers who are committed to the best for their children (and yours!). included in the tuition is drumming, dance and sports (they each come once a week). terrific field trips about once a month. and as your child approaches kindergarden miss celia prepares them for that. you cannot beat the price!! and for what you get- this is the best thing in town. a gem. my daughter loves it here and i am happy we found canyon school. read more