We feel so grateful to be part of the Palisades Preschool community. Our daughter started in the…read moretoddler program at 18 months and is now in the youngest preschool classroom. The experience has been exceptional every step of the way.
The toddler program alone is worth mentioning--many parents call it "magical," and that's exactly how it feels. Each week, the teachers and atelieristas create a warm, beautiful environment with soft lighting and thoughtfully designed exploration areas. The children attend with their parents or caregivers, play together, and share a snack where they sit at tables and serve themselves. It's a gentle, joyful introduction to school. We loved that the teacher from the youngest preschool classroom leads the program, which makes the transition to drop-off the next year feel more familiar.
As our daughter moved into the preschool this year, we were struck by the level of intention and care. The teachers are dedicated and knowledgeable. They meet every afternoon to reflect on the day and thoughtfully plan for what the children need next. They collaborate with atelieristas each week to bring in creative, meaningful materials--clay, natural elements, artist-grade paints, wire, light and shadow, and storytelling--so the children can learn to explore and express themselves through different media.
The campus itself is also special--lush outdoor spaces with gardens, trees, and imaginative elements created by the children, making it feel like a little world of its own. It's fun to see the children watering the plants, playing in the river rock bed with the water pump, and watching the butterfly cocoons that form.
We've also seen a meaningful transformation in our daughter. She used to be cautious and slow to warm in new situations, but during her time here, she has blossomed. Her confidence in exploring materials and engaging with her peers has grown significantly. She now dives into art (happily getting messy!) and interacts with her friends with ease, joy, and connection.
One of the most striking moments for us was hosting our daughter's class for her birthday. Watching the children interact outside of school, we were amazed by how calm, kind, and collaborative they were. They invited each other to play, took turns easily, shared materials, and navigated social situations with awareness and respect. The parents were able to step back and hang out, which felt so different from other gatherings outside of the preschool that we've attended. It was clear that the children's social-emotional skills are being thoughtfully cultivated at school every day.
And, while we are still far from the kindergarten process, we've connected with families of Palisades alumni whose children have gone on to some of the most well-regarded schools in Los Angeles, including Brentwood School, The Village School, and Crossroads, along with many other fantastic private and public schools. It's reassuring to see how strong the foundation is for the years to come.
That's not surprising given that it feels like everything the school does is grounded in what's best for the child. Even the decision to offer only morning programs reflects a deep respect for young children's need for rest and the teachers' need for thoughtful preparation.
Palisades Preschool is a special place, and we feel incredibly lucky that our daughter and our family are part of this community.