Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Early Childhood Education in Santa Monica
Founded in 1975, The First School has dedicated five decades to pioneering relationship-based early childhood education. Our developmental approach prioritizes play as the foundation for holistic growth, nurturing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual capacities in children aged 12 months to 6 years. We create a warm, supportive environment where each child progresses at their own pace, guided by experienced educators who recognize and cultivate individual strengths. Our programs integrate music, art, and child-directed clubs to foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Graduates emerge with emotional resilience, lasting social connections, and the confidence to navigate future academic transitions successfully.As a leader in early childhood education, we maintain a commitment to evidence-based practices that align with research on child development. Our team collaborates closely with families to ensure continuity between home and school experiences. With three distinct program levels, we provide structured yet flexible pathways that prepare children for kindergarten while honoring their unique developmental timelines. Our legacy of nurturing generations of learners reflects our unwavering dedication to quality early education.
Services
Toddler Group
Preschool Year 1
Preschool Year 2
Pre-K Program
Play-Based Learning
Social Development
Kindergarten Preparation
Child-Directed Clubs
Music Programs
Art Education
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of proven expertise in early childhood development
- Curriculum designed around research-validated play-based learning principles
- Three progressive program levels for ages 12 months to 6 years
- Graduates demonstrate strong social connections and emotional resilience
- Specialized focus on kindergarten transition preparation
Services
Toddler Group
Parent-accompanied programs for 12+ month olds introduce socialization through structured play, snack time, and group activities. Parents learn to support early developmental milestones while children build comfort in classroom settings. This foundational experience prepares toddlers for independent preschool participation.
Preschool Year 1
Designed for 2.5-3.5 year olds, this program focuses on separation from parents, language development, and collaborative play. Children engage in creative activities that build communication skills and classroom community through guided social interactions and structured routines.
Preschool Year 2
For 3.5-4.5 year olds, this level emphasizes social relationship navigation and expanded world exploration. Curriculum includes group projects, imaginative play centers, and early academic concepts through hands-on discovery and peer collaboration experiences.
Pre-K Program
Targeted at 4.5-6 year olds, our pre-k program deepens academic preparation while maintaining play-based learning. Children engage in complex team projects, develop fine motor skills, and explore specialized interests through music, art, and child-led clubs.
Play-Based Learning
Our core educational philosophy uses play to cultivate all developmental domains. Through carefully designed activities, children naturally acquire social skills, emotional regulation, cognitive abilities, and physical coordination while maintaining intrinsic motivation for learning.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 12 months to 6 years, including toddler groups, preschool, and pre-k/transitional kindergarten options.
How does your curriculum support child development?
Our play-based approach cultivates social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth through music, art, collaborative activities, and child-directed exploration.
What distinguishes your pre-k program?
Our transitional kindergarten program emphasizes team-building, in-depth exploration of interests, and gradual preparation for formal schooling structures.
How do you handle social-emotional development?
We prioritize relationship-building and emotional resilience through structured group activities, conflict resolution guidance, and peer collaboration opportunities.
Are there parent participation components?
Toddler groups include parent participation, while older programs gradually transition children to independent classroom experiences with regular family communication.
What is your kindergarten transition success rate?
Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong social connections and adaptability, with many families reporting lasting friendships and smooth school transitions.
