Pacific Oaks Children's School

We have two children who attend Pacific Oaks, and we are extremely happy with the school and how it has positively impacted our family. Both of our kids are engaged, confident learners, and we do credit Pacific Oaks for much of this. It is refreshing to have children who are excited about waking up and heading off for another day at Pacific Oaks. Pacific Oaks' emergent curriculum emphasizes creativity and social interaction. We hope it will instill a lifelong love of learning, and so far, it has accomplished that goal. If you believe in the philosophy of progressive education and live in the Los Angeles area within a reasonable commute, you should definitely consider Pacific Oaks.
--Submitted by a parent

this is not an academic but play based school, and so much research has shown that free play is essential in early childhood and is in fact the best way to set a groundwork for later academic learning. if you want academic look elsewhere. that being said, we have been disappointed with the school: it has a great reputation, and is perhaps resting on its laurels nowadays. for a school with such a great, rich history and reputation, the communication bw staff, director, and parents is poor, the teachers seem unhappy and there seems to be something rotten in denmark at this school, a sort of corporate or mercenary feel--definitely not a joyful staff, sadly, though many of them do try. the kids are playing freely, fine (although we have seen unaddressed bullying--the teachers have too many children to keep track of and lots goes unnoticed or plain ignored here) but if you are looking for a more community-oriented, social justice based school where values are truly taught and modeled, again, look elsewhere. this school has many strengths but what they promise on the tour is not what you get.
--Submitted by a parent

Our 2 children have thrived at Pacific Oaks and we as a family were lucky to be part of this loving caring community for the past 7yrs. Families from all different backgrounds come together to a place where their children can learn to be caring, responsible and inquisitive human beings. Children are treated with respect and allowed to explore. Children go on to every type of school you can imagine and they do amazing because P.O. gave them the confidence and love of learning in an organic and developmentally appropriate way. Coming from an academic family of educators the only thing that saddens me is that every child doesn't have the privilege of experiencing a place like Pacific Oaks. P. O. is about acceptance and conflict resolution. Every school or class has children that are working through something (pushing, biting, exclusion, divorce...), and so the teachers work with the child and the family to help them through it. Those will never be reasons P.O. closes its doors or shuns a child. Generations after generations return to this preschool because of the fond memories and experiences lived and shared. Not many preschools can say that.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has thrived at PO. It has been a warm, nurturing environment, and he has grown into such a caring, well-spoken and confident kid. The school is serious about an emergent curriculum, meaning that the kids' interests drive the content of the education, but they also provide developmentally-appropriate topical education to prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond. The school is also committed to social diversity and learning to respect and celebrate differences. I find one of the reviews below (dated 1/6/06) to be distressing because it just inaccurately reflects both the philosophy and the atmosphere of the school. Indeed, adults often initiate activities; personal responsibility is at the core of both the philosophy and the curriculum, etc. Finally, bullying is not tolerated, and both children would be taught skills for managing the conflict (under the watchful eye of teachers, parents, etc.) This parent's experience is in no way typical.
--Submitted by a parent

The best child care and preschool, pre-K in the SG Valley. I visited multiple preschools prior to sending my daughter here. The campus, physical plant of Pacific Oaks are the nicest, most spacious out of any preschools. The teachers and parents are very caring and involved. The kids learn all the time-they learn by doing. Every day @ school, there are open ended activities set up by the teachers, and the teachers provide guidance. They sneak in leaning through fun activities-games, songs, etc. The kids learn about peaceful conflict resolution and to speak out about their needs and boundaries. I have not witnessed any bullying or aggressive behavior happening without discussion. Teachers deal with any aggressive behavior with kindness and firmness. There are tons of art, music, physical play activities. I consider the school paradise for preschoolers.
--Submitted by a parent

P.O. provides such a great environment for their children. A lot of free play and children such have a happy learning atomsphere over there. As far as academic, I think P.O. is little weak on that.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been a great disappointment to us. Our child repeatedly complained of boredom as no activity is to be initited by adults. Very little personal responsibility or accountability is expected or even taught and the children are allowed to behave in ways that would be unacceptable in a school that pretends to teach responsible social principles (bullying is rampant and unaddressed.) Since children are not supposed to be taught formally, they do not learn anything and some actually regress since any spontaneous interest in reading or writing is discouraged.
--Submitted by a parent

Exceptional quality, loving teachers and well- known/respected curriculum. I even had an emplpoyee from the State of California DOE commend me on choosing PO for my child.
--Submitted by a parent

Pacific Oaks has provided a wonderful environment. My child has learned to make friends, pratice social skills, build relationships with wonderful teachers and explore the world in a gentle and safe place. I have been especially pleased with the parents and teacher involvement and caring for the school. Academics and curriculum, particulalry for Pre-K and K could be better communicated and possibly moire academic. The nurturing environment however makes up for the academic nonchalance. My child's learning has focused on social, emotional, motor and observational skills. She willmove into the world with a wonderful sense of self and others from her experiences at Pacific Oaks.
--Submitted by Jeannine, a parent

The school use prograssive teaching method. Big playground area.
--Submitted by a parent