First Presbyterian Ch Nursery School

Please keep the negative reviews coming. Hopefully, they'll discourage the thousands of parents that apply, and I'll have a better chance of getting my child in. : ) We applied and didn't get in this year, but know several non-Hollywood families that go there and love it. There are plenty of great pre-schools in Santa Monica, so I know we'll find the right fit. But honestly, I've done my research, and if you want the best, this is it. You can't buy/donate your way in.
--Submitted by a parent

I had the same experience w/Mary Hartzell at First Presbyterian too! I think this lady has a good scam going. My husband and I went to her parenting course($500) and donated $2500 to the school. Needless to say, she took our money and rejected our application. Our daughter is at a great pre-school now and we realized that we didn't want our child's first experience to be at a school like that with a founder who lacks the values we are trying to instill in our child. Good riddance!
--Submitted by a parent

Everyone knows that First Pres & Mary Hartzell cater to celebrities and other self-important, Hollywood types. If you want your child to be around entitled brats then you should bribe your way into First Pres. That's what all the desperate wannabes in Santa Monica do.
--Submitted by a teacher

The pre-school is truly amazing. The children benefit from the same 2 teachers who will stay with them during their 2-3 yr experience at the school. In addition, the school offers, science, movement, music, studio, woodworking teachers plus at least 1 other aid per room. The kids are pampered. Now, who can afford that??? To be fair, the preschool is amazing at offering scholarships for the rest of us. But I would say that there is definitely an economical divide. Children are generally unaffected by this except when it comes to playdates. There are many other fascinating activities, festivals, book fairs, etc. that are put together by the Rich Mamas. My peeve: having to pay for a full month's tuition in Sept. Dec, April and June when the school is only open 2 wks out of the month. Ouch! Not good for working parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Best preschool in America. Amazing director, teachers and program. Reggio Amelia is truly an inspired early education philosophy!!! Our son is excited to be there everyday and we feel blessed to be a part of this community.
--Submitted by a parent