University Parent's Nursery School - Upns, Los Angeles

I couldn't be more pleased with this school. Both my children attended, and my youngest just graduated to kindergarten. It is a play-based school, so there are no worksheets or lectures. However, the children learn concepts such as writing, days of the week, seasons, culture, and music, through circle time and other fun activities. Most importantly, they learn to love learning and how to interact with other kids in a school setting so they are ready to learn "academics" when they move on to elementary school. The teachers are incredibly patient and nurturing and take the time to get to know every child. Twice during the year, they have parent-teacher conferences where they update you in detail on your child's development. The best thing about this school, however, is the sense of community. Because volunteer service in your child's class is mandatory, you get to know every kid in your child's class, and you also get to know the parents because they are often volunteering alongside of you. It is like all the children and parents become one big extended family. It's hard to get in to UPNS, but sign up for the wait list now and call often - it's worth it.