First Presbyterian Nursery School began in 1959, surrounded by
rolling hills of grass and an ocean view. Today, nestled in the heart
of the bustling City of Santa Monica among towering commercial
buildings, the school’s proximity to the ocean, farmer’s market, and
everything from the post office to on-going construction sites provokes
many learning opportunities. While the city has grown up around it,
First Presbyterian Nursery School continues its tradition of providing a
community of children, teachers and parents committed to supporting each
other in raising creative, loving children who know their immeasurable
worth and are able to utilize their gifts and potential. The school is
non-profit, church-related and non-denominational. Our approximately
100 families are from diverse cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds.

We strive to encourage a collaborative environment where
children, teachers, and parents can learn from each other and a place
where each individual is respected and valued. We look deeply at the
image of the child, the image of the teacher, and the image of the
school environment. The importance of social and emotional growth
during the early years gives emphasis to small group work and
problem-solving among peers. Our curriculum emerges from the children’s
interests and investigations. There is a collaboration of ideas between
children and teachers giving respect to the child’s development and the
many languages of learning, such as imaginative, cognitive,
communicative, logical and creative. We encourage children to be
co-participants in the organization of their daily life in the classroom
and school. Our environment is a teaching laboratory of creative spaces
that motivate learning, develop relationships and promote a child’s
strong sense of self and security. Our school is in continual dialogue
with the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. We share many of their
theories and practices which have been recognized throughout the world
for their innovative excellence.

Relationships are built as a team of 3 co-teachers
and approximately 20 children, ages 2 1/2-5 years stay together as they
matriculate through the school. Children can come 3 or 4 days, but most
attend 5 days a week. Our school year is from mid September through late June with a six week summer session.We are open from 8:30am to 5:30pm,
Monday through Friday. Our morning program is from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
Extended days continue until 3:00pm or 5:30pm. Early morning care is
available from 8:30am to 9:00am. A staff consists of 15 classroom
teachers, 2 studio teachers, a science teacher, a music teacher, a movement teacher, a woodworking teacher and 3 office staff as well as a director and an
assistant director. Our school office is closed in July and August and reopens in mid-September.