First School, The

About

Overview

The First School operates three small campuses in Santa Monica and provides relationship-based, play-focused early education for young children. The school describes its programs as developmentally staged to meet children where they are, with an emphasis on social-emotional growth, creativity, and gradual preparation for kindergarten.

Approach and curriculum

Instruction is described as play-based and child-centered, with predictable daily routines and opportunities for exploration and teacher-planned activities. The program includes weekly specialist classes in art and physical education, small-group art workshops (clay, weaving, print-making, collage), and optional gymnastics. Project-based and child-led work is emphasized in the oldest group, including shorter-term “Club Time” explorations of focused topics.

Facilities, staff and family support

The campuses are configured to match developmental stages, with small, simple classrooms and play yards that support indoor–outdoor flow.
Staff are described as experienced in early childhood education and supported in continuing education.
Family communication and community features include intake meetings, campus playdates and home visits, scheduled parent–teacher conferences, weekly photo recaps and newsletters, kindergarten placement assistance, and an independent Financial Aid Trust that underwrites tuition for eligible families.

Programs

Broadway: Preschool Year 2

A second-year preschool program emphasizing social development, project-based learning, art, science, drama, Spanish and organized games, taught in classrooms that support increasing independence.

Monday – Friday (half-day and full-day options; early drop-off available)

Ocean Park: Preschool Year 1

A first-year preschool program focused on successful separation from parents, developing language and collaboration skills, and establishing self-care habits within small class groups supported by two teachers.

Monday – Friday (half-day and full-day options; early drop-off available)

Pine Street: Pre-K/Transitional Kindergarten

A pre-kindergarten/transitional kindergarten year that uses project-based, child-led work with teacher support, including 'Club Time' small-group project explorations and an emphasis on social-emotional readiness for kindergarten.

Full day, Monday – Friday (early drop-off available; extended day options offered)

Toddler Group

A parent-attended class for children 12 months and older that combines indoor and outdoor play, snack, story time and circle time, with a group leader who facilitates parent discussion about parenting and child development.

Weekly, 90-minute sessions · 12 months and up

More childcare in Santa Monica

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from public sources and provider websites and may be summarized for clarity. Unless marked as claimed or verified, this listing has not been reviewed or endorsed by the provider. Information may change; contact the provider directly to confirm current details.

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