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March 2023 by Dan Kessler
Incredible preschool. It's in a secluded, forested area in the Santa Monica Mountains. It creates a creative and magical experience for kids aged 2 through pre-K. Absolute best option in West LA.
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February 2023 by Cyril H.
These other reviewers are not overstating their description of Crestwood as an idilic, magical, and dream preschool. For us, Crestwood really does have it all: a solid play-based, child-led, and social-emotionally-focused philosophy with educated and loving teachers (many of whom have been there for decades), set amongst a one-of-a-kind lush canyon setting. In the truest spirit of a co-op, everyone that's a part of the community does their best to make it a better place and is genuinely proud to be a part of it. We have been attending the Parent & Me since before our child turned one and have loved it. The teachers and director are so involved and parents are so well supported that I have a very clear sense of how my child will be cared for and how behaviors will be managed at preschool--it gives me confidence there will be consistency between the guidance and learning he's getting at home and at school. Crestwood's environment is truly unique. The kids really get to PLAY in the truest sense of the word. In terms of academics, I've been told from several parents of older kids that principals at elementary schools love the Crestwood kids and find that they are uniquely equipped to excel in kindergarten. My son isn't simply learning about community, he is experiencing it because the co-op environment really engenders a spirit of partnership and collaboration in the childrens' learning and development.My one misgiving with Crestwood is that it is quite far from where we live. So, I scoured the rest of the west side and Culver City regions for other options. I looked at every co-op I could find, we attended two other Parent & Me's, and I did over a dozen tours and only one other program has come close. Crestwood remains our top choice and we are so excited for the fall!
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February 2023 by Laura A.
Crestwood coop preschool is set on an idilic expanse of land just off the park. Two of our children attended Crestwood and I can honestly say the spirit of the school is like no other. The children are given space and freedom within this safe haven to play and grow both socially and academically. Guided by the supportive and loving staff and teachers, many who have been at Crestwood for decades, round out what truly makes this preschool special. Parent involvement is also an important part of the Crestwood community and integral to the fabric of the school. Our children went on to kindergarten with a little piece of the Crestwood community held in their hearts and thrived in kindergarten.
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February 2023 by Danielle A.
Amazing play based preschool in the most beautiful place with a focus on social-emotional learning
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February 2023 by Briana K.
Crestwood Hills Preschool is a play based co-op school nestled in what feels like a magical forest, up Kenter Canyon in Brentwood. Our family started in the Parent & Me class when my son was 1. It is a wonderful way to get to know the preschool; the kids have a blast and parents get to hear from their amazing director, Joanna Port, who is an absolute expert in all things early childhood. Any time we had a challenge with our children's sleep, eating, behavior, or anything else- she always knew exactly what to do.When it came time to choose a preschool on the Westside, we toured and tried classes at many schools, and Crestwood became our first choice by a landslide. We have now been a Crestwood family for over 4 years and we cannot describe what a wonderful community it has been for us. The co-op aspect of the school means we get to volunteer at the school twice a month and truly get to know the staff, our kids, other parents, and their classmates. Crestwood's teacher's are incredible, their deep commitment to each child's social-emotional learning and well-being is amazing to watch. The school is mostly outdoors, and the kids get to play, explore, get muddy, and really just get to be kids. Their Pre-K program is especially amazing! Watching my son climb trees, explore nature, care for animals (they have chickens, reptiles, and more), and bloom into a secure and confident 5 year old has been so rewarding. Our second son will be starting preschool in the fall, and we cannot wait!
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February 2021 by Kim R.
Crestwood Hills Preschool is unlike any other we visited in LA. It's largely outdoors and located in beautiful Kentwood Canyon. It's truly a magical place that you have to see to believe. Our son also spent two years in the Parent and Me Toddler program which I highly recommend! It's a great way to get them comfortable with the school before they're old enough to begin. Crestwood is a play-based co-op with an amazing community of like minded parents. In non-COVID times parents would regularly volunteer at the school which we love! The teachers are passionate, kind, and have a gentle approach when it comes to transitioning new students into the class. This was a huge plus for us!We have also been SO impressed with how Crestwood has handled COVID safety measures. They have doctors and infectious disease experts that helped to establish science based protocols to keep the community safe. Again, they've gone above and beyond - separate pods, everyone masked, temp checks, cleaning procedures, hand washing, weekly testing of teachers, I could go on but the bottom line is they've been able to safely continue operations because of their rigorous safety measures. And despite all of these changes the kids haven't missed a beat. They love attending (even in masks) and we're so lucky to be a part of a community that respects and protects each other. There's so much more but you really have to see it to believe it. If you're interested set up a tour to check out this wonderful community!
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February 2021 by Diana S.
The most enjoyable light-hearted play- based child-centered nearly 80% outdoor school of our dreams! It is absolutely a delight to see our child develop around such heartwarming, fun loving, caring , well educated teachers. When we were looking for a school we wanted a place where Haim could still be a kid and learn through play but also have accommodations for his level of development an interest. We also wanted to make sure the educators had extensive experience. We got it all at Crestwood. We have to drive 25 minutes out of our way but it is well worth it to start a foundation on this level. Thank you Crestwood! They offer aid for those in need!
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December 2013 by Hugh Mahoney
This is the most amazing school. The location is in a beautiful natural setting in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a cooperative which creates an amazing community of involved parents and the developmental curriculum produces well-rounded social kids who are ready for life's challenges.
