First Presbyterian Nursery School (Santa Monica)
Open today 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description provided by the business.First Pres Nursery School is a Reggio-inspired, non-religious preschool in downtown Santa Monica that has served young children for 65 years. Our progressive, Reggio-inspired program loops children and teachers over their three years together as they move through a school environment that changes to accommodate interests and develop possibilities. The long-term tenure of many of our teachers brings a high degree of experience, background, and education to the school, ensuring an approach to learning that is complex, holistic, and responsive to emergent ideas and children's development.
Location Info
1248 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(Between Wilshire and Arizona)
| Monday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Accreditations
-
NAEYC
Financial Aid
- Offers Financial Aid
- Subsidies & Vouchers
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Offers transitional kindergarden (TK/VPK).
- Staff are CPR certified.
- Staff are first aid certified.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Program includes field trips.
- No religious affiliation.
Programs Offered
Preschool Program
Licensing
First Presbyterian Nursery School (Santa Monica) is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
191600233
Capacity
120
Issued
05/01
Parent Reviews
After 5 wonderful years and 2 children attending FPNS, we can wholeheartedly say that it has truly been a formative and joyful part of our family's life. From the very beginning, the school stood out for its intentional approach to early childhood education - every aspect of the experience feels thoughtful, nurturing, and rooted in a deep understanding of what children need to thrive. What makes First Pres truly exceptional is its sense of community. The connections we've built here - with teachers, staff, and fellow families, are genuine and lasting. This isn't just a school, it has become a second home for us. We have made lifelong friends through this community, and our children have felt deeply known, supported and celebrated every step of the way. We are endlessly grateful to have been part of a place where both our children and our family have grown so much. This school is truly a magical and special place!
My son and daughter attended First Pres Nursery School in Santa Monica. The programs were well organized, and the teachers were extremely nice. The teachers understood that every kid was different and tried to provide the best environment for each kid. My children particularly enjoyed art programs. Wednesday Farmers Market was a bonus after dropping off our kids.
We cannot express enough how grateful we are for the incredible experience our family has had at First Pres Nursery Schooll! Nestled in the heart of this bustling city, First Pres truly stands out as a nurturing community where our children blossomed in a joyful, Reggio-inspired environment. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and belonging. At First Pres, our small children not only gained confidence but also developed a genuine love for learning. The educators are passionate and attentive, fostering our children's natural curiosity and guiding them on fantastic journeys of discovery. Each day was filled with engaging activities that sparked their imaginations, allowing them to explore, create, and build meaningful connections with their peers. One of the most beautiful aspects of First Pres is the strong sense of community that it cultivates. We made lifelong friends—both parents and children alike—who share our values and experiences. The camaraderie and support we found here have enriched our lives in ways we never expected. As our children prepared to transition to elementary school, we were comforted by the gentle and loving approach that First Pres employs. The nurturing environment ensured that they were not only academically ready but also emotionally equipped for the next chapter. We are thrilled to share that the school helped guide our children into our first choice of elementary schools. In our experience, the school has excellent placement to the best private schools in Los Angeles, including Seven Arrows, Carlthorp, and JTD. This successful placement is a testament to the exceptional foundation they received at First Pres and the respect the school engenders in the community. At the same time, if your journey is one of Santa Monica's public schools - you will find support here - and your child will be prepared. Wherever you land in your elementary chapter, relish the time you are at First Pres. It is magical, every single day. Pinch yourself, you will be so happy to be a family here. I know we were, and all our children share fond memories of their time there. So do we. First Pres Preschool is more than just a school; it is a vibrant community where children thrive, friendships blossom, and imaginations soar. We wholeheartedly recommend First Pres to any family seeking a nurturing, enriching, and joyful preschool experience. Our hearts are full, and we are excited for any family who embarks on this incredible journey!
My family is lucky to have been a part of the First Pres community for both of my boys. Thanks to the school's approach, my children truly developed a love of learning and their deep curiosity has continued into their elementary school experience. We had excellent teachers that remained with the students through their time in preschool, which also helped guide us to evolve as parents through each of their milestones. We all met some of our closest friends during those years and it's truly a special community that we will always be a part of.
A truly magical experience for both children and their parents. First Pres ignites the passion in children, while preparing them for K-6. I had three children attend First Pres and none have never lost their joy to learn and explore. Honestly I often wish First Pres went through high school. It is such a warm and caring place. The children that attend are ready for the rigors of any private or public K-6 school, whether its UCLA Lab, Canyon, Brentwood or Seven Arrows. A truly unique place.