Venice Beach Preschools
We have SO many magical preschools and infant daycare options in Venice, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside - from cozy bungalows to Montessori gems, bilingual immersion programs, and home-based infant care. Whether you're looking for a nurturing spot for your baby or a play based preschool for your toddler, there’s something here for every stage. Be sure to check the age ranges listed - some schools start at 2 but many welcome infants.
Let's address the elephant in the room, preschool in Venice isn't cheap.
We're talking anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000+ per month depending on the program and hours.
Money-Saving Alternatives:
Nanny sharing: Split costs with another family
Mother's helpers: Older kids/teens who can assist with childcare
LAUSD Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK): Free option starting at age 4
Part-time programs: Sometimes half-day is all you need
Don't feel guilty about choosing based on budget, plenty of amazing kids thrive in various settings!
Is Your Child Ready? The Older Kid Dilemma
Got a 4 or 5-year-old and wondering if preschool is worth it, or should you just wait for Transitional Kindergarten?
Consider preschool if:
Your child needs more social interaction
You need childcare for work
They're showing readiness signs (potty trained, can communicate needs)
You want that gentle introduction to structured learning
Maybe wait for TK if:
Your child is already socially confident
You're home and can provide enrichment
Budget is tight (TK is free through LAUSD!)
Your child's birthday makes them young for their grade
TK vs. UTK Quick Guide:
TK: For kids turning 5 between September 2-June 2
UTK: Now available for ALL 4-year-olds (game changer!)
Both are part of LAUSD and completely free
Want more info on navigating the public school system? Check out our LAUSD magnet program guide for the bigger picture.
Here’s a snapshot of the many preschool and infant daycare options available as of this posting.
Did we miss your preschool or infant care program? Email us and we’ll add it!
Big and Tiny 10th Street Preschool
Santa Monica
Ages 18 months – 6 years
🌐 bigandtiny.com
A beloved community preschool for over 33 years, now newly merged with Big and Tiny! This school blends tradition with progressive learning and cultural awareness, offering a warm, diverse environment where kids can thrive.
Dual-language Spanish program
Co-working available!! (for infant program caregivers)
Spacious indoor/outdoor campus
P.S. They're also open to hosting mommy & me meetups or classes in their beautiful space!
École Fleur de Vie
A true hidden gem for families looking for a warm, bilingual, and deeply thoughtful early learning environment. Led by longtime educator Geneviève Canterbury, École Fleur de Vie blends French immersion, emotional intelligence, and a beautifully curated space that feels more like a cozy home than a traditional school.
One standout feature: the on-site food program. Children bake fresh bread, explore international flavors, and participate in cooking as part of their weekly rhythm — turning meals into meaningful learning moments.
Ages: Preschool (typically 2–5 years)
Program Style: Bilingual (French-English), play-based, child-centered
Highlights:
• 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio
• Warm, home-like environment
• Strong emotional and social development focus
• On-site cooking & food education
Location: West LA
Website: ecolefleurdevie.com
Ecole Claire Fontaine
ECF needs no introduction - with its magical, mural-painted walls on Abbot Kinney, newly expanded campus on Venice Blvd, farm to table cuisine, and French and Spanish immersion. It’s the quintessential Venice preschool, blending boho vibes with European flair.
Description: Bilingual French-English preschool focusing on nurturing self-esteem and inner discipline.
Ages: 2 to 4 years
Location: 352 Westminster Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 314-0035
Website: ecoleclairefontaine.com
First Years Preschool
Personal experience: this preschool is pure magic and the staff is incredible. My youngest still calls it “Abby’s school” — alumni parents, you know!
Description: A play-based preschool offering part- and full-time programs with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Ages: 2½ to 5 years
Location: 1010 Amoroso Place, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 399-3120 | [email protected]
Website: firstyearsvenice.com
The Preschool at Mishkon
Highly regarded + the home of Artwell
Description: A nurturing, play-based preschool influenced by Jewish traditions, with half, full, and extended day options.
Ages: 18 months to 5 years
Location: 201 Hampton Drive, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 396-7733 | [email protected]
Website: mishkon.org/
LALALAND Daycare
Description: A warm, home-based preschool and daycare with a lush, green outdoor space and cozy indoor playroom. Kids enjoy slides, forts, teeter totters, and lunch al fresco with garden views and pet friends. La La Land emphasizes personal attention, creativity, and play in a whimsical setting.
Ages: 10 months – 3.5 years old
Location: 2232 Glyndon Avenue Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 795-3312 | [email protected]
Website: lalalanddaycare.com
Little Pond Program
Little Pond is a hidden gem in Venice - a Waldorf-inspired, mixed-age preschool tucked into a cozy home setting. With four days on-site and Fridays spent outdoors in nature, the program follows a gentle, play-based rhythm.
The program is five days a week and requires potty training. They don’t advertise and operate mainly through word-of-mouth. No medical paperwork required.
Email [email protected] to learn more or inquire about a spot.
Ages: 2.5 to 5 years
Location: Private home in Venice (email for details)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/littlepondprogram/
Montessori by the Sea
Music Class at Montessori by the Sea
This is an adorable little school tucked away behind the founder’s home. Picture trees, grass, bunnies, bubbles, and tiny tables in a magical outdoor space. Major shoutout to Miss Cindy for potty training our youngest so we didn’t have to … truly, a gift that keeps on giving. 😹
Description: A family childcare center offering a Montessori curriculum in a small, personalized setting.
Ages: 13 months to 3.5 years
Location: 641 Oxford Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 951-7823 | [email protected]
Website: montessoribythesea.com
Morning Glory Preschool
Description: A long-standing preschool emphasizing a safe and loving environment, with junior and senior classrooms.
Ages: 2½ to 5 years
Location: 2552 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
You probably drive by on the daily! On Lincoln / Washington in the same center as Panda Express.
Contact: (310) 827-0502 | [email protected]
Website: morningglorypreschoolvenice.com
Sol y Luna Montessori
Description: A family childcare center offering an authentic Montessori curriculum with Spanish language integration in a warm, personalized setting.
Ages: 2.5 to 5 years
Location: 2551 Walnut Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 633-1814
Website: solylunamontessori.com
Grandview House Marina Preschool
Description: A play-based preschool emphasizing STEM learning, outdoor exploration, and child-led discovery. Features include a large outdoor space, LEGO building area, and live cam access for parents.
Ages: 2 to 5 years
Location: 2929 Washington Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Contact: (310) 437-0105 | grandviewhousemarina.com
Maple Tree Academy
Description: Maple Tree Academy offers a nurturing, child-led environment rooted in the Montessori philosophy. With programs starting from infancy, the school focuses on independence, exploration, and hands-on learning through thoughtfully prepared environments and experienced guides. A strong emphasis is placed on individualized education, cultural enrichment, and early life skills.
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years (Infant, Toddler, and Primary Programs)
Locations:
Venice Beach - Coming Fall 2025
Mar Vista: 11827 Venice BL Los Angeles 90066
Santa Monica: 1814 14th ST Santa Monica 90404
West LA: 2920 S. Sepulveda BL Los Angeles 90064
Contact: (310) 915-9930 | [email protected]
Website: mtacademy.com
Philosophies: RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers), Reggio Emilia, and Soka (Value Creation) education
Note: Infant spaces are available, making this a great option for families seeking early care starting at just 6 weeks old.
Marina Early Education Center
Description: LAUSD-operated center offering a culturally diverse environment with a Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.
Ages: Varies
Location: 4908 Westlawn Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Contact: (310) 822-8436 | marinaeec.lausd.org
Redwood Village Children's Center
Description: Offers a nature-rich environment focusing on play-based learning, social skills, and problem-solving.
Ages: Infants to Kindergarten prep
Location: 13150 Maxella Ave, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Contact: (310) 306-7815 | redwoodvillagecc.com
Kids Pointe Preschool
Description: Offers a nurturing environment with a focus on early childhood education.
Ages: Varies
Location: 4311 Lincoln Blvd, Ste A, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
It’s hidden behind the Ralph’s on Lincoln across from the 90!
Contact: (310) 821-8861 | Kids Pointe Preschool on Facebook
The Venice Garden Preschool
So many glowing reviews of this school from friends, including one mom who said, “The staff can’t even get my husband to leave at drop off!” 😹
Description: A developmental, play-based preschool in a cozy bungalow setting, offering full and half-day programs.
Ages: 2.5 to 5 years
Location: 2206 Walnut Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Contact: (310) 313-2426 | [email protected]
Website: thevenicegarden.com
Westminster Ave Early Education Center
Description: LAUSD-operated early education center on Main Street (behind Westminster Elementary) providing a nurturing, culturally rich environment with engaging early learning opportunities and a focus on school readiness for young learners.
Ages: Varies (preschool/early education)
Location: 1010 Main St, Venice, CA 90291 (on Main Street, behind Westminster Elementary)
Contact: (310) 392-4581 | westminsteraveeec.lausd.org
Young Minds Creative Learning Center
Description: A creative, play-based preschool program with multiple locations across the Westside, Young Minds emphasizes early childhood education through exploration, discovery, and imagination. Their curriculum blends art, sensory play, movement, and foundational academics to support whole-child development in a nurturing environment.
Ages: 2 months to TK/K
Locations: 2802 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 with campuses in Westchester & West LA as well.
Contact: [email protected] | 310.827.1144 | Prospective Parents: Please Email, please do not call.
Website: youngmindsla.com - check out their virtual tour as well: https://youngmindsla.com/virtual-tour/
Finding the right preschool near Venice Beach doesn't have to be stressful. Take your time, visit a few options, and remember: there's no one "perfect" choice. The best preschool is the one that works for your family, your budget, and your child's unique personality.
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