Pacifica Montessori School

Pacifica was my son's first experience in a preschool, having only had one on one care prior. They were beyond helpful in introducing him into a group environment, making it a comfortable and seamless transition. He looks forward every day to coming to school and seeing his teachers and friends. The principal Mr Call is very involved and approachable, the teachers, teacher's aides, and after care staff are all incredible. I love the Montessori method of tactile learning and the allowing the child to naturally gravitate towards their own fields of interest while still maintaining a well rounded learning program. Students are encouraged to be calm, patient, respect one anothers space, wait their turn, and settle disagreements with words and communication. The student body is very diverse which was important to us. Pacifica offers many ways for the parents to be involved with the classroom throughout the year if they choose, but volunteering is not mandatory. They offer morning care and after-school care as well as optional after-school activities. All in all it is a fun, productive, and stimulating program which we are happy to be a part of.
—Submitted by a parent

Between the various parents I have spoken to who attend Pacifica and the one parent whom I personally know who has attended for several years, I've heard only the best things about Pacifica! I have to say, the only draw back for me when I researched this school (and many others) is the distance. I decided against it because of the commute. I have taught as a Montessori teacher, myself, and understand the system. Many Montessoris are not true Montessoris, but this one is. I'm very picky about what schools I would call good. Intelligent teachers, happy children, and great education matter the most to me. I believe this school has all of that. The parents I have spoken to rave about it and when I meet their children, they are sweet and full of curiosity about learning and eager to show me what they have done at school. I wish I lived closer! Having met quite a few of the students there, some of them many times, I can see they are blooming like beautiful flowers. : )

We have two very different children enrolled in the elementary program, and have watched each of them develop a level of confidence, concentration, and self-discipline that is distinctive to a Montessori education. It s quite impressive that even the first graders learn to manage their own daily work plan. Clearly they are capable, so why not cultivate these valuable time-management skills early on in life? Montessori students also learn traits of good citizenship and personal responsibility by consistently preparing the environment for the next person and taking care of the classroom. These are terrific courtesies that have carried over to our home. The elementary teacher is calm, sensible, and always seems to have a logical plan. She intuitively understands children in this age range, which may be why students from the different grades interact so well together in her productive, respectful classroom. We appreciate that the school is small enough that the teachers and director are accessible; we feel valued, and not like a number. School is private but more affordable than most; has a neighborhood feel and is refreshingly down-to-earth.
—Submitted by a parent

RUDE!! RUDE!! RUDE!! I have never in my life been treated so poorly. Upon calling to make an appointment to view the facility, I was told that if I am unable to make the 9:00 am time, don't bother and find another school. They are not flexible with working parents. When I attempted to offer an alternative schedule, I was yelled at and hung up on. When I called back to speak to the owner, it turns out THAT was the owner Stephen Call who has been involved in Montessori education since 1975 and received his B.A. in Psychology. Psychology? This is the man in charge of the school and the children? I am in total shock that he would speak and behave this way. I think you could have handled this situation with more tact and professionalism. Simply Appalled Mr. Stephen Call.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children attend Pacifica and we feel that Pacifica, hands-down, offers the best educational option in West Los Angeles.
—Submitted by a parent

My children are blossoming at this school! They have become self-confident, self-reliant and most of all, they LOVE to learn! I applaud that unlike many schools whose goal is to meet 'state standards', students here are not loaded down with homework and tests, instead the children here are taught in a way where they achieve academic excellence but more importantly they are taught to use their minds, not memorize information. The teachers and staff really know what they are doing here!
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school. My children are and were very happy there. The staff is wonderful, the children are all busy with their individual lessons or projects.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a kindergarten student at the Green Valley location and will be entering the elementary program in the fall. This is an amazing and nurturing school that I cannot praise enough. I do not think that children with behavior problems are simply shown the door--quite the opposite. However, since the school's student body is so small, if a child is too disruptive I guess I could understand why they would be asked to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was terrifc during our son's first year in preschool. We felt that the Montessori curriculum really prepared him well for elementary school. But, any child with behavior problems is shown the door - which I feel runs counter to the Montessori philosophy.
—Submitted by a parent

Nurturing, Caring and No-Nonsense approach to cultivating the young ones. All of the children are well mannered. Diverse curriculum with a-la-carte options for language, dance, music, gymnastics for the pre-K and K. students. If I could leave my son there until he turns 18 ... I would!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends the location on Green Valley. This is a wonderful school. Very diverse. He is exposed to a multiple of languages (Spanish, Japanese, French), math (doing multiplication in Pre-K), geography, history. Independent learning - with structure. He never wants to go home ... Loving, Supportive and Safe environment. Sine attending this school, my son has become more independent and has developed solid friendships with other students.
—Submitted by a parent

This is truly an amazing pre-school program at the greenvalley circle location... in one year my child was exposed to music, geography,second languages, cultural diversity, great reading, math, and writing program as well as learning how to be courteous and respectful...... she learned so much in such a short period of time and loved taking spanish class....If you want a well rounded experience for your child and a great academic start, this is the place to be....
—Submitted by a parent

Great location: it is both a safe and positive environment as well as conveniently located. Wonderful staff: they cover all aspects of the children's education and care about the kids. We have three children attending this school and are very happy with this school.
—Submitted by Scott, a parent

Diverse group of kids. My son is doing well. He was using phonics at 3 years old.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has florished at this small, private school. The teachers are personable, competent, and loving. The parent community is close and supportive. Children learn at their own pace and build character at the same time. A wonderful place.
—Submitted by a parent

A safe, loving educational environment for children PK-5th. Great teachers, beautiful, small school where you can get to know the teachers and parents well. The children treat each other well, too. Learning is fun!
—Submitted by a parent