Fountain Day School

I visited more preschools than I did for my own graduate education. And, we attended another good preschool prior to this, but it was good, not great like Fountain Day School. The school is a step above other preschools with love, a comprehensive curriculum, swimming, activities and food. We looked at a range of preschool types: Montessori, traditional, high-end, and we're just thrilled to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a really great preschool. We have two children there. Most of the kids are in the three-year program for 2, 3, and 4-year olds. Classes are divided by age, each age has several sections, and each section has two teachers. The structure gradually changes as the kids mature. There are themed units and frequent school-wide events that tie each unit together: the animal month had an event with tropical birds, another with reptiles, and a third with a truck full of exhibits from an aquarium. The school has an extensive curriculum. It is a gentle and age-appropriate curriculum, but a world away from a preschool/daycare that is mostly free play. They play, but the kids are also learning a lot: swimming; art; substantive content about seasons, animals, countries, etc. A huge asset of the school is its Director, Mr. Andrew. Like the owners and the office staff, he knows every child at the school. He checks in with the parents often to make sure the families are happy. He makes himself constantly available to any parent who wants to talk to him (his desk is the first one you see when you walk in front door of the school). And he takes parent concerns very seriously.
—Submitted by a parent

I am Andrew Rakos the Admissions Director. I am truly saddened by the reviewers of this school who only gave it a one star. Most of their comments were personal attacks on me. I am sorry that there are only so many spaces available per year and we do not have enough room for all the families who apply. This site is for families who have their children enrolled. If you truly knew this school you would know how far we have come in over 50 years. Its the parents and families that come here that inspire us to be the best that we can be. I have two children of my own. At this time my three year old daughter goes to school here and I am very grateful for what the school has done for me and my family.
—Submitted by Andrew, a teacher

Those of you reading these reviews and thinking about applying to Fountain Day will notice that the negative reviewer giving the school a 1-star rating didn't actually send her child to school there. She was rating the tour and her interactions with Andrew. That's horribly unfair. She's wrong about Andrew and about the school. We sent one child to Fountain Day for 2 years and are sending our second child as well because we have experience with the staff and teachers and programs and we know there is no other school for us. It's a wonderful preschool from start to finish. Take advice from parents who know, not from someone with no experience expressing nothing more than an anonymous Web rant.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 adult sons.They went to school in Boston, Ma. One has a production company in Hollywood, one was scouted to play baseball professionally, the 3rd scored the highest on the military exam. When I first started to teach at The Fountain Day care I had my own Aquatics business I worked 14 years for The Greater Boston YMCA . At first I did not agree with Miss Mary's teaching. However I learned more in those 3 months than during the years working for the YMCA/ YWCA .At first I was nervous,I watched the children very closely .When classes began the children were at different levels I suggested to put the ones who were at a lower level together.I was told not to worry they have done it this way for many years I learned more about teaching children how to swim at Fountain Day School than at some of the largest facilities in California and Boston.I personally witness the teachers interacting with the students,How the students learned and how much they developed. I have no doubt that It is one of the best programs offered in the state of California.Being a part of one of the best school systems BOSTON,Ma. for 52 yrs.I recommend Fountain Day for all it's programs. Stop searching

Fountain Day School is the absolute best preschool in this city. We looked at over a dozen schools when we were applying and we liked Fountain Day immediately and we've only grown to love it more. The teachers are wonderful and do an amazing job of communicating with parents and fostering both academic and social skills in an incredibly loving way. The administrators know and genuinely care about every single child. Our daughter started when she was 2, and by the time she turned 3 she could swim totally on her own, even race, and she had grown leaps and bounds, both a social and academic level. Our child loves going to school everyday and our family couldn't be happier with this school. Our hope now is to find an elementary school we love as much as this one.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has attended Fountain Day School ever since he turned 2 years old. We LOVE this school and our son has grown leaps and bounds through their loving and wonderful care! Besides the amazing swim program they offer (they taught our son to swim immediately) the culture provided for learning is pretty great. Also, all of the staff (especially the teachers) are 99% just as wonderful as the founding family that owns the school and provide the most loving environment for our son. He has thrived at this school and we couldn't imagine a better atmosphere for him during these pre-school years!! No wonder this school has been there for over 50 years and we sincerely hope that it makes it another 50 years!
—Submitted by a parent

I love everything about this school! Some of the highlights are: 1. Great teachers and staff, lots of individualized attention. 2. Activities galore: petting zoos, touch tanks, carnival, ethnic dancers, yoga, puppet shows, field trips... 3. Year-round swimming lessons 4. Hot lunch provided daily from Whole Foods 5. Diversity! An incredibly diverse bunch, even by LA standars!
—Submitted by a parent

Fountain Day School has teachers and staff who really care about the students and parents. The atmosphere is casual and loving, and yet they really teach these little kids! My daughter learned how to write her letters prior to kindergarten, and the kindergartners are learning to read and do math. They also do tons of fun projects, and the school has a pool, so they get swimming lessons! I'd recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter Lou had just started school last week in pre-kindergarden. She cannot stop talking about how fun, great and wonderful is her school. Her teachers are professional, active and warm at the same time. She has a lot of different activities as of music, yoga, swimming lesson! The campus is fabulous, the teachers and Mr Andrew very welcoming... It's peaceful and full of joy. Not to mention that they are eating a very healthy food from Whole Foods Market! I will highy recommend our new school to all my friends seeking for their own children. It's like belonging to a new big family ...
—Submitted by a parent

Warm and happy environment for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

We adore this school! Every member of the faculty and every room in the building is filled with dedication and passion for their students and teaching. It takes a village and this school is a trusted part of ours.
—Submitted by a parent

Fountain Day School puts kids' education and happiness first. The teachers are truly caring, loving people and the staff are always smiling. Kids feel loved and cared for. My child has never been happier.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended FDS since he was 2 1/2 years old. He is now going into kindergarten and has blossomed at this school due to its nuturing and affectionate environment, its educational philosophy and its incredible swimming program. Every employee at the school knows every students name, and the school has events year round that encourage interest in the world, music, food and more. The academics are serious with homework for the 4 year olds many nights and testing twice a year. As a result, the school outscores most other schools in the state. If you have a child ready for preschool through kindergarten you must check out FDS. It will be one of the best things you can do for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

I chose this School for my daughter because it provides a warm and nurturing environment that fosters creativity and independence. The year round swimming program is a real bonus too for the kids

We Love our school. Both my children are happy and enjoy learning in the most loving, down-to-earth, family-oriented environment. Any issue is handled in an intelligent and comprehensive manner. Every student feels at home at FDS because every teacher and staff member is genuinely loving, involved, patient and fun! And the summer program is a blast: Daily swimming lessons, carnival,... Best preschool in town.
—Submitted by a parent

The very best! We could not have wished for a better school for our daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school, from the teachers to the administration, loving support and high academic quality, my twins have learnt so much in one year that I am continuously amazed at the quality of education and learning. I highly recommend this school to any parent you won't be disappointed.
—Submitted by Liliana, a parent

Love the school. School needs sport
—Submitted by a parent

Our son started Pre-K during the summer, and we couldn t be happier with the school. The teachers are phenomenal, focusing on the individual needs of each child with loving and tender care. The schools size creates an intimate environment, where the kids get to know fellow students from every grade, and are comfortable and responsive with all the teachers and administrators. The curriculum is always steps ahead of the state requirements, resulting in higher test scores and kids who are ready for a challenging educational journey. In addition, the administration listens and is proactive about parental concerns, making everyone feel like a part of their family. Nothing but high marks for this little educational haven in the city; and let s not forget the pool, and the amazing, daily swim lessons that are part of the summer curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent