The Center for Early Education

My son went here from K-6 and had the time of his life! He was on a partial scholarship, but did not feel different or left out of anything. He was popular, loved by his teachers, and was selected for advanced enrichment so when he entered a prestigious middle school he was placed in 8th grade classes -- all of this after the school discovered a learning disability in 1st grade. I think parents who boohoo the social inequalities of the families who go to this school are missing the point -- this is a school for the children, not a country club for the parents. Don't be impressing your insecurities onto your children.
—Submitted by a parent

The school's academics are below average, the playground feels like juvie, but at least my kids learned at an early age how cold and condescending other children can be. CEE is all about money, and not about nurturing in any way. And here's the irony If you have money, you don't need the school's connections, and if you don't have money, they won't do anything for you anyway. Feel free to ignore many, perhaps most, of the positive reviews here, even those posted anonymously. Reveta actually encourages parents to write positive reviews on these websites, and we are quick to comply and report back to her to earn brownie points. I'm embarrassed to say one of the 5 star reviews praising the "diversity" is actually by me. How's this for diversity -- the school asks for 100% participation in the Annual Fund Drive, but then goes ahead and publicizes the amount each family gives! Very embarrassing! (for someone who had two kids there on partial scholarships).
—Submitted by a parent

There's a reason we used to jokingly call it *Center for Early Materialism*. Be warned. If your child is *different* in any way, she will suffer here. If she doesn't care about money or being stylish, she will suffer here. And just like me, you won't say a word, because you want her to get into Harvard-Westlake. She did get in (the Hudnut connection), and that's why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1. But the price you pay is huge -- an unhappy childhood. Trust your instincts about this place. I didn't.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as private schools in Los Angeles go, it's definitely one of the most ethnically and economically diverse. The teachers, staff, and head of school are oustanding! The school community provides a very nuturing environment for young children and really fosters self-esteem and independence. For the most part, parents in this school may be some of the biggest movers and shakers or wealthiest people in LA (or often not), but they are generally pretty normal, grounded people as well who happen to share the school's vision. Our children have blossomed here and we feel very fortunate to be a part of this community.
—Submitted by a parent

This school consistantly turns out young people who are creative, smart and very socially adept.
—Submitted by a parent

This school made my daughter so happy for so many years. Difficult to get into, it completely pays off. The cliques form in 4th grade, as do the puberty talks. You will meet billionaire parents, and you will meet the average financial support parent.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not live up to its reputation. Unless your child is naturally gifted in academics, s/he will suffer here. CEE separates the children in groups based on how they feel they measure up. CEE says the kids don't know the difference between the groups, but of course they do! This has a tremendous impact on their self esteem and devalues their efforts. CEE does not value the differing talents and abilities that children have. And the fundraising is relentless!
—Submitted by a parent

An exceptional place. Faculty, facility, philosophy. My children have loved, and love it. We do too.
—Submitted by a parent

C.E.E is a great school. They teach the child things they need to know for life. Reveta Bowers (Head of School) is an amazing principal and always will be. It is quite difficult to get into! Just be aware, there are billionaires at this school!
—Submitted by a student

The Center for Early Education is a very whole hearted school that supports significant values in a child's life. It teaches kids the core values of carringness, responsibility, inclusiveness, and honesty. I left the school in tears knowing I would never be in a school where I would feel the same amount of love and help from a school ever again.
—Submitted by a former student

Head of school is fantastic and many teachers have been there for a long time - a great team. The facilities are nice to the point of being excessive. School promotes diversity, but it's no public school mix. Lots of parent involvement, a community. The whole money/status thing (as it is) is with the parents, not with the teachers and kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful and very difficult school to get. It is simply amazing. A wonderful place where kids are nurtured in a diverse environment. Sure there are wealthy families who attend the school- but it is a private school in LA. There is a lot of money in LA and it's unavoidable. We feel very fortunate to be a part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

parents hold this school in high regard.
—Submitted by a parent

very conscious of the social hierarchy.
—Submitted by a parent

Great schoool for parents who want a good not prestigious school in the middle of LA!
—Submitted by a former student