Granada Park United Methodist Nursery School & Kindergarten — Local services in Alhambra

If you are looking for a high quality preschool, I would recommend Granada Park United Methodist Nursery and Kindergarten (hereinafter “GPUMNK”). Here are the reasons why:

The teachers and staff at this school are friendly, caring, and patient. I enrolled my son at this school 2 months ago when he was 2 years and 7months old. My husband and I were a nervous wreck because we were so worried about him being with complete strangers and in a new environment. We did not know how he would behave...who would take care of his potty needs...how would his teachers handle him if he cries...etc...However, Ms. Agnes, his teacher, and her colleagues were very attentive, caring, and patient. They successfully eased our anxiety by taking care of him when he had several potty accidents, and comforting him whenever he would cry. It has only been 2 months but my husband and I could already see the positive changes in our son. He sings. He knows his letters, colors, days of the week. He is much more social with his peers and is no longer shy around them. He often seeks group play. His teachers communicate with us about his day on a regular basis. The facility is secure, clean, and welcoming. The restroom is always clean with no tissue papers on the floor and no urine odor. The classrooms are nicely decorated with students’ work and photographs, and are organized. If you are worried your child may wander off, don’t...not only are there latch locks on the outside gates, a school staff member in the main office, but they also have cameras that monitor the coming and going of children and adults. Plentiful and safe playgrounds. There are 2 playgrounds with slides, climbing apparatus, bikes, hoola-hoops, and an assortment of toys. The ground is covered with wood chips in case of falls, and a large tarp covering the top for shade from the hot sun. My son loves to scoop up the wood chips and pour them out. Tuitition is affordable and fair. And if you run a few minutes late, there is no late pick up fee. For those of you looking at different schools, you will notice most of them charge extra if you pick up your child late, if he has a potty accident. Schedule is flexible. You can go over the options with the school and choose a schedule that is right for you and your child.

At the end of the day, choosing a school for your child can be stressful and taxing. Like all parents, we have a bunch of considerations to factor in and then decide. My husband and I tend to overthink and worry a lot, which is not all that surprising considering that our son is our first child. However, after visiting the school, touring the grounds and speaking with the staff, my husband and I were put at ease and are truly happy with choosing GPUMNK. Not only do we love GPUMNK, but our son is very happy with his teachers, classmates, and school, too. When he first started school 2 months ago he could not wait to go home...now he does not want to leave when I go and pick him up. Last week my son said, “I love Ms. Agnes to the moon and back.” When I heard that I could not be any happier. To me, that speaks volume about Granada Park United Methodist Nursery and...

My son attended Granada Park for 2 years and enjoyed every minute. He started with Ms. Agnes who provided a sweet, loving introduction to school. He then went to Ms. Maria’s class who helped my son begin early writing skills while providing plenty of play and creative time. His last class was with Ms. Maggie, who is an exceptional teacher who prepared my son to transition to elementary school.

I’m so grateful to these teachers plus Mrs. Laib and all of the aides and support staff. Granada Park has a wonderful sense of community. I created friendships with the staff and other parents that continue even after my son has left the school.

Lastly I want to mention that the staff were instrumental in caring for my son who was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after starting at the school. In fact he had his second seizure while at school. The staff followed the proper steps to him safe while the seizure occurred, called 911 as I had asked them to do, and called me immediately. I was touched by their concern and professionalism when handle a scary situation. They worked with me and my son as his seizure condition continued. They showed tremendous patience, caring and understanding as we navigated the transitions thru different medications, dietary needs and other situations to control his condition. I couldn’t say enough about how important it was feel comfortable that my son was safe and cared for while I...

My son has been attending GPUMNSK since he was 2 1/2 years old and I could not be happier with the care and kindness from his teacher last year and his new teacher this year. It has been so helpful to have him enrolled in a program that promotes development with an emphasis on play and creativity, but also making time for academic awareness. Currently in his 3-4 year olds class, his teacher has shown us the fine motor work they've been doing to prepare to trace letters in a couple of weeks! I also love that they have such long flexible hours and I don't have to worry about rushing to pick him up if I've had a late work day or if I need a couple of extra hours to run errands or clean up.

My son also has a ton of food allergies but we have worked together to come up with solutions for him in case of reactions (which he had once, and they called me right away, and when I came for him, his teacher was comforting him and pressing cool wet paper towels to his face to give him relief from his hives). The teachers here all truly care for the kids as if they...