Big and Tiny 10th st — Local services in Santa Monica

When looking for a preschool, my husband and I wanted to find a school that would provide the safe bounds and warm environment in which our son, in his earliest of years, would be able to explore, experiment, frolic, make mistakes, get angry, be frustrated, fall apart – understanding that it would be these experiences buttressed by a supportive, insightful environment that would help him begin to develop and internalize the robust internal architecture, resilience, and relationship with himself that would allow him to fearlessly explore, courageously confront, and joyfully embrace all that the world will throw his way throughout his lifetime.

When we first walked into 10th Street Preschool for a tour we knew we had found just that environment. The vision and leadership of the school’s director, Cindy Wasson, resonated with our values and sensibilities. She is an incredible advocate for the children and puts their needs above all else. When challenges arise, as they always do when raising children, Cindy is honest, straightforward and incredibly insightful, providing wise counsel and guidance to help navigate whatever challenges come up, for children and for parents.

It has now been three years since we joined this wonderful community that Cindy has cultivated for nearly 25 years. My son’s experience at 10th Street has been magical. We have not once looked back or had a moment of concern. Our son is thriving and the school has delivered on its promise to “come from kindness and learn through play.” They have prepared him for kindergarten in all ways—academically, socially, and emotionally. He loves learning and he loves his school.

His teachers are outstanding. There are usually three teachers per group, or on average a 1:7 or 8 ratio of teacher per child. Every teacher and every administrator in the school, even those who have not directly been our son’s teacher, know our son and treat him with kindness, warmth and care. The level of individualized attention the children receive is remarkable. The teachers, and the director, know our son individually and have been wonderful partners with our family in helping raising him these past three+ years.

If you are looking for a school that cultivates community—an environment in which you can collaborate and participate in your child’s education—10th Street is perfect. For our family this was incredibly important. At 10th Street Preschool, we found a community and a space that we could all join and partner. 10th Street and its families have become integrally woven into the fabric of our lives. We are very proud to be a part of this community and will continue to participate and engage with the school even as our son’s educational journey continues into...

My wife and I love this school, from the minute we toured to every time we visit and see our child thrive there. Unlike a lot of cookie-cutter preschools which remind you of hospitals or Whole Foods corridors, 10th St. is meant to feel as a "home away from home." Our child, like many kids, felt at home almost immediately. The schoolrooms, kitchen, play areas, sandbox, goodbye tree, all flow together in a way that generates social interaction and child learning.

The staff are equally magical, and integral to making 10th St. a great school. Its director, Cindy, is a wonderfully compassionate, communicative leader. She is full of horse sense, charm, experience (for parents as for toddlers), and connections with the wider Los Angeles community. Like Cindy, her teachers are nurturing, clear headed, strong, and passionate about what this school is always about: preparing and providing our kids with their first "world" beyond home.

Our son was a "wild child" before entering 10th St; he went to parks every day with his nanny, and played with trucks more than people. He still plays with trucks a lot (who doesn't??!), but he's grown in so many ways as a young child, since. His language learning (including Spanish language electives), social skills, and interests grow each day. My wife and I continue to learn what it means to be a parent with 10th St.'s support in this wild West LA world, which always feels a bit saner, approachable, and community-based, each time our family steps in and out of this place's...

10th Street Preschool has dramatically changed my life and the lives of my children for the better. The director, teachers and administrators are 100% committed to serving the children's best interests. My two children currently attend and they are thriving. My older child started the school with diagnosed special needs. The director and teachers provided phenomenal love and support to our entire family and I'm thrilled to say that my child no longer meets any special needs diagnostic criteria, he is thriving socially and he takes tremendous pride in being part of the 10th Street Community. I recommend 10th Street Preschool to any family who wants to provide their child(ren) with a solid foundation in the critical soft skills so needed in today's community: love, kindness, character, responsibility, self-care. Critical highlights of the school include:

-- A director with over 20 years of hands-on experience plus extensive knowledge on up-to-date research and studies applicable to early childhood education; She's passionate about providing the children with the foundation she believes they need and deserve

-- Teachers who love the children unconditionally and who communicate extensively with the parents; Made possible by the amazing teacher/child ratio which ranges from 1-6 to 1-12 depending on the day or activity

-- Last but not least, the parents and families in the community are committed, involved and work tirelessly to enhance the experience of all children...