Church of the Valley Developmental Pre-School

I love this school. Both of my sons went to preschool here. We lived in Studio City at the time and I was more than happy to make the drive because I knew that my children were in loving care. The focus is on growth through play more than academics, which I find more important, especially at this age. They do work on getting the children ready for kindergarten in the pre-​k class but in a low pressure manner. The director and the teachers are absolutely wonderful and have a lot of experience (turnover is low at this school). The play yard offers lots of different opportunities for a variety of activities: climbing structure, tricycles, sand box, garden, shady grassy area. The price is very competitive and the flexibility of the extended day program is great. We miss everyone we got to know at COV. This place will always have a special place in our hearts!

COV is BEST PRESCHOOL IN THE VALLEY. I have had my 2 children go to this school over the past 6 years. Our experience has been nothing short of spectacular. Every teacher knows every child and there is a special school community that exists around current and former students. The school is extremely well run with an exceptional attention to detail you won’t find at other preschools in Los Angeles. The Preschool Director, Barbara Campbell is heavily involved in the schools’ daily activities and truly cares about the well being of each child. Strong friendships have been created with some of the teachers as well. COV has prepared my children well for Kindergarten. And btw — every student is properly vaccinated.

There are not enough great things I can say about this school. My son is off to Kindergarten in the fall, and we are so sad to have to leave COV Preschool. The last three years there have been wonderful. We started looking at preschools when my son turned 2 and a half — we just couldn’t seem to find one in the Sherman Oaks area that we felt was a good fit. Then a neighbor recommended COV and after our initial meeting with the school’s amazing director, Barbara, we fell in love.
The school itself is warm & inviting — the staff has done a fantastic job keeping everything safe, clean, & organized. The back school yard is completely magical-​a lush, park like setting different than any other preschool yard I have seen in the valley. Next to each classroom there is a board explaining what the children have been working on that week, so as a parent you can work along with your child and stay involved with what they are doing at school. My son leaves COV an eager learner-​he is constantly asking questions about the many things he has been working on at school, as well as telling us the importance of ‘using our words’ and ‘taking turns’…and all of the important skills that the amazing teachers have equipped him with.
All of that aside, what I love the most about COV is the kind & caring environment; the ‘family’ atmosphere that exists so strongly between all of the parents, teachers, & staff at this gem of a preschool. We have made so many friends in our few years there, and these friendships are fostered through all of the fun activities & events that take place throughout the school year. This truly is a special place and I feel so lucky that my family has had the opportunity to spend the last few years at COV.

If I could give COV preschool six stars, I would. Our family was so fortunate to find this wonderful, affordable, kind and happy place, where the teachers provide real expertise and care, and the administrator, Barbara, is a gem of a leader. I write this after having experience at other preschools and childcare, and the difference between those and COV is profound. My son has had the best care, patience and guidance we could ask for, for three years. We LOVED the flexibility of the extended day until 3 pm, and took advantage of the enrichment classes (cooking, science) too. And while most schools express a supposed philosophy that «every child is different» the teachers at COV actually treat the children that way. Such a nurturing, fun place. And yes, the play yard is as nice as they say!

I honestly can’t recall how we learned of this absolute gem of a preschool, but we were fortunate to be a part of its community for 6 years. I had an intuitive and overwhelming feeling from our first visit that this would be a place where my children would thrive. Thank goodness we landed a coveted spot for my oldest child in the Green Door (2.5 and 3 year olds). Barbara Campbell, the school’s amazing director, sets the tone for the school — emphasizing that your child will be taught with kindness, understanding, and joy yet also learn limits, cooperation, self-​control, respect and resiliency. The classrooms are bursting with happy, enthusiastic children! From the incredibly warm and nurturing Green Door, to the lively, burgeoning independence of the Blue Door, and culminating in the amazingly self-​sufficient, curious and busy Red Door kids, the incredible staff offers the children everything they need in responsible, loving caretakers. Mind you, this is a DEVELOPMENTAL school, so if you want worksheets and flash cards, this is not the place for you. But if you want your child to learn through play and exploration, which includes language, math, science, art, and music skills, then you owe it to yourself to check this school out. Both of my boys were more than ready for their private school Kindergarten upon leaving COV. And don’t get me started on the play yard. It’s absolute MAGIC! My older son always loved to pick up his younger brother just so he could get a chance to play on the yard again. The school offers extended care until 3 p.m. — and the kids beg for a chance to go; it’s that good. The school embraces families of all backgrounds and teaches respect for all cultures. The kids learn about Chanukah along with Christmas, Chinese New Year, and on and on. We are sad to be leaving this lovely community of teachers and awesome families but so much richer for the experience.