ABOUT US
Meet Los Feliz Nursery School
LFNS is a cooperative school, or co-op, meaning the parents work side-by-side with the school's staff of professional educators to administer and operate the school. The co-op duties for parents at LFNS include working at the school once a week as a parent-teacher and taking on an assignment at the school, what we call a great job, such as librarian or gardener. See our page "What is a Co-op?" for a detailed explanation of how our co-op works.
Play-Based Learning
LFNS strongly believes in the benefits of play-based learning. At LFNS children split their time between free play, where children make their own play choices, and structured situations, such as circle time, group snack time, and teacher-lead art projects. Research indicates that children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are better able to regulate their behavior, leading to enhanced school adjustment upon entering kindergarten.
Small Class Size
LFNS consists of a single class of children. On average, the class size at LFNS is somewhere between 18 to 25 children, and that varies depending on how many families are enrolled in the school for the year and how many children are enrolled for a particular day. Our required adult-to-child ratio is 1 to 5, however, in reality, it is almost always lower. And because parents can choose how many days to send their child, some school days may have more children and some school days will have less children.
Tuition
See our admissions page for the most
up-to-date tuition information.
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Location
The school is situated in a park near the intersection of Los Feliz Blvd and Riverside Dr, across from the William Mulholland Fountain and an entrance to Griffith Park.
Schedule
School is in session five days a week from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and we follow the traditional school year calendar of September through June. Parents may choose to send their child either two, three, four, or five days a week. A summer program is also available. See our admissions page for more scheduling information.
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After-Hours Care
We do not offer care before or after school. Children must be dropped off no earlier than 9:00 am and picked up no later than 1:00 pm.
Art, Movement, and Music
LFNS puts an emphasis on art activities. Art supplies, such as paint, crayons, markers, and Play Doh are always available during free play periods. We also have teacher-led art projects and time devoted daily to singing and
music-making.
Transitional Kindergarten
LFNS provides children about to enter kindergarten a transitional-kindergarten experience, with activities that develop language arts and number skills.
Age requirements
Children must be 3 years old by December 31st to begin school at LFNS the following fall.
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Diaper policy
We admit children that are still in diapers. Diapers are changed by teachers or by qualified mothers acting as parent-teachers. However, our teachers do not administer potty training for children.
Message from the Director
At LFNS, your child will experience a variety of age appropriate, hands-on learning activities. It is a unique opportunity to be a part of your child's early educational development.
LFNS is also a place where both you and your child will grow, develop, and cherish life long friendships.
5 Core Learning Experiences
The time your child spends at LFNS will offer a diverse set of experiences and learning opportunities. However, there are five learning experiences that are critical for nursery-school-age children, and at LFNS we provide a loving space for children to meet these experiences on their own terms. Below is a list of the five core learning experiences and a brief description of how LFNS views each experience.
Separation
It’s important to follow your child’s lead when it comes to leaving them at school. During school, children can make their own choices like painting, doing a puzzle, or playing with a friend, and begin the process of becoming independent individuals.
Being Part of a Group
At school children begin to understand that the world is a bigger place than "me and my family", and form an expanded view of themselves and their place in the world. Children also learn to adapt to teacher expectations during experiences such as waiting for their turn.
Socialization
Children learn that their words and actions have an impact on others. School provides opportunities for children to learn to share and take turns. Children thrive on the clarity of classroom rules.
Independence
At school, children begin the process of mastering various self-help skills. Children who are taught these skills at home are generally more comfortable and confident at school.
Routine
School days are specifically organized to allow for a balance of active and quiet times so that children will have the focus and energy they need to participate fully at all times, from large groups to small groups and individual activities.