Branches Atelier

Our daughter started at Branches in their toddler & parent program and has now just completed her first year of preschool and what an incredible journey it has been for her and our family. The teachers are wonderful, warm, supportive, and passionate about early childhood education and the school's strong Reggio Emilia curriculum. The campus is magical. The minute you step through the gate you are transported to a green, lush, outdoor space with gardens full of fruits and veggies the children grow themselves, plus inviting natural elements such as sand, water, and a giant grassy hill the kids love. Indoors each classroom is cozy, homey and inviting, a truly beautiful environment to nurture every child in their first school experience. Children are also exposed to amazing art materials they get to explore and enjoy each day. We have also met the most amazing community of parents through the school who we know will remain friends for years to come. If you are looking to start your preschool journey, take a tour of Branches, it truly is THE BEST!

Branches Atelier is a gem of a school! The director and teachers are passionate and motivated educators that guide with inquiry and celebrate children for all that they are -- unique and valued individuals! The infant program is supportive and immersive, and the toddler program is an excellent transitional program. AND PRESCHOOL IS MAGIC! Time spent at Branches is high, exceptional quality! For our family, Branches has become a community that extends beyond school and has culminated in lifelong friends for both ourselves and our children. Go on a tour of this school and you will see for yourself!

Branches Atelier is a magical preschool. Located in Culver City, the school offers a wide range of programs, including parent-and-me infant classes, toddler classes, and both half-day and full-day preschool options. The Director and founder, Patricia McGrath, is the most passionate early childhood educator you will ever meet. Her dedication to the Reggio Emilia philosophy is reflected in the way the entire school community operates, with teachers and staff fully embodying this approach to early childhood education. As soon as you walk through the gates of Branches you are immediately transported to a magical fairyland with a lush garden of fruits, vegetables, and aromatic scents of herbs and flowers. It is an oasis for children (and adults!) complete with a climbing hill and cave. The beautiful outdoor environment gives children the opportunity to explore nature through immersive experiences with sand, water, clay and even gardening! These activities encourage the development of peer relationships and meaningful connections with the natural world. But the heart of the school is the Art Atelier where the children use artist-quality materials like pastels, watercolors, oil and acrylic paints, and other beautiful natural materials like Japanese Washi paper. With these rich materials they learn to explore different ideas and theories, how to collaborate and connect, and how to express their creativity and imagination and create meaningful works of art. My family and I were lucky to find Branches through a recommendation of a family friend that is an educator. As soon as we toured and heard Tricia talk about her school and program with so much passion and dedication we knew we had found the right school. At the time we were first-time parents and were desperately seeking support and guidance. We didn't have any friends with young children and were looking to find our "village." We started with the Infant Program and met other like-minded young families and formed strong connections and friendships that have grown beyond the classroom. Under the Reggio Philosophy you will learn to talk to your children and treat them like capable little humans. As a result you may one day hear your toddler advocate for themselves and tell you that "that doesn't work for my body" and then you will know with certainty that this philosophy works! Our daughter is graduating preschool this year and, if we didn't have a second child who will be entering the Transitional Toddler Program in the fall, we'd very much be in tears. Branches has done so much to support my family and helped to shape my fierce little daughter who has the most wonderful free spirit and imagination. I can't say enough good things about the school, the teachers, the community and Patricia. Branches Atelier is a nurturing and inspiring environment where children, families, and educators thrive together, fostering a love for learning, a deep connection to nature, and a strong sense of community. If you’re looking for a preschool that offers a rich, creative, and dynamic early childhood education, then Branches Atelier is a wonderful choice!

I did a lot of research and tours before deciding to send my children to Branches. Early childhood development is so critical in setting their foundation that we really wanted to find a place that above all encouraged curiosity, love of learning, kindness, and awareness. The teachers we’ve worked with here from the infant program all the way to TK have been collaborative, insightful and just simply “get” and love on our kids. When we experienced a health emergency with one of our kiddos the entire community rallied around us. We’re so grateful that they had this foundation and know our kids are curious, well rounded and kind kids because of their experience at Branches.

This preschool has been a gift to our family. The community and commitment from the staff to the parents is not like any of school. This Reggio school helps parents and students alike. The environment and curiosity that was prepared each day allowed my son to blossom. I’m so thankful for the staff and their intentionality in preparing each day to foster exploration and community.