Granada Preschool

Our son attended Granada Preschool for two wonderful years, and as he now moves on to kindergarten, we reflect on our time at the school with immense gratitude and fondness. The school and its teachers are simply amazing. A special thank you to the director, Ms. Kathy, for her dedication and care. She truly makes Granada Preschool a hidden gem in the San Fernando Valley. Our family will always cherish the memories made here, especially our daily ritual of saying good morning to all the animals. This charming tradition will be deeply missed. We highly recommend Granada Preschool to any family looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their little ones.

Highly recommend Granada Preschool. My daughter has now been here for a year and is on her last month until kindergarten starts. Wish she could be here forever. The staff are all so great. Very kind, and my daughter loves it. They are constantly having activities for the kids. Great place to have your kids grow up. Wish I had her start here at two years old. Will definitely miss this place. You just get attached to something that is good.

2023 Update: this past year my son was in TK at granada or rather their preschool program. I know the district has vastly opened free tk programs since covid... but if you can swing it, parents, granada... hands down, is an investment in your child. Granada focuses on phonics as oppose to LAUSD which is common core (which misses foundational instruction). Phonics helps build knowledge and a solid base in the alphabet, writing and language. I am confident my son can move on to kinder where he can now use this solid foundation to dive more in depth into curriculum. Class sizes was 1 to 12. Since Covid, the school opted to only have one teacher in each class, which means... he had 12 kids in his class all year. LAUSD, teacher contract does not stipulate class size for the tk program. Many tk programs in LAUSD are being merged with PALS (special ed tk) doubling the size of the class, 50% having an iep. Director is easy to contact. Ms.Kathy overtly offers her cell number to families. Of course, you may also email or call the school directly. Fun activities throughout year - pump splash - pizza party - water slides - easter Bunny - summer swimming - school cat margrave joins in, - ...they celebrate everything! Look. I am an LAUSD teacher, i know more than i posted here about the district tk program. I am wrapping up my 4th and final year with Granada and will recommend it over and over, compared to anything LAUSD is offering. Kind Faculty. Friendly environment... and somehow always feels 10 degrees cooler on their shady campus. If you are looking for a preschool where you really get to build connections with other families.. Granada is for you. Past post: 2020 Granada Preschool is welcoming and truly cares about the community and culture they work hard to foster. I transitioned my toddler here once he turned 2; the school allowed me to bring my son a few times before actually starting. I found their program was a pleasant mix of structured activities and free play. The kids spend LOTS of time outside; the school has three lovely playgrounds that are age appropriate and a few animals (turtles, rabbits, chickens). My son adapted quickly. His verbal skills grew over night and his sense of independence skyrocketed. My son comes home happy every day; he is excited to go to school. In recent months the school closed down due to Covid-19/local mandates; Weekly, the school had drive-by hellos and passed out ice cream on hot days or fresh strawberries. Even as the school planned to reopen, they were open and thoughtful of their plan to keep the kids and staff safe. I’m looking forward to the next few years here.

Overall experience If your child is outspoken, follows most directions, and is attentive, they will be okay. But if your child has not learned to expressed themselves or is shy, they might be taken advantage of by other rambunctious children. The director feels that children have to learn, with "guidance," not to touch others or to keep their hands to themselves at another child's expense. They lack structure and consistency in regards to misbehaving children. NEUTRAL: This school has an effective approach to homework. No homework assigned for the 3 year olds. NEUTRAL: Teachers at this school are effective. Some teachers are passionate with their jobs and it's noticeable. However, for some this is a job and are going through the emotions, but do not feel it in their hearts. My daughter picked up on that and did not feel comfortable with all of them. DISAGREE: This school develops strong character in its students, like integrity, compassion and respect. They try to, but if a child is a little rambunctious, they lose control, which they never had, and interrupts the lessons, readings, and play time. They play favoritism with the kids they have known longer. If your child is quiet, you have to make sure their rights are not being violated and are safe at school. STRONGLY DISAGREE: Leadership at this school is effective. The director reminds me of an HMO Doctor. This is a business and have lost the heart/passion for their career. DISAGREE: This school effectively supports students with learning differences. They try to handle every child the same, but it doesn't work. They end up not enforcing any rules to the rambunctious child. STRONGLY DISAGREE: This school effectively deals with bullying. My daughter was bullied and we expressed our concerns. The director did not take our concerns seriously and made excuses for the actions the bully was inflicting on my daughter. They emphasize appropriate behavior once something happens, instead of being proactive by teaching the students about appropriate behavior.

Great preschool and they used to have a excellent after school/summer camp program. You'll be welcomed as family here and your kids will have memories that will last a lifetime.