For more than 75 years, Pacific Oaks Children’s School has been a leader in early childhood education pedagogy, serving the Pasadena and Southern California communities. Founded on the principles of learning and social justice, our classrooms nurture a spirit of exploration, creativity, imagination, and respect in every child.
Our Vision
Igniting curiosity, creativity, and compassion that lasts a lifetime.
Our Mission
We provide a spirited education that inspires a love of learning and confidence through an intelligent, imaginative curriculum. A culture of inquiry and innovation is cultivated for children and adults alike, embodying the belief that a great school is one in which everyone learns. We help deepen parents’ understanding of early childhood development and empower them to support their child’s growth, while remaining devoted and active members of the community.
Our Values
Responsive Curriculum
Learning is most powerful when it is personally meaningful. That’s why we start with the children—their interests and questions. We co-create the curriculum with them, allowing it to evolve each year. Our approach encourages curiosity and cultivates creativity by responding to and expanding upon children's ideas.
Playful Learning
Exploration and play are the foundation of early learning. Through play, children investigate, develop theories, test them, and refine their thinking—a playful application of the scientific method. For young children, play and learning are inseparable. We believe joyful, playful learning is an essential educational goal that fosters a lifelong love of discovery.
Deep and Abiding Respect
Respect is central to all we do. We honor each child’s unique learning pace and tailor our teaching accordingly. Respect is also reflected in our conflict resolution practices and in how we value individual differences. We guide children to resolve conflicts constructively and respectfully.
Equity, Empathy, and Humility
A diverse and inclusive community enhances deep learning and prepares children for the real world. Rooted in our Quaker heritage and the pioneering anti-bias work of Pacific Oaks College, we are firmly committed to equity, empathy, social justice, and cultural awareness. We empower children to feel at home in a diverse world, to recognize stereotypes and bias, and to take thoughtful action in response to injustice.
Relationships and Community
Strong, caring relationships among children, teachers, and families are essential to transformative education. When we feel understood, engaged, and respected, we are free to take risks, try new things, and learn from mistakes. Community is built through these connections, and children develop a sense of responsibility to the group. Adults, too, share responsibility for the collective well-being of the school.