We provide a fertile place for young children’s curiosity and imagination to thrive. Exploration and play come naturally to children, so we build upon this to teach them social skills and prepare them to become lifelong learners. It’s play with an educational purpose. We encourage children to speak up for themselves, ask questions, and make decisions—to stretch their minds and have fun learning together. Our curriculum is “emergent,” meaning that teachers use the particular interests of children in the class. This remains a constant feature across all our programs.
Learning By Doing
We believe children learn most effectively through hands-on experience. Our progressive approach provides abundant opportunities for experiential learning—an active process that emerges from interactions among children, adults, and materials.
At the heart of our programs is self-directed play and exploration, which encourage cooperative social interactions and help children build their understanding of the world around them. Rather than simply following teacher-led projects, children are empowered to make choices that shape the day’s activities, fostering autonomy and engagement.
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Conflicts are a natural part of group dynamics among young children, often arising over property, space, or inclusion. At Pacific Oaks, we view these moments as valuable learning opportunities. Our teachers guide children in developing problem-solving skills that help them navigate social communities—whether on the playground, in the classroom, or beyond.
We prioritize equipping children with the tools to handle challenges constructively. Through practicing these skills, children learn to appreciate others’ perspectives, communicate their own needs and feelings clearly, and manage frustration and disappointment with resilience. They also begin to anticipate how their actions affect others and use this insight to make thoughtful choices in social situations.
Anti-Bias Education
A meaningful education nurtures understanding and respect for all kinds of differences. From the very start, we foster an environment where children value their own identities and honor the diversity they encounter—whether in languages, family traditions, abilities, or family structures.
Anti-bias education isn’t just a concept; it’s woven into daily teaching and learning. We encourage children to think critically about bias and difference and to stand up for themselves and others when faced with injustice.
At our Children’s School, children see their own lives and families reflected in books, music, and learning materials. We thoughtfully select resources that celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes, making inclusion a natural part of everyday experiences.
Children develop empathy, compassion, and inclusivity, learning to recognize and challenge stereotypes and unfair assumptions. We understand that these early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of respect and social awareness.