About The Playgroup House
The Playgroup House is a warm, play-based school for young children who are ready for more discovery, social engagement, and joyful learning. With two campuses just two blocks apart in Santa Monica, our South Campus welcomes two-year-olds in a gentle, relationship-driven 2s program, and our North Campus offers a rich, play-based preschool for 3–5-year-olds (3s, 4s, and Pre-K). We blend child-led exploration with thoughtful routines and intentional activities so each child feels seen, supported, and ready to grow. We also offer a caregiver-present Baby Group (12–24 months), a gentle bridge into the drop-off experience that invites sensory play and developmentally appropriate materials to help children become comfortable with the space and routine.
Our Philosophy
2's Program
At The Playgroup House, we believe the early years are a sacred time of wonder, exploration, and rapid growth. Our play-based program for two-year-olds offers a loving, developmentally grounded environment where each child is seen, supported, and celebrated. Our team is deeply attuned to young children’s emotional and developmental needs; teachers are gentle guides who use sensory play, art, storytelling, dramatic play, and open-ended materials to foster creativity, independence, and joyful connection while supporting families through the big transitions of toddlerhood with warmth, consistency, and care.
At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that play is not separate from learning, it is the most powerful way children make meaning of the world. Through play, children build language, negotiate relationships, discover their capabilities, and develop the lifelong habits of joyful, engaged learners. Our goal is for every child to leave our classroom feeling empowered, connected, and eager to return because learning here feels like home.
Preschool Program
At The Playgroup Preschool, we believe that the preschool years are a time of deepening curiosity, growing independence, and powerful learning through play. Our play-based program is thoughtfully designed for children ages three to five, blending joyful exploration with the early foundations of academic readiness in a warm, imaginative, and developmentally grounded environment. Building on the strong emotional base developed in toddlerhood, our preschoolers are invited to take greater initiative in their learning through asking questions, testing ideas, engaging in collaborative play, and expressing themselves through art, storytelling, dramatic play, music, and more.
We believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and heart—and honoring the unique path of each learner. Our goal is to foster a deep sense of confidence, competence, and belonging, so that when children leave The Playgroup Preschool, they do so not only with emerging skills, but with the self-assurance and curiosity to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Contact Us
Our Locations
South House
1249 26th Street, Santa Monica, California 90404
North House
1029 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Contact Info
(424) 238-5488
(310) 310-2628