Basics
Parents also searched for
Our Teachers
Beth Collier, Director
Originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, Beth moved to Topanga after high school to work in an alternative private school in the canyon run out of a geodesic dome and a yurt for a gap year before college. She fell in love with California and has lived here ever since. Beth went on to teach at Stephen Wise Temple in the art department, elementary classrooms and the aquatic department for four years. She spent three years at the Santa Monica Waldorf School as the founder of their Parent and Me and Toddler programs. During a stint on the swim team while studying at Santa Monica College she married and had her daughter Emily at the age of 26. While staying home with her baby, she finished a credentialed course in Early Childhood Development at UCLA. The last 32 years have been spent creating a community at Hedgerow with lifelong connections to so very many wonderful and diverse families.
Philosophy
Hedgerow was founded in Santa Monica by Beth Collier in 1991 as a small playgroup. It quickly evolved into a preschool, summer camp and aftercare program for children of all ages. The programs are philosophically inspired by many schools of thought including Reggio Emilia, Nature-based and Constructivist approaches. Each and every child is born with genius, wisdom and wondrous curiosity. It is our job as parents and teachers to facilitate and follow the lead of the child learner- explorer by providing the time, materials and attention to fulfill their interests and growth. The indoor and outdoor areas of the school are designed to invoke a sense of awe and wonder by bringing to life spaces full of natural beauty. The large, edible organic garden is meant to be explored with bountiful fruit trees to climb and an expansive grassy area with room to run. The art studio is the physical heart of our program. Designed by an architect and several artists with the intent to create a sense of freedom for expression and collaboration, it is fully accessible for young artists so they need very little instruction or limits with their creative explorations.
Location
Located in the heart of Ocean Park in Santa Monica. We are close to Grant, Edison, and Will Rogers Elementary Schools. Our program is run out of a home on large lot with abundant outdoor garden.
About our program
Hedgerow is a small, nature and play focused home preschool program for children between the ages of two and six years old. At least two full-time teachers provide care for up to twelve children per day. Our teachers have work and training experience in and bring the best elements of Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio-Emilia schools of philosophy. Our teachers have over 45 years of combined experience working with children.
School is in session from September- after Labor Day- through early June. Our hours are from 9:00AM to 2:00PM, Monday through Friday. Based on interest, after care may be available on some days through 5:00PM. Most children attend either three, four or five days a week.