Great Beginnings Preschool has been a fixture in the Long Beach area for over forty-five years. We are currently serving many second-generation students.
Great Beginnings offers a science-based preschool that cultivates a mindset of investigation and experimentation. We follow the science content standards for life sciences for California public schools. These standards start in kindergarten. Our children learn about the world around them through hands on activities and well-planned intentional curriculum. We offer these things while meeting each child’s individual needs, encouraging their interests and allowing each child to grow in their own way.
Marian Stocking, founder, was a Los Angeles Zoo docent for over 20 years. She brings her special knowledge of the animal world to the curriculum experience at Great Beginnings. In addition, our current director, Teri Moreno, has been at the school for almost twenty years. All of the staff set an enthusiastic and nurturing tone that engages, challenges, and supports children in gaining independence and developing problem solving skills.
“This preschool lets kids be kids. The kids can take off their shoes and go barefoot if they want to, they can paint with their hands, and they can play in the sand. There are great science lessons taught at an age appropriate level. The kids are read to, they play music for the kids and the school has animals (when we were there, there were chickens, a bunny and 2 tortoises). Parents are encouraged to stay with their child until the parent feels comfortable leaving their child. I can’t say enough good things about this school. This is a wonderful place for young children.”
Michelle B
Parent