CEE is a vibrant hub of lifelong learning and diverse community for students, families, and faculty and staff.
List of 3 items.
7:1
At CEE, students enjoy individual attention and small class sizes. Our team teaching model allows for at least two lead teachers per classroom, in addition to associate and specialist teachers. EC students enjoy at 7:1 ratio; Elementary students, 15:1.
56%
Celebrating and championing diversity of all kinds is central to our mission, and 56% of our students are students of color. Center families represent diversity in family makeup, ethnic background, socio-economic status, and geographical location, too.
1939
Year of our founding as a playgroup in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. In 1945, The Center (then called The School for Nursery Years) moved to its current site on Alfred Street. Learn more.
List of 1 items.
Our Completed Campus
The final phase of the Campus Enhancement Plan is now complete with the opening of the new turf playfield in 2020, following the opening of new learning and community spaces in 2018 and 2019. Two new school buildings connect to an existing building to create a single 100,000 SF building housing 540 students and 110 faculty and staff.
List of 1 items.
60
There are 60 students per Elementary grade. Each classroom of 30 students is led by at least two lead teachers. The core curriculum spirals throughout the Elementary Program, introducing, reinforcing, and reintroducing concepts with developmentally appropriate increasing levels of rigor in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
List of 1 items.
Service
Each classroom engages in Service Learning projects integrated with the curriculum. Partnerships with local organizations include EC2 and PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), second grade pen pals with residents at Silverado Beverly Place, and sixth grade and the Saban Community Clinic. Each grade also regularly makes Sandwiches for the Hungry.
List of 5 items.
Art
Art is woven into the daily Early Childhood curriculum at CEE, as students experiment with materials and expressing themselves. Starting in Kindergarten, Elementary students enjoy 2-3 studio art classes per week. Art is prevalent all over campus!
Music
From musical play in Toddlers through advanced vocal and instrument instruction, CEE students enjoy a comprehensive music education. Voluntary choirs are available to older students.
Debate
CEE offers a robust Debate Team program for elementary students. Children practice forming arguments, research, and public speaking in preparation for competitive tournaments. CEE has taken home the national prize for the last 3 years in a row!
Inclusion
Parent-led affinity groups provide a forum to honor family history, build connections, and share traditions with the broader Center community. Popular annual events like Lunar New Year, Dia de Los Muertos, and Diwali bring everyone together to celebrate and learn! The Anti-Racism Interest Group facilitates discussions and education in conjunction with community affinity groups.
Math Olympiad
Fourth through sixth graders can participate in Math Olympiad tournaments, competing against other areas schools by answering challenging word problems both individually and as a team. Students devote months of practice to mathematical thinking, creative problem-solving, and supportive teamwork.
List of 1 items.
Summer Programs
Summer at The Center provides an opportunity for rising 1st-6th grade students to learn and play in areas outside of the regular curriculum. Classes include Arts, Science, Inventions, PE, Drones, Architecture, Cooking, Minecraft, Robotics, Crafts, Language Arts, Mathemagic, and lots more!
The Center’s Early Childhood Transition Program for rising Toddler, EC1, EC2, and Kindergarten children provides a chance for students to learn classroom routines and explore school through stories, art, reading, music, and group times in preparation for a smooth transition back to school in September.
List of 5 items.
Parent Education
Lifelong learning is a core tenant of The Center’s philosophy. The CEE community engages in regular discussions with experts in a range of subjects including parenting, childhood development, social justice and equity, health and wellness, education, and more.
Visiting Creators
Throughout the year, children's authors, artists, and leading innovators visit campus to meet with students, share their work, and host interactive learning experiences.
A Cappella Choir
CEE’s A Cappella Choir is nationally known, winning gold several years in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival in the middle school competition. The choir has been invited three times to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and traveled to perform there in 2019!
Alumni
Center alumni go on to enjoy studies and careers in diverse fields all over the world! Alumni stay connected with The Center through regular Alumni Council meetings, service opportunities, and special events on campus.
Grandparents
Grandparents are an integral part of The Center’s community, participating in an active Grandparents’ Council, attending special events, and volunteering on campus. Each May, the community comes together to celebrate Grandparents’ Day. We love our CEE Grandparents and Grandfriends!
The Center for Early Education, a socio-economically and culturally diverse independent school for children, toddlers through grade six, strives to graduate students who are joyful, resilient, life-long learners. The Center embraces a philosophy of education that combines a nurturing, inclusive learning environment with an increasingly challenging academic program that addresses the developmental needs of each child.