Schools in La Palma, CA

“There are not enough recent reviews on here, so I wanted to shed some light on this wonderful school—we just graduated from the Pre-K program, and I’m genuinely going to miss it!

From the start, I knew exactly what I was looking for in a preschool. I had previously worked in preschools and in admissions at a Pre-K through 8th grade private school in Saratoga, I had strong opinions about what kind of environment I wanted for my own children. My top priorities were: strong leadership, small class ratios, and teacher retention.

When I toured Stepping Stones, I knew immediately that this was the right place. Ms. Jenny, the Assistant Director, is fantastic—bubbly, professional, and genuinely invested. Whether she’s greeting families at the door, supporting teachers in the classroom, decorating, or prepping for the next event, she’s fully present and hands-on. Her leadership sets the tone for the whole school, creating a warm, welcoming, and well-run environment.

One of my favorite things about the program is the 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio in both the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes. It’s not a model where one teacher manages a large group with just an aide—it’s truly one teacher to twelve students. The classrooms are designed for this more intimate setting, which allows teachers to get to know their students deeply. (Bonus: you only have to buy 12 party favors instead of 24! ?)

Teacher retention is another strong point. You can tell the staff love working here. Former teachers and substitutes often return, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration. I frequently saw teachers sharing ideas, helping one another, and going above and beyond to support their students and colleagues.

Communication with the school is also seamless, thanks to the Learning Management System they use. Teachers and staff regularly post photos, share weekly updates, and send messages through it, which keeps parents in the loop in such a meaningful way.

I also want to give special thanks to two teachers who made a big impact on our family:

Ms. Karina has a warm and calming presence that made a world of difference for my son, especially during a time of big changes at home. He was still adjusting to having a new sibling, and mornings could be tough and emotional. Ms. Karina met him each day with such patience and gentle reassurance—her kind words, soft tone, and steady presence helped him feel safe and understood. She provided the comfort and consistency he needed, making his transition into the classroom so much smoother. We’re incredibly grateful for the care and support she offered during that tender time.

Ms. Nayeli helped provide him with the independence he needed to gain confidence in himself. Her encouragement, structure, and thoughtful approach created an environment for him to explore, take initiative, and thrive.

If you’re considering Stepping Stones, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The leadership, classroom structure, and loving teachers make it a truly special place.”

“The Best of the Best! La Palma Peppertree Preschool is the best choice I made when my kids began a few years ago. All staff is outstanding and dedicated to the well being of each child. I love their daycare and preschool curriculum. Their health and safety are clearly a priority and it's reassuring to know the protocols for a well-maintained environment. I will always be extremely thankful to Ms. Irma and all staff for the genuine care they have had for both Max and Ellie.”