School #3 - ABC123 Learning Center

ACB123 Learning Center

909 Pine Ave

Pine and 9th 

Facility No: 198015878 Capacity: 0030

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ABC123 Learning Center

All Photos from the School's Facebook Page

We had high hopes for this little center on Pine that advertised as an "eco-friendly preschool". We had an unexpected afternoon free so we called up to see if we could stop by without an appointment and was invited to come on down. We arrived at about 4:00 pm and the Director had gone for the day, but the receptionist gave us the tour. The building is small and maybe a little shabby from the street, but there is a secure intercom on the front door and another locked door in reception between visitors and the center. The receptionist was with a parent when we arrived so we had to wait which gave us a chance to walk around and look at the lobby. Children's artwork using recycled materials and a large recycling display area showing which types of materials the preschool recycles were featured. We also got a chance to take a look at the school menu which was really impressive. All meals are prepared by the school chef, many featuring local produce and I have never seen a more wonderful selection on preschool menu. The day we visited lunch was a delicious sounding grilled talapia. Other things that stood out where fresh baked cream cheese muffins and pumpkin cookies. Nice! Once our tour began we were really impressed with the receptionist, her knowledge of the facility and the extensive admission process which includes a family interview with the Director.

Unfortunately things kind of went downhill from there. In the photos on the school's blog the rooms look barren and unfinished (and what's up with the creepy whiting out of the eyes? Everyone knows you add a photo release to the application form and when parents sign up their kids you now have permission to post photos of them right?). We'd done some research and knew that the school had changed hands pretty recently so we surmised that they may have still been in the process of decorating. Nope. The school still looks cold and barren. There are several rooms, with good spacing but every single wall is "institution white". No posters. No signs. Not even much artwork. It was downright depressing! I asked the receptionist about it and she explained that they were going for a "clean look" in keeping with the school's green asthetic. Um, no. I speak green fluently. Good design and eco-friendliness are not mutually exclusive. I wrote the book (or at least several magazine articles) on green interior design. I know that things can be attractive and non-toxic. To make matters worse, many of the school's rooms are on theinterior and so don't get any natural light. You absolutely have to decorate these rooms to keep them from being so drab! I was really disappointed with the ambiance and complete lack of cheer and warmth of the school. I have to say that the photos I'm posting here were taken 2 years ago and the rooms look much more cheerful in them. I'm not sure why. Time of day? Just the aging of the rooms? No idea.

The program itself was a bit better. My husband who runs the circulation department for a branch of the city library pointed out that a book shelf in one of the rooms was practically empty with only three books. They made up for this by having an entire library, but come on. There seemed to be very few toys around too. Maybe another misguided attempt at minimalism? What did score well was their enrichment program. Between the ballet and tap classes offered, walking field trips to the local farmer's market, recycling and composting programs, coming-soon school garden, and the cute little library, I was impressed with some of the extras ABC123 offers. The playground was lovely too and E liked their play structure a lot. Like with Great Beginnings it was unclear how much of the schools focus on the environment trickles down to the day-to-day curriculum, but I did see some efforts in that regard.

If I were in charge of marketing/program at ABC123 Learning Center I would hire a green interior designer (I would be happy to send you my deeply discounted non-profit rates) to make this a place parents can see their children spending their days happy and cheerful. You're already in a dodgy part of town. The school should be a warm and welcoming place that makes being environmentally friendly attractive - not a sacrifice. I encourage the Director to visit Little Owl Preschool in Long Beach. Their building is amazing, yes, but you can also see how they decorated including the paint colors used and selection of wooden toys around that makes the space welcoming. I'd also be clear in communicating how our eco-friendly values influence the curriculum which I'd be willing to advise them on for free (seeing as that's kinda my job).

ABC123 Learning Center (I'd also change that name!) usues an "Emergent" child-led philosophy. The school accepts children 2-5 and will potty train for you. Their amazing lunch menu is fresh prepared off-site and brought in. Full time is $700 a month.

Conclusion

I so wanted to send E here. How cool would that be to be able to send her to an eco-friendly preschool?! But some things would have to change in order for that to happen. The good news is that ABC123 Learning Center is totally on the right track and with a few tweaks, this school would be in high demand! Director lady...call me!