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Since 1994
In the Heart of Topanga Canyon
3 months - 9 years
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Welcome
As the Director of The Love School, I am reminded every day that true learning unfolds in the gentle wisdoms nature provides, in the journey of discovering our own true essence, in the expansion of our creativity, and in the magic of collaboration, strategizing, and imaginary play. At The Love School, knowledge is not only found in books and curated treasures, but also in experiences that awaken the spirit guided by what inspires our curiosity, allows us to experience the numinous with moments of awe and connection that deepen our understanding of ourselves and the mysteries of the world around us. We strive to create a sanctuary where each child feels profoundly valued, where their unique genius is cherished, and their potential is nurtured with loving intention, honoring their individuality.
Integral to our mission is equipping children with tools for life—so they may one day lead as compassionate stewards of the earth, crafting lives filled with meaning and fulfillment. Here, love is more than a foundation—it’s an enchanting thread woven through every experience, every interaction, and every lesson, creating individuals and a community that grows together in wisdom, resilience, and wonder.
-Claudia Udy, Founder, Director & Lead Teacher
The Love School
Here, children are celebrated and respected for their uniqueness, their brilliance, their boundless potential, and their individual ways of learning.
At the heart of our approach is the creation of an environment where children cultivate a deep connection to their true selves, to nature, to community, and to the world at large. As mentors, we support each child in developing their capacity to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. This is fostered through our approach to exploration, challenge, and adventure, whether it’s through imaginative free play, scientific inquiry, geographical, historical, and cultural investigations, or engaging in artistic and academic pursuits.
At The Love School, we believe it takes a village to raise children, and that a cohesive community is vital for the well-being of adults as well. Together, our children, parents, facilitators, and specialists create a thriving community built on love, respect, and understanding. We welcome parents, extended family, and friends to contribute their presence, vision, culture, and skills to enrich our collective experience.
OUR PHILOSOPHY​
Guided by the legacy of progressive educators and enriched by my own experience working closely with children, The Love School embodies a unique approach to learning—one that honors the past while looking to the future. In a world of rapid transformation, I believe our children need an education that not only responds to change but also empowers them to become active, compassionate creators of it.
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OUR VALUES
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Self-knowledge, Self-esteem, and Self- Advocacy.
Resilience, Respect, Tolerance, and Deep Connections.
Integrity, Self-Discipline, Centeredness, Freedom to be
Creative, Critical and Out-of-the-Box Thinking.
Compassion, Communication and Collaboration.
Leadership and Stewardship.
Healthy Habits & Practical Tools For Daily Living.
Developing the Love of Learning & How You Learn Best: from the Creative to the Scientific.
DEEP NATURE CONNECTION
In an era marked by a growing disconnect from the natural world, we are dedicated to immersing our children in nature, nurturing a deep and lasting relationship with the Earth. At The Love School, children tend to and harvest from our garden, explore the medicinal herbs and edible plants of our local chaparral ecosystem, and learn to recognize nature’s cycles and gifts in our oceanside mountain desert climate.
Through hands-on experiences and scientific exploration, naturalist studies, nature adventures, interspecies communication, animal care, and nature-based field trips, our children learn to engage with the world as true scientists. Science is taught as a living, evolving field—a growing body of knowledge in which new discoveries are consistently being made and insights uncovered. They learn to ask questions, observe cause and effect, and see themselves as part of nature, understanding the vital link between today’s environmental challenges and tomorrow’s solutions. These connections awaken their senses, creating neural pathways that support academic growth, foster a profound respect for the Earth, and prepare them for a life rooted in harmony with the natural world.
CURRICULUM
Children come into this world with a natural curiosity, a desire to explore, and a sense of wonder for life. At The Love School, our Emergent Curriculum is inspired by the rhythm of nature, the wisdom of the changing seasons, and the innate curiosity each child brings. Together, children and adults share in a joyful journey of co-learning and co-teaching, guided by what sparks our collective curiosity and opens our minds to new ideas.
Our Guided Curriculum, rooted in seasonal cycles, brings a rich tapestry of learning by exploring each letter of the alphabet as a gateway to diverse subjects and experiences. Through this approach, children develop a profound connection to language, nature, and themselves as they move through meaningful activities and stories that mark each letter and season. This thoughtful structure ensures children meet or surpass developmental milestones, equipping them with the skills and insights to thrive in any setting, whether public or private school. Many families continue their children’s education within our homeschooling program, where each child can deepen their journey in a nurturing, individualized environment that honors their unique pace and spirit.
FREE PLAY
Free play is the heart of learning at The Love School, where children’s minds are given the freedom to integrate and express all they’re discovering. When children are inspired and intellectually engaged, their play becomes a profound process of integration, where lessons come to life and knowledge is woven into their natural way of being. We see this play as a child’s sacred work—a space where creativity, imagination, social-emotional skills, and cognitive understanding can expand to their fullest potential.
In our program, children have the joy of many hours spent in thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that invite exploration, movement, and connection with nature. Indoors, our cozy, enriching spaces encourage both collaborative and individual play, allowing children to follow their curiosity wherever it leads. This balance of freedom, challenge, and inspiration nurtures resilient, creative thinkers who learn to express and extend themselves in ways that are essential for lifelong learning.
MULTI-AGE CLASSROOM
In our multi-age setting, children experience the joy of collaborative, hands-on group projects inspired by curated research on particular subjects. Through these projects, newfound knowledge is transformed into art, and children discover how they can create together. Older children naturally mentor younger ones, who in turn look up to and learn from their older peers. This dynamic exposes our children to the realization , that regardless of age, each of them holds wisdom, inspiration, and a valuable place within the group. They come to understand that they are all essential members of a community that thrives on shared knowledge, mutual respect, and a celebration of individual and the collective intelligence.
FRENCH & SPANISH IMMERSION
At The Love School, our multilingual approach enriches children’s learning experiences through French and Spanish immersion. With the support of our dedicated multilingual teachers, children naturally and quickly absorb new languages. Research shows that before age five, children use the same part of the brain to learn additional languages as they do for their mother tongue, enabling them to become fluent with ease and confidence.
Bilingualism brings a wealth of cognitive benefits, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills while boosting memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. This mental flexibility fuels creativity and supports academic growth, strengthening reading, writing, and math abilities.
Learning multiple languages also broadens a child’s horizons, offering them a way to connect with more people, fostering cultural appreciation, and creating valuable opportunities for the future. At The Love School, our language immersion program is not just about words—it’s about cultivating a global perspective and empowering children to communicate and contribute meaningfully in a multilingual world.
CIRCLE TIME
Circle Time is a treasured practice that brings our community together each day. Children and teachers gather in a circle, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels seen and valued. Here, we introduce the Way of the Council, a practice that encourages children to listen with their hearts and speak from their hearts, offering many their first experience with public speaking.
Academic lessons are also shared in the round, fostering a sense of equality and openness. Through storytelling, idea sharing, and thoughtful conversation, Circle Time becomes a dynamic space for exploration. We use this time to sense the children’s interests for the day, guiding our activities to engage them meaningfully.
Circle Time builds social-emotional skills like empathy, patience, and attentive listening. Whether indoors or under the open sky, it serves as a grounding experience that prepares each child for a day of discovery, creativity, and connection. At The Love School, Circle Time is where community begins, and every voice matters.
OUR MEALS
Every meal is an experience that celebrates community, mindfulness, and gratitude. Our meals are lovingly prepared on-site each day using organic, seasonal produce sourced locally. We honor the journey of our food from earth to table, teaching children the value of fresh, nourishing ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal.
Our dining practices embrace diverse dietary needs—from paleo to vegan—showing children that we can respect our differences and still come together at the table. Mealtimes are a meaningful ritual, fostering a sense of unity and respect. We begin by washing hands, bringing food to the table as a community, and singing songs of appreciation for the food before us. Children are encouraged to expand their palates, savoring new textures and flavors, while learning to take turns and express preferences politely.
At the end of each meal, everyone participates in the cleanup, fostering a shared sense of responsibility. We also provide a gentle window for children to check in with their hunger, helping them learn to listen to their bodies and honor their natural rhythms. At The Love School, mealtimes are not just about eating—they’re about cultivating connection, gratitude, and awareness with every bite.
OUR GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAM
The Love School’s Global Village Program connects children with cultures, traditions, and communities from around the world, nurturing a deep sense of empathy, respect, and curiosity. Through immersive experiences, children learn to appreciate the beauty of diversity and understand the importance of global citizenship.
In the Global Village Program, we invite guest teachers, artists, and cultural ambassadors to share their unique heritage, crafts, and stories, bringing the world into our classroom. Children explore languages, music, art, and customs from different countries, expanding their worldview and cultivating a sense of belonging in a larger, interconnected world.
This program also emphasizes sustainability, encouraging children to become mindful stewards of the earth. By learning about global challenges and collaborative solutions, children are empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
At The Love School, the Global Village Program is more than an educational experience—it’s a journey that connects children to the diverse tapestry of humanity and inspires them to contribute to a world rooted in love, understanding, and unity.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
At The Love School, we celebrate the joy of learning and the beauty of togetherness through our enchanting Seasonal Celebrations. These special events allow children to share their studies, creativity, and discoveries with our community of families in heartfelt and inspiring ways.
Community is at the heart of who we are, nurturing the soul and strengthening the spirit of our children. The friendships formed between families during these gatherings are meaningful and enduring, weaving a tapestry of connection that lasts far beyond our school grounds. Facilitating a cohesive, supportive community is one of our core values, ensuring that every child and family feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
WAY OF THE COUNCIL
The Way of the Council is a cornerstone of The Love School’s community, fostering deep listening, empathy, and respectful communication. Introduced during Circle Time, this practice teaches children to listen with their hearts and speak with intention, marking their first experiences with public speaking. It empowers them to express their thoughts and feelings with confidence while appreciating the perspectives of others.
This sacred practice extends beyond the classroom, shaping how we come together as a community. Parent-teacher conferences are held in the spirit of the Way of the Council, creating true intimacy and cohesion as we discuss each child’s growth and needs. Staff meetings also follow this approach, ensuring collaboration is grounded in mutual respect and collective wisdom.
When challenges arise—whether for parents, teachers, or staff—they are always approached with a solution-oriented mindset inspired by the Way of the Council. This process allows us to bypass ego, access the group’s collective genius, and find productive solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
The Way of the Council not only guides our daily interactions but also shapes a culture of trust, understanding, and shared purpose, empowering all members of our community to grow together with compassion and clarity.
ALL ABILITIES
Children at The Love School develop tolerance, understanding, and inclusivity because we welcome students who are gifted or have special needs. Our founder’s daughter, Enchantee, has special needs and having her at school is a continual reminder of the power of unconditional love. All children learn to see what could be considered their character flaws as the gifts that they are.
BODY AWARENESS AND CHALLENGE
Just as there is a nature deficit in today’s world, there is also a growing “touch deficit,” a lack of physical engagement that affects children’s ability to understand their bodies and build a sense of personal safety and capability. At The Love School, we believe that physical challenge is essential for children to truly know their bodies in space, developing the instincts and confidence to navigate what might seem like “dangerous” situations with safety and self-assurance. Through activities like mixed martial arts and yoga, and mediation practices, our children learn to hone their instincts, ground themselves, and build a strong sense of inner and outer balance. When a child knows they are safe and discovers they can achieve things with their body they once thought impossible, it deepens their understanding of what they can achieve intellectually, instilling a powerful confidence in their potential.
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