Maple Tree Academy, Santa Monica

The mission of Maple Tree Academy is to provide a nurturing and educational environment implementing an innovative approach based on the pedagogy of listening. Our community of educators and families share a commitment to collaborate in supporting our mission. The essence of our community is found in the following principles: respect, self-improvement and the spirit of dialogue. What is our image of the child? Maple Tree Academy views the image of the child as a competent learner who is an independent, creative negotiator. From infancy through preschooler age, we support the child's lifelong learning, inspired by the philosophies of R.I.E (Resources for Infant Educarers), Reggio Emilia, and Soka (Value Creation) education. As you walk into our environment, you will notice the significance of relationships. Whether it is working with their hands, creating images with technology, painting, using clay, or exploring insightful concepts, our children are the initiators and creators of their own experiences guided by our educators.