One school, three campuses in Santa Monica
Growing Place is a nonprofit, NAEYC-accredited, Reggio-inspired program for children from 3 months to 6 years. Each campus has its own setting. All three share one mission and one way of learning.
Three places to grow
Choose by your child's age and the setting that feels right. Not sure? Tour more than one.
Marine Park
1406 Marine Street, Santa Monica
Our original home, established in 2000 inside Marine Park. Each age group has its own classroom and play yard: infants and toddlers, young preschoolers and preschoolers.
Ocean Park
401 Ashland Avenue, Santa Monica
A one-acre former elementary school campus with six classrooms, an atelier and a shared, nature-filled outdoor play space. Preschool and TK only, with no infant program.
Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School
1802 4th Street, Santa Monica
Our newest campus, developed with Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica. It is also a demonstration site where early childhood education students learn alongside our teachers.
Compare our campuses
The quick facts families ask about most.
What every campus shares
Different buildings and yards, the same roots. Your child learns the Growing Place way wherever they are.
One mission
Every campus works from the same mission and vision for young children and their families.
Reggio-inspired
Play-based, project-driven learning that follows each child's curiosity and makes their thinking visible.
Accredited
A nonprofit, NAEYC-accredited program, licensed at every campus.
Learning teachers
Shared professional development means teachers grow together across all three campuses.
Flow of the day
A steady rhythm of small-group work, outdoor play, meals and rest.
Small groups and play
Small-group work based on children's interests, classroom centers and outdoor play.
Meals and rest
Meals, transitions and rest time, with a focus on children's independence in daily routines.
Explore together
More small groups and outdoor play that build cooperation, physical challenge and problem-solving.
Reunite with family
A quiet indoor activity and classroom documentation to review with parents at pick-up.
Parents may pick up their child at any time during the day.
Families join us from across Santa Monica and nearby neighborhoods, including Venice, Mar Vista, Palms, West LA, Culver City, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Playa Vista and Marina del Rey.
Frequently asked questions
Which Growing Place campus is right for my child?
It depends on your child's age. Marine Park and the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School serve children from 3 months to 6 years (infant through TK). Ocean Park serves children ages 2.5 to 6 (preschool and TK) and does not have an infant program. All three share the same mission, Reggio-inspired approach and professional development.
Are the three campuses the same school?
Yes. Growing Place is one nonprofit, NAEYC-accredited school with three campuses in Santa Monica. The campuses share a mission, vision, pedagogy and professional development, and each has its own setting and character.
What are the hours at Growing Place?
Campuses are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Parents may pick up their child at any time during the day.
Can I tour more than one campus?
Yes. A tour is free and recommended but not required, and you can request a tour of one campus or all three. Families of infants can skip Ocean Park. Touring does not start an application. The application fee is $100 per campus, or $300 to apply to all three. Book a tour.
Where are the Growing Place campuses located?
Marine Park is at 1406 Marine Street, Ocean Park is at 401 Ashland Avenue, and the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School is at 1802 4th Street, all in Santa Monica, California. Families join us from across Santa Monica and nearby neighborhoods including Venice, Mar Vista, Palms, West LA, Culver City, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.
Plan your next step
Ready to find your campus?
Book a free tour of one campus or all three, then apply when you are ready. They are two separate steps, and we will guide you through both.