Our School
10th Street Preschool is founded by childhood development expert, Cindy Wasson, who has over 40+ years of experience. Nestled in a residential enclave in Santa Monica, 10th Street Preschool has been one of Southern California’s leading preschools for 30 years.
Formerly owned by Hal Ashby and his family, our campus, just a few miles from the ocean, includes historic craftsman bungalows, lush flowers, and expansive, vibrant murals by Peter and Nancy Turner-Alvet.
Our Philosophy
Come from kindness, learn from play.
Parent Participation
We believe that parent participation is a key ingredient to the success of our school. The younger the child, the more important the bridge and bond between home and school. There is time for Family Cooking. Time for sharing family traditions, rituals and hobbies. Telling our stories to one another is another essential tradition in our school and crucial as we work together towards developing a sense of belonging and how to be a citizen of the world.
We provide opportunities for busy parents with busy schedules. We believe if there is a will, there is a way. We welcome parents, grandparents and special friends; they too are an integral part of daily life at 10th Street. This rich sharing, bringing the outside into our Red Door is the frosting on the cake.
Parents are invited to serve on our parent association board and to join one of our parent committees that include: Admissions, Angel, Community, Events, Family Friends, Fundraising, Group Parents, Kindergarten Liaison, Library, Parent Education, Secretary and Treasurer
Community Service
Each year, 10th Street families make a positive impact within the preschool and the Santa Monica community at large. Our Scholarship Fund has served over 300 families and granted almost 2 million dollars, enables us to increase the social and economic diversity of our school while making a lasting difference in all of our lives.
Our outreach programs support carefully chosen programs in our community including Violence Intervention Program, Toys for Tots, City of Hope, the Santa Monica Food Drive and packing/delivering lunches every month for a local shelter.
Since the SandyHook tragedy in 2012 parents and firefighters have been tying ribbons on our front gate to honor loved ones and mark personal and public milestones. Children tie ribbons so our school is more beautiful for our neighbors.
Our Founder and Executive Director
As a mother of two adults and an educator for over 40 years, I know that all children learn in unique ways. At 10th Street Preschool, our goal is to nourish each child and each family, individually, and meet their changing social and emotional needs every day. Our guiding philosophy is love. We are comfortable including classic positive proven pedagogies to help grow each child. Children learn best when they are engaged in meaningful, mixed-age play. Whether in the sandbox, pretend room, art bungalow, or play yard the girls and boys of 10th Street achieve cognitive, physical, and psychosocial well-being. That’s when we know our children are ready to walk out of our Red Door and into the new door of their elementary school. Eager, confident, curious and kind. Our twenty-nine year history of placing students locally and nationally in the most respected elementary schools—from the most traditional to the most progressive—attests to their readiness.
I invite you to browse our website, visit our preschool to feel the magic and meet our alumni to learn more about our early childhood programs. I hope you will discover your home away from home at 10th Street Preschool and look forward to your family joining ours.
Best wishes,
Cindy
Lacie
Director
I am a small town girl from Indiana – 600 people to be exact. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Child Development, I moved to Chicago where I worked with preschool age children in the capacity as both teacher and administrator and attended Erikson Institute, a graduate school in child development. In 2012, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to relocate as a preschool director which brought me out to sunny California. My passion for working with children and families started at a young age and has continued to evolve throughout my professional career. I am excited to call 10th Street my home and am thrilled to be a part of your preschool experience!
Heather
Preschool, JPK and Toddler School
I first came to 10th Street as a parent in 2011, when my oldest son and I moved to Los Angeles from my family’s small Indian Reservation in Northern California. It’s easy to see now that 10th Street was our first home away from home. The teachers and families who welcomed us into the community played a huge part in our transition to our new life here. It was in my participation as a parent-volunteer that I fell in love with teaching preschool aged children and decided to return to school myself to pursue an ECE degree. It made sense of course, to then join the wonderful team of teachers who I’d come to love and trust with the development of my own children, and I am delighted to be teaching in the wonderful environment that is 10th Street Preschool
Anna
Little School, Preschool and Toddler Teacher
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the way children learn and develop. So, imagine the joy I felt when I learned that I could turn my passion into a career. My journey working with children started over 10 years ago when I began volunteering at an elementary school next door to my high school. Fast-forward 8 years later, I graduated from Cal State Northridge with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and started working as a preschool teacher. I was lucky enough to find this gem, 10th Street Preschool, where I can continue doing what I love most as I pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology.
Maria
Preschool, Pre-K, Confidence Club, and Handwriting Without Tears Teacher
My passion for working with children began 15 years ago and has only grown with every rewarding experience. I love letting the learning happen organically and purposefully. I learn from my students as they do from me. I love our 10th Street Community and especially proud to be our PreK teacher. I have my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, and currently continuing my education by obtaining my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy..
Osheena
Little School and Preschool Teacher
I am so delighted to be joining the 10th street Community. The warm feeling, I felt when walking through the red door for the first time was so amazing. I immediately knew it was the perfect place for me! I have been working in the education field for over 20 years and I must say it’s not just a job, it’s a lifelong love of learning. As an educator I love to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. Having three children of my own who are all eight years apart, with my oldest being 16 has taught me to be patient, gentle, loving, understanding and open minded. I look forward too many wonderful years to come here at 10th Street
Lizeth
Little School, Toddler School and Preschool Teacher
Hello! My name is Lizeth, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and I am excited to belong to the 10th Street community. I earned my Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State and have been a child care provider and teacher for children ages 4 months – 6-year olds.
I am passionate about working with young children. My preschool teacher impacted my life and I want to do the same for my students!
Karen
Music Speciality
I believe that music is a basic human right of every child. Music time is rich with possibilities – It is an important modality of learning and of inspiring joy, creativity, self-expression and community. Oh, and did I mention, music time is a ton of fun! I have a master’s degree in social work and several years of experience working with toddlers, preschoolers and their families. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been a dancer for forever and the ukulele is my current pet instrument. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my passion for music with the children at 10th Street Preschool!