By Parents

Skilled Educators

Magic Years is truly a magical place. My son, my eldest, just graduated the Pre-K program. My daughter, my middle one, is entering her 2nd year. My baby is already on the waiting list for 2021. My children reaped the benefits of the gradual separation and really needed the extra time. They feel safe at Magic Years and absolutely love learning and going to school. My daughter literally skips and jumps for joy on school days. My son was more reserved when he started and now he is confident, makes friends easily and loves asking questions and learning. His teacher actually came up to me and told me that my son has blossomed so much and is a true leader and she is confident he will do well in life. I feel that my son is prepared for Kindergarten, even though Magic Years isn’t academic, they do teach through play and I believe it is far more effective for this age group. The skills that children learn in preschool is truly so critical in their development and having skilled educators that know what they are doing, know how to talk to children, and even meet with us parents and work collectively when issues arise makes parenting a little bit easier. They are advocates for the children and help us look at the world through our child’s eyes which truly helps in our approach and having a positive outcome for both parent and child. I have searched high and low for the best pre-school in the valley and hands down Magic Years is the one for our family. The Big Back Yard is a dream for preschoolers. Everyday in class they put out different activities, different toys, a sensory table, art etc. They love singing, cooking, pretend play, dress up, stories and everything Magic Years has to offer. We only wish the hours were longer but its worth it in my option – quality versus quantity. Magic Years feels like home to us and we are grateful to Magic Years for being so good to our children. Michelle B.

Learning Through Play

In an increasingly digital world, Magic Years stays true to the childhood I remember having: one with imagination, nature, adventure, pretend play and getting some paint on your clothes or dirt under your nails. As such, my children have been given the incredible gift of learning through play, fostering an excitement for education and practicing social skills that will serve them for the rest of their life. We are proud to be a Magic Years family and can only hope to see our grandchildren there one day.  Corey Wish

Unique and Enriching

Magic Years is an incredibly unique and enriching school. My oldest daughter just graduated Pre-K and my younger daughter will begin her preschool journey this fall – 2019.   The school is amazing in so many ways. They are firm believers in the play-based learning philosophy and because of this, the students are immersed in engaging and developmentally appropriate activities that foster their joy of learning. The teachers are experienced and dedicated, the community is incredible, and the hands-on projects they do are unrivaled. In the Pre-K program alone my daughter built an entire scooter and toolbox from scratch and that is just the beginning.  I could go on and on. Ask anyone who has had a child at Magic Years and you will hear the same thing. It is truly a magical place.  Alexis D.

Highly Educated Professionals

As a parent of 2 Magic Years graduates, I could not recommend this school any more. The school is run by highly educated professionals who are very experienced and caring teachers. This school has been run by the same family since 1965. It has many parents who are alumni of the school and now send their kids there! This school instilled a love and joy for school and learning into my children. It also helped them overcome their initial fear of separation in a most gentle and gradual manner and learn to socialize with their peers. Their excellent curriculum teaches through play and age appropriate activities. I am truly grateful for the wonderful start that Magic Years gave my children in their, hopefully, long educational path.   Dr. Neda 

Alexis D

Love For Learning

Magic Years really is a magical place. My daughter learned independence, kindness and developed a desire and love for learning in this play-based school.   I was drawn to Magic Years for many reasons, among them:

1-they don’t require potty training so every child can move at their own pace instead of having potty trialing forced upon them 

2-they have a gentle/gradual separation policy so that parents stay with their child at school until the child is ready for the parent to go.  

3-Mrs. Campbell and her enthusiasm for singing with the children.

4- you pay tuition and are not also bombarded for fundraisers or hidden fees.  

5- Various performances occur throughout the year.  Ex -concerts with Stephen Michael Schwartz, Drum circles with Cricket and dancing with Ms. Stephanie.

6- so many of the students are children of former MAgic Years students (the parents have such fond memories of their time there that they want their children to have the same experience)

7- the awesome ‘big backyard’ with equipment that helps your child develop their gross motor skills and confidence.

Mrs. Leon and all the teachers really know what they are doing and how to communicate effectively and respectfully with the children.   They also are so supportive to families during times of transition.  While my child made great/lifelong friends here, so have I and I’m so relieved that I have another child about to start here so my Magic Years experience can extend another 3 years. Hayley F.

Truly Magical!

Dear Magic Years Family,

First want to thank you for all the love and joy you surround our kids with.  I know how important the first school and the first teachers in our children’s life are.  It’s one of the aspects that show children what the world looks like outside of the family.  And I cannot be more grateful for that experience at Magic Years in Rebecca’s life!  She literally asks me every morning, its school day today?  And when I answer yes, there are no words to describe her excitement and happiness. I can proudly say that we made the right choice.  This school is truly magical!

Best wishes!

 

Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory!

Mr.  & Mrs. Campbell & Alice,

I want to thank all three of you for yesterday’s tour and taking the time to reminisce with me about my family’s years spent at Magic Years.
When we pulled up to the gate and walked in I felt like a giddy little girl filled with excitement and it was hard to contain myself. Walking back into the classrooms and seeing everything the same as when I was there almost 50 years ago made me want to jump in where I left off. Your heartfelt welcome touched me and Stacie and says so much about you as a family and as respected educators. It truly warmed my heart being there.

When we went outside into the play yard it was like walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. My eyes lit up and I had to take a deep breath. All the fond memories of the bikes, the tunnel and the fun we had playing outside. Watching the dynamics of Magic Years as an adult made me realize how lucky we were to attend your school. Alice, you had some big shoes to fill and watching your interaction with the kids, the staff and your parents speaks volumes and how you are continuing the wonderful program Magic Years is known for.

Of course Rowan is precious to me and I only want the best for him as does Stacie and her husband Josh. When we left the school it would have been impossible to remove the smiles from our faces knowing Rowan is about to experience all the wonderful memories that were made with me being a student there as well. Watching him go from a grumpy, sleepy little guy after a 20 minute nap and then how he changed once he walked in was so comforting to see. He is going to absolutely love it there. He was definitely in his element and jumped right in because there was so much to do and so much to see. It was a proud moment, being there when I was his age and now watching my grandson getting ready to have the same experience given to us. Magic Years is the perfect name for your school because it really is magical.

I shared the news with my entire family about Rowan’s upcoming future at Magic Years and every single one of them responded the same way. They all shared their incredible memories and are excited for him. My brother said he got choked up telling his wife about my email explaining yesterday’s experience. You have touched each and every one of us and it’s important that you all know what an impact you’ve had in our lives.

I cherish all three of you and I’m excited to get to experience the next chapter of being a grandparent of a Magic Year’s student.

Much gratitude,

Heidi ….The Magic Year Alumni….class of 1971.

 

Dearest Magic Years,  

This is just a little something to say a big THANK YOU for the invaluable gifts you have given us this year.  We could not have been blessed with a more wonderful first school experience.  It has truly been a magical year, watching Sari blossom and thrive with you as her guides.  As a mommy, leaving her baby for the first time was really hard, and I couldn’t have asked for a more loving, patient, supportive, and engaged team.  It was a joy for me to watch her go off to school with such enthusiasm each day.  From you, she gained such self-confidence, courage, and a curiosity to learn and grow.  We will never forget this special time in her life and will continue to nurture the magical seeds that have been planted.   Forever grateful and with so much love,    Amy.

Words Can’t Express!

Words can’t express how incredible it has been to have the boys at Magic Years these past years. It has always been a special place to me and I love that my boys feel the same and were able to have the same teachers and experiences as me. I hope they continue to love school in the future as much as they love going to Magic Years!
Magic Years always put me and my worries at ease and truly is a beautiful place. Thank you for always making our family feel loved and special. You are such a gift to education. We all love you so much and appreciate everything you do!
Much Love,
Stephanie (mother of two boys and a Magic Years Alumni)

 

I have the most wonderful memories  !

My sister and I are alumnae of Magic Years. My son and I currently live in West Hollywood but are thinking about moving back to the valley so my son can go to Magic Years. I have the most wonderful memories of the school, and I want the same for my son.  Also, my friend’s two daughters went there and when I would look at pictures of them at school, it brought back such great memories. The terra cotta floor, the baking, the scooters and tool boxes. It’s amazing that you still do all these wonderful things with and for the kids!  I’m planning on moving back to the valley over the next six months and would love to apply for next Fall for my son,  Matthew.

I had to hold back my tears !

Honestly I don’t know where to start when it comes to sharing our experience at Magic Years. It’s been more than amazing! I’ve never seen teachers care this much about the kids they teach. My daughter would wake up on the weekends asking if she had school today and when I would say no she would get disappointed. During my daughter’s graduation I had to hold back my tears not just because of how proud I am of my daughter but because I know we are going to miss this school!

Kindergarten Advice !

.. We just wanted to thank you again for all of your help with choosing the next stop on Kai’s educational journey!  Your guidance and support throughout the process were truly invaluable . Picking Kai’s next school has been our most challenging decision yet as parent. Thanks to your amazing counsel, we are hopeful we have chosen another perfect school for him to flourish and grow!

Magic moments every day!

This has been the best school ever for my son who cried for two months at his previous school. The easy transition, loving and caring staff, and welcoming environment brought the second home to my son. Couldn’t be happier. Thank you Magic Years for creating these magic moments every single day 🙂

Magic Years is a wonderful school!
 The teachers truly care for every child and are nurturing, loving, caring, and patient. They give individual attention to each child, and help to build self-confidence. My son is so lucky to play with delicious- smelling, home-made play dough, dramatic-play toys, sing songs, listen to stories, and visit with Sunny and Cloudy the bunny! He also loves playing in the beautiful “big backyard” on the climbing equipment of various levels, in the sand box, and scooting around with his friends. Recently, I’ve participated in their toddler program and my younger son loved making crafts projects: painting with trucks’ wheels, gluing on a collage, painting with water color. He can’t wait to start preschool himself! I feel very lucky to have been able to attend Magic Years when I was a little girl, and am delighted to watch my sons enjoy themselves at Magic Years too!

 

I Love Magic Years Preschool
Our daughter just graduated from their Pre-K Program and 2 years of preschool. I feel so blessed she attended this magical school. The teachers really love our children. They pay attention to each and every child fostering individual growth and development amongst a team environment. My daughter left feeling empowered and loved. Sad to leave though confident in her abilities as she begins Kindergarden this month. My nephews also attended Magic Years and they have excelled in grade school they all make scooters in the Pre-k program and to this day still have their scooters! I highly recommend this school.

 

My husband and I highly and enthusiastically recommend Magic Years!!
Our daughter went to Magic Years for three years. We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience. The teachers are fantastic–loving, caring, highly competent. There is very little turnover in staff, so your child gets to know all the teachers well. There is a great family-like atmosphere to the school. The curriculum is developmentally-based. You won’t find the teachers drilling the kids with flash cards like some other preschools in the area. The kids play, sing songs, read stories, bake, and do all kinds of fun activities. The director schedules many special events, such as a yearly “Snow Day,” visits from children’s singers and magicians, international potluck days, and a semi-annual “Family Get Together”. The backyard play area is fabulous–shady, expansive, and filled with a wide range of equipment. We made many great friendships with other parents, whom I might add, come from all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds–this is hardly an “elite” school. Oh, if only we could be assured that the rest of our daughter’s educational experiences are going to be on par with her experiences at Magic Years!

 

 
 
We LOVE Magic Years!
My two daughters just finished up their time at Magic Years. And we are so sad. This school has been the best decision we have made thus far in our raising our girls. There are so many right-on things about the program. Their philosophy of gradual separation gave my girls a solid trust in transitions. The teachers helped mold them into socially responsible and confident young girls. Magic Years kids stand out in a crowd — with their kindness, their self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning. This is the best school during these early years when they are learning who they are personally as individuals and who they are amongst others in their communities. They incorporate wood working, baking, pretend play/dress up, science experiments, hands-on marine labs BIG SING and dance in their developmental program. I can’t recommend this school enough! THE ABSOLUTE BEST! We are so thankful for our time and the teachers at Magic Years.


My 3 children attended Magic Years about 34 years ago
They still have their colorful capes from graduation. We have nothing but wonderful memories of their time there. Every child should have this wonderful experience. Fantastic! Owner, staff and facility are the Best Ever!
 
 
Both of my children attended Magic Years
The school was so wonderful and nurturing. The children were welcomed and gently socialized and spent half of the school time in the large shady yard where they had the freedom to play on wonderful equipment, ride tricycles and cars, linger in a beautiful playhouse and a giant sand box full of sand toys. Inside, they do beautiful crafts, baking, dress-up , singing, stories and celebrations of every holiday and birthday. They learn in a fun and joyful setting and are prepared to enter kindergarten and do well. They learn to be respectful and competent. This is the best gift you can give your child. Don’t miss touring here It is 2012, and my granddaughter attends this STILL wonderful school as her father did before her. The same wonderful family still owns the school and their daughter is now the director. It was a joy to return to find that the character and the program still exists. –

 The most amazing preschool ever

The owners are the most caring and diligent child educators I’ve ever seen. Sending your child here is like sending them to grandma’s house–they will be very well cared for. We love it.


I graduated Magic Years in 1990, and I remember so many fun things from preschool!! Do you guys still make cranberry relish around thanksgiving? It’s funny that I remember so much about Magic Years, but in college I couldn’t remember the last week’s lecture! P.S. I still have my scooter that I made!!”
– Nicole S.

Our daughter has been at Magic Years for two years now, and it has been a perfect preschool experience. The teachers are incredibly attentive, personable, nurturing and caring. Their experience through two generations of running the school (to say nothing of their impressive credentials) has made them experts; they know kids. The parent community is strong without being overbearing. Most importantly, kids learn how to communicate and how to socialize. The building is homey and the yard is a great place to play. All that…and the price is reasonable. Run don’t walk.
– Former Parent

The Magic Years teachers are well-educated, experienced, knowledgeable, caring and sensitive. They take wonderful care of the children. Magic Years has an exciting, developmentally appropriate program which helps students to grow socially, cognitively and academically. Students learn in a natural way as they explore the interesting centers that change daily, listen to stories, sing songs, garden, bake with their teachers, or play in the beautiful playground. It is the best preschool ever! Mary Campbell, the owner of Magic Years, has a clear and flawless vision of a perfect preschool program. I feel very fortunate that my daughter had the opportunity to attend such an amazing and one-of-a-kind preschool.”
– Jennifer K.

We are so fortunate to have found Magic Years! Our daughter has attended since she was 2 1/2 years old (now almost 5) and our 3-year-old son began this September. Both of my children LOVE SCHOOL. They are loved and nurtured as if they were part of a family. Magic Years is truly magical and there is no better way to spend the nursery school years than at this treasured spot! Get on the wait list early!”
– Current Parent

The teachers are wonderful and our child loves going and loves all the friends she has made. And she really LOVES Snow Day!!
– Former Parent

“Both of my children have attended Magic Years and I must say that this school is terrific. This school definitely prepares children for kindergarten. My children loved the huge backyard, singing, baking, painting and stories that are read to them. It truly is amazing when my kids come home singing songs they just learned or bringing home baked items that they helped make. My kids get truly excited and look forward everyday getting to Magic Years, and, yes, they even ask on weekends if they are going to Magic Years. The teachers are absolutely fabulous! The school is a true gift to children and I would recommend the school to everyone.”
– Mother of two

Thank you to all of the wonderful teachers for making Ivy’s time at Magic Years so special. As you know she has grown so much since her beginning days with you all. Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Ouimet, and to all her teachers…THANK YOU for giving Ivy the confidence she will need to succeed in life. We will never forget all that you have done for our daughter!”
– Leslie M. S.

The individual attention given to each child and there needs is unmatched. It is also one of the few preschools with a no-nut policy, which is a blessing to parents with allergic children. Sign up early or take any spot given. Run to this school!”
– A parent of two Magic Years kids

The Pre-K program is really something special and we are ever grateful that you encouraged us to let our daughter participate. What a wonderful way to end her magical experience with you all! Today’s graduation was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever witnessed, and we were honored to be a part of it. We will truly miss everything that The Magic Years Nursery School has come to mean to us. Much Love,”
– Ginny H.

“Magic Years has brought so much to our family, words just can’t say! Jessie’s graduation was so special, brought tears to my eyes and yet had such pride. Thank you, Magic Years, for everything!!”

– Lori S. M.

I love Magic Years! My second child just graduated from the Pre-K program and I have another child entering Magic Years in September. The directors are also teachers. All the teachers are patient, kind and experienced in teaching. The gradual separation of parent and child helps tremendously in transitioning the child to school. The program and teachers teach the children life skills that they will actually use in their adult lives. The children learn social skills, how to bake, prepare meals and build a tool box and scooter just to name a few examples. I wish the directors at The Magic Years would consider expanding their school to go up to 12th grade.”
– Former Parent

Magic Years offers a really great Toddler program!

We spent our Saturday mornings meeting other kids my daughters age and their parents. The morning started with independent play and “art projects” which my daughter LOVED! All the art projects are now proudly displayed on her bedroom door and she shows them off to anyone that enters our house!

Next came song, dance and book time with the group – this was a fun time for interacting with the other kids and parents – my daughter couldn’t help but dance to the fun songs they sang and played.

To finish the morning we would head out to the Big Back Yard! She had a blast out there with the swings, balls, climbing and bouncing structures and seeing Sunny and Cloudy (the bunnies), who always put a smile on her face.

Magic Years is a cozy, warm and loving place and we feel fortunate to have found it. We can’t wait to start preschool here.

Warmly,
Janey Strouse

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Feel free to share your thoughts about Magic Years either on greatschools.org, posting a comment in our Facebook page,  or via email at MagicYearsNurserySchool@Gmail.com.

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