Where hearts grow through play.

For 60 years, UPNS has been a place where children learn through play and parents take part in school life. Since 1966, our families have come from UCLA and neighborhoods across Los Angeles to learn, help, and grow together.

Come Visit UPNS ♥

Candid photograph of children engaged in outdoor play on the sunny UPNS playground

Children playing and exploring together in the UPNS outdoor play area

Children singing and playing musical instruments together during weekly music class

Families and children celebrating together at UPNS Family Fun Day

Children running and playing during weekly soccer class on the grass

Children enjoying creative movement and dance class together

Children practicing balance and focus during weekly Taekwondo class

UPNS families and children enjoying the annual school camping tradition

Children playing games and celebrating at the annual UPNS Spring Carnival

Children climbing and exploring on the outdoor play structure

Welcome to UPNS

A school for children and a community for families.

At UPNS, children learn by doing what young children do best: playing, creating, moving, asking questions, and spending time with friends. Parents are part of the school too, working alongside teachers and helping create the warm, familiar community our children grow up in.

Since 1966, generations of UCLA and neighborhood families have shared in the everyday work, and joy, of making UPNS feel like home.

Our Classrooms

Three classrooms for different stages of preschool.

Each room is shaped around the children’s age and stage, with experienced teachers, plenty of time to play, and parents helping alongside the classroom team.

Kitten Room

18 months – 3 year olds

Our youngest children explore water, sand, paint, blocks, and outdoor play. Teachers guide toddlers through smooth school transitions and partner with parents on potty training at your child’s pace.

Kangaroo Room

3 – 4 year olds

Kangaroo children spend their days pretending, building, painting, climbing, talking, and learning how to play through ideas and disagreements with friends.

Dolphin Room

4 – 5 year olds

Our oldest preschoolers take their ideas further through longer games, group projects, stories, outdoor challenges, and growing responsibility in the classroom.

What Parents Say

"UPNS has been the most wonderful experience for our family. Emma has blossomed into a confident, curious little girl. The teachers truly know each child as an individual, and the co-op community has become like a second family."
Sarah & Mike T. Parents of Emma, Dolphin Room

"Being a co-op parent was something we were unsure about at first, but it turned out to be the best part. We get to see Noah's world firsthand, and the community of families we've met is incredible."
James & Linda C. Parents of Noah, Kangaroo Room

"The Kitten Room was perfect for Arya's gentle transition into school. The teachers were so patient and nurturing. UPNS's cooperative model means I always know exactly what's happening in the classroom."
Priya M. Parent of Arya, Kitten Room

Our Educators

Teachers who really get to know your child.

Our teachers bring years of early-childhood experience and work closely with parents throughout the school day.

Lorraine Smith-Jones

School Director

Ana Flores

Administration Manager

Veronica Martell

Kitten Room Teacher

Meet our team →

School Memories

Traditions that bring families together.

Throughout the year, UPNS families come together for games, trips, camping, seasonal celebrations, and plenty of shared memories.

Children and families playing games on the sunny UPNS playground during Family Fun Day.

Family Fun Day (Spring)

The playground fills with handmade games, crafts, music, food, and families spending the day together.

UPNS children and families enjoying a spring field trip at Underwood Family Farms.

Underwood Farm Trip (Spring)

A beloved spring field trip where children and families visit Underwood Family Farms to ride tractors, pick produce, and meet farm animals.

Explore all UPNS School Traditions →

Parents Are Part of the School, Too

At UPNS, parents are part of the school. Families help in classrooms, attend meetings, care for the campus, and work with teachers to make the school run.