The Village Playgarden is rooted in love.

Love of children.
Love of Mother Earth.
Love of community.

News coverage of Village Playgarden finding a new school location at Barnhart School in Arcadia. Fox News 11, 1.31.2025

Our Programs

Village Playgarden is re-opening at a new location in Arcadia at the Barnhart School. We have three classrooms that are all our own and share charming outdoor areas, community buildings, and parking facilities with Barnhart School.

Our new location, while lovely and safe and friendly, it is different from out beloved farm and forest early childhood program that was nestled in the foothills of Altadena, California. However, what remains the same are our wonderful teachers, pedagogy, and community! Our work is still rooted in the traditions of Waldorf early childhood education, inclusive and anti-biased curriculum, nonviolent conscious parenting. And we are planning to make the most of our close location to the Santa Anita Arboretum for frequent visits and hikes.

Our Staff

Village Playgarden faculty and staff is a culturally and racially diverse community of professionals committed to the whole well-being of young children and their families. Our faculty is engaged in constant professional development and the deep study of child and human development, including; training and education in Waldorf early childhood teacher certification; and the latest knowledge and wisdom in developmental neuroscience and sensory integration; nonviolent and compassionate communication, relationship-based community building; developmentally appropriate anti-biased and anti-racist curriculum. But most importantly our faculty has an authentic love for young children with a passion for supporting their families. In addition to the faculty, our community is run by dedicated administrative staff who work to facilitate your positive experience at Village; and a Wildseed Farm and Healthy Food Program team that keeps our regenerative relationship with the land alive and our community nourished.

Upcoming Events

The events below are open to the public and a wonderful opportunity to visit our campuses!

  • “There is no where I would rather my daughter be when she is not with me. Village Playgarden has embraced Clover into a magical world where she learns how to live, eat, and play communally, connect with nature, and interact with adults who have nothing but the utmost respect for her ever changing needs.”

    Kelly Dietzen, parent, mid-wife

  • “Village Playgarden is the home-away-from-home that all working parents hope for their children, a place where we feel confident that our children have new opportunities to grow, learn, and discover in a safe and caring environment that both respects children as individuals while, at the same time, nurtures a healthy appreciation for playing, working, and growing together. The teachers are patient and accommodating with each child and work very hard to tailor the daily activities to meet everyone’s needs.”

    Laura Pulido, parent, Professor, USC

Support our mission

Your contribution will support the expansion of our unique, nature-based educational model rooted in sustainable community building, inclusivity, diversity, anti-racism, and regenerative farming. Our programs build the capacity of children and their parents to reimagine our world. This is the time to invest in places that hold the hope and possibility for a better future and a better world.