Parent Testimonials

As a parent of two children who have been part of the Village Playgarden community for the past five years—through the challenges of the pandemic, the loss of our beloved founder and teacher, Kikanza Ramsey-Ray, and now the devastation of the Eaton Fire—I can wholeheartedly attest to what an unparalleled and beautiful journey it has been for our entire family. VPG is unwavering. Even with the difficult need to transition to the new location at the Barnhart School after the fire, the process was smooth and went quickly, thanks to the steadfast dedication and resilience of Geoff, the teachers, and the families that make up this intentional community. As Kikanza often said, “Many Hands Make Light Work.”

The core of Village Playgarden thrives, continuing to offer a Waldorf-inspired education that nurtures the whole child—head, heart, hands. The connection to nature remains a central focus, with plenty of opportunities for children to run, swing, climb, and explore, just as they did before. Along the way, they develop close friendships and a deep sense of responsibility toward one another and their community.

The school is culturally rich and inclusive, a place where children from many backgrounds come together, learn from one another, and grow in an environment filled with acceptance and love. We have been so blessed by this school with such a holistic approach and strong sense of community.

— Darcy French-Myerson

_______________________

Village Playgarden: A Sanctuary for Childhood & Community.  Village Playgarden has been a transformative part of my motherhood journey. From the very first conversation with the founders, I knew this was more than a school—it was a commitment to protecting childhood, especially for Black children, in a world that too often robs them of innocence and joy. Their philosophy—centering nature, play, and community—nurtures children into grounded, compassionate leaders, equipping them to thrive in a world that can feel isolating and harsh.

As a parent, I’ve found solace in the dedication of teachers like Ms. Christine, Ms. Jasmine, and Ms. Danielle, who pour love and intention into every child. The inclusive parenting classes taught by the amazing Ms. Molly Cleator (yes, included in tuition!) have been foundational for me, helping me reparent myself so I can show up fully for my son. (I’ve even applied these lessons to my filmmaking practice—that’s how profound the approach is!) From nutrient-rich meals to learning through play, every detail fosters resilience and curiosity. The school’s structure has been a lifeline for my son during difficult transitions, including the trauma of the fires that displaced so many. Through it all, the Village lived up to its name: parents, teachers, and children came together with unwavering support.

My only regret? That Village Playgarden doesn’t go through high school! If you’re seeking a place where your child’s spirit is honored, where community is real, and where education feels like love in action—this is it.

— Tchaiko Omawale

_______________________

Village Playgarden is a truly special community, and we feel so fortunate to have discovered it. The teachers are incredibly attuned to young children and deeply knowledgeable in Waldorf education. Our son has been cared for with genuine warmth and thoughtful attention, and we’ve seen him flourish in ways that speak to the intention behind everything the school believes.

The magic the teachers bring has carried over beautifully to the school’s new location, where Waldorf-inspired toys, a nurturing environment, and meaningful time spent outdoors continue to enrich each day. The rhythms of the day, the gentle guidance, and the deep respect for childhood have made a lasting impact not only on our son but on our whole family. We are endlessly grateful to be part of such a heart-centered and mindful community.

— Derrick and Erin

_______________________

From the very beginning, Ms. Christine and Ms. Jasmine have created such a warm, nurturing environment for our daughter. It means so much to us that they’ve been with the program for many years—their experience and steady presence really shine through. Our daughter looks forward to going to school and especially loves the cooking, craft activities, and all the time spent playing outside. The daily rhythm, with plenty of imaginative free play and restful breaks in between, means she comes home in a great mood. The new location at Barnhart School has been great. You can tell how much care and thought goes into making it a beautiful, engaging space for the kids. We have loved our experience at Village Playgarden, and feel lucky to be part of this special community.

— Valérie

_______________________

Village Playgarden’s Forest Kindergarten was the perfect space to send out 5-year-old son. The daily hiking and hours soaking in Mother Nature connected profoundly to our own family values of communing with nature and moving our bodies. We believe that our son grew exponentially from play-based learning, guided by the thoughtful and sensitive teachers. All the staff were great, from the administration to the teachers, assistant teachers, land staff, and the founders Kikanza and Geoff. As a family of color, we felt a great sense of community, love, and inclusivity. We highly recommend Forest Kindergarten for families who value nature, moving the body, play, and love.

— Audrey Capilla

_______________________

My son was at Village Playgarden for his kindergarten year. After years navigating some very serious health challenges, for him to be free to be out in nature was such a healing experience. He became so connected to the land and all the many creatures that inhabit it. He is now fiercely protective and respectful of our natural world and all its inhabitants down to the smallest bug. His time spent with Miss Ellie was such a gift, she is a very talented, respectful, and warm teacher and he allowed himself to unfold into the safety of her presence. I cannot imagine a better early childhood experience than what we experienced at Village Playgarden on this most sacred land in Altadena.

— Emma Gordon

_______________________

Our daughter attended Village Playgarden and we could not have been more pleased with the school. It was an amazing program. We saw her develop and mature in her self-confidence, physical strength and social emotional skills. The classrooms and walks and hikes are beautifully organized. As an outdoor, all-weather program, the classrooms also offer a cozy, secure, home-like environment. We only wish we had discovered the school sooner.

— Claudia Fucigna & Greg

_______________________

Our daughter attended Village Playgarden for four years, through kindergarten and 1st grade. We picked her up every day with a huge smile on her face and exuberant stories of all she experienced: a roaring stream, Red Tail Hawk sightings, fort building, art projects, magical crystals, and so many friends. We appreciated the balance of big physical activity with the quiet rhythm of Waldorf story time, circle time, and mealtime. The classrooms are a wonderful mix of warm wood structures, cozy rugs, and the natural world that the children move seamlessly in between. Her confidence grew through big adventures in Mother Nature while being nurtured by teachers who expertly build and hold space for children.

 — Kirsten Schaffer and Linda Kennedy

 _______________________

There are no words to describe the wonderful feeling as a parent, of really knowing that your child is in the best possible place you could imagine for him/her to be. This is how we feel about Village Playgarden and the Forest Kindergarten program. As a family of two dads with adopted children, we feel incredibly at home and at ease in the Village Playgarden community, which is so diverse and so welcoming in so many ways.  At this very critical time in their development, the children learn how to not only enjoy and be comfortable in the elements, but most importantly learn how to be in community, and be active members in that community.  

— Ed and Rob Brachfeld-Strauss

_______________________

My family had the immense privilege of spending our two children’s early years in the Village Playgarden community in the classrooms for younger children ages 3 and 4, and in the Forest Kindergarten ages 4 to 6. The children have the opportunity to ground themselves in nature in a gentle way that inspires a rare fluency I’ve seen nowhere else. They connected with all the wonderful teachers at Village Playgarden who see this work as a calling and fully embody the noble responsibility of leading the class. My children have shown an early curiosity for nature, and as they have moved on to grade level schools, I can see in so many ways that they are carrying on the lessons they learned at Village Playgarden. They have forged lasting friendships which their classmates and developed a beautiful social buoyancy. We are forever grateful for our time in the village.

— Sarah Wright