Butterfly Garden Preschool

Butterfly Garden is an eclectic preschool based in Los Angeles, California whose mission is to allow all children to grow in their independence, develop a strong sense of self, and be able to use their creativity in working and learning as healthy, thinking individuals. Gisa Nico, a former special education teacher for the Santa Monica-Malibu School District and educational therapist with over 25 years of experience, started Butterfly Garden in 2004. Get the latest updates by following BGP at the links below.

Group of children in three different photos, sitting on a bench, playing and hugging outside.

Our Philosophy

The school environment instills a love for learning and allows children to explore and learn at their own pace. We provide many opportunities for problem-solving both individually and in small groups. The preschool organizes activities around learning centers in a hands-on, child-directed environment. The curriculum supports our philosophy of a child-directed, respectful, and fun place to learn and grow. The school seeks to provide a physically safe and emotionally secure setting that encourages the development of the whole child. Children learn best when provided with an opportunity to explore their environment freely. Children learn through direct interactions with the environment and the people within it. A loving, positive environment within a small school “family” creates a sense of belonging.

F.A.Q.

  • Due to my mom and dad falling ill and requiring my caretaking, I was faced with an incredibly difficult decision to temporarily close the school.

  • BGP is a two-room schoolhouse nestled in the backyard of an early 20th-century English cottage in the Palms neighborhood of West LA, where children had access to play structures, toys, art supplies, crafts, and a variety of outdoor activities.

  • BGP is committed to human rights, dignity, and social justice. We strive to create a program that truly reflects the lives of our children, families, staff, and community. By recognizing the impact that culture has on families, we will make every effort to provide culturally responsive education by affirming human differences. We seek to recognize, appreciate, and respect the uniqueness of each child.

  • Butterfly Garden Preschool values communication. Parents and the teacher are partners in the children's education.

    Parents may share their talents and hobbies, read, sing, cook, or do a special project with the class. Parents are also encouraged to use their time and talents to benefit the school in any other ways (e.g. contribute to newsletter, fundraise, etc.)

    Special programs provided for parents include: parent conferences (in February or March), open house in the spring, round table discussions, and classroom volunteer opportunities. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled on the school calendar and parents are informed of these dates the summer preceding their child's attendance at the program.

Group of young children and adults sitting and standing outdoors in a casual setting.
Two young girls smiling and laughing outdoors, wearing red sweaters, with a white picket fence and greenery in the background.
Group of nine young children standing against a brick wall outside, wearing colorful pajamas.
A young girl with brown hair, wearing a blue shirt with colorful text, stands next to a green checkered table featuring various wooden and plastic construction toys, including a kinetic structure with connecting sticks and wheels.
A woman and six children sitting on a wooden beam outdoors amid green plants, smiling at the camera.
Young boy outdoors holding a tape measure, measuring in both directions, standing on a concrete path with plants and a colorful background.
A young girl with short dark hair looking at colorful artificial flowers and a butterfly in a container.
A smiling woman with glasses sitting on playground swings with two young girls, one with brown hair and a white shirt, and the other with dark hair and a pink shirt, in a rustic outdoor setting with wooden walls and a tree.
Six children sitting and standing outdoors on stone steps, with one holding a carved pumpkin, in front of a house with potted plants and a tree.
Two young boys working on a woodworking project outdoors. One boy has light hair, wearing glasses around his neck and a blue t-shirt, looking directly at the camera. The other boy has curly dark hair, wearing safety goggles and a red t-shirt, focused on using a power drill. There are tools and small hardware on the table, with a garden and trees in the background.
Three children looking into a large pumpkin and a young girl holding a white pumpkin in a home setting.