Sherman Oaks Lutheran Child Center

We had a wonderful experience at Sherman Oaks Lutheran Children’s Center. Our son was enrolled there when he turned 2 and right from the start, he absolutely loved it. His teacher, Ms. Maria, welcomed him with such warmth and enthusiasm that his transition into preschool was easy and fun. She taught him so much and really helped him get a head start with his education, manners and awareness of Christianity.
The school overall is the perfect size, small enough to retain a firm sense of family and community, but with much larger and nicer facilities than most preschools in the area. The attitude and vision of the school is loving, compassionate and creative, and the management is very organized and involved. It broke our hearts to have to leave (when we moved), and a year later, our son (now 4) still talks all the time about his «old school» and how much he loved it there. I cannot imagine a better school environment and wish we could go back!

I am writing this review to let everyone know that SOLCC is the finest preschool in Sherman Oaks that you could possibly be blessed to have in your life and have your child attend.
SOLCC came to my rescue back in 2011 when my son was in another preschool that I couldn’t wait to get out of. I searched and called and visited so many other preschools in Sherman oaks and could not imagine my child going to on a daily basis. I met with Leslie and immediately fell in love with not only the school, but with all of the teachers.
My son was placed in the Shining Stars with a group of children that are still in his life and I am dear friends with their parents. He graduated and went on to public school in SO and he was well above his peers in Kindergarten. He was socially and academically above so many other children and I believe that he got that from SOLCC.
I also had a 1 year old at home and I could not wait until he turned 2 so he could also go to SOLCC. The day that I received the call from Leslie that there was a spot opened for my youngest, I jumped all over it and enrolled him into the school. He thrived from that day on and didn’t want to leave when it came to his time to graduate.
The Director, the pastor and the teachers all became a part of my family and have been there for me when others were not. I truly miss them all and miss going to the school. It is a safe, friendly, caring, compassionate and professional environment. Coming from a Catholic/​Jewish household, we found that attending SOLCC gave my children the basics of religion and knowledge of who God and Jesus are. They know their prayers and are aware of their biblical stories. They were taught etiquette and social responsibilities that most young ones need these days.
I am truly blessed to have had my children attend SOLCC and have created lifelong friendships with the teachers, Directors and the families of SOLCC. If you are considering SOLCC for your children, please know that you will be very happy with everything about it.

First of all two of my three kids of gone there and as soon as my third child enough she will be attending I love the school I love the teachers I love the staff my kids love the school love the staff only good things I could say about this place!

Everyone cares at SOLCC
I had my oldest daughter graduate from the junior kinder program and currently have 2 daughters at SOLCC. My heart and mind is at ease knowing that everyone at the school (directors, teachers, and assistants) are there to take care of my children. I transferred my oldest daughter from another preschool because she would complain that the other kids, especially girls, were very mean to her. The teachers did what they could, but kids will be kids. Because SOLCC is faith based, I feel like the children have a different perspective on friendships. My oldest daughter said that all the kids were so nice and helpful. She loved going to school and loved her friends and teachers. Each and every one of the teachers watches out for all the children, not just for the students in their class. Teachers at SOLCC are masters of their skill to help with transitions, as well as educating our children academically, socially, and spiritually. The directors are so friendly and accomodating and their love of children and their responsibilities to help nurture each child’s growth are very apparent. I couldn’t wait for my 2 year old to turn 2 so I could send her to this wonderful school. During the summer, they have so many fun things to do and see that I take my children on the days they’re not there because I don’t want them to miss out! I would highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to enrich their child’s life.
J.

We went to this school for all the wrong reasons — location and center hours (8AM to 6PM). Hours are great for when you need extended care but really that is all this place is… a babysitter center. Cram a bunch of kids into a tiny room with one «teacher» and call it school. (one classroom is a bit bigger with two teachers) Honestly, I do not expect much in terms of «classroom teaching» them but they are not much on caring nor nurturing.
It seems like most of the «teachers» and director are so disenchanted with themselves, their jobs and the children. I wonder why a person gets a job in a school if they do not care nor express any interest in children. I can’t speak for all the teachers since we didn’t have them all but from those I do know — it did not seem like they cared one bit. I suppose it starts from the top with the director.
Really check this school out. Take the tour. Talk to the parents that attend and find out why they go there and why they like it… do NOT just talk to the director about the school (remember she is there to collect tuition and fill empty spots). Also find out who your child’s «teacher» will be. Meet that person, spend time with them along with your child.
If you decide to go to this school, make it a point to not always come your regularly scheduled time and check in on our your child without the «teacher» knowing. Hopefully, you will not see what I used to see… kids running around the tiny classroom while the «teacher» is checking her iphone. Or kids left alone in the room because the teacher went into another room. Once, I heard the «teacher» harshly say to a child after he sneezed to «cover his mouth — no one wants your cooties!!» Not very loving. Not very compassionate. Not very Christian. Not the kind of environment I want for my child. That is why we are so glad SOL is in our past.

My son went to SOLCC and is now a very successful kindergartner elsewhere. Not that one has to be successful in kindergarten, but it is a wonderful side effect of having spent many hours at an awesome preschool. We are so lucky that we found Sherman Oaks Lutheran Children’s Center.
Just the other day I found out how far ahead he is in his studies for his age. I sincerely think this is mostly due to the time he spent at SOLCC. He learned how to navigate well socially, play with other children, set boundaries, spell and start to read, phonics, math, lots of fun, etc. you name it!
Even to this day he talks about his preschool and how he misses everyone there. He had a wonderful teacher that will be in our hearts for the rest of his years to come. His time there was such a sweet time in his life. We had left a horrible preschool that allowed bullying, and had a high level of negligence, although it has been in the neighborhood for a long time. We had enrolled him in a hurry, as we were new on this side of town. Never again. After research and comparison, meeting and touring, we decided on SOLCC, and we are so happy we did. Will be referring friends over there, for as long as people ask me for help about it.
Despite us not attending church services (next door to school) as Lutheran’s, we felt very much at home there. I don’t know about complaints against Diane, the Director, but she has been nothing but fantastic! So patient with me when I struggled to pay tuition after I had some loss of income occur, so patient with my son’s development, with us being new in the neighborhood and school, we definitely felt a heartfelt personal connection as her warm smile always greeted us whenever we saw her. She has, besides all that, gone above and beyond to help me in various ways and I think she is a human angel.
In my opinion, this is as good as it gets. Will be sending my future children there as well, no doubt.

This is a decent preschool. Although I feel it struggles academically and in disciplining children, I can appreciate the administration and the fact that they work heavily with updating parents, involving parents and ensuring a somewhat wholesome Christian experience at the preschool.
The student-​teacher ratio is fine.
The facilities are whatever in terms of cleanliness… Funky smell though.
My expectations for an excellent preschool may be high but I suppose this preschool fairs somewhat well in comparison to other nightmares out there… So two stars is stellar in my book.

We have two children currently attending SOLCC and we could not be happier with their experience.
Both of our kids started at SOLCC when they were two years old. They were placed in small classrooms where they received lots of attention from their teachers and interaction with their friends. There are two spacious outdoor play yards that the kids enjoy, with sun coverings so they don’t get roasted during the hot L.A. summers. The school is clean and well-​appointed in terms of toys, books, crafts and resources for the kids. But, to me, the most important resource the school has is its staff. The school’s Director, Diane Nixon, is hands-​on, has lots of experience working with children, and is very thoughtful and kind with the kids. We have also been delighted by the teachers and staff — they are reliable, caring (e.g., giving hugs when kids cry when parents leave), creative and always teaching the children to be good friends to one another.
With respect to «academics» (which is sort of a ludicrous concept at the preschool level, if you ask me) — in my experience, this school does not send homework home with the kids. Instead, the children are challenged at school, each according to his ability, to learn letters, numbers, colors, etc. Our older child, who will move onto kindergarten in the fall, is very well prepared academically speaking. He loves to do the optional work that his teacher sends home with us, just for fun. I think this school has a nice balance between social/​emotional development and academic development in its approach to young children.
I would recommend this school to a friend, and have done so already!

My son started at this preschool when he turned 3. He is now 5 and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. I am so sad to be leaving this school… it is such a fantastic place! I am very grateful we chose to come here, it has been such a truly, wonderful experience. Ms. Diane & Ms. Leslie, all the teachers and even the parents are what make this place truly unique and a «gem». My son absolutely loves to come to school… and getting him to leave every day is a battle in itself. That right there speaks tons! Ms. Olivia is truly a superb teacher. I am amazed at how much my son has learned in her classroom this year… especially since he is part time. The way the days are structured by the teachers contributes to the successful learning of the children. They get ample time to run out their energy so they can focus on the academics aspect. Very important… especially with my super active, high energy son. I have volunteered for the school with the Christmas Boutique, Teacher Appreciation Day, Room Parent and various functions they have throughout the year. It was such a pleasure to donate my time for these fun and exciting activities. I wish I had more children to send here so I could still be a part of it all. I couldn’t be happier with the Christian teachings and his experience with chapel, singing songs and listening to the pastor. It really does give them a good foundation they will build on to help them in this world we live in.
From the first phone call I made to the school, to the school tour and every day there till now has been positive, friendly, cheerful and personal. It is amazing how quickly your teacher gets to know your child and the parents as well. It has a close community feel and is very welcoming. You really can’t go in there without a smile on your face!

Sherman Oaks Lutheran Children’s Center is truly a unique and special place. Our twins have been there for two years now, and are getting ready to start kindergarten fully prepared for the new world that awaits them because of this wonderful environment. From Director Diane Nixon to each and every teacher, the quality of care, education, safety and love the children get is unparalleled. The children learn through play and song. They are taught numbers, letters, colors and interesting facts about nature, and they also get the benefit of a faith based instruction where compassion and love for your fellow neighbor underscores everything. The classrooms are vibrantly decorated. The facility is impeccably clean and safe. A little gem for sure.

Great school. Wonderful teachers. Great director that makes appropriate decisions for the best of the children. Our son attended the school for 2 years, and we couldn’t be happier with Mrs Martha and Mrs Maria. Class sizes are small, which gives the teachers an opportunity to give love and attention to each child. They do many fun art projects, learn letters, learn to count and to write. I am not religious, but found chapel time to be a nice bonus. It’s a change of environment from the classroom, and they listen to stories by a very animated and fun pastor, which is all nice.

I just read the 2 negative reviews posted on ⁷⁄₁ and ⁷⁄₃ and felt compelled to write a review to let everyone know that this is a VERY GOOD pre-​school. I put two of my children through this program, and have a 2-​yr old that I am about to enroll. We have visited many pre-​schools and SOLCC is top-​notch. The class sizes are small, the facilities are clean, and everyone who works there is very caring toward the children and families. We’ve recommended this pre-​school to friends and they’ve all been very happy with SOLCC. What we like the most about this program is that there is an emphasis on general morality, manners and being good toward one another. We have heard of other pre-​school playgrounds that are «rough and tumble» and that was not our experience with SOLCC. The school tends to attract very «normal» families from the neighborhood with good kids.
The 2 negative reviews seem to be personal issues between one family (from Canoga Park) and a teacher. I am sure this exists at all pre-​school programs. What I can tell you is that the reviews are DEFINITELY NOT what we experienced at the school. To the contrary, we we would highly recommend SOLCC to others.

I think SOLCC is as good as it gets. My older daughter went to a different school and then I found Sherman Oaks Lutheran. I moved her over and never looked back. My other two children have also attended. They grew in a safe and loving environment. The friendships made have lasted long after thier graduation to elementary school.

Yesterday, my baby girl graduated from pre-​school from this facility and I now have an opportunity to speak with retaliation from ‘certain’ teachers.
You see, my daughter is not my biological daughter… but all mine regardless. My fiancé left a very bad domestic situation and we found each other (more like reunited with each other from a high school friendship that never ended).
Well, to cut to the chase, there is a ‘teacher” there in the «helping hands» classroom that continuously makes derogatory comments about the parents and the life situations that they find themselves in. She tried to make idle talk with me about it… and I would not pay any attention (ignoring it) to what she would say, even change topics… I really do not care about other people’s lives… I am far from perfect. It was when she started to gossip about us and making comments like, «Look at him, he think that he is the real father.» That’s when we had to have her removed from the helping class room (if it wasn’t for the friends that baby girl made, we would have removed her from the school).
Let me put it to you this way… I am not the biological father, that much is true… but this girl is very much my daughter. Her ‘real’ dad did not pay for her tuition to this school, and was continuously late picking her up one his court appointed days… one time not even at all and without a phone call to let anyone know that he was not going to show. He just left the little one at the school until closing and instead of calling the police (as the school should have for abandonment), the school called me to pick her up at closing. The ‘real’ dad never has taken her to urgent care or emergency room when she fell violently ill… never has bought her new clothes (but gives her hand-​me-​downs) and has been mandated by the courts to go to AA classes and learn about the abuse that he put baby girl through… the lack of sound judgment from ‘bio-​dad’ is endless.
I gave this little girl a home filled with love and I am trying my best to give this little person all the opportunities life has to offer… please do not tell me who I am… I am very much this girls father…
Okay, there are a few professionals at this school… I would make every effort to have my child in ‘puzzle place.’ That teacher cares very much for the children and it shows.
Since this is a ‘Christian’ school I want to leave with this for the helping hand teacher:
Matthew 7:1−5 (New International Version)
Judging Others
1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.