La Petite Academy of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

I took a tour of La Petite for my youngest child a 6 month old baby. I was late and the director seemed annoyed about this but gave me a quick tour anyway. I was unimpressed from the moment I walked in the door. First let me go back and say it was difficult finding this place because it’s location is absurd. It’s located in a shopping plaza behind two banks, Chase and Wells Fargo. It’s insanely busy and dangerous for small children. The director was dressed so homely and unkempt I was taken aback by this. When we stepped into the Children’s quarters I imagined something far more different than what I saw. It’s a very tight space for all age groups. There’s rooms for the smaller ones and the preschoolers are in open rooms that you walk past. The air smelled of germy children; which was a mixture of cheerios and sweat.. I also have to state that I have a phobia of germs and OCPD so I notice many things that maybe some people wouldn’t. The room for the babies looked filthy and old. The entire “daycare” needs a serious overhaul. It was drab and depressing. Everything looked so old and dirty. They need to hire someone in to refresh this place like seriously paint a theme on the walls and buy new furniture because children like COLOR. I had concerns about the linoleum on the floor and the linoleum throughout the entire daycare but I’m guessing it’s easier for them to clean however there’s safer, Eco-friendly and durable alternatives to cheap hard linoleum. I asked a couple quick questions in regard to vaccines and ratio. The director’s answers were defensive and I didn’t bother to ask any other questions because quite frankly I would never dream of taking my dog there let alone my precious baby. The caregivers seemed so detached from the babies and students; and haggard. There was absolutely nothing special about this place. Maybe they do have a great program for the preschoolers but other than that I cannot see why anyone would take a much younger child to this place. I am so glad that the La Petite representative I called to make an appointment suggest I go to their sister school down the street from La Petitie; Child Time. I went to Child Time right after I left La Petite and I must say it was polar opposite. Child Time was clean, professional, the staff had company polo shirts on, and it was run like a ship. While there are some advantages and disadvantages to both programs Child Time wins! Child Time’s ratio of students to teacher is 4 and max 8 with an assistant. Over at La Petite it’s 12! I enjoyed the tour of Child Time. The assistant director was so professional and such a doll. Everything was explained to me in great detail. I even left with a pamphlet and BONUS they have a Flex program; meaning you can buy a flex pass and use the days throughout the year when there are absences of enrolled children. The flex pass is a great option for me because Child Time won’t have openings until August/September. La Petite in a matter of weeks. I must also state a disclaimer at the end of this lengthy review. I am a snob when it comes to where I live and where I send my kids to daycare/school. I am not rich by any means but I have always researched any area I was interested in moving to and found the top tier schools and daycares and because of that my children have always attended the best of the best in and out of the state of CA. La Petite’s director seemed surprised when I told her that when my two older children attended daycare/preschool, not in CA, that the preschool they attended was state of the art and issued a card key to all the parents and we were let in by this method. She apparently thought her keypad was something new and special; no because my older children are now teens and so this was over a decade ago; CA is just behind lol. I really hope this review helps other Parents.

La Petite is awesome. The staff, and teachers have made this tough transition a lot easier. Every parent knows the anxiety and apprehension that goes with daycare, and leaving your child (especially your first) with new people. From day one, my son was well looked after, well fed, and engaged. If I were to take a snapshot of my son 3 months ago to now, the change is night and day. He has since moved into the “toddler” room, where he gets to run around, go outside, and do a bunch of activities. They are worth every penny!!! They also accept online payments which is very convienent. If you’re looking for a daycare provider, La Petite should definately be on your list of places to consider. I know we’re glad we did.

My daughter has been attending La Petite for 1 ½ years and we love it; she truly looks forward to preschool each day! They have a wide array of learning tools and activities, fun lesson plans and lots of outdoor time with equipment the kids love. The Director is fabulous and never too busy to answer questions or just stop to chat and she always seems to be up to speed on what is going on with my daughter that day. At La Petite you don’t just get one teacher looking out for your little one but a whole building of caring staff; which makes it so easy on your child as they transition from one class level to the next.