Welcome Alumni
This fall marks the 50th anniversary of The First School. We are looking to reconnect with alumni and open our community events to celebrate this milestone and share the memories we've created over the years.
Sign up for our alumni emails
Enter your email below to receive updates about upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations and alumni opportunities. We will keep you updated on school events and look forwards to staying connected.
“Welcome back!
Over the years, The First School has grown in many ways. The school has expanded in size, and our facilities have had a few makeovers. Still, I’m most proud of the strong sense of community among First School families and our on-going tradition of community outreach. The generosity and involvement of our families are amazing. I hope that our alumni network will help many of you stay in touch and provide you with a link to our community.
I look forward to welcoming many of you back to The First School!”
The history of The First School
Where it all started….
In 1975, Ellie and Ben Spezell started a small, innovative preschool in a storefront that had been a taco stand on Olympic Boulevard. They created a curriculum based on respect for each child’s unique personality and developmental level. They focused on helping students separate from home and enter the world with security, confidence and a joy of learning. Ellie and Ben envisioned an inclusive school community that fostered the type of friendships and support systems needed by families with young children.
Where we are now….
We are proud to have grown to 150 students across our three campuses, Ocean Park, Broadway, and Pine Street, each with students thriving.
Over the past 50 years, we've embraced many changes but the heart of our mission stays the same: our commitment to the needs of children. Our dedication to nuturing young minds stays true to our core philosophy, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported on their unique journey.
We cherish our foundational philosophy while evolving to provide children with opportunities that prepare them for life beyond preschool.
Alumni spotlight
Zachary Orell
“From the very beginning, we felt the warmth and connection that make The First School such a gem in Santa Monica. On Parker’s first day, Teacher Mani immediately recognized his eyes and commented on how much he looks like me. That moment was such a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds this school creates.”
Rosemary Miller
“What I remember most from my time as a preschooler at The First School is not a single moment or event, but a feeling—a deep sense of happiness and freedom to explore and create.”
Katie Jackson
“The same magical red train still stands proudly at the Ocean Park campus, bikes and strollers still surround the tree, the giggles and laughter sound almost identical and Charlie, the famous tortoise, still trails behind excited toddlers.”
Jenny Dare Paulin
“The warmth and emotional safety of The First School gave me the space and confidence to try, and test, and explore friendship and identity. It gave me a place to build some of the foundational elements of who I am today.”
Angela Kay
“The magic of The First School has stayed true to its core: a play based pre-school where our children learn to fill their tool box positively, with kindness, learning health coping skills and truly being developmentally prepared to enter the world.“
Upcoming events
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Dream it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Build it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Grow it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.