ECF is a French-American preschool that cares for children aged 2 to 6 on two garden-style campuses. Founded over 20 years ago by director Joelle Dumas, the French language immersion school encourages a child’s natural, holistic growth.
Westminster CAMPUS
226 Westminster Avenue
VENICE, CA 90291
Abbot Kinney CAMPUS
1047 Abbot Kinney Blvd
VENICE, CA 90291
Website: www.laclairefontaine.org/
Check Ecole Claire Fontaine on Facebook!
OFFICE
310 Westminster Ave
VENICE, CA 90291
Tel: (310) 314 9976
Fax: (310) 314 5503
Karen Berrien – School Coordinator
Jana Gorum – School Assistant
Educational Philosophy
Raising a child is a universal experience, central to many people`s lives. Becoming a parent contains many surprises and a new world of feelings, a sense of the fragility of life and a new sense of responsibility. At Claire Fontaine, we celebrate children and affirm the value and importance of parenting in an enlightened society.
We believe that education, like gardening, is a process that requires time and care. Our philosophy is to nurture a child`s self-esteem so that their self-confidence and dignity will grow. To provide the elements for this growth and blossoming is our mission. At Claire Fontaine a child develops a sense of himself and his place in the world, a sense of responsibility and inner discipline, and so strengthens his ability to give himself direction and purpose.
Claire Fontaine provides a secure and loving place for children to learn and play. We believe that a child`s intelligence and reasoning are exercised through playful creativity. Play is a natural medium for children to express pleasure, curiosity, autonomy, and is integrated into our curriculum as a primary way of learning. Every day, the children also practice and experience making art, music, writing, storytelling – enriching their emotional life.
During small group activities our teachers create a supportive space for the children`s spontaneity and sense of wonder to bloom. Lively discussions call upon the child to express his thoughts, his feelings and his will, quickening his faculties and encouraging him to learn by interacting with his peers, and adults. School activities also take into consideration the individual needs and development of each child.
School rules are designed so that children, parents, faculty and staff maintain mutual respect in all situations.
Through the years I have integrated my many years of research, study and experience with the richness of personal knowledge and shared values that our families bring to the school into
the creation of Claire Fontaine`s curriculum.
As citizens of the world, when we are enthusiastic and share the pleasures and joys of learning with children, our collective ability to change the world for the better is within our reach
Welcome to Claire Fontaine
Joelle Dumas
Founder / Director
___________________
Classes offered:
– Astronomy
– Bricolage
– Culinary Arts
– Dance
– Theater
– Gardening
– Music
– Patisserie
– Piano
– Visual Arts
– Yoga
___________________
OFFICE STAFF
Joelle Dumas – Director
[email protected]
Bianca Landworth – Business Manager
[email protected]
Bintou Agne – Admin Assistant
[email protected]
