The Center for Early Education (CEE) is a private, independent school in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, serving children from toddlers through sixth grade. Founded in 1939, this early childhood and elementary school has grown into one of the best-known private preschools and elementary schools in Los Angeles, currently enrolling around 540 students. Families searching for private elementary schools in Los Angeles or a private preschool near West Hollywood often shortlist CEE for its small class sizes, diverse community, and strong academic reputation.
CEE offers programs across Toddler, Early Childhood (EC1 and EC2), and Kindergarten through Grade 6, making it a full early childhood education option for Los Angeles families who want continuity from toddler care through elementary school. The campus sits on North Alfred Street in West Hollywood and is known for combining a nurturing, play-based early years program with an increasingly rigorous elementary curriculum. Parents researching Center for Early Education tuition, admissions, and reviews will find that the school emphasizes socio-economic and cultural diversity, small student-to-teacher ratios, and a substantial financial aid program.
This directory listing brings together verified, up-to-date information on The Center for Early Education Los Angeles — including tuition, admissions timelines, curriculum, facilities, staff, accreditations, and more — sourced directly from the school’s official website and the California Department of Education. Whether you’re comparing the best private schools in Los Angeles or specifically evaluating Center for Early Education West Hollywood for your toddler or elementary-age child, this guide is designed to give you accurate, easy-to-scan information in one place.
Basic Information
The Center for Early Education is a private, independent, coeducational school located in West Hollywood, California, and is not affiliated with any religious denomination. Founded in 1939 by a group of professional psychoanalysts who started as a playgroup in Hancock Park, the school moved to its current Alfred Street site in 1945. Today, CEE serves roughly 540 students, from Toddler through sixth grade, making it one of the more established early childhood education providers in the Los Angeles private school landscape. The school’s four Core Values — Honesty, Caring, Inclusion, and Responsibility — guide daily school life, and 64% of students are students of color, reflecting the school’s stated commitment to a socio-economically and culturally diverse community.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | The Center for Early Education (CEE) |
| School Type | Private, independent, non-sectarian, coeducational |
| CDE School Type | Elementary School (Private) |
| Age/Grade Range | Toddler through Grade 6 (CDE-listed grade range: K–6) |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 540 students (2024–25) |
| Core Values | Honesty, Caring, Inclusion, Responsibility |
| Student Diversity | 64% students of color |
Contact & Location Details
The Center for Early Education is located on North Alfred Street in West Hollywood, within Los Angeles County, close to the wider West Hollywood and Los Angeles private school corridor. The school can be reached by phone, email, or through its official website, and maintains active Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) profiles for prospective and current families. The campus address below is also the official mailing address filed with the California Department of Education.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 563 N. Alfred Street, West Hollywood, CA 90048 |
| Phone | (323) 651-0707 |
| Fax | (323) 651-0860 |
| General Email | info@cee-school.org |
| Admissions Email | admissions@cee-school.org |
| Website | https://www.centerforearlyeducation.org |
| Admissions Portal | https://admissions.centerforearlyeducation.org |
| facebook.com/TheCenterWestHollywood | |
| instagram.com/thecenterforearlyeducation | |
| X (Twitter) | twitter.com/ceeupdate |
| Approx. Coordinates | 34.0814° N, 118.3753° W |
Academic & Curriculum
CEE’s academic program is split into two stages: an Early Childhood program (Toddler, EC1, EC2) built around play-based, experiential learning centers, and an Elementary program (Kindergarten through Grade 6) with a comprehensive, spiraling curriculum. Elementary students study Language Arts, Math, Social Studies/Social Justice, Science, Art, Music, Innovation and Design, Spanish, Library, Physical Education, and Technology integrated across subjects. Small class sizes and a team-teaching model are central to the school’s approach, with at least two lead teachers assigned per classroom.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Type | Play-based (Early Childhood); comprehensive academic, spiral curriculum (Elementary) |
| Core Subjects (Elementary) | Language Arts, Math, Social Studies/Social Justice, Science, Art, Music, Innovation & Design, Spanish, Library, PE |
| Languages Taught | English (primary); Spanish instruction in Elementary |
| Teacher-to-Student Ratio | 7:1 (Early Childhood); 15:1 (Elementary), per official CEE data |
| Class Size | Approx. 30 students per Elementary classroom, led by at least 2 lead teachers |
| Technology | 1:1 student-to-laptop ratio in Grades 4–6 |
Programs & Timing
CEE runs a continuum of programs designed to take a child from toddlerhood through elementary school without needing to switch schools. Beyond the core academic day, the school offers an After School Program, a separate Daycare Program, and a well-known summer offering called “Summer at The Center,” which includes Camp Adventure classes open to the public. A dedicated Early Childhood Transition Program also helps rising EC1, EC2, and Kindergarten students adjust to the routines of a new school year.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age-Specific Classes | Toddler, Early Childhood 1 (EC1), Early Childhood 2 (EC2), Kindergarten–Grade 6 |
| After School Program | Yes — dedicated After School Program |
| Daycare Program | Yes — separate Daycare Program listed under School Life |
| Summer Program | “Summer at The Center” / Camp Adventure (Arts, Science, Tech & Inventions, Architecture, Cooking, Design, Crafts, Drama, Sports); open to the public |
| Transition Program | Early Childhood Transition Program for rising EC1, EC2, and Kindergarten students |
Fees & Admissions
For the 2026–27 school year, CEE’s published tuition ranges from just over $30,000 for a half-day Toddler/EC1 program up to nearly $43,000 for Kindergarten through Grade 6. The school operates a substantial financial aid program administered through Clarity, with grants historically reducing tuition by an average of roughly two-thirds for recipients, funded by a multimillion-dollar annual financial aid budget. Admissions for the 2027–28 school year follow a multi-step process: an inquiry form, a full application (due November 16, 2026), an Open House and campus tour, parent interviews and student assessments, and — for Kindergarten through Grade 6 — supplemental Los Angeles Independent School Consortium forms.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Toddler / EC1 Tuition (2026–27) | $30,162 (half-day) / $36,263 (full-day) |
| EC2 Tuition (2026–27) | $36,263 (full-day) |
| Grades K–6 Tuition (2026–27) | $42,945 |
| Non-Refundable Deposit | $2,700 (Toddler/EC); $3,200 (Elementary) |
| Annual Parent Association Dues | $125 per child |
| New Student Fee | $2,000 (one-time) |
| Financial Aid Budget | Approx. $2.8–2.9 million annually |
| Financial Aid Range | Roughly 7%–99% of tuition, case by case |
| Average Tuition Reduction (aid recipients) | Approx. 65%–68% |
| Application Deadline (2027–28 cycle) | November 16, 2026 |
| Financial Aid Deadline (Prospective Families) | January 15–16, 2026/2027 (varies by cycle) |
| Admissions Decisions | Toddler/EC: February 4, 2027; K–6: March 12, 2027 |
| Minimum Age Requirements | Toddler: born before July 1, 2025; EC1: before July 1, 2024; EC2: before July 1, 2023; Kindergarten: before July 1, 2022 |
Facilities & Infrastructure
CEE’s West Hollywood campus spans roughly 2.3 acres and consists of three connected multi-story buildings totaling about 100,000 square feet, housing around 540 students and 120 faculty and staff. A multi-phase Campus Enhancement Plan added new learning and community spaces in 2018 and 2019 and concluded with a new turf playfield in 2020. The campus also includes rooftop playground space and underground parking, an efficient design choice for an urban West Hollywood site.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Campus Size | Approximately 2.3 acres |
| Building Size | Approximately 100,000 square feet across 3 connected buildings |
| Outdoor Space | Rooftop playgrounds, turf playfield (added 2020) |
| Parking | Underground parking |
| Recent Expansion | Campus Enhancement Plan completed in phases (2018–2020) |
| Capacity | Approx. 540 students, 120 faculty and staff |
Staff & Management
CEE has been led by Head of School Damian R. Jones since July 2022; he previously served as Head of School at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. The admissions office is led by Director of Admissions Katrina Lappin, supported by Assistant Director of Admissions Estephany López and Registrar/Admissions Assistant Melissa Gruenthal. According to Wikipedia’s 2024–25 figures, the school employs approximately 59.5 full-time-equivalent teaching staff.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Head of School | Damian R. Jones (since July 2022) |
| Director of Admissions | Katrina Lappin |
| Assistant Director of Admissions | Estephany López |
| Registrar & Admissions Assistant | Melissa Gruenthal |
| Director of Finance | Debbie Wilhite |
| Teaching Staff | Approx. 59.5 FTE (2024–25) |
Events, Activities & Extracurriculars
Extracurricular life at CEE includes visual art, music, and a nationally competitive Debate Team for elementary students. The school’s A Cappella Choir has won gold multiple times at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival and performs at events such as Winter Sing and Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day. Parent-led Affinity Groups organize cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, and Diwali, and the community holds a weekly Friday Assembly (34 per year) along with regular service projects like “Sandwiches for the Hungry” and a Whole School Day of Service each spring.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Arts | Studio art (2–3 classes/week from Kindergarten up), music education from Toddler age |
| Debate | Competitive Debate Team for elementary students; multiple national titles |
| Choir | A Cappella Choir — multiple WorldStrides Heritage Festival gold wins |
| Cultural Events | Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, Diwali (via parent-led Affinity Groups) |
| Community Assemblies | 34 per year (weekly Friday Assemblies) |
| Community Service | “Sandwiches for the Hungry,” Whole School Day of Service (annual) |
| Special Traditions | Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day (annual, each May) |
Reviews & Accreditations
CEE holds memberships and accreditations with a wide range of recognized education bodies, including NAIS, CAIS, WASC, NBOA, CASE, and the Los Angeles Independent Schools group (LAIS), alongside local and sustainability-focused affiliations like the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and WeHo Green Certified. According to the California Department of Education’s School Directory, CEE is listed as an Active private elementary school (CDS Code 19-64733-6988190), originally opened July 1, 1980, with a grade range of K–6. Third-party platforms such as Niche and GreatSchools list CEE as a highly rated private school in West Hollywood, and Wikipedia notes the school’s reputation as a strong “feeder” into Harvard-Westlake School.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| CDE Status | Active |
| CDE CDS Code | 19-64733-6988190 |
| CDE Open Date | July 1, 1980 |
| CDE Grade Range | K–6 |
| Key Accreditations/Memberships | NAIS, CAIS, WASC, NBOA, CASE, LAIS, CHPS, Green Schools Alliance, WeHo Green Certified |
| Third-Party Ratings | Listed as a highly rated private school on Niche and GreatSchools |
| Notable Reputation | Recognized as a strong feeder school into Harvard-Westlake School |
Note: The California Department of Education’s private school directory data is self-reported by schools and is provided for contact and reference purposes only; it does not represent state licensing, evaluation, or endorsement.
Parent Communication & Amenities
CEE families manage admissions, enrollment, and daily school updates through the school’s online applicant and family portal (hosted via MySchoolApp), and financial aid applications are processed through the Clarity platform. An active Parent Association — supported by annual per-child dues — and a dedicated Grandparents’ Council help extend the school community beyond the classroom, with grandparents also welcomed at events like the annual Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Family/Applicant Portal | MySchoolApp-based portal (login via official website) |
| Financial Aid Platform | Clarity (app.clarityapp.com) |
| Parent Association | Active Parent Association; $125 annual dues per child |
| Grandparents’ Council | Active council with dedicated annual events |
Conclusion
The Center for Early Education stands out among private schools in Los Angeles for its long history dating back to 1939, its continuum of programs from Toddler through sixth grade, and its strong emphasis on diversity, small class sizes, and financial aid access. For families comparing private preschools in Los Angeles, elementary schools in West Hollywood, or early childhood education options across the city, CEE’s combination of an established campus, accredited academic program, and substantial financial aid budget make it a frequently recommended choice. As with any private school decision, prospective families are encouraged to confirm current tuition, fees, and admissions deadlines directly with the school, since these details can be updated from year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is The Center for Early Education located?
The Center for Early Education is located at 563 N. Alfred Street, West Hollywood, CA 90048, within Los Angeles County.
2. What age range does The Center for Early Education serve?
CEE serves children from Toddler age through Grade 6, including Early Childhood 1 (EC1), Early Childhood 2 (EC2), and Kindergarten through sixth grade.
3. How much is tuition at The Center for Early Education?
For the 2026–27 school year, tuition ranges from $30,162 (Toddler/EC1 half-day) to $42,945 for Grades K–6. Additional fees include a deposit, new student fee, and annual Parent Association dues.
4. Does The Center for Early Education offer financial aid?
Yes. CEE offers financial aid that can reduce tuition by up to 99% for qualifying families, backed by an annual financial aid budget of roughly $2.8–2.9 million, administered through the Clarity platform.
5. What is the application deadline for The Center for Early Education?
For the 2027–28 admissions cycle, the application deadline is November 16, 2026, following an initial inquiry form submission.
6. What is the student-to-teacher ratio at CEE?
According to official school data, the ratio is 7:1 in Early Childhood classrooms and 15:1 in Elementary classrooms.
7. Is The Center for Early Education accredited?
Yes. CEE is a member of and accredited/recognized by organizations including NAIS, CAIS, and WASC, and is listed as an Active private school with the California Department of Education.
8. Does The Center for Early Education offer summer programs?
Yes. “Summer at The Center” includes Camp Adventure classes in subjects like Art, Science, Technology, Architecture, and Drama, and is open to the public, not just enrolled students.
