Get 50% OFF Your Registration Fee When You Register Today!
Welcome to
Mini Scholars University
Lake Forest's Premier Private Christian Preschool for Children Ages 2-5
(Strictly a Preschool... NOT a Daycare)
Your child will make friends, have fun, and get ready for kinder!
At Mini Scholars University...
You're Family!
If you want your child to make friends, be prepared for Kindergarten, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime... you’ve come to the right place!
Our warm, home-like environment sets the standard for how you’ll feel.
Our premier private Christian preschool offers exceptional education to children ages 2-5 in Lake Forest, CA. Our program's educational philosophy is based on the belief that children are born with a God-given immeasureable value and purpose, and have the potential to learn and grow with confidence. We feature small class sizes for maximum 1-on-1 learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) hands-on activities to make learning fun, and a “whole child” curriculum that helps develop your child’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive skills.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) creates the standards for high-quality preschool programs. We’re proud to say our preschool meets all of NAEYC’s 10 Standards for High-Quality Preschool Programs.
Your Child Will:
Have Fun and Stay Engaged while Learning!
Receive Individualized Curriculum to Be Prepared for Kindergarten!
Be Taught by an Experienced and Loving Teacher!
Develop a Love for Life-Long Learning!
Make Close Friends!
Thrive on a Consistent Schedule!
Wake Up Wanting to Go to Preschool EVERY Day!
Gain Confidence in a Healthy & Safe Environment!
Be Part of a Small Class to Get Lots of 1-on-1 Attention!
Be Assessed 3x/Year with Progress Reports!
Meet Your Teacher:
Ms. Christien!
Hi! I'm Ms. Christien and for as long as I can remember, I've had a heart to work with children. I have a Psychology degree from the University of California, Irvine, and over 15 years of teaching in a preschool, in-home programs and learning centers, and as an Early Childhood Leader at church. Over the years of working with children, I found my passion working with preschoolers and opened Mini Scholars University in 2018.
I'm all about creating an engaging and nurturing environment for our students. I believe in the importance of play-based learning, where children naturally explore and discover the joy of learning through their curiosity and imagination.
Outside of the classroom, I love playing softball and being outdoors with my husband and 3 children.
I'm so excited to be a part of your child's preschool journey!
Top 10 Reasons You'll Love Us
Check Out Our Premier Program!
#1: We’re a Family!
We want to get to know your family, so please invite your whole family to attend our free fun family events all year long: Meet ‘n Greet, Tail Gate and Tag Football Game, Get-Together Picnics, Pumpkin Carving, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Christmas Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Spring Fever Fun Run. You are always welcome to volunteer in our classroom and/or at any of our events.
We understand how important it is for parents to spend some quality time together and offer free Parent's Night Out once a quarter!
#2: We Care About You!
Our friendly manner of open communication helps you feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. Our warm, home-like atmosphere sets the standard for how you’ll feel treated as we quickly address your questions and concerns. We can't wait to get to know you better at our Meet 'n Greet before school starts!
#3: Your Child will Make Close Friends!
Our small classes of just 6 children allows your child to be comfortable and grow valuable friendships with the other preschoolers and teacher. Because conflict-resolution skills are super vital to learn at this age, we help your child work through their problems with other children. Pretty soon they’re using the same strategies and words we’ve taught them, all by themselves!
#4: Your child will be more than ready for Kinder!
Your child will receive individualized instruction through our thorough assessments and curriculum. Our teachers will guide your child in the areas they need to improve, and challenge them when they’re ready for more. Our balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities follows the NAEYC guidelines to strengthen your whole child’s development: Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical.
#5: We keep your child healthy & safe!
Teaching children is a huge responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously! Not only are we state licensed and CPR/1st Aid Certified, but our distinct policies and procedures regarding health and safety help to keep your child in a safe, clean environment. We’re constantly cleaning, washing hands, and monitoring all activities.
#6: Your child will love our preschool!
I'll help your child come out of his/her shell, gain self confidence, and grow in all areas of development. I'm excited to help your child grow and learn!
#7: All of our events are free!
To extend our learning we go on several field trips each year, and you get to join your child on them. We enjoy family field trips at the Pumpkin Patch, OC Zoo, Police Station, Fire Station, Grocery Store, Strawberry Farm and more! We’ll also celebrate special occasions with parties for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and your child’s birthday!
#8: Your child gets a shirt and portfolio!
Each year, your child will receive a different t-shirt for that school year to wear on Spirit Days! We also save some of your child’s artwork for a special portfolio you get at graduation.
#9: We help you preserve memories!
We offer you the opportunity to enrich your preschool experience by enjoying book orders, school pictures, class pictures, graduation pictures, cap ‘n gown pictures, and an end-of-the-year graduation video.
#10: We celebrate with graduation!
Bring your entire family to our yearly graduation where we celebrate your child's accomplishments in a big way! It'll be a night to remember! Your child will graduate every year, so be sure to bring your entire family for a fun family experience for free!
Choose Your Preschool Class:
You can choose from a variety of our preschool classes to better accommodate your family’s schedule. Whether you want your child to attend 2, 3, or 5 days/week at preschool (for ages 3-5), (or even AM or PM) we have a class for you!
2 DAYS PER WEEK:
T_TH
Tuition: $370/month
Reg. Fee: $200
Choose Your Class:
T_TH 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
T_TH 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
3 DAYS PER WEEK:
MWF
Tuition: $495/month
Reg. Fee: $200
Choose Your Class:
MWF 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
5 DAYS PER WEEK:
M-F
Tuition: $865/month
Reg. Fee: $200
Choose Your Class:
M-F 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
2 DAYS PER WEEK:
M_W
Toddler Time
(ages 2-3)
Tuition: $200/month
Reg. Fee: $200
Choose Your Class:
M_W 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
When should I call to register my child?
It’s never too early to call, so call as soon as you even think about registering, because our classes fill up ridiculously fast!
When does preschool start? Can I enroll mid-year?
We have a 9-month school year (Sept.-May). If we have spots available, you can enroll mid-year. Please call us to see if we have any spots available.
How old does my child need to be to attend?
Preschool classes are for children who are ages 2-5 by September 1. "Independent almost-3-year-olds" can enrolled in the preschool class, as long as they are potty trained.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes, those who are enrolled in our preschool program must be potty trained. If you have any questions about whether or not your child is ready, feel free to give us a call. We even have a “How To Potty Train” your child handout we can give you. It’s helped many preschool moms quickly potty train their kids. We’re here to help!
What is your teaching philosophy?
We follow a “whole child” philosophy where we work with you to improve your child’s Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical skills. Our curriculum is based on the NAEYC guidelines and features a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities to accomplish these goals. We also incorporate Learning Without Tears Curriculum. Your child will learn to socialize, make friends, develop social and emotional skills, and be more than ready for Kindergarten!
Are there additional fees during the year?
No. Your registration fee covers all your child’s supplies and reserves a spot in our program. Your child (and a parent/guardian) won’t pay anything to attend our field trips and activities. And your family can come too! Your child will also receive at no extra cost, a preschool shirt to wear on Spirit Day and a graduation portfolio!
What if my child has food restrictions?
No worries. Several of our students have food intolerances or severe allergies. We ask these families to bring in their own snacks, and we create nut-free classrooms any time a child’s allergy is severe enough to require an epi pen.
Is the registration fee refundable?
No.
How many students do you have per class?
We have the smallest class sizes in town so your child gets lots of 1-on-1 time. We only have 6 students per class.
How do I register my child?
Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool!
A Day in the Life at Our Preschool
Your child will develop ALL the skills needed for success and will be more than ready for kindergarten!
Daily Schedule
AM + PM Preschool Classes
8:30 a.m. | 11:45 a.m.
Arrival + Table Time
8:45 a.m. | 12:00 p.m.
Community Circle - Conversation + Music/Movement
9:00 a.m. | 12:15 p.m.
Learning Centers + Small Group Learning / Group Art
10:00 a.m. | 1:15 p.m.
Bathroom + Snack + Social
10:15 a.m. | 1:30 p.m.
Outdoor Play
10:45 a.m. | 2:00 p.m.
Closing Circle - Story Book + Bible Story
11:00 a.m. | 2:15 p.m.
Dismissal
M_W Toddler Time Class
11:45 a.m.
Arrival + Learning Centers
12:30 pm.
Community Circle - Conversation + Music/Movement
12:40 p.m.
Small Group Learning: Hands-on Literacy/Math Games
12:50 p.m.
Closing Circle - Story Book + Bible Story
1:00 p.m.
Dismissal
Each Day We Play In Our Learning Centers Too!
Writing + Art Center
We practice our fine motor skills writing letters and numbers and practice our creativity.
Reading Center
We practice our pre-reading skills and read lots of stories to ourselves and sometimes do Buddy Reading.
Dramatic Play Center
We use our imagination and practice social skills.
Sensory Center
We practice our fine motor skills with our hands, discover different textures, and learn literacy and math skills .
Math Center
We practice our sorting, shapes, and colors.
Science Center
We practice our problem solving skills using science.
Light Table Center
We learn about shapes, colors, math, literacy and create with our imagination.
Building Center
We practice our math as well as our construction skills through our 'Building Challenges'.
PLUS A SPECIAL BONUS JUST FOR YOU:
In addition to our amazing in-person preschool classes... During the school year, you'll also get access to Preschool Club for FREE! It's our safe, online library of 300+ engaging preschool classes with our certified, worldwide preschool teachers! Simply click play... and your child will have fun learning at home or on the go!
Click play below to learn about our Preschool Club!
Testimonials
The greatest compliment we can receive is your referral. Thank you!
We have 20+ 5-star reviews on Facebook. Thank you for your support!
"My daughter loves the teachers and her classmates so much! Ms. Christien offers age appropriate educational content and truly loves all of the kids. She provides a safe and exciting learning experience with a huge variety of content. She works really hard to make class special and ensures the kids have fun while also learning at the same time. Ms. Jenny is so great with the kids and cares for every child. She is always happy and passionate about the kids. The class size is small, which allows for each child to get a lot of attention. My daughter always looks forward to going to school and I love that she learns so much! I never have to worry about my daughter when she's at preschool because I know she's safe and being well taken care of."
"My daughter loves it (Mini Scholars University) there and always comes home with such a big smile on her face. I was so nervous about sending my 2.5 year old to preschool, but am so happy we decided to attend Mini Scholars. Once my daughter started to attend, her vocabulary improved a great deal and her personality started to shine. Ms. Christien and Ms. Jenny take such great care of the kids and create a fun and safe environment for everyone."
"We started our son Colter this past year and it has been such a wonderful experience! Mini Scholars University provides a kind, caring, nurturing and productive learning environment for all students. From the beginning Christien was absolutely amazing with our son and helping him adjust to school. She continues to find unique ways to bond with him and all the others and provide the best learning environment. She is extremely interactive through the day, posting fun photos and videos that as a parent I appreciate and love watching while he is away. Lastly, through these tough times we are all facing, Christien has provided learning packages, weekly calls and informative emails for us to help keep our little ones on track! Once again she always goes above and beyond, we would highly recommend Mini Scholars University!"
"I would highly recommend Mini Scholars to anyone looking for a preschool for their little one! My daughter has thrived there and been extremely happy and always looks forward to going to school. Miss Christien and Miss Jenny are amazing with the kids and really caring. Their passion for teaching and kids shows. It’s clear the amount of time, thought and effort Christien puts into her school and always has new fun activities for the kids. The school is very clean and organized and I always feel comfortable to leave my daughter there and never have to worry."
HOW TO REGISTER IN OUR PRESCHOOL:
Due to high demand, our classes fill up ridiculously fast. Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool.
STEP 1:
Call to Reserve Your Spot and Take a Tour
Call us today at (949)-828-1229 to reserve your spot and take a tour. Let us know you saw our website promo to save 50% on your registration fee!
STEP 2:
Schedule Your Tour to Register Your Child
At the end of our call, we'll ask you to schedule a tour so we can tell you all about us and ensure we're a good fit.
STEP 3:
Register Your Child During Your Tour
At the end of our tour, we'll ask if you'd like your child to attend our preschool. If so, you'll fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee.
CONTACT US
We would love to answer all your questions and tell you more about us.
You may reach us by calling or texting:
949-828-1229
You can also email us at:
[email protected]
We are conveniently located in Serrano Summit in Lake Forest, CA.