Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool

Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool offers creative play, organic gardening, yoga, music, and dance as part of its daily activities. The program follows Le Petit Méthode, which centers on academic learning through play and combines elements of Waldorf, RIE, Montessori, and Reggio-Emilia approaches. It operates as an outdoor-based, English/Spanish bilingual childcare center with a play-based philosophy emphasizing learning through play.

• Ages: 0–6 years old
• Schedule: Infant nursery, preschool, TK, and Kindergarten programs with full-day options Monday–Friday, generally 7:30am–5:30pm

Founded in 2015, Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool states that it has been creating a sense of community in Napa since that time and offers sliding-scale tuition assistance for families, with $850K awarded in scholarships. The mission statement explains that Le Petit Méthode focuses on academic learning through play and that teachers work with children to foster social, emotional, and academic intelligence while encouraging age-appropriate independence in a safe and supportive environment. The program notes a focus on fostering confidence, resilience, and empathy, and offers programs for Infant (0–17 months), Toddler (18–36 months), Preschool (3–6 years old), and Transitional Kindergarten (4+), with after school care, weekend classes, and affordable event rentals listed as new offerings in 2026.

Every Le Petit Elephant teacher meets or exceeds California’s childcare licensing requirements, and lead preschool teachers have completed all required early childhood education coursework. Lead infant teachers hold specialized training in infant development, and all educators have prior hands-on experience working with young children in supervised programs. Founder and Head of School Miss Milli is an Ivy League–educated child development expert and child behavior specialist with a Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Education (Teacher’s College) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Neuroscience from UC San Diego; she spent 5 years as a child Behavior Specialist, completed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) coursework, and was an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Napa Valley College from 2012 to 2014. Center Director Miss Mackenzie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development and a minor in Spanish. Admin Assistant Miss Adrean has an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a Child Development Certificate from De Anza College in Cupertino, a Site Supervisor permit, and 30+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Outdoor Curriculum Coordinator and TK teacher Miss Cristal holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Napa Valley College and a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in Early Childhood Development with a concentration in Education from Sonoma State University. The leadership team includes Miss Milli (Founder / Head of School), Miss Mackenzie (Center Director), Miss Adrean (Admin Assistant), Miss Fatima (Preschool teacher), and Miss Cristal (Outdoor Curriculum Coordinator & TK teacher).

Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool describes itself as Napa Valley’s first Child Development Center at its new Chapel Hill campus coming in Summer 2026, with 10 large classrooms featuring natural light and access to expansive outdoor spaces with mature trees, real grass, and adventure play areas. The campus description also includes a new auditorium with a fully equipped stage, a new indoor community playroom for ages 0–5 years Monday–Friday, expanded organic garden facilities, light-filled classrooms, and new indoor and outdoor play facilities. The program notes enriching indoor weekend programming for families, rental opportunities for weekend birthday parties, and under-12-month and 1–5-year-old packing lists available as parent quick links. Email and phone/text contact are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

The school states that the Chapel Hill campus building has deep connections to the local community, originally built in 1954 as a church for the congregation of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by 500 members of the church, and that it is proud to act as steward of this building for children and families. Founder Miss Milli is a Mentor for the Florecer Program through First 5 Napa, mentoring youth toward a career in early childhood education. The program also notes that it is giving back to the local community through tuition assistance on a sliding scale.

Parent reviews describe their experiences with Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool. One parent states, “My son has learned so much since I enrolled him at LPE! I feel like I am surrounded by a strong team that truly cares about my son's development and education.” Another review says, “The teachers are fantastic. Love love love them. Super attentive, organized, and genuinely caring.” A parent on Yelp notes, “This school has EXCELLENT communication strategies and I love that all messaging is through an easy to use app.” Other reviews describe it as “the best daycare / pre-school you can send your child to in Napa County,” and mention that “the level of knowledge of her teachers and superb communication has put me completely at ease.” Additional comments include, “we’ve had a great experience- the teachers have been amazing. My family and I love being a part of the community that Milli has created here,” and, “Infant rooms and toddler rooms are great. We love how much attention they get, and how much time they get to spend outdoors.” Another parent notes it has been “an immersive, safe, and fun experience” for their child.

Last updated June 7, 2026.