About
Portuguese Bend Nursery School is a parent participation co-operative preschool that is operated by the families it serves. The daily student body includes thirty children, five working parents, and two teachers, with a student to adult ratio of 4.3 to 1. The program is referred to as “Beach School” in enrollment information and is described as having toes in the sand and views of the Pacific in a natural setting at Abalone Cove, where children have the freedom to choose activities that interest them and to change activities when they wish, with all activities guided toward desired goals.
• Ages: 3–5 years old
Portuguese Bend Nursery School was first established in 1953 by Elin Vanderlip and was licensed by the State Department of Social Services in 1958. It is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of furnishing preschool education and guidance for children and their parents and to promote and foster a better understanding of parent-child relationships. The school program is guided by a professionally trained Director/Teacher and Teacher whom the families employ and assist day to day throughout the year, and PBNS is led by two professionally trained and licensed teachers. The “Yellow Bird” teacher guides the younger 3–4 year old children, while the “Red Bird” teacher guides the 4–5 year olds.
The Director and Yellow Bird Teacher, Sandy Holderman, has her certificate in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills and has been an educator for over 30 years, including work in Special Education in the public school system. Sandy has been the Yellow Bird Teacher since 1989 and Director since 1993, and she feels strongly in the theory that children learn best through play. Guided by its surroundings and geographical setup at Abalone Cove, the atmosphere of the school is described as a natural setting for children to learn, grow, and develop in a multitude of directions. Portuguese Bend Nursery School has been described as “a world class preschool” and “the best kept secret on the peninsula.”
Last updated July 25, 2026.
• Ages: 3–5 years old
Portuguese Bend Nursery School was first established in 1953 by Elin Vanderlip and was licensed by the State Department of Social Services in 1958. It is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of furnishing preschool education and guidance for children and their parents and to promote and foster a better understanding of parent-child relationships. The school program is guided by a professionally trained Director/Teacher and Teacher whom the families employ and assist day to day throughout the year, and PBNS is led by two professionally trained and licensed teachers. The “Yellow Bird” teacher guides the younger 3–4 year old children, while the “Red Bird” teacher guides the 4–5 year olds.
The Director and Yellow Bird Teacher, Sandy Holderman, has her certificate in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills and has been an educator for over 30 years, including work in Special Education in the public school system. Sandy has been the Yellow Bird Teacher since 1989 and Director since 1993, and she feels strongly in the theory that children learn best through play. Guided by its surroundings and geographical setup at Abalone Cove, the atmosphere of the school is described as a natural setting for children to learn, grow, and develop in a multitude of directions. Portuguese Bend Nursery School has been described as “a world class preschool” and “the best kept secret on the peninsula.”
Last updated July 25, 2026.
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