Malibu Methodist Nursery School (MMNS) is a non-profit, self-supporting, non-sectarian community outreach of the Malibu United Methodist Church. MMNS was established in 1966. All involved with the school, the families, children, and educators, are responsible for creating and maintaining the school environment in a way that supports the school’s mission. Because daily exposure to the natural environment is essential for the healthy development of children, experiences in and around nature are a vital component of the school’s educational beliefs. Our outdoor classroom is a childhood idyll. The beautiful plant and tree landscaped yard is filled with opportunities for experiential learning, acceptable risk-taking, building physical strength, and multi-age social interaction.
MMNS is a learning community sustained by a close collaboration of parents, staff members, and students.
The school is guided by a Board of Directors made up of parents, educators, and MUMC leadership, who work together to shape its policies and direction.
MMNS is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, free from bias and discrimination. Diversity is an essential part of the school’s identity, reflected in its programs, curriculum, and the way children learn to understand and respect one another’s differences.
The school also strives to nurture a sense of fairness, empathy, and responsibility, helping children develop an early awareness of equity and care for others within the broader community.
MMNS is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, which oversees health, safety, and child welfare standards.
While the school is located on the campus of Malibu United Methodist Church and shares its values of compassion and community, it is a non-religious program open to all families.
MMNS is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, free from bias and discrimination. Diversity is an essential part of the school’s identity, reflected in its programs, curriculum, and the way children learn to understand and respect one another’s differences.
The school also strives to nurture a sense of fairness, empathy, and responsibility, helping children develop an early awareness of equity and care for others within the broader community.
MMNS is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, which oversees health, safety, and child welfare standards.
While the school is located on the campus of Malibu United Methodist Church and shares its values of compassion and community, it is a non-religious program open to all families.
Fundamental Principles of The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Nursery School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, a child-centered philosophy that views every child as capable, curious, and full of potential. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, learning emerges from each child’s interests, encouraging exploration, creativity, and independent thinking.
Children learn through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and meaningful interactions with others. Communication, expression, and creativity are central, with children encouraged to explore ideas through many forms — from art and movement to language and play.
The environment itself plays a key role, designed as a space that inspires discovery, using natural materials, light, and open-ended resources. Teachers act as guides, observing and supporting each child’s unique learning journey.
Children learn through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and meaningful interactions with others. Communication, expression, and creativity are central, with children encouraged to explore ideas through many forms — from art and movement to language and play.
The environment itself plays a key role, designed as a space that inspires discovery, using natural materials, light, and open-ended resources. Teachers act as guides, observing and supporting each child’s unique learning journey.
To learn more about their programs, philosophy, and enrollment, we invite you to visit the Nursery School’s dedicated website.
