Our Philosophy is originated from a small town in Italy called Reggio Emilia. Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of Reggio Approach, believes that "the child has a hundred languages". It means that children's ability to express their creativity and curious minds is incredibly rich. Respecting children as the masters of their own learning, we provide rich, natural materials for children to express their abundant imaginations.
As collaborators of children's development, we provide the love, guidance, tools and environments for them to explore and grow in any way possible! We utilize every single experiences as opportunities and wonderful moments to apply the essence of our Reggio Emilia Inspired philosophy. All individuals in our program, adults and children alike, evolve and grow as we build our life together.
As collaborators of children's development, we provide the love, guidance, tools and environments for them to explore and grow in any way possible! We utilize every single experiences as opportunities and wonderful moments to apply the essence of our Reggio Emilia Inspired philosophy. All individuals in our program, adults and children alike, evolve and grow as we build our life together.
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Children at this age are meant for lots of movements and hands-on experiences. Through exploration of the rich environments we carefully set up, the goal is to support children's development of a healthy and happy sense of self, while introducing routines for them to be ready for the next step. Children at this stage start to develop a stronger sense of self and enjoy taking the initiatives of their daily exploration.
Our Mandarin immersion program is designed for speakers of all languages. It is for anyone who wants to expand children's horizons through their early childhood education with a Mandarin immersion environment. Providing young children early exposure to another language and culture is such a gift - they absorb the language like sponges, they become open to new experiences, and they learn to appreciate differences and diversity at a young age.
We provide weekly art programs to develop children's fine motor skills such as clay creations, painting and Chinese arts. The art projects take place in our unique Atelier (art studio), where children explore various materials to learn about colors, shapes and create art work to express their abundant ideas and imagination!
Children's all time favorite song "Old McDonald Had a Farm" comes alive with barnyard animals at Marco Polo! A petting zoo will visit our Marco Polo children this week. Children will pet their favorite animals and learn all about the lives of the farm animals! Some of the animals children might see are: miniature goats/sheep/lamb, rabbits, friendly miniature chickens, a cute pig, a duck, and possibly a mini-horse, donkey, or llama!
We believe that school should be an extension of the family and we hope that our school philosophy is consistent with your family values. We would like to ensure that our school is a good fit for your family. We ask that all prospective families make an appointment to tour our school.
Upon decision to possibly enroll, a personal interview with school director is required with prospective parents to determine that the school's facilities and programs fit the child's physical, emotional and development needs.Admissions are made without regard to race, religion, or nationality. Admission placements are made with consideration to creating a developmental continuum that will facilitate peer relationships and gender balanced groups.
Upon decision to possibly enroll, a personal interview with school director is required with prospective parents to determine that the school's facilities and programs fit the child's physical, emotional and development needs.Admissions are made without regard to race, religion, or nationality. Admission placements are made with consideration to creating a developmental continuum that will facilitate peer relationships and gender balanced groups.
Reviews (20)
Anhdao D.
Jan 10, 2022
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Vi L.
Jan 07, 2022
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Update #2: My daughter has been attending Marco Polo for about a month part-time. So far, it's been a great experience. I love all the photos and updates I get throughout the day and being able to contact her teachers directly is a comfort. I am also quite impressed with all the covid-19 safety protocols Marco Polo has implemented including free rapid tests for the students when returning from winter break. My daughter is happy to go to school each time and that already is worth 5 stars.
Anna K.
Dec 15, 2021
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I was so happy when I found Marco Polo School in Irvine. The teachers are attentive and keep kids busy. There are different daily activities with learning, cooking, dancing. My son attends Mandarin group. Unfortunately, we are moving to another state and will have to find another kindergarten. I want to thank all teachers and the staff for the work and care you provide every day!
Michelle L.
Sep 28, 2021
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I am so grateful to Marco Polo for creating a nurturing, warm, and safe environment for my daughters.
We started attending in June 2020. The COVID protocols are exceptional. The staff is 100% vaccinated and masks are required for staff, parents, and children over 2.
My girls learned so much Mandarin. Between my 2 daughters, we have had every Mandarin teacher. They are all incredibly dedicated and seem to love their work.
The school is receptive to parental concerns and it feels like the first priority is the well being of the children.
The classrooms are beautiful, bright and airy. Extra programs
We started attending in June 2020. The COVID protocols are exceptional. The staff is 100% vaccinated and masks are required for staff, parents, and children over 2.
My girls learned so much Mandarin. Between my 2 daughters, we have had every Mandarin teacher. They are all incredibly dedicated and seem to love their work.
The school is receptive to parental concerns and it feels like the first priority is the well being of the children.
The classrooms are beautiful, bright and airy. Extra programs
Stephanie M.
Sep 21, 2021
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After being here for a bit now I know we made the Right choice (although I never doubted).
miss Yuequan and miss Emily are my sons tk teachers in the mandarin room. Both of them are so kind and go out of their way to make amazing experiences for the kids. They work extra hard. I can barely keep my sanity with my own two and they make it look so easy. You can see how much they love the kids and how hard they work to provide the most incredible experiences. Miss Yuequan has daily lesson plans that enrich children's learning; each activity, song, book, craft etc is clearly thought out with
miss Yuequan and miss Emily are my sons tk teachers in the mandarin room. Both of them are so kind and go out of their way to make amazing experiences for the kids. They work extra hard. I can barely keep my sanity with my own two and they make it look so easy. You can see how much they love the kids and how hard they work to provide the most incredible experiences. Miss Yuequan has daily lesson plans that enrich children's learning; each activity, song, book, craft etc is clearly thought out with
Katherine W.
Sep 10, 2021
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We highly recommend Marco Polo to prospective families. Our daughter started attending the Chinese immersion five-day program over a year ago, at 20 months old, and we have seen how Ms. Peggy, Ms. Ami, and her other wonderful teachers have nurtured her development. The teachers bring genuine warmth to every interaction with the children and do a great job sending us daily updates. Thank you, Marco Polo!
Mari B.
Jun 30, 2021
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If I could give 10 stars I would. I am a physician and take COVID seriously. I had just about given up on preschool for my kiddo, until a fellow doctor mama told me about this school. It is AMAZING in every way. They are super clean, and kiddos wear masks as they are unvaccinated. Teachers are vaccinated and wear masks as a safety, which I agree with 100% especially with variants out there. No need to expose my kiddo and therefore my elderly family members. My kid has NEVER gotten so much as a runny nose here, which is UNHEARD of for a preschool, and a true testament to their care. I get multiple
Pante-A. N.
Jun 29, 2021
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My children have been attending Marco Polo children's school for over two years now. I am so happy I found this school. It has evolved immensely since it opened, and the ideology/philosophy of the school is perfect for my children. Every teacher my kids' had was attentive and kind. They are now in Ms. Vickie's class and I'm so grateful as she is so caring, patient, and skilled. They have learned mandarin and even prefer watching some cartoons in mandarin now. I was very nervous about my decision to place them in the immersion program, but now I'm so happy I did. They love
Tommy Y.
Jun 22, 2021
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Ever since switching our daughter to Marco Polo, we've noticed her enthusiasm about school! She's constantly sharing with us about the fun and interesting activities she's experienced throughout the day, along with new things she's learned. We are thrilled with our daughter's enthusiasm at Marco Polo, and only wish we discovered it earlier.
The teachers here are thoughtful and attentive. Best of all, we receive constant updates with photos, videos, and messages in a well organized app. The curriculum is clearly well thought out and shared with parents in advance. There
The teachers here are thoughtful and attentive. Best of all, we receive constant updates with photos, videos, and messages in a well organized app. The curriculum is clearly well thought out and shared with parents in advance. There
Viola Z.
Jun 11, 2021
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My daughter was enrolled at this school not too long after the school had opened. We were so happy with it! Her teacher is very kind, gentle, and artistic. My daughter loved spending time with her. She was at a mandarin immersion class. Now my son is at a mandarin immersion class of this school as well. I was a bit nervous when he first started as it was his first time attending a preschool, but he adjusted so well so quickly with the help of his teachers. Now he really enjoys going to school and playing with everyone. I would highly recommend this school to anyone!
Annie W.
Jun 10, 2021
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My family had an amazing experience at Marco Polo. Our toddler was enrolled in the Mandarin program with Ms. Ami and Ms. Michelle and they're both very kind and sweet. Love them! Throughout the enrollment process and to this day, Stacy has played a pivotal role. She is incredibly professional - responds to emails/phone calls promptly, addresses all matters/questions clearly, and handles day-to-day operations seamlessly. Most importantly, she is kind and respectful. All my interactions with her have been not only positive, but uplifting as well. As a parent, she is truly there for you and wants
Kan F.
Jun 02, 2021
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Myndee M.
May 27, 2021
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Marco Polo is the best school that I have seen/encounter (and I had visited and interviewed quite a few schools). All the teachers and staff members are incredible. The school is well maintained and wonderfully set up. Both my kids love going here everyday. They have learned so much and are very happy. We are very lucky to be a part of the school. Thank you so much Marco Polo!
Kai-Ling H.
Apr 13, 2021
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We absolutely love Marco Polo children's school. I toured almost every preschool in Irvine and even some in Lake Forest, Marco Polo is surely our best choice! My son started 2019/11 and absolutely loves to go to school every single day. The caring staff and teachers, bright and safe environment, beautifully designed campus, spacious classroom, Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum which based on children's interest and project-based learning are all that make the school stand out from other facilities. I am also obsessed with how they display children's art work and group projects in
Chayan A.
Dec 16, 2020
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My wife and I surveyed, interviewed and visited 4 pre-school care facilities in Orange County and Marco-polo was head and shoulders above the rest. Immaculate facilities, kind staff, great communication are all A+, but we really thrive on the hourly notes, videos and photographs we get of our son, it gives us peace of mind and joy watching and tracking his progress. Thankful for all you guys do and Stacy Germaine for excellent attention to detail during this crazy time of COVID.
Jenny T.
Dec 05, 2020
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This is an excellent school! Not only teachers are professional, but also they're passionate and caring for kids there. They are one of the few top preschools who managed with COVID-19 properly and seriously. My son loved to go to school every day and adored all his teachers. If I have another young kid, I'll choose Marco Polo again with no doubt.
Jennifer L.
Sep 23, 2020
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Ginie P.
Sep 03, 2020
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We were sad to depart what had become such a trusted environment to this family. We chose this school based on its Reggio Emilio philosophy and loved how the curriculum was based on the children's interests. Even though it's a newer school, they really did a great job when covid-19 hit and were forced to move things virtually. Marco Polo is a wonderful school with loving teachers.
We want to especially highlight Ms. Caitlin. She has consistently gone above and beyond. Especially during SIP. She made our daughter feel so special on her birthday by spending 30 minutes of individual virtual
We want to especially highlight Ms. Caitlin. She has consistently gone above and beyond. Especially during SIP. She made our daughter feel so special on her birthday by spending 30 minutes of individual virtual
Wei-Wen Chen
Aug 15, 2019
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Yuequan Zhang
Dec 31, 2018
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