The History of Methodist Preschool in Pacific Palisades

In 1945, Myra Wilbur, a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, contacted Margaret Sampson in the hopes of starting a preschool at the church. Dr. Clarence Wagner, the church minister at the time, built a small fence around the unprotected area of the tennis court, which was to be used as the play area.

There was no money to start the school, so church member Erma Pixley loaned $60 to “get things rolling.” That same year, the school opened its doors to ten children and two teachers.

Now, more than 60 years later, it is with continued enthusiasm and excitement that we open our doors to a new school year, welcoming 82 families and 20 staff members to our preschool community.