Home

Voyages’ Mar Vista schoolhouse is a Reggio- and RIE-inspired, social constructivist preschool where children, educators, and families learn alongside one another. Rooted in curiosity and connection, we nurture a love of learning while strengthening relationships—within families and across our community.

Learn more!

Voyages offers thoughtfully designed programs shaped through collaboration with Japanese and Reggio Emilia consultants, University of California, Los Angeles instructors, and years of family engagement since 2015.

Meet the Team

Voyages Preschool is a place where young children (ages 2–5) build strong relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Since opening in 2015, our work has centered on creating meaningful, inquiry-rich experiences that honor each child’s ideas, culture, and ways of making sense of the world.

A defining part of our program is daily outdoor learning in our expansive yard, where mature trees offer shade and inspiration, and our chickens invite care, observation, and connection to the natural world. This environment encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility as children explore, ask questions, and engage with living systems firsthand.

Grounded in current understandings of early development, we design experiences that invite multiple perspectives and deep engagement. We see learning as a shared journey—one that grows through connection, reflection, and exploration among children, educators, and families alike.

Paola Cervantes

Co-Founder
Executive Director
Educator
Kristin Sherman

Co-Founder
Pedagogista
Bookkeeper

Nakayla Clark

Educator
Nuola Akinde

Educator
Jolene Smith

Educator

Testimonials

“Parents get as much out of the school as the kids do. The backyard chicken coup and play area is incredible. Its REAL DIRT. Not a fake plastic PFOA-laden lawn. I love that there are sprouts and fruit trees everywhere. You foster a community where the parents have space to build community together on your property before, during, and after school. Thank you. It is so appreciated.”

Steadfast Partner

Angela Arnold

“Voyages community has been our steadfast partner in these early years of parenting. Because of her Voyages experience, our 5-year-old daughter is starting Kindergarten next year with all the skills we hoped for her. She is confident, curious, and able to solve problems with her peers. Best of all, at Voyages she is a known individual, not just another 5-year-old. Her natural strengths have been cultivated and her particular challenges addressed with care.“
Everything We Hoped For

Kate Balabat

“Voyages is everything we hoped it would be and more. It has a loving, supportive and enriching environment in which our son has thrived. The teaching staff is incredible and has been instrumental in our son’s growth and happiness. Voyages is truly a special place.”
Feel Safe, Curious and Excited

Gerard Cantor

“As our daughter Deià embarked on her journey to learn, Paola and the rest of the team at Voyages have provided a keen understanding, allowing Deià to realize her full potential all while making her feel safe, curious and excited.”
Allowed Those Ideas Room to Blossom

Angeline Shiley

“What a special introduction to Voyages and to the Reggio and RIE philosophies! Ida and I are so looking forward to our next atelier class. I’m thinking about the idea of “making space.” Sitting in the infant room, I felt held in a space that allowed me to revisit and reframe my ideas I have in regards to mothering/parenting. I’ve read Janet Lansbury’s (RIE) blog and have listened to friends talk about Reggio — and I agree full heartedly with what is relayed. I know it to be true (for me and for my daughter at least). Being in the space allowed those ideas room to blossom into action (or non-action). Our whole week was effected. It has been such a gift.”
Comfort to new parents

Eugene Fuller

“Paola, what you’ve built in Voyages is truly special. It was warm and inviting and special enough to comfort two very skeptical new parents who don’t trust anyone, especially the systems in this country and you opened up your home and your heart and that energy ripples otu to the types of teachers and families that you bring into this place. We are so blessed and so fortunate to have found you and will love you forever for who you are and what you do.”