About
Newport Ave Preschool.
A family-owned Montessori-inspired preschool and infant care center rooted in Tustin for over 20 years.
Over 20 Years of Nurturing Little Minds.
Newport Ave Preschool & Kindergarten was founded in 2004 with a simple belief: every child deserves a safe, loving, and stimulating environment in which to grow. What started as a small family-run center in Tustin has grown into one of Orange County's most trusted early childhood education programs.
Drawing on Montessori principles, we build curriculum around each child's natural curiosity — encouraging independence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning from the very first day.
Today we serve children from 18 months through 6 years of age, with programs spanning toddler, Junior Pre-K, Pre-K, Transitional Kindergarten, and our Private Kindergarten Program.
Child-Led. Teacher-Guided. Family-Centered.
We believe the best learning happens when children feel safe, respected, and free to explore. Our Montessori-inspired approach puts children at the center — letting their interests guide discovery while our trained teachers provide just the right amount of structure and support.
Families are our partners. We keep parents informed with daily updates, open-door communication, and regular opportunities to engage with their child's learning journey.
Our Core Values.
Safety First
Every decision we make starts with your child's safety. From our closed-circuit cameras to our 4:1 infant ratio and foam-padded play yards, we engineer security into everything.
Curiosity-Driven Learning
Children learn best through exploration. Our Montessori-inspired curriculum follows each child's natural curiosity with hands-on materials, outdoor spaces, and themed projects.
Community & Family
We're not just a school — we're a community. For over 20 years, Tustin and Irvine families have trusted us as true partners in raising confident, compassionate children.
Manil Gunasekara
Director of Curriculum — Newport Ave Preschool & Kindergarten. Ms. Manil leads daily operations and curriculum at our Tustin campus, bringing years of early childhood education expertise to every program. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality Montessori-inspired care for every child.
State Licensed Childcare Center
Newport Ave Preschool & Kindergarten is a fully licensed California childcare center operating under License: pending update, issued by the California Department of Social Services. We are an equal opportunity provider and employer committed to serving all families in our community.
Dedicated Teachers. Passionate Caregivers.
Every member of our team is carefully screened, trained in early childhood education, and genuinely passionate about helping children thrive. Our low staff-to-child ratios mean every child gets the attention they deserve.
A Look Inside Newport Ave Preschool
Come See Us in Person.
We'd love to show you around. Schedule a tour and meet our team — we're located at 13682 Newport Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780.