{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"97th Street Early Education Center","outOfStateSupporters":57.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9958866,"letterContent":"We extend our sincere gratitude for the generous donation of the Melissa and Doug interactive wooden piano, which has significantly enhanced our outdoor preschool music center by fostering a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and enthusiasm. The young students eagerly engage in composing melodies to the best of their abilities and singing nursery rhymes, thereby unlocking their musical potential. For our older preschoolers, the ability to follow the color-coded songbook and play with precision, one index finger at a time while identifying letter keys, is particularly rewarding. As they concentrate on specific songs, their focus and enjoyment are palpable, contributing to a lively outdoor classroom environment. \r\n\r\nThis piano has become an invaluable asset to our expanding music program, and we appreciate your support in cultivating young musical talent. Thank you again for choosing our project from among all the other amazing projects on DonorsChoose. You are the best.","fullyFundedDate":1766099250372,"projectUrl":"project/piano-for-preschoolers/9958866/","projectTitle":"Piano for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":10039112,"letterContent":"We are forever grateful for your extraordinary gift of the puppet theater to our classroom, a donation that has profoundly transformed our outdoor learning space into a vibrant hub of imagination and growth. This treasure has unlocked a world of storytelling for our students, cultivating essential skills like linguistic mastery, confidence, and innovative expression. Thanks to your generosity, our children are blossoming with remarkable socio-emotional intelligence and collaboration, showcasing significant leaps in development that I've had the privilege to witness firsthand. Your support has been a catalyst for excellence, and we deeply appreciate your continued investment in our classroom endeavors, valuing the thoughtful insight you bring to our educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1769268858869,"projectUrl":"project/where-imagination-takes-center-stage/10039112/","projectTitle":"Where Imagination Takes Center Stage!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9958900,"letterContent":"We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your substantial contribution to our trike center, which has been enhanced by the inclusion of an additional pedal car, thereby fostering financial literacy and hands-on experience among children. Your support has been instrumental in reaching this milestone, and we look forward to potential future collaborations.\r\n \r\nThe children have developed a strong fondness for our trike area and are already exploring ideas to integrate other motor vehicles; it would not be unexpected to see a pedal motorcycle project emerge in the future. Once again, thank you for your generous donation to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1767030174954,"projectUrl":"project/cruising-into-the-new-year-preschool-edi/9958900/","projectTitle":"Cruising Into the New Year Preschool Edition.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6835726,"projectId":7738516,"letterContent":"Our classroom does more than just academics! We also help our students with various life skills including potty-training! Thank you for your generous donations. They have truly helped with our potty-training routine in the classroom. Students are learning to go to the restroom on their own without any support. All of this thanks to your donations. Your donations helped our classroom by providing us with the necessary tools to continue helping our students potty-train and become more independent! Your donations allowed us to give our students the timers needed to support them when they need to use the restroom and the visuals to help support of why using the restroom is important. This is such an important life skill for our students, and your donations helped make it happen! We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1706848441648,"projectUrl":"project/its-time-to-potty-train/7738516/","projectTitle":"It's Time to Potty-Train!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6835726_orig.jpg?crop=3360,3360,x880,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596232105605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmoralesclass"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9899735,"letterContent":"We're profoundly grateful for your support of our 'Little Builders, Big Ideas!' initiative, which has ignited a spark in our students' minds, empowering them to build a strong foundation in mathematics and spatial reasoning with the Giant Polydron building manipulatives. These exceptional tools have enabled our students to create and explore 2D and 3D shapes, unlocking a world of knowledge and creativity. Moreover, the Jelly Blox kit have elevated their learning experience by incorporating a tactile and sensory play dimension, providing an engaging and joyful construction journey. Our students revel in the daily opportunity to work with these innovative tools, and I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and development that has taken place, leaving an indelible mark on their young minds. Thank you so much for your wonderful gift to our classroom . We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1764600601207,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-ideas/9899735/","projectTitle":"Little Builders, Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":9296721,"projectId":9693741,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with excitement and curiosity as we explore our new butterfly habitat and insect life-cycle models. My students have been using the materials daily during our science block, carefully observing the stages of metamorphosis and documenting what they see in their science journals. One of my favorite moments so far was when a group of students crowded around the butterfly enclosure completely silent watching a chrysalis begin to tremble, amazed that they were witnessing transformation in real time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions ranged from joyful squeals to thoughtful questions: \"Will we really get to take care of them?\" \"How long until they hatch?\" Many had never seen a caterpillar up close before, and the hands-on experience immediately made them more engaged and connected to our life-science standards. These resources turned what could have been an abstract lesson into something living, tangible, and unforgettable.\r\n\r\nAs we continue this unit, students are now preparing to create their own illustrated life-cycle books and observation charts. The next steps include releasing our butterflies into the school garden and discussing how insects contribute to ecosystems. Because of you, my students aren't just learning science they're experiencing it. Thank you for giving them this opportunity to wonder, explore, and care for living things.","fullyFundedDate":1758202738038,"projectUrl":"project/watch-us-build-grow-and-explore-scienc/9693741/","projectTitle":"Watch Us Build, Grow, and Explore Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alexis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9296721_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726026277800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9296721"},{"teacherId":9296721,"projectId":9672854,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Little Hands, Big Skills: Financial Literacy Starts Here. When the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited—big smiles, lots of \"What's that?\" and eager hands ready to explore. Seeing their faces light up reminded me how powerful hands-on materials are for young learners, especially when they connect to real-life experiences they see at home and in their community.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the resources during small group instruction and in our learning centers. Students are counting play money, sorting coins, creating simple \"stores\" in dramatic play, and practicing turn-taking and decision-making. One moment that stood out was when a student shared, \"I'm saving my money like my mom,\" which led to a meaningful conversation about saving versus spending. These moments show how naturally children engage with financial concepts when learning feels playful and relevant.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include introducing simple budgeting activities, expanding our dramatic play center, and reading more financial literacy books to deepen understanding of wants, needs, and making choices. Because of your generosity, my students are building foundational life skills in a fun, developmentally appropriate way. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping make this learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757261189965,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-skills-financial-lite/9672854/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Skills: Financial Literacy Starts Here","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alexis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9296721_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726026277800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9296721"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9885301,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your remarkable support, which has transformed our vision into a vibrant reality and infused the holiday season with unbridled enthusiasm through our unique beanies. Your contribution has sparked an uncontainable excitement in our students as they unwrapped their packages. Eager to showcase their cool new beanies , they couldn't wait to wear their beanies that very day. As we prepare for the big day, we eagerly anticipate utilizing our distinctive beanies for our practices and day of performance.\r\n\r\nYour invaluable support has provided our students with an enduring reminder of their achievement, serving as a powerful testament to their limitless potential and inspiring them to strive for excellence. Thank you again for empowering us to create this unforgettable experience.","fullyFundedDate":1762996288522,"projectUrl":"project/festive-beanies-for-preschoolers/9885301/","projectTitle":"Festive Beanies for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9791176,"letterContent":"We are profoundly grateful for your extraordinary gift, which arrived today, illuminating our children's faces with radiant joy as they discovered the outdoor chime center's delivery. They eagerly inquired when Richards can assemble their outdoor chimes, just as he masterfully did for our outdoor drum center. One child generously volunteered to assist Mr. Richards, so that the chimes could be assembled faster.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has elevated our outdoor learning environment to new heights. Your unwavering trust in our project serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative difference we can co-create together, inspiring a brighter future for all.","fullyFundedDate":1761954848029,"projectUrl":"project/musical-chime-for-preschool/9791176/","projectTitle":"Musical Chime for Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9764663,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your transformative gift, which has brought our outdoor nature-inspired drumming center to life. Our children's faces lit up as they watched Mr. Richards assemble the drums, and they eagerly explored the optimal placement outside. The excitement is building for our forthcoming chimes center, and we're optimistic that with the support of donors like yourself, we'll secure the necessary funding to make it a reality.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has significantly enhanced our outdoor learning environment, empowering our young musicians to create, innovate, and express themselves through music. Thank you for inspiring a new generation of musicians and change-makers.","fullyFundedDate":1759621424437,"projectUrl":"project/little-drummers/9764663/","projectTitle":"Little Drummers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9759268,"letterContent":"We're deeply grateful for your generous gift of instruments to our students, which ignited a spark of creativity and passion in their hearts. Your timely donation empowered our young musicians to shine during our Hispanic Heritage Month performance, where they delivered an outstanding Congo Line Dance with their new shakers. The instruments had a profound impact on the event, and our students were thrilled to share with their parents that these exceptional shakers were made possible by your investment in their education. \r\n\r\nYour gift has become a beloved favorite among our students, who eagerly gravitate towards it during free choice time. Your support is a testament to the transformative power of community and the potential for positive change. Thank you for inspiring our students and fostering a lifelong love of music that will continue to uplift and empower them.","fullyFundedDate":1758905951325,"projectUrl":"project/little-musicians/9759268/","projectTitle":"Little Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"},{"teacherId":6801328,"projectId":9715438,"letterContent":"We appreciate your thoughtful delivery of the sorting trays, nested bowls, and tiny silicone scoops. After waking up from their naps, our children excitedly await the delivery of packages meant for our classroom. These days, kids are always interested in what's inside these boxes, and snacks are sometimes overlooked in the midst of all the excitement.\r\n\r\nThere was a lot of debate about who would utilize these tools first after all the boxes were opened. Others wanted to know if they could also experiment with magic potions. While some children wanted to make colored pasta noodles for sorting, others proposed that we make a slime. All things considered, our children were really interested in wanting to utilize the tools immediately. We appreciate your investment in our kids and your assistance in igniting their interest in STEM.","fullyFundedDate":1758770238733,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sensory-tools-for-preschool/9715438/","projectTitle":"Stem Sensory Tools for Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6801328_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568268791087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rheaw"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24794","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":96,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":42.3,"schoolId":24794,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about 97th Street Early Education Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"97th Street Early Education Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/97th-street-early-education-center/24794"}
Join the 357 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
97th Street Early Education Center is
a public school
in Los Angeles, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 96 students
in grades Pre-K - Pre-K.
Its teachers have had 77 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support 97th Street Early Education Center
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
77%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
97th Street Early Education Center Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 6, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
97th Street Early Education Center
$32,039
raised using DonorsChoose
77
projects
funded
7
teachers
funded
357
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
15
projects for
technology
1
project for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
97th Street Early Education Center has received support from
151 individuals from California and
206 individuals out-of-state.