New Academy Meets Growing Demand for Early Childhood Education in Southern California
Westcliff University today announced that the Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) has officially received its license and appointed Jasmine Boller as its new director. The school is now preparing to welcome its first students into the classroom. WELA joins Westcliff Preparatory Academy and Western State College of Law as part of Westcliff University’s growing ecosystem of learning—advancing its mission to provide education from early childhood through advanced degrees.
WELA serves children ages 18 months to six years, providing a high-quality, trusted early education and care solution for both Orange County families and the Westcliff University community—including faculty, staff and students. This initiative responds to the growing demand for accessible, excellence-driven childcare and preschool education across Southern California.
“Delivering exceptional early childhood education is an important step forward in Westcliff’s mission to prepare future generations for success,” said Dr. Anthony Lee, President and CEO of Westcliff University. “We believe in every child’s innate curiosity and capacity to learn. Our goal is to provide an environment that nurtures that natural sense of wonder and transforms it into a lifelong love of learning.”
WELA’s curriculum blends Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-based approaches, providing a holistic, personalized and developmentally appropriate education. The program emphasizes health and wellness through nutritious eating habits, organic materials and active movement, while also fostering diversity and inclusion with dual-language programs beginning with Vietnamese and expanding to French, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin in the future.
As WELA begins its first school year, Westcliff is pleased to welcome Jasmine Boller as director. Boller discovered her passion for early childhood education at the University of California, Irvine through its Jumpstart Program, where she worked with bilingual preschoolers. Over the past decade, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including assistant head of school at Guidepost Montessori and regional operations lead supporting more than 100 Montessori schools worldwide. She brings deep expertise in Montessori education and a passion for creating supportive, nurturing environments for children, families and staff.
“I’ve always loved witnessing the growth of children—including their curiosity, tenacity and the way each of their personalities shines,” said Boller. “My vision for Westcliff Early Learning Academy is for every child to feel seen, heard and challenged in meaningful ways. We’ve built a team of passionate educators from diverse backgrounds who bring decades of combined experience; and together, we’re creating a space where children can grow academically, socially and emotionally. Most of all, I want WELA to be a place where families feel confident knowing their children are growing holistically—in a community that truly honors who they are.”
Westcliff selected central Irvine for WELA’s location because of its proximity to residential areas, the city’s business district and the Westcliff campus—making it a convenient and accessible choice for working parents and the university community. Operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2941 Alton Parkway in Irvine, WELA offers half-day and full-day options with additional before- and after-care for families.
Families interested in enrolling can learn more at www.westcliffearlylearning.com.
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
