Meet Jasmine Boller: Leading with Heart at Westcliff Early Learning Academy
At the heart of Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) in Irvine is a simple yet powerful philosophy: every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and inspired. Leading that vision is Director Jasmine Boller, who combines her academic foundation with more than a decade of hands-on experience in Montessori education and school leadership—holding key roles at LePort Schools and Guidepost Montessori. Her deep understanding of child development builds on WELA’s commitment to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning..
“I’ve always loved being a witness to the growth of children,” Jasmine shares. “To observe their curiosity, their tenacity, and each of their unique personalities. I want Westcliff Early Learning Academy to be a place where every child feels honored, heard, and challenged.”
With a degree in cognitive science from University of California, Irvine and years of hands-on experience in early education, Jasmine brings both expertise and heart to her role. She has spent years crafting learning environments that empower educators, support families, and put children’s growth at the center of everything. “Parents are essential partners,” she emphasizes. “It’s critical that we work together, so that if a child is learning something at school, families can continue supporting that growth at home.”
A School Designed Around Curiosity and Confidence
Westcliff Early Learning Academy is more than a preschool, it’s a nurturing community built to foster curiosity, independence, and holistic growth. The Academy offers a blended curriculum that draws from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based pedagogies, creating a unique learning environment where children can explore, discover, and develop at their own pace.
“Montessori helps foster independence, Reggio Emilia promotes creativity and collaboration, and nature-based learning balances the two,” Jasmine explains. “Together, these approaches create an environment where children feel confident to explore, engaged with materials, and connected with their peers and community.”
At Westcliff Early Learning Academy, play is more than fun, it’s a pathway to learning. Hands-on, child-led activities empower children to follow their natural interests, building critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Nature itself becomes a teacher, as outdoor exploration and immersive experiences help children develop environmental awareness, emotional resilience, and physical coordination.
A Dual-Language Learning Environment
Families at Westcliff Early Learning Academy also have the opportunity to immerse their children in a dual-language Vietnamese and English program. Designed to harness children’s natural ability to learn languages at a young age, the program uses play-based learning, cultural immersion, and the proven “child-directed speech” technique to make language acquisition engaging and effective.
Building a Community of Growth
Jasmine is equally focused on cultivating a thriving school community. “I’m really excited to be part of a new school community and help shape the culture,” she says. The Academy’s team of educators comes from diverse backgrounds, bringing decades of combined experience and a shared passion for nurturing young learners. Families are seen as partners, and open communication ensures that parents feel supported and inspired while their children flourish.
For Jasmine, some of the most rewarding moments in early childhood education are the small victories: the first time a child puts on their own shoes, completes a new task, or lights up with pride at their own achievement. “It’s those moments when a child’s face glows with joy,” she says. “Success isn’t just about academics, it’s about helping children feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around them.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jasmine envisions Westcliff Early Learning Academy as a place where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and where families feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Through a combination of high-quality Montessori programs, Reggio-inspired creativity, and nature-based learning, WELA aims to nurture confident, curious, and well-rounded young learners ready to take on the world.
“Every child deserves a safe space to express themselves freely, to explore, and to feel proud of their accomplishments,” Jasmine reflects. “That’s the community we’re building here, a place where children can thrive and families can feel truly connected to their child’s learning journey.”
