Who We Are
Elizabeth Fraley is a leading authority in early childhood education and top independent school admissions consulting, specializing in preparing families for Los Angeles' most competitive private and magnet school environments.
With over a decade of specialized experience and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Boise State University, Fraley has built her practice on deep knowledge of the educational philosophies, admissions criteria, and cultural nuances that define top-tier independent schools across the Westside and greater Los Angeles.
After serving as director of an early elementary program, Fraley founded Kinder Ready, Inc., recognizing a critical gap in how families approached school readiness for increasingly selective admissions processes. Her work extends far beyond academic preparation—she guides families in understanding the distinct cultures and pedagogical approaches of institutions ranging from progressive, child-centered environments to structured, academically rigorous programs. This comprehensive knowledge allows her to match families with school communities where their children will genuinely thrive, not just gain admission.
Fraley's proprietary methodology, developed in 2016, addresses what standardized assessments and traditional tutoring often miss: executive function development, emotional regulation, adaptive learning strategies, and the social competencies that independent school admissions committees prioritize. She specializes in preparing students for the rigorous evaluation processes at elite Westside institutions while maintaining her commitment to developmentally appropriate, individualized instruction that preserves childhood curiosity and joy in learning.
Her expertise encompasses the full spectrum of early learning needs: assessment and diagnostic evaluation, individualized curriculum development, English Language Learning strategies, progress monitoring systems (preschool through 6th grade), and specialized social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. Fraley is uniquely positioned to address the intersection of learning differences, gifted identification, and competitive admissions—helping families navigate complex decisions about placement, redshirting, and educational fit during the critical early years.
In an educational landscape transformed by pandemic-era learning loss and heightened admissions competition, Fraley serves as both educator and advocate, demystifying the independent school admissions process while ensuring students arrive prepared not just academically, but emotionally and socially ready to engage fully in their new communities. She works extensively with families pursuing placement at premier Westside independent schools, understanding that successful admission requires not only meeting benchmarks but demonstrating genuine readiness for each institution's specific approach to learning.
Recognized nationally as an innovator in early childhood education, Fraley has been featured in TIME Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Local, and SFGate, and serves as an education contributor for HuffPost. She has appeared on Hallmark Channel's Home and Family alongside CNN journalist Lisa Ling and was honored with the Los Angeles County Educator of the Year Award for her transformative community impact.
Fraley's teaching philosophy rejects one-size-fits-all models in favor of highly individualized instruction informed by a well-rounded understanding of the variety of educational philosophies that exist within independent schools. Her mission: equipping families with the confidence to advocate for their children while preparing young learners with the academic foundation, emotional resilience, and intellectual curiosity required to flourish in any educational environment—particularly the demanding, enriching world of Los Angeles' top-tier independent schools.
Elizabeth Fraley, CEO/Founder
Boise State University, M.Ed., Elementary Ed.
Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
Bowling Green State University, BS, Early Childhood Education
Teaching Certification Pre K-8 Trained
Professional Affiliations
Member of Alliance for Moms
Safe Kids Worldwide Host Committee Member 2017
Silicon Beach Parents Group
F.A.Q.
Can you explain what skills are taught in a typical learning session?
Each child has their own individualized curriculum to best meet their learning needs. Initially, an assessment (formal/informal) is given to identify areas of strength and areas to further develop. From there, learning goals are developed across the curricular areas. Children work on fine motor skills, guided reading, shared reading, early phonics, vocabulary development, writing, and foundational math skills. Parents receive an observation report following the session to track learning goals and progress.
Is there a standard curriculum or does it depend on the child?
It really depends on where the preschool or elementary school the child is coming from, what goals the child’s preschool or elementary school has identified that child to work on, and my professional analysis of the child’s development and academic skills. Some preschools and elementary schools are very developmental/progressive while others are academic so it is imperative to know where to meet the child. At the end of the day, they’ll all be ready for what’s to come in kindergarten and ahead, but the question is when and how that child will get there.
What skills in particular do you find most parents are eager to focus on?
Usually handwriting, conversation skills, overall confidence in all aspects of learning and communication with others. But sometimes we get rare requests like learning foreign languages, technology and coding, and working on interest driven long term projects.
What prompted you to start your company?
Being a former kindergarten teacher, I saw the need for a transitional program for preschoolers going into kindergarten, so they may have the skills, confidence, and skill sets to thrive and build a strong foundation early on. As a former educator and director, I have seen what is required as children transition into kindergarten and beyond. Every child’s educational path is different but it is good to plan for what is coming and be prepared for new beginnings. While studying in graduate school I learned more about various educational philosophies, best practices, and curriculum design. My passion was to put what I had learned to use, making a positive impact on children and families.
What is the age range of the children you teach?
Typically, Kinder Ready™ classes start at 3 years old or when parents feel comfortable or when the child shows signs of interest in learning. Our clients transition out at age 12 right before middle school typically.
Can you give an overview of what Kinder Ready™ offers?
Kinder Ready™ offers an individualized curriculum for students that focuses on interest-based learning and themes with assessment and one on one classes. We have an extensive educational library of unique educational tools and resources. Kinder Ready™ does private events, birthday parties, and fundraisers for schools.
Why is there such a demand for your program?
Parents are busy now more than ever working and raising their families. Today we are seeing more and more dual working households which limits the opportunities to interact and engage with children throughout the day. One on one learning is one of the most productive ways to learn. I find a way to connect with the children and build rapport with them to create a unique educational environment. Kinder Ready™ works long term with children and families to ensure continuity and consistency for the child. Covid school closures took away time from learning, which caused even more of a need for education programs like Kinder Ready™. Many families are looking for an individualized experience when it comes to their child's education. Kinder Ready™ provides in depth planning, implementation, and reporting of progress. Kinder Ready™ has clients not just locally in Los Angeles but internationally as well
KinderReady, Inc. honored with an award from the County of Los Angeles for our commitment to the better of the community.