We’re almost one-fifth of the way through the ABCs of the Santa Clarita Valley with “A for Animals,” featuring details on various places in the SCV to see animals, “B for Bicycle Trails,” “C for Central Park” and “D for Drums.” This week: E is for Education.

I know many families live in the Santa Clarita Valley because of the schools, but I wanted to extend this look at education beyond simply praising the quality schools that exist for children in the SCV – which is certainly the case, given the number of California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon schools (such as McGrath Elementary School, about which I am making a documentary) right here in the SCV.

While it is impressive and something I know many parents appreciate, another thing I have noticed is the variety of educational opportunities available in the Santa Clarita Valley, ranging from early childhood education to charter schooling and home-school groups to innovative high school learning opportunities, community college and continuing education. Santa Clarita has a lot of options.

Regarding early childhood education, there are countless daycare and preschool options available to parents. Even in the tiny community of Val Verde where I live, there is a Tot School offered by the Community Center ( free for residents) and a preschool.

Many parents in Santa Clarita praise the Center for Early Childhood Education at  College of the Canyons and appreciate the numerous classes available to Pre-K kids and the Mommy and Me classes that are always listed in the city of Santa Clarita’s “Seasons” recreation bulletin.

Additionally, as someone who used to run an after-school program in Santa Clarita and whose company offers digital arts education workshops for elementary-aged children at many schools, I am also aware of how strong the elementary schools are – not only academically, but also in regard to the enrichment and other programs they offer youth.

Plus, the Santa Clarita Valley International School (a project-based learning charter school with an emphasis on global thinking and technology), as well as the Huckleberry Center for Creative Learning (a home school collective focused on fostering a love of learning with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and creativity) and the Academy of the Canyons Middle College High School (one of the best high schools in America, according to U.S. News and World Report in 2010) speak to the diversity of educational options available for families, in addition to the many quality private schools located in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Through COC, Golden Oak Adult School and programs listed in the Seasons bulletin, there are also many opportunities for adults to engage in continued education – both for professional and personal reasons, be it to improve job skills or learn more about a favorite hobby.

Finally, COC, California Institute of the Arts and The Master’s College offer valuable learning opportunities for individuals seeking higher degrees. Whether associates degrees, bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees, there are many opportunities available right here in the Santa Clarita Valley

Another great advantage of these colleges for all Santa Clarita residents is the opportunities they provide for us to enjoy the performances and arts exhibits they attract. CalArts is one of the top animation schools in the world, with many top animators as graduates, so the school often features state-of-the-art exhibits as well as impressive live performances that anyone in the community can enjoy. The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons continually attracts impressive performers, while also featuring great talent from community organizations.

I hope you are enjoying this series. Please stop in at The Good Long Road Facebook page and share your favorite SCV outings, adventures or explorations. They just might make it into an article. (Next week – Family Dinners in the SCV, so share your favorite restaurants with me.)

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.