Elizabeth Gibot knew something was wrong.

Her son James, normally a quiet, well behaved toddler, began to cry more and seemed anxious in her absence.

At the time, Gibot had just left her partner, who she said was physically and verbally abusive.

She tried to shield James from confrontation, but living in a small house sometimes made it unavoidable.

Maybe we can use.

After researching online, Gibot found Mi Esquelita a San Diego preschool, offering students not only kindergarten readiness, but 101 and group therapy accessible to all students during school hours.

Just that alone was a huge weight off my shoulders.

Knowing that he's going to be here and with professionals that are going to help him.

Founded in 2006, Mi Esquelita is considered a leader among therapeutic preschools.

Students attend for free, with classes offered year round.

In return, families agree to work with school officials on mental health issues.

It's our children.

The children is what is the special piece about Mi Esquelita.

As staff we work really hard, right?

But it's our kids and their resilience.

A recent report show that 28 parents of Mi Esquelita students enrolled last year were involved in multiple domestic violence relationships.

17 of them had to move or were homeless because of domestic violence.

The program has shown student gains.

A recent UC San Diego report found 82% of Mi Esq.. scored above average on the kindergarten readiness test.

Every Mi Esquelita student participates in individual therapy sessions with clinicians.

Therapists also lead small group sessions, where th.. students learn about feelings and how to regulate them.

Gibot saw her son's behavior improve within six months and watch with pride as James graduated from Mi Esquelita in May.

It was just a really.. I'm like, wow, but he just did it all by hi.. And, just seeing that independence grow, and just beautiful.

For CalMatters, I'm Adrianna Heldiz.