So amazing and in tune to kid's needs. She has saved so many children's perspectives of life…read more I continue to refer her!

My daughter loves everything Ms. Nikki does! She has been going to her weekly art classes this…read morewhole school year. Then Ms. Nikki did a jewelry making workshop at her birthday party and she couldn't have been happier. I'm so happy we were able to book Ms. Nikki for the party!

We have had the best experience with Do Art! Studio. This is the sister studio to Studio 4 Art in…read moreNovato. My daughter took a week of ceramics classes at the Novato site this summer and loved it so much that we decided to try out the school year semester classes at the San Rafael studio (much closer to us!). She loves it so much, she's signed up for another semester. Isabelle, her San Rafael teacher, is a great teacher and is very good with kids. After summer ceramics, I had checked out the Terra Linda Ceramics classes offered through the town. They're slightly cheaper, but do not look to be near as good as Do Art!/ Studio 4 Art courses. First, at Terra Linda, wheel-time seems limited. At Do Art!, students are able to use the wheel (I think there are 8!) any time and for as long as they want. I've also been told children's classes at Terra Linda are fairly regimented, whereas Do Art! really lets kids stretch their creativity and choose their own artistic direction. An additional advantage of taking art courses at Do Art! and Studio 4 Art is that they offer make-up classes. This is really important and makes these courses as economical as courses offered through the town. My daughter took the monthly make-up class this week and was the only student! She loved having the studio to herself and having Isabelle as an one-on-one teacher.

Elizabeth Flanagan's classes are fun, exciting and chill all at the same time! If you are a…read morebeginner or already know a few things or want to learn more or are already well upon the artists path, Elizabeth classes are for you! Everyone in these classes are welcoming, generous, fun loving people / artists Elizabeth provides an easy-going manner as she teaches she also provides tea for everyone and plays a wide range of fabulous music during class. It's fun! It's chill! Elizabeth and still is a sense of community while we paint and there can be quiet time or conversation, always laughter, learning and a sense of safety and well-being permeates this environment. I am so glad I took the leap and begin classes with Elizabeth. FYI The fall classes begin the week of September 17

Joined Elizabeth's watercolor classes a year ago as a beginner and have been hooked since. Not…read moreonly does she engage the novice student with the basics, but she keeps it interesting for more experienced painters with study of practices from contemporary artists around the world. She makes her classroom environment very comfortable with fun conversation, good music, and good exchange of thoughts about each other's current artwork.

Second location of a great little art studio for children's art classes. Located right downtown in…read moreCorte Madera (corner of Corte Madera Ave and Tamalpias). Lessons run weekdays usually and they have summer camps.

Unsolicited Proselytizing and Dishonesty…read more I had been taking my son of eight here on and off for a few months. It's not too far from my work, reasonably priced and the atmosphere is generally creative. My little one is crazy about remote control cars and enjoys the company of other children who share his interest for legos and building things out of wood all of which 'The Planet' provides. I would say that for the most part staff is very attentive and I agree with their general philosophy which teaches kids values by respecting their independence as individuals. What I don't agree with however is day care providers pushing their brand of Christianity on my kid. My partner and I teach our kid to respect all religions and beliefs but we also expect a daycare environment to be upfront about their religious philosophy, especially if they plan on sharing that ideology with the children in their care. As a gay parent I am very conscious of finding an open minded environment for my child. My son's passion lies in building things, especially out of wood. Tom, is the wood-shop instructor, and my experience with him has not been pleasant. It became obvious that he was the one taking my son aside and indoctrinating him. When I confronted him and requested that he not proselytize to my son he lied and denied any wrong doing at first and then as I presented the facts, and quoted what my child had been saying, he became defensive, almost lost his temper, and said something along the lines of "Kids have the free will to believe what they want!" before dismissing me rudely. Needless to say my child is never going back. Now at this point I should say that no where in the daycare's philosophy statement (which you can read on-line) does it say anything about the organization being religious let alone holding conservative Christian beliefs. Also the staff at the Planet are all related (Dave Kersting, the brother of Tom, is the owner/head) so there is not much recourse in terms of redressing a problem employee.

I read the first review of The Planet with great dismay. I would like to contribute our experience,…read morewhich has been 100% positive. My 2 sons both went to The Planet to do wood-working for years before moving on to sports as they got older (other activities are also available, but they both loved to use the tools and make things). The vibe is relaxed and the kids are encouraged to follow their interests. They can play, inside or out, or work in the woodshop or beading room. My younger son went here once a week for 2 full school years, and Tom was the first grown-up outside our family he felt comfortable with and spoke with--he was otherwise very, very shy and quiet. One time when I arrived to pick him up, I heard him chatting away. I couldn't believe my ears. Needless to say, this was a safe, comfortable environment for my son and has a place in my heart. I do not know whether the brothers who started the Planet are Christians (I would have said they were not religious, whatever religion they are) and after reading Jon's review, I asked my kids whether they talked about God/Jesus etc. while at the Planet. Neither had any idea what I was talking about. So, I can say that over at least 4 years, there was no mention of religion to my children while there. So our experience was very different than Jon's. I recommend The Planet as a wonderful alternative to structured after-school activities.

I took Lara's resin charm class on Sunday, July 29th at Book Passage Corte Madera and I LOVED it!…read moreShe is super nice, explains very well and shows you step by step examples. It is easy and fun! I will definitely take more classes with her! I highly recommend her!

I LOVE Charm School with Lara Starr! It's a great way to unleash your creativity and sense of…read morestyle, as you produce personalized, one-of-a-kind, keepsake pendants. Lara's warm personality and quick wit will make anyone feel comfortable very quickly. This is a perfect activity to do as a private party with friends or make new friends attending her open classes. I've done it twice and plan to do it many more times.

My 23 month old daughter and I LOVE Willow Grove and Ashley. We have gone every week to the mommy…read moreand me class and have been blown away by the Montessori experience and their beautiful space in the heart of San Anselmo. We love all of Ashley's amazing Montessori toys, sensory bins, and circle time. As my daughter grows, we cant wait to come for tutoring and the music and art class this Fall. This is SUCH a GEM of an experience. It is super exciting to see your child thrive in a new social and educational environment. Not to mention, we have met great new friends!!

Our two preschoolers attended summer camp at Willow Grove and are now enjoying a weekly small group…read moresession. Ashley, the owner / director, is warm, inviting and knowledgeable about the Montessori method. She's thoughtfully prepared the space and offering to accommodate each family/child's needs. For us, as a homeschooling family, the flexibility the Willow Grove model offers is awesome. Our kids can experience a small Montessori classroom environment without a full-time commitment like other programs. This lets us have plenty of time at home, for travel and for other classes in the community. Also, it's worth noting that the setting is beautiful - high ceilings, clean, bright, quality Montessori materials. There is also a nice space upstairs where parents can work or lounge if they choose to stay. Only downside is parking. In the morning it's not an issue, afternoon can be a bit hit or miss. We're very happy to have Willow Grove in the neighborhood! Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a flexible schedule and/or supplemental learning.

I have been sending my daughters to the after school programming for years. Really impressive…read moreoperation. The food Jenny and Hope come back with is DELICIOUS and healthy. The girls have been inspired to help me out in the kitchen too. The owner is very responsive and has been flexible in making accommodations. Thanks, Lizzie and team!

This was my first experience; my daughter did a group holiday baking class. It was a little…read morechaotic. The business is run through the owner's home kitchen. There are 3 ovens which helped and a big island for prep space, but I didn't see anything going on that I couldn't have taught my daughter at home. The effort and intent was definitely there but the price for 1 person ($105) was way too high for something like this IMHO.