My son attended the Kids Connection Summer Camp Coyote Cubs with Mrs. Floro. We originally signed…read moreup for just one week, but he loved it so much that we enrolled for a second week. If we hadn't had a vacation planned, we would've absolutely continued! Each day after camp, he would run up to me excited to share all the fun he had, something I haven't seen at his current school, so it made me so happy to see him so engaged. I really appreciated the blend of academics and fun, he thrived in that environment. Every staff member we met was kind and welcoming. The front desk team and the morning check-in ladies were always friendly, which made the experience even better. Thank you for putting together such a thoughtful and enriching program!

I'm a parent who is considering the school for my daughter. However, another parent told me that…read morethey have horrible reviews on yelp so I came here to read them.. I read all the one star reviews and have came to the conclusion that their criticism was unreasonable. Whether it was about promises made or protocol issues never once was review about how horrible the teachers were or how horrible my child felt at school.. I just wanted the owners of this establishment to know that those one star reviews are unreasonable and I will be following up with possible enrollment.. thank you to kids connection and their wonderful staff.

I used to go their and it was a good school. The teachers are nice and they just added turfread more

Excellent school. Great teachers. PTA provides a lot for the school. They do direct donations…read moreinstead of traditional fundraising which is nice - I hate constantly selling things. School is growing in size, but that's demographics.

An amazing year at Foster City Elementary School. I my age) just left this school (5th grade) and…read moreit was an amazing year! Nice students, nice staff, And Ms Goll is super nice! I'm going to miss this school. Have a great year class of 2022.

Great school! Great teachers! But more important then both of those is the Great Families that live…read morein the community!

As a student who has gone to Bright Horizon Chinese School (BHCS) and is now a student at…read moreuniversity, BHCS was a cornerstone of my childhood and a foundational space for my friendships growing up in the Bay Area. Even outside of the after-school care provided by the school, where school buses would pick us up outside of our elementary schools, provide yummy snacks, teach us how to read, write, and speak Mandarin Chinese in class, and (though I was stubborn as a child), provide practice math and English language homework for students to get ahead. Annually, BHCS created iconic student showcases hosted at a local stage, known as "看我说中文"， where students like me would memorize important information about Chinese traditions, language, and community. Looking back, it was so funny to re-watch and see what I looked like at age 12. Although stern at times, its teachers deeply cared about our well-being, stayed communicative through me and my parents, and helped me progress in academia. BHCS has been such a foundational part of my experience in making and maintaining friendships, learning, and speaking Chinese (I can speak/read fluently, and my writing is still relatively fluent). Even after elementary school where BHCS would provide traditional children's after-school care, I still took weekend Chinese classes that would end up helping me get ahead in future AP Chinese/foreign language requirements for high school and college. In middle and high school, I volunteered at BHCS during my school breaks and would see new generations of students grow and connect with one another, which as a big sibling, was such a beautiful sight to see. My younger brother, now in high school, has followed my footsteps through BHCS's after-school care for elementary school students, and weekend classes for middle school students, and has even given back by also volunteering the same way I did in high school. All in all, as a student who has been through BHCS's whole curriculum with my younger brother following right behind me, the memories and experiences that I have had here were incredibly beautiful and are forever a part of my core memories. I still try and visit my teachers every year. 100% worth it! :)

Both my son and daughter attended BHCS, separated by maybe 6 or 8 years. The school teaches…read moreChinese speaking and writing, as well as math and supporting in school homework. Both kids had multiplication memorized before they even started elementary school, very impressive compared to their peers. The school holds performances several times a year, giving the children opportunities to develop all-important public communication and performance skills. It was amazing to watch such little children perform and speak with more poise than most adults. Beyond Chinese, math, school coursework, BHCS also had special classes in dance. (I believe the founder/principal had professional ballet background, explaining her ability to orchestrate such professional level performances annually.) CONCLUSION: 1. The boy who had Chinese exposure all his life came out of BHCS with very limited Chinese speaking and writing skills. The daughter, adopted, entered BHCS with ZERO Chinese speaking or comprehension, but emerged speaking, reading and writing perfect Chinese, with perfect accent and intonation. She can recite classical Chinese poetry and has pass ion to learn about her culture - impressive for someone with absolutely no Chinese capability when first enrolled. Conclusion- if your goal is for your kids to speak, read and write Chinese, know YMMV. Learning is so individual, and a school can only provide the teaching, but if someone resists learning, they won't learn. I can say this definitively based on my own personal experience and that of my son. 2. Regardless whether the kids learn Chinese, BHCS gave my kids an academic advantage, starting with early math, public speaking and performance opportunities, and homework time everyday. My daughter has very strong learning and memorization capabilities, which I attribute to her time at BHCS. 3. My son is now a successful corporate attorney. My daughter is very successful in high school and has the performance level to enter top universities. My son's classmates now include MDs, Management Consultants, Investment Bankers, Software Engineers, and many other successful careers. So many high performing young adults shared a BHCS history. I am convinced there is correlation between their success and BHCS. At the very least, the kids come away with an impressive network. My kids know or knew friends attending all the Foster City San Mateo schools, and out of dustruct schools. Their friends are amazed at the wide social network my kids have. These relationships seem to be lifelong friendships, as my kids continue maintaining close ties with their BHCS alumni. 4. Finally, I recognize the individuality of experience. There are many paths to success and happiness. One size cannot fit all. Some kids don't do well in a structured environment. Some parents don't want their kids to be too academic, preferring more play time. Clearly, there were many successful graduates of BHCS, yet, as the reviews show, some did not have a positive experience. I am also aware of a past member of the staff splitting off and opening her own school to compete with BHCS, employing some questionable practices. Are the negative reviews related to that? I cannot say.

I too highly recommend this school. My child has been there since Kindergarten and we knew our son…read moreneeded some 1-1 attention and support for reading and comprehension and were concerned that if he didn't get it he would be left behind. I am so glad to say that each of his teachers has taken the time to get to know our son, understand his strength and weaknesses, frame up very relevant goals, and do everything they can to help him achieve them. He is doing quite well and keeping up. The other aspects that were astounding to me being from a public school experience was that they have the "Peace Path" that they use to teach the kids how to resolve conflicts with that goes beyond just saying sorry to taking ownership of their actions and listening to the other child to see how they can make them whole. This training begins in Kindergarten no less. On top of that they take time each morning to reflect on how they did the previous day and enjoy the wins and see how they can be better today. Heck I try do all of that as an adult!! The other reasons we chose Wornick is that they stand for the kids being international citizens, learn how to stand up in front of their peers and speak and persuade, and to learn how to learn not just memorize stuff for a test. Again all things I strive to do as an adult and they start in Kindergarten. I to suggest you visit and ask to talk to teachers, parents, staff, etc. and see what you think. Mr. King is an awesome Kindergarten teacher and we felt so lucky to have a male role model to start with. Adeelee Feldman really got into what Nikolas needed and helped him gain confidence in his strengths in first grade. We look forward to what Ms. Mahoney will bring in 2nd Grade. All the best!

A RIGOROUS, FUN, AND BLESSED ENVIRONMENT …read more.. I urge anyone to investigate Wornick in person if you might be interested in joining this community. It is quite a testament that parent participation in the Annual Campaign for 2010-11 reached an all-time high of 95%. My child has been at the school for three years, including the transition to the new Head of School. I had my doubts, and of course there have been ups and downs. But she has proven she is taking the school from good to truly great. She has strengthened the academic curriculum (from math to computer study to writing), added a wonderful music and art program, and improved the administrative staff by *miles*. In addition, great credit goes to the board, especially the Treasurer who came in to clean up the financial problems left by (understandably beloved) predecessors, and is succeeding handily. The teaching staff at the elementary level is strong and getting better each year. The two Kindergarten teachers for 2011-12, in particular, will be outstanding. The one my daughter had is a true superstar, and the other I know well from another role at the school. The past three years have been full of magic moments for me: the K-1 Seder, the Classroom Ambassadors, my daughter growing into a public speaker, and so many more. Others have commented on the warm and supportive atmosphere that prevails at Wornick, and I can vouch that the parents and staff at this school were instrumental in helping my family through a major challenge this past year. I know of many others for whom that's been true, and you just can't put any price on that. What a joy Wornick has been, and what a great trajectory it is enjoying.

The best decision which I took for my 2.5 years old son was to join omni montessori. We moved him…read morefrom other school where he had hard time. He use to cry at drop off for 3 months and throw up very often and hardly use to eat anything. This all changed within a week of joining omni montessori. He is happy and dancing going to school. Eats well and listens to directions. He is completely in love with Miss Saniya. At home he misses Miss Saniya I saw great progress in my son. Miss Saniya trained him for potty training within 2-3 weeks which other school struggled for months. They provide fresh food, loving and caring environment for children and also take care of academics. They do activities and projects even at 2.5 years. They celebrate all festivals and important days like father's day etc which creates a bond. I am short of words to thank Mrs Zack and Miss saniya for there hard work and how with love they nurture kids. I highly recommend Omni Montessori !!

The Omni Montessori preschool has turned out to be high above our expectations. We had to move…read moreseveral times in the past and changed three different preschools for our kids. We have been staying with Omni preschool for two years already and extremely happy. The teachers are intelligent, responsible and - what is most important of all- they LOVE kids like their own. The facility is organized accordingly to Maria Montessori's belief. The food is healthy and yummy, the curriculum allows kids to start kindergarten well-prepared and confident, they maintain friendly and creative atmosphere in the class. We highly recommend this preschool to every one who is looking for the kind and loving teachers and strong curriculum.

My daughter attended Challenge School for one year from 2 to 3 yrs old (from Caterpillar to Ladybug…read moreclass). From the very first day, the teachers and staff have shown incredible love, patience, and dedication to the kids. My daughter looked forward to going to school every day, and we can see how happy she is and how much she has developed both academically and socially. The curriculum with the mandarin immersion and a variety of cultural celebrations are another highlight. We are incredibly grateful to all the teachers for making her such a positive and meaningful pre-school experience. We highly recommend Challenge school San Mateo Campus to any parent looking for a place where their child will be loved, supported, and inspired to learn. We have to say goodbye due to the relocation, but will always remember the warmth and love at Challenge. Thank you for making the preschool feel like a second home.

We were looking for a mandarin immersion program and toured a few options in the Peninsula area. In…read morethe end, we chose Challenge School for their efforts in maintaining accreditation (NAEYC and WASC), their balanced curriculum, the friendly environment, and good experiences from other parents. From the tour, the facility felt clean, safe and I felt comfortable with the staff as they seemed attentive, experienced, and committed. At first I was nervous to transition my oldest (2 yrs old at the time, now 3.5 yrs) as we don't speak any mandarin at home. However we were so surprised at how much he has learned and developed as he transitioned from Caterpillar to Ladybug and now to Butterfly Class. He is always excited to head to preschool and happily talks about his day after pick-up. The projects and activities in each class are age appropriate and meaningful and I appreciate how we get frequent updates with clear communication from the teachers in each class. I also love that they prepare Chinese and American holiday events at this age. Now our youngest (1.5 yrs old) started in the Caterpillar class and she has adjusted so well! I am so glad we chose to have our kids attend Challenge School for the peace of mind knowing that they're in great care while we are at work. All of the Caterpillar, Ladybug, and Butterfly teachers are wonderful, dedicated, and sincere with their class and most importantly, we can tell our kids have fun and are happy there. I highly recommend this location for a mandarin immersion preschool!

I'm sad to report that College Park hit the wall this past year. In terms of it being a school…read morewith qualities our family supports, it's no longer a fit for us. Be aware: API results blend gifted (self contained) classes with the general school population. To analyze test scores for non-GATE Mandarin-track kids, you'll have to dig hard. It's a mixed picture. Sadly, most parents don't know how tough it is to staff Mandarin schools well (I've been involved with Mandarin immersion schooling for 25 years). CP is now bleeding experienced staff who feel the program under-serves kids who can't deal with immersion. They're 100% right btw. To evaluate this school accurately, ask tough questions about budget, and visit more than one Mandarin program. This one's budget is threadbare and nearly entirely reliant on volunteers to supplement teaching. If your child is a VERY adept speaker of English (i.e. will not require any help ever supplementing his reading or writing in English) an un-funded Mandarin public school education probably won't do much damage. Our story... In 2011-12, a bullying problem flared up. A core of tough boys were leading teachers around by the nose, disrupting class,and taunting kids. Ours got it often, others had it worse. There was a lot of boy-on-girl bullying. We and my daughter asked for help, but teachers were intimidated by the boys and ineffectual in handling them. We asked about a bullying policy and were told there wasn't one. Some teachers were turning a blind eye out of misplaced empathy for boys who needed to be removed from class, educated separately, or punished. I was told - after witnessing a very public humiliation of my daughter by 5 boys - that "these kids have trouble at home." It was my 9 year old's job to suck it up and tolerate it apparently. The air at College Park is thick with racial politics, and it has repeatedly affected the daily lives of some children (granted some kids feel none of this and to them I say: mazel tov, you've been lucky). The principal rejects the concept that there are discipline problems, or indeed ANY serious problems with the program. Her own staff roll their eyeballs when the subject of Mrs. H "listening" is mentioned. Nothing derails her constant, tedious boosterism. Imposing Mandarin immersion on a student body whose parents are perhaps 10% functionally illiterate or 40% poor English speakers is just bad policy. It's true that a few English-learners excel, but they are a tiny minority. Most struggle. Many fail. These kids need a strong traditional English program. Teaching quality is all across the board. Many long-time teachers of English at CP have been wonderful. Some of them are leaving. And frankly, their efforts are being undermined by this now unfunded, experimental Mandarin program. Given the extreme needs among the local kids for outstanding English teaching, I'm truly confused about why the district would continue Mandarin at College Park. You're lifting API at the expense of kids who need the 3 Rs. Budget decimation. In December 2011, the federal government pulled the grant program that funded the $300,000/year Mandarin immersion program at College Park. To be clear: THE FEDERAL MONEY IS GONE. We all knew it was coming. I asked if they wanted help raising serious foundation money but was told they didn't understand the questions I was asking ("What is your budget and where is it written down?). The level of naivete around how to manage the loss of funds by raising other funds was startling - really startling. You do NOT find $100k+ at a bake sale or a single Chinese meal for PTA members. Heavy fundraising requires professional expertise and a budget. They have no expertise and demonstrated confusion when asked for a budget. A nice, totally inexperienced group of parents was assembled to raise money to replace some of the funds. They had raised, by June 2012, about $20,000. So, from $300,000 to, less than 1% of that. The principal doesn't dig outside expertise. Big mistake. She needs heavy help fund raising and she's not asking for it. The lady shows all the signs of having a thin skin and refusing help she can't control. 3rd and 4th grades were combined. There is no more differentiated instruction in Mandarin. New parents rarely understand how badly CP's immersion compares to those in other districts. Their kids may end up doing ok, but only if they have plenty of outside tutors in Mandarin. We were sad to leave that community of friendly people. PTA folks are super. But we felt that under present leadership, CP would never fix its troubles. There are some super smart parents trying to make it work at CP. I earnestly wish them luck. But it's unlikely the program will thrive without leadership change.

My daughter is now in second grade. She was a kinder when a brand new principle came to the…read moreschool. I had a lot of respect for the previous principle and I also feel really good about the current one. I think Steven Chuang probably speaks more Mandarin than English so his delivery might be misunderstood by folks that are native. Over the course of the last 3 years I do see a lot of compassion and effort on his part, and the teachers too. It seems to me like this is a great school where u have parents teachers and principle working together. I will say I am not a fan of the district people for taking away the magic from the bilingual after school program. Kuai Le. I was not impressed by the people sitting in the district offices.

This review has been a long time coming…read more My son is starting his 2nd year at AAF and we could not be happier. Ms Debanjali, Ms Swana and Mr. Tamir are really invested in each child and you can tell that they really get to know them as individuals. I can see the growth in my son academically and emotionally. He makes friends so easily, and that was something we were worried about post pandemic. The teachers keep us up to date on our son's development and are open to teachers conferences year round. They really make my son feel special and excited about learning. We are looking forward to this new year!

Our child has been attending AAF for a few years now, pre, during and now - post pandemic. The…read moreteachers are very thoughtful & and give our child all the attention she needs from the time that she enters and leaves the school. I have seen a real evolution of her behavior and attitude towards school, I feel this is a direct result of the passion of the teachers and their belief in the Montessori system. The location is easy to get to, safe for drop offs and parking is always easy to find. There was a ownership change since we have been there and while that transition was not a pleasant one - the new owners have been keen to address any concerns that we had and have surpassed our expectations. The school is a great choice if you are local and are looking for teachers that care about their students.

When it was my sister's first day there she told me that the teachers were so nice and helpful, she…read moresays that she wants to stay there forever but it's a really great school for k-5th graders I really recommend it

This is such a great school..the teachers are awsome and so helpful, they work with you too and…read moregive you the support and help you need and everyone is so nice..my son is in the helping hands program and he loves it. He has learned so much etc..great school