Our older daughter started at Little Lamb when she was 4yo and has really loved it. She was dealing…read morewith anxiety and selective mutism, and the Little Lamb teachers were very accommodating. Our therapist worked with them to train them with selective mutism techniques and they were kind and responsive to our daughter's issues. She adapted great and has graduated from their preschool program, and she still goes there for their afterschool program. The school is no longer in the home in Albany but in a dedicated school facility in El Cerrito. The school building has a lot of space and a wonderful outside area. We also send our younger daughter there starting at 18mo and she loves it.

My children attended Little Lamb and it was an incredible experience. The administrator and…read moreteachers are incredibly kind, attentive, supportive, and really care about each child's individual needs and what works with their personality. For example, my oldest child is very mature, and the teachers found ways to have her be their little 'helper' and help lead the yoga class which got her more engaged and challenged. The teachers are also really patient and nice, and my kids always remarked that they liked them. The activities they do at school are very creative and I loved seeing all the art work and crafts that they brought home. The lesson plans are very impressive with songs, art, science, play, and I really felt like my kids were getting a well-rounded experience where they were learning and also having fun. The school is also top-notch when it comes to health and safety -- from applying sunscreen and hats, to taking temperatures at the door and hand-washing, which was very important to me. My children also flourished in their Mandarin language skills which was absolutely amazing to see. We have graduated and gone on, but we loved our time at Little Lamb and couldn't have been happier.

We had a great experience at Keystone in our 3.5 years there and miss a lot of the engagement,…read moreeducation, and support. It felt like a real community. Our child was there from ~18mos old to 5 years old; from the thick of Covid in 2021 to August of 2025. She loved it and continues to talk about the teachers and staff. As she transitioned into Kindergarten, it's clear she and her keystone classmates are much further ahead academically and socially. We love the Montessori approach and Keystone seems to have a great facility and application of it.

Our family has been part of the Keystone community for nearly seven years, with both of our…read moredaughters attending from the time they were toddlers until moving on to Kindergarten. It's been such a positive experience for us. The teachers and staff are warm, supportive, and very thoughtful about meeting kids where they are. Both of our girls went through phases where drop-off was tough, and the staff worked closely with us to find approaches that made the transition smoother. Over time, they built such strong bonds with their teachers that school became a place they genuinely looked forward to. What we've especially appreciated is the calm, well-organized environment and the wide range of learning opportunities. Keystone offers a nice balance of Montessori learning, hands-on activities, and enrichment classes (Spanish, Mandarin, music, soccer, martial arts). Our daughters were able to try different things and discover what they enjoyed most. We've also seen them grow a lot socially, making friends, learning responsibility, and gaining confidence. Overall, Keystone has been a nurturing and engaging preschool that gave both of our children a strong foundation and a love for learning. We're grateful for the years we've spent there and highly recommend it to other families.

I can't recommend Director named Mrs. Maggie enough. She is very caring and thoughtful person. It's…read morea beautiful and big spaces facility, with caring teachers and a ton of fun. The curriculum is thorough and - through playground Art, Singapore math, Kungfu, Chinese and Spanish language and music. Also, Provided a healthy lunch. My two kids studied at this school, never cried, even the first day, they are very excited to go to the school everyday. Some parents may concerned about the location, but it's critical to find the right school rather than the location. I highly recommend it.

My child has been attending Little Tree since 2022 and has enjoyed playing and learning there every…read moreday. The classrooms are well-equipped with age-appropriate Montessori activities, keeping her engaged and offering practice in various subjects like English, Math, Chinese, Science, and Art. She loves her teachers and often talks about them at home. I can see they are doing an excellent job teaching her not just academics, but also good behavior and independence. The teachers organize a variety of well-planned activities and events throughout the year for both US and Chinese holidays. Our family enjoys participating in these events, and we appreciate the many photos and videos shared with parents afterward to capture the memories. Another great feature of Little Tree is the optional lunch program. For $6 a day, they provide a tasty, nutritious, and balanced meal, which is one less thing for me to worry about.

Atcha and her staff are absolutely amazing. My son went from when here from when he was a baby to a…read moretoddler. He was always so happy to go and so happy when I picked him up. All the children there are so well cared for and happy! All food is provided and it's so good! My friend was the one who recommended it to me as both her kids went there too. She told me how great it was and my experience has been awesome. My friend even sends her older kids back there during their school breaks when she's working! I highly recommend.

I showed up and my daughters arm was out of socket!!!!!! With no fucking reasoning!!!! And to think…read moreI was stupid is the craZy part. They pulled her some how and tried to say she fell! This was 3 years ago and I haven't forgotten! Should've sued y'all!!!!!

Absolutely amazing school with very creative and child friendly activities. We were lucky enough to…read morevisit during Messy Art day and were blown away. Our toddler was absolutely in love with all the activities and did not want to leave. The staff was so friendly and helpful despite the craziness. It was really a wonderful experience and we can't wait to come back.

When looking for a preschool for my then 3-year-old I needed a space where I knew he would feel…read moresafe away from home for the first time, where there was a community of grown ups looking out for him, and he was able to learn and grow socially. ECPC checked all of my preschool wishlist items. Even before school started, teachers and current families hosted new family playdates so the kids could get accustomed to the space, and we had a one-on-one teacher meeting; I always felt welcomed and included. The teachers take great care to curate open-ended experiences for the kids. There are outdoor and indoor play spaces to include sand and climbing play, art, games and imaginative play, building, reading, and more. Each space is set up to encourage discovery and self-expression. The kids are free to roam each space during play times, they are invited for snack mid-program, and gather for two group times. There is a deep sense of community not just for the kids, but for the grown ups, too. Every enrolled family has a family job and commits to 5-35 hours a month (depending on the role) to ensure the school runs smoothly for the current year and for future kids to enjoy. Families also commit to at least one participation shift a week to support the teachers in the different play spaces. The grown ups learn, too, as the teachers and members of the community share on early childhood development topics. The school has been around since 1940 and serves families in El Cerrito and nearby cities. There is an AM and a PM program (you can enroll in one or both) with a minimum of three days enrollment, plus an optional lunch program. Teachers can assist your littles with toileting as needed and will work with you if your kid is transitioning to potty use. I highly recommend ECPC for any family looking for a play-based parent cooperative for their 3-5 year olds!

Our daughter attended Tiny Footprints for two years and it was absolutely amazing! From the daily…read morecheck ins, to the weekly field trips and holiday activities, our girl had a great time. Cecy and staff became family and if we could keep our toddler there until college we would lol.

Tiny Footprints Childcare has been such a meaningful part of our family's early years. Both my…read moredaughter and son attended until TK, and we couldn't have asked for a better start to their educational journey. The environment at Tiny Footprints is not only loving and nurturing but also thoughtfully structured to support both academic readiness and emotional growth. Cecy, Olivia, and Consuelo truly pour their hearts into the children. Our daughter transitioned into TK with confidence, and now that our son has just finished his time there, we see the same strong foundation in him--socially, emotionally, and developmentally. Cecy is more than just a caregiver--she's a true community builder. She brings families together, fosters connections, and creates a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the classroom. We always felt supported, informed, and part of something special. Tiny Footprints is more than a childcare center--it's a community, a safe haven, and a place where children (and parents) are truly seen and cared for. We're so grateful for the beautiful start our kids received here.

Nomura preschool is truly a gem and our family feels very fortunate to have been a part of this…read moregreat school and community. Our 3 kids have started at Nomura since they were 2 years old, in the youngest Chicky classroom (although now enrollment is open to 18month olds!). Ms. Rosi, Ms. Cassandra, Ms. Djamila, and Ms. Kim were instrumental in helping our toddlers learn important skills such as feeding themselves and potty training! We were updated daily both verbally and with photos, and the amazing communication made all the difference during these huge milestones. In the middle classrooms, we have over the years, had the true pleasure of having Ms. Keila, Ms. Diana, Ms. Linh, Ms. Nickie, and Mrs. Young as our teachers, who have helped our kids learn their letters and numbers and learn how to share and play with others. The balance of academic, play and social skills was perfect and our kids have thrived during these years! Even Ms. Chieko, who we have not had the pleasure of having as a classroom teacher yet, has also played a crucial role in our daily routine. She has jumped right in to help with the transition at drop off, showing the great teamwork and community of all the teachers. The pre-K year has been an extra special year in our experience, with real friendships forming between the kids and lasting bonds forming with the pre-K teachers, Ms. Keiko and Ms. Nao. They truly care about the success and well-being as kids go off to Kindergarten or TK and often keep in touch with graduates. They do a lot to make the last preschool years very special, with field trips and special activities, again nicely balanced with academics and social skills that have lasting effects in years to come. There are also many extracurricular activities available, including Gardening with Ms. Rosita-who has the most calm and caring nature, Music with Mrs. Green, who delights the kids with her whimsical classes filled with music, instruments and magic (literally magic tricks!). This is such a great community that even teachers like Mrs. Kathy, who previously retired has come back to substitute teach! Nomura preschool is such an amazing, welcoming, and nurturing place for little ones. We are so lucky to have found the school!

We are so grateful for the amazing teachers who support our son every day. Ms. Diana is incredibly…read moreattentive and always keeps us informed about any changes we notice in our son, which we truly appreciate. Ms. Keila does a wonderful job encouraging his creativity and helping him express himself. Ms. Linh takes the time to connect with him through his love of drawing and the characters he's interested in, which makes learning so enjoyable for him. All three teachers are extremely personable, kind, and genuinely care about our child and all the children in the class. They are great communicators and create such a warm, nurturing environment. At such a young age, it means so much to see how much our son loves his teachers. Thank you so much Ms. Diana, Ms. Keila, and Ms. Linh!!!

As someone who moved to the Bay Area about a decade ago, I've often missed the sense of Persian…read morecommunity I grew up with, attending "mehmoonis" (parties), hearing Iranian music fill our home, and being surrounded by our rich, beautiful culture. When it came time to find a preschool for my son, I dreamed of a place that could offer him that same warmth and connection, and Golestan has given us exactly that and more. The first time I stepped into Golestan's "hayaat" (yard), I was instantly transported to my grandpa's garden in Iran. The laughter, the trees, the care woven into every detail. It's such a lively, loving, and vibrant space where my son learns, plays, makes friends, and creates lasting memories. The teachers are absolute angels, deeply nurturing, creative, and so attuned to each child. From the thoughtfully designed classrooms to the fresh, nourishing food (with ingredients straight from their learning garden!), every aspect of Golestan reflects an intentional, heartful approach to education and community. I feel truly honored for my son to spend his days in such a magical and enriching environment, surrounded by love, culture, and curiosity, and I'm already dreaming of the day my daughter can join. Regardless of your background or heritage, Golestan is a place worth experiencing. I'm sure they'll woo you at "Salaam" :)

It is an AMAZING school. They have created magic at the school and it has become an extension of…read moreour home. The teachers love being there and always have a smile. The happy environment is very accepting of kids and loving towards them. The environment is very conducive to learning and building self confidence for the kids. The Director is probably the most passionate person I have met about education and every detail in the school show it.

My daughter attended Montessori Family School for 3 years. While there were many things we loved…read moreabout the school, we, like many other families, were essentially forced out by the current Head of School, Alissa S. Enrolling your child at Montessori Family School (MFS) is a bit like gambling. If your child has any trouble listening, staying on task, following directions, or you as a parent are outspoken, like to stand up for yourself, or don't deal well with those who are patronizing and lack empathy, it is more like playing Russian roulette. What we loved about MFS were the families. The community was fantastic, and one of the things I miss most. I don't think I met any parents or children that I didn't appreciate and enjoy. I think this is rare; I can't say the same about her new school. On the other end of the spectrum, the school administration - specifically the Head of School, Alissa S., and the "learning specialist" Regina H. - were a nightmare. We, like most parents, were blindsided by them and how they presented our daughter as struggling, having problems, and needing help. Worried about our kids, we didn't realize until later that what they had done and said was inappropriate and unprofessional, and that they were the problem, not our kids. The sad part is that the voices of these families were rarely heard when they needed to be, and still aren't heard now. The number of positive Yelp reviews, many from hand-picked parents that were asked to serve on the school's Board of Directors, tell only the positive stories. While I do believe these accounts are sincere, they are only part of the full picture. The stories of those that were forced to leave the school, lost thousands of dollars in tuition, and were so upset with the situation that they were considering legal action, are mostly absent, and should not be forgotten. My daughter did well enough at MFS, but about half-way through our time at the school, we were told that she needed "outside support", which seems to be private school code for, "Your child is a burden to us. Go pay for an aide, tutoring, or something else." My daughter, who was later diagnosed with ADHD, and is also strong-willed, was more than the school could or wanted to support. While I understand and can accept that, the way this was handled was unprofessional and traumatizing. There was a complete lack of empathy from the individuals mentioned above. I found them to be very narrow-minded, opinionated and authoritarian, and it became clear that we would need to listen to them and do what they said, or we would be kicked out. I luckily realized this, and tread carefully for the rest of our time there - not directly or openly opposing or contradicting them. Other parents were not so fortunate. I personally know at least four families that had to switch schools in the middle of the year. One family had pre-paid their tuition for the year to obtain a discount, and it was not refunded. Two were speaking with lawyers. One was apparently threatened by lawyers from the school. For us, we were suddenly placed on "Academic Hold" in the middle of our third year, which basically meant they would not let us re-enroll. This was upsetting, and a complete shock, and came with no warning, nor had we even heard about such a thing before. We were left suddenly trying to figure out where we would attend school the next year, with only a few weeks left to tour and apply to private schools. We have since moved to public school. Despite the challenges inherent in the public school system, it has been a relief to leave behind the dysfunctional administration at MFS. Still, while her new teacher & the school staff are fantastic, I am far less impressed with the parents and other children in her class, compared to those who were at MFS. MFS has struggled with these issues for years now, and there seems to be little to no improvement. When I was first looking at MFS, I had heard some stories and I knew people that had withdrawn their kids, but I was more focused on what I saw on the surface and liked, and didn't pay as much attention to the warning signs myself. When you see something you like, you tend to ignore or minimize the negative. I don't regret our decision to attend MFS, but it would have been nice to have known a bit more and been a bit less naive. If you are considering MFS for your child, then it might be the perfect school for your family. But I write this because I could no longer stand by while a small number of families were treated so horribly. It is my belief that this situation only persists because those affected are few, they are afraid to speak up, or rather, don't feel like it will do any good. And so far, they have been right. Should the good experiences of a majority of families outweigh the mistreatment and hurt caused to a smaller number of families, which end up at other schools anyway? That is for you to decide.

Any school can call themselves Montessori, but MFS is the real thing. Accredited by the American…read moreMontessori Society, it stays true to the Montessori philosophy of multi-age classrooms based on Montessorian development stages. The student-teacher ratio is low, and the teachers and staff are dedicated, hard-working, and nurturing. My kids are challenged, stimulated, and are learning at their own pace. An added bonus-- the music program is amazing! I visited several Montessori schools, but chose MFS (we started at the preschool campus) because it just like the Children's House I attended in early childhood. If you are interested in enrolling in a Montessori but are new to the pedagogy, you may want to visit the AMS website or pick-up a Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom or a similar book so you know what to expect.

At ECB, it is a very enriched and enriching environment. My son has attended Every Child Bay for a…read moreyear now. I love how he can explore at his own pace. My son is thriving in the ECB environment and I know the inclusive and individualized structure of the program is key to his development. Communication from the school is very good, I get updates during the school day through the Brightwheel app, with information and pictures with explanations and the newest developments with my child. The teachers each have unique strengths, and share with me from their different perspectives. If I ever have any questions, I can just come a little early at pick-up or drop-off, and the teachers make sure to take time with me. If we want to know more, there are many ways to communicate with the school beyond those quick moments. I am happy to see him growing surrounded by peers and teachers that help him develop

As a teacher at ECB, I have never felt more involved and supported with each child. I, along with…read moremy fellow teachers are extremely motivated to create a magical environment where learning meets play and both are completely inclusive as well as individualized to meet each child's goals. I love the environment that has been created at ECB, where the teachers and parents can express needs and wants that are listened to and respected. We put on numerous family events that everyone participates in and loves. This feels more than a preschool, it's a community. I couldn't recommend this ECB enough.