Our 3yo son absolutely LOVES the Kaimana school and his teachers. The setting is truly idyllic…read moreeven in inclement weather (which is rare). When we first toured it was magical walking along the trails and stopping under the canopies of trees to read, draw, explore and the program is thoughtfully prepared with learning stations and developmental opportunities. Our son runs to school every day and esp on rainy days when he gets to jump in muddy puddles. So grateful to have such an amazing preschool for our little one.

I truly cannot say enough good things about Montara Kaimana School. My daughter absolutely loves…read moreit! The teachers, Pamela and Hannah, are thoughtful, kind and basically magical. They make all of us (kids and parents) feel seen and heard, and they really make the kids feel special. Communication is huge for me, and from the moment I reached out to Pamela, she has been quickly responsive, communicative, and always takes the time to answer questions. Nature school provides so many wonderful outside of the box learning opportunities (for the kids, but also for me!). They learn through play and observation and teamwork, and in the 5 months my daughter has attended, I've noticed her communication about feelings and body awareness has really improved, as well as her problem solving skills. I was certainly a little nervous to send my daughter out in the rain, but I have to say, the rainy days have truly been her favorite school days! The kids LOVE to play in the mud! My toddler likes to hang out and play too! It really is true what they say; if you are properly clothed the weather doesn't seem so bad. The pick up/drop off location is breathtakingly beautiful and I feel pretty grateful that I get to experience it alongside my kids. And the best part for me? The teachers send a weekly report, complete with pictures, about what they all did throughout the week. They include the songs they sang, the mindfulness activities, quotes from the kids, the books they read, etc. I look forward to it every week. I hope that I can encourage more families to try it out, because this school is a blessing.

i taught my exercise program there for many years & highly recommend this school! PALmazing!read more

We had just moved to the coast and were SO happy to hear Cathy had a spot available. We we really…read morepleased with the level of care from Cathy and the two other teachers. Pick up and drop off is so convenient, even with Cathy managing full safety protocols. The single best thing (aside from providing and safe and caring place to learn!) is that Cathy provides all meals and snacks. Our daughter is a picky eater, but she was trying so many nutritious foods at Cathy's and it was one less thing to worry about each day. There is a curriculum that is just enough for small children to meet milestones but also pursue their own interests with an emphasis on play.

Both my children attended The Alameda Station Preschool in Montara, CA and I am definitely a fan!…read moreThe staff are caring and kind, imaginative and fun. My son was very well prepared both socially and academically for Kindergarten and my daughter is on the same path. Hands down the best choice for traditional preschool on the coastside.

I have just read Michele S. review of Teacher Rose, and am shocked! Both of my daughters have gone…read moreto kids by the sea.... my oldest has graduated from preschool and is now in 1st grade. Teacher Rose is such a passionate person about education and her expertise for this age group is amazing. My oldest daughter Julia was so prepared for Kindergarten both academically and socially, that we really only had to concentrate on dealing with our new schedule. She is a warm, wonderful teacher, and I'm sorry that Michele S. did not experience that, but I think thats a unique case, as teacher Rose is phenomenal and a gift to my have in our lives!

We've been at KBTS since June of last year and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are on the…read morecoast and are looking for a fun, art-filled, play-based learning preschool, than look no farther. Teacher Rose is an amazing, supportive, encouraging and loving soul that we are so lucky to have found. She teaches the kids to be kind and gentle to one another. She shows them how to be creative in their own ways. She teaches them respect, gratitude, how to be brave, how to be strong and to love themselves. These are the exact traits I wish to bestow upon my daughters, so help from another area of their lives is a blessing. Stop searching, you've found your school.

Our child spent three years at MSLM and received a tremendous educational start. She will soon be…read moremoving on to a well regarded private school, and our family is still bummed that's she's aged out of MSLM. Enthusiastically recommend MSLM for other families looking for a well-rounded education (age-appropriate STREAM/SEL) and phenomenal educators in a very supportive environment for their kids. Children learn a lot because everyone at MSLM does a great job of making learning fun, interesting, and challenging. MSLM celebrates the uniqueness of each child, with teachers regularly customizing lessons to meet the individual needs of the children. The school is very organized thanks to top-notch administration. Communication is outstanding. MSLM is exceptionally dedicated (as evidenced in part by remaining safely open in-person during the entirety of COVID). It is also a kind and friendly place. MSLM is an absolute gem. We are convinced that they could easily increase their tuition. If you're lucky enough to secure a spot for your kiddo at MSLM, jump at the opportunity. Your child will thank you.

Both my children went to this school. Very happy with the care and learning this school provides…read more Both my children were able to transfer to public school without any issues, they were well prepared. I especially applaud their science program which wasn't there for my son but my daughter loved it and in 4th grade she still has a strong interest in science.

We absolutely love this preschool! The staff is caring, professional, and truly dedicated to…read morecreating a loving and nurturing environment. My kids come home every day having learned something new and are always excited to go back. As a full-time working parent, it gives me so much peace of mind knowing my children are in such wonderful hands. The fact that meals are provided is an added bonus and makes life so much easier. I couldn't imagine a better place for my kids!

My daughter has been doing aftercare at Big Bird since she was in Kindergarten she is a rising 4th…read moregrader. She loves it! It has been amazing as they provide transportation from school to Big Bird which is a huge help. During the school year the teachers help with homework so by the time we get home her homework is done and the evening isn't spent catching up. The environment is warm and comfortable and they focus on social emotional skills not just academics which is a value very important to me.

I'm a former Woo Kid who went to Wilkinson School aka "Woo School" from 2005-2008, and Woo School…read moreisn't good, it's great!! I loved all the extra curricular stuff they have from egg drop, to the Intensive Studies Trip, Woo School is truly Amazing, and Mr. Edward "Woo" Wilkinson is amazing too!!

Our children go to Wilkinson and they are thriving. Best…read moreteachers, beautiful view on the ocean, and even though the school is cozy, there are so many outdoor experiences (hikes, beach walks) and they work and perform (all kids do) on 2 fabulous school performances a year: a winter concert and a musical.

Both my children are currently attending Picasso, and I can honestly say I have never met a more…read morededicated group of caring, engaged teachers. The program is nicely balanced, which has been great for my kids, with free play time and more structured activities. The kids really enjoy each other, and their teachers, and they are taught to be compassionate and kind. This clearly comes directly from the consistent patient guidance from each teacher. I can't say enough about how great this school has been for my kids and for our family! We love Picasso!

I have two kids at Picasso, a Tigger (the 3 year old class) and a Kinderoo (the 5 year old…read morekindergarten class). The staff is fantastic across the board, which is of course the most important thing. We just had some friends transfer their child to Picasso from one of the other local highly acclaimed preschools and they are blown away by how great the teachers and kids are at Picasso. All the kids get along, there is no fighting, the kids are polite, etc. I have literally spent hundred of hours there over the last few years and am amazed at the kids at Picasso. This is not a coincidence - the kids are great because the direction, care, and instruction they are receiving is top notch. On a superficial note, I agree with the other reviewer that the facility itself could use some cosmetic upgrades, but the location is hard to beat - the children get to play outside with a view up and down the entire San Mateo coast. I would suggest that if you want to check out Picasso you bring your child there for a few hour trial run and see how they do. Having spent plenty of time on the playground watching kids play I can confirm that the teachers are not helicopter teachers out there because they don't have to be - the kids are well behaved and fantastic - now if I could just get my kids to be as well behaved at home : ). As a side note, Picasso is a feeder school for many of the top private schools in the area should you want to continue in private school for primary school. I know that both Seacrest on the coast, and Notre Dame in Belmont find Picasso kids to be well prepared.

My daughter was born just before covid so needless to say, she didn't spend a lot of time with…read moreother kids for her first 3-4 years. When we were finally able to potty train her, we sent her to WPWL and the experience was GREAT! I seriously cannot recommend them enough. My oldest is at TK now and she has blossomed. The teachers are all so nice and caring, the first day for my daughter was rough but Teacher Lisa was there instantly to help soothe her. She was a little shy for a bit but Teacher Jeovanka and Teacher Rebecca really worked to help her play and socialize with other kids. They also knew how to read her emotions and allow her time to spend with the adults on days where maybe she was struggling. My daughter was there for one year and it made an immense difference. We still get to see the teachers from time to time around the area and they still remember us and our daughter. We now have an 8 month old and I cannot wait to get her into their Early Learners program. In all honesty, I was very nervous about sending my daughter to school, I think change is just hard. But they were sure to send photos on their app and they made me feel very secure with her. Their graduation ceremony was also super adorable. They had toddler sized cap and gowns with "diplomas". They also gifted them a pencil box that was completely full of pencils, markers, pencil sharpener, erasers. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this place. In my experience, I really feel like they were trustworthy and genuinely cared for their students.

Most definitely recommend them. My son was there for 2-3 years almost. I tried other schools in…read morePacifica, this was the best fit. Good balance of play with discipline. I mean healthy instructional direction by discipline. All kids need it. The only thing I wish they did better is keep the entrance clean and the bathroom, but other than that, my focus was the quality of instruction and play-based setting for a preschooler.