Fox and Bear is a gem in Berkeley. It is a beautiful place where you feel confident to leave your…read morebaby. It is a small community, it is like a small family well organized.   All the teachers are nice; they give you a lot of advice and most important they love kids! They do fun things for the holidays, birthdays and also small art projects. Their communication with parents is also excellent. I always appreciated knowing what was happening and their constant care and updates regarding the children ( especially during Covid 19 time ).  My little baby is so happy to go there every day. I' m so blessed to have found Fox and Bear.  Thanks to Olga and all the staff!

It might have been the time when we were there, but they kept changing teachers in the span of a…read moremonth. It made our kids feel very unsettled and without having experience at the day care, they felt isolated. The owner does not have as good information or control on what goes on in the day care every day. If there is conflict resolution, the teacher's are first, your kids are second, and you are last. I hope things have changed since we left a couple of years back. Some of the teachers were great. It's a nice spot and the food they had for the kids was good. The kids like to hang out at the park nearby afterwards - a good opportunity for littles to socialize. I would not recommend this day care.

If I could give 100 stars I would! I second what all the reviews here say about this place. Amazing…read moredoesn't even begin to explain Cecy and the team at Tiny Footprints. My child attended from 18 months to 4 years old. I was incredibly apprehensive about starting due to separation anxiety, but they made him feel completely comfortable from day one.In addition to sending daily pictures and providing excellent communication, they truly support your child's growth. My kid is high energy and super active. Cecy met his energy with her own high energy--I truly don't know how she does it all! The learning program is fantastic. She met him exactly where he was at and used interactive games to teach. He was fully ready for TK when he left. They also do weekly library and park trips, plus walking trips to see the neighborhood.What makes Tiny Footprints truly special is the family atmosphere. All the kids become part of Cecy's family. The group of families is so tight-knit that they do playdates and movie nights on their own outside of school and "alumni" visit long after attending. Cecy also offers movie nights for the kids, after-hours care for date nights, and she even kept my son when I had a week-long work trip. We just moved away from the Bay Area last week, and leaving TF was so incredibly hard. We miss them so much already! If you want a safe, loving environment where your child will truly thrive, this is the place!

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.

Our daughter recently started at BIM. I am originally from Japan so I was looking for a full…read morejapanese immersion school and I have so far been impressed. BIM does an excellent job at incorporating traditional Montessori teaching methods with japanese language and culture. The children not only learn the language, they also get to experience the culture including holidays and other traditions. The educational team is excellent, a group of teachers who pride themselves on being warm and loving while encouraging the children to grow at their own pace. We have another baby on the waiting list, make sure to sign up early as it can take a while for your space to open up.

I had the great honor of working at BIM as an office admin and co-teacher for 3 years. Even though…read moreI had tons of teaching experience and ECE units under my belt when I started, BIM was the first and only Montessori program I worked at. I learned so much about the Montessori method from my fellow co-teachers and was always inspired by their hard work and dedication to their craft. Japanese is my second language that will no doubt deteriorate if I stop using it, so being able to use it daily in various situations at my place of work was also a huge benefit for me. The BIM community as a whole is extremely tight-knit and supportive. I had never felt so loved and appreciated by the families I worked for before BIM, and it was heartening to witness new bonds and friendships being formed among everyone firsthand. Of course, I really miss the kids most of all and the funny things they would say and do, but feel very lucky and privileged to have 3 years' worth of fond memories with them. BIM, iroiro arigato! Mata ne!

My third grade granddaughter has been there since preschool. The outdoor/gardening/cooking…read morecomponent is a great balance to the strong academics. Peaceful atmosphere, lots of beauty.

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" :)

We love Orkidz! Our now 2 yr old daughter started when she was 6 months old and we hope to keep her…read morethere until she starts TK. The women who work here are really the heart of the place and the care they provide is what has stood out the most to our family. Every teacher we have had the pleasure of interacting with has always been genuinely warm and loving with the kids. The well being of the child is always a priority and they constantly do everything they can to help foster an environment where they can thrive. Our daughter is a happy, confident, social? curious toddler thanks greatly in part to them. Between Zumba, yoga, and music classes, nature walks, trips to the park and the library, arts and crafts, gardening, and baking, these kids are never bored. Meals are also provided, which has been a huge time saver. We cannot recommend this place enough! Our daughter loves it and we're hoping our son will feel the same way when he joins his sister in February!

Updating my review - We have now sent all 3 of our boys…read morethrough Orkidz, and it has felt like a home away from home for them. Each boy has a different personality, and yet, each one felt supported and cared for at Orkidz. My perspective is that at this age (~2 to 5), learning happens readily when a child feels supported and safe. Orkidz teachers have always provided just the right environment for my little ones! They also offer weekly music, yoga/zumba, and nature walks, which are highlights. My sons have adapted to school very well following their preparation at Orkidz. We miss the teachers, and we're so grateful for their care over the years. You can't go wrong with Orkidz!

Great daycare. My kid has been attending for about a year now. They do lots of play and learning…read moreactivities. My kid just brightens up when we pull up to the daycare, and always comes out smiling. The teachers are great. The director, Ms. Hanna is a sweetheart who cares for her students individually. She is professional and easy to communicate with. They use an app called Brightwheel. They log in all the meal/snack times, potty/ diaper change. Lots of pictures too! My kid loves her daycare!

Our son went to Golden Gate Learning Center from the time he was 14 months old until he was nearly…read more3 yrs old. Hanna and Sabrina are wonderful, hard working, and responsive leaders of the center... really wonderful thoughtful people. Our son's teachers always took exceptional care of him. Every day was a different fun and supportive activity especially designed for his stage of development to help him grow socially, emotionally, and physically. They have music, dance, and theater classes. He had plenty of outdoor playtime every day. They are improving their front yard to increase outdoor play space for the younger children. We couldn't recommend the team at GGLC any higher. We will REALLY miss the people here as will our son.

Nia House is the most awesomest of preschools! Our child joined Nia House shortly before turning 3…read moreyears old and while she initially had a difficult transition to the school environment, it didn't take long for her and us to fall in love with the Nia House community. This school really embodies an environment that is nurturing, supportive, educational, and challenging. Most importanly the safety and peace of mind that we as parents feel cannot be emphasized enough. I also can't articulate enough the community at Nia House. I never expected to make friends with other parents, but as I've gotten to know the other families, it seems like we've made connections with other families that will last well beyond our child's tenure at Nia House. We truly wish our daughter could stay at Nia House until graduate school.

I applied for Child care here 2 years ago , I have watched families that are new join time after…read moretime again yet I have not gotten a call back since I applied 2 years ago . why is the question ? I believe they pick and choose who they want to come from family that pay to family that need assistance are not really welcome. I called today to ask were my name was on the list only to be told to hold for the the director getting on the phone stated she was listening and that she had no space and I should contact bananas to ima take your number down , to I'll call you back when all I wanted to know was were my son was on the list after two years . It's outrageous how Berkeley private schools treat there residents . I really regret moving here and I can't wait to move . Thanks

Our son has been attending Global Montessori International School (GMIS) for the past 10 months,…read moreand we couldn't be happier with our experience. Since starting at GMIS, he has truly been thriving. So much credit goes to the school director Vivi and teachers, who show incredible care, warmth, and attention to every child. The principal's passion shows in every detail, and her thoughtful programming makes the school truly special. The transition was remarkably smooth--the school coordinated visits ahead of time so he could get comfortable, and the teachers welcomed him with open arms. Just a couple of months after he started, we attended a school event, and all he wanted to do was find his teacher because he loved them so much! We were also pretty hesitant about potty training at 2 years old, but the teachers were so encouraging and supportive to both the kids and us as parents throughout that entire process. His teachers pay close attention to the specific support he needs and are always encouraging him to try new things and build skills independently. As a result, he has grown so much in his curiosity, confidence, and self-reliance. We also love the wide variety of activities included in their curriculum--from gardening, cooking, and soccer to music and dance. My son brings all of these skills home and is constantly asking to help us cook dinner or work in our home garden! Plus, he is always singing and dancing at home to all the songs he learns in class. We are so grateful to have found GMIS and highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing, well-rounded, and high-quality Montessori environment.

We've been a GMIS family for over three years and we highly recommend it to other families. Our…read moredaughter started at 2 and is now thriving in kindergarten at a Berkeley public school. Our son just turned 2 and started this fall, so we're doing it all over again. The biggest thing for us is the teachers. They're incredible. Turnover is very low, so the same caring faces are there year after year, and they build real, deep relationships with the kids. It's a very safe and supportive environment, and we never have to worry when we drop them off. Our daughter still talks about her teachers all the time. They're simply the best. The program itself is wonderful. Kids learn in both Chinese and English, and the Montessori approach gave our daughter so much independence and confidence. The classrooms are beautifully set up, with everything at the kids' level and thoughtfully organized so they can choose their own work and explore. She walked into kindergarten well prepared, both academically and socially. For parents of 2-year-olds: the teachers are really supportive with potty training. They work with you as a team, stay patient and consistent, and make it a positive experience for the kids. The kids also learn to care for lots of animals onsite - goats, bunnies, guinea pigs, chickens, lizards, fish, turtles, birds, and even worms. It's a highlight for us to see and it teaches them responsibility and gentleness. On top of Chinese, English and math, every single week includes gardening, soccer (Soccer Shots), dance, music, science and cooking. We love that the school includes all these activities in their curriculum. If you're a prospective parent weighing your options, reach out to GMIS to book a tour or ask to speak with a parent reference.

My son has been at Woolly Mammoth for almost four years now - first in Mayra's and then in Emilia's…read moreclassrooms. The school has become such a big part of our lives, I can't imagine what it would have been like without them. The teachers are just the right mix of warm and firm, enforcing rules and bringing in parents for discipline problems as needed. I've asked Mayra and Emilia both for parenting advice at different phases including timing on potty training, napping, and how to delicately handle Santa as a conversation topic. Recently when I went in for my son's fifth birthday, Emilia sat down on the playground and was bombarded with toddlers hugging her from every angle. This place is full of love. There seems always to be a special event happening, a new craft or plant coming home, and so many stories about friends and fun teachers. My son loves it and I will be sad to leave when he graduates later this summer.

Woolly Mammoth is one of Berkeley's best kept secrets. It's a small preschool in central Berkeley…read morethat was recommended to us via word of mouth. Our daughter LOVES her school. The co-directors Mayra and Emilia have been running the school with love since the 90's and they truly shower the children with warmth, love, and kindness. They hug the children and say "I love you." I feel so at ease knowing my daughter has a secure base of love and care when I'm not around. She even calls me Emilia on accident sometimes and it truly warms my heart. There is a great focus on social and emotional development and my daughter has learned so many great social skills including how to navigate conflict with peers. In addition, the teachers expose the kids to academics via engaging science lessons and fun activities. My daughter is already learning to write and recognize letters at age 3. She can spell her name! They have so many enrichment activities built into the schedule including Spanish class, music class, and dance class. My daughter looks forward to the monthly theme days such as silly sock day, superhero day, and Piñata day for Cinco De Mayo. Woolly Mammoth is a dream!

This is my daughters school and so far we are loving it. She is finishing up second grade and was…read morenew to the school this year. The education is very solid and the music program is fantastic. They have small class sizes and two teachers per class. I feel that they really know my child here and that is worth every penny. Amelie's review: I really like my school,teachers,music and science. I love sitting near the class room at snack and hanging on the high bar.

Our daughter has completed two years at Black Pine Circle and every morning she is in a hurry to…read moreget to school. I'm writing this review because she has flourished at BPC, both academically and socially, and without a doubt the school can take a lot of credit for it. The headmaster John Carlstroem knows what he is doing, and runs a very happy ship. A school is a complex environment with many personalities and expectations that need to be managed. John works with a reservoir of deep intellect and excellent management skills and has managed to set a harmonious tone for the whole school. He thinks deeply about education and pedagogy, and he spends the school's money wisely. John's passion for the school is reflected in extraordinary commitment by the teachers, who are superb. In the lower school the kids learn english and math well, and the school's emphasis on music permeates lessons and activities and is wonderful to behold. In a review such as this it is not possible to describe the full extent of the curriculum, but I have been continually amazed by what my daughter is learning. Most importantly, her teachers have taught her self-respect, self-confidence, and have instilled in her a love of learning. I have spoken to many parents around the Bay Area, and I know there are many good schools. Still, I may be biased, but I feel that BPC is special, in a very good way. P.S. The math club is among the best in California.