We rarely write reviews, but this school truly deserves one…read more
Before coming here, our son attended another English preschool and had a very difficult experience. He was unhappy, didn't enjoy going to school, and eventually told us he didn't want to go to any school anymore--especially not an English-speaking school.
A friend recommended this preschool, so we decided to give it a try. After just one trial day, he came home and told me:
"Mom, I want to go back to that school. I really like it there."
That was the first time in a long time we had heard him say something positive about school.
Because of how much he liked it, we decided to transfer him here. I was initially a little concerned because it is a bilingual Chinese-English preschool. We had previously tried another bilingual program where English exposure was quite limited, and I worried his English development might slow down.
Fortunately, that was not the case at all.
The English teachers speak excellent English, and the children receive plenty of English exposure throughout the day. Over time, we saw his English improve significantly while he also continued developing his Chinese. These days, he will sometimes speak English to us at home without being prompted.
What impressed us even more was how the teachers handled his separation anxiety.
When he first started, drop-offs were difficult. There were many mornings when we had to hold him, comfort him, and help him through the transition. The teachers were incredibly patient and caring. They took the time to understand him, help him make friends, and gradually build his confidence.
Little by little, things changed.
One day, after he had been at the school for a while, he told me:
"Mom, I want to be the first one at school."
As a parent, that moment meant everything.
Today, he happily goes to school, has close friends, enjoys learning, and talks positively about his teachers and classmates.
There are also many practical things we appreciate as parents:
- The school app provides daily photos and videos, which gives us peace of mind and helps us stay connected to his day.
- Tuition is reasonable compared with many other preschools in the area, and lunch and two snacks are included.
- They offer summer camp, backup care, and after-school options, which are incredibly helpful for working parents.
- The school closes less often than many other programs, making childcare planning much easier. When the school was scheduled to close for Juneteenth, they listened to parent feedback and arranged affordable backup care for families who needed it.
- The outdoor playground is large, and there is also a spacious indoor activity area for rainy or very hot days.
- The school often goes above and beyond in thoughtful ways. For example, they purchased a Monterey Bay Aquarium membership that families can use for free, encouraging parents to take their children out to explore and learn during school breaks. They also provide things like printed graduation photos and keepsakes at no extra cost.
These may seem like small details, but together they show how much thought the school puts into supporting not only the children, but also their families.
Looking back, enrolling our son here was one of the best decisions we made during his preschool years.
Most importantly, this school helped transform a child who didn't want to go to school into a child who genuinely loves going to school.
For that, we will always be grateful.