Happy Friends Preschool of Pleasanton is the most caring preschool I've experienced. The teachers…read moreare very kind and supportive. They always greet the children with warm smiles and create a loving environment. The director is also very responsive and helpful. She offers professional advice whenever I have questions about my child or parenting. I also like the classroom environment at the school. Every classroom has large windows, so everyone can see what's happening inside. I like this because it makes the space feel open and safe. There is also an option for hot lunch, which saves a lot of time in the morning.

My daughter joined the preschool program halfway through the year, and over the past five months,…read moreshe has truly thrived. We previously tried a Montessori preschool, but she had a hard time adjusting and often was in tears during drop-off. This experience has been completely different--she settled in quickly thanks to the warm, caring, and energetic environment. She's made many new friends and comes home excited to tell me all about her day and show me the crafts . I no longer have to worry about her meals either--she enjoys her meals with friends. The teachers and staff clearly love working with young children and prioritize their safety and well-being. As a parent, it's incredibly reassuring. I've seen tremendous growth in her emotional and social development, and I'm so grateful for the positive impact this school has had on her.

My son started here at just 17 months old and it's been an amazing experience from day one. The…read moredirector Lena is incredibly hands-on and gave extra attention to the newer babies, making the transition from home to school so smooth. What I love most is that the teachers don't treat this like just a job -- they treat the kids like family. His first class teachers were incredibly patient and gentle with the little ones, always making sure each baby felt safe, comfortable, and loved every single day. The 2-3 year old teachers also do a wonderful job teaching structure and basic rules, and it really shows -- my son can already count numbers and recite his ABCs! It's amazing to see how much he has grown and learned. We couldn't be happier. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a safe, nurturing home away from home for their little one!

We've had both of our kids at PBMP, and it has genuinely been one of the best decisions we've made…read moreas parents. What makes this school stand out is that both classes follow the same weekly theme, so even though the kids are at different levels, they come home excited to talk to each other about what they learned that day. The curriculum is thoughtful and the take-home work is surprisingly rich (honestly, even the adults learn something!). But what truly sets PBMP apart is the teachers. They don't just watch over the kids, they genuinely love them. Even after our kids moved up to new classrooms, their previous teachers still greet them warmly every time they see them in the hallway. We toured many schools before choosing PBMP, Montessori, church-based, traditional preschools, and nowhere else did we see this level of authentic warmth. I've visited schools where the classrooms were eerily quiet and the teachers looked disengaged. For 2 to 5 year olds, that kind of silence isn't calm, it's a red flag. I truly believe the culture here starts with Principal Lena. She's hands-on, always with the kids, and it's clear she handpicks teachers who share her heart for children. As parents, safety is always a top concern. The teachers send weekly photo updates, and if they ever notice even a small injury like a cut on the lip, they reach out immediately to check in. That level of care and communication has given us total peace of mind. Our older one is now graduating and heading to kindergarten, and I can't thank his teachers enough. He's always been a sensitive, high-needs child, and the patience and love they showed him made all the difference. We will truly miss this place.

I would like to thank Ms. Cavanas for her fantastic support, care, knowledge and communication…read more This is the 4th year our son is at Stratford and we could not be any happier. Ms. Cavanas is amazing also Ms. Jessie (elementary director) and Ms.Asita (Head of school) are very helpful and understanding. They always work with our family as a team to ensure our son gets the best out of the school. The school has a family feeling, we always know that our son is well looked after and we can communicate with the school and teacher anytime. I wish the Stratford family a fantastic holiday and new year. Parisa Pereira

I appreciate Mrs Amreen Hashmi for her caring and support. My kid is difficult, Mrs Amreen is being…read morepatient to her and going above and beyond to spend extra time to support her. She understands how important 4th grade is, as it marks the beginning of preparation for the transition to middle school, not just academically, but also in terms of social and emotional development, behavior, and growing independence. Appreciate her support this year. Thanks Mrs Amreen~

A Wonderful Place for Young Minds to Grow! My 4-year-old daughter attends Global Village Montessori…read morein Pleasanton, and I can't speak highly enough about our experience here. From day one, we've felt genuinely welcomed and supported by the kind and dedicated staff. What I truly appreciate is the variety of enriching projects the children get to explore -- from hands-on science experiments to creative art activities, there's always something exciting that sparks curiosity and learning. The daily structure also includes plenty of outdoor play, which my daughter absolutely loves, and it's great to see her come home happy and energized. Another standout for us is the Spanish classes! As a native Spanish speaker, I really value that my daughter can reinforce her Spanish skills at school. It's a beautiful way to stay connected to our roots, and at the same time, it's a wonderful gift to introduce the richness of another language at such an early age. The teachers manage to weave learning into every part of the day with so much care and warmth, both in their interactions with the children and with us as parents. Global Village truly feels like a nurturing community where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We're so grateful to be part of it!

This is just from my tour of this facility! I am also comparing this with other tours of schools in…read morethe same time period and how this school failed to make an impression, the good one! At first, I was really surprised to see a stained couch, not other friendly notes or things (live activity list, books, pictures, good notes etc) in the entrance and waiting area. There is a plastic/Glass wall on the side behind which the person sits to say Hi to you!!! The you walk in to an office room, equally disgusting and dull. Instead of showing me real kids doing stuff or just letting me ask stuff, they have a really long BOOK of photos from a time when kids did something and they captured (perhaps). Then the lady emphasized so much on potty training (FYI, it's not okay to force, you should be polite and offer good suggestions no press the requirement on a parent). Then we walked through the hallway, has like 4-6 class rooms may be, small playground, class rooms are messy and oddly structured. No diversity FYI! I don't know something about this school just made me want to walk away quickly vs other schools like stratford, primrose, quarry lane or even a home based daycare. It's like I would send another Mathilda here! It's pathetic, needs color, fun, smiles, diversity, cleaner rooms, cleaner entrance for sure, clean that white couch too please.. it looks like a prison! May be cheap but it's terrible to think I could send my kid here for the entire day

Both of my daughters attended BEP, and choosing it was one of the best decisions we made. From the…read morevery first tour, the teachers were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and clearly experienced. I immediately felt confident that my child would be in good hands. My girls built strong friendships at BEP, learned to be inclusive, and were very well prepared for their next school. They are now in elementary school, but they still talk about their time at BEP and often say it was the best time of their lives. The friends they made there are still their best friends today. As a parent, I feel so lucky to have found BEP as my children's first community. It was a safe, fun, and engaging place, and I would highly recommend it to any family.

Five of our grandchildren have attended Beth Emek Preschool, and we can't say enough good things…read moreabout the school! The play-based program is top-notch and the staff is exceptional, with very little turnover through the years (practically unheard of in early childhood circles!). The school is small (just two classrooms) and the environment is warm and friendly, with the children forming close personal relationships with their teachers and classmates. Families can choose for their child to attend two, three or five days a week. I personally love the 9:00a to 1:00p schedule, which allows the children to have lunch with their friends instead of rushing home after a short school day. If you know a child who is between two and five years old, do them (and yourself) a favor and check out Beth Emek Preschool!

This review is dedicated to my children's wonderful teachers and speaks only to the infant and…read moretoddler program. Fazila, Cindy, and Bandana are amazing teachers. My children were in their program back when Chuck was still the owner. Although we left the school shortly after the change of ownership for personal reasons, from what I know, Fazila, Cindy, and Bandana are still there and continue to run a wonderful infant and toddler program. All three of them are patient, professional, and genuinely caring. For them, it is never just a job. They build meaningful relationships with the children and their families. Even after we left, we have stayed in touch, which speaks to the sincere connections they create. It is incredibly hard to find people you fully trust with such young children. I can honestly say I trust these three teachers completely, even more than I trusted myself as a new and young mother. I truly hope the school recognizes how fortunate they are to have teachers like them and gives them the respect and appreciation they deserve. It was heartbreaking to see other wonderful teachers leave, and I hope these three continue to be valued and supported in the way they should be.

Ever since Chuck retired and sold his business (Heads Up!) to Learn and Play, I've noticed a lot of…read morechanges--and while change can be hard for some, I've actually really enjoyed the transformation. The school has had a wonderful refresh with new flooring, paint, updated equipment, beautiful playgrounds, and an engaging new program. I even love the cameras for proper surveillance of the teachers and children. This gave me piece of mind knowing that IF anything did happen, it would be properly documented and it wouldn't lead to any miscommunication. My children absolutely love their teachers and the other families here. I've seen such a positive difference in both their academics and their behavior since joining. The environment feels nurturing, structured, and full of opportunities for growth. There was one teacher in the past who I felt didn't provide enough care or attention to my child's needs. This may have caused some challenges both at home and in class. I tried working with her and even shared advice our pediatrician had given us, but unfortunately, I don't think she put in enough effort to support those needs. Thankfully, it seems that issue has been resolved. Overall, Learn and Play Montessori has been a wonderful experience for our family, and I'm truly grateful for the care and effort they continue to put into creating such a great learning environment. While the fees can feel a bit high (but really--what private school isn't?), I believe every dollar has gone toward something meaningful: building my children's foundation for school and life. If I could, I'd keep them here forever--through college and beyond! I have absolutely no regrets investing in my children and their education.

Sending both our daughter and son to Quarry Lane School was one of the best decisions we've made…read more As a parent, it is such a relief to know that both my children are in an environment where they are safe, respected, and intellectually stimulated. The "whole child" approach here isn't just a slogan. Beyond the impressive academics, the school places a strong emphasis on character development and kindness. My daughter has gained so much confidence in her abilities, and my son has made wonderful friends and developed a real curiosity for learning. The faculty is approachable and communicative, making us feel like true partners in our children's education. Having siblings at the same school can sometimes be tricky if the school only suits one personality type, but QLS has been fantastic for both of them. We are very proud to be a QLS family!

Ms. Yvonne is an exceptional teacher--highly professional, experienced, and genuinely loved by the…read morechildren she teaches. She pays attention to detail, carefully observes each kid's daily habits and needs then communicates with parents in time. She teach manners, empathy, and respect and her classroom is a place where students feel seen and supported. I feel fortunate that my son had the opportunity to learn from Ms. Yvonne at such a young age. Her influence during these formative years has been critical and her impact will stay with him for years to come. Quarry Lane is very lucky to have an educator like her.

Shining Light Preschool is a true gem in the Tri-Valley. My daughter has grown so much,…read moreacademically, socially, and emotionally, from her time here. The other morning, I told her that since we had about 20 minutes before I dropped her off, I was going to pull weeds in the garden. She announced that she was going to be a "high-give helper," (thanks for that concept SLP!!!) put on her gardening gloves, and got to work right beside me. I didn't ask for her help; I knew those were the fruits of the outstanding education she is receiving from the teachers and staff at SLP. SLP forms the "whole child." She is quick to point out letters and their sounds, just like they practice at school, and she actually has better handwriting than her siblings who are already in elementary school. Talk about TK and Kindergarten readiness! That isn't even the best part, though. The best part is how they treat each child with the utmost love, care, and respect. The teachers know every child by name and make them feel seen and genuinely cared for. I think that's why the kids at this preschool are so filled with positive attention and instruction; it simply spills over from their hands into their homes. This is such a special school. It shapes minds and hearts, transforming toddlers into caring, thoughtful, and prepared little kids. I know the lessons they have planted in her heart will take root, providing the strongest foundation for my daughter's development into childhood and beyond.

Shining Light Preschool is the best! My daughter loves SLP so much she gets emotional and cries at…read morethe idea of not coming back in the fall as she'll be starting TK. She absolutely loves all of the caring teachers, and friends she has made this year. Ms. Kelly and all the staff are wonderful. We couldn't recommend shining light enough!

Little Flowers Montessori is a fabulous school! My son went to a different Montessori school prior…read moreto going to Little Flowers Montessori. Before choosing to enroll him at Little Flowers Montessori I visited five Montessori schools spanning thru San Ramon Dublin and Pleasanton. Little flower Montessori school was the only school that had security that was up to par as well as privacy for check in and check out with a nice play area to match. Upon arriving at Little Flowers Montessori for our walk-through we discovered Ms Leisa was a teacher there. When we saw Ms Leisa, we knew this was the school for us. My son had her at a prior school and we knew how fabulous she is. I am a helicopter mom so I know she puts a lot of time and effort into daily activities, being warm, patient and compassionate with the students. At this point, my son has been attending little flowers for six months. I told Ms Leisa that he barely gets sick at this school vs his previous school he was sick every two weeks. She says that she wipes down the toys every day after the kids leave, we love her! When my son sees Ms Leisa, he brightens up and often times when he is picked up he says "Ms Leisa, Ms Leisa" and doesn't want to go home. We are very thankful to have found Ms Leisa and Little Flowers Montessori!

We love all the teachers here. My daughter went to this school for two years before starting her…read moreTK. All the teachers are so supportive especially we love Ms. Leisa. She truly helps small kids to be more independent. Nihal loves her and also Ms. Ronali. Amazing time we have had here!

My daughter starts at Pleasanton Garden Academy when she was 1.5 years old at the Pleasanton…read morelocation. Under Mrs. Cici and Mrs.Huang's care, she quickly adapted into the new environment, and enjoyed going to daycare everyday. The daycare provides both breakfast and lunch, which is a lifesaver for busy young couples like my husband and I. They have a full variety of activities and celebrations throughout the year. They celebrated mother's and father's days by taking photos for parents and kids and let the kids brought them back home with frames; they celebrated new year with a potluck party and gifts; they celebrated Valentine's Day with gifts and balloons.... All these celebrations are great memories for both the kids and families. I strongly recommend you contact and book a tour to visit this daycare.

We had visited so many home based daycares before we settled on the Pleasanton Garden Academy…read moreDaycare. We're so glad we chose this one because our son loves this place so much! He has been going there since he was a year old and has really bonded with the caretakers here (especially Miss Cici). We can see how much love and care they put towards taking care of the kids and Miss Michelle really puts in thought towards planning out fun seasonal activities for the kids (my son loves the summer water play!). Overall, would highly recommend this daycare for your kids. They do a good job at giving us daily updates on our son's activities, photos of the day and if/when he may be starting to get sick. My son has picked up a lot of skills since he started going here and also naps better there than he does at home!