We couldn't be happier with our experience at Ice Cream & Shoe Preschool. It's such a warm,…read morethoughtful, and nurturing environment, and you can truly feel how much the teachers care about the kids as individuals. The TK classroom atmosphere is calm and welcoming, and the play-based approach strikes a great balance between social-emotional development and early learning. Our child feels safe, supported, and excited to go to school each day, which says everything. The teachers are attentive, patient, and incredibly skilled at guiding children through friendships, problem-solving, and independence. We also really appreciate the strong sense of community among families and staff. Communication is clear, and it's obvious this school has been thoughtfully run for many years!

Our son attended preschool at Ice Cream and Shoe and we truly loved the experience - the teachers…read moreare so nurturing, the methodology was loved by parents and kids, and the experience prepared him for kindergarten in a noticeable way! I highly recommend this preschool program!

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about ABC Child Care and Enas!…read more As a first time mom, sending your infant child to daycare can be daunting. As a professional who works in pediatric healthcare/development, I wanted to make sure my son went to a loving environment that would enrich his developmental outcomes. ABC Child Care was just that. Enas is so kind and knowledgeable and truly made me feel at ease with sending my then 9 month old son into her care. My son has thrived in his development over the past year and I am so happy to have Enas and everyone at ABC Child Care as part of my "village" with raising my son. We are unfortunately moving out of the area and will miss ABC Child Care so much! If we move back before my son is school age, he will definitely be coming back here (if there is room :)). If you value a home environment and loving care for your infant/toddler, look no further!

As our preschool-aged son approaches "graduation" from ABC Child Care, I am happy to share our…read moreexperience, including the warmth and care of the owners. They create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that feels like extended family. My son is well fed and rested, and enjoys a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. He comes home exhibiting empathy for his siblings and saying "sorry" and "thank you" - which is so adorable and reassuring. The daycare's hours are very accommodating for working parents. They are open most of the year and provide ample notice for closures. As neighbors, the Marinwood location is incredibly convenient, making drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze. The price strikes me as competitive with nearby options, and they are flexible regarding contract schedule and drop-ins. The combination of a warm, familial environment, convenient hours, and an excellent location makes it an great choice - highly recommended!

Miss Nicky's Preschool is pure magic. My daughter attended from age 2 to 5, blossoming from the…read moreCaterpillar Room (toddlers) to the Butterfly Room (Pre K) with ease, care, and support. Along the way she met every developmental milestone, thanks to Miss Nicky and her incredible teaching staff. The amount of sweat, love, and dedication Miss Nicky pours into her school is truly unmatched. The classrooms strike the perfect balance of play based exploration and academics, with literacy and math seamlessly woven into hands on games, centers, and creative projects. Summer camp is just as special, fun filled, imaginative, and full of joy. What made it most magical, though, was how much my daughter loved being there. She thrived because her teachers loved being with her. One memory she always cherishes is the day she got a splinter. Miss Nicky welcomed her into her office, gently removed it, and turned a "boo boo" moment into a memory of being cared for and safe. That's the kind of nurturing heart behind this school. As parents, my husband and I especially appreciated the sense of community Miss Nicky built. From family events to celebrations, she created opportunities not only for children to connect but for parents to form friendships that will last well beyond preschool years. What makes it even more special is that the building that houses this amazing school is the very same one where I attended preschool over 30 years ago. It has been beautifully updated and maintained with modern safety features, nestled in one of the most safe and beautiful neighborhoods in Marin. (I know! I am also a proud Terra Linda High School graduate.) Miss Nicky's Preschool is truly a gem, and when our journey came to an end I cried. My five year old held my hand and said, "Mom, it's ok, Miss Nicky said we can always come back and visit!" A true testament to how Miss Nicky and her teaching team foster social emotional growth, creating confident and compassionate kids. If you're wondering whether Miss Nicky's is the right place for your child the answer is yes. In a world that moves too fast, this school preserves the wonder and innocence of early childhood. It is safe, happy, creative, and filled with love. Miss Nicky's Preschool isn't just a school, it's a place where childhood magic is kept alive.

Excellent preschool! Loving teachers, great curriculum and facilities, fun spirit days. Great…read morecommunication and very organized and well run. Highly recommend!

We've just enrolled and had our first playdate to meet the teachers and other kids in our group. I…read morewas so impressed -- fresh bread with butter and coffee for parents, a warm and welcoming team, and such a beautiful interior and surroundings! It truly feels like the owner and team have put their hearts into everything, caring not only for the children but also for building a parent community. I hope Zoe will love the daycare as much as I do

From the owner: Le Petit Jardin (LPJ) is a unique preschool program that combines loving childcare with daily…read moreexperience in an around the French and Francophone cultures. Children are introduced to sounds and words of the French language through song, nursery rhymes, stories and general everyday interactions. As children are exceptional language learners by nature, this total immersion environment enables them to quickly become familiar with French and begin to know how to use it for themselves. Our days here at preschool are rooted in the idea that a child learns through play and exploration! We lead children each day through a fun variety of arts and crafts, story time, classical dance (ballet), cooking, science actives, music, outdoor and free play time. These experiences are guided completely in French to familiarize children with numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and other early vocabulary. We recognize that each child has unique talents, learning style and personality. LPJ is committed to ensure optimal social, emotional and linguistic growth. Classes are kept to a low student-teacher ratio for happy, healthy learning! Popular childhood songs and nursery rhymes from France will soon become some of your child’s favorites!

Our daughter started at SMCC a week before her second birthday. She is now 6 years old and…read morecontinues to frequent SMCC on days that her elementary school is closed - we wouldn't send her anywhere else. SMCC is not just a "daycare" to us; it's a part of our family. When our daughter was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2, they opened their hearts and minds to learn more and educate themselves. They become part of our journey. SMCC is full of the most supportive and loving individuals we could ever ask for.

So happy our friends who have 2 children at SMCC recommended it to us. Our child has thrived in…read morethis truly special environment. We are very grateful to all the staff that create this wonderful community focused on outdoor play, opportunities for lots of learning based around social time and nurturing our child as he grows.

MFT has been an outstanding experience for our son throughout his time there. Terese, Lori, and the…read morerest of the staff are deeply attuned to the needs of young children and have created an extraordinary early education and social experience. We couldn't have asked for a better learning environment for our son to grow up in. Highly recommended!!

Both my kids went to Terese Montessori and they both are thriving at their schools. The…read morefundamentals they learn are the best in Novato. They approach each kid different and it is an individualized approach. It is a strict program but my kids have learned to be confident and independent. My son has a lot of energy but has learned to focus in the classroom where now at his elementary school he is one of the best behaved kids in the classroom and releases his energy outside. Highly recommend this school and by far one of the best in Novato. My only thing it is small so great for ages 2-3.5 or a kids that needs that small class.

Sunnyside Preschool is truly the best. My son started about six months ago, and from day one, Miss…read moreSylvie--along with the students and families--made us feel so welcome. The transition couldn't have been smoother, and now he walks (and often runs!) into school every morning excited and happy. The Sunnyside team is incredibly communicative and has done such a wonderful job nurturing his curiosity, skills, and creativity. I'm constantly amazed hearing about what he learned or experienced each day. He's now counting to 10 and has really developed a love for books and coloring, which has been so fun to watch. We also love the balance of outdoor play, classroom time, and shared meals with his classmates--it's been terrific for his development. We're already looking forward to having his younger sister join Sunnyside in the future. Sylvie does a great job keeping parents in the loop on what the kids are learning, singing, and working on as the seasons change. Our little guy absolutely loves Sunnyside--and so do we.

Sylvie's is the best! Miss Sylvie and her assistant are trustworthy, kind, experienced,…read morecommunicative, and I trust them implicitly with my child's care. My son (first child) started her program at 1.5 years old and she made the transition smooth for him as it was his first time leaving home. He walks in every day by himself, happy and ready to start his morning! Her Montessori-based program is thoughtfully designed to foster focus, exploration, and curiosity during the most crucial toddler years. Her classroom is inviting and intentional, with developmentally-appropriate shelf works for various ages. The backyard is very spacious with an impressive array of climbing equipment, big sandbox, swings, cars and scooters, toys, slides, and an huge lush green lawn. The best part of the yard is the garden beds where the children help plant seeds and grow food which they later enjoy for lunch together. (I love that snack and lunch are included in tuition!) In a nutshell, Miss Sylvie's is a toddler's paradise, inside and out. It is where kind and gentle socialization happens, and where I trust my child's every need is being met. We love the other children and families we have met as well. Five stars all the way! Thank you for everything you do, Sylvie!!

I'm a Montessori alumnus and proud of it!…read more I attended pre-school, kindergarden and elementary school here in the '90s for 9 years and it changed my life. I made friends here whom I still keep in contact with in addition to keeping in contact with a few of my teachers. The school is in a beautiful location, and I have so many fond memories here. I know that if I have children in Marin (a few years until that happens), I will without hesitation send them to this Montessori school. I learned many life skills here that my others friends attending public school never experienced, nor do they understand the bonds I created having the opportunity to be in a classroom with students of all ages. You can find my handprint in clay on the main walkway under the trellace leading up to the main side door into the playground. I also helped to create the small Japanese tea garden in the small plot of land next to the front doors. I have memories here that will last me a lifetime. I love this school!

Amazing school! Outstanding teachers and program. My granddaughter attended MdTL starting when she…read morewas 2, and she graduated after completing the 6th grade. Montessori education has been such a gift for her and her friends. She has had outstanding academics, great experiences with art, music, tons of outings... The teachers have been at the school many years, and they are the most caring, wonderful group of educators you could hope to have for your children. In her last year at the school, the whole class participated in a model United Nations program and went to New York where they actually spoke at the UN. She thrived at MdTL and is still thriving as a soon-to-be freshman in high school, and I believe it was her solid foundation at Montessori de Terra Linda that set her up for success. He

My daughter started at MIM once she turned 2 and she's loving it. So much so, she never wants to…read morecome back home when it's time for pick up. All the teachers are warm and attentive to the children. The space is cozy and inviting. And the playground is a small paradise for the little ones. She is learning a lot, from new words and sentences to putting on her socks and jacket by herself. We've seen a lot of progress in a few months! All good things. The older kids keep an eye on the younger ones and they are very sweet to each other. All in all, I highly recommend the school.

Montessori in Motion is truly a gem. From the moment we walked in, I could feel the calm, nurturing…read moreenergy of the school, and it has been nothing short of magical for my daughter. The teachers -- Crystal, Josh, Tracy, Alyiah, and Ashley -- are amazing. My daughter transitioned mid-year, and the way they welcomed her made her feel comfortable and excited to be there. The classrooms are filled with a diverse set of activities and materials to explore, and they have the best play yard I have ever seen. As a mom, the biggest gift was peace of mind. I could leave each morning knowing my daughter was not only cared for, but genuinely thriving. She has grown in confidence and independence, and came home excited to share her day and look forward to the next morning. The contrast from other schools we've experienced was night and day. At MIM, I felt supported as a parent, informed, and confident knowing my daughter's overall well-being was prioritized. It is a wonderful community. Montessori in Motion isn't just a preschool -- it's a magical place where children flourish.

Our son is currently in kindergarten at Marin Waldorf School, where there are two teachers for…read moresixteen students. He can be shy, but he quickly formed strong bonds with his teachers and made friends faster than we expected. Within the first week, we noticed a real shift. He became more confident, independent, and better regulated at home. It truly felt like he had been longing for something he finally found. The school's emphasis on rhythm, storytelling, singing, nature, practical work, and the seasons suits him beautifully. He especially loves starting each morning with a short run near the ancient oak tree before circle time. The time spent outdoors has been incredibly grounding for him. The campus spans ten acres, with plenty of space for the younger children to explore and a separate area for the grade school students. The parent community has also been a wonderful surprise. Families are welcomed with coffee and tea at drop-off, which creates space to connect with other parents and the staff. There are also parent groups, music evenings, lectures, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. Most importantly, our child is genuinely excited to go to school each morning. As busy working parents, we feel very grateful to have found this school. We would wholeheartedly recommend Marin Waldorf School to families looking for a warm, nurturing, and thoughtfully run early childhood program.

This is an amazing school! Very respectful of childhood, development, and allowing students to be…read morethemselves. Emphasis on creativity and healthy relationships amongst the students, teachers and families. A great community that is supportive and striving.