We cannot say enough wonderful things about Pied Piper Preschool! We have sent both of our children…read morehere, and it has been the most transformative experience for our entire family. If you are looking for a true play-based environment where 'kids can be kids' while developing a deep love for learning, this is it. Teachers Pia, Mike, and Carrie are absolutely the greatest. They bring so much joy, patience, and intentionality to everything they do. You can tell they truly understand child development and see each child as a unique individual. What really sets Pied Piper apart is the community. Especially being new to the area, we found a village here. We've made wonderful, lifelong friendships with other families, and our kids have thrived socially and emotionally. One of the biggest surprises was the flexibility of the co-op model. As a full-time working parent navigating the transition of being back in an office, I was worried about the commitment, but the school has been incredibly supportive and flexible. My co-oping days became the highlight of my week! It gave me a front-row seat to my children's growth and helped me become a much more informed and confident parent. Pied Piper is so much more than just a preschool; it's a family.

We spent a lot of time looking for a school for our child, and we were lucky enough to find Pied…read morePiper! Being "transplants" without family nearby, we can attest to the care, compassion, and support that the teachers and families bring to the table. It is quite unique! My highly energetic son absolutely loves coming to school. It might be the huge yard that is accessible to the students for most of the day, the bikes, trucks, enormous sand pit, play structures and mud kitchens... or the rainbow room full of imaginative play costumes and accessories. As parents, we love how much he has been exposed to in just two years. The curriculum is play based and after reading up on this type of education and the science and statistics behind it... we decided we would give it a shot. I am so happy we did. Every day, there are tables dedicated to science, art, fine and gross motor skills and in the B session the kids learn how to read and write. In lieu of TK we decided to do another year of Pied Piper and we are confident he will be more than ready for kindergarten! Another thing that stood out to us about Pied Piper is the flexibility that their particular co-op model offers. Many co-ops are inflexible especially when it comes to maternity leave, or opting out of an expected committee. They have designed their co-op model for both working parents and stay at home parents. There is always an option and flexibility around your responsibilities, and all expectations are laid out ahead of time in their handbook. The teachers at Pied Piper are second to none. I am an educator myself and have worked with young children for over twenty years. Teacher Pia, Teacher Carrie and Teacher Mike absolutely love their job. They shine with the kids. They bring out the best in them and coach them (and the parents) through hard times. They are both compassionate and hold boundaries. They are consistent. My son has grown so much emotionally with them by his side. I've also learned so much as a parent co-oping in the classroom. Lastly we love how Pied Piper celebrates family traditions, and really knows how to make holidays and learning units special. Families are encouraged to share their unique backgrounds and traditions at circle time (Chinese New Year, Christmas, Chanukah,) and bring food and books to share with the class. Holidays are always over the top with decorations and celebration, and the teachers transform the school during learning units (space unit, teddy bear tea, post office). As transplants that came into the school only knowing their neighbors, we will leave the school with a wonderful group of friends and families that we have connected with. We love Pied Piper Preschool!

What an amazing school with amazing staff. My son went here form summer camp and it has been such a…read moretreat. Only downside is that it's full and we are only able to attend a couple times a week and my son looks forward to it each day he goes. Everyone is thoughtful, patient, and kind.... what more can you ask for?!

My son has been attending Merriewood for the last 6 months and I am not even sure where to begin…read morewith how incredible Merriewood is! My little guy has grown in so many ways! The staff is kind and genuine, the facilities are gorgeous and offer many things for the kids that no where else offers. Chickens roam and the kids can collect the eggs, the garden is incredible and the kids love picking fresh fruit and veggies..... After looking at dozens of places this was the ONLY one I could see myself sending my baby to and I am so glad I did!

Both our son and daughter attended this preschool, and we couldn't be happier. The staff is…read moreattentive, warm, patient, and always accessible--you can tell they truly care. The environment is nurturing and thoughtfully balanced between learning and play. Our kids came home happy, confident, and excited every day. We really have nothing but positive things to say. It's been a fantastic start to their learning journey.

Our family has been incredibly pleased with Growing Light Montessori in Lafayette, and would highly…read morerecommend it! The teachers are extremely skilled, patient, and nurturing. Since our child started we've seen a dramatic increase in her social development, creativity, and engagement in group activities. Class sizes are small with multiple teachers, and allow for a level of personalized attention that you can directly observe during drop-offs and pickups. Our child even talks about her teachers and asks after them on weekends. Communication with parents is also great. The school keeps us informed with regular updates, progress reports, and pictures of the kids engaged in class activities. The communication is two ways as well, they always respond quickly to feedback or questions, and they're very accommodating to any life circumstances that may come up. The campus and classrooms are well organized, spacious, and have multiple outdoor play areas. The school also organizes regular social events, educational workshops, and seasonal celebrations for families. We can't recommend Growing Light highly enough. It's absolutely worth it, and we feel lucky to have joined!

This review has been a long time coming...we've been so grateful for The Nurtury and I've been…read moremeaning to put into words just how much this school has meant to our family. It is truly a top-caliber preschool in every way. Every single teacher is exceptionally caring, attentive, and deeply present with the children. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it shows in how happy and supported the kids are every day. The teacher-to-child ratio is excellent, which means every child gets the individual attention they need to thrive. Since starting at The Nurtury, our two-year-old has blossomed--he's become so much more social and confident in group settings, his language has taken off, and he even started saying "please" and "thank you" (a very happy surprise for us!). It's a truly special place that nurtures not only the child's development, but also their sense of safety, joy, and belonging. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community.

Our son has a fantastic time at Nurtury. The leadership and loving teachers really care for the…read morestudents and it is a solid, well-run Christian pre-school program. We entered when our son was 2 and the teachers were very patient in helping with the pre-school transition and provided a wonderful and safe environment. They have many activities and the children spend their days doing art, music, building social and emotional skills, and gather together for full-group activities such as a visit by the fire department (big hit!). We are thrilled to observe our son grow to be confident and enjoy school, and without qualms we hope to send our second kid there.

Our little one has been attending for almost a year now, and we have only wonderful things to say…read moreabout TCDS Moraga. Our daughter looks forward to going to school every day, which is a testament to the loving and fun environment that the amazing staff has created. She had Ms. Grace and Ms. Mary in the toddler room, and now has Ms. Ashley, Ms. Aurora, Ms. Danielle and Ms. Gigi in the 2's room, and everyone has just been so fantastic. I was worried about the transition from the toddler room to the 2's room, but the staff all worked together and coordinated so well to prepare her for the transition. Mr. Emil (director) is always so helpful, flexible, and accommodating, and conveys such positivity and a sense of peace that really adds to the culture and vibe of the school, especially during such a sensitive time with COVID. A huge thanks to all of the amazing staff at TCDS Moraga!

My son has been at The Child Day School in Moraga since he was 1 years old. He is turning 5 this…read moreyear. The teachers have all been amazing. Ms Laura Ms Mary, Ms Juliet, Ms Rebecca ( who is now at the San Ramon campus) and Ms Yuli in particular have been standout teachers for my son. He has been in their loving care, and even the school's director Mr. Emil have taken the time to get to know my son, and have given him personal care. During Covid, it has been tough and I was so lucky to have their loving arms to put my son back in with proper health protocals. I can't say enough about them. They are family to me!

We've been with building bridges over 2 years now, and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are…read morewonderful and it truly feels like a partnership. Ps they host date nights!!

I would give Building Bridges 10 stars if I could!…read more We started with my older son when he turned 3 and it has been the most amazing experience. The teachers are kind and loving, they have a great quiet location and a great playground! My son thrived and they do such fun projects such as raising chicken eggs and raise butterflies. They do fun things like cooking and fieldtrips- my son THRIVED! Also, as he transitioned to kindergarten, his K teacher told me how prepared he was for school- which was a great thing to hear! Also, we love it so much that even though we commute to the school, we chose to send our younger son there as well so he can have the great experience his brother did! AMAZING!

The day my son started here, he was completely at home. I love getting new artwork in his cubby…read moreevery day. He's been much more in to cooking at home because they do snack prep. It's such a warm and welcoming environment. The teachers are non-judgmental and supportive of both kids and parents, and it's clear they genuinely care about each and every child. When you work in the classroom, it's so nice to get to know other kids and see your child in action. Beyond that, it feels like the school is built for families, not just kids. Having purpose in the classroom connects you to other parents in a way that doesn't seem possible anywhere else. Housekeeping days, fundraising events, parent education, school participation at city events...they all help us feel like we're part of a community.

Both of my kids attend Lafayette Nursery School and have had a wonderful experience! My kids are…read moreexcited to go to school. They love the different stations set up, they love the new themes every week, and they love the amazing backyard full of fun activities! It is such a warm and welcoming place to be!! Being able to co-op has been a really special experience!

My son is at LGA for over a year now and I love this school. I love the app updates showing his…read morepotty times, nap times, meals and school activities. To our surprise, many schools do not use an app. The extracurricular activities are so engaging - I like that they bring an outside coach to engage the kids in sports, Mr. George for music, and Ms Brittany for reading. The meals are also great. My son is open to eating a variety of food as a result of the meals serve at the school. In terms of academics, my almost 4 year old can count to 40, knows the ABCs and write his name. All in all, LGA makes life easy for parents, especially working parents. Even the morning drop off procedures are so quick and seamless. Between my older daughter and son, we've been at multiple schools in the area and I can say that LGA is our favorite.

My little one started at LGA a couple months ago and honestly I could not have asked for a better…read moreplace! The facility is very clean, spacious and the workers are warm, welcoming and nothing short of excellent. The team keeps the kiddos busy with many activities such as art, music class, sensory activities and more. Their aim is to ensure that the children are in a fun and positive environment while learning and growing every day. My favorite part of LGA is that they use modern day technology to keep you updated on your child all throughout the day. You receive hourly updates on what meals they are serving your child, updates when their diaper is being changed, nap time as well as photos of your kiddo. Even though you may be spending hours away from your child - Their system is amazing and really keeps you updated on everything. I love it! The price for childcare now a-days is pretty expensive no matter where you go - But if your child is spending more time here than their home, you should want them to be in the safest and best environment. LGA is a place where we don't have to worry, our child absolutely loves going there and it's really hard to find a place who will beat their quality and care. 10/10 recommend!!

Attendance at Lamorinda Montessori started out as a stepping stone while we waited to get off the…read morewaitlist at another daycare/preschool in Lamorinda, but now Lamorinda Montessori has quickly become our son's favorite place and I can't imagine switching him to the other school. I call all the lovely teachers and staff at Lamorinda Montessori his "abuelitas"-- each and every staff member treat my son like their own child or grandchild. He is so loved here and it shows. Yes, Spanish is spoken often and it's one of the many perks about Lamorinda Montessori. My son says "agua" instead of "water" and sometimes babbles in Spanish-- something that will surely serve him well later in life if we continue to expose him to Spanish! The school itself runs great. As a full time working mom, I know I can depend on them each and every morning. No worries about an absent teacher or someone running late-- something that is commonplace at a smaller daycare. The hours are the best in Lamorinda and actual learning is happening all day long. The Brightwheel app provides updates all day long, which is super appreciative so I can get a look into his daily routine. When I drop off at 8am I usually get an update that he's starting a morning activity like painting or blocks. The learning translates into life at home and I can tell he is catching on to the Montessori teachings. We are so so lucky to have found this place when our small in-home daycare closed down. The only drag is having to make lunch every morning for our son. We were spoiled before when our prior daycare used to provide all meals. If Lamorinda Montessori starts making lunches they would get an A+++ from me, so for now, its only an A++.

Our kids love it here. They have been attending Lamorinda Montessori since they were infants. The…read morestaff here are very friendly and loving to the kids. We also love all the special events they hold for the kids and parents. Another plus is the Spanish teaching curriculum on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our kids run in to school excited to see their teachers and friends every day. Definitely recommend Lamorinda Montessori, especially for working parents! This campus is much larger than the other one and also has a bigger outdoor area for play. Parking/drop off is a breeze.

We truly cannot fully express the amount of joy, comfort, and confidence we feel leaving our…read morechildren in the loving hands of White Pony Preschool. When searching for the perfect preschool, we had very clear priorities - and White Pony was the only school that checked every box (for context, I'm an Excel-spreadsheet fanatic and a serious researcher - I visited many schools, observed classrooms/teachers, analyzed environments, and spoke with current and former parents across 15 preschools in Walnut Creek and Lafayette before choosing Meher Schools). Our top priorities were: 1. Teachers who genuinely practice kindness, patience, and love, creating a safe, nurturing environment that mirrors the care we provide at home. 2. A strong focus on kindness, emotional and spiritual development alongside academics, using the Nurtured Heart Approach to teach leadership, right from wrong, and strong values - something that truly matters in today's world. 3. A calm, orga, clean, and open environment inspired by Montessori/Waldorf principles, filled with music, dance, art, nature exploration, and joyful activities that spark curiosity and a love of learning. 4. Low teacher-to-student ratios with consistent, dedicated staff and minimal turnover. 5. The ease and convenience of reliable daycare availability and consistent school hours, which is invaluable for working parents and provides tremendous peace of mind. Our children have grown into calm, patient, loving, socially and emotionally intelligent individuals. They come home happy - singing songs, performing dances, and confidently demonstrating leadership skills such as speaking up, standing up for others, self-regulating ("resetting"), appreciating nature, sharing their finished "projects" from school, and truly loving life. We are incredibly grateful for the dependable, efficient, and communicative staff and teachers. Watching our children's growth, confidence, curiosity, and joy throughout their time at White Pony Preschool has been nothing short of amazing. We wholeheartedly and highly recommend White Pony Preschool to any parent looking for the very best for their child.

White Pony Preschool is a special and wonderful school. The teachers are extremely caring and they…read morework together to create a classroom experience that is warm, loving, and fun! We have had two very different children go through White Pony and they have emerged confident, kind kids who love school. The school emphasizes the arts and it gives kids many different opportunities to stretch their brains. The combination of Montessori-inspired teaching along with child-centered, play-based learning is also unique, and wonderful. We always felt our kids were loved and cared for while at school, and we have appreciated the way teachers also prioritize communication with families. It's a gem of a school.