Mustard Seed Pre-School

(12 reviews)

4.1 mi

Certified professionals

Speaks Mandarin

I can't recommend Director named Mrs. Maggie enough. She is very caring and thoughtful person. It's…read morea beautiful and big spaces facility, with caring teachers and a ton of fun. The curriculum is thorough and - through playground Art, Singapore math, Kungfu, Chinese and Spanish language and music. Also, Provided a healthy lunch. My two kids studied at this school, never cried, even the first day, they are very excited to go to the school everyday. Some parents may concerned about the location, but it's critical to find the right school rather than the location. I highly recommend it.

My child has been attending Little Tree since 2022 and has enjoyed playing and learning there every…read moreday. The classrooms are well-equipped with age-appropriate Montessori activities, keeping her engaged and offering practice in various subjects like English, Math, Chinese, Science, and Art. She loves her teachers and often talks about them at home. I can see they are doing an excellent job teaching her not just academics, but also good behavior and independence. The teachers organize a variety of well-planned activities and events throughout the year for both US and Chinese holidays. Our family enjoys participating in these events, and we appreciate the many photos and videos shared with parents afterward to capture the memories. Another great feature of Little Tree is the optional lunch program. For $6 a day, they provide a tasty, nutritious, and balanced meal, which is one less thing for me to worry about.

Welcome to our 2025 Open House！

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Thanksgiving Feast

Golestan School

(35 reviews)

1.5 mi

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" :)

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Kensington Nursery School

(22 reviews)

2.1 mi

We have had 2 kids attend KNS and have loved it! Everyone…read morewho works at KNS is experienced, kind and welcoming. The preschool years are setting a foundation for social as well as academic interactions and we are thankful that both of our children were able to attend KNS. The classroom environment is kind, encouraging and fun. Thank you KNS!!!

My 3-year-old is so happy and learning so much at Kensington Nursery School. The staff is…read moreincredible, and there's a great balance of structure and free play, with plenty of both indoor and outdoor time. She especially loves the trampolines in the Music & Movement (M&M) room! All of their systems feel really well thought out and dialed in. I especially appreciate that they offer both napping and non-napping options, since my daughter recently dropped her nap. I also love the co-op model and enjoy parent teaching one morning a week, while appreciating that it's not a requirement for all families. They offer care from 7:30am-6pm if needed, or partial days. Highly recommend KNS!!

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Little Lamb Bilingual Preschool

(4 reviews)

2.2 mi

Our older daughter started at Little Lamb when she was 4yo and has really loved it. She was dealing…read morewith anxiety and selective mutism, and the Little Lamb teachers were very accommodating. Our therapist worked with them to train them with selective mutism techniques and they were kind and responsive to our daughter's issues. She adapted great and has graduated from their preschool program, and she still goes there for their afterschool program. The school is no longer in the home in Albany but in a dedicated school facility in El Cerrito. The school building has a lot of space and a wonderful outside area. We also send our younger daughter there starting at 18mo and she loves it.

My children attended Little Lamb and it was an incredible experience. The administrator and…read moreteachers are incredibly kind, attentive, supportive, and really care about each child's individual needs and what works with their personality. For example, my oldest child is very mature, and the teachers found ways to have her be their little 'helper' and help lead the yoga class which got her more engaged and challenged. The teachers are also really patient and nice, and my kids always remarked that they liked them. The activities they do at school are very creative and I loved seeing all the art work and crafts that they brought home. The lesson plans are very impressive with songs, art, science, play, and I really felt like my kids were getting a well-rounded experience where they were learning and also having fun. The school is also top-notch when it comes to health and safety -- from applying sunscreen and hats, to taking temperatures at the door and hand-washing, which was very important to me. My children also flourished in their Mandarin language skills which was absolutely amazing to see. We have graduated and gone on, but we loved our time at Little Lamb and couldn't have been happier.

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Keystone Montessori School

4.6

(36 reviews)

3.3 mi

We had a great experience at Keystone in our 3.5 years there and miss a lot of the engagement,…read moreeducation, and support. It felt like a real community. Our child was there from ~18mos old to 5 years old; from the thick of Covid in 2021 to August of 2025. She loved it and continues to talk about the teachers and staff. As she transitioned into Kindergarten, it's clear she and her keystone classmates are much further ahead academically and socially. We love the Montessori approach and Keystone seems to have a great facility and application of it.

Our family has been part of the Keystone community for nearly seven years, with both of our…read moredaughters attending from the time they were toddlers until moving on to Kindergarten. It's been such a positive experience for us. The teachers and staff are warm, supportive, and very thoughtful about meeting kids where they are. Both of our girls went through phases where drop-off was tough, and the staff worked closely with us to find approaches that made the transition smoother. Over time, they built such strong bonds with their teachers that school became a place they genuinely looked forward to. What we've especially appreciated is the calm, well-organized environment and the wide range of learning opportunities. Keystone offers a nice balance of Montessori learning, hands-on activities, and enrichment classes (Spanish, Mandarin, music, soccer, martial arts). Our daughters were able to try different things and discover what they enjoyed most. We've also seen them grow a lot socially, making friends, learning responsibility, and gaining confidence. Overall, Keystone has been a nurturing and engaging preschool that gave both of our children a strong foundation and a love for learning. We're grateful for the years we've spent there and highly recommend it to other families.

East Bay Montessori

4.3

(19 reviews)

3.8 mi

My daughter attended Montessori Family School for 3 years. While there were many things we loved…read moreabout the school, we, like many other families, were essentially forced out by the current Head of School, Alissa S. Enrolling your child at Montessori Family School (MFS) is a bit like gambling. If your child has any trouble listening, staying on task, following directions, or you as a parent are outspoken, like to stand up for yourself, or don't deal well with those who are patronizing and lack empathy, it is more like playing Russian roulette. What we loved about MFS were the families. The community was fantastic, and one of the things I miss most. I don't think I met any parents or children that I didn't appreciate and enjoy. I think this is rare; I can't say the same about her new school. On the other end of the spectrum, the school administration - specifically the Head of School, Alissa S., and the "learning specialist" Regina H. - were a nightmare. We, like most parents, were blindsided by them and how they presented our daughter as struggling, having problems, and needing help. Worried about our kids, we didn't realize until later that what they had done and said was inappropriate and unprofessional, and that they were the problem, not our kids. The sad part is that the voices of these families were rarely heard when they needed to be, and still aren't heard now. The number of positive Yelp reviews, many from hand-picked parents that were asked to serve on the school's Board of Directors, tell only the positive stories. While I do believe these accounts are sincere, they are only part of the full picture. The stories of those that were forced to leave the school, lost thousands of dollars in tuition, and were so upset with the situation that they were considering legal action, are mostly absent, and should not be forgotten. My daughter did well enough at MFS, but about half-way through our time at the school, we were told that she needed "outside support", which seems to be private school code for, "Your child is a burden to us. Go pay for an aide, tutoring, or something else." My daughter, who was later diagnosed with ADHD, and is also strong-willed, was more than the school could or wanted to support. While I understand and can accept that, the way this was handled was unprofessional and traumatizing. There was a complete lack of empathy from the individuals mentioned above. I found them to be very narrow-minded, opinionated and authoritarian, and it became clear that we would need to listen to them and do what they said, or we would be kicked out. I luckily realized this, and tread carefully for the rest of our time there - not directly or openly opposing or contradicting them. Other parents were not so fortunate. I personally know at least four families that had to switch schools in the middle of the year. One family had pre-paid their tuition for the year to obtain a discount, and it was not refunded. Two were speaking with lawyers. One was apparently threatened by lawyers from the school. For us, we were suddenly placed on "Academic Hold" in the middle of our third year, which basically meant they would not let us re-enroll. This was upsetting, and a complete shock, and came with no warning, nor had we even heard about such a thing before. We were left suddenly trying to figure out where we would attend school the next year, with only a few weeks left to tour and apply to private schools. We have since moved to public school. Despite the challenges inherent in the public school system, it has been a relief to leave behind the dysfunctional administration at MFS. Still, while her new teacher & the school staff are fantastic, I am far less impressed with the parents and other children in her class, compared to those who were at MFS. MFS has struggled with these issues for years now, and there seems to be little to no improvement. When I was first looking at MFS, I had heard some stories and I knew people that had withdrawn their kids, but I was more focused on what I saw on the surface and liked, and didn't pay as much attention to the warning signs myself. When you see something you like, you tend to ignore or minimize the negative. I don't regret our decision to attend MFS, but it would have been nice to have known a bit more and been a bit less naive. If you are considering MFS for your child, then it might be the perfect school for your family. But I write this because I could no longer stand by while a small number of families were treated so horribly. It is my belief that this situation only persists because those affected are few, they are afraid to speak up, or rather, don't feel like it will do any good. And so far, they have been right. Should the good experiences of a majority of families outweigh the mistreatment and hurt caused to a smaller number of families, which end up at other schools anyway? That is for you to decide.

Any school can call themselves Montessori, but MFS is the real thing. Accredited by the American…read moreMontessori Society, it stays true to the Montessori philosophy of multi-age classrooms based on Montessorian development stages. The student-teacher ratio is low, and the teachers and staff are dedicated, hard-working, and nurturing. My kids are challenged, stimulated, and are learning at their own pace. An added bonus-- the music program is amazing! I visited several Montessori schools, but chose MFS (we started at the preschool campus) because it just like the Children's House I attended in early childhood. If you are interested in enrolling in a Montessori but are new to the pedagogy, you may want to visit the AMS website or pick-up a Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom or a similar book so you know what to expect.

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Orkidz Preschool

(36 reviews)

0.6 mi

I waited a couple of months after starting daycare before posting a review, and now that our son…read morehas been at Orkidz for over two months, I truly can't say enough good things about it. There is a reason this place only has 5-star reviews! As a first-time mom, I was extremely anxious about leaving my son with caregivers outside of family. What I didn't expect was that the wonderful teachers at Orkidz would start to feel like extended family to our baby. Before enrolling, I had heard plenty of horror stories about daycares where staff seemed disengaged or unhappy in their jobs. That has absolutely not been our experience here. The women at Orkidz genuinely LOVE children, and it shows every single day in the warmth, patience, and care they bring to the classroom. We toured several daycares before Orkidz, but the moment we walked in for our tour with Ms. Sheila, we were sold because no other place could compare. We were amazed with the facility, their library, their beautiful outdoor space, and the impressive commercial-style kitchen where they make yummy food for the kids. As for our son, I had prepared myself for difficult drop-offs and lots of crying. Instead, after a brief moment of confusion on his very first day (not sadness or separation anxiety because the teachers got to distracting him right away!), he settled in and adjusted to daycare immediately. He loves being around his little friends, is excited to go every morning, and is all smiles every time we come back to pick him up. Our son loves all the teachers, his face lights up when he sees them every morning, and he is especially attached to his primary teacher, Ms. Azadeh. They also have fun and engaging classes and we absolutely love the daily updates and pictures! In just a couple of months, we've already seen our now toddler become more social, curious, and comfortable around other children and adults. He also eats so well there and they have a variety of homecooked meals that I could never replicate. If you see a spot open at Orkidz, consider yourself lucky and save the spot as soon as you can - you will not regret it!

Our little one has been going to orkidz for the last two years and we are very happy with the…read moredirector, teachers and place. They do variety of art activities, music and yoga and more. Over the time our son has flourished and became much more social and active and talkative. He has always been in a happy mood when we picked him up in the evening and we felt he was well cared for. The pictures they send everyday capture the fun and the outings each day. The location is excellent since our older goes across the street to Marin elementary. Highly recommend them for anyone considering preschool care.

Playground

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Albany Preschool

(18 reviews)

1.0 mi

We had 2 kids go through the program. They really take great care of the preschoolers- physically…read moreand emotionally! The play based model and layout of the school really allows for growth, learning and creativity.

We love this preschool! My son is in his second year here, in the PM program (1-4:30) and…read moreabsolutely LOVES it! I can't believe how much he's developed in one short year. They really are a play based school and the benefits of that are quickly rewarded with a confident young 3-4 year old that can sing the morning song in 6-10 languages, has an affinity for the flags of the world, can write his name before the age of 4, enjoys music, dancing, playing with friends, cleans up after himself, and the amount of art that comes home is mind blowing! Teacher Susy just celebrated 25 years as the PM director and was awarded the Habitot Preschool Teacher of the year award in 2016. She's a natural with the children and their fondness towards her is evident. I highly recommend this preschool. Love love LOVE APS!

Tiny Footprints Childcare

(39 reviews)

1.9 mi

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.

Tiny Footprints Childcare has been such a meaningful part of our family's early years. Both my…read moredaughter and son attended until TK, and we couldn't have asked for a better start to their educational journey. The environment at Tiny Footprints is not only loving and nurturing but also thoughtfully structured to support both academic readiness and emotional growth. Cecy, Olivia, and Consuelo truly pour their hearts into the children. Our daughter transitioned into TK with confidence, and now that our son has just finished his time there, we see the same strong foundation in him--socially, emotionally, and developmentally. Cecy is more than just a caregiver--she's a true community builder. She brings families together, fosters connections, and creates a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the classroom. We always felt supported, informed, and part of something special. Tiny Footprints is more than a childcare center--it's a community, a safe haven, and a place where children (and parents) are truly seen and cared for. We're so grateful for the beautiful start our kids received here.

Another partial view of our backyard with newly installed artificial grass

Welcome to Tiny Footprints

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One of the entrances of our daycare room

Every Child Bay Preschool

(3 reviews)

1.8 mi

At ECB, it is a very enriched and enriching environment. My son has attended Every Child Bay for a…read moreyear now. I love how he can explore at his own pace. My son is thriving in the ECB environment and I know the inclusive and individualized structure of the program is key to his development. Communication from the school is very good, I get updates during the school day through the Brightwheel app, with information and pictures with explanations and the newest developments with my child. The teachers each have unique strengths, and share with me from their different perspectives. If I ever have any questions, I can just come a little early at pick-up or drop-off, and the teachers make sure to take time with me. If we want to know more, there are many ways to communicate with the school beyond those quick moments. I am happy to see him growing surrounded by peers and teachers that help him develop

As a teacher at ECB, I have never felt more involved and supported with each child. I, along with…read moremy fellow teachers are extremely motivated to create a magical environment where learning meets play and both are completely inclusive as well as individualized to meet each child's goals. I love the environment that has been created at ECB, where the teachers and parents can express needs and wants that are listened to and respected. We put on numerous family events that everyone participates in and loves. This feels more than a preschool, it's a community. I couldn't recommend this ECB enough.

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Alma's Children Garden

4.6

(32 reviews)

2.9 mi

My child attended Miss Alma's in 2020. My descriptions may be outdated…read more - What's great: The dreamy backyard, breakfast included, sweet teachers, fun activities. - Not the best: Alma would only take payment by cash. No checks, no Venmo, no nothing. I had to go to the bank every month and withdraw and deliver nearly $2,000 cash, for which I received a handwritten receipt. Huge hassle, not very safe, and did not not feel professional. I hope this is no longer her policy. Overall, this was a good daycare for my child when she was a young toddler. I think Alma sends kids to attend preschool once they turn 3.

Our twins have been attending Alma's Children Garden since they were 2, and watching them grow and…read moredevelop over this past year has been amazing. As a working parent, finding a daycare that provides both a safe environment and genuine care for your children is everything - and Alma's delivers on both. The facilities are clean, secure, and well-maintained. But what really sets this place apart is how the caregivers truly nurture each child. I've watched my twins go from shy toddlers to confident 3-year-olds who wake up excited to go to "school." They've developed social skills, learned to share and communicate better, and come home singing new songs and showing us art projects they're proud of. What gives me peace of mind every day is knowing that when I drop them off, they're not just being watched - they're being cared for by people who genuinely want to see them grow. The staff remembers little things about each child and shares those moments with us at pickup. My daughter now counts to 20, and my son has become so much more expressive, and they are both come home each day smiling. We've had nothing but positive experiences here. The communication is great, the environment feels warm rather than institutional, and most importantly, my children are super happy. They actually get upset on weekends when they realize it's not a school day! If you're looking for quality childcare in Emeryville, I highly recommend Alma's Children Garden.

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Mechita Temescal Child Care & Preschool

(8 reviews)

3.4 mi

We couldn't be happier with Mechita Preschool! Both of our children (ages 3.5 and 1.5) attend, and…read morewe feel so lucky to have found such a special place. The staff are incredibly warm and attentive, and with a small cohort, every child gets so much individualized love and care. It's a play-based Spanish immersion program, and our kids are thriving in the fun, creative environment filled with art and local excursions. For working parents, it's a dream. The hours are great (8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.), they provide all the high-quality, nutritious food, and they are a massive help with potty training. Our kids are happy, learning, loved, and excited to go to school every day (3.5yo is often disappointed on the weekend when she finds out it's not a preschool day). We wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing and supportive Spanish immersion preschool.

Mechita's provided a wonderful environment for our daughter! A very loving family that makes…read moreincredible homemade, healthy meals - and even got our daughter loving broccoli and kale. Full Spanish immersion, educational games, lots of music and dancing. They are absolute pros at potty training and have built a lovely community of families around the daycare. Highly recommend!

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Woolly Mammoth Child Care

(3 reviews)

0.9 mi

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!

BEST of Berkeley, California Coffee near Mustard Seed Pre-School

Outdoor painting

Music Wednesdays

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Anna C.

3 years ago

We enrolled at mustard seeds when we were still living in the UK and planning our move to the Bay Area. The feedback I received when doing my research pointed overwhelmingly in favor of this lovely school. When we did arrive, I remember asking one of the parents why she drove all the way from Emeryville every morning. She said mustard seed's reputation was so good that she didn't want her child anywhere else. Candace, the director, is light years ahead of the rest of us in her capacity for emotional intelligence. And that's reflected in the core values of the school. She's extremely diplomatic, warm and personable. I end up telling her all more troubles at the school gates in the morning. Linda is also excellent at ensuring things run smoothly. You won't be unhappy with your decision to enroll here. My son loves it. And the Piglet and Roo teachers are extremely special. read more

Mustard Seed Pre-School - preschools - Updated August 2026

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Little Beans Preschool

4.3

(35 reviews)

Our son will be transitioning to kindergarten this upcoming school year (2025) and he is…read moreemotionally ready because of his time here at Little Beans. He went from not really having much interaction with other kids (prior to preschool) to joining and making a best friend and plenty of other friends. We love the picture and videos of all of his fun and special moments. It's allowed us to feel involved in his day even though he's there all day. The teachers are absolutely wonderful and kind and genuinely loving. I appreciate the continuous updates I receive and the feedback. Any time I have a concern (of my son's behavior), they're always so quick to respond. Their communication has always been wonderful from discussing potty training, greater independence, getting him to eat, delayed language and so on. He comes home so happy (and tired which is a good thing). I love that they spend so much time outside instead of sitting in a sterile classroom environment. Heather has been so easy to work with from the first time we contacted showing interest to the end. I highly recommend Little Beans

Little Beans Preschool was the best choice we made for our 3 year old boy. He loved the school…read moresince Day 1 and was always happy talking about his new friends and teachers. He literally told me when I picked him up after school "Mama I like the beans school. Can we come everyday?" And in the morning when we have breakfast he'd ask me "Mama are we going to school?" If it is a weekday and I say yes, he is so happy "Yayy!" If it is a weekend and I say no we will go on Monday, he is a little bummed. I was joking with his dad that this never happened to us when we were kids because we were always dreading going to school. I am especially thankful to Heather and all the caring teachers who helped our son make such a smooth transition. We love the picture updates showing all the fun activities our son learned at school. The Yoga camp was so fun that our son was teaching (showing off) his yoga poses to his grandma. Other important factors setting Little Beans Preschool apart include plenty of outdoor time, individualized attention, reasonable fees, professionalism in Admin and Management, etc.

Step One School

4.9

(18 reviews)

Step One School is truly a school of happiness! Choosing it for our son was one of the best…read moredecisions we've made. Now in his second year, he started at age three as a shy and cautious child who spoke very little. His teachers surrounded him with love and care, helping him feel safe and confident. It's no surprise that many of the staff spend their entire careers at this school--it's a special place. This year, our son is thriving! He's speaking more clearly, counting, and making friends. Watching him grow in such a welcoming and nurturing environment is amazing. From drawing to music and even playing guitar, he loves every moment of school and looks forward to going every day. We couldn't be happier with Step One!

Step One School is a magical place! Our family feels so grateful to be part of this warm, welcoming…read morecommunity. Every teacher is loving, supportive, and kind. My favorite part of the school yard is the organic garden, but our oldest son most enjoys playing in the little stream of water that runs down the hillside. He is thriving, asking us to play Stevie Wonder songs at home, just like he dances to at school.

Albany Preschool

(18 reviews)

Cedar Creek Montessori School

(8 reviews)

Prima and her amazing teachers got us through the pandemic and beyond. Our two boys would not be…read morethe learning hungry voracious readers that they are today without Cedar Creek. Her amazing staff took both of our boys from barely speaking toddlers to kindergarten prepared students. The team at Cedar Creek is a name and a place that I would recommend to any family that is looking for a preschools in Berkeley. They understand what developing children need to be ready for school as well as how to balance the needs of new parents who are trying to juggle work and children. The friends we made at Cedar Creek continue in our lives as mainstays of who we are and what we care about.

This was an incredible program that I found out about through word-of-mouth. My daughter was there…read morefor almost 2 years, and was so well prepared for TK and beyond. There are special classes, like art, nature studies, music, dance, etc and often times there would be guest visit from local groups (soccer, dentist). My daughter always had tons to say about her days and became so confident. There are also alumni picnics which is a great way to connect with other families. All that being said, the best part of Cedar Creek is the staff! The teachers are incredible, and there is very little turnover. The lead teachers, Cassandra and Prima, have been there for 15+ and 30+ years, respectively! I can't thank them enough for all they've done for my daughter, and I look forward to enrolling my youngest this winter.

Duck's Nest

4.1

(11 reviews)

Duck's Nest has been such a wonderful part of our lives for four years and we are eternally…read moregrateful for the school and the community. We've made great friends through the school and have always felt so confident in the level of care and learning that happens at Duck's Nest. Both my son and daughter went to the school and we had great teachers and a positive experience in all five of the classrooms we were part of. Each teacher brings their own stamp and style, and there is usually a nice mix of personalities and approaches on the teaching team. Some other things to love about the school -- the campus is beautiful and they have special teachers for garden/art and music, which was a big hit for both my kids. The hours are very friendly for working parents. Send your kid to Duck's Nest. It's the best!

Duck's Nest preschool opened in June 1984 and my son attended in the late 1990s. This preschool…read moretries hard to provide an environment to encourage the emotional, social and cognitive development of their students. However, our experience was one of the exceptions. In the end, school staff weren't very honest (or kind) to him or for 2 parents who tried really hard to make the situation work, despite the moving goal posts. However, I continue to recommend Duck's Nest and enjoy describing the engaging indoor and outdoor environment, but with clear caveats regarding their strengths and limitations.

Happy Day Montessori Preschool

(30 reviews)

We've had such a wonderful experience at Happy Day Montessori Preschool! Our son attends here, and…read morewe couldn't be happier with the care and education he receives. Teacher Fahi and Anahita do an amazing job making sure each child is well taken care of. They are warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in the children's growth and happiness. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing our son is in such nurturing and capable hands every day.

My husband and I are educators, and when we went looking for a preschool, we were hoping to find a…read moreplace with staff who truly cared about nurturing the growth of little people. We found just that at Happy Day, and feel very lucky to have been part of the school community for three years now. We have two energetic little boys, and both have grown and thrived in the care of Fahi, Nadia, Anahita, and the other teachers. The teachers know each child very well (benefits of a small school) - their likes, dislikes, allergies, and routines. I also really appreciate the emphasis on teaching the kids independence, love of learning, and care for their environment and friends. Our kids learned great habits like cleaning up their space, sharing with others, and focusing on activities they choose themselves. When our older son began TK, it was clear that Happy Day had prepared him very well, both educationally and socially, for that experience. We also had to get a little broom so he could sweep up at home, something he definitely learned from the teachers and not from us! And finally, I just want to appreciate the warmth and compassion the teachers always show, which sets the tone for the whole community. We've enjoyed getting to know the other Happy Day families at school events, and it's so fun to see the kids running around like a bunch of ducklings at birthday parties. Happy Day has been a great first school experience for our kids, and we'd recommend it highly to anyone looking for a cozy preschool run by caring and experienced educators.

Berkeley Little School

(4 reviews)

We sent our son there and he loves going to school now!…read more Great faculty and well thought out classroom set up.

This is an amazing school! I have been a teacher here for over a year and absolutely love it. It is…read morea very welcoming and inviting space where the upper management treats teachers with the utmost respect.

Redwood Garden Preschool

(15 reviews)

My son started 2nd grade this morning; my reflections after dropping him off reminded me of his…read moremost beautiful school beginnings at Redwood Garden preschool. There is so much going on in the world to cause anxiety and insecurity, but each morning that my partner or I would drop our son off we felt that he was entering into a protected and enchanted space. We learned so much from Lauri about how to move through our days and months with a rhythm that our son takes comfort in. There are so many rich traditions that the school celebrates, and our son's crafts from his two years at RG still hang and remind us of those sweet years and the community we gained being a part of Lauri's preschool. Many others have mentioned it, but Lauri's ability to see my child and delight in his individual gifts and personality traits was so appreciated. We don't have family close by and I felt that my son had another caregiver that loved him and cared for him as family do. Redwood Garden will always bring back joyful memories for me, and I'm so grateful that we found RG and Lauri.

Between our two sons, Redwood Garden has been a wonderful part of our lives for almost four years…read more Teacher Lauri provides a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for the children. Each day follows a rhythm and a pattern, so the children always know what to expect. Transitions are managed through songs. Lauri lovingly provides the children with boundaries. She is a true professional. I know we have been very lucky to have her all these years! I have Lauri to thank for my children's love of being outside on a rainy day, appreciation for rainbow chard, and many beautiful songs and sayings that have become a part of our family's vocabulary and culture. Lauri holds a few parenting nights each year, and I always come away feeling inspired and recharged by the wisdom she shares.

Hummingbird Montessori Preschool

4.5

(8 reviews)

We love this preschool! My son is there and excited to go to school every day to see Ms Jeanne -…read moreshe's the best.

We absolutely love Hummingbird Montessori. Ms. Jeanne is such a caring and nurturing educator. My…read moreLO has exhibited so much emotional and intellectual development while attending. I would highly recommend Hummingbird to anyone looking for a place to send your LO.

Child Education Center