Nia House is the most awesomest of preschools! Our child joined Nia House shortly before turning 3 years old and while she initially had a difficult transition to the school environment, it didn't take long for her and us to fall in love with the Nia House community. This school really embodies an environment that is nurturing, supportive, educational, and challenging. Most importanly the safety and peace of mind that we as parents feel cannot be emphasized enough. I also can't articulate enough the community at Nia House. I never expected to make friends with other parents, but as I've gotten to know the other families, it seems like we've made connections with other families that will last well beyond our child's tenure at Nia House. We truly wish our daughter could stay at Nia House until graduate school. read more

I applied for Child care here 2 years ago , I have watched families that are new join time after time again yet I have not gotten a call back since I applied 2 years ago . why is the question ? I believe they pick and choose who they want to come from family that pay to family that need assistance are not really welcome. I called today to ask were my name was on the list only to be told to hold for the the director getting on the phone stated she was listening and that she had no space and I should contact bananas to ima take your number down , to I'll call you back when all I wanted to know was were my son was on the list after two years . It's outrageous how Berkeley private schools treat there residents . I really regret moving here and I can't wait to move . Thanks read more

We were lucky enough to get a spot for our child here and the staff and parent community are top tier. I continue to be impressed by the care our family received from this institution. Kid #2 starts next year and we are so excited to have another child go through this school. read more

We love Nia; the community has been so welcoming and warm! Our kid especially loves it and is thriving everyday.

I have so many wonderful words to describe Nia house well my nephew went and now my son goes and it's just that terrific learning feeling experience so blessed to be included in such a wonderful experience a great start to life to read more

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Both of our kids spent all of their early education at Nia House. It is an amazing school with incredible teachers and staff. Nia House prepares kids for more than just elementary school - Nia House also prepares kids to be good, kind, caring people who believe in social justice, good nutrition, and FUN. Our family is so grateful for Nia House! read more

My daughter just turned 2 in Amanda's toddler class at Nia House and she's loving every day at school. Nia House came to us highly recommended by a friend, whose daughter attended Nia House as a child, and is now over 40 years old with her own yoga practice. When we decided to tour the space, we already knew that this school was not experimenting with education and upbringing, but wanted to look at the environment, and interpersonal interaction. We chose Nia House because the school is clear about which spaces are for children, and which are not (office etc). The clear expression of reasonable expectations helps the children do well. In classrooms and outdoor spaces dedicated to the children, expect full dedication. They have little flushing toilets and sinks, and the children learn to dress and undress, feed themselves, find work they love and focus on it, and explore within safe boundaries. Unlike many other preschools, Nia House invests in supporting families through toilet training. Their support has been essential in helping my child progress and grow, and our job as parents is to partner the school in encouraging the child to grow. The teachers and administrators are friendly, respectful and communicative. This helps create a nurturing environment in the school among families of the children and it isn't rare to hear of a parent-organized or school-organized gathering. One of the first things my child learned while she was just over a year old was to say: "Don't touch, my body". I later learned that students are taught to respect the bodies of others as well as their own, and this means not hugging another child without their permission, or having to hug or kiss another person if they don't feel like it. Plenty of parents drive to school, but many parents also drop off their children by bike or on foot. Drop off happens between 8 am and 9.30 am, and pick up is between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm. The school is encouraging of family trips (our family has to travel at an odd time once the year to visit family abroad). For families having a hard time, the school hands out a few scholarships a year to make attendance possible. Check in with the staff for more information. Each household is also expected to contribute a total of 20 work-hours per year. This can be fulfilled through many ways, ranging from helping to sharpen pencils or clean the windows, or setting up a new space in the school or writing a blog post on a topic you are knowledgeable in. If you're looking for a school where children are given the space to explore the world and themselves, learn on their own with guidance, and grow while learning about responsibility towards themselves and others, this is a space you should check out. read more

My daughter started Nia House at 19 months of age, just before the Covid school shut downs. She had a tricky adjustment initially and the caring, understanding and experienced teachers brought her gently into the fold with great skill. She is thriving and loves going to preschool every day. The skill, knowledge and careful imparting of confidence and coordination through Montessori principles and a beautifully prepared environment at Nia House are simply wondrous. I have learned so much as a parent about how to step back and allow my child to fly. My child is learning in leaps and bounds and it is clear the skills will last a lifetime. read more

My child has been attending Nia House since April and she's has done nothing but blossom into a socially potty trained butterfly. The staff is so personable and knowledgeable that I feel completely comfortable and confident leaving my child even if she's crying. The admissions process is very informative and the rules are straight forward. This all with many other things makes this school super special to my family and we are so grateful to have our daughter at Nia House. read more

Our daughter has been attending Nia House for over 2 years, since she was 18 months old, and we would absolutely recommend this incredible place to anyone interested in a Montessori school for their children. The teachers and staff are great and I'm constantly surprised with the lessons and stories (and artwork!) our daughter brings home to us every day. The clear expectations of both students and families keep things running smoothly and become a great framework for life outside of school. Nia House leadership does an excellent job teaching parents how to navigate different stages and struggles with the children, too - helping to keep messages consistent at school and at home. Not only is it an great school for the children, but also as an amazing place to get to know other parents in the community. This has become an important part of our social circle and we are good friends with so many other families from Nia House. The diverse community of families and teachers have fun at school as well as at all kinds of local extra-curricular activities and trips. Highly recommended! read more

Nia House is a gem. Having moved around the east bay quite a lot, we've had the chance to tour quite a few preschools. Nia House rises above. I think what strikes me most is the sense of larger purpose the teachers exhibit in how they approach their work. There is a pervasive recognition that early childhood education is profoundly important in setting the trajectory of children's lives. My girls are emerging from their experience with a fundamental sense of belonging, empowerment and joy. The Montessori approach has supported them in becoming ever more independent, verbal and curious. And they made potty training (both before the age of 2!) an absolute breeze. I think the best indicator that this school is worthwhile is that drop-offs are easy. My 2 year old insists on walking herself to her classroom and joyfully parts from me as any one of the toddler teachers take her hand or scoop her up to welcome her. Like many Montessori schools, Nia House's curriculum is rooted in following the children's interests and creating the environment to support their curiosity and learning. Unlike other Montessori programs I've seen, a key differentiator of Nia House is the equity lens that informs the community's values and commitment. There is a real effort to create a diverse community of folks and a culture that cultivates belonging for everyone (children and families) while acknowledging and valuing our differences and our similarities. The campus is also so sweet. Intimate, ample outdoor play space, chickens and bunnies. And the toddler indoor classrooms are beautiful - light filled and abundant with wood and other natural materials. There is an expectation for family participation, which helps to weave the web of community and create an opportunity for everyone to offer their gifts. For busy parents, this can be challenging, but I think the effort is worthwhile. Lastly, I'll say the administration of the school is wonderful. Incredibly engaged, responsive, committed and passionate - about the children, about the staff's development, about instilling values of curiosity, kindness, diversity and care for the environment for the next generation. I highly recommend Nia House! read more

My son loves the Nia House! He is always excited to go. On Mondays he can't wait to go to school and tell his teachers about his weekend. My son started at 20 months in Alexis's toddler class, and the transition to school was surprisingly easy. The Nia House staff takes great pains to make the transitions easier for parents and children. They have meetings in advance and have a tapered schedule that allowed for my son to get familiar and comfortable at the school. My son has never cried during drop off and is always happy and engrossed when I come to pick him up. The teachers and staff really walk the walk when it comes to their teaching philosophy and the way they interact with students. I toured a lot of schools before selecting the Nia House, and many of the schools claimed they operated in a certain way or followed certain philosophies, but it was clear that was more aspirational than operational. At the Nia House they are very consistent with the way they interact with parents and children. I feel very confident that my son is being nurtured and treated with respect, while also being give the freedom to learn, and the guidance a toddler needs. My son has learned so much from his time at school. For example, this morning when I went to put his shoes he asked if he could do it himself! He did a wonderful job, and I would not have expected him to figure that out so young, but the Nia House has given him the tools and the space to try new things, and he is expanding his (and my) understanding of what he can do. I cannot say enough good things about Alexis, Fahima, and Stacie (Toddler West). My son adores all three of them. I can tell he truly feels safe and loved with them. Any question or concern I have had has been quickly addressed. I truly feel glad we found the Nia House. The Nia House definitely has more rules and guidelines than a lot of schools. For example, they have strict policies around food and drop off times. I found them a bit daunting at the beginning, but once I got the hang of things, I don't give them a second thought. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in the Nia House review the policies to make sure they are on board. The other thing to be aware of it the need for parent hours/parent participation. You are required to attend monthly meetings and contribute parent hours. I think these function to build a strong and supportive community, but they do add things to your "to do" list. Personally, I like the policies because they push me to be the kind of parent I want to be (involved parent whose child enjoys nutritious zero-waste lunch!) but I would also understand if someone was not a fan of being hemmed in by these guidelines. read more

The best school by far in the Bay Area!! Both of my kids started at 18months all the way to kindergarten ! They were so advance in reading , writing and well rounded knowledge in math, science!! A wonderful , nurturing and educational environment ! read more

It is a wonderful school, run by smart and caring teachers. In addition, the school community is amazing, and full of bright, talented people from all walks of life. read more

We cannot recommend Nia House highly enough. Our daughter started in the toddler class with Alexis right after she turned 2. I was nervous about her transition into school after being at home, but the teachers and directors could not have been more welcoming and supportive of all of us. My daughter is thriving there, and it's been such a pleasure to watch her independence and confidence grow by the day. The children are so respected by everyone there, and really given the space to learn and explore their environment at their own pace. Every single teacher I've observed has been loving and wonderful with the kids; the classrooms and outdoor spaces are intentional, calm, and lovely; and the overall parent community is wonderful, supportive, and diverse. We feel so lucky to have found Nia House, and highly recommend it to all parents! read more

We cannot say enough positive about Nia House. Since our daughter started almost a year ago in the toddler room at 20 months of age, we have been immersed in the NH family with care and support. This center provides the highest standard of early childhood education through the Montessori principles of care for self, care for others, and care for the environment. Our daughter has formed trusting relationships with multiple adults, clearly communicates her needs and wants at a early age through verbal communication, and has learned to self-advocate and problem solve independently at an advanced level. Our family is daily grateful for the care and education we all receive from the loving and dedicated educators at Nia House Learning Center. read more

Nia House has been an awesome place! Aside from the beautiful setting, Nia House has really helped my son cultivate and reap the benefit of learning who he is while academically fortifying him with many tools. I am a pre school teacher myself and am constantly awed by the respect and empowerment given to the Nia House children by ALL of their teachers. The director and lead teacher create a customized experience for every student, making you feel that your family's needs and wants are of the utmost importance. Even when I have voiced concern or dismay about things I have been respected and shown love and appreciation for my insight. During these times I was also given action plans that empowered both the school and my family to work together to replace our concerns with trust and comfort. My son is a second generation Nia House child (me being the first ;) I have seen Nia House change for the better over the years and in my opinion it is at a peak. Nia House is the epitome of Montessori in it's truest form. Maria Montessori's philosophy is upheld by teachers through continued staff development and implementation of academia via play through work. Children learn to be intentional with their learning prioritizing their interests while also learning to co-exist safely and happily with one another and their environment. We truly love Nia House and feel that same love in return, our son is thriving! He is celebrated, loved, respected, and being taught outstanding values and lessons! read more

Nia House is an excellent preschool. The more I have sent my daughter to Nia House the more I am blown away by how incredible it is. Even small things that I wouldn't have even have thought to want in a preschool - they have. My daughter has been attending Nia House for a year. She is a social and curious little one. The school environment has met her needs and met my needs as a parent. It is so well-run, highly communicative and the staff truly cares about the children and are so mindful about the details concerning them. I send her to school knowing she is in a safe place. The staff are also mindful about healthy foods and creating an environment that will foster independence - but not in some weird way but in an empowering way and other values that are important to me. My daughter is now one of the oldest children in the toddler class and I am seeing how the school is really fostering leadership skills and kindness. I also saw that when my daughter went through a period of time that she was biting the school placed no blame on her but looked at what could be the circumstances that were creating biting. The staff has excellent communication skills and honors children's too! I highly highly recommend. Get on the waiting list as soon as you can! read more

Our son has been attending Nia House since last fall and we absolutely love Nia House for so, so many reasons !! The teachers and staff are all incredibly thoughtful and loving. The community is mixed/diverse socio-economically in ways that you don't see often. I see the ways that he learns and grows daily (in what he can say and do and how he's able to relate to both adults and fellow young people). We joined Nia in part because of the rave reviews that literally each and every parent with contact with the place had, and all these months later we whole-heartedly agree !! read more

Nia House is an excellent place for toddler care all the way through Kindergarten. The environment is loving and supportive and I've watched my son (and nieces) develop into confident and curious little people. The teachers are fantastic and on top of being great at what they do, they have always been an excellent source for encouraging learning and dealing with challenges at home. It is such a pleasure to be able to drop your children off for full time care and see them happy and excited to be there. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nia House. I sent both of my daughters here, the younger one started when she was 18 months. The staff are among the most thoughtful and caring group of educators I can imagine. When we started at Nia House, we were newly back to the Bay Area and instantly felt like we had a wonderful community to which our family belonged. As other reviewers have said, be sure to get on the waitlist as soon as you can! read more

My 3 year old attends Nia House. I could not be happier. The teachers are sweet, caring, and fun. When I drop my child off in the morning she is happy and ready to walk right through the door, hug her teacher, and begin her work! The location is convenient and feels secure. The facility is functional and well maintained. The community of families are friendly and helpful. My child has blossomed into a little person, who stands up for herself by using her words and saying what she needs/wants. In the past year that she has attended Nia House, she has become more independent, confident, and self sufficient. But most importantly, my daughter is happy at school and I know that she is is good caring hands. read more

Knowledgeable, friendly, dedicated staff, a welcoming parent community, a positive experience for you child...this school has it all! My daughter has been here since entering the toddler room and has thrived in this environment. Not only is she a self-dressing, fully potty trained 2 year old (thanks to her amazing toddler teachers) but she has really developed her verbal skills and social skills during her time at Nia House. It's a good sign when your kid gets upset on the weekends because school is closed! Nia House has low teacher turnover, and is truly dedicated to the Montessori principles of independence, following the child, and developing an autonomous love of learning. I can not reccommend this school enough, but definelty put your child on the waitlist early because it is a lengthy waitlist. Also, if you are not in need of full time care, this may not be a good fit for your family as the school only offers full time care. read more