Teachers Margo and Susan are so gentle and effective with the kids. Our child has really enjoyed their time with the other kids and the teachers. We see growth and are excited to see how much is to come by the end of the year. The school is managed by the parents and follows an organized model for how teachers & kids are supported in the program. It's a beautiful school and we're happy with our experience and truly welcome others to visit and see for themselves. read more

Sequoia Nursery is a special place! The staff, the parents, the kids, the environment are all top notch. It's very well organized, structured perfectly, well balanced and run by teachers and parents who really care. We are proud and grateful to be a part of this wonderful community read more

We love Sequoia! The pandemic has kept my twins pretty isolated and struggling to socialize. We just finished our first year and I couldn't ask for more- the wonderful and caring teachers, play based learning that promotes creativity and independence, beautiful, open wide outdoor space, and an amazing group of families that became our community. We loved it so much that we're opting out of TK and staying another year :) read more

Sequoia Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Oakland, California

We are in our second year of being apart of this amazing community. The school is nestled in the Oakland hills which makes it feel like you're in a magical forest. The director and teacher are patient, kind, and an inspiration to watch and learn from. Coming out of covid and joining the co-op community has been a gift and we couldn't have asked for a better place for our daughter's introduction to the world. We have made some life long friends and we feel lucky to have found this place. read more

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A Nice and Quiet and beautifully wooded environment, clean facility. Children love their teachers and co op parents were very helpful. read more

I love this school. We're considering having a second kid just so we can have two more years at SNS. read more

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PROS Location - The place is pure magic. The lodge has a delightful, rustic feel that somehow simultaneously feels cozy AND open and spacious. The amount of outdoor area would be a draw in itself, but the trees that encircle the lodge are majestic. And i'm not really the kind of woman who uses words like, "majestic." Teachers - Teachers Lori and Susan are academically trained and gifted in the art of child charming. I've silently learned much from those two. They are great with all of the kids, but they really shine when working with kids who need a little extra support. I inherently trust them with my daughter. That's not easy to find. Stability - Most parents I talk to these days complain about teacher turnover. There are no guarantees, of course, but they seem pretty committed to the school. For me, this was a major selling point. I didn't like the idea of not knowing who would be running the classroom from one month to the next. COVID - Once the pandemic hit, I was really glad we went with a school with expansive outdoor space. IMO, inside the lodge also feels very safe (it has very high ceilings, and they always have all sets of double doors open, creating great circulation). The kids remove masks during snack, but snack is eaten oustide, and they otherwise wear masks throughout the entire day. Teachers and parents alike must be vaccinated to be on site. Community - This changes year to year, I'm sure, but I've had almost nothing but great experiences with the other families. CONSIDERATIONS (I don't see these as cons, but things to be aware of) Expectations - Co-ops are lots of work. If that doesn't appeal to you, this will probably not be a good fit. I really enjoy my workdays, but it's not for everyone. Location - It's old and a little funky. For me, this isn't a problem, but it's a fact. Hours - There are no extended care options. read more

My son attends Sequoia. Renee and Lucy are both wonderful teachers and truly set the tone for the school. Both were former parents at Sequoia so knew it well before they even started teaching here. Renee has an aura of calm and understanding that makes her approachable to both parents and children. Lucy has a great sense of fun and kindness for everyone. Sequoia is a gentle world largely due to our teachers. The setting is beautiful. The building is a large circular space with huge windows that overlook a forest. A skylight keeps things bright even on rainy days. A reading area, art area, imaginative play, train table, games & puzzle closet, play doh table, and more are contained inside. The outdoor space is expansive, with a wrap around deck, garden, tricycle area, playground equipment, sand box, etc... There is a parking lot adjacent to the school that makes pick up and drop off easy and stress free. Parents are welcome to spend as much time as they need dropping their children off. Many also come early to participate in the end of the school when the children gather to sing and listen to a story. The school starts at 9:00 am and ends at 11:50 am. My son and several other children enjoy eating lunch next to the "Big Tree" in front of the school, after school ends. Sequoia is a co-op school, which means that tuition is kept low because the parents actively participate in running the school. I spend one morning a week working at the school as well as some administrative and maintenance work. Each day six parents and about 16-20 children join the teachers at the school. One parent oversees the tricycle deck, another the sandbox and playground equipment, two work with the children on art projects, another reads stories and the final parent prepares a mid-morning snack. My son loves that I work at the school. He has also created relationships with other parents, which is awesome. The teachers make sure everything runs smoothly but mostly they spend their time with the children, often one on one. I especially like that the children choose when to go in and out, and what to do. There is a real adherence to the play curriculum philosophy. If you are looking for an academically focused school, Sequoia isn't it. The focus is definitely more about learning how to socialize through play. The only thing my son doesn't like about Sequoia is that the day is too short and he goes just 4 days a week. In his words he'd like to go "21 days a week". Most three year olds attend three mornings a week then transition to four. Four year olds typically attend four mornings a week then transition to five. If you are looking for a gentle introduction to school for your child, Sequoia might be a perfect fit. read more

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Sequoia Nursery School is a very special place, full of magic for children and parents! I knew nothing about co-ops when we enrolled my son at Sequoia. And, I've discovered, all co-ops are not the same. It is a great feeling to find your people, and that's what Sequoia has given us--a true community of support and lasting friendships. Our son spent two years with Renee at the helm, and our daughter is now enrolled with teachers Lori and Susan leading the way. Both teachers are former Sequoia parents, keeping the heart of Sequoia alive. Sequoia envelopes the whole family. Our daughter has considered herself a Sequoia Kid long before she was old enough to attend. She is excited to be attending with families that we bonded with on the first go round with our older siblings. The quiet outdoor setting in the woods with its own hilly playground, and open indoor area provides kids with the perfect amount of space and stimulus to feel safe and explore. The play-based curriculum is just right for their development, and parents receive training and support to help kids navigate social emotional conflicts. We have used these skills again and again at home. Over the last 50 years, Sequoia has developed a smooth running co-op with well-defined daily and annual tasks. That said, each year is different based on the families' culture, talents and interests. Everyone lends a hand and the school hums along. We love Sequoia! read more

We spent a lot of time touring schools in the area, but Sequoia really stood out for us for several reasons. Although COVID restrictions have prevented us from meeting in person for the fall, we were still able to feel the care and community that the teachers have worked so hard to create for the families. The care is genuine, not just for the students, but for the parents as well. We've received resources around child development and also resources on a variety of parenting topics. The school communication is thorough and collaborative, and we can see the fruit of the dedication and care that returning parents have for the school. Our child had not attended school prior to Sequoia, so we wanted a gentle start to his school years, and now he loves school so much! Such a gift during these challenging times :) read more

We are so glad we found Sequoia! My daughter was in love from her first tour. Play is the child's work and there is plenty of work for Sequoia kids! Everyday they have two art activities, an open collage area, play dough, sensory bin, dress up, blocks, puzzles, trains, library and that is just inside! The outdoor area is beautiful with a play structure, sandbox, trikes and great space to explore. The teachers and the love they have for the kids is my favorite part. You can feel a peaceful energy from the first hello when you walk in. Teacher Rene and Teacher Susan have so much knowledge and experience, I am so thankful! We really love Sequoia! read more

Oh Sequoia, you have my heart. What a beautiful way to introduce your child to school! I learned about Sequoia through two very different families that I respect independently and greatly for parental advice. I couldn't believe they both sent their children to Sequoia, but then I visited with my child and it all made sense. It is a beautiful location, with an exceptional community of people all committed to each other's children. It is like nothing I have ever known. If you want your child to dance under oak trees, build a garden, play dress up, read books, sing songs at circle time, enjoy fun art projects, catch caterpillars, ride trikes, hang on monkey bars, search for treasure, make music, cook, and play at learning, welcome to Sequoia Nursery School! Thank you Sequoia for teaching my daughter to love school! FYI, she is now six, in kindergarten, and at the top of her class. Go play-based learning! read more

Being a part of this school has been awesome for our entire family. My 4 year old looks forward to going, my almost 2 year old has to be dragged out during drop-off because she thinks it's so awesome and wants to stay forever, and we've been able to participate in the school as parent volunteers, and experienced the amazing Sequoia community. We love everything about Sequoia (especially the teachers and incredible setting)! read more

Sequoia Nursery School is the best! Teachers Lori and Susan are committed to play, the location is gorgeous, and the parent community is so welcoming. SNS is truly magical! read more

This place has been such a gift for our family. My 3-year old son wasn't quite ready for the transition to preschool, and the support we received from Teacher Lori and Teacher Susan helped him get comfortable with a new place and routine on his own timeline. Though it meant that I accompanied him until around Halloween, it was so helpful for both of us not to be pressured into rushing the process. Now he runs away from me when I drop him off! I know this wouldn't have been the case at any other school. I'm also grateful for the community of Sequoia parents who know that it "takes a village" and help guide all the kids in a positive and compassionate direction. If you're looking for something different than the typical preschool options, Sequoia co-op is the place for you. read more

I recommend Sequoia Nursery School, a co-op nursery in the Oakland hills. Our son started at Sequoia in the fall of 2019 when he was 3 years old. He was a little anxious at first and not happy when I left him alone, but the teachers, Lori and Susan, always treated him with affection. One day, he started to love Sequoia and now every morning he asks me, "Is Sequoia open?" and if I say yes, he is so excited and can't wait to go. Kids can do different activities like playing with play dough, or paint at the Art Station. There's a huge playground, with a sandbox, monkey bars, and a slide where they can burn off all their energy. In March 2020, the school closed due to COVID-19, but we continued online classes where the kids read stories, sang songs, and drew pictures. In February 2021, in-person classes started again, with the kids in 2 different groups of 12 max. The teachers were very good at always keeping them masked and spaced 6 feet apart. Not easy! Our son is happy every morning that he can go to Sequoia to see the teachers and his Sequoia friends. We are a little sad because he has not been able to enjoy more days at Sequoia due to COVID-19, because we love Sequoia very much and so does our son. read more

This school has been such a positive experience for our family. The teachers set a wonderful example. They are so dedicated, patient, kind, and prepared, and our kids love them. We have learned so much from the teachers and other parents, have made new friends, and really feel part of a community here. The play-based aspect of the school was important to us, and each of our kids has found something to be excited about every day from art projects, engineering toys, gross-motor activities, tactile activities, dress-up and pretend play, and so much more. The location is beautiful with a nice outdoor playground. The entire facility is surrounded by trees and backs up to Joaquin Miller Park. Sequoia really is a magical place. read more

We are into our second year at Sequoia Nursery School. Our family has had a great experience there. The teachers, educational philosophy, and community feel are all outstanding! Parents participate in the program, but grandparents can substitute for parents! We love Sequoia and can't wait for little sister's experience to begin!!! read more

Sequoia has been a great choice for our daughter! We are new to the area and love that we now belong to such a wonderful and supportive co-op community. Sequoia Nursery School has been around for 35+ years and you definitely feel it has a strong sense of history and love of nature. The teacher and director are calm and patient and are always coming up with new and exciting projects, activities and lessons to keep the children engaged. I love that my daughter is forming positive relationships with other "working" parents. As a result, she is gaining self confidence, learning to respect and listen to adults other than her parents, and be seen for the lovely individual that she is. The school setting is gorgeous, surrounded by redwoods with a great outdoor play area. read more

I was lucky to happen upon Sequoia Nursery School on the very last day they were accepting applications last year. And luckier still that they chose us as one of the families for the school. Since joining this fall, my daughter is thrilled to go to school each of the 3 days a week she is there. And it means a lot to her that I work one of those shifts; she mentions that she's glad I work at her school. I think she is at a developmental stage where needing me around some is still necessary. So having that each week, she never is worried about going to Sequoia! We have great teachers, Renee and JoAnna. We have a board of experienced parents who lead us through all of the events of the year. Each family gets a job and somehow, it all comes together to be a sweet school for the kids. AND the location and facility is the most beautiful you can find! read more

Sequoia Nursery School has been home to our family for the past four years and we are sad to go. We can't believe our luck in stumbling upon such an incredibly safe and loving environment to support our childrens' development in their early childhood years and to foster in them a love of learning. The teachers and parents work hard to promote inclusivity, welcome all and to honor each child. There is also room for your voice and concerns as parent support is essential to sustaining the school. It has been so wonderful to part of our children's education and we hope to continue being involved. You will surely enter focused on the needs of your child and leave focused on its impact on you! read more

We are in our second year at Sequoia Nursery School, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Lori and Susan are amazing -- our son loves them both, as do we. The parent community is welcoming and our son has made great friends. My son has become so confident in speaking to other adults, and has really learned to be a great friend. We can't recommend Sequoia highly enough. read more

Our family has been at Sequoia Nursery School for 4 years now and we will be sad to leave it! It has been wonderful to watch both of our sons evolve socially and develop a deep seated love for school in this magical place. We have invested a lot of time and energy, but it has paid off many times over in the friendships we have built with other families, the lessons in conflict resolution and normal child development we have learned as working parents (supporting teachers one day per week), and the true sense of belonging to a supportive vibrant community. read more

A welcoming co-op community, play-based curriculum with fun activities, loving and capable teachers, and a gorgeous lodge surrounded by trees. My daughters have loved it, and I will miss it so much! read more

Four years at Sequoia Nursery School ( with 2 different children) was the best decision we could have made! Not only was it the absolutely right environment for our daughters but also really right for our family. Our experience over this tenure with 3 magical teachers has been an incredible investment in early education learning and development. A bonus is the cultivating of some special and lasting friendships. I wish we could stay here forever! read more

I strongly recommend Sequoia Nursery School, a wonderful co-op preschool nestled in the beautiful Oakland hills. Our son started at Sequoia this fall and we couldn't be happier. He struggled with separation from us last year at his preschool in San Francisco and this year he can't wait to go to school and runs in with delight to check out the day's art project and play with his friends. The space is amazing, indoors is very open and light, outdoors is very expansive as well. Sequoia is an incredibly nurturing and loving environment, the teachers Renee and Lucy are so warm and make it a point to know and greet each child and family as they enter for the day. There is structure of two circles during the morning, but otherwise, the children have choices to play outside, have free play inside (library, creative dress up, blocks, sand) and/or participate in planned art projects. It is a co-op, so each family has a designated day to be a ''working parent'' along with your child who attends on that day as well. The jobs and responsibilities are very well defined, and parents receive a training before the year begins on the expectations and guidelines of the school. It has been a wonderful opportunity to watch and participate with our son, both my husband and I have really enjoyed our work days. In addition to working in the school each week, each family has a job that they do throughout the year. All of this participation both lowers the cost of the school as well as creates a very lovely and tight knit community. If you have the time, energy and desire to be a part of a great place for children (and adults) I strongly recommend Sequoia. read more

Our Son began attending Sequoia 3 days a week last September. Even in this short time, our time at Sequoia has been an incredibly rich experience for both my son as well as for us. The kindness and calm that teachers Lucy and Renee exude permeates the entire grounds, and often I feel like Sequoia is not only and oasis in the city, but an oasis in our busy lives. I genuinely look forward to my parent workday (which I can't say for other co-op experiences I've had). The space is magical, natural, safe, and interesting. The kids have free reign to run and play or sit quietly and read. It is a larger, more open space than other preschools, which I think fosters a sense of independence in the kids. It is not overstimulating or crowded; it feels like you are in someone's really cool forest treehouse :) The teachers spend a surprising amount of one-on-one time with each child, and let the children guide their own experience each day. That being said, there is a good amount of structure for such a free-form play-based environment, which will surely benefit the kids as they move on to Kindergarten. My son (and all of the children I have the pleasure of playing with) has made great strides in a short amount of time here. He feels like Sequoia is a safe, fair place and that he is always listened to with great care. In contrast to other preschools experiences we've had, I especially appreciate that the Sequoia teachers never try to fit all the kids in one box - they are not forced to participate in something if they don't want to (with exception to the two or three structured activities a day, in which they are expected to practice sitting still, following directions, and playing with others). They are given the respect they deserve as little humans to do what pleases them, and are gently guided along the way. (We even had a school send our son home with a piece of art every day that he clearly did not make - the teacher's art with his name on it. Weird.) I could go on and on about the incredible support of the other parents, the humor and silliness, the exceptional communication and one-on-one attention, and the benefits of a co-op vs "regular" school...at the end of the day, when I leave my son here, I feel like I am doing something very good for him. I often find that I can't wait to come back! read more

Sequoia is a wonderful place. The location is amazing; it's like its own park! The parents come together to create a supportive community of people who want to be part of their child's education and contribute to the learning. What a gift it has been for my children. I love Sequoia! read more

My daughter began attending Sequoia in September of 2012. We absolutely LOVE Sequoia. The director, Renee is wonderful, the teacher, Joanna is amazing - both are so incredible with children and parents. Sequoia is a co-operative school. Parents work one day a week. I have learned so much and become a better parent in the process. The outdoor space is so great for kids to play. I think the outside space is my favorite thing about Sequoia. I also love the art projects. My daughter spends much of her time doing art. In addition to paints there are two different projects each day. Sequoia is play based. I have really enjoyed getting to know the other kids and parents. The work day is very well organized, evenly divided. I like choosing my job each working day. I especially enjoy watching my child learn and grow in a school setting. It is a wonderful beginning for her. We had planned on sending her to Sequoia for one year but we love it so much we decided to send her for a second year. Sequoia has been around for sixty-five years! A great place! read more

Two of my children have attended Sequoia Nursery School. I have loved being part of a community that works hard to let their kids grow through play. The beautiful space is perfect for exploration inside and out and the teachers are truly interested in the growth of each child. Since the coop is made up of new families each year, there is a wide variety of talents and personalities that have helped nurture my children. Some people question the play based approach, but my daughter who is now 10 is an enthusiastic learner and I'm glad I was able to send her to Sequoia where she learned to love school and learning! read more