We were initially drawn to this school because of its beautiful philosophy and child-centered…read morelanguage about independence, exploration, and nurturing a love of learning. Our grandson started there shortly after turning two, and he absolutely loved going to school. Unfortunately, our family's experience with the administration did not reflect the warm and developmentally appropriate environment described in the school's mission. From early on, my daughter was repeatedly approached with concerns about completely normal toddler behavior -- including delayed expressive speech at just over two years old and difficulty sitting through circle time. Many toddlers, especially active young boys, are simply not ready for highly structured group expectations at that age. Rather than partnering with parents in a supportive way, the communication often felt pressuring, judgmental, and lacking in understanding of normal developmental variation. At one point, the director even suggested that although we were paying for three days per week, our grandson should be removed for the middle day "to reset." That recommendation made little sense to us and did not feel supportive or solution-oriented. In our experience, families should understand that despite the Montessori-style language and emphasis on following the child, this program operates with fairly rigid behavioral expectations for very young children. If your child is under four, still developing speech, highly energetic, slow to warm up, or not naturally inclined toward structured group participation, this will not be the right fit. This environment may work well for children who are already very verbal, compliant, and comfortable with structure at a young age. But for active toddlers who are still developing at their own pace, it did not feel accepting or supportive of the "whole child" philosophy the school promotes.

We truly love Pepper Preschool and the wonderful teachers. The space is so thoughtful and sweet…read more The "Montessori Light" style has been perfect for our sensitive son and the themes for each months learning have taught him so much. There is a wonderful balance of outdoor and classroom time and his two years of Pepper Preschool have made him more independent and interested in learning. Each teacher brings a unique perspective and we love that they have all been at Pepper School for years. Most importantly he has learned how to be a kind friend and his ability to interact with other children and adults has blossomed. When recently deciding between TK and a third year at Pepper we opted for another year at Pepper. We know the skills he is learning and the wonderfully low teacher to student ratio will prepare him well for school.

Our daughter has been attending Sonoma Preschool Academy for about a year and a half, starting when…read moreshe was just two years old, and we truly could not be happier with our experience. As a parent looking for a great Sonoma preschool, finding a place that felt nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate was really important to us. Sonoma Preschool Academy has exceeded our expectations. Over the past year and a half, we've seen so much growth in our daughter's language, confidence, independence, and social skills. We especially love that the school follows a play-based learning approach. The kids are constantly exploring, creating, and learning through hands-on activities instead of feeling like they're in a structured classroom too early. There is always art and creative play happening, and our daughter is so proud to bring home her projects and tell us about everything she did that day. Another thing we really appreciate is the communication with parents. Each week they send a full report with photos showing what the kids worked on, the activities they did, and highlights from the week. It's so fun to see what they've been up to and feel connected to her experience at school. The teachers are absolutely wonderful. They are warm, patient, and genuinely care about the kids. You can tell they truly love what they do. Honestly, I'm pretty sure our daughter loves her teachers more than she loves us some days, which really says everything about how safe, happy, and loved she feels there. Also worth mentioning for parents looking in the area: although the preschool is located on a church campus, it is not affiliated with the church, which we appreciated. Sending your child to preschool is a big step, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found such a special Sonoma preschool community. I would absolutely recommend Sonoma Preschool Academy to any parent looking for a nurturing, play-based preschool with amazing teachers.

When I was looking for a preschool for my first, I asked friends, and the local mom's group, and…read morethey all recommended Sonoma Preschool Academy. It is a hidden gem, sharing a building with Trinity church, but unaffiliated. Once we toured and met the teachers, we knew we had found the place for us. All the teachers are moms and experienced educators, that, and their awesome play based curriculum, (integrating lots of S.T.E.A.M learning) was what made us choose to send our first and then second child. Something I think is unique about SPA is they have yearbooks, conferences, art binder of the years art projects, and weekly emails full of the weeks pictures and all the activities done that week. It is a connection based school with events and gatherings that create a family feel, we really can't recommend it enough!

I am so happy to have found this magical place. My son is generally hesitant and cautious around…read morenew people and new places that it takes him awhile to warm up. We started last fall in the Parent and Me class and the growth I have seen from day 1 to now is just incredible. He's able to have conversations with other adults, wave and give high fives, and love being around the other kids. We bumped up to 2 days a week last January, and I feel very strongly that the older kiddos really helped my son find his voice. It's nice that we weren't locked in for the year going 1 day a week. We are able to discuss with the director how we as parents feel things are going and can change our program when we all agree it's time. The director is absolutely top notch. She's intentional with every activity she sets out for the kids, and lets the kids take the lead (within reason). She's in tune with the needs of every child, flexible, caring, and has helped me as a first-time mom relax and trust my son's timeline. It also helps that my son is also really drawn to her, and talks about her all the time! A co-op is a co-operation program where both parents and teachers are helping to guide children throughout their early developmental years. As parents, we contribute to the learning environment by fostering communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, develop social-emotional understanding and respect, and learning independence. I love how I get to stay and be there with my son. I am able to see how he grows, and I can take on duties to ensure a healthy and clean environment. I'm so excited to see how "Caterpillars" go this year because this will be the first time my son will be at school 3 days a week for 3 hours and only 1 of those days I will be with him.

SMARTEST decision we have ever made. Mrs Lyndsey O'Neil is wonderful to work with and is an…read moreexcellent teacher. Fair, honest, fun, creative and goes above and beyond for kids and family. I have leveled up my parenting skills exponentially by observing her kind leadership on workdays and at parent meetings. The price is the lowest and the QUALITY HIGHEST. Daily painting, coloring, crafts, reading, music, dance you name it! Safe play environment but I am so confident that my kids are building their emotional safety as well! I wish I had this experience when I was a kid! Our oldest just graduated from CRPCNS and our two younger kids are so lucky they get to experience the school too!!!!

My child has been attending You and Me children's center/preschool for a few months now, and I am…read moreso very pleased with the center and the staff. Everyone has been friendly, helpful, and wonderful with my child. They have grerat communication skills, and are very clean and professional. My child loves going there, and asks to go there even when it's the weekend! I would highly recommend this center to any parent in Petaluma looking for a great facility for their child.

My daughter absolutely loves this preschool. I have nothing but great things to say about You and…read moreMe. We are so happy here.

This is a beautiful preschool with wonderful instruction, potty-training bathrooms and large…read moreoutdoor space with a playground for growing littles. Cherie the own is a wonderful person as are the teachers. However, this is not a Montessori preschool. My daughter loved Willow Tree when it was a Montessori preschool, but when my son attended years later, it was not the same and that's when I learned it was no longer Montessori. The website is from 2008 and the sign is from the previous ownership when it was a Montessori school. So while I am sure this is still a good preschool for many reasons, it is very misleading to continue using the word "Montessori" in the marketing materials.

I can begin to express my love for this school. Cherie has made such an program for the children…read morehere and my son is thriving. He comes home at three years old knowing how to spell his name knows almost basic math (almost) and plays so well with other children, parents at the park comment on it. I was lucky enough to have a good egg anyway but my god he loves going here and I love every teacher they have because of the love they have for these kids. Hands down the best little secret in town as far as daycares go.

As the Executive Director of the infant center next door to Happy Time Preschool, I've had the…read moreunique privilege of watching countless families graduate from our program and transition seamlessly into theirs and I can say with complete confidence that there is no better place for young children to grow, learn, and thrive. On a personal level, four of my own grandchildren have attended Happy Time, and the love and support they received there was nothing short of extraordinary. Ms. Melinda, the director, is an absolute treasure. In all my years working in early childhood education, I have never met a more compassionate, dedicated, and visionary leader. Her heart is fully invested in the well-being of every single child, every family, and every member of her staff. Happy Time isn't just a preschool it's a family. Ms. Melinda fosters a warm, nurturing environment where children are celebrated as individuals, where creativity and curiosity are encouraged, and where learning happens through joy and connection. Her team follows her lead with the same genuine care, professionalism, and passion that she models every day. As both a fellow educator and a grandmother, I can say with 100% certainty: if you're looking for a preschool where your child will be truly seen, supported, and loved Happy Time is the place.

Finding the right daycare for your little ones is never an easy decision, but from the moment I met…read moreMs. Melinda, I knew I had found something truly special. I had a list of places to tour, but after meeting her, I canceled the rest--she was THAT incredible. Her warmth, expertise, and genuine love for children make this preschool and daycare more than just a childcare facility--it's a second home. Over the past 7 wonderful years, she has cared for my two children, as well as my niece and nephew, ensuring they feel safe, nurtured, and inspired to grow. Her dedication to every child's well-being, learning, and happiness is unmatched, and I wouldn't trust anyone else with their care. If I ever have another little one in the future, there is no question--this will be the place where they'll learn, play, and thrive. I cannot recommend Happy Time Preschool and Ms. Melinda enough to any parent looking for exceptional childcare!

I have LOVED our experience and time at Adobe Christian Preschool. When I started looking for…read morechildcare for my son, I had a difficult time finding something that checked all of the boxes...good and flexible hours, a mix of structured activities and free play, as well as a nice balance of outdoor time. Adobe checked all of those boxes for us! The team of teachers truly care about the children and are easy to communicate with throughout the day. This is the perfect enviornment for kids 2-4 to learn, grow and make friendships rooted in kindness.

I love this preschool. This place is not only a loving and nurturing school but it's a family. Open…read morecommunication with staff, the Director Miss Dianne is wonderful and teachers are great with the kids. They enforce positive discipline and problem solving and kids all seem happy. My son loves to go to school and made lots of friands. I couldn't be happier with this great little school. Great prep for Kindergarten.

After the sudden passing of my daughter, my son-in-law and I decided it was time to find a…read morereputable and nurturing daycare/preschool for my grandson. Just by luck, we found Petaluma Village Preschool and quickly learned that this IS the absolute best preschool/daycare in Petaluma and quite frankly, the Bay Area!!! I know this for certain because my son attended You and Me in the 90's and they don't pale in comparison to Petaluma Village Preschool! Every morning without fail, my grandson cannot wait to go to school, he even cry's if we drive anywhere near the school on his days off because he wants to be there with his friends! The staff shares pictures and videos throughout the day (every day!) via an app...which is like having a second set of eyes inside of the facility!!! I just cannot say enough good things about this school and I am SOOOOOO thrilled to have my grandson in such a nurturing, supportive and caring environment. Thank You, Thank You

My daughter (and my son before he entered Kindergarten) attends Petaluma Village Preschool. We…read morehave been very happy there. The preschool is child centered and play based, which were both important to me. It is also very community oriented, sending home weekly emails, having monthly PAC (like PTA) meetings, and arranging social events for families. I also love that they serve a family style organic lunch.