There has been a concerning level of teacher turnover, which raises questions about the stability and consistency of the educational environment. Additionally, leadership has demonstrated patterns of behavior that may be considered misleading, calling into question their trustworthiness in guiding child development. While fostering global awareness is important, it is inappropriate to engage young children in complex geopolitical issues such as the current conflict involving Israel. especially when the information is presented from a biased or one-sided perspective. At such a young age, children are still developing the capacity to understand nuance, and introducing them to contentious global matters without balance or context can be confusing and potentially harmful. These conversations should be left to families or handled with great care, neutrality, and age-appropriate sensitivity, and should not be addressed at all in the classroom. Leadership should not request students to send support videos for Israel. read more

My son previously went to a Bright Horizons and would come home every day saying he hated school. At temple, he comes home everyday saying "school was so fun." The staff clearly care about all of the kids and I appreciate that all of the parents know each other. The community is strong. I also appreciate that while my husband and I are not Jewish, we are not being preached to. I am so happy with this decision! read more

I am shocked to see anything less than 5 stars for this preschool. I have had kids at this school for 5 years and couldn't be happier with the school. The review that the teachers don't speak English well is absurd. There is not a single teacher who doesn't speak English. I don't even know where that comment came from. The majority of the teachers have been there for years. One of the teachers just celebrated 10 years with the school and the others are too far behind. My kids have loved each and every one of them. Your children will not sit in chairs and do worksheets at this school, they will actually learn. Both of my kids have left this school already being able to read and do standard addition and subtraction. However, the most important thing they learned at Temple Emanu-el is how to be a good friend. When I started taking my kids there 5 years ago another parent described the environment as a "great big hug" and that is exactly what it is. Our kids are safe and you need to announce your name through an intercom, before they will open the gate. It feels like a real family there and your kids join part of their family when they start. If you are the kind of parent who values family, friendship, creative play and diversity, then this school is for you. read more

I agree with Ildiko. I think the reputation is a little inflated, mainly because some of the teachers are not as good as others and when you voice that concern, you get shut down by the director. My daughter was at the preschool for 2 years and we loved it, because of the teachers, but when she was supposed to start her last year of preschool, I wasn't happy with the 4 year old classroom teacher and voiced my concern to the director and was told that I could either put up with it or leave the school. I ended up leaving the school with a bitter taste in my mouth, and was soooo much happier with a preschool that was run by a friendlier and more understanding director. So I would not recommend the preschool to people based on the fact that the principle is inflexible and some of the teachers are not as good as in other schools. read more

Let me begin by saying that I hope you read all of these reviews. Do you see a thread? Yes, it's the director. It is exactly what the negative reviews say and you'll notice the positive ones attempt to defend her. A parent should decide what's best for the child and also be at a school with someone willing to hear opinions and work with you. If the child comes first for all of us, why do the "teachers" always come first for her? I found this woman to live up to her diploma mill education by not knowing much. The worst trait is that she is deceitful. Yes, that's right, she tells flat out lies. It can bring her own employees to tears. It's a shame she targets certain types she doesn't like - that is, the type that challenge her. The bottom line is that this director is not helpful at all. She has no insight and the teachers aren't that great either - they recently let a child walk out because... well, there is no because (you can look it up, too bad she doesn't self report the lies). Let's face it, if you brag you have lower ratios, you should be able to do the basics like watch the children. Leave this basement where it is and find a real preschool. read more

I have had one daughter that attended for one year and then we switched to an expensive bi-lingual school which also had an elementary school attached. After attending Temple Emanuel the other school art and crafts were almost a joke. And that school definitely did not live up to its program as outlined. At Temple Emanuel-El I found the teachers and director to be caring and thoughtful. No preschool is perfect as no school is perfect (and I have tried to find perfect) but I saw how much they truly cared about the child - even after we left that it was an easy decision to enroll our second child at Temple Emanuel and she has been there as a 2, 3, and 4 year old. Also, at Temple Emanuel-El I have found them to be extremely accommodating, just one example is that 3 and 4 year olds do not have to be potty trained to attend. Which for me and my family was a necessity. I find the staff very caring. If they are inflexible as Ina felt - it is most likely because they are not a mega preschool with many classes to switch from one teacher to the next. I love this pre-school and it will be a said day when my child will grow on to elementary school. read more

The place is dark and bleak. Some teachers don't speak english well. The room are crowded. The principle is nice but she hires young and inexperienced teachers. I don't recommend it read more

I cannot give this school enough stars. You can tell when you are at a party with TEPS children. They play well with others, they use their manners, they can sit and wait for the cake and ice cream to be served. It's like magic. The children learn a lot at TEPS in regard to reading, writing and math. There are also wonderful enrichment classes in Spanish (including native Spanish speakers!), Science, Cooking, Art & Dance. All Kinders give speeches they write themselves before they leave the school. Pretty impressive for 5 year olds. In addition to the amazing foundation in learning my child has received, I have been very impressed at the time and attention they give to the social and emotional needs. The teachers care so much for the children. They take the time to help children who have a rough time with anxiety, separation, social issues. The children learn to be kind to each other, to be inclusive, to learn about people different than themselves. If this school had more grades, we would stay for sure. We couldn't be happier with TEPS. After three years there, it will be hard to leave the school, the teachers and principal, and the community. I highly recommend this school read more

We have had our son at TEP for 4 months. We are very happy with the preschool. What we like: They run the toys through an industrial dishwasher once a week, minimizing the risk of our children picking a new bug or virus. They have children wash their hands or use sanitizing gel upon entering any classroom, again minimizing germs. They are very kind, supportive, and gentle with potty training. They were quick to help my "big for his age", but very eager boy make friends. He had trouble connecting with age mates, and they have helped so much. They have fun activities, encourage children to bring a book every day to share, and really foster a community environment. I see many teachers take the time to get to know my son, even teachers who are not assigned to his room. This means he knows them all, likes them, and feels he can go to them with questions or to ask for help. Thanks, TEP! read more

We have had two children at this preschool for a combined total of six years. We have been completely comfortable and happy with all the teachers at the school, and both we and our children have been excited about every day we came here. The director, Barbara Smead, is simply astounding. She had incredibly deep insights about both of my children that really helped me think about my children in better ways. She was an invaluable resource for parenting advice, and on occasion when my spouse and I were at an impasse, we would ask her for advice to resolve the issue because we trusted her judgement so much. She goes well above and beyond what's necessary for her job description. Miss Barbara has definite standards for herself, her staff, her children, and, yes, for the parents too. All of these come from an incredibly strong desire to help children any way she can. If she has to choose between something that's best for the child or that makes a parent happy, she will choose the former. Honestly, that should be what every director does. This attitude may explain Ina H's experience. I can only assume Kevin G. was reviewing a different school that's in Virginia and made a mistaken post here. His description of the school isn't close to factual. The classrooms are run with respect, manners, kindness, and love by teachers that have unusually long tenures because they are appreciated and judged by what they do for our children. My children, my spouse, and I loved this place! read more

We love this preschool!!! The classroom sizes are not large, all the teachers get to know all the students, there is little turnover with the staff, and the director, Miss Barb, keeps the place humming along. I'm impressed with how much my children learned with the focus on the whole child -- not just academic or social. We have now moved 20 minutes away and I'm still doing the drive to TEPS and will happily be doing this drive for another two years. read more

We love this school. Our daughter graduated last year, and our son is there this year and will continue to be there for the next 2 years. We have found the staff to be loving and caring. The director is great to work with and we love to recommend this school to our family and friends! read more

I've been working with this school for 5 years now. I see kids running around all over the place having a great time. I see lots of colors and projects being done. I see the 20+ year principal keep everything in order. I see teachers who are young and full of life and ready to teach. Wish I could have gone here as a kid. read more

We had all three of our children at Tempple Emanuel-El preschool since they were 2 years old, the last two just graduated. We loved this preschool for so many reasons. The staff here are amazing- most of the staff has been with the school for over 10 years which instills a wonderful foundation of teaching styles and communication. The school and staff have a wonderful and caring approach to all students. We liked the balance between social skills and academics. The school's director, Barb Smead, is a wonderful woman who is always talking and working with the children. We would highly recommend this preschool!!! read more

My daughter attended Temple Emanu-El Preschool for three and a half years and loved it! My daughter is naturally a bit shy and quiet and grew so much over her time at TEPS to become more outgoing and confident. The staff is very loving and genuinely wants the best for each child. The Director and staff make great efforts to get to know each child individually and work with each child and their family to make the most of their early development years. The staff is tight-knit and committed to working well together in order to provide the best care for its children. If I had another little one, I'd definitely send him or her to TEPS too! My family and I will dearly miss this sweet yet academic school and are so appreciative for the amazing growth my little girl experienced while there!! read more

When I got to San Jose last January, I'd been looking for a preschool for my five year old daughter for several weeks with no good options. I was extremely blessed to have a friend recommend TEPS to us, and that they had room. The school itself is extremely warm and inviting. My daughter made friends immediately and started asking to stay later in the afternoon (!). The atmosphere here is very supportive, and a good mix between (overly) academic and play-based. My daughter has improved her handwriting, reading, and math skills this year. My favorite thing about TEPS was the director, Barb, who took a personal interest in my daughter. Barb teaches the kindergarten class and is very gifted with the little ones. I would recommend TEPS to anyone in a heartbeat. This place was so amazing to find, especially after how dismal my search had been. read more

In temple Emanuel your children can learn Modern/Biblical Hebrew and will be ready to their bar/bat mitzva. Their is a great teachers and stuff. It's the place where all kids love to go and learn Hebrew and Judaic studies. read more

We've been at this preschool for 4 years between two kids. We love it! The director has always been about supporting our kids to get excited about learning and excel. Other parents I've talked with agree the academics program has our kids more than prepared for kindergarten. They also offer enrichment classes in dance, science, cooking, and Spanish. They are warm and affectionate with the kids. Both my kids have felt very special and loved there. read more

My daughter is now in second grade and we are still scared and traumatized by this preschool. The director is not accommodating and some of the teachers are not very good. The preschool location is in the basement of a building and is very dark and gloomy. You could do a lot better for your child. read more

A really bad school in overall - detailed evaluation below: 1. Facilities - very poor - classes in an old basement like facility. Not enough sunlight. About 20 children packed in a room which is not extremely small but still should be larger 2. Staff - that is a key point - very poor - some of the staff is uneducated. Some does not speak English well - not to mention reading 4 YO level English books. Staff does not care about the kids, does not greet them when they enter the class and treats the children without respect. Most of the staff is very young and not experienced. I can't say that on all the staff members but the fact that some are like that is enough to be scored poorly. 3. Jewish - not really - Some of the staff is not Jewish most of the kids are not Jewish. This is quite remarkable to see Christian children being taught Jewish tradition by Christian teachers. The connection to Judaism is so weak anyway that this is surreal. 4. Human interface - extremely poor - teachers are not talking with parents. When issues are being raised the response in childish and unprofessional. There is no conference and no weekly updates. Schedule is not conveyed to parents. Relation between parents is weak. 5. Class Coherence - while it is being presented as a-18-20 kids/ class in fact the classes share a lot between them. This leads to a loss of class coherence. 4YO and 5YO are being moved from class to class according to specific assignment. 6. Protecting the children's well-being - In two occasions a continuous bullying affair was developing without the teachers' intervention - If the teacher did not know - it reflects poor oversight. If they knew and did nothing it is even worse. 7. Price - The only bright spot is the low cost - but you pay for what you get. read more

I could not be happier with this preschool! The teachers and director are absolutely wonderful, kind and truely care about their students. My children love everything about this preschool and so do I. read more

My son just graduated after four years at this wonderful school. The teachers have been supportive, patient and loving. My daughter just finished her second year so we know all the teachers and staff well. They are all top notch! read more

It is a ridiculous idea to pick a school because the director gives marriage advice. I pick a school expecting my child to be safe, educated and respected for his individuality. I sent my son here for 14 months. On a regular basis we were told all that is wrong with him to the point that I thought there really was something wrong with him. When we consulted doctors, they all said find a better placement. While we were looking, we were asked to leave. It has been a week we changed schools. My "hard to manage" son is thriving. The one who supposedly found "transitions hard" has found it extremely easy to adjust to the new place. All I can say is thank you for firing us. We have never been happier with our son's school. Sad thing is we had to go through so much anxiety and heartache to get here. There is no reason to send your kid to a school when the director calls you and emails you on a regular basis asking you when are you picking up your child. read more