We truly cannot fully express the amount of joy, comfort, and confidence we feel leaving our children in the loving hands of Meher Schools. When searching for the perfect preschool, we had very clear priorities - and White Pony/Meher Schools was the only preschool that checked every box after extensive research, visits, and interviews. After falling in love with White Pony preschool, we decided to stay for The Meher Schools elementary school - also, one drop off for kids if you have one in preschool and another in elementary?! Yes, please! The Meher Schools met our top priorities in choosing aas did the White Pony Preschool: 1. Teachers who genuinely practice kindness, patience, and love, creating a safe, nurturing environment that mirrors the care we provide at home. 2. A strong focus on kindness, emotional and spiritual development alongside academics, using the Nurtured Heart Approach to teach leadership, right from wrong, and strong values - something that truly matters in today's world. 3. A calm, organized, clean, and open learning environment inspired by Montessori/Waldorf principles, filled with music, dance, art, nature exploration, and joyful activities that spark curiosity and a love of learning. 4. Low teacher-to-student ratios with consistent, dedicated staff and minimal turnover. 5. The ease and convenience of reliable daycare availability and consistent school hours, which is invaluable for working parents and provides tremendous peace of mind. Our children have grown into calm, patient, loving, socially and emotionally intelligent individuals. They come home happy - singing songs, performing dances, and confidently demonstrating leadership skills such as speaking up, standing up for others, self-regulating ("resetting"), appreciating nature, and truly loving life. We are incredibly grateful for the dependable, efficient, and communicative staff and teachers. Watching our children's growth, confidence, curiosity, and joy throughout their time at Meher Schools has been nothing short of amazing. We wholeheartedly and highly recommend Meher Schools to any parent looking for the very best for their child. read more

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I want to start by saying this is a long time coming, and this is just my experience. We first looked at Meher after learning our son's previous preschool prioritized moving kids up to open seats, over real development. He was three, and his old school, though called Montessori, felt like just unstructured play with no guidance. We wanted better for him, so we applied to Meher. When I spoke with the administrator, she was initially hesitant to transfer him but ultimately accepted our application but in hindsight it felt influenced by where we live and work more than our child's needs. On our tour, we learned about the school's "legacy" tradition: multiple generations attend, and one teacher is even an alumna. It struck me as both odd and charming--I wondered if our son's future children might go there too. They want you to stay on his first day (and as long as needed) to help him adjust. Since we both WFH, one of us could be there until he settled in. We appreciated the school's structure: clear work time and play time, unlike his old school's laissez-faire approach. Fast-forward to his transition: he struggled with the new routines, having mini-meltdowns when he couldn't do things his way. On day one, another child cried for an hour over a forgotten jacket. Day two, the same child sobbed over his beanie. Then our son had his first major meltdown screaming and crying. Concerns arose when a parent complained her son was negatively affected by our child's outburst, even though her child had cried extensively before our son had any issues. We were also told one of the girls in the class reported the meltdowns to her principal father. During one episode, the teacher scooped our son up facing her; he flailed and knocked her glasses off. I don't think what he did was right, but at age three, kids sometimes lash out in fear or frustration. After just four days in class, the school questioned whether Meher was right for him. They cited the legacy parent's complaint, the report to her father, and the incident with the glasses. This happened just before Founders Day; a big celebration we didn't know about and weren't part of. When I picked up his things, I saw the pomp and realized the decision had more to do with "show" and pleasing established families than supporting all students. In the end, I learned two things: 1. In the school, legacy families hold sway, and compassion is in short supply. 2. The administration cares more about appearances for legacy parents than the well-being of every child. They promised to "follow up" and welcome him back, but we never heard from them again. If you're new to the area (we moved to Saranap in 2021) and lack connections, think twice before choosing Meher. Your child won't get the same grace as those with legacy ties, and the school won't invest in you as much as you'll invest in it. read more

This is a unique, wonderful school. It prioritizes inclusion and acceptance. It allows kids to be kids and helps them find their love of nature. It teaches compassion. The teachers are experienced and caring. We love this school and community and we are so grateful to have found it. read more

Hi, We send our son here and will be sending our daughter here for the preschool. This school has amazing teachers, and preaches communication, nurtured loving approach, and just has a way of reaching to the children in a loving environment. I feel that our son has grown in many ways, and one of the greatest aspects is that the teacher:student ratio is really low. The aftercare program runs late so we have time to work and not worry about our son cause he loves it there and is constantly learning new things or showing off his art projects. read more

There is absolutely no other school I would want my children to attend but Meher. Both of my children started at White Pony (the preschool) and then went on to Meher, the elementary school. I feel so deeply fortunate that we found Meher and it is right in our own backyard. Nothing is ever perfect, but I dare say that Meher is as close to an idyllic place as possible. The community of parents who choose to send their children to this school are consistently kind, warm, and caring. The staff are a team of nurturers who weave kindness and empathy into everything they do. My goals for my children have always been instilling a love of learning in them, while also teaching them to be good humans. Meher does this in spades. Teachers are not just preaching the principles of the school, they are literally living examples of its ethos. I have never met a group of people who are more patient, kind, gentle, and wise in dealing with children. I have one son in fourth grade and one son in first grade - both of which are thriving. They are excited to come to school each day, happy to participate in lessons, and are really blossoming into their selves. They have clear confidence, give grace to others and themselves (usually!), and do not think of school or homework as a burden. I also want to give a special shoutout to the gem that is Adrienne Wallace. She is a former student who now works at Meher. She teaches the children gardening and I can't even explain how much she gives back to the community at Meher. She is an incredibly unique person with unique knowledge and gifts. She organizes community-centered events that are so incredibly thoughtful in teaching children (and adults) what it means to give back, take care of one another, and preserve the world you live in. I'm in awe that my kids get to experience her programs, in addition to art, drama, library, and a variety of other enriching activities at Meher. In addition to the academics, which I find solid, yet flexible, in allowing children to move closer to their own pace, rather than be set to inflexible state standards, Meher also excels at building a community. Whether it's school festivals, or lunch with the principals (which happens every year and is the highlight for many), they do such a good job keeping people connected, inspired, and uplifted. These people have had a profound impact on not only my children's lives, but my life as well. Meher is truly a special place. read more

Pros: Blend of Waldorf and Montessori teaching style. The only Montessori or Waldorf style school in the East Bay that goes beyond preschool. Cheapest tuition rate of any private school in central Contra Costa County. Great social environment for kids and parents. Very high teacher to student ratios even in elementary. Teachers are all wonderful. Low teacher turnover. Many have been there for decades and are alumni of the school. Very affordable after care. Unlike many programs, Meher's summer fun is affordable and lasts most of the summer. It's open to all grade levels and offers a theater camp from third grade on. Cons: Morning drop offs can be chaotic. You have to park and walk your kid to the classroom door. But this is a great time to meet other parents. Getting admitted can be hard. The preschool is particularly hard to get into. Slots fill up fast. Apply and tour early to give yourself the best chance of getting in. The lack of a middle school can make transitions tough. read more

Some of my favorite childhood memories are from the years I spent at the Meher School. The nurturing and creative environment there helped shape the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful. Over the years, the school has fostered a special atmosphere of compassion and acceptance and built upon its unparalleled arts programs with high quality visual arts instruction as well as a drama department that would rival many high schools. What is extraordinary is that the school has also increasingly excelled in academics. The Meher School truly merges head and heart in a beautiful balance that offers the best it can for each child. I look forward to the day I can bring my own child to the Meher School. read more

I called them to ask if a spot available in their preschool. The woman who received the call was lukewarm-- just saying that there would no personal tour, which I can understand during the Covid. So I asked if they have any spots, the women said that they had a few spots left and "you can submit an application and we would invite for an interview if we see fit"-- okay you can interview us for fit, fair. So I went to their webpage, paid $40, and spent over an hour just to fill in a long application, from child's personality, temperature, to family education philosophy, and previous daycare contact etc., and finally submitted. The next day I received a message to say that their current spots are filled by continuing students, and they will see if they will have spots in future--- come on! Why didn't you just tell me that you don't have spots on the call? Why did you ask me to submit an application if you know that you don't have a spot? When I wrote to ask, their message was so arrogant: "we have more than 80 applications"-- yes, but does that mean you can abuse parents' trust ? In the end I came to question their transparency and sincerity in working with parents. After paying $40 and wrote a long application, we deserve a better explanation. read more

I've spent much of my life at The Meher School, both as a student and a teacher, and our son attended from age 2 in the preschool through 5th grade. I have taught in other schools but there's no where else I'd rather be but Meher. It's a great place to see people practicing compassion and fostering community. read more

What an extraordinary school. They use the Nurtured-Heart Approach, which means that discipline is achieved by reinforcing and encouraging desired behavior, as opposed to putting the focus on punishing undesirable behavior. The atmosphere on campus is therefore very safe and loving. In my experience, it's a place where the child's individual strengths are emphasized, and their most elevated qualities allowed to bloom. read more

I have been associated with The Meher Schools for over 35 years. My first contact was as a researcher on a longitudinal study that assessed teacher and parent interventions aimed at promoting prosocial development (helping, compassion, kindness--what we now call "ESL"-social-emotional learning.) I remember clearly the palpable wave of loving energy when I first set foot on campus. I have been there ever since! My son started there when they had a baby room, and his daughter now attends The White Pony, Meher Schools' preschool. You won't find another school community (teachers, staff, and families) that is more dedicated and loving. AND, the focus on the arts and social-emotional development doesn't seem to limit academic excellence. Meher Schools students tend to score in the upper quarter of standardized test scores. read more

I can't give enough praise for the Meher Schools and how wonderful an education my two daughters received while attending. The staff are so professional and caring, always looking out for the children. Both of my daughters went on to become straight-A students through high school and both graduated from college and are just amazing people. I have recommended the Meher Schools to my friends as the absolute best school in the area. Do yourself and your child a favor and give them the privilege of a Meher School education. read more

I went to the Meher School from preschool all the way through fifth grade and it was an incredibly valuable experience. The teachers and faculty care about the students and focus on an individualistic approach. The values they teach have molded me into who I am today, they focus on treating others with kindness, accepting everyone, and exploring your creativity. I can't recommend this school highly enough. read more

We have one preschooler and one elementary student currently at the school, and another preschooler about to start. We couldn't be more happy with our experience at the Meher Schools and feel very grateful to be part of the community. The staff are incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable about childhood development, and demonstrate incredible kindness and support in their classrooms. Great commitment to the arts and science, and fostering an inclusive community at all levels of the school. A real gem! read more

I attended this school from preschool through fifth grade, and it is such a special school. Nowhere else did I feel so much love and support from my teachers. So much work goes into nurturing student confidence, cooperation, and perseverance. The values that were instilled in me as a child have stayed with me forever and helped me find success in all my academic endeavors following the Meher Schools. The school is so special l even came back to work here as a teacher! The supportive and collaborative environment extends into the teacher, staff, and administrative community. It is a wonderful place. read more

I went to The Meher Schools from preschool through fifth grade and always felt so loved, appreciated, and understood by the kind and caring staff. I loved my experience so much that I jumped at the opportunity to send my daughter there. She is finishing up her time in preschool this year and will definitely be staying through the fifth grade. My partner and I are deeply thankful for the school and all the wonderful things it has to offer our child. read more

I am an alumni of the Meher Schools and had a wonderful experience there.

As a former student, I am so thankful for the foundation and community the Meher Schools set me up with:)

No words can adequacy express how much my children and I love this school. My daughter started in preschool and is now in the third grade at the Meher School. She has grown into a person who is confident in her ability to learn anything and is respected by her peers and teachers for her opinions. My son is in kindergarten and can't wait to get to school in the morning. I feel my children are nurtured and taught to respect others during the day, which reinforces the values that I teach them at home. read more

Both of my children went from preschool all the way to the fifth grade at The Meher Schools. The Meher Schools has become something of a second home to my entire family. My Dad, a retired principal from a Sonoma County public elementary school, ended up volunteering at The Meher Schools for 12 years. My son, who is now heAded off to college, jumps at the chance to go back and say hi to the teachers and admin he loves. I would say this school more than prepared my kids to move on in education. The report they are asked to do in the fifth grade rivals any report my son was asked to do in middle or high school! BUT what II love the most about this school is that both of my children are rooted in empathy and compassion because of The Meher School. The school uses the Nurtured Heart method and I would say that both of my kids believe in themselves, have confidence in themselves and view others with kind and compassionate eyes because of the way they were treated by their teachers, principals and office staff. How to wrap this up but to say The Meher Schools is a beautiful choice for a family to make. It will always hold a special place in all of our hearts. read more

I've had my kids at The Meher Schools (both preschool and kindergarten) for three years now. We're in our third year with the preschool and first year in kindergarten. It is an amazing place and I feel so blessed to be part of it! Here are some reasons I love Meher: 1. I am consistently impressed with the quality of the staff there--they are diverse, loving, patient, and highly trained/skilled. I consider the classroom and aftercare teachers a part of our extended family. 2. The school values. My kindergarten daughter comes home talking about tolerance, respect, and kindness. (Don't worry, she's also learning math and reading.) The teachers model the values--at times probably better than I do myself!-- and weave them into all the learning experiences. If certain leaders in our country had gone to school there, our world would be a better place. But I digress... 3. The learning. This school has fostered a love of learning in my kids. They look forward to going to school. They are exposed to so many enriching experiences (gardens, performing arts, yoga/PE, science experiments, etc) that make their learning interesting and relevant in the real world. I'm confident my kids are building a firm academic foundation at Meher. I cannot say enough good things about White Pony preschool and Meher School. I have never written a review on Yelp before but I want the world to know what a gem this organization truly is. read more

My son attended this school from kindergarten to 4th grate. I love the Principal Ms. Evans and all teachers there. My son became a well rounded and caring young individual, thanks to the nurturing environment here. He went on to be an honor student at Stanley Middle School. I cannot recommend this school enough. read more