We moved my son to Utopia this year as a Pre-K student. I absolutely love this school for so many reasons. * The teachers - They are constantly in tune with the children and provide the proper guidance in a very organic way - allowing the children to expand upon their interests. I have watched the teachers interact with the children and am always impressed. Lets face it, kids are going to have conflict with each other at this age. The way it is dealt with at Utopia is always amazing to watch and gives me ideas on how to deal with it at home (between siblings). The other day I went to pick up my son and three of the kids were crying and visibly VERY upset gathered around one of the teachers. I asked what was wrong and they told me that their banana slug had died. It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever seen. The teachers were so in tune with the childrens' grief. (I was thinking to myself " on my - how are they going to deal w/ this?) " and after allowing the kids their time to cry, the teacher suggested a plan to have a funeral for the banana slug. This helped the children to be comforted and begin the process of dealing with their loss. I was so impressed and it was a very endearing moment. The teachers are always calm and respectful and give the children an opportunity to voice their feelings around the the conflict versus "telling" them how to behave. I think sometimes as adults it is easy to be the "dictator" but at Utopia the children are given the chance to begin to learn how to calmly work out conflict with each other which is so important! * The space - Every morning when I walk into Utopia to drop off my son I get a sense of calm and happiness which I believe is due to the energy this school emanates. There is something about the way the "stations" are set up and what they have for the children which feels so organic and natural. There are so many advantages to Utopia being part of a K-8 school. My older son attended a smaller preschool close to our house so I have perspective on this. When it rains, they do not have to stay in the preschool room all day! Parents - this is SO important as anyone can attest to with small children in a small space trying to entertain them when you can't go outside! They have a GYM, a LIBRARY and the teachers will take the kids in groups when they cannot play outside! This is so huge and I love that they get to explore the school and see things outside of the classroom! With that said, they have an amazing outdoor space and the kids love it. They play basketball, ride the bikes, etc. The children make up games in the outdoor space and I think it gives them the opportunity to really express who they are. The school backs up to the SF Golf Course and it truly feels like a sanctuary. The Eucalyptus trees surround the outdoor space and it provides the feeling of really being in nature. * St Thomas More School - The preschool is part of the large school so you do get the opportunity to interact with the faculty and administration of St Thomas More. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is a lovely person and always so kind. She knew my child's name by the second week of school and always greets us with a smile and warmth. We do not have a ton of interaction with STM employees but all of them have been so kind and welcoming to our family as we see them in the hallways or at school events. I could go on and on but I have just been so impressed with this school! My son loves it and a happy child makes a happy mom. We drive across the city to go to Utopia & it is well worth the drive. It is truly a gem of a school! read more

A true gem of a preschool! All three of my children went to Utopia Preschool, and I can honestly say it has felt like a second home for our family. The teachers are absolutely wonderful--warm, caring, and very hands-on with every child. They communicate regularly, which made me feel confident and connected to what my kids were learning and experiencing every day. The play-based learning environment is engaging and creative, encouraging curiosity and confidence in such a natural way. My kids always came home excited to share what they did--whether it was a new art project, a fun science activity, or a story they acted out with friends. What makes Utopia truly special is its family-oriented atmosphere. The teachers know every child by name, and you can feel the genuine love and care in every interaction. Watching each of my children grow socially, emotionally, and academically here has been such a gift. We're so grateful to all the teachers and staff for creating such a nurturing space where kids can be themselves, learn through play, and feel at home. I can't recommend Utopia Preschool enough--it's truly a magical start to any child's learning journey! read more

We Love Love Love Utopia!! We have spent three wonderful years at Utopia and have loved every moment. All the teachers are exceptional and really take the time to know the children. Everyday my children were happy and excited to go to school. I highly recommend this preschool! read more

A decently perfect school that is safe, small (class capacity, in a good way), and taken care of due to the school and its caring staff. Aside from the tuition being slightly high (around ~ 8K a year), it most definitely is worth it putting your child through this adorable preschool that has the sweetest of staff taking care of the kids. When it comes to snack time, of course they make the kids healthy small breakfast for the morning when everyone is settled, something to get them going(for example: milk with crackers or fruit, it varies). According to my little sister, its enjoyable so i guess thats all that matters hehe. I admire the fact that the staff are always friendly and help you every way possible that they can. When it comes to the environment itself for the kids, there are different sections for the kids to play with whether it is from building things, painting, drawing, any artistic project, or the stuff animals section,books, etc....a bunch of things to happily keep the kids all smiles through playful times. There is an outdoor setting as well filled with a sandbox, bikes, other outdoor equipment for the kids to enjoy when it is time to go outside. The place itself is clean and safe. I love how the staff have the kids interact with different animals or bugs as well. For example, at one point, they had a class Guinea Pig named 'Daisy' which, sadly she passed away and the kids loved dearly....they also have them interact with banana slugs hahaha. The gym is open as well for the kids. Aside from recreational activities and PE, ceremonies performed by the preschoolers are performed inside. For example, the yearly winter, spring and graduation ceremonies :)))))) read more

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I cannot say enough great things about the preschool staff at Utopia. Every teacher is supportive of not only our children's developmental needs inside of the classroom, but away from the classroom. By the end of my daughters first year, ages 3-4, she was writing her name and her communication skills were phenomenal. The classroom is clean and organized and each child washes their hands upon entry. I could go on forever about all of the good things going on at Utopia, but I'll conclude by highly recommending this preschool to parents. read more

Utopia to absolutely AMAZING!!! The entire staff is truly one of a kind. Aside from being so caring, open and transparent with everything they do, they also take the time to really listen to the parents and do their very best to be there for the families in any and every capacity. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Utopia to everyone who is interested and able to attend this wonderful school! read more

I have three children and all of them loved Utopia. They'll tell you it's because they have fun, but here's why I love this program. 1. CHILD FOCUSED - The teachers listen to the children and plan the lessons around their interests. This isn't just lip service. I've seen them put this into action. 2. SPECIAL NEEDS - Two of my three children have severe speech issues. The teachers at Utopia have been amazing. They've met with the speech therapist, reviewed the IEPs and their patient when it gets frustrating. 3. PREPARED FOR KINDERGARTEN - My kids left this program counting, writing, and knowing their ABCs and phonetics. I was worried about the private school interviews but they were prepared (and they thought they were just playing). 4. PART OF A BIGGER SCHOOL - I didn't know that this would be important but the preschoolers are part of the family at St. Thomas More. The older kids visit the classroom and model great behavior. They participate in the dance recital, Christmas pageant and they get school pictures. It is really fun. 5. THE PARENTS - The community around St. Thomas More is wonderful. They are giving and supportive without being competitive or snotty. 6. TEACHERS - The teachers are the perfect mix of strict and loving. They care about their students and it shows. I would recommend Utopia to anyone who wants his or her kids to have a good time while learning. It's not the fanciest school, just one of the best. read more

When it was time to find a preschool for my little one back in 2018, I did a lot of research and took a few tours. I knew as soon as Rachelle (preschool director) gave us the tour for Utopia, it would be our choice. She wasn't pushy, super understanding and gave us plenty of advice. Little did I know, this preschool and it's teachers would be something I will forever be so grateful for. Every single teacher and teacher assistant are phenomenal, patient and understanding with each student and their personality. They helped us tremendously with our son and always made us feel at home. We were there for 2 years of preschool and it was the best decision I could've made. They felt like FAMILY. I will always 110% recommend Utopia to anyone who asks. Two of my friends sent their boys here when I told them how much I loved it and no regrets! Thank you so much Utopia Staff! We miss you!! read more

We sent our three and half year old son to Utopia. We had a pleasant experience from the start. The tour and application process made us feel comfortable moving forward with sending our son. We were able to visit the classroom outside of the tour and were welcomed by all the teachers. Our son loved attending Utopia, he made wonderful friends, felt comfortable, felt safe and was prepared for Kindergarten. We are planning on sending our younger child to Utopia when old enough! read more

We love Utopia! The teachers are great, attentive, responsive and truly care about the kids. The classroom is clean and filled with fun learning areas that are age appropriate from literacy, dramatic play, exploratory, nature & science, art & a lot more. Our daughter didn't complete the whole school year due to COVID, but even in the short span of time she spent at Utopia, we noticed a big change in her social & emotional development. I love how they teach kids independence at such a young age. We will definitely be back! read more

My daughter was a Utopia preschooler for 3 years. The entire experience for us, but more importantly for her, was stellar. The preschool is thoroughly grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach where the children are encouraged to discover, create, inquire, explore, connect and experience their school day as apprentices in their learning vs. receivers of information. It is wholly child-centered where creativity is valued and sensory experiences are constantly offered. At the start of the school year, the classroom looks like a canvas waiting to be painted upon with blank walls and empty ceiling space. By the time the new year comes, the classroom is transformed into a child's world of drawings, paint projects, sculptures with wood or cardboard and any other activities of creative expression that staff are guided to by the kids. The directors, teachers and assistants of Utopia were just as outstanding as the approach. They were warm, welcoming, approachable, collaborative and nonjudgmental at all times - to the children and adults. In guiding the children, we consistently saw them offer nurturing, support towards more independence, problem solving in the environment and with peers and comfort to all of the children. Each day, the staff helped the children develop emotional self-regulation, healthy conflict resolution skills, ways to problem solve safely, ways to clearly communicate with classmates and adults and a strong sense of self and confidence. They never took their eye off the children and their needs and did so with patience, time, understanding and care which was well-informed by best practices for preschool aged children and their development. To the point noted by one reviewer - Yes, Utopia preschool is housed in an SF parochial K-8 school and on occasion participates in the greater school's (holiday & spring concerts particularly). We had little to no connection with the K-8 school's staff beyond saying hello at the door and coordinating the online tuition billing services when it launched. The primary connection was and is with Utopia administrators and the teaching team - all of which was highly professional and appropriate. As a clinical social worker outside of my role as a mom, I can say, from close range to the work of children and families in the Bay Area, Utopia Preschool is at the top of the list when it comes to the educational, emotional, social, physical and developmental support of preschoolers as they ready to launch into their elementary school lives in a city with high expectations for its schoolchildren. Hats off to the Utopia team...and thank you for your unending care of Bay Area kids! read more

This is a long overdue review, but it's totally worth it. My twin girls both attended Utopia full-time, 5 days a week and they and myself absolutely loved it! The space is very fun and inviting. The activities done with the children are well thought out. They are always open to have parents come in to volunteer. The teachers are all so wonderful. I felt very safe having my girls there. At the graduation I was the one tears because you become a family. They are simply wonderful and if you have any questions, I am an open book. LOVED our time at Utopia:) read more

This is an amazing preschool. I have been wanting to write a review for a while, but have procrastinated because I wasn't sure I could put into words all the wonderful things about it. Here is my best try.... First off, the director of the preschool, has an amazing understanding of young children and their development. She was a constant role model to me on how to treat children with the respect, intelligence and the kindness and understanding they deserve. When I first approached the school after having a bad experience at his previous preschool and being candid about this and what I thought was best for my son. Rather than disengaging ("oh, a problem child and parent..."), she listened with kindness, from a perspective of being highly skilled, experienced, and non-judgmental. All the teachers are wonderful and the kids adore them. There is a nice mix of personalities, so there was a "favorite" teacher or teachers that each child could bond with. My son's teacher was fantastic with him and he grew very fond of her. She was especially perceptive and insightful on the strengths and areas to work on with him, and with all the children. She was the perfect mix of firm, kind and fun which is just what my son needed. The curriculum is Emilio Reggio based and had a huge variety of projects based in the arts, sciences, letters and numbers. It is both structured and incorporates the interests of the students. It is very balanced this way--the children are learning so much in a way that is enjoyable and fun. It helped foster a "love of learning" for my son. My son "graduated" from Utopia preschool very ready for kindergarten. He is thriving at his new school. As far as the size of the preschool, it is on the larger side. It took my son a little time to adjust, and for a while, I would get there early, so there were fewer children when we first walked in. Interestingly, I think this has helped my son adjust more quickly to kindergarten, which is A LOT more kids. (We are at one of the largest SF public schools, Francis Scott Key.) If you are looking for an AMAZING preschool, which will prepare your child for kindergarten (whether you continue on at St. Thomas More or go to another private or public school), look no further than Utopia Preschool at St. Thomas More. read more

AMAZING amazing amazing preschool. What a hidden gem tucked away in a lush green part of San Francisco. Many preschools talk about being child directed and "Reggio", but at Utopia Preschool I see it lived out everyday. The teachers are very intentional in how they extend childrens' play and they develop the curriculum organically from observing the children's interests. For example, when there was an interest in restaurant play, the the kids made menus, counted pretend money, discussed favorite restaurants, engaged in all kinds of role-playing, and even held a "restaurant" event where they served real food to parents. In this way, the children really learn through play and throughout the year I've seen them work on all kinds of exciting projects: city-building using recycled materials, observation and drawing of slugs and snails, baking projects etc. Math, literacy and science are all incorporated into the day through imaginative play, circle time discussions, song and projects. The preschool's large and open space is very thoughtfully organized into various welcoming and engaging spaces -- kitchen and dramatic play area, manipulative and blocks area, science area, reading area, art area etc... The space is so inviting and the materials are so engaging that my older child never wants to leave when we are dropping off her brother!! Utopia is very welcoming to parents and makes it easy for parents to be involved. Parents are welcome to chaperone the yearly field trip to Lemos Farm, and also the Halloween parade when the children go trick or treating at the senior center across from the school (which is a lovely event and brings a smile to so many elderly faces!). The teachers are also very thoughtful about engaging parents and helping to bring some of the wonderful things that kids are learning at school back home. For example, parents were invited one time to come in and create question jars with the children. These were jars decorated and filled with open-ended questions that could be asked around the dinner table. The question jar was something that the kids had been using during lunchtime at school. This became quite a hit at my household and those questions really added much variety to our dinner conversation! In addition, the teachers are very diligent about documenting the children's progress - I scan the walls daily to read snippets recorded by the teachers highlighting how the children were able to resolve conflict or make scientific observations or other interesting parts of their day. In summary, I'm just so happy to have found this wonderful and nurturing school! The teachers are very knowledgable about child development and that is reflected in everything that they do. My son has grown so much socially and emotionally at Utopia. Most importantly, he loves school and always comes home with lots of great memories! read more

My daughter went to Utopia Preschool for 2 years! She absolutely loved going to school everyday. My daughter enjoyed all her teachers, who helped mold her into the wonderful student she is today. My daughter is now in 1st grade and is at a second grade reading level and excels in all subjects. I highly recommend this preschool to anyone looking for an educational, caring, safe and all around amazing school. read more

My son just started at this school after a year and a half at another preschool in San Francisco. We have been consistently impressed with the teachers and the program at Utopia. The teachers are very energetic and full of enthusiasm and new ideas. Every day I drop off or pick up my son I see the children doing lots of interesting things, from playing musical painting, creating 'volcanoes', making rolly-polly houses from recycled materials and more. They also do a good job of exposing the children to letters and numbers and other pre-k activities in a way that is very interesting to the kids. My son comes home happy from school talking about his friends and the fun things they got to do that day. Oh, and did I mention they make the kids breakfast! read more

My special needs son attended Utopia for a year before moving onto kindergarten and it was by far the best school he attended. The teachers were so accommodating, kind and caring. they never gave up on my son and found ways for him to participate and to get him to participate with the class. I have a case manager from the school district come to the school to consult and they did not bat an eye and were so will to listen to suggest and try them. My son made so much growth during his time at Utopia! He went from not participating to making friend a friend and joining in group activities. Wonderful inclusive school! read more

Our family had the pleasure of being a part of the Utopia preschool family for 4 years. Utopia's program, staff and facilities are top notch, and both of our boys thrived. Utopia's program is based on a Reggio-Emilio approach. The teachers are closely attuned to the interests of the children and provide extensive support and opportunities for exploration based on those interests. Of the many exceptional experiences my children had at Utopia, one stands out. I call it, "The Masking Tape Experiment." The children expressed interest in simple masking tape. The teachers encouraged this exploration and over a few days, a labyrinth of tape was draped across one of the play areas. As a parent, the prospect of tape "everywhere" filled me with dread. However, the teachers recognized that this exploration was of great interest to the children and provided a wealth of learning opportunities. As the elevated tape labyrinth expanded, the children explored what they could stick to the tape. Could they affix pom-poms? Yes! Would the pom-pom stay attached to the tape? Yes! Could they affix wooden blocks? No! Why not? It was too heavy! What impact did layers of tape have on light? It was darker under the tape! What happened if you pushed too hard on the top of the tape labyrinth? It broke! In the process of draping tape "everywhere", the children developed social-emotional skills like working together and compromise; they explored physics in the real world and took a project-based approach to creating something together. Though the entire project, the teachers supported, asked questions and encouraged even more exploration. At the end of the project (a.k.a the end of the children's interest) the teachers took the time to write up a report and use citations to document why this had been such multi-disciplinary learning experience. In addition to the rich learning environment, Utopia has the advantage of (as of 2016) being a Preschool for All (PFA) site. PFA (again, as of 2016) provides San Francisco residents with a significant discount for preschool fees the year before a child begins Kindergarten. On top of being a PFA site, Utopia is part of St. Thomas More Catholic school (K-8). Because Utopia is a PFA site, the preschool program is not overtly religious or Catholic. But, the preschool children have the benefit of "big buddies" from the upper grades and the possibility of a streamlined entry into Kindergarten at the excellent St. Thomas More school. The preschool also benefits from participating in STM all-school events like spirit days, annual Christmas concert and Spring Music show. STM facilities like the gymnasium and commercial kitchen are also available for preschool indoor gross motor skill development and cooking exploration. Finally, a word about the excellent administration and teaching staff at Utopia. Our children loved all of their Utopia teachers and we have been very pleased with the leadership and guidance from the preschool director. We found that not only did the Utopia preschool staff support the children, but they supported each other. Younger teachers were given plenty of mentoring and leadership opportunities, along with opportunities for growth within the preschool staff. That growth and learning mindset creates a rich and thriving environment for the children and the adults who care for them. We love Utopia Preschool! read more