Great afterschool with lots of outdoor space. Kungfu and taiji programs are the best in the area.read more

I register my daughter in after school program and summer school…read more Teachers are warm and they care about kids. The environment is like family once kids are accustomed to it. Summer school program is also enrich and interesting. I will keep sending my daughter here.

I come from a family without East Asian heritage and no Mandarin-speaking background. With the…read moredesire to learn Mandarin, I began coming to Rainbow Garden as a high school volunteer back in 2017. Now, in 2023, I will be departing Rainbow Garden to study toward my PhD in Linguistics (language) at Harvard University, with a specialization in East Asian languages like Mandarin. This is all thanks to the teachers, and students, at Rainbow. When I first started in 2017, I couldn't speak Mandarin at all. Helping teach English and also listening in to the Mandarin classes, I began learning how to speak and even write. I spent the most time with Teacher Debbie and Teacher Amy, who both patiently and kindly would teach me new words and grammar points. Both teachers excel at teaching the language and managing the classroom, and I find that their explanations of words, phrases, and grammar points to be extremely clear and comprehensible to students of all backgrounds. The most helpful part for me was the consistent Mandarin-speaking environment, where I was able to listen to and practice the language. In 2018 and 2019, after a year of spending a lot of my time at Rainbow Garden, Teacher Debbie and Teacher Amy encouraged me to travel to Taiwan. This was my first time leaving country, and after a year of intense study at Rainbow Garden, I was able to get around just fine by myself in Taiwan. Now, I am proud to say I can watch dramas and conduct research in Mandarin, all thanks to what I learned at Rainbow. Now going off to Harvard, I look back and say that the most significant part of my time growing up was spending time at Rainbow. I give my thanks to Teacher Amy and Teacher Debbie, as well as all the other teachers, for their support, care, guidance, and most of all, for welcoming me to their lovely school. Thank you, Rainbow Garden, for giving me a place not only to learn Mandarin, but to grow up and thrive.

This is to update my review and to include their summer camp program. Now that my dtr have both…read morebeen to rainbow for years, I am happy to say that their Chinese have been improving and still can carry conversations with me in Chinese most important of all they don't hate learning Chinese. My younger one actually likes to play teaching Chinese game with her Dad, pretending to be the Rainbow teacher. Super cute! I also love that teachers tell they something unique about Taiwan Culture. Teachers even bring little toys, candies from Taiwan to share with kids as their encouragement. These Taiwanese stories, snacks, toys and candies remind me of my childhood in Taiwan. This is something I truly appreciate. Don't think you can get something like this anywhere else. I also like sending them to the rainbow summer camp because 1. They are extremely flexible, we can drop off late, pick up early etc.  2. They do daily art projects which my dtrs look forward to! And these art projects are very creative, sometimes made with daily objects like plates, hangers (which is environmental-friendly and I appreciate that!) 3. It's a good boost for their Chinese as they don't have much time to learn during regular School year. Over all my dtrs and I love Rainbow!! Teachers, staff are like a big extended family to us!

Our daughter graduated from Growing Tree this summer and we will dearly miss the teachers and staff…read morewho have nurtured her for the past 3 yrs. From the moment you step through the doors, you feel the warmth and genuine care. This is more than a school, it is a community where friends recommend friends, parents send siblings, and kids return to say hi. Ms. Cindy, the director, sets the culture of caring and action - keeping track of everything that's going on, knows every student, parent, and grandparent. Ms. Ching-wen, the admin, is incredibly responsible and on top of things, and always kind and supportive to parents. The teachers and staff are dedicated and caring - they encourage kids to develop good habits and become more independent, structure classrooms to optimize learning, and closely monitor playground dynamics. My daughter graduated from all 4 classrooms and loved all her teachers, growing especially close to her Room 3 teachers this past year. One of the nice things is there is a sense of continuity even as the kids move classrooms since the teachers are still around and say hi and hug the kids, which is heart-warming. The breadth and depth of information the kids learn is impressive. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that much of what is taught in Growing Tree is covered in public kindergarten. One of things I really liked was that while Growing Tree is academic, it is also fun and well-rounded. There were many times I wished I could go. Every holiday is celebrated with great fanfare, there are themed weeks where kids dress up and bring books/toys from home, community speakers like local law enforcement & firefighters (yes they bring the truck), cooking activities, lots of crafts, and bounce houses & popsicles in the summer. The parents are also very involved and giving - relationships with other parents form quickly if you socialize. Growing Tree also has class events / performances where you may be coincidentally seated next to your child's friends' parents. Looking back at old photos, I appreciate all the ways they are so thoughtful. They frequently share photos and videos of school events and pictures of your child so you are up-to-date on what's going on. I also really appreciate how the communication channel was always open between parents and teachers / staff. If you have a question or concern, you can just ask at the next drop-off or pick-up. Teachers / staff will let you know if anything comes up. It's kind of amazing with so many kids but they really do know what's going on with every child. Wanted to shoutout all of the wonderful teachers and staff that make Growing Tree what it is. There are so many people and we will miss seeing you every day. Thank you for all your hard-work and genuine love for the kids. You have been a safe space for us to entrust our daughter and know she is happy and well-cared-for. Highly recommend anyone searching for a preschool to tour this Growing Tree (Prospect intersection location).

Our toddler has been thriving at this bilingual daycare. The caring staff (Ms. Stefani and Ms…read more Lily) provided individualized attention during the transition period and continue to offer detailed updates at pickup. What makes this program exceptional: 1. **Warm, attentive teachers** who know each child well and provide plenty of comfort 2. **Small class size in their 1.5-2 yr old program** ensuring personalized care and close supervision 3. **Convenient 8:30 am drop-off** that works perfectly with our work schedule 4. **Balanced $6 lunch option** featuring protein, vegetables, and fruit 5. **Thoughtful policies** on treats (birthday goodies are given to parents, not children) 6. **Organized curriculum, events, newsletter, Google photo albums of holidays and celebrations shared with parents. Gives me a good pulse on their day to day activities. Ms. Cindy, the principal is hands on. I see her daily zipping between classrooms, dancing and celebrating with them on holidays. Her enthusiasm is infectious through the program staff. Ms. April and Chin-Wen at the front always greet everybody with a warm smile and kind words. The Chinese-English environment has been wonderful - though we don't speak Chinese at home, our little one has started saying Chinese words, counting, and singing their letter sounds ABC songs! We've seen remarkable growth in social skills and overall happiness. I also like their outdoor spaces and bikes/shopping cards/cars. We noticed several families that have sent multiple kids and cousins through the program which speaks to the quality and stability of the program at least in recent years.

Teachers really care for the kids. The curriculum is at a higher level than the public curriculum…read more Yet, the low student to teacher ratio means the teachers can see and help each child. Tuition is also less than other private schools. This is also a mandarin immersion school that teaches traditional bo po mo fo which we love. The parents do not need to speak the language at home and there are many families that do not speak Mandarin. Overall, great place for kids to learn and grow.

We are absolutely thrilled with our experience at Mandarin Academy, and we couldn't be happier with…read morethe progress our son has made since starting Kindergarten this year. One of the most remarkable aspects of Mandarin Academy is the speed at which our son has started speaking Chinese at home. We are a non-Chinese family. Within just three weeks of starting, he was already bringing his newfound language skills into our daily conversations. Another key factor that sets Mandarin Academy apart is its small class sizes. In these intimate settings, every student has the opportunity to actively engage and participate in the learning process. This focus on individual attention and participation is invaluable when it comes to mastering a new language, and we've seen firsthand how it has benefited our child's language development. We also got a spot offered by Cupertino Union School District (CUSD), but after experiencing what Mandarin Academy has to offer, we made the decision to withdraw and stay with Mandarin Academy. Main reason was the big class sizes at CUSD (20+ students) which makes it hard to learn a language. The higher standards, personalized approach, and dedication to language education at Mandarin Academy were simply unmatched, and we believe this is the best place for our child to flourish.

I call the education Saint Andrew's provides love-based education. The teachers love what they do…read moreand thrive in Saint Andrew's environment because the school and community truly support them. They're encouraged to attend conferences, take classes, try new approaches, bring in fresh ideas, and leverage their networks to take learning to the next level. It's a simple formula: happy teachers, happy kids. Happy kids, happy parents. Here are just a few examples that stood out over the years: 1. The science teacher allowed students to participate in an NPR project; some of their work was even featured in the showcase library. 2. The English teacher spent incredible time and care editing students' writing. The growth and learning that came from this process were remarkable. 3. The math teachers made lessons fun, engaging, and practical. Many students who never attended outside math programs were still placed in the highest-level math class as high school freshmen. 4. Teachers prepare students for high school through thoughtful program design and daily practice. Students learn to be organized, take responsibility, know when to ask for help, and approach school seriously. 5. The athletic education team provides diverse programs that engage all students and offers life coaching based on each child's developmental needs. 6. Teachers often use their own time to help students who need extra support. At Saint Andrew's, children grow up in a community where they are loved for who they are and are taught to love others for who they are. When children know they are loved, they dare to take risks, stand up for one another, perform under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and be generous with empathy and help. That's what real mental strength and resilience look like. As parents, it's important for us to be partners in this journey. Be kind and open with the teachers. Talk to them. Collaborate with them. When school and homework go hand-in-hand, the results are powerful. No one school fits everyone. If your child is academically far ahead or must be ranked number one in every category, you may want to explore other options. But if you're looking for a school that nurtures both the mind and heart to make an exceptional young adult, Saint Andrew's is a very special place.

Three years at Saint Andrew's: excellent kindergarten, then labeling and classroom removals without…read morerestorative follow-through Sharing our family's experience so other parents . Our child attended Saint Andrew's for three years. Kindergarten was outstanding. Miss Gaulden brought warmth and deep experience; our child thrived and we were grateful for her classroom. She left mid-year after more than 15 years--a sudden change that removed a stabilizing presence. First grade was a sharp contrast, especially in how concerns were communicated and handled. Our child later told us he was told he was "not a good student." We were not informed at the time, so we can only speak to the impact. We believe that phrasing is inappropriate for any young student. Effective feedback should name a behavior and the next action ("Here are the two steps to start," "Use the 'I need a break' card"), and if harmful language is used, there should be a restorative repair with the student. In addition, our child reports being removed from the first-grade classroom multiple times. The teacher reportedly told him "Out" to make him leave--sometimes after he repeated "silly" comments. For early elementary, removing a child from class for that kind of age-typical verbal behavior, without a consistent coaching plan and brief data, felt disproportionate to us. When we suggested teacher coaching/training to align classroom language and routines, the lower-school administration framed the situation primarily as a child issue and provided an extensive list of requirements for our child, rather than discussing staff coaching and consistency. We were told the expectation was an overnight jump to independence in first grade, rather than a developmentally typical, linear progression. In our current school that emphasizes written/visual directions, defined roles in group work, and strength-based language, our child is observed as empathetic, helpful, and an active group participant. That contrast suggests the issue was not a fixed trait in the child but the classroom approach and how behavior was defined and supported. this is our experiences.

This is a good Afterschool program. They offer quality homework help and the teachers are caring…read moreand responsible. They put your kids at the. 1st place and they provide qualitative academic support as well as they are flexible on extra courses for the kids to pick and learn during afternoons. We like it.

Our son has been in this afterschool for 4 years. We are very happy that we made the right choice…read more Our son always enjoys the times here. The head teacher, Ms. Jun, is very responsible and dedicated. we can feel she loves the kids from bottom of her heart. The kids love her, too. The course design is balanced. The classes offered include Math, Writing, Speech, Chinese, Tennis, Arts, etc. We recommend this afterschool based on our experience.

Teachers here are dedicated, caring and patient when it comes to the children. Our daughter has…read moreflourished in this school and the experience, in particular the dual language learning has been such a better experience than other preschools that our other child went to. This is a school that doesnt just emphasizes learning but also soft skills Would recommend to everyone I know!

I wasn't sure what to expect when we first enrolled our daughter here two years ago. She was…read moreincredibly shy back then, the kind of child who would hide behind my leg and avoid making eye contact with anyone. Fast forward to today, she has blossomed into a cheerful, outgoing child. Watching this transformation has been truly amazing. The Mandarin development alone is worth writing this review for. She started without knowing a single word of Chinese. Now she can hold conversations, comes home singing new Chinese songs every week, and even recites poems and rhymes with confidence. We didn't do anything special at home to encourage this, it was entirely the result of the school's teaching. The building itself is a bit older, and I remember noticing that during our first visit. I almost let it influence my decision, but I'm so glad we looked beyond it. What truly makes this school special is its teachers. They are experienced, caring, patient, and genuinely invested in every child's growth and happiness. The love and dedication they show each day are evident, and my daughter feels it. We couldn't be more grateful for the positive impact they've had on her life. We have decided to keep my daughter in this school for another year instead of sending her to TK because we are confident that she will continue to thrive in this nurturing environment.

I have been taking private Spanish classes from Vive La Experiencia for over a year now. I had…read morebeen searching and searching for a "serious" school for adult learners of Spanish as a second language that would also accommodate my tight work schedule and commute. This school is a hidden gem in Campbell. They bent over backwards to accommodate my schedule, offering me Saturday afternoon classes, and I have been extremely impressed by the professional level of instruction I have received by all the instructors. Before studying here, I had tried to learn Spanish at several other community schools for adults. I was constantly disappointed that the instruction was too relaxed at the other schools, there was barely any homework or progress exams, and most of the other students did not end up progressing past the beginning level. When I started studying at Vive La Experiencia, I could speak mostly only in the present tense, and had just started to learn the imperfect and preterit. Now I am fairly comfortable with the past, future, compound tenses such as present/past perfect, passive voice, and I am in the midst of further practicing the subjunctive, including imperfect and past subjunctive. My grammar, speaking, and comprehension have grown by leaps and bounds. Moreover, they tailor the instruction to your preferences. I wanted a lot of homework and progress exams, as well as emphasis on covering grammar, so I got it. Of course, all students are different and your class could be very different, depending on your preferences. During class, we also spend time listening to and translating popular and classic Latin American music, watching and discussing video/movie clips, and learning about cultural traditions such as holidays in Mexico and Latin America. I have had the opportunity to participate in several hosted social events where I was able to meet many native Spanish speakers, as well as other learners like myself. Of course, the highlight was my participation in the Immersion Trip to Puebla, Mexico in July of 2019. It was my first time ever visiting Mexico, and I was absolutely in love with the the city, the people, and the FOOD! I heard Spanish spoken everywhere and was astounded by how much I could already understand and communicate with the locals. We visited many churches, parks, historical sites, markets, and the best restaurants. It was great getting to bond with other students like myself. If you are looking to learn Spanish at any age (I am 44), I highly recommend classes at Vive La Experiencia. Your eyes will be opened to a whole new world of culture and experiences!

I've been taking Spanish classes here for about three years. Before that I was trying to learn…read moreSpanish In adult schools. Even though they are a bit cheaper I was getting frustrated by the large classes (often up to 15 people). It's hard to progress in these big groups, especially if you want to get further than beginner level. Rosario and her team are doing a great job teaching the language in small to medium sized classes (3-6 students) and are trying to make sure that students get the most out of the class. You can also get private tutoring. Levels range from beginner to advanced. I like that it's not only about grammar, but also about the culture which is important to understand some aspects of the language. Hopefully I'll be able to become bilingual one day, it's still a long way, but I feel this school is my best chance to get there some day.