ACS has been part of our family since the pandemic when we were looking for the right place for our…read moreeldest daughter. She was more than prepared for TK while having a preschool focused on being outside, play and arts/crafts. I always recommend ACS and their amazing teachers. Teachers have been here for awhile - always a good sign!

My daughter used to have a really hard time separating from me, but since starting here, everything…read morehas changed. She absolutely loves it and has so much fun every day! The environment is incredibly creative, engaging, and full of positive energy. She's learning so many wonderful things. I truly love this place and highly recommend it!

When we started our preschool search, we narrowed down our choices to 5 facilities that best…read morematched our needs. Some we really wanted to like and send our kids to (including the preschool my wife went to and the preschool at the church she grew up in). At the end of all those tours, it was obvious to us that Meadowlark and its staff was, by far, the best fit for our family. We have a friend that is a kindergarten teacher. Before we started our search, she advised us her most successful children are ones who have the social skills required to deal with the demands of kindergarten. Kids who know how to share, wait their turn, understand the teacher-student relationship, and can listen to 3 step instructions and follow them, etc. So that is really what we were looking for in a school for our children. I think our oldest child summed it up perfectly.... When picking them up from their first day of school, we asked them what was their favorite part of the day. They responded, "All of it!" That refrain remained constant and consistent throughout our time at Meadowlark as we had both of our children attend in 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2021-2022 academic years. We liked that Meadowlark has structure but is never overly regimented. It put us at ease knowing we can drop in at any time and observe (We never felt any requirement to at Meadowlark, but the red flags went up immediately for several programs that wouldn't allow parents to drop in). We loved being able to volunteer in the classroom and see first hand our children interacting with their school friends. We loved the fact that parents/guardians could stay for story-time. It was also very important to us that Meadowlark shared a campus with the Mauzy school and they would be able to play and interact with the children in both programs. These memorable times supported our children as they embraced the critically important human and character-building qualities of inclusiveness and compassion. It was amazing that every day when we picked our oldest up from school and asked them what they did that day, they would respond "Played with my friends." Yet despite the fact that all they did was "play" every day, they came home knowing things they didn't know how to do the day before. For example, while waiting in line for the trampoline, they would count twenty jumps, then it was the next person's turn. Overnight, they went from knowing 1-12 to 1-20! When it was time to send our youngest to preschool, we had no question in our mind we would be sending them to Meadowlark. The pandemic made it a little different experience as when our oldest attended. We were no longer able to stay for storytime and Meadowlark students were not allowed to interact with Mauzy school students (in support of all at the time current health and safety protocols). But other than that, my youngest got to experience the same amazing educational environment my oldest enjoyed. Giovana is an incredible director. She and the staff are incredible advocates for their students and Giovana constantly provides calm, steadfast, and tremendous leadership in an everpresent caring and compassionate manner. She is always asking how things are going. She is offering guidance on parenting issues we might not know how to handle. She and the staff take time on evenings to present workshops for parents and caregivers on hot topics (curriculum, discipline, etc). She solicits feedback a couple of times a year and takes all feedback seriously. Back in 2018, someone asked for an electronic payment option and she immediately investigated several options and implemented an electronic payment option within days. The unexpected bonus is the community that we built over the years at Meadowlark. As Meadowlark families, we bonded over coffee meetups after drop-off, Parent's Nights Out, playdates, field trips to the symphony, hikes, picnics, and even an overnight camping trip on Mount Diablo. As you get to know the other families, you will see that Meadowlark brings together an amazing community of like-minded people; people who are child-focused, inclusive, kind, and supportive. I can honestly say we have gotten to know families who will be life-long friends. I get emotional thinking about the fact that I won't have a child attending Meadowlark anymore. But we move forward knowing this school not only prepared both our children exceptionally well for kindergarten but also supported us as parents in the difficult task of raising respectable, kind, and incredibly capable little human beings. For that, we will be forever grateful.

To say that Meadowlark Preschool has been the best thing to ever happen to our family wouldn't be…read morean exaggeration. As a first time Mom during the Covid pandemic, the idea of sending my child to preschool for the first time in (2021-2022) was somewhat terrifying. But the day we met Giovana, all my worries were put to rest. The teachers at Meadowlark (Giovana, Lori and Ann), are some of the most compassionate, intelligent and beautiful humans I've had the privilege of meeting in my life. My daughter is so comfortable there, and is truly thriving as she could not love her preschool teachers and classmates more. She often gets upset at pickup time because she doesn't want to leave. Their play based approach has been so perfect for our daughter and she has learned so much in her 1.5 years of being part of this school. Socially speaking, she has learned some important skills such as conflict resolution, working and playing with other children, taking turns and expressing herself. Academically, she has developed a love of learning. She is interested in science (cause and effect), her letters and numbers, and is now able to write her name. The community of parents we've been able to meet has been the cherry on top. From mom's night out to playdates and birthday parties, it truly feels like we are part of something so special. If you are considering schools, I cannot recommend Meadowlark Preschool enough... it truly is the whole package. I don't think I could have dreamed up a better preschool experience for our daughter. We are incredibly grateful. - Kristin R. Armfield

Amazing preschool! All of the teachers go above and beyond to set a great foundation. The preschool…read morehas a dedicated art teacher, Spanish teacher and a little library for the kids to go to. I recommend this school to everyone that is looking!

I will always be grateful for Dorris Eaton preschool transforming my son into a confident student…read morewith a love for learning . When my preschool search began my son was 2, and I was a huge proponent of play based preschool. I didn't consider Dorris Eaton, as a friend had suggested, because I had heard the "rumors" about it being "too academic" and "strict". So he attended a play based preschool until he was 5 and we headed off to Kindergarten orientation. During this process, a public school teacher looked me in the eyes and said that my son "wasn't ready to attend Kindergarten" and would "benefit from an additional year". Needless to say, I was devastated. While we needed to find a place that would prepare my son for kindergarten, it was also important to me to find a place that would be nurturing, teaching my son important life lessons. I wanted a school that would teach him how to respect his teachers, how to be a good student, how to try hard, and how to be a leader amongst his peers. Dorris Eaton junior kindergarten program seemed to be the perfect fit. I will admit I still had those rumors in the back of my mind. I am here to tell you that all of the rumors you hear are false. Will your children be completely prepared for kindergarten, yes! Do they hold the children accountable for age appropriate tasks, yes! Are they loving, YES! My son entered the Dorris Eaton junior kindergarten program academically behind, a follower; he felt like he wasn't smart because he wasn't going to kindergarten with his friends. He graduated a confident, social, leader who loves to learn. My daughter has attended Dorris Eaton Preschool since she turned 2.9, and she is 4 presently. I'm amazed at how much she has learned in those short years. The teachers are loving, compassionate and believe in the ability of their students. I feel so thankful that I enrolled my children in this amazing school and that this is their first exposure to education. I hope that the love for learning and confidence given to them at this school will carry throughout their education journey.

UMP is a fantastic school. Everything I had hoped my child's first schooling experience to be. The…read moreteachers and staff are exceptional, kind and all around great people! I was in awe what my son was learning in the 2's class and knew he would be staying for the 3's and Preschool programs. This school is truly a hidden gem. Thank you UMP for loving on these amazing children and pouring your heart into them. You've created a beautiful and warm environment that my child is beyond excited to learn in.

UMP is an AMAZING preschool! We can't say enough wonderful things about their school and staff. The…read moreclassroom sizes are small, they are play based, the children get so much one on one attention. I was so impressed with how they interact with every child and how they tailor themselves to be the teacher that their children need. They give so much love and one-on-one attention because of their small size. They offer so many interactive activities for the kids each and every day. I was so impressed when I went for the parent teacher meeting, the teachers had tracked everything our little one had done; they showed us the ways that he was excelling and the things that he was still learning. They are full of positive wonderful people who are there to care for and shape the minds of our little ones. My son was happy and excited to be there from day one. I am never nervous about leaving him there. I know that he is in warm, loving hands. I love all the things they offer for him. They have chapel on Wednesdays, as well as a music class. They engage with them and offer enrichment classes. Their playground is really played in and has so many fun things the kids love to do whether it's imaginative play, digging in the sand, or playing on the play equipment. Besides that, I also feel very safe there. I love that each and every day I get pictures posted to my brightwheel app of my child throughout the day. We were at another preschool and we would be lucky if we would get one picture at the end of the week. Here I get to see everything he's doing throughout the day. They also are very quick to answer messages and or phone calls. My only complaint is that they don't have an elementary school. I am so excited to send my second born here next year. I think what they do is incredible and they deserve so much praise! Thank you for loving my child and making school fun and positive!

As a former educator, I placed a lot of pressure on myself when selecting a preschool for my…read moredaughter. After reading reviews and talking with various people, Garden seemed to be a good fit for our family. Garden Montessori fosters independence while providing a warm and supportive environment where children thrive. The teachers encourage children to create and discover new things. I appreciate that my daughter has the autonomy to choose what she wants to work on or learn, on a daily basis, while still being prepared for the next steps in her education. My daughter loves learning and practicing new skills, and I feel that the teachers at Garden really help fuel that passion. In addition to academic skills and independence, Garden nurtures children to be confident, kind, and caring. Garden is a great place that my daughter looks forward to going to everyday, and I agree with the other parents when they call it a gem! I am so glad to be part of the Garden Montessori community.

This is my way overdue review for Garden Montessori. My daughter is already 14 yo, she attended…read moreGarden when she was 3 to 4 and it had such a lasting impression on her. It shaped her learning experiences, she still remembers the tree climbing, plucking the fruit trees, preparing the stone soup for Thanksgiving, teas with parents and not forgetting the furry bunnies. She learnt so much on the essential life skills, social skills and most importantly having fun at school. She grows up to be an independent and responsible girl. I am grateful Garden built this foundation during her early years. Garden Montessori is a hidden gem. Thank you to Jaye, Troy and Karine.

Teacher Ana has been with us since the beginning of our daughter Eva's preschool career - 3 years…read more Eva started preschool when she was 2 and now she is almost 5. During that time we have come to know her well. She is one of Eva's favorite teachers, and ours. She has become a friend and a touchstone in all of our lives. I can only speak for our family, but I know for a fact we are in the company of many others who feel the same way. Teacher Ana greeted us each morning and afternoon with a smile, always excited to see Eva in the morning and never seeming worn in the afternoon from a long day with the children. She was always willing to talk about the events of the day and how Eva in particular was doing. She often was able to put our minds to rest when difficulties arose with Eva. Teacher Ana also shared with us the strides Eva was making each day. Teacher Ana not only knows child development extremely well, but she is able to apply it to each child and their specific needs. She expertly wove together firmness and love for the children; setting appropriate limits while letting them test the edges. Teacher Ana was instrumental in helping us potty train Eva and was extremely patient with her during the entire process. I'm not sure she agreed with us on how we started the process (no pull ups, just cold turkey), but regardless, she backed us up 100% and worked with Eva until she was completely trained and no longer had any accidents. During one winter break we sent Eva to Teacher Ana's home for childcare with a few other children. Eva had the best time! She had things set up just as she would have at school. There was at least one project each day as well as free play, snacks, and lots and lots of toys. Eva brought home a tree ornament and some delicious cookies as I recall. Teacher Ana is one of the most loving people I have ever met and she truly loves each and every child with whom she works. Every child feels they are her favorite. Eva told me "I love all the hugs I get from Teacher Ana and that she gives me a special snack before I go home." She has taught Eva how to be a generous, empathetic, and confident little girl. Teacher Ana has an amazing repertoire of projects and activities she has come up with over the years. She is incredibly creative and particularly loves to do really cool art projects with the children. There are so many ways to use art supplies and just stuff you have lying around the house I would never have thought of, including using lots of recycled and up-cycled items. Outside activities often include water play - one of Eva's favorites - especially if it is hot outside. She creates a good balance between structured activities and free play with appropriate boundaries. Her personal arsenal of toys is also enviable! Teacher Ana has been such a fixture in our lives it is hard to imagine life without her. We will really miss her friendship, words of encouragement, and the hugs Eva loves so much! I truly believe Eva is more than ready for kindergarten in large part because of all the wonderful work Teacher Ana has done with her. I am really relieved Teacher Ana and Eva are leaving her preschool at the same time. I am certain Teacher Ana is going to create an awesome school and that her new clients will receive all the amazing benefits Eva has over the years. I recommend Teacher Ana whole-heartedly and without reservation. Your child will most certainly blossom in her care, as so many have!

I absolutely concur with all of the comments made previously…read more Teacher Ana was also one of our son's preschool teachers and we feel so fortunate that she was such an integral part of his life. Even though he is now 12 and has moved on to the complex world of middle school, he still remembers her and his preschool years very vividly and fondly. Ana has a magical way with children, one that filled with love and joy. She is very special, indeed.

My son attended Dayspring from age 2 to 4 1/2 years old and it was one of the best decisions I…read morehave ever made. Aside from having the most flexible schedule choices compared to other local preschools, they have the best teachers. My son moved from room 1 up to room 3 during his time there. ALL of the teachers were attentive, caring, communicative, and loving. The administrators were also so very friendly and welcoming. My son loved Dayspring so much, it was hard to get him to leave at the end of each day. :) We will surely miss Dayspring, as they became like family. I recommend this preschool to any parent looking for their child age 2-5.

Both my children went to dayspring preschool from age 2-4. The programming is good, the teachers…read moreare wonderful, and the administrators are so helpful. Both my children enjoyed their time at dayspring and were well prepared to enter TK. I would highly recommend to everyone!

Kid Time South is the best! Both of my daughters have gone here (one still does), and it's been…read moresuch a WONDERFUL experience for our family. KTS has a truly play-based, hands-on, and child-led approach - the kids learn through exploration and fun (which is exactly what they need at this age). I am reminded at every drop off and pickup how much the kiddos enjoy being there. The teachers are amazing - caring, patient, and always responsive whenever I have questions. They really know each child as an individual, and it shows. The hours are another huge plus (7am-6pm!) and the school rarely closes -- just for federal holidays (I believe) and one week in the summer - such a lifesaver for working parents. My girls have both thrived here, and I can't recommend Kid Time South enough!

I strongly recommend Kid Time to every parent! Our kids attended a few other local programs, and we…read moretoured even more. Kid Time is the program we are most impressed with because they truly understand early childhood development. Staff are consistently loving, thoughtful, and patient. Every child is met where they are at, and they are nurtured and taught from an individualized starting point. Kid Time teachers are not rushing anyone toward milestones, but rather instilling in them a love of learning and of playing cooperatively with others. Kid Time teachers and staff also have a much better understanding of neurodivergent behaviors and appropriate strategies to address them than many public-school teachers in my experience. They know when a kiddo needs additional intervention and when they (often) can effectively address behaviors in the classroom. I particularly recommend their programs in lieu of Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Both of our kids attended TK; one did okay and the other struggled mightily and we pulled that child out of TK to enroll in Kid Time South. It was the best decision we've ever made for our child. The general push towards academics earlier in childhood isn't helping children. Four-year-olds aren't physically ready for writing. And in our experience, the TK classroom was a huge adjustment for our kids from preschool. Far more independence is expected and required with significantly less playtime and fewer play-based activities. It's basically just like kindergarten, but with a little less pressure. Some kiddos like our first child can handle more paper-based work because they already love to draw and paint. Kids like our second who prefer to move their bodies and learn by doing with their hands (not coloring or writing) are going to find themselves feeling like a fish out of water in a traditional TK classroom. In summary, let the kiddos be little! Go visit and talk to Ms. Leah, the owner and Executive Director. You won't be disappointed!