Elmhurst is a breath of fresh air! My son was here from age 2.5 yrs to 5 yrs. Every staff is kind, attentive, and welcoming. Early education requires a nurturing environment-the ability to work collaboratively with teachers. Elmhurst provides the environment needed to support parents and children. Additionally there is an on staff cook who prepares fresh food. My son is a picky eater and he eats well here. The building is not fancy however the staff have a heart of gold! read more

My son was a student here from ages 3-5 (through TK) We loved the teachers. They all really care about the kids, and my son loved them. He learned a lot of great things while he was here. Shortly after he started we noticed his manners improved (please and thank you), and in the Covid world they did a great job inspiring him to wash his hands properly. He's leaving TK knowing his ABCs, basic addition and subtraction, counting to 100, some sight words, and more. The kids do a wide variety of hands-on activities in TK, including crafts, science experiments, and even cooking. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in the tuition, which was a huge help. My kid is a really picky eater and they encouraged him to try everything, but if he didn't like it they would give him something else to eat (cereal, fruit, etc...) If you're enrolled full day the drop-off/pick-up window is very flexible for working parents - 6:30am-6:00pm. I typically didn't pick my son up until 5:45pm because he refused to leave if I came earlier. He was always having too much fun! I want to add that I just adore the kindergarten teacher, Miss Norita, and I am sad he won't be attending kindergarten at Elmhurst. We're leaving because my son was admitted to the Mandarin DLI program in Hayward and you have to start that in kindergarten. We plan to enroll our second child here once he is old enough. read more

COVID Response Review.. at the end :) I LOVE this school SO much!! My older daughter came here for preschool in 2014 after I tried 2 other preschools and I truly fell in love with the school. First of all, I was very impressed with the staff and the teachers, as many of them have been there for a decade or more! Which tells me that they are passionate about teaching and that the school treats them well (otherwise nobody would stay that long!). And I love the many activities and dress up days that keep the school year fun and engaging. My favorite is the Christmas program.. it is just incredibly cute to see the little kids dressed up and performing for a packed room of parents and grandparents. And of course, the school is Christian based and it shows! The teachers are loving and encouraging and instill these values in children. Even all these years later, my daughter still remembers the bible songs and the meal prayers and all the fun during chapel on Wednesday's. My daughter and I both made lasting friendships with the kids and parents we met through the years at ELC that continue to be in our lives today. Fast forward to 2019 when my next daughter turned 2. From the moment I was pregnant, I knew I wanted her to start at Elmhurst for preschool. I was thrilled to back as part of the ELC community! And this daughter was not yet speaking at 2, but after a very short time in the loving care and teaching of Ms. Eva she found her voice and started talking in sentences! And everyday when I picked her up, my daughter would proudly show me her work for the day and her best friends. ***COVID RESPONSE REVIEW*** When Shelter in Place was ordered in March 2020, the school closed (as did every thing else) and they took the time to upgrade equipment, remodel, and make sanitation upgrades in preparation for the reopening. In Sept 2020, the school opened back up for in-person preschool. By this time, I had a 3rd child that was 2 and ready for school. Of course, it is nerve racking to send kids to school during the pandemic but once again, ELC is doing a GREAT job and keeping our kids safe. There are a host of policy changes in place to ensure the kids are safe from COVID. The staff, of course, wear masks, but they also enforce the children to keep their masks or shields on (My 3 yr old struggled at first, but I promise, they get used to it!) The class sizes are small and kept in "social bubbles" from the other classes and the kids sit at a distance from one another during meals. All the playground equipment and tables.. etc are sanitized after every use. The kids and parents cannot come in until we have our temperature checked and sanitized. Every time I come for drop/off or pick/up, I see the staff cleaning, the school is continuously being cleaned throughout the day and I feel really comfortable with my toddlers there. I know there will be changes to the activity schedules during this time and I understand that these changes are to keep staff and students safe and adhere to county guidelines. My children are so excited to go to school each day and it warms my heart. I can now work from home more efficiently, and I know they are being well cared for. I could truly go on and on about the great work the school is doing, but if you are looking for a preschool or kindergarten, I urge you to check out ELC and you will see for yourself. read more

Best pre school hands down! My son is on his second year here. Teachers are absolutely amazing. My son has learned so much since he's started. I am beyond grateful for everyone at Elmhurst read more

This private pre-school and Kindergarten school is conveniently located across the main post office in Hayward and a couple of blocks away from the Safeway. It is a year round school that Closes only 1 week out of the year - Christmas eve until day after new year. They don't close on all of the major Federal holidays either but they do have a couple of days where school is at a minimum day due to teacher seminars. So, parents rejoice because you really don't have to worry about taking so many days off of work! I enrolled both my daughters at Elmhurst about 2.5 years ago. They came from an intimate daycare environment (mireya's Daycare which I also reviewed and highly recommend) of 14 children and I was initially concerned how they would transition over to a much larger population of children and several teachers. Turns out, I needn't have worried at all. Elmhurst's tuition is comparable to any daycare/pre-school in the area but what makes it great is that it is inclusive of 2 meals, snacks, and extended care (the love and care of the teachers are free! ). The minimum age to attend the school is 2 years of age. If your child isn't potty trained, there is an extra monthly fee. But once your child is successfully potty trained (yes, they help your child!), your child receive will receive a certificate of success and the monthly fee is removed. What makes this school incredibly special are its people. From the administrative staff to the teachers. Every single teacher knows every single student by name which is amazing because there's at least close to 100 kids. The teachers are loving but firm, kind and respectful, and have a genuine concern about the kids. There were times when it seems I was calling once a day to ask about one thing or another, I was always, always greeted with kindness and "I'll look into it for you and call you right back". My kindergartener has such an incredible experience at this school that she wishes it went all the way to 6th grade - that's how much she loves her environment. Of course, like with any school, issues crop up but your feedback is heard and listened to and discussed. They also have an advanced curriculum at Elmhurst. This school was recommend by 2 former colleagues whose children went on to advanced curriculums at their new schools. Overall, there's a sense of community at this school. And while it may cost a little more than others, the love and respect your child will experience it is worth it. This school will always hold a special place in our hearts. You'll kick yourself for not enrolling your child(ren) here! read more

This is a great school. A best kept-secret in the Hayward community. So thankful to find a school where I feel my son is safe, cared for and learning. The teachers are very attentive to him as well as his peers. The administration is warm and caring for both my child and my family and will often pray over us in times of challenge. My son is in the youngest preschool classes with Ms. Phyllis and Ms. Eva who work in harmony and unison. They helped my son get over his initial fears of me leaving and were are very warm, friendly, and aware of all of their students. I praise God for this school and highly recommend it to families looking for a school to give their child safety, security, academics, and a Christian Education. read more

If only we had found this school earlier. We moved here 6 months ago and for the first 2 months my daughter went to a different so-called preschool, before we pulled her out and put her in Elmhurst. Her first week, she came home knowing more than she learned in all of her 2 months at the other place. Within a week, she was writing her own name along with multiple other letters. She had learned how to hold a pencil correctly (I was having issues teaching her because she's a lefty). She could not only name, but draw all of her shapes. She was singing multiple new songs, and reciting multiple prayers. Now that she has competed 2 months, she can recognize and write ALL her letters! I am so impressed by this place and by their friendly, super awesome staff. They are professional and really know what they are doing! This is how a preschool is supposed to be. It is not just a daycare calling themselves a preschool like so many other places. This is a school. This is a real-deal early education facility. Also, they offer after school care for only $100 extra/month! I haven't utilized it yet, but wow! What a deal! read more

Cannot say enough about Elmhurst. We were looking at schools in Castro Valley when someone randomly brought up Elmhurst. We decided to look into it and so happy we did. The school was so much more organized compared to the other 3 preschools we looked at. Because tuition included 2 meals and a snack, it was also a much better deal. We sent our kids to Elmhurst for 2 years, until it was time to start kinder at the elementary school. LOVED every minute of it. The teachers work so hard and are so passionate about their jobs. You can see that they love to teach and that makes such a difference. The office staff is always so helpful and friendly. We liked Elmhurst so much, we kept our kids enrolled there even after we moved to Dublin. You can feel the good energy there, and the kids learn so much. Our kids were beyond prepared for kindergarten, and we know Elmhurst had a lot to do with that. Elmhurst will always have a special place in our hearts. read more

I have had a first hand experience with Elmhurst Learning Center. My Great Nephew was enrolled over 2 years ago and they helped with prayers and love. All the staff were wonderful. Sincere my nephew was having issues and he did repeat Kindergarten because the Teacher did not want him to struggle in the future however by the 4th week Sincere was reading. Sincere has now transferred to another Christian Catholic school and is doing great he is above in his studies. I love the warmth and overwhelming love this school has to offer and education above and beyond. I did do volunteer work in the school and my grandson would go into the classrooms and was learning how to spell his name at 3 years of age. I LOVE Elmhurst your children will only learn and also learn respect and prayers during every meal. Sylva Feliciano read more

Our family loves Elmhurst Learning Center --- more importantly our daughter loves it! We wanted a Christian education in addition to a good academic program and Elmhurst Learning Center has given our daughter both. The teachers are always encouraging and work well together as a team in her preschool program. They treat the preschool program as a regular school program with progress reports, home work and field trips. We are considering keeping her in Elmhurst instead of sending her to public school next year. read more

All 3 of my kids have gone here since they were two. Ms. Eva, Ms. Phyllis, Ms. Benita, Ms Pam, Ms Kathy have all blessed my children with their patience and kind teachings. Ms. Cheryl and Ms. Marilyn you have wonderful hearts, love you all! This center is a blessing. read more

My daughter has been attending Elmhurst learning center for close to a year now and she love it there.All the staff is very friendly, kind, and helpful. My daughter learn a lot in her class:) best school ever.also my two year old will be attending there and I know she will love it just like her sister. read more

My Daughter has been at Elmhurst since May 2011. Miss Phyllis and Miss Eva are awesome! My girl wakes up in the morning praising God and goes to sleep saying her prayers. On top of the important stuff like God, she is learning phonics to count and Spanish! We are in the process of moving our 2 yo over to Elmhurst too. We are so very happy to have found this school read more

I just love this place and so do my girls. The staff is awesome. If you are looking for a Christian education, this is a great place.

The director at this school is very unwelcoming. I went here to sign up my child and upon meeting her I immediately felt unwelcome. She wasn't friendly and when I was being introduced to her she took personal phonecalls and didn't seem interested in me or my child. She didn't smile at all and even after being told by other staff that there was plenty of room for my child to start, she told me I needed to be on a waiting list. I will definitely not have my child going here and will look into another school. If she is any reflection of what that school is about, I highly don't recommend Elmhurst. read more

This is a great place for a kid! My daughter attended this school for almost 2 years, and since she started I could immediately see the difference, not to compare to the last place she had been, but Elmhurst was much better. She is 5 and starts reading some words and writing them. She knows the letters and the numbers, not only in English but in Spanish. The place is safe and feels always welcoming. I don't have to worry about food, she is happy with what she has and I know it's healthy food. All staff is nice, and they have a great way of communicating through emails; as parents we are always aware of what events are coming. We are moving that's why this was my daughter's last year at Elmhurst, otherwise, she would be there. I definitely recommend this place, is amazing. read more

This review is mixed and is just one experience. Based on alllll the other glowing reviews, I felt it was important to state my experience. I would not say to NOT send your child here. I toured this center and LOVED it! I love the security they have in place and I did not see anything like it at other places I visited. However, no one seems to know what is going on at this place. One minute there is a space available, the next...no oops, there really isn't because the dry erase board isn't up to date. Then you call and the person on the phone says yes there just happens to be a spot and you leave work, FLY all the way up there from the south bay to put down your registration fees and the person that is there claims the person you talked to on the phone isn't there and hasn't been there all day-never mind the fact that they themselves just got there. And again...nope, no spaces. Then you call again a few weeks later because even though you don't want to everyone is telling you to call again and the same person who answered the phone the last time answers again. Puts you on hold (which is fine) to see if there are spaces available and comes back on the phone to tell you that no spaces are open right now but they anticipate some becoming open soon. Great! But then...you are told that when you spoke to the director-uhm....nooooo....I have never talked to the director-she said your child needed to be tested-uhm...since said conversation never happened...what, exactly, is he to be tested for?!-oh...you didn't speak to the director?-no-oh, what is your child's name? Hmmm.....well then maybe it was a different child and uh...yeah....we don't have any spaces. (Tone TOTALLY changes!) OK...I'm done! No way would I send my child here at this point. REALLY disappointed because I already know I will be placing my child in private kindergarten so this facility was a perfect fit for preschool and kindergarten. Seems like a clean facility and I love how they also provide lunch (most preschools do not!). But it seems like one hand never knows what the other is doing and that it may actually be a bit scattered there. Not sure. Will never know. Totally ok with that. Just super disappointed that I was treated this way and left with a negative feeling about this place. read more

My daughter attended Elmhurst Learning Center for about a year when she was 2-1/2 years old and we were extremely pleased with our experience at Elmhurst. The staff is very kind and caring, my daughter's pre school teacher Ms Lynn was amazing and we enjoyed her enthusiasm when it came to caring and teaching not only our daughter but the class as well. My daughter has special needs with her care and Elmhurst stepped u and took care of her needs with no hesitation. The staff was kind and warm towards the children and you can tell the kids enjoyed their time there. We moved so we had to take our daughter to another center but if we were still in the area our daughter would still be there. I would highly recommend Elmhurst Learning Center for you child without any hesitation. The staff is great and definitely know what they are doing. My daughter now almost 4 still talks about Elmhurst and even remembers names of friend and teachers. GREAT School! read more

This school has been amazing for all of my kids. I only wish I could afford to keep them in this school for all grades offered. Teachers and staff are amazing and genuinely care for the kids. I feel so blessed and grateful to have found them. read more

my kid just love it，starting fromzero english recognition，but 3 months he could underStand most of them and communicate in english