Being part of Explorer has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There's a joke that parenting is the one job nobody has to pass a test for -- that there really ought to be some kind of "SAT for parents" before anyone is handed a child. Explorer is the closest thing I've found to that school, except it never tests you. It teaches you. And what it teaches is less about how to raise a child than about how to be a good parent -- and underneath that, how to be a good person. What it made me see most clearly is this: the bond between a parent and a child is one of the most extreme imbalances of power that exists. In no other relationship does one person hold so much control over another human being -- over their time, their body, their choices, even their sense of what is real. And yet we almost never name it as power. We take it for granted. As a society we rarely talk about the restraint a parent owes a child, precisely because the child has no way to demand it. Explorer takes that restraint seriously. The community here holds to a belief that is simple to say and surprisingly hard to live: that we are not only here to protect our children, but to respect them. And what surprised me most was what that respect produces. Children who are treated with respect learn to extend it -- to their peers, and to the world around them. They come to understand boundaries not by being controlled, but by having their own boundaries honored, and by watching others honored too. They learn it through play, through sharing how they feel, through being given room to work things out rather than being told how things will be. I'll be honest: none of this is intuitive, and much of it runs against how most of us were raised. It asks you to hold back in the very moments when instinct says to step in and take charge. It asks you to be challenged -- to be willing to find out you were wrong. So I don't think Explorer is the right fit for every family. It's for the ones ready to walk in open-minded and let themselves be stretched. For us, it was exactly that. I'm deeply grateful that our family found Explorer, and that we've had the chance to be part of it. read more

We LOVE Explorer. We started our LO at 18 months and are saddened that graduation is in one month, ending our time here. Being here for 4 years, we've been able to see a lot and meet lots of families. It isn't for everyone. But if it is for you, as it was for us, it's a godsend. We couldn't be more thankful for all that we've learned, the kindness and patience we've received as new parents, and the community we've been able to take with us as we leave. The #1 reason I chose Explorer Preschool was the required monthly Parent Ed Classes. As a former teacher, I love learning but not too proud to admit that I need to pay a school to hold me accountable. Sleep deprivation is a big deterrent. Explorer, however, is special because what we learn is immediately applicable. Parents learn from each other, ask questions we hadn't thought to ask yet. We get the opportunity for our LOs to be loved and supported by a caring community of similar values. We, too, fall in love with other LOs and get to watch them all grow up together in a safe space. We don't have family here, which was daunting to say the least, as first-time parents in 2022. Now, after 4 years, we feel like the close families that we've bonded with will remain our friends for a lifetime. I love how much my LO just goes up to other parents just to have a good laugh, and how much these other LOs come up to tell/share the most exciting news of the day. A lot of families have come and gone in the last 4 years. But the ones that stay until graduation, at least in my experience this year, it says a lot about them = dependable, flexible, kid-centered, sees value in education, team-player, committed, nature-loving, and open-minded (we're in an all-inclusive school). I could go on forever! Thank you, Explorer Preschool! read more

Explorer Preschool has been around for a while and this means they know how to manipulate situations. 1. They do not honor Child's Personal Rights. 2. They do not write up incident reports. 3. They do not provide a safe environment. 4. They do not have respectful communication. 5. They do not provide restorative justice. 6. They discriminate and favor the kids that they like more. 7. They restrain your kids and make them listen to the teachers or other students. 8. They threaten you if you talk with other people about the incidents happening at school. Our child was repeatedly hit, yelled at, screamed at, pushed, kicked, thrown sand at. He/she was scared and Explorer Preschool did nothing to protect or help. Explorer Preschool said, "it did not bother him/her to be hit, yelled at, screamed at, pushed, kicked or thrown sand at." The kids that attacked him/her were bullies, the teachers consoled the attacker and then walked away not asking, protecting, helping or checking in on our child. There was a double standard dynamic between discriminated and non discriminated. read more

This is our first school year and we've had an amazing experience at Explorer Preschool so far! Our son, who was new to a classroom setting, immediately felt comfortable with Teacher Meredith and Teacher Rima and absolutely loves going to school. The play based curriculum is excellent for encouraging creativity. We love that it's a co-op, which allows parents to be in the classroom on a rotating basis and provides a much higher adult-to-child ratio than most preschools. The parent education classes are a huge bonus for fostering community and helping us learn alongside our child. It's truly a special place! read more

My daughter attends one of the two day programs for 2 year olds and I can't speak highly enough of the program! Teacher Annie was clearly born to work with small children and their big feelings. My daughter looks forward to going to school and even asks to go on her days off! As a parent participation preschool, there are a few requirements for parents to complete throughout the school year. My favorite are the daytime parent education classes. The teacher organizes a topic for that day and all class parents get together to learn about the brain developments (among other things) happening at that age specific to your child. It is a safe place to acknowledge your personal growth opportunities as a parent but also be reminded that you are not alone. Raising resilient and emotionally aware kids is hard but Explorer offers many tools and hands to help you on this journey! read more

We've been attending Explorer preschool since 2017 with my son and currently on our last year with my daughter. I highly recommend this school due to their absolutely amazing play based curriculum. The best part of being here is the community; parents supported by amazing understanding teachers. They support parents through parent education / positive discipline courses in the evenings monthly along with monthly in class meetings. I'm glad to be able to see both kids' progress in the classroom throughout the years. My favorite has to be the nature based curriculum at the beginning (6 weeks) and end (6 weeks) of school year: students spend these weeks at the creek learning the flora and fauna or even just a simple hike. If you're looking for a play based school, Explorer Preschool is one of the best Co-Op school available in San Jose. read more

Explorer Preschool - Preschools Near Me - San Jose, California

My wife and I have been part of the Explorer family for four years now, and we simply can't say enough amazing things about the teachers, environment, and community that has been created at this magical school. You have endless options when deciding where to send your kids, so I'll hit on some of the most impactful points for us, and keep it as short and sweet as possible. We have kids. We're all busy. You're probably multitasking five different things as you read this review. ;) Positive Discipline & Play-Based Curriculum: Starting with a major one. Deciding to put your kids anywhere can be a daunting task; is it the right vibe? The right teaching style? Will they be better tomorrow because of what they're learning today? Explorer has been everything we could hope for. Not only are they focused on positive discipline and play-based learning, they also hammer that home to the parents that are there working in the trenches with you on volunteer days. So it isn't just "a few teachers trying to control the chaos". It's a community of parents who all represent the same values and respect, not just for other parents, but for each and every kid that goes there. It's amazing to see in action. Parent Education Classes: In fact, Explorer isn't just about "child education." Monthly Parent Education Classes (some during the day, some during the evening) offer you a chance to unplug from life and focus on some amazing strategies for your own household. The school even brings in different experts based on what the topic is for that month; it's like higher education for parenthood, and it's a massive perk of going to Explorer. Sense of Community: We can't say enough good things about the explorer community of teachers and parents. Since everybody is aligned with the same core values, you not only witness your kids make some amazing friends, but you end up trusting and forming incredible bonds with other parents as well. We've created lifelong friends in our time at Explorer so far, and it has lead to play dates, dinners, camping trips and more. Creek School: I could rant forever about the different activities each age group gets to experience, but I absolutely have to highlight my personal favorite, and that's Creek School. For part of the final year at explorer (Pre-K) the class leaves the regular Explorer campus and heads to Vasona Park for "Creek School." It's an absolute blast. Growing up in Minnesota my childhood was filled with plenty of stomping through mud, trekking through the woods and just getting my hands dirty. I never in a million years thought I'd find a place for my kids to do that in Silicon Valley, and it was not only a highlight of my son's preschool years, but it was mine as well. Jumping in the creek, catching tadpoles, watching the kids play and work together and learn in an entirely new way was incredible. At the end of Pre-K my son didn't want to leave... and I was just lucky we have our daughter working her way through Explorer again now so I get a chance to double-dip on Creek School. I'd go by myself if I could, but I'm pretty sure I aged out a few decades ago... Charting a Path Forward: This isn't one Explorer will tout if you look at their website or talk to the teachers, but it's 100% a massive reason why my wife and I love this school. Not only has it been a fantastic preschool environment for our two kids, but it has literally helped set the bar for what we look for when we think about where we send our kids next, and it's a high bar. The level of respect for the kids that go to Explorer, the incredibly positive vibes that come from the teachers, their approach to education and discipline, and the sense of community that comes from a "team effort" type experience like this... it defines what we now want for the rest of our children's educational journeys. Each of our kids are getting a few years here, but our time as an Explorer family will impact choices we make for decades to come. Explorer Preschool not only helped my son prepare for Elementary School and is helping my daughter do the same, but it also made my wife and I better parents and helped us know what to look out for as we take on the next stage of life as well, all while building a community of friends we know, love, and trust. You can't ask for more than that. read more

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Explorer was the best decision we could have made for our kids' first school experiences. After considering a couple co-op preschools, we applied and were initially #15(!) on the waitlist for the 2x a week class for 2-3 year olds. Spots fill up that quickly - that says a lot for a preschool. We miraculously got in, and thank goodness because it's been awesome. Teacher Annie (my son's teacher and the school's Director) is genuinely passionate about the long-term development of the children she teaches and cares for. I trust her completely and also trust the other families who help run the classroom, because I know we share the same values of respecting and empowering our children. I look forward to helping in the classroom each week and when I drop my kid off, know he's in good hands. I really treasure spending time with my kid and his classmates while watching them learn and play at their own pace, in their own unique ways, and appreciate that Explorer prioritizes parent participation beyond "just" contributing in the classroom (although that itself is a key part of the school's ongoing success) - like being part of a committee or the Board, and parent education classes. We plan to send our younger kid here next year as well. I hope to be part of the Explorer community for many years to come. read more

Both of my children spent their preschool years at Explorer, which means that my family was a part of the school for five years. I can easily say that choosing to be involved at Explorer was the best parenting decision we have ever made (so far, at least!) The teachers are incredibly empathetic and deeply knowledgeable about child development. They are able to connect with the kids so beautifully and it's amazing to see your child excited to be at school. The range of activities and stations that are set up always spark the curiosity and investment of the kids, while still allowing them the chance to explore at their own pace in their own areas of interest. Not only are the teachers invested in teaching the kids, but they are amazing parent educators as well. It was actually the amazing parent education component of the school that set it apart for me in the first place. As a first time parent, I found the idea of monthly seminars/meetings on important parenting topics to be incredibly exciting - and I was right! Over the course of five years I learned about a wide range of topics from nutrition to positive discipline, sensory needs to developing safety strategies, and so many more. In addition to learning from professional parent educators, I also learned SO much from my fellow parents. Hearing them talk about similar struggles and their own strategies for how to handle them, or even just commiserating over how difficult parenting can be was affirming and incredibly supportive. The unique nature of parents participating in the classroom means that the kids also get the chance to make these connections with other parents. I always loved to hear from one of my fellow parents how my child enjoyed a particular art project or cheered for my son when he (finally!) learned how to pedal on a tricycle. Similarly, I tried to tuck away exciting and positive ntidbits to share with parents when it was my turn to work in the classroom. Those connections helped pave the way to some incredibly important family friendships that are still flourishing years after our kids left the school. If you have the opportunity to be involved with your child's preschool experience, I heartily encourage you to check out Explorer Preschool. I just wish we could have stayed longer! read more

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We have had our daughter, who just turned three, enrolled in this preschool for two years now. We have had a wonderful experience with all the teachers and other parents. This is a parent participation co-op preschool, and they do a really great job of making sure the parents have ample time to discuss questions or concerns they have about their growing child. We have had the pleasure of working with teacher Annie for the past two years and she has been fantastic. She gives great feedback on our child and her development. During Covid they have taking great precautions to make sure that everyone is safe. Families fill out a questionnaire prior to class every day and teachers are masked during the class. The entire day is spent outside, which the kids love! They spend time growing seeds and painting and engaging in a plethora of other activities. My toddler gets very excited to go to preschool every day that she goes and says nothing but positive things about this place. They let kids be themselves, don't be surprised if your happy and tired toddler comes running to your arms with paint all over their faces and no shoes on. I feel so comfortable that my kid gets to be herself without judgment and is free to be a kid. It is important to note that this is a parent participation school. You will be asked to work in the classroom one day a week, and there are monthly parent education seminars that cover different topics every month. These are mandatory as is the time in the classroom. It is a great way to connect with other parents which is wonderful if you are new to town or new to parenting! This is a fantastic place to grow your tribe. read more

We enrolled in Explorer this fall, I guess we seem to be in the minority because it was not a good fit for our family. I had heard several times that children's behavior and general disposition rubs off from their peers, which I largely dismissed until we enrolled here. Our class was filled with a number of children who had strong separation anxiety and I saw that trait get more prominent in my daughter in just two months. Literally our fiercely independent, confident daughter began clinging to my leg for the first time in her life. It was a dramatic shift for her, I felt in the wrong direction. The teachers are great, I think they really do a great job of working with the students and coaching parents, which is what I was looking for. They are rather picky about arriving on time which is tough for the under 3 crowd in some cases. I also mostly liked the school itself, the outdoor area is a great design and I liked all of the various stations kids could go to. I also thought the parent education speakers were top notch, of course many were identical to Las Madres speakers from whom I have learned so much from already. I am however concerned about a single toilet for 32 potty learning children to use. I only witnessed one accident and I am not convinced it was due to lack of facilities, but it always seemed like a rather large number of children for a single toilet. In general, the children are treated like little grown ups, fully responsible for their own potty efforts, clothing changes, and decisions regarding whether to sit outside in the rain without coats or shoes. I actually really liked this minus the last point. As a recovering helicopter mom, this was a paradigm shift for me and I strongly credit Explorer for being the catalyst in that shift. I was however less excited that no one suggests coats or shoes when a little one ventures outside in the cold or rain. At home we instill being dressed for the elements and I don't think I will ever shift on that. Where things fell apart for me is how the adults are treated. There are a lot of requirements for the parents, which I knew, and fees associated with every missed requirement. When my husband fell ill and missed work for several days and I couldn't find a replacement for his maintenance shift, I was told there were no exceptions to the fee rule. I tried to approach the situation like a mom whose life threw her a curve ball and asked to be on standby to make up has shift for another family who fell ill, after all cold and flu season had just began. I was told this was impossible as there are no provisions in place to offer reprieve for another family in our situation. For me, a volunteer shift at a school should never come before my families health. That said most families who start the first year their child is eligible really feel a sense of community and stay the full duration. We started later and the only mom I didn't already know who I really connected with quit before our family did. Our daughter never asked to return to this school after we quit and every weekend she asks to go to her current school so I guess it was a miss for her too. read more

We have been going to Explorer for over a year and a half now. Explorer is not just a school to us but more of a family. The community, teachers, parents are all incredibly warm and welcoming! I've created life long friendships and I look forward to working in the classroom each week. Teacher Annie was my daughters first teacher and she absolutely lives up to her superstar reputation! We love teacher Janet and Jenell for their warm demeanor and making my daughter feel that strong sense of inclusion. If you are thinking of Explorer, please come check us out. We will welcome you with open arms! read more

It's our second year at Explorer and we love it so much! Teacher Annie is so welcoming and supportive of my daughter who needs some extra supports in her class. It's a fantastic community of parents also! They take a play based approach to everything and let the kids truly be kids. They can paint their arms and run around without shoes and play outside in any weather! It's a very unique place we are so glad to be a part of! read more

My 4 yr old is back for his 3rd year. We love the Explorer community. The teachers are wonderful, and the kids have so much fun with each other. This year, with Covid, we are doing the Pre-K outdoor class at a local park. He is so excited to get there and play with his new and old friends. read more

Explorer Preschool - Preschools Near Me - San Jose, California

Explorer Preschool has been such an amazing find for our family. We first learned about it at the preschool fair put on by Las Madres and were lucky enough to get off the waitlist for my son to join the Together Time class. This year will now be our 4th year at Explorer and we have been so happy there. It is such an inclusive community and welcoming environment! We have always felt so comfortable and accepted at Explorer and when they say it is a no-judgement zone, it truly feels like it. We've made so many friendships during our years at Explorer that I know will last beyond our time in preschool. The teachers are super knowledgeable and helpful. Even though she's not my son's teacher anymore, I still go to Teacher Annie for advice and support and she is always there with a smile on her face and gives whatever help she can. It is so reassuring to know there is someone who understands it all and has so many resources available to share. The parent education component of Explorer is one of my favorite aspects. My husband and I enjoy the monthly speaker nights and even attended them during our year in Together Time when they were not yet a requirement of the program. The parent ed is so helpful and encouraging - you are not alone in your experiences with parenting and Explorer helps you know and understand that! You come out of the experience feeling equipped to deal with all the ups and downs that come with raising small children. My son loves Explorer and it is obvious that he feels very comfortable there, although in the beginning he had some pretty intense separation anxiety. Teacher Annie and Teacher Paula were SO helpful with this and before too long he was ok with me leaving the classroom and now he couldn't care less if I'm there or not as long as he can play in the sand and water area :) read more

There aren't enough positive words in the thesaurus to explain how amazing Explorer Preschool is. This is our 4th year at the school, with a small hiatus between children that just happened to coincide with the pandemic, and I would stay for 100 more if we could. I am so impressed with the resilience this community has. Not only has the school survived, but it is thriving.  Reading through all the comments others have left gives me all the warm and fuzzy feelings I think you should get from a preschool. It's called "pre" school, and I feel like Explorer has mastered that idea. The children are allowed to be free, exploring through play and interaction with both adults and peers. They learn through making mistakes, getting messy, and exploring both their physical and mental selves. That being said, there is an age appropriate curriculum in place that helps guide the kids through their exploration. The teachers are all truly wonderful, and the community created between them and the parents is so welcoming.  Watching your child discover things on their own, in a co-op setting, is something so unique to this age group. You get the opportunity to work in the classroom, attend Parent Education Classes and contribute to the running of the school. I would highly recommend Explorer for anyone looking for a parent participation preschool. read more

Previously, we were at a Spanish immersion school and it just wasn't a good fit. There were expectations of my then 3 year old that were not age appropriate. We moved our son mid year. The teachers were so welcoming and so was the community. My son transitioned just fine. We have now been at Explorer Preschool for 3 years and we love it. First-born graduated this past May and is now thriving in Kinder. Our second-born is starting his second year at Explorer, he loves that he now gets a turn in the big-kid classroom. Explorer is play based, parent participation and the cherry on top for me is the parent education component. It's been a game changer for the way we parent and the benefits have trickled down to our marriage. If you're looking for a great play-based school with knowledgable teachers and a parent-supportive community check out Explorer. read more

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Explorer Pre-School has been an incredible experience for our whole family. My daughter started in the Friday 2's class and grew all the way through 4Day. She has explored art and nature, performed and built her confidence, and made life long friendships. One of the unexpected benefits from this program was how much I learned and grew as a parent. The emphasis on parent education has been invaluable to me. Getting to have such a fun and positive first experience of school I know will set my daughter on a path for lifelong learning. read more

Explorer Preschool - Preschools Near Me - San Jose, California

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Our family's journey at Explorer began in 2018. We had enrolled our 1 year old son into their Together Time program. I first learned about Explorer while I was on a walk in the neighborhood of the school and asked an Explorer parent that I saw near the school how she liked the school. She raved about how wonderful Explorer was and highly recommended that I take a tour. I am so glad she gave me that advice. I invited some friends to join me on one of their scheduled open house events, and right away I knew I wanted to be a part of a parent participation co-op preschool. Fast forward and now we have a second child who is attending Explorer. Being a part of the Explorer community has been incredible. I love being an active part of the school and being an involved parent. On days that I am a working parent in the classroom (which has been outside) I love that I can be a part of my daughter's school experience, and meet the other enrolled children and parents there. I have learned so much while being a part of Explorer. I love all of the parent education parents receive. I have learned so much on my parent work days in the classroom, and also by our scheduled parent education meetings which occur sometimes during class while other parents are watching the children, or at scheduled monthly parent education meetings. This is a play based preschool and I believe that is what children need the most at this age! The teachers are phenomenal. We have had classes with Teacher Annie & Teacher Paula, and this coming year we will have Teacher Jenell, followed by Teacher Janet for Pre-K. Explorer has a huge animal and nature component. The school has hermit crabs and guinea pigs in the classroom that families can take home over extended weekends and breaks. We have taken both the hermit crabs and guinea pigs home for extended stays and my children have loved the experience. I love that Explorer is an inclusive, diverse preschool. It is also a non-profit organization and has an incredible board of directors comprised of parent volunteers. We will be forever grateful for our experience at Explorer preschool and plan to be a part of the 60+ year community for life! read more

We love Explorer Precshool. We have had all 3 of our children go to this preschool. It's play based. There is big outdoor component and nature connection. They focus on social skills and 'seeing each child for who they are' and building their self esteem. All the teachers are amazing. We have had Teacher Konne, Teacher Annie, Teacher Jackie, Teacher Janet, Teacher Jenell, Teacher Paula- and all of them have been amazing. The culture is one of kindness and thoughtfulness and we love it. The kids get choices- they can choose to go to any station- Art, science, outdoor play, snack and spend big chunks of uninterrupted time wherever they like. 7 years and three kids later... we still love this preschool. read more

Why I love Explorer... I love that they are helping me and my daughter grow. We are both learning! The teachers are so patient with all the kids and continue to learn and grow themselves. There over 50 years of combined experience is evident in how they plan activities for the students. If you want to maximize your time with your child in these most impactful years, explorer provides this special opportunity to learn and grow with your child. Lastly I love how the school is centered around play and social development as this is what research states is best for children this age. So grateful for the explorer experience and opportunity to grow in a community with fellow San Jose parents! read more

This review is long overdue. I spent a decade at this school with my four children. We moved out of the area, so my youngest is at a different preschool that had some of the benefits that Explorer offered, like the many field trips Explorer has in Pre-K; the exceptional adult to child ratio, and immensely caring and experienced teachers. However, we now pay three times the amount that we did at Explorer for these assets. I still miss the value and involvement I had at Explorer When I started at the school ten years ago, I was in awe of the teachers at the time. Konne, Jackie, Annie and Paula are all incredible teachers. They serve as teachers to both the children and parents, providing supportive, loving guidance to us in our parenting journeys. The longer I am a parent, the more I realize how rare and how incredibly helpful this is. I credit much of my success as a parent to Explorer's focus on social/emotional wellness for both parents and children. At the time, however, I thought these teachers were the magic of the school. Later, I realized that the true magic of Explorer is even richer. The other teachers, like Carolyn, Jenell and Janet, continued to carry on the play-based outdoor curriculum, the parent education, traditions and beloved field trips. Even more amazingly, they did this transition during the years of a pandemic, with Teacher Annie stepping into the leadership role during this pivotal time. That brings me to what I discovered is the core of the school: the parent involvement. It wasn't until my final year with Explorer that I served on the board, during the continuation of the pandemic. If you are a parent who wants to be involved in your child's education, then Explorer prepares you for that like no other school. At the meetings, I saw first-hand the amount of thought, care, tolerance, discussion and love went into each and every Covid-19 policy. I saw respectful disagreement, validation of emotions, and policies that showed care for health, safety, and respect for differences of opinion. The values we parents are trying to instill in our children were practiced among the parents, making this school much more powerful in its messages. In those meetings, I could see that Explorer families are the key that makes this school magical and unique. Both my children and I have found life-long friends at this school, and I will never stop being grateful for what Explorer has done for my family. One final note about safety. I am the parent of a child with a life- threatening egg allergy. Food allergy parents know how important a school's food allergy policies are. At the time, they had a nut-free policy, but when they understood the level of my son's allergy to egg, they changed that classroom to be egg-free as well while he was there. I felt very grateful that they took it so seriously. read more

This is our first year at Explorers for both my kids (1 year old and 3 years old) and it definitely won't be the last year for as long as we live in San Jose. Last year, I went through a few open houses for a daycare, a Montessori, and 2 co-op preschools for my oldest child. Even though we were on the waitlist for both kids, this was the only preschool that I applied since I felt strongly that it was the right fit for my son. He has really bonded with the teachers and you can see the teachers really care for the kids. I love that this preschool is play based and that there is great outdoor space for them. The kids get to choose what they want to do at school. There's art, dramatic play, outside play, outdoor art, bikes, science, literacy, trains, sensory, blocks, etc. One of the memories I treasure most from this first year is seeing my then 14 month old playing outside in the rain. She was scooping up rain water and mud and playing by the rain gutter as rain water gushed out of it. I love that she was able to experience that at school!!! read more

Hands down the best early childhood experience we could have had (whether we knew it or not at the time). Outstanding, loving, educated teachers, fantastic parent education component, and it helped us build our "village" of parents and friends to support us in our journey as parents. Teacher Annie (with the 1 and 2 year old's) taught me so much about child development, and especially taught me to be forgiving of myself as a parent, and that no one gets it right 100% of the time. Teachers Jackie and Konne (3-ish to 5 year olds) are so thoughtful about their curriculum, about supporting and cultivating learning and a sense of wonder in the children. They have also built in some traditions for the kids that we will remember always. Parent co-op preschools may not work for every family, but it is 1000% worth the effort if you can do it. Now that we have moved away, we see that this outstanding educational model is *not* to be taken for granted. read more

I can't say enough about our wonderful experience at Explorer! We were lucky enough to have the amazing Teacher Annie for my twins 2 year old class. Unfortunately our school year was cut short by COVID-19, but last fall we decided to try the virtual program for 3-5 year olds. We are so happy with Teacher Jenell and the curriculum! My kids are really thriving even in an online environment and the parent education is top notch. I'm so impressed with what Explorer has come up with to combat the difficulties surrounding COVID-19. We are very excited to round out our time at Explorer in the PreK program at Vasona with Teacher Janet! read more

Our family has spent 7 wonderful years at Explorer. We have been lucky enough to have in been enrolled in every class over the years. The teachers are experienced, loving, kind, and develop curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the ages of each class. Almost every class has 2 teachers, which is a huge bonus. The lead teachers having 20 or more years of experience really shines through in all they do. All of the teacher aide's are also exceptional and have a large base of knowledge that enhances the lead teacher. The parent education component is just as stellar as the child's education. Over the years I have had exposure to outstanding speakers at our monthly parent education classes. There is always something new to learn or a tid-bit that I can bring home to enhance our parenting. Our teachers provide endless amounts of parent education both in the classroom and during our monthly meetings. They are always ready and willing to help you work through the struggles and successes of parenthood of the preschool age group. There are a number of requirements, however the school does it's best to work with you to help your family succeed completing all that is needed to be done. Explorer is run by volunteers and the model in place is top notch. The community is supportive, collaborative, and positive. We will have many life long friends from Explorer. This school is a unique gem and I wish everyone could experience it. read more

This will be our family's 8th year at Explorer with our 2 kids. We love the teachers, the community and the education that you benefit from when you attend this preschool. Teachers work together with children and parents in a very cooperative manner. MY SON LOVES HIS EXPLORER DAYS! He can't wait to put on that teal t-shirt and get to school and do everything there is to do. All the lead teachers have been at the school for more than 20 years. They understand how preschoolers develop and prepare very creative age-appropriate activities for each class. Hundreds (or thousands) of preschoolers have been in their classes and they have a huge wealth of knowledge. This is important for children in the classroom as well as families to take home and use in your daily life. Parents and children make lifelong friends at Explorer. You meet other families who want to talk to their children in positive ways. After 8 years, we still spend time with the families we met all those years ago. The school practices age-appropriate developmental education for the classroom, which is awesome! In addition, parents benefit from parent education classes that are lead by both the Lead Teachers and outside experts. This is all included in the cost of tuition... no extra cost of some amazing speakers. Check out their video: http://www.explorerpreschool.org/ExplorerVideo read more

I was first introduced to a parent co-op preschool through a play date in Summer 2018. Since both my kids are super attached to me (major separation anxiety) and have never really played too much with other kids, I thought that a parent co-op preschool could help them be more social with other kids their own age and be more confident. I found Explorer Preschool on Yelp and their website noted that they were still accepting new registrations. We registered with Explorer late this past fall 2018 but were able to get in to the Tuesday Together Time class for my daughter (1.5 yrs old at the time) and in the Tuesday-Thursday class for my son (3 yrs old). In the early part of the school year, my son was stuck like glue to me during the days I was in school. For the days I wasn't in school, he cried...a lot. But after about a month or so, he stopped crying and when I dropped him off, I would tell him "have a great day!" and he would say "ok mom bye bye" and run off to play. Needless to say, he found a family outside our family with not only Teacher Konne, Teacher Jenell, Teacher Janet, and the students but also with the parents working at the school. My daughter is young and still needs work on her confidence, but towards the end of the school year she was giving big hugs to Teacher Annie and Teacher Paula, and did start making connections with other kids and perhaps the parents in the class. We've definitely signed up for summer school at Explorer and are continuing on for more fun next year. My daughter will be in Monday-Wednesday 2's and my son will be in 4Day. The teachers at Explorer are wonderful, well experienced and educated, and always stay up to date with current early education methods. As a parent participation school, I thought the work and expectations required from each family was fair and reasonable. Parent education classes are required to be attended, however I learned a lot from the classes not only from the speakers but also from the parent interactions in the classes. The Explorer family will also accommodate for your needs. Early this year my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and was prescribed to at least 6 months of chemotherapy. Our family was given time off from required workdays until things settle down. We were given so much support for this time of family crisis that I feel so much that we are a big part of the the Explorer family. read more

This review is purely for their registration process. I have never had any children attend here and after touring it, it did seem like a wonderful environment. Today there was an open house. We are very graciously welcomed. Spend an entire hour taking a tour. The staff and parent volunteers were very open and friendly. After all that, I was informed that there were less than 5 spots available for the class I just spent an hour of my time learning about. I am sorry, but what a waste of my time. On top of that, they wanted $50 (non refundable) registration fee to put my child's name in a lottery to be held that evening.... for the remaining 4 or 5 openings. When I questioned the amount of money considering the poor odds of being chosen, she held up an inch thick stack of papers from others who had applied for this lottery. Very disappointed with the process. It would make sense to me if the $50 were refunded if you were not chosen. Sounds like a genus marketing ploy to make some good cash for the school though. read more

I was blown away by the passion I experienced from the Explorer Open house in 2013. The positive energy from the parents and teachers were at the next level compared to the other great parent participation preschools in the bay area. We were fortunate to be accepted into the 4 day class, and participated in their summer program. The other 5 star reviews have explained and described in length about the strong sense of community the school's excellent philosophy and mission statement. Also the infinite number of benefits your child will experience at Explorer Preschool. However I feel there is a very important aspect the yelp reviews have slightly overlooked. After the enrollment at Explorer Preschool, my growth as a parent has been exponential. Being immersed in the Explorer Preschools philosophy/mission and personally coached by Teacher Konne, and Teacher Jackie once a week was more than I could ask for. The teachers have given me over 100 new parenting tools that I can use immediately to shape my child into a happy and balanced individual. It's as easy as reading the suggested annual reading, participating in the parent education meetings, and practicing these techniques/philosophies during your daily life. As an added bonus; being around the seasoned Explorer Preschool parents allowed me to see the positive discipline parenting skills in action. I know that we all have a higher education in some category in life, however I can now see how important it is to build a higher education in parenting; our most valuable profession. Thank you Explorer preschool, Teacher Konne, and Teach Jackie. read more

Attended their open house last month. Man was it packed! This place is very popular. They were pretty well organized with multiple tables set up so parents can get the info they need. They also set up a table for the kids to color and provided water, bananas, chips and cuties. We were then taken on a campus tour with a few other parents. The twos classroom was very bright and clean. Seems like they just put in new carpet. All the activity tables were nicely organized. They have a generous maternity leave policy and they also have a nice nursery room where new moms and babies can hang out while older siblings are in class. Their outside play structures are sufficient. Unfortunately my daughter did not qualify for the 2 year and 9 month group so we decided to go with discovery preschool instead. read more

We are starting our second year at Explorer and we love it!! We did the MWF program (Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings) last year and it was wonderful! Teacher Jackie is so great with the kids and I've learned to better communicate with my son and other children as well! There's show & tell, healthy snacks, outdoor art, field trips, and such a wonderful community of families! We're so happy to be starting another year at Explorer. This year our program spends 12 weeks at a local park- outdoor school!! There are 6 weeks in the fall and 6 in the spring. We are outside for the whole afternoon... exploring the creek, doing art, having snack, playing sports, and reading stories under the tree! We're just a few days into the program, but already my son & I love it! It is a parent participation school and I love working in the classroom. I've learned so much from the teachers, other parents, and of course, other kids! 5 stars for sure :) read more

Searching for a preschool for your child is quite a process. I researched approximately 20 different local preschools - reading reviews online, attending open houses, talking to staff/parents. I knew I was looking for a co-op preschool since my daughter was just 2 years old and I wanted to remain a strong influence in her education, growth and development. As a parent it is amazing at the choices available when searching for the right preschool. After considering the necessities of a safe, clean, stable, educational environment, I really wanted a school where she could learn from her peers, teacher and yes, still a little from mom. I stumbled across an Explorer booth at the Las Madres School Faire and instantly I knew this was the top contender. I immediately applied and noted the open house on my calendar. My eggs were all in one basket. I was ecstatic when we were accepted into the Friday 2's class. The school, lesson plans, teachers, moms and students have all surpassed any expectations I had entering the preschool world. There is a lot of strength behind the community unity when all parents choose to be invested in their children's education. My daughter and I have truly thrived attending Explorer. read more

Quite simply the best preschool I could have imagined for my child -- and for me. We are mid-way through our second year, and I have been absolutely thrilled with the thoughtful, caring teachers we have had, as well as the wonderful community of mothers I have been lucky enough to get to know. I feel like my daughter and I have both made strong and lasting friendships. I have already signed her up for next year (her last), and I will be starting my other daughter in Together Time next year so she can start her own Explorer journey. We will be there for many more years! I highly encourage you to check out this school if your schedule allows for a parent participation model - I feel so lucky that we have been a part of it! read more

We are starting our 2nd year at Explorer Preschool and I can't share how many ways it has been a blessing. The amazing teachers, community and the kids are amazing and supportive. It is the model co-op that truly creates the standard for what to expect at a parent participation school. It has definitely help me define the type of parent I want to be and what I want for my children's education. The confidence and friendships my children and family have gained from being a part of the school has made our transition to San Jose a happy one. We've done the 4day class (4-5 year olds), Friday 2's, and now the T/TH class. There is so much to gain for children and parents. I hope your child has the opportunity to join this fabulous school. I really encourage anyone who is curious about the school to reach out and ask more about it. read more

We started our daughter at Explorer last Fall when she was 15 months. Another mommy who I really trust recommended this fine school, and I also did extensive research. We wanted a program to engage her and encourage her. She wasn't yet walking when school started in September but she still was able to engage. When she started walking, we liked the environment and Teacher Annie so much that they found a way to add us to a second day. She goes twice a week with me for 90 minutes which is a perfect amount of time. She loves Circle Time at the end of class which is different each time but has enough predictability and repetition that she gets excited. The mothers you meet in this class will be long time friends. Everybody is incredibly nurturing and helpful, I never worry about anything. She will continue this summer with their one month summer program which incorporates more water play and outdoor activities, and then she will continue into the 2s class in the fall. We are very grateful to Explorer, especially Teacher Annie. My daughter has prospered here and I've learned so much about her and developed great friendships with wonderful moms to boot! read more

Are you looking for life long friends and a great education for your child? I love being a part of explorer preschool. This is my 4th year as part of their family. You will not find more kind, patient and loving teachers any where. This is not just a school, it is a community. Explorer preschool practices positive discipline which allows kids to develop strong connections with their teachers and other working parents and teaches them to communicate effectively with others and learn to problem solve on their own. Their educational model is play based which means their focus is on children's social development. There are monthly parent education classes which not only gives amazing advice but also is a fun time to meet other parents and make friends. As a side note, the pre-k program can not be beat! 10 weeks of creek school at vasona park (6wks at the beginning of school and 4 wks at the end) allows for incredible learning and memories! read more

I love Explorer. It is unique in really being "play-based" learning. The children have freedom to do what they need on any particular day. The adult-child ratio is great since it is parent-participation, so there is an adult per every two kids or so. All of the parents take part in parent education, so everyone learns about positive discipline, ages and stages, and about everyone's kids, not just their own. We are in our second year with Teacher Annie, who is fantastic, not just because she "knows" toddlers well, but because she really does enjoy the little ones. On a whole, the teachers are warm, all of the parents are highly involved with their children, and you will make friends there. A bonus if you are trying to raise your children in a more "granola" kind of way? The school is media-free! read more

Since I practically live here, I feel like I should have a review posted for those of you who may be interested in a parent participation Pre-School but aren't sure what to expect or if you can manage the commitment. First, I have to say whether it's your first or your fourth child - the space, the kids, the teachers and the community make every minute you put in absolutely worth it. Second, It can sound overwhelming but essentially the requirement is that you, or an authorized caregiver, work in a station (art, sensory, outdoor etc) once a week and the child attends 1 day a week per each year in age i.e 1 day for 1 year olds, 2 days for 2 year olds etc.. So the older they are, the more drop off days there are. Also, the 2 day class and above requires 1 monthly evening meeting sans children and 1 - 2 Saturday school maintenance days. There is a host of options for subs or trading days and a ton of tips for how to make it all work within your schedule from many supportive parents currently at the school. Teacher Annie is the 1's and 2's teacher and with more than 20 years of experience with toddlers, her approach is supportive, thoughtful, calm and confident. As well she has Teacher Paula, with an MA in child development, in class to provide attention, cuddles and conversations with kids who may be needing some extra attention. All of the classes are in a safe, developmentally appropriate space but specifically the parent and me class for 1 - 2 year olds is special. It is designed to empower you to trust your instincts, connect with your child through observation without correction and support you with research, guidance, camaraderie and expertise in a completely non-judgemental environment. It's once a week, for an hour and a half with no other parent commitment - though I highly recommend the monthly meeting that is host to amazing teachers, authors and professionals speaking in a light hearted forum - so even if you are working either parent can squeeze this special time in before heading to the office. If you are going to choose a parent and me class anyway, please don't make the mistake I did and choose a place that requires you to keep your infant in the circle, focus on instruction and participate in activities where there is a right and a wrong way which is just setting yourself and your child up for a constant battle. We just finished the 3 day class where my daughter thrived in a supportive, education through play environment. She made many friends and can choose each day to play on the structure, decipher a smell or taste, engineer an airport with a group and large blocks, dictate a story, learn about cultural holidays, sit at the snack table, make a flag or run around to try everything. We are excited to start the 4 day program this year, which spends half the year at Vasona, with Teacher Konne who has been with Explorer over 40 years! She has a wealth of knowledge but still loves to learn more and interacts with each child as an individual. I say I live at the school because I have 2 children enrolled at the school in addition to staying late for post class picnics and play on the lawn just outside whenever possible, being on the board and attending all the optional events and I just love it. Before I found this school I thought I had the worst baby in the world, thank you Teacher Annie and the entire Explorer Community for setting realistic developmental expectations, helping me embrace the unpredictability of a child, giving me the confidence to set clear and consistent boundaries and give my children the respect, support and unconditional love they deserve. Don't take my word for it, come check it out! https://www.explorerpreschool.org/teachers/ https://www.explorerpreschool.org/classes/ https://www.explorerpreschool.org/reserve/ read more

This is our second year with Explorer, and we just love the Explorer community. The teachers and parents are thoughtful and well-educated in a play-based approach and conflict resolution. From attending parent education classes and volunteering in the school last year, I've learned a great deal about positive parenting and a growth mindset to help my child grow into an independent, empathetic, resilient, and kind human-being. The parent education classes are phenomenal - from the guest speakers that have presented to the parent education classes run by the teachers. Explorer emphasizes play and allowing the child to drive the choice at to where they want to spend their time exploring and playing in school. My daughter loves her power to choose! We switched to a virtual program for this year by our own choice, and my daughter is excited to see her friends, share, play games, sing-songs, and craft. She is only 3, and I was surprised that she's already doing simple math from the games we've learned in school. The parents are like-minded in that they are all highly interested in being an active participant in the development of their children. We have felt very welcome by this open and friendly community. I would highly recommend this school! read more