We have loved our years at Kinder Academy, where both my sons graduated (one in 2021, and one in 2025). They have learned so much about how to be friends, have joy in learning, and have had so many special performances, experiences, and memories while there -- all while developing a strong educational foundation that has served them well into elementary school. The teachers are so patient and kind, and the program is incredibly well organized and thoughtful. Teachers, teachers, thanks so much! We will miss you very much! xo read more

My child just graduated from Kinder Academy Montessori, and I couldn't be any happier with her progress. We only attended for one year, but in that year I've witnessed tremendous growth in her academically and socially. She is happy, confident, reading at a 1st grade level at the age of 5, and has lots of friends. I was especially impressed to see how KAM transitioned in new teachers. Two long-time teachers were retiring, and they brought in new teachers for 6 months prior to the veteran teachers retiring, so they could learn the school's rhythms and also the children had plenty of time to get used to the new teachers. Between my kids, this is the 4th preschool they've attended and KAM handled this transition the best I've ever seen. I recognize that a transition like this is very costly from a financial perspective but it is honestly the best and most healthy option for the students. I feel so grateful for a supportive, nurturing, and loving community that puts the students first. I give KAM my highest recommendation. read more

Our kids went there for two years. Love the thoughtful education programming. Wish we can do more years there.

I recently had the chance to tour Kinder Academy with Ms. Sophia - 3 times! My husband couldn't make the 1st time, so he came at a later date, then again with my son. Ms. Sophia was understanding and extremely welcoming each and every time. She is responsive to emails and willing to answer all of my questions - and there were many :). Our current in-home preschool teacher used to work here many years ago and still raves about all of the teachers and her experience. She even sent her son here and he loved it. I enjoyed getting to see how passionate she is about creating a positive learning environment for the students. I love that they offer activity time for the no-nap kids. Unfortunately, due to a work and summer break schedule conflict, we had to delay starting here. Ms. Sophia was understanding, which we do appreciate! Thank you for creating such an amazing school! read more

I still remember touring through different preschools and meeting Ms. Sophia for the first time. I was so impressed by the way she engaged us as parents while also masterfully engaging my 3yo in an activity. Who knew such a gem was hiding in plain sight in an unassuming street in San Mateo! Having been blessed to have my three children graduate from Kinder Academy, I only have one regret: I wish we had a fourth so that our time at Kinder Academy does not have to end. Teachers at Kinder Academy are genuinely caring and thoughtful toward each child. My children have learned so much, not only academics (solar systems and biology anyone?) but also how to share and be kind. I always had 100% confidence leaving my children at Kinder Academy every morning, knowing they will have an amazing day filled with learning and fun. We met so many wonderful families through Kinder Academy, and my daughter still counts friends she made here as some of her best friends even years later. We are so lucky our kids grew up in Kinder Academy. It truly is a gem of a school for children. read more

Our family absolutely loved Kinder Academy Montessori. I am so grateful because: - It gave my kids an excellent educational foundation (my kids are now in elementary school and doing great in math and reading) - The teachers are not only kind and caring, they are also so passionate about teaching and shaping the kids into thoughtful and respectful individuals (I've seen it firsthand with my son and with the teachers sharing their philosophy with us) - The curriculum is creative & structured and the teachers are very communicative. They are also very conscientious about cleaning and keeping the kids safe. - My only regret is that I wished I had found Kinder Academy sooner to send my oldest child there. It would have given her a better foundation. - The teachers are so wonderful that we still come to visit often because we miss them so much! read more

I rarely review businesses, but our family's experience with Kinder Academy was outstanding. Miss Sophia and her team are very professional, communication is clear, and they care so much about creating a healthy, safe, and constructive environment to learn and grow. The teachers are terrific. They are nurturing and regimented and follow the Montessori way which is something we were keen to find. I can't imagine a better place for our son during the 2020/2021 pandemic year. The COVID safety protocol was thorough and consistent. Rules were not bent. Both teachers and parents followed the protocols and in doing so, showed mutual respect for one another and the children. Our son enjoyed this school very much. He formed strong friendships, despite the masks, and learned so much in just 9 months. During preschool graduation the students perform a graduation ceremony which gave all the graduates a moment to shine and demonstrate their talents and interests in their own unique ways. It was priceless. If we could jump in the time machine and do anything differently, we would have signed our son up sooner to maximize time spent at Kinder Academy Montessori. Our family misses Kinder Academy Montessori already. read more

Absolutely amazing pre-K school with diverse and multicultural environment! Ms. Sophia, Ms. Lynda, Ms. Jenny, and Ms. Marilyn are all amazing teachers. They celebrate different traditions from different cultures. Kids are taught independence and responsibility. It's great! It's great that we had our boy study here for his pre-K. Wish we got him in sooner as he moves to a different school for Kinder. Definitely a treasure in San Mateo that we're lucky enough to discover. Keep up the great work, Kinder Academy! read more

Kinder has been such a nurturing, safe, educational place for our 2 little people. Now that my daughter has graduated to TK (my son is still there) I appreciate even more how amazing the teachers - Ms. Sophia, Ms. Jenny, Ms. Linda - are. They have all been long-times educators at Kinder unlike some other school that might have teachers cycling through. Pre pandemic I may have factored in more environmental factors like playground size or design aesthetic into my decision; but after being at Kinder I would absolutely prioritize the warmth and experience of the teachers and how they teach the children to respect and relate to each other and to them and Kinder is top notch on all these fronts! read more

We love KinderAcademy Montessori. Our son entered the school during the COVID time when we both worked from home. Like many parents experienced, it was very difficult to take care of a 3 year old while working. We were glad we toured the school a year ahead and KinderAcademy was our top choice for pre-school even before pandemic. We know the school is super clean and well organized. In case you are wondering, during the COVID period, all COVID protocols are followed strictly to ensure everyone is safe. This school is the best I heard. We are comfortable sending our little one to KinderAcademy and happy we did so early. He has been there for two years and is more than ready for kindergarten this fall. He learned so much in two years. He can take care of his own hygiene, keeping mask on in the public and washing hands often. He knows all kindergarten materials, ABC, phonics, addition, even subtraction and multiplication. He also had fun and learn new skills making all kinds of art works and dancing and singing. He loves going to KinderAcademy playing with his friends and teachers every morning. Thank you, Ms. Sophia, Ms. Linda, Ms. Jenny, and Ms. Marilyn for giving so much love to and keep nurturing our little one. read more

My daughter attended Kinder Montessouri for the past year. I am so grateful to the excellent staff for their dedication, generosity and love. The school is always clean and neat. Their dedication to Montessouri curriculum is strong. Thank you Kinder Academy ! read more

My two grandsons attended KinderAcademy on E. Santa Inez in San Mateo. The teachers are outstanding, caring, kind, gentle, creative, teaching each child to be independent, helpful, responsible and kind. A wonderful environment promoting joyful learning each day. My grandsons have truly been blessed with their memorable experiences at KinderAcademy. read more

This place is heads above every other child care place I have seen. (I moved my kids over from Kindercare) My kids loved this school. Ms.Sophia is a 'kids first' caring person and that matters to me! For example, one day when talking to her, she heard students including my kid, playing with the doors. She stopped talking to me and quickly went to them. I was not offended, moreover I was relieved that she responded quicker than me. Her staff of teachers are high quality people too. The Montessori is well organized with their curriculum. read more

We love this place. My son joined this place for the last year of pre-schooling and he thriving in the place. We had a teacher conference one month after my son joined and Miss Linda knew him SO well. Three months after he joined the school, he was reading. He is a left handed boy and Miss Linda worked on his fine motor skills so well and so quickly. He is not spelling and writing letters to his friends. It's a very flexible and friendly school. Miss Sophia is very soft spoken and a joy to interact with. read more

Our son attended this school for several years. I cannot say enough positive about this place. Before being potty trained, he had previously gone to another local day care that was OK, but it was not really a learning place. Once he was potty trained and space was available, we moved him as soon as possible and were so glad that we did. First, I wholeheartedly think that Montessori teaching is superb, especially for younger children. But beyond the Montessori aspect, this school still stood out! Ms. Sophia, who runs the place, is not only an excellent teacher herself, but has hired an incredible staff and made a wonderful and warm environment. Most, perhaps all, of the teachers have incredible credentials: Master's in Education, Montessori training, several years experience, etc. The care that Ms. Sophia and all of the staff have for their place is impressive. Every day when dropping off my child (somewhat earlier than most), I would find teachers watering the plants and showing other care for the place. But the care for the children is especially impressive. My son "graduated" last year, and there was this wonderful graduation gift with wonderful photos. Some of the teachers are talented musicians, and would play piano and sing during class or for birthdays, etc. I cannot say enough positive about this place, I wish Ms. Sophia and the entire team all the best, and we still remain friends with them. read more

The best Little Montessori one can aspire to send their kids too. Both my sons thrived during the time they were in Kinder Academy. The teachers know and love the kids. The children learn to respect their friends and play well. Creative art projects, amazing science lessons, reading, math - children learn it all while having fun with their friends. It's amazing when your 3 year old comes home and speaks anatomy. Or about mammals, reptiles and birds. Cherry on top of icing - you get a long compilation of photos of all that your child did during the year. I cannot explain with words how wonderful my experience here has been. read more

Two thumbs up for this school! It's such a loving place. All teachers are super nice , kids are so sweet and their program is great! They really work on kids fine motor skills which I liked about. I had my son graduated it but he and his friends all came back for summer camps because they miss it so much. Now my daughter is in it and we are so happy ! read more

Good pre-schools should help the whole child grow, prepare the child for kindergarten, and provide the structure to prevent the child from hurting his/herself or others. I give Kinder Academy a perfect score for all these criteria. My son was kicked out of two pre-schools for biting. Rather than monitoring my introverted, emotional son and providing a safe way for him to express his frustration, they allowed his frustration to boil over until he bit another child. Kinder Montessori provided excellent guidance and directed more constructive ways for him to express his anger. They also provided wonderful activities, a very enriching environment, and enough age appropriate structure that he was stimulated enough and didn't need to act out. In fact, by the time of the school's adorable graduation, he was one of the most popular kids in the school. Kinder Montessori did such a wonderful job preparing him academically that he entered Kindergarten reading at a first grade level. I've recommended this pre-school to many of my friends and of the three who decided to send their children here, all agree with me. read more