Morning Song School and Linda, who runs it, are a godsend for our family. There truly are no words to describe how happy we are to have found it. It is such a warm, welcoming place and a perfect environment for our little one to thrive. The very first time we dropped our four-year-old off, we didn't even get a chance to give him a hug or say goodbye. He ran right in with a quick "bye!" We knew from the moment we met Linda and saw the place that this was something special, and it continues to be just that. We couldn't recommend it highly enough. Run, don't walk! Morning Song is an absolute gift. read more

My grandson started his first experience with school at Morning Song last year. It has been a wonderful opportunity for him to learn how to socialize with other children and learn in such a creative environment. I totally recommend this preschool! read more

We absolutely adore Linda and Morning Song! Linda has done an amazing job finding the right families and building a wonderful community at Morning Song. Our son has so much fun at school and often will talk about his friends, teachers, and school, even on the weekends :) I always feel good knowing he's in such a safe and nurturing environment when he's not with us. Highly recommend :) read more

Morning Song is a hidden gem! We moved to Marin unexpectedly and were so happy to find Morning Song and enroll our 3 year old daughter. Morning Song and its director Linda provided a calm, nurturing, grounded place for my daughter as she adjusted to her new surroundings. We love Morning Song for its intentionality and respect of the children's learning process. It was so sweet to hear our daughter sing songs from school and witness her baking and gardening skills. It was such a good feeling knowing that my daughter was safe and deeply taken care of while at Morning Song. Any child is lucky to be under the care of Linda and Morning Song. It's a special place! read more

As a heart and soul centered educator of multiple decades, Linda brings depth of presence and authenticity to each child and family , every moment of each day. I witnessed Linda with her school community first hand , every day, while I had the joy and honor of being an assistant teacher and a part of her school community. Your child is in the most quality care with Linda and this visionary care school. Linda's school is a one-of-a-kind gem. The world would benefit beyond words with hundreds of more of teachers and schools like Linda and the Morning Song School. read more

My experience as a student at Miss Linda's preschool about 20 years ago has inspired me to pursue teaching at a Waldorf preschool today. I will never be able to thank Miss Linda and Morning Song enough for giving me the most magical childhood I could have ever dreamed of. 20 years later I still often think of the time I had at Morning Song with great reminiscence. Morning Song is a true gem nestled in Mill Valley. read more

We were looking for a smaller preschool program with a low student to teacher ratio, and were incredibly lucky to find Morning Song. Morning Song provides a nurturing environment, and fosters cooperation and respectful socialization between the kids. Linda is very knowledgeable and has a gentle, caring approach. My daughter is quite shy and attending school here in a calm and supportive environment allowed her to come out of her shell. She enjoyed the daily/weekly Waldorf rhythms, and loved painting, baking, the stories and songs, and playtime outside. All the materials and toys in the Waldorf classroom are natural and there is no plastic anywhere. Linda creates a special place and experience for the children. I wish I could have had a wonderful school experience like this! read more

Morning Song Preschool is a very, very sweet Waldorf inspired Preschool & Kindergarten in Mill Valley, CA. The school is located in a separate studio in the rear yard/garden of an unassuming home with easy access off the highway, and has a maximum of 12 children. Our daughter has been attending Morning Song since August 2008 and we couldn't be happier with Linda, the Director/Teacher, and her wonderful school. There are many long-term families who send their children here and the school is very stable and nurturing. The school follows the Waldorf philosophy of having a "rhythm" for the day, week and seasons, and consequently, our daughter always asks "Which day is this?", meaning is it soup day, bread, day nature day, painting day, etc. This theme for each day of the week is carried out throughout the year. For example, Tuesday is baking bread day (and all the kids participate) and Wednesday is nature day during which they spend the entire school day in a heavily wooded local park (where they build Fairy houses, search for gnomes and other fun fairytale type things..). There is a strong focus on nature and taking care of the earth. All toys are natural and wood products and there is an emphasis on organic and sustainable living. Rather than having "work" where they practice pouring over and over again (like Montessori schools) They instead actually pour water or herbal tea for each other, so they learn through actual doing in a normal setting through the course of a day vs. as a "lesson". (More like the way one would learn something at home) There are no plastic toys or glaring primary colors to be found anywhere (hooray!) - instead the classroom is set up like a cozy little home with soft soothing colors. Linda has a garden and the kids get to work in the garden and eat the results when the veggies ripen. Because of the gentle, nurturing nature of the school, all the kids tend to be calm and cooperative. Our daughter disliked boys based on previous preschool experiences (because they can be quite rambunctious) yet the boys are all so well behaved at Morning Song that she now enjoys their company as well as that of the girls. This nurturing environment has also fostered a higher level of cooperation in our daughter, plus she is now much, much better about playing on her own and cleaning up after herself as well. (An added benefit I hadn't anticipated!) I can't recommend Morning Song highly enough! Take the tour - the rave reviews from current and former parents of students at Morning Song will give you all the information you need to make a well informed decision. www.morningsongschool.com read more

Morning Song School - May Festival - Preschools Near Me

My twin 3 year old boys had the pleasure of attending Morning Song for the Winter of 2019 while we were living in Mill Valley on a sabbatical. Linda and Adiyna are calm, positive and skilled educators for toddlers. The boys adored them and my husband and I are thankful we could learn from them as well. They create a wonderful environment for fun and learning and the small classroom has great energy. I appreciate the respect for each other and nature the program focused on. I would highly recommend Morning Song and hope my Canadian family makes our way back to the area/school again! read more

This preschool is a hidden gem! My daughter had gone to another preschool in Mill Valley that was a terrible fit for her. As a result, she came out of that place with a low sense of self confidence and resistance to school. My daughter immediately felt comfortable at Morning Song and it has been amazing to watch her blossom into a calmer and much more self-confident child. Linda and her staff are incredibly kind and have very healthy boundaries with the children. I have seen several other shy children come to the school and blossom into self confidence. I think that this school is especially good for sensitive and are shy children as it is a very calm and inclusive environment. But it is definitely a wonderful place for any child that I can think of. My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the experience that my daughter has had during these two school years. This is certainly a special place for a sacred early childhood. read more

Our daughter thrived at Morning Song and was always welcomed with loving arms by Linda and her assistants. She very much appreciated the 'nature day' exploring local parks, baking bread, making art, singing songs, playing fun games, and being around sweet doggies. The environment was genuinely nurturing, loving, playful, and just what she needed at that age. We are extremely grateful to have found Linda and Morning Song for our child and highly recommend it to other families considering smaller Waldorf inspired pre-schools. read more

We found Morning Song after my daughter struggled at another larger preschool program. We were looking for something small, with a great student-teacher ratio as well as a warm & welcoming environment. Now both my oldest and middle daughters attend together. As soon as they arrive and put on their slippers, they are welcomed into the cozy, heated classroom and greeted by the teachers. I always tell everyone that Morning Song is what I would like our home life to look like if I had the time. Each day has a theme whether it's painting, baking bread or making soup. Holidays and season changes are an especially beautiful time and Miss Linda always creates a really magical environment for the children. Our oldest daughter has thrived at Morning Song and has grown into a confident and creative little girl. We've also noticed our daughters' relationship has improved by being together in such a loving, calm setting. We have really enjoyed Morning Song and plan to send our third baby there next year. read more

Morning Song is a hidden gem in Mill Valley and it has been a great experience for us. Our two-year-old daughter is thrilled to go every day and she has grown so much since she started there. Linda and Adiyna are caring, nurturing and everything you would want in teachers. We have noticed that Juniper is calmer, more polite and more curious and creative than ever before since she started. We are so grateful that we found this spot and we cannot recommend it enough! read more

I am writing this review not only because my child has received great care from Linda and Morning Song, but because someone has recently placed a very misleading, unjust and totally inaccurate review of this school. The last review upsets me, as I know how hard Linda works to make the school a very special place. In this day and age of social media we are all aware of how damaging a bad review can be to a business, or in this case someone's livelihood! All I can say is that all of the children come out from school each day happy and smiling. I haven't seen any child upset or looking like they didn't enjoy their day. I implore the parent/family member that wrote the bad review to really look at it again. Did their child really have a bad experience? If they are honest with themselves I know they would reach the same conclusion that I have. Linda and the other teachers give nothing but the very best to the children in their care. My youngest daughter has attended Morning Song for over a year and has absolutely loved it. Linda is an incredible teacher and mentor. Her experience shows as she handles every situation with patience, love and care. Each child is given personal attention, love and the utmost respect. She really cares deeply for each child and thinks about what serves the child best (even if the parents are challenged by it). This is the mark of a great teacher! To be able to see each child's challenges as well as strengths is so important in their growth and transition into the world. She gives a lot of extra time to children who have specific challenges and truly cares about their future development. Morning Song school is a magical place - the effort that Linda and the teachers give to create that magic is incredible. My daughter is always talking about the craft things they are working on, the plays they are doing or the wonderful songs they sing. She memorized the stories that are told each day and I can tell how enraptured she is by them. Not to mention the stories, games, circle time, baking and many other activities. Occasions like Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving and more are always marked with a special craft activity. The children have enjoyed nature days, gardening, yoga and much more. I asked my daughter tonight what she likes about school and she said she loves all of it. She loves singing and cooking, enjoys playing with her friends and most importantly looks forward to going to school each day. Her confidence has also improved. If there has ever been an incident at school then it is deal with at school. I absolutely trust Linda's ability to handle each situation. I have had many face-to-face conversations, phone calls and emails. I felt totally sure that my daughter being looked after. Linda has an open door policy with communication between her and the parents. She is always happy to discuss any issues that arise. She is more than happy for a parent to observe their child at school should there be any concern. She is happy to talk face to face or over the phone and (to her credit) does have email communication. I would imagine where children are involved it's important to keep written documentation. Sometimes it's hard to get private time to talk over the phone so emails are a good way to discuss important issues without little ears hearing! Can Linda be direct? Sometimes. But only when it's necessary and relates to important issues like safety. Even when it is direct it is always done with the children's welfare in mind. No parent wants to hear things about their child that doesn't fit into their view of them. But we owe it to our children to keep an open mind and to listen to the views of others - even if it challenges us. Teachers observe our children in a different environment than we do as children can behave differently at school than they do at home. Don't we owe it to our children to give them the best skills possible so that their schooling life is enjoyable? So they can learn to the best of their ability? I know my daughter is getting the very best care at Morning Song and will continue to do so. From what I have seen Linda, Adiyna and the other teachers at Morning Song give nothing but their best to the children in their care. Dedication, support, encouragement and true unconditional love. What more could you ask of a school? read more

My children LOVED attending this amazing, little gem of a school! This was their place of wonder and imagination that they never wanted to leave. I also met the greatest parents here too which forged wonderful relationships. As a parent, I loved that it was so small and that they got so much individual attention. It was a charming and rich program that captivated their minds and offered so much! Some of their favorite things - making fresh soup from the organic garden, kneading and baking bread, nature day once a week in the forest, painting with beautiful watercolors, circle time each day with stories from around the world, the incredible toys and the unbelievable festivals and celebrations! Neither of my kids who are 3 years apart wanted to leave Morning Song, and often talk about it to this day. The experience was truly magical, and I am so happy to have children who were lucky enough to attend. Can you tell how much we lived this place?! ;) We truly can't say enough about it. Thank you Linda!!! read more

This school us been such a wonderful place for my 3year old daughter. We were previously at a larger busier school and the loud noises and constant transitions wasn't a good fit for my little one and she was becoming withdrawn and stressed. Morning Song has been such a positive place for our family. My daughter loves the hands on crafts and baking bread, she is proud of all the new songs and stories she has learned. The teachers create a sweet, nurturing and safe environment for both the kids bodies and emotions which has had such a big impact on my daughter's sense of belonging and confidence. They typically spend half the time in the classroom and the other half outdoors playing and making messes and my daughter is happy and exhausted when I pick her up. read more

All three of my children attended Morning Song School from 2003 til 2012. WE LOVE MORNING SONG! We've known Linda for over 10 years. Linda is a professional, well-trained and experienced Waldorf teacher, who is well respected in the Waldorf community. She helped me tremendously with my impetuous and impulsive child who had a rather bad habit of doing not so nice things to her brother and other children. Linda watched her and was able to guide her through socialization in a loving, accepting and patient manner. We had a long, ongoing dialogue over the years about the strengths and needs of all my children. Linda was generous with her time in person and on the phone when I needed help, not just email. I've seen Linda and her teachers in many, many situations over the years. I witnessed the care, love and thoughtfulness that goes into each and every day's experience for the children's well-being and development when I gave school tours at Morning Song. We hold Linda and her teachers in the highest regard for the kindness and love they have nurtured our children with while they were tiny and impressionable. read more

We chose Morning Song for our son, Ethan, because we immediately felt that being a teacher is not just a role for Linda--her whole being goes into nurturing the children. In every detail, she ensures that Morning Song is an environment where the little ones can deeply experience "truth, beauty, and goodness." We see Linda's dedication most of all in her responsiveness to the children's needs in her interactions with them: She relates to them with sensitivity and authority, as if inspired by a vision of their higher nature. Beyond that, Linda engages the children in delightfully wholesome activities (e.g., grain-grinding, finger-knitting, and wet-on-wet watercolor painting). She's orchestrated Nature Days, field trips, and truly magical celebrations of the seasons and birthdays. We are certain that Ethan owes some of his sense of wonder, reverence, and aesthetic sensitivity to his time at Morning Song. From Linda and the other teachers Ethan learned beautiful songs and blessings, rhymes and dances. He took in edifying stories and puppet shows. He received treasures from Dusty Gnome and offered a few in return. He also imbibed in an immortal dictum: "You get what you get and you don't get upset!" Upon dropping Ethan off fro his first day of preschool, we didn't feel teary as we'd been told we would. In fact, we wished we ourselves could stay in this sweet, special place! We were sad, however, to see Ethan's days at Morning Song come to an end. read more

A blessing Morning Song is. Thank you Linda and all. Your school has been an inspiration for our son Rory and our family. He feels deeply loved and guided and we are incredibly thankful for the generous spirit that has been bestowed upon us and all the children. The school provides so many wonderful things; great structure, inquisitive independence, love of nature, love of cooking, love of learning, community spirit, cognitive development, gentle play, strong boundaries, freedom of expression. Incredibly balanced. We all want the best for our kids, and this is it, served up in a loving, creative and practical way. A magical place for children to learn and grow, to feel safe and inspired. All you Linda. Well done. What an amazing place for our son to start his journey. Thank you for your service. Respectfully, The Sheltons read more

Morning Song School is a darling little Waldorf inspired preschool. My son absolutely loves going to school everyday. My son is currently in his second year at Morning Song. He started preschool 4 months before his 3rd birthday. As he was so young, I wanted a small intimate setting for his first preschool experience. He was welcomed into a very caring and loving environment. I wanted his early childhood education to offer him a calm magical world where he could create and pretend to his heart's delight. The school is a little cottage behind the teachers home. The colors are soft and nothing is overly stimulating. All toys are made of wood and felt and beautifully kept and cared for. Large wooden blocks are outside so the children can build whatever their imagination inspires them to build. Linda is a wonderful, soft spoken, warm caregiver and she loves the children dearly. She gives her heart and soul to the children and her profession. They bring her as much joy as she brings the children. My son walks out of school with a huge smile on his face everyday. He is happy and that is of the utmost importance to me. Of course, not everything is perfect and my attempt here is to provide a well rounded review for prospective parents and students. While I am OK with the level of communication and feedback that I receive from the teacher(s) - I am aware that some parents would like to receive a bit more feedback about their child(ren) and their progress or any issues that arise between students. We do not have a parent teacher meeting or meetings and I do think this would be helpful for parents. Also nature day is an important part of why we chose the school and we were disappointed to discover that it occurs in the spring and not in the fall. I understand that some children are not comfortable and need to adjust to school and a new setting therefore, I understand the reasoning behind waiting till spring for nature day - but personally, we would have liked to have had it available a little more often. All that said, there is no perfect place that will fulfill every single parents wishes for their child. Morning Song comes close and has done an excellent job on my sons early education years. I am quite pleased and have no regrets for sending him there. If I had to start all over again, Morning Song is the school I would pick for my son. read more

We attended Morning Song last year (my daughter is now in kindergarten). I was extremely relieved to find a preschool where my daughter felt loved, safe and had room to thrive. I was looking for a waldorf inspired setting based on the principles of Steiner and i definitely found it at Morning Song. The teachers clearly care deeply for the children so i felt confident leaving my daughter in their hands for the first time ever. They work hard to create an environment built around care among and for our children. IT is not just the setting, natural toys and warm activities like yoga and bread making that make this school special, they weave together their schools to create a sense of wonder and magic for the children. the class is wonderfully small and calming. Many preschools seemed overwhelming and frenetic. This one inspired magic and peacefulness. And yet they had freedom to play and explore and get muddy (such as their creek exploration). The teachers were extremely helpful in telling us what was expected and what the children would need while in class. I felt my daughter was truly held and seen for who she was rather than trying to shape her one way or another. I also really enjoyed the other children and their families attending the school as great after-school playmates that shared similar values in parenting. read more

Our son Sebastian was lucky enough to go to Morning Song for two years. His time there was happy and enriching, in a place inspired and run by Linda Bates. LInda puts the magic back in childhood and makes sure that each child feels seen and supported. This is a place that still remembers that childhood is enchanting, that gnomes and fairies still exist, that dreams are important and that the earth and the daily rhythms of kindness and nature make up our lives. Thank you Linda for your love, care and passion for this work. Rachel Gaunt read more

This is the sweetest little preschool! This small program is Waldorf inspired, with a rhythm of the day, week, and year, The seasonal celebrations are second to none. Teacher Linda holds a gentle, calm, and loving space. The snacks provided are organic, and there are field trips to special places where the children can participate in farm activities like milking goats. There are other wonderful seasonal offerings from the natural world throughout the year. I have watched, and been more and less involved with this school for the last 9 years, and having seen many Waldorf, and Waldorf inspired schools, I can safely say that Morning Song is extra special. The children who attend here are lucky and wonder-filled on a daily basis. read more

Because we moved a few times, our older kids went to a few different preschools with different approaches--Montessori, developmental and Reggio Emilia. We've realized that the most important facet of any preschool is the teacher and the environment they create for the children. As a teacher, Linda Bates creates a wonderful, inspiring, warm, creative, supportive place for the kids. The toys are natural and the food organic. I realize the school may appear small, it's actually a dynamic place for the kids and parents, who can really get to know each other. On nature day school starts at a park in the redwoods and the kids have adventures in the creek and look for treasures (and fairies!) by the trees. On other days they bake their own bread and make vegetable soup. Our youngest is in his first year at Morning Song, our older son graduated last year and now attends kindergarten. He had such confidence and comfort with school, the transition was easy. Morning Song is a great, inspiring preschool, I recommend it highly! read more

I am a kindergarten teacher at the Greenwood School in Mill Valley, and have been receiving children from Linda's Morning Song School program for the past 10 years. The children are happy and strong, consistently able to access their own imagination for healthy play, are open to and interested in others and the world, and are sweet and unspoiled. Their life habits and social skills are excellent. The parents who come along with the children have a solid grounding in Waldorf developmental philosophy, have good habits that support their child's healthy development, and are grateful to Linda for her beautiful work. It is clear that Linda provides an environment that allows children to find their own joy and strength while caring for each other. The children coming from her program have a truly solid foundation for success at school and in life. I am ever grateful for her fine work on behalf of young children. Thank you, Linda, for your wonderful school! read more

Morning Song has been an amazing experience for our whole family. Our son has really thrived in the beautiful environment of the school, and my husband and I have learned so much from Linda and Adiyna. The school fosters such respect for each child, with a focus on kindness and curiosity. I also love the alignment with and respect for nature - our son is always talking about his good friends father sun and mother earth and how to treat them well. The small size allows for an amazing degree of attention and interaction between the teachers and each of the children, and it's wonderful to watch Linda and Adiyna develop true relationships with each child, which was definitely not the case at our previous preschool. We love how the school teaches social and emotional development through activities like art, music, cooking, and gardening. The weekly routine is predictable and comforting for the children; each week they bake bread, make soup, paint, etc. and our son eagerly anticipates each of these activities. I would highly recommend Morning Song - I wish I could have gone to a school like this! read more

My daughter loves to go to school every morning. Magic and wonder are artfully cultivated by Miss Linda, while each child grows into a capable, creative, and thoughtful individual under her guidance. Just a few highlights of the program include nature day, a weekly Yoga class, puppet shows and storytelling, painting, and organic nourishing snacks. If you are looking for an intimate, Waldorf-inspired school for your little one, schedule a tour and experience it for yourself. read more

What a sweet place Morning Song is... My daughter began attending Morning Song in the fall of 2009. We had decided to switch her from another preschool in Mill Valley and wow are we happy with our decision. Linda is completely present with the children, getting to know them as individuals and letting them be celebrated for who they are and what they bring to school. My daughter was VERY shy, and Lind knew just how to bring her out of her shell. Now my daughter is playing with other children not only at school, but at community parks, with our neighbors, etc. Miss Linda has helped to give her skills that are confidence building... Morning Song allows all of the children to interact positively as well. In other preschools where there are groups of friends, conflicts, aggression... There is none of that at Morning Song. All of the children say wonderful things about one another and love each other. It is truly a remarkable feat. I highly recommend touring Morning Song and seeing if it is the right environment for your child! read more

Morning Song School was our first preschool experience with our twin boys. We have attended the past two school years( 2010-20012). It is a wonderful and warm environment that nourished our boys. I felt calm and safe leaving my boys there. It was a home away from home. We too as parents learned so much about media, toys and activities that promote a healthy upbringing of our children. Our children have a love for nature, animals and are so creative with their pretend play. I would recommend this school to anyone who is seeking a Waldorf inspired educational experience. We are moving on, but will miss Miss Linda and all the teachers who gave our children a superior first experience of school. read more

Morning Song is a warm and caring school that both of my children attended. The small and cozy atmosphere naturally welcomes children entering their first school experience. The teachers are loving, creative, and set boundaries. The environment and the experiences Linda provides for the children are magical. My children loved the security of the weekly rhythm......painting day, baking day, nature day, music day, and soup day. Their play at home involved many of the experiences they had during their time at Morning Song. So much thought and care were put into the magical festivals that became a tradition for the children and they looked forward to them each year. More than just creating beautiful art and food each week, the children loved the process of these creations. The program provides a nurturing & loving space where children can use their imagination to create and play while learning to love & respect others, the environment, and themselves. Thank you Linda and all the Morning Song teachers! read more

We had success in our first son's attending a Montessori school. But that was not an option when it came time to send our second son to pre-school. We took the decision very seriously before selecting morning song. As much as we liked it in advance of attending, we had no idea the incredible impact Linda would have on our son, and in turn our whole family. Our son attended morning song for 3 years. What Linda awakened in him was a sense of imagination, love of people, and love of learning that he carries with him to this day (he is now in fourth grade). What Linda brings to the the mind of little people is a great gift so powerful that my wife and I call it magical. We will always be indebted to Linda for the life-long gifts she gave our son. read more

Both of my boys went to Morning Song School, and I in fact kept my younger son there longer than was convenient given that my other boy had gone on to another school. But we knew and trusted Linda, who has become a friend and mentor over the years. She creates a warm, safe nest for my babies, and holds their innocence and precious creativity as carefully as I do. What could be better than that? read more

Morning Song holds a very special place in our memories, both for my husband and I, and for our son, Tristan, who is now 7. Tristan started Morning Song in the 2 day/week program for the "little ones" and progressed over the next 2 years to the full five day/week program. it was our first exposure to the Waldorf program and it was wonderful wonderful wonderful. Together, we experienced organic farming (and eating!), fully immersed play-time, weekly Nature Days, and the more spiritual aspects to Halloween, Christmas, Spring Festivals and other holidays. Above all, Morning Song demonstrated the importance of kindness in all aspects of our lives. Linda and ALL of her assistants can coax a smile out of the shyest child and know how to bring a shining light to their eyes. We miss them! read more

My daughter went to Morning Song for 2 1/2 years before moving on to Kindergarten in the MV public school system. If anyone's wondering about academic prep, no need to worry. My daughter was very well prepared for her new school. Linda focuses on the social emotional development of children, and provides a comfortable environment for them to explore. The sweet, calm atmosphere is predictable and safe. It's clear my daughter felt part of a family at Morning Song. Linda's program provided my daughter with a solid foundation for future learning. The art projects were amazing, the storytelling was unbelievable, and Linda was the perfect choice for bringing my (then) timid child out of her shell. I think any child would benefit from this program and be well prepared for whatever comes next. read more

Libby B. My son and daughter have had the privilege of going through Linda's school. I was very fortunate to find Morning Song and felt honored to have my children enrolled. I was new to Mill Valley so I felt obliged to visit as many schools as possible. I was shocked by the cattle-car mentality for little children and unhealthy snacks dished out on cardboard plates. Since so many of the schools cross platforms with their curriculum, I knew the important thing for my children would be the teacher, the environment and the other children. I was sold as soon as I was in the classroom and saw how Ms Linda and the teacher's helper were working with the children. To see teachers on the children's level, listening to their thoughts was magical. I could feel their dedication and respect for these little people. And, it was refreshing not to see the children arguing and fighting but working together and helping - they seemed to respect each other too. I thought it would be a place I would want to be if I were a kid. Not to mention the beautiful, thoughtful environment and amazing wooden toys. I knew joining the Waldorf school would challenge my family and we were game to push our family in an even more loving, thoughtful direction. My daughter is almost six and she still talks about and remembers school with Ms Linda. My son was taken under the wing of Chay and still thinks about him often. Some of the ways the school has affected us forever: mealtime is never started without the song learned from Morning Song, for St Patrick's day we are still trying to catch a leprechaun each year by building a more and more elaborate trap, my children rarely argue and work well across age groups at school from learning this respect at Morning Song, we try to sing instead of yell when we get upset or anxious with the children(they respond so much better and we feel better), we watch a lot less TV because my kids know how to play and work on a project, cloth napkins for meals, both my kids love to cook and dig in to help at night, family hikes where you get in the lakes and build fairy houses with twigs and my children both learned how to fold cloth/clothes. Waldorf and Ms Linda have already been doing what the White House, Jamie Oliver and other modern thinkers are trying to push which is education about food, our planet and our health. The curriculum is based around the seasons which incorporates the food being grown (gardens are planted year around for all different purposes), they learn how to nurture these plants, then in classroom they use their hands to create healthy meals. All of this leads to healthier people and lack of issues like obesity, stress and muscular/skeletal issues from children not playing with their hands and only using keyboards and game controls. We are grateful to have found this little gem, thank you for affecting our lives Morning Song. read more

Morning Song - What a nurturing, loving and safe place for a young child to learn and grow on an emotional, social and intellectual level. My son started with Miss Linda and Chay when he was nearly 4. He had not had a positive experience, with his prior school, and did not want to leave my side. After only a couple of days, he gladly transitioned to the arms of Linda and Chay, who gave him the individiual attention he needed to gain confidence, grow and learn. We feel blessed our son was lovingly guided by such exceptional teachers and people at Morning Song. We've noticed a positive change at home in our little guy and know that Linda and Chay's influence has been immense. If only his entire education could be like Morning Song! read more

I can't say enough great things about Morning Song. Linda has created a rich, special environment that allows children to blossom at their own pace. We moved our daughter from another local school when it became clear that she was unhappy and that the teachers weren't finding a good way to reach her. At home she's full of energy and talkative. But she's a shy and observational kid in other settings and her former school couldn't seem to find a way to help her engage. When she moved to Morning Song, Linda recognized her personality right away and knew how to ease her out of her shell. Linda is a child whisperer. Now, our daughter is excited to go to school every morning and uses words like "terrific" to describe her day. She engages with her friends and has become more self-reliant. As a parent, it's been such a wonderful thing to see. Deciding to stay one more year at Morning Song (instead of moving to Pre-K) was a very easy decision to make. read more

My daughter has attended Morning Song School since fall of 2008 and we have been very happy with the program. She has met many new friends and has had a magical time. She has become very social and loves school. She has learned to love the outdoors and has become very creative building great things out of random materials she has found just about everywhere. I love the beautiful setting and am so happy when I drop her off in the classroom full of love and wood and wool toys with fresh flowers and the aroma of fresh soup or bread. The out door day is in my favorite park with the most amazing collection of redwoods towering above. I would highly recommend the program at Morning Song School. read more