Old Firehouse School is Exceptional! We sent both of our children to OFS after moving to Lafayette, and it was a wonderful experience for our family. The dedication of the staff is truly what sets this school apart. We especially valued the model where teachers, like Liz, Pam, and Zahara, continue to work with the students as they grow. This consistency and the deep care they show for the children is evident every day. Our kids absolutely loved their teachers. We are huge fans of their kid-led, project-based learning approach. It allows the students to drive their own education. Just as important is their focus on emotional education--teaching kids practical ways to understand and manage their feelings, which is a key skill for life. Alex and Michelle are fantastic leaders, and the entire team deserves praise. We have nothing but great things to say about OFS and highly recommend it. read more

I have had at least one child at OFS since 2021. It is an incredible community and the director Alex is a thoughtful, bright, measured, and caring leader. We have loved all the teachers we've worked with and were first drawn to OFS because of the Reggio Emilio method they practice. This approach centers around a single primary caregiver for the majority of a child's time at the school. Our oldest has come out of OFS with incredible social emotional skills as a result of this model. We still have our son there and will be sad the day we have to leave. This is not the closest school to our home, but we trust the staff and we can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

We've had such a wonderful experience with Old Firehouse School. The teachers are exceptional--skilled, nurturing , and genuinely attentive to each child. Our kids are now in Kindergarten and 1st grade, and we continue to see the positive impact of the strong academic and social-emotional foundation they built at OFS. We switched preschools in search of a better fit and could not be happier with our choice! We especially appreciated how teachers use research-backed approaches in their classrooms. They understand developmental psychology and spend time on continuous training as a team. The staff partnered with us, communicating thoughtfully and supporting our children's growth every step of the way. Alex, the Director, is quite simply one of the most skilled early childhood educators I have encountered in Lamorinda. Can't say enough great things! read more

Our two kids attended this daycare for four years and we had a great experience. We loved the project-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach -- it encouraged curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning. The staff and teachers clearly cared for our kids, which meant everything to us as two working parents who needed a place we could fully trust. Beyond the incredible care and education, we also built a good community of friends with the other families, with whom we still keep in contact with even though our kids don't attend OFS anymore. We're so grateful for these years and highly recommend this daycare to any family looking for a nurturing environment. read more

That's a no for me. It seems like they care more about money than the children and families. They are by far the most expensive pre school in lamorinda. Also, if you've been to Hermès, this school uses the same gimmick. They have to pick you not the other way around. This hard to get routine is their absurd way of marketing. read more

Our son attended OFS in Walnut Creek for two years and we must commend the individual teachers; they are incredibly loving and engaged. Very sweet souls. This rating is for the overall experience with the directors of the school, who mistreat their employees, paying families, and disregard their pupils, Dr Dorothy Stewart is the founder of OFS and unfortunately, she is the root of a decaying program at OFS. Ms Stewart runs what we found to be the most expensive pre-school in Walnut Creek and Lafayette. For parents who like Reggio Emilia, this would be fine except that the more you interact with the founder, the less you feel like she is committed to the learning style, the children or families she admits, and much more by the money she collects. In each of the two years our child attended, Ms Stewart alienated and/or forced out the most giving teachers and some of the most wonderful children and families. Through it all, she refused to use good judgment or show any humility. Our close friends left the school because Dr Stewart suggested their 2-year old was a "problem child" who wasn't welcome, but then refused to refund any of the remaining 4-months of tuition. Our friend's son is now thriving at a Montessori school down the street, for less money. At the annual children's project presentation, Dr Stewart came in late and interrupted the school director to threaten any parents she saw walking through the courtyard without holding a child's hand, that she was "obligated" to call the cops, or child services and report the "abuse". I can't recall a single positive interaction the founders had with our children, or any other, at school functions. Finally, Ms Stewart forced out some of the sweetest, most empathetic, giving teachers we met at OFS over our two years. Most, if not all, the good teachers are looking for positions elsewhere. The staff stability fund - used to incentivize teachers to stay - appears to be unsecured unless a teacher stays for five years (even thought it is paid annually by each family). We found that each teacher who found employment elsewhere was better paid, more free to engage families and children, and less threatened by their employers. I would not send my child back to OFS, nor would I consider sending my second child. This place, because of Ms Stewart's mistreatment and egotism, has to be seen with wary eyes by any parent looking for pre-school care for their children. read more

Love OFS Lafayette! Everyone is amazing and my son is loving it. He is so excited to go to school everyday and has learned so much.

Very claustrophobic place. Still we went because it was highly recommended...BUT I will say Dorothy Stewart cares more about the income than the safety or upbringing of your child. The best events they did were over 12 years ago (as you can see when you go to orientation, they still talk about events which happened over a decade ago). Prices are higher than most places (about $1880/month) full time for 2 year old from 8:30am-4pm and you can pay more for more hours, about 6 weeks vacation a year and $1600/year per child for a teachers fund minimum. Also bring your own lunch / drinks. Finally the parking is a nightmare as is the constant "request" for more donations / $$$. I wouldn't recommend it, but I do know one mom that thinks its the best thing ever. So check it out, but make sure you check out 3-4 others also in the area so you have a good comparison. read more

We love Old Firehouse School. My son has just started his third year--he just turned 4, and my daughter began her first year this September--she is 2. When I was looking for schools for my son, I was pregnant with baby # two and I felt strongly about having a full day so that neither my son's, nor my new baby's nap schedules would be compromised by having to do an early pick up. Old Firehouse offers a longer day than most, and can offer a variety of day choices as well. This, of course, was not my primary reason for picking the school, but it helped. Our primary reason for choosing OFS was the feeling I got walking through the doors. It is a warm, secure place that has a meaningful structure in its program. They promote learning through the Reggio Emilia approach which embodies some Montessori and some Waldorf components, but in a nutshell it allows children to be active participants in their learning and draws from their environment. To me, it means that the teachers and faculty really pay attention to what interests the children and focus their projects on those things so they remain engaged. Other aspects that make this school deserving of five stars is the individual attention I feel both my kids receive, the warm bonds they form with the teachers, the wonderful sense of community we have with other families. The list goes on. Yes, the school is a little pricier than many, but in the long run, I feel the experience my children are getting there is priceless!! read more

Both my sons attended OFS. My first child in Lafayette before Walnut Creek was opened then my second child in Walnut Creek (closer to my workplace). We spent in total over 7 years in the "OFS family". First - I just can't say enough as a mother, working full time how much I appreciate OFS and their care of my children. The teachers are educated child development professionals who do what they do because of their love of children. The model Dorothy has instituted in the schools is best in class and most important - best for the child. The OFS community of parents and children is very close and feels like - a community! If you are considering placing the most precious people in your life in the care of someone else - I would not go anywhere else than OFS read more

I feel pretty qualified to review preschools, since we've lived in multiple states and cities over the time of our two children's preschool years, and thus we've attended a number of schools, with different approaches, and seen our two very different kids have many different experiences. Our younger son just finished up his T-K year at OFS, and I can say emphatically that this is a truly phenomenal place - a top-notch preschool in every way. Before OFS, our son never seemed to love going to preschool - even ones that we felt were good schools. That all changed quickly when he started at OFS. He made friends, he bonded with adults, he truly enjoyed the learning and the creative process. That was hard to imagine happening at the time we started. His teacher was so engaged, so loving, and so informed about child development, that we simply felt blessed to have her as a central figure in our son's life, and an extended part of our family. We developed new levels of understanding of our own son from our conversations with her at pickup-time. But, even beyond his teacher, the school just has a very thoughtful and enriching program and establishes such a nurturing and enriching environment. We loved the Reggio Emelia method, and really connected with the way that all the teachers and notably Dorothy and Alex articulate the method and the benefits. This is a school with a philosophy - not a restrictive or dogmatic one, but one that feels flexible, while always focused on what a positive childhood can and should be. We found the vast majority of teachers and staff to be wonderful people - it became a really cozy community with which to drop him off each day, and the smile-fueled chaos on the playground in the afternoon was always staffed by careful, caring, and playful attendants. Sure, the fit has to be right for your kids and your preferences and your situation. These decisions can be hard. Choosing OFS was a hard decision for us too - as we just didn't know what would be best for him. But looking back, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions we've made for our son. I am truly thankful and appreciative of this amazing school. read more

Love this preschool! Our youngest child is finishing up her last few weeks at Old Firehouse. She is our second child to graduate from their preschool program. We love their creativity, nurturing and their philosophy of child-driven projects. This year some of the four year olds were pretending to sell ice cream to each other. This was the catalyst for "The Ice Cream Project." For the next two months the kids explored ice cream. They built an ice cream store, made ice cream in art, made signs to sell ice cream, built an ice cream cart, etc. Then they made their own ice cream. They made graphs to chart the flavors that their families liked. They learned ice cream songs and had a performance for parents. They also took a class trip to Cold Stone Creamery. Old Firehouse often brings in experts to teach children about subjects they show an interest in. Last year they did a theater project and took the kids to a theater in Lafayette. The kids got to tour the stage, the dressing rooms, the ticket booth and where the audience sits. They each got to ask the theater manager a question. Back at school they brought an actor in to talk about what he does. Then the kids wrote and acted in their own play, built the sets, etc. It was fabulous! We also love their philosophy of having the same teacher stay with the child throughout the program, over several years. The kids develop very strong bonds with their teachers over the years and feel safe and loved. Before your child starts the program, the teacher comes to your home to meet your child and the rest of the family and just hang out with you. It's awesome. We love Maylis! Both of our children had her. The only complaint we have is that parking is not great. The driveway can only fit three cars. There is metered parking across the street, so it's not a big deal in nice weather, but a struggle with young kids when it's raining. read more

I am so glad we found this wonderful place for our 2 year old son (and future attendees 9mo Old twin boys). I had taken my son to another local childcare/preschool and it was a nightmare. For 2 year olds the ratios were way above the state mandated 6 to 1 and on one day it was 13 to 1 in his class. On that day I pulled him out of there and began looking for a new place. Thank God we found OFS. The whole process is just great. With the orientation parents meeting getting everyone to know what the school is all about. From that night I was sold on the concept of my child bonding with the same teacher(s) that he started with the the Toddler class and staying with them until he finishes the Pre-Kindergarden class. This is the kind of bonding and consistency I was looking for. They had us prepare to stay with him for the first few days in case he felt anxious but he never did. There was no crying for me not to leave. He felt at home there almost immediately and the teachers were just great with him. For toddlers they have a 4 to 1 ratio which makes such a huge difference. The teachers are always calm and in control. Gently encouraging the children to cooperate with each other and do as asked. They have plenty of toys and art and fun activities to keep a toddler going all day. My son loves his teachers and he loves to go to school. Recently he graduated up to the 3 year old class and both of his same teachers moved up to that class too. So nothing changes accept now he has a bigger and better room and a bigger and better playground. The ratio is a little higher now 6 to 1 but that is fine and most of the kids are so well behaved it's not a problem at all. We were just spoiled in the AWESOME Toddler room. He really loves the 'Big Kids' room as he calls it and is making a transition from going 3 part time days a week to to full time days a week very nicely thanks to the great teachers. This place is great!!! Would not hesitate to send my two 9mo old boys there when they get a little older. read more

I have posted this review on Walnut Creek Campus page and I am posting here too because my understanding is that the executive director one of two people I am referring below is the same person. I am not writing this review because I am very disappointed that our kid was not even given the chance to start this school but because I have never had such a discriminative experience since I came to this country six years ago to study at Berkeley Law. Also I want to warn you about their answers to your questions during school tour as they may not be completely honest. When I asked about their approach to separation anxiety during the tour, Judy told us that their director was very understanding and supportive about this issue as she had had personal experience of that kind while her kid started preschool!. What we have experienced with this school is exactly the opposite of that answer. Most parents know how stressful it is to find the right place for their kids. We have been to at least 8 preschools in the neighborhood and finally decided to apply to Old Firehouse School for our 2,5 year old boy. First I went for a group tour when Judy, the program director told us about the school and answered our questions. After we filled the application form and paid the fee, we got an e mail inviting us for an observation session. We were very excited and happy. After the observation session, my husband asked a few more questions like whether they provide lunch (No), if they required potty training (no), since we are a bilingual family (Turkish American) asked about how they would handle this situation. And lastly we talked about the possible separation anxiety of our kid and their policy about early withdrawal "in case" it does not work out for both of us. We agreed to all the terms they offered like non-refundable $1985 registration fee and wrote our check and were ready and excited to drop the registration form. This morning when I called to make sure Judy would be in the office to receive the form and check, shockingly she told me that they had some concerns and would not accept our kid anymore. The reason she gave us was our kid's past experience when he was only 19 months old with another day care. We told her this story only because to learn about their approach against separation anxiety and how they handle such situation. They have not met our kid even once. Now he is a year older. He can even read and write and physically and mentally very mature compared to his age group. I tried to explain it to her on the phone telling her that we feel confident that he ll be ok but obviously we cannot know before he starts and we are ok with wasting the non-refundable fee. She told me that she would call back after talking to her director. Then she left a message on my phone saying the following i) they still have concerns that our kid is not ready for school and we should wait until he was 3 (just because we told them a very brief story and asked some questions?, our gut feelings say there should be another reason!! because this reason is very very absurd and here it comes), ii) they would be very happy to share with us another great school in the area whose director is from Turkey and that would be wonderful for our kid! (my kid is American, my husband is American, just because we told them that we speak in Turkish in the house as all the experts on child development recommend mothers to speak in mother language with their kids, do we have to send our kid to a school where people speak Turkish, why would we do that?? and what is the relevance here??) How can a school be thriving, enriching and loving, as they claim, if they are not welcoming and understanding; evaluate applications on presumptions and even with prejudice? Are they not willing to put time and effort to make their students love the place and feel that confidence that they are secure there? Isn't this the most basic condition that makes a daycare right for your kid? read more

Loved our past and current experience here; teachers go above and beyond. The presentations provided by the students with their teachers are wildly impressive. The teachers' knowledge of early childhood development shows an incredible depth of intelligence, and the application of their academic knowledge means immediate positive results in the kids. Affordably priced, excellent location, wonderful and inspiring teachers. read more

My two daughters both attend Old Firehouse School. We absolutely love the school and the teachers. From the moment we walked in, we knew this was the school for our girls. I love the old fashioned/homey feeling, including the kitchen where bread and muffins are cooked fresh daily, and the warm and inviting staff at the door. At our prior preschool, teacher turnover was a huge problem (50% of the teachers left during a one-year period), so learning about the teacher retention program helped to give us the peace of mind we were looking for. I also appreciated that the teacher follows the same class as they progress, which helps to provide cohesiveness and a sense of security and attachment for the child. All of the teachers here are amazingly kind and compassionate despite the huge variety of children's personalities and temperaments. I have learned so much from simply observing their interactions with the children. Many of the teachers have advanced degrees and are very passionate about teaching young children, and it shows. We absolutely adore our teacher. The co-directors are fantastic -- very kind and friendly, and they have been with the school for years. We also appreciate the low teacher/student ratios. The communication between teachers and parents is very good, and includes daily verbal sign-outs, weekly emails on classroom projects, and monthly summaries in the form of a newsletter with photos as well as updates on their website. We especially like the fact that they promote the Reggio Emilia approach to learning -- my children have developed a strong love of learning and see the world in such an amazing and unique way now, critically thinking about things around them, developing theories to explain things, and testing them to learn and discover more. The students in each class engage in group projects every quarter whereby the students' interests guide the topic of study, and then they participate in a variety of different activities to fully embrace the concept. Each of the activities is carefully chosen as to touch on various aspects of learning, including exploring ideas (discovering & hypothesizing), drawing (writing), researching (reading, math, & science), and carrying out the project (gross & fine motor activities as well as furthering the scientific experimental processes). For example, this quarter the children are working on stop motion films. How this came about is that the children were interested in telling stories -- they started by telling stories as a group around lunch time, one child would start by saying one sentence, then the next child would say another sentence, and they would go around and around to tell a story. This helped the kids to work together as a team, and also tapped into their creativity and imagination. Next the teacher worked with each individual child as they came up with their own story plot. The communicated the story, and broke it down into 3 parts - intro, body and ending. They then drew pictures and wrote words to help illustrate their story and shared their stories with their classmates. After each child came up with a plot, they worked together as a group to tell a story about a stuffed animal kitty on film. They worked as a team to experiment with stop motion film -- a lot of it was trial and error, seeing what happens if they worked too quickly, and learning the importance of patience and following a proper sequence of steps. They took a field trip to a museum to research more about stop motion, playing and experimenting with various displays to really help to grasp the subject. I loved seeing some of kids explaining to the others, including the parents, how it worked. They were becoming experts and were proud of the steps they had gone through to learn and master a topic. You could really see how they went from little understanding of the topic, to fulling grasping it. The last step of the project was for each child to collect items from their home and direct a group of their classmates to assist them in carrying out their vision in a stop motion film. The results were priceless! The kids were so proud of their accomplishments and it was a joy to observe them through the entire process. The students will then present their films at their quarterly performance for all of the parents to see. We will also get to watch a slideshow of photos of the experience as the teacher narrates the entire process. Its really rewarding for the kids to see their projects come into fruition and share them as a presentation with their parents. We are so happy in our decision to join the OFS family and will really miss them as we move on to elementary school. From the pizza parties featuring homemade wine by the owner's husband, to Halloween parades, quarterly project performances, pajama night, end of the year picnics, and many more events, we have developed friendships that will last a lifetime and really have loved becoming immersed into this wonderful community. read more

We love OFS! The turn over is everywhere, but at OFS the group love that exists out weighs that. OFS owners appreciate their staff and show it in many ways, which I feel was one of the main reason we had such a great experience. The teachers enjoyed coming to work each day. The teachers are also loving, caring, easy to talk to, relatable and great role models for the children. My son had an amazing two years here and each day I went to pick him up he did not want to go home because he was having so much fun with his friends. We would without a doubt recommend OFS to future families. The care we got here was very hard to come by. Thank you OFS for an amazing ride, we will miss you! read more

We have had two children go through the school (Walnut Creek campus), from ages 2-3 until kindergarten. We did our due diligence when researching schools and feel we found the perfect spot for our little ones. We had no problem traveling an hour round trip to get them to and from the school, we felt it was that special. Our oldest had developmental delays and struggled at first. The school was very open to suggestions from our doctors and specialists and were able to make minor modifications to help him thrive. He went from an isolated, awkward toddler to a social, loving and caring child, due in part to the exceptional environment (teachers and staff included). He has made incredible strides and is doing very well in a private, competitive elementary school. My daughter went through OFS after my son and, as a typically developing child, she was given the same warm, supportive care and is also among the top in her kindergarten class. We loved that they practice the attachment philosophy, whereby the teachers stay with their same core group of students throughout the children's years at the preschool. This meant, at least for our children and us as parents, such an invaluable feeling of security. These teachers knew our children so well, we never had a worry about them while they were at school. The Walnut Creek campus is tucked away up a hill, with deer and wild turkeys that could be seen on the class walks. It was a safe environment and the teachers, staff and owners have always made us feel welcomed, cared for and loved. It really is a special school. I am sorry to read on here that a few others have had negative experiences, but that will be the case in any situation. Turnover is very low - most teachers and staff stay for years - but like any job, there are going to be times when the fit is just not right and people move on. So if you are looking for a preschool I suggest you take a look at OFS. We didn't want to love it (there are lots of places closer to our home) but once we saw OFS and compared it to other places our decision was an easy one. read more

Our daughter has attended OFS for 2 years now and it has been a fantastic experience. The school environment is warm and enriching and the outdoor play area is hands down one of the best in the area! We love the child centered philosophy of the school and the teachers are wonderful. And we also love that the little kids bake and deliver fresh muffins to the rest of the school each day! Highly recommend this preschool. Yes, parking can be difficult but its worth it. read more