I found Pipster Prep back when my oldest son was 2.5 (he is now 5) and boy was I glad I did. Searching for preschools can be challenging and as a stay at home mom I was pretty specific in what I was looking for. In the neighborhood I lived most of the preschools were all playbased with very little focus on academics, because I was at home everyday playing with my kids I was looking for a place that could teach the things I didn't know how to, in a way I didn't know how to, especially if I was paying for it. I found Pipstep Prep online and took a tour with my son, we both fell in love. It had the structure of a classroom but still provided playtime and outside time everyday, it was the perfect balance, I felt like I had found my dream school. I loved the student-centered approach and my shy son thrived. He went from only talking to the teachers to talking to everyone, he is now reading short books and doing some math and writing on his own. My other son started last September and even though they are completely different kids he also loved everything about the school, his favorite time was choice activities, he has learned all his letters and letter sounds, to count to 30 and how to spell his name. I couldn't be happier with both boy's academic progress, both my kids have been told by there teachers in where we now live in Bend that they are very advanced which makes me feel great but it is not all about academics. The boys would often come home with fun art projects, tales of trips to park or other neighborhood walks, fun in the balloon room, whatever it was they were always happy and tired when they come home. The communication between the teachers and the parents is amazing, the teachers are easily available if you have questions about your child and even send pictures throughout the week of what your kiddo is up to. They also are the most enthusiastic teachers I have seen in a long time, they always greet me and my kiddos with a smile and on the days were my little ones are having a hard time saying goodbye they are there to comfort them. We drove across town to attend Piptser Prep and it would sometimes take us over an hour to get back home in that awesome Portland traffic but it was worth it. In February we moved to Bend and my kids and I are still missing Pipster Prep and the boys talk about it often, they even send postcards to their teacher and classmates. Leaving Pipster Prep was one of the hardest parts about moving for us. We are still looking for a preschool as amazing as the one we left behind. With flexible options for school, amazing teachers, super fun pajama parties, and an excellent program Pipter Prep is easily the best preschool in Portland. (Probably the best in Oregon although my search has only been in Portland and Bend.) read more

Pipster Prep is an excellent preschool with a group of warm, kind, talented teachers. My daughter was a student there for almost three years. She loved going to school every day and never wanted to leave at the end of the day. Over the years, she made very strong connections with both students and teachers. Our friends from Pipster Prep will be friends forever. As a parent, I appreciated the frequent communication from teachers. I loved seeing photos of my daughter and her classmates on a special (private) app almost every day. Pipster Prep provided a strong foundation for academic success. When I took my daughter to her kindergarten assessment this fall, she was able to identify all of the letters, count to 100, read and write several words, and identify all of the shapes shown to her. Our family is so much the better for our time at Pipster Prep. We can't recommend this school enough. read more

Pipster Prep has exceeded my expectations for a preschool. My daughter has an ISP plan and requires a Vision Specialist to come in and work with her weekly. There are many challenges associated with my daughter being legally blind including special supports, activities, and resources. Pipster Prep has not only welcomed my daughter with open loving arms but they provide these resources while still holding her to the same expectations and educational standards as every one else. Every child has special learning needs and sadly it is hard to find schools that recognize this and will help students to achieve personal goals. The Instructors at Pipster Prep are OVER THE TOP loving, talented, well organized, and all inclusive. My only angst is trying to find a K-8 school for her that provides the same well rounded learning environment. read more

Pipster Prep was the absolute best preschool for our family! The teachers are wonderful and are thoughtful and creative in their lesson plans. Our daughter was well-prepared for Kindergarten, armed with both the education and independence she gained at Pipster. Tessa's leadership is evident in the quality of the staff and curriculum and the consistency of classroom routines that give the children confidence. Pipster is a safe and caring learning environment where the children not only thrive educationally but truly enjoy the day. We have experienced other preschools over the years with our two oldest children and nothing compared to Pipster. We will definitely enroll our littlest as soon as she's old enough! read more

I truly could not say anything bad about Pipster Prep. We moved to Portland from Australia at the beginning of 2014 and my daughter had left a wonderful pre-school behind which we thought we could never replace. Tessa and her team have not only exceeded our expectations, but they have been like a family to my daughter this year. Our daughter has also progressed significantly academically. Pipster is the perfect balance of education, fun, professionalism and kindness. The school and the staff are amazing. Don't hesitate to sign your little one/s up. read more

We are so lucky to have found this great school full of the warmest, most caring teachers. The staff is phenomenal and the space is bright, safe, well organized, and conducive to learning. Our son is learning so much more than we even expected him to at his age and it's so great to get updates every day about his progress. I can't say enough great things about the amazing teachers and the wonderful environment. We will absolutely sign our son up again next year--my only regret is that we didn't learn about PP sooner. read more

Our 3 yo son started his experience with Pipster Prep as a summer camper. He really enjoyed it and he enjoyed even more staying at the "regular" school for the last couple of months. Tessa and the staff are amazing, all of them. We especially appreciated Laura, our son's teacher, that helped us a lot in a particular situation we went through. Our son learned a lot, English in the first place, and he was so happy and eager to go to school that both my husband and I felt serene about it from the very first day. read more

Love Pipster Prep! As soon as I walked in I knew Pipster would be a good match for my family - clean & organized with happy kids all around. My son was a student there for 3 years (age 2.5-5.5) and he made great friends & learned a lot at the same time. He attended 3 days a week. As a parent, I loved the flexibility with drop off and pick up times, the small classes, and daily photos on the Brightwheel app. Time flies - now my kiddo is ready for kindergarten, though we'll miss our days at Pipster Prep! read more

My daughter went to Pipster for several years and we love everything about them. We've made some amazing friendships with other parents who have children there. The staff there are very welcoming and there communication is great. There are numerous community events put on by the school which really create a strong community. Our daughter just started kindergarten this year and was completely ready for it. She is confident, social, motivated to learn and ahead of her peers. Thankyou Pipster! read more

Hope, optimism and joy oozes out of Pipster Prep. My daughter loves her time there. Knowing how well taken care of she is at Pipster is a wonderful feeling for a parent to have. ALL the teachers seem to have a permanent smile on their faces. The communication between teacher and parent is fantastic. We always know how our child is doing and what their activities were that day. I'd give them 6 stars if only Pipster Prep went all the way up to 6th grade ;) read more

This school is amazing. My daughter comes home every day excited about the new things she has learned. She is only 3 and thanks to Pipster I think she will be more than prepared for kindergarden. All the staff are friendly and the facility is clean and adorable. In the morning my husband and I are created with friendly faces and a fresh cup of coffee...Pretty great. I rave about it to all my friends! read more

Pipster Prep is a solid preschool with flexible schedules and year-round classes. The instructors are very warm, compassionate and the children love them. The environment is safe and inviting. The classes are structured and are designed to help the children thrive socially and academically. My son has been in the school for close to six months and he greatly enjoys attending. Recommended. read more

We recently moved from across the country to Portland, and Pipster was instrumental in helping my daughter adjust to her new city and feel welcome with kids her age. Pipster really does care about preparing them for kindergarden and the teachers form lasting relationships with each student. Enrolling our daughter was one of the best decisions we've ever made. read more

My daughter attended Pipster Prep from when she was 2.5 until she was 5. I cannot speak highly enough of this childcare center. Tessa is amazing. The staff are loving and caring while providing a solid foundation of learning combined with play. My daughter loved every minute of her time there and I would not hesitate to recommend it. Jane C. read more

Tessa and Jessica are both amazing with children and at running this wonderful preschool! If there is a spot open don't hesitate to grab it. They fill up fast for good reason. The structure and organization is fantastic and all of the staff are very attentive to every kid's needs. Your child will not just be ok here. They will thrive! : ) read more

What an amazing place. Our son went to Pipster for about a year and a half, and he loved it. The professors were great, the activities were awesome, and it was always very nice and clean. There seemed to be no end to the arts and crafts, field trips, and other engaging activities. I would highly recommend Pipster to other other parents! read more

We love Pipster Prep! We are lucky to find Pipster Prep and have my daughter here. She loves her teachers so much and always pretending me as her teacher at home:)) Time flies, this summer my kid will go to kindergarten and leave Pipster Prep, but we will definitely miss all of teachers and cuties! read more

Pipster Prep is wonderful! A great group of caring teachers and assistants who truly love the children what they do. Our Colby was there for over 2 years and loved every minute of it. My wife and I can't say enough good things about them....highly recommended! read more

We love Pipster Prep Preschool! The program is the perfect mixture of fun, learning and gentle nurturing. The teachers and assistants continually think of new fun ways to engage my son. We couldn't be happier at the school. read more