My wife toured this daycare and did not like it. The baby room was tucked in a small room and…read morevery cramped, it's awful for babies to be in a claustrophobic surrounding. She also discovered that the building the school is in now was a mortuary for 60 years. Search online the keywords "guidepost mill valley mortuary" I was dismayed that they did not tell us this information during the tour. We the parents should be told so we can decide if it's good for our babies or not. you can also search "mill valley mortuary 270 Miller Ave" and it will show the building was a mortuary.

We started our son at Guidepost in December 2019 and we're so happy we picked this school! There…read moreare a lot of wonderful schools in the area (we looked at 3 preschools on Miller, all within a quarter mile of each other) so in my experience it's all about fit. I'm a big believer that preschool should: 1. Be convenient for parents. Pick up and drop off should work for everyone's schedule and ideally it's an easy "on the way" location. 2. Be the right cultural fit for your family and kid. If your kid needs a lot of outdoor play - great make that a priority! If your kid loves socializing, art, quiet time etc...make sure you talk about those things. My friends had given me a list of 2,464 questions to ask every preschool...which started to overwhelm me a bit. I landed on (after convenience boxes were checked) figuring out how they managed food, play and conflict. So with that in mind we toured all the nearby preschools, looked at pricing and availability, and decided on Guidepost. I knew very little about Montessori going into it, but it turns out it to a perfect fit for our toddler. He's very independent spirited and wants to do things on his own, and the Montessori environment has allowed him to practice all the "grown up" skills and helped him feel so confident and independent. We even changed a bit of our home set up (toy areas, kitchen area) to emulate and support the Montessori approach and it's been wonderful. The staff at Guidepost has been great. Ilsa, the school director, is so responsive and kind. The two main teachers in the toddler room (Currently Brittany and Ellen) are so tender and caring and they have truly taken the time to get to know my son and the things that make him tick. They feed him a healthy snack each day and give him lots of activities, indoor and outdoor, to choose from. My toddler completely adapted in a matter of days and basically shoos me away when he arrives because he's so happy to be at school. Communication from the school is fabulous. I get photos and updates every day with activities and events. Because Guidepost is a venture backed brand the operations are next level. I pay tuition and sign in/out all through an ap to keep things super organized. I can communicate with teachers and administrators over email or through the Transparent Classroom ap, and enrolling required no manual paperwork, posting things in the mail, paper checks or any of the other antiquated systems that many preschools still use. They are well built for the "millennial parent" and they offer amazing hours for working parents. We are extremely happy with Guidepost and plan to send our daughter there starting this summer. I'm thrilled with our decision to go with Guidepost, and am thrilled to have them as another option amongst the many wonderful preschools in and around Mill Valley.

We are in the middle of our 3rd year at SAPS and we've had a wonderful experience. Our son is…read moreincredibly happy and has grown so much in his confidence and preparedness for Kindergarten. He'a had a breadth of learning experiences and projects over his time at SAPS. His curiosity has been constantly sparked by his teachers. They've been supportive and kind as he's grown up there. SAPS is a large preschool with many teachers. I've genuinely appreciated how many staff members know and care for my son. It's given my son a chance to get to know many children at different ages as well. We chose SAPS because of the relaxed atmosphere and great hours for working parents. They went above and beyond what I expected and I am continually grateful we chose to send our son there.

We probably should have gone elsewhere, but we were desperate…read more For reference, we came in to SAPS at the Pre-K (Mighty Oaks) program, so this review is based off of being a new student in their self-contained pre-K program. First off, we had decided to do a week of summer camp prior to starting the school year so my son could get used to the new environment. Our first day, we were not greeted at all or told where we should go. We were lost and the campus is quite large for being a preschool. They house several different ages and so we didn't know where to go. When I picked him up from camp, nobody said bye. We could have been strangers taking a kid and no one would have known. This should have been a red flag to immediately apply elsewhere. But really, there was no where else accepting at the time, so there we went. I never really felt that magical connection we had with his prior preschool (the Pre-K there had run out of spots). Really, I feel a lot of guilt for not doing more research. Some parents I've read had done a year of Kindergarten (which my son age wise qualified for (barely being 5), but emotionally, he was not ready) at a private school and then re-did kindergarten at the public school at age 6. This is a path I only found out about today. Such is life! My son is chugging along, however, I know it's not the magical place of his old preschool. We'll get through it for the next 8 months, and take it with a grain of salt. It'll build resilience. The other students are nice enough and his two teachers are nice enough, but I don't honestly feel like anyone there LOVES their job. At least they don't convey that. It's not as "bubbly" and warm as our other school. My other son will for sure stay where we are at the other preschool for pre-K. But if I had to do it again, we'd go elsewhere. I hope I can help other parents out there. This just wasn't a great fit. I think you need to spend a day and meet the teachers before you enroll. Meet ALL the teachers as they do cover for other classes sometimes. We have our favorites (science for sure). For the price, it's ok, but the nearby (and I mean it's on the same street) private Kindergarten was actually CHEAPER! So that's on me for not even looking or thinking to do a year there instead. All in all it's a learning lesson. It has taught me to do more diligent research on any program my children do. And sometimes you might be better off just waiting.

If you're looking for a wonderful preschool I highly recommend San Anselmo Montessori School (SAMS)…read more- especially their PreK program! The moment I walked into the light-filled main classroom I knew this would be the right fit for our family. A tucked away but easy to get to campus with a picturesque view of the San Anselmo hills, this hidden gem is located in a very warm, safe, tranquil open space. My daughter has been enrolled at SAMS since June 2024, first attending their summer camp program and now as a PreK student. I cannot say enough good things about this school. The facilities, the students, parents, the curriculum and mostly, the patient, nurturing, incredible teachers. Once a week each student has their dedicated Garden Day group and they spend the first half of school outdoors learning about nature, tending to the various plants and trees in the back lush garden. They sample things they have lovingly helped grow, partake in creative projects, as well as other earth science learnings throughout the day. My daughter is in the oldest age group at SAMS and breaks out into the PreK group every afternoon. This small subset of students are taught in a converted greenhouse that is clean and organized yet has a homey, poetic feel to it. The students spend their days doing engaging activities, a mix of self directed work, lessons and artistic projects. This week they have been reviewing sight words, an introductory lesson in fractions, learning different parts of a fish and decorating gingerbread houses. A few noteworthy takeaways my daughter has shared with us is the idea that at school everyone is included (or no one is included - alone time) and exhibiting pride in personal responsibility and independence. My daughter has made strong connections and close friendships, she gets excited every morning to go to school - and has even asked to go in on a Saturday! This inclusive program I can confidently say will support your child to regulate emotions, help develop kind, considerate, thoughtful kids that will be beyond kindergarten ready when the time comes. This school has truly been such a gift to our family. We will be sending our youngest as soon as she is age eligible! https://samontessori.com

We have been at SAMS for four years now-our older child attended for three years and our younger…read morechild is now in his first year. We have been blown away by the program at SAMS. It's both a well-run organization (clear communication, policies, etc) and a loving community where children are seen for who they are and are given the love and support to thrive. The great parent community is just an added bonus! A few of the things that make SAMS special, in no particular order: - The physical space is inviting, clean, bright and organized. Children are invited to be the leaders in their space since everything is right-sized for them. Our kids feel so comfortable and empowered the second they walk in the door. - The outdoor space is incredible. Similar to the indoor environment, the outdoor space is perfect for kids, with child sized versions of real garden tools, a fantastic playground and a beautiful garden geared toward children's love of nature. - The communication from the school is excellent. We love the weekly newsletter, which often includes links to resources for us as parents. We grownups learn a lot from the team at SAMS, too! - The Montessori philosophy has been perfect for our kids. When we first started looking at preschools, we knew that we didn't want our kids to be in a space that felt too rigid/formal. SAMS honors the Montessori philosophy fully and always feels free and playful at the same time. - The pre-kindergarten program has been amazing for our older child and we are planning for our younger child to stay for this year, too. We have found this final year at SAMS to be a huge benefit for our kiddo in terms of confidence, grace and courtesy, social emotional growth, and academic growth. The third year of SAMS was extra magical for our child and set her up for major success as she entered elementary school. - THE TEAM is, of course, the very best part. The SAMS teachers are incredible-compassionate, patient, skillful, brilliant, and creative. They are inspirations and our children love them so much! Thank you, SAMS!

The Ross Preschool (TRP) is a place that any child and family is blessed to have in their memory…read morebook. I know I'm not alone when I say we were sold within the first seconds of entry when greeted by the incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and head of school, David Allen-Hughes. Not only is the school environment -both in and outside- truly magical and inviting, but it is also extremely clean and well cared for, updated with well-organized, child-accessible, and aesthetically pleasing everything (think beautiful natural wood and beyond!) David and staff are constantly mindful and proactive about improving their school, so it is ever-evolving with new and exciting teaching tools and beautifying additions (ie outdoor garden and climbing wall, sensory projects, water table exploration, interesting visitors and programs from the community, etc, etc). David and teachers communicate with parents thoughtfully, often, and well in advance, so you always feel in the know. My child feels loved and at home at TRP. His mind is inspired to think creatively and independently and he's given the tools and encouragement to thrive. He calls it his 'happy place.'

This preschool is truly one-of-a-kind. Our son attended for two years and had the most wonderful…read moreexperience in every way. The teaching staff is the best of the best, the play-based curriculum includes everything from art and music to math and science. The emphasis on social/emotional development is very strong and the sense of community among the families is wonderful!!

TCCP is a magical nursery school. Children are engaged in play based learning with the support of…read morewonderful teachers, parent-teachers and a highly vested preschool director. The grounds of the school and classrooms allow for whimisical play, gross motor work, social emotional learning and deep dives into a variety of topics from science to art. The garden in front is an oasis for the kids to plant and harvest. My son has had a wonderful experience building friendships and learning happily through play each day.

Twin Cities Co-op really changed our lives. For real. As non-natives here in Marin (moved from…read morePhoenix, AZ about a year ago), we initially did not know anyone or have any idea where to send our daughter (age 4 1/2) to preschool. We were incredibly fortunate to find TCCP and have never been happier. It is a school that truly cares for children. Our daughter thrives there and loves the teachers, activities (her favorites include yoga, the arts and crafts room, the big backyard with multiple playstructures and music wall and water table), and often helps out in the garden. She gets education delivered via play, and we get the sense of community and belonging and family that we were missing since moving. Teachers are wonderful. Families, kids there, parents are all wonderful. Would recommend this school to anyone and everyone. Will be sending our next two children there when they are of age.

We love Miss Nicky's! As first time parents we weren't sure what to expect in a preschool when we…read moreenrolled our daughter almost 3 years ago, but we (and she) couldn't be happier. Literally within 24 hours of her first day we noticed her vocabulary had expanded, she was more sociable, she was excited to go to school each day, and she has been thriving ever since. The teachers at Miss Nicky's are fabulous- so patient, knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely caring. The school has so many fun events for the kiddos year round, and they do an amazing job of balancing fun with education and learning. Highly recommend this preschool! And bonus that it runs year round with an awesome summer program!

Context: This is our first pre-school experience for first child (three year old) in the midst of…read morethe covid-19 pandemic(enrolled in Jan 2021). Our son is thriving and LOVES going to pre-school(MNP&TC campus). He raves about Miss Karina and his teacher Miss Mandy. While the pandemic/safety protocols have made it difficult to get a closer glimpse inside the walls, staff and Nicky are great at communicating our son's progress, development, and day-to-day details. Miss Nicky is super responsive and makes herself available in all phases from pre-enrollment to being a tenured student. It's worth noting that we started our son during one of the largest COVID surges and were admittedly anxious. Miss Nicky invested a material amount of time guiding us through the protocols staff takes in addition to her close tracking of state/county/officials and subject matter experts on operating safely during these times. Additionally, Nicky and some of her staff's children are enrolled at the campuses which I see as a positive. Thank you for creating an environment that brings so much joy and love to all those who are lucky enough to attend! Random side note: The outside area at MNPTC is awesome and spacious, I toured many different preschools in Marin and SF and this one stands out in particular.

My kiddo is 4 y.o. & currently enrolled here & it's been a wonderful experience for her. The other…read morereview giving it 1 star did not send their child here. And I understand the frustration as I had to be extremely persistent to get in, but boy, I'm glad I was. The teachers are so caring & present. The programming is amazing. I like the mix of play based with thematic instruction. The yard is big with tons to do. And I appreciate the campus is really secure. I toured many San Rafael preschools & I know I made the right choice. LOVE IT HERE!

This place is garbage. The woman who runs it, Jackie Newsom, is virtually impossible to get in…read moretouch with, yet she insists that all communication go through her. Their reputation among other neighborhood parents I've spoken to is the same. Not worth the trouble.

My daughter loves her school. We love the new leadership and how involved they are, the teachers…read moreare so nurturing and always watching over our little ones. They make learning fun and entertaining and they teach them responsibility and great social skills. The school events gets the parents involved that way we can all keep in touch, and it has a great diversity. My son every time we drop off his sister is so ready to start, and we know he will be very well taken care off. We couldn't be happier with this preschool.

I can't say enough about this preschool. My son Oliver is…read morehaving a great time learning . And preparing him for kindergarten. The teachers and director greet you I n the morning with the biggest smile And at pick say goodbye to you in the evening telling you what a great day your son has had or if his had issues and there all was there to help you . The after care Staff and teachers are so pleasant and I love that they get out side play time . Oliver asks every day can I go to school today . Oliver is my third child