Alameda Montessori Children's House (AMCH) is truly a special place, and I cannot recommend it…read morehighly enough. When our family was deciding where to enroll our son, we visited many preschools. While we appreciated something about each one, none felt quite like the right fit. Some classrooms were too large, some environments felt chaotic, some teachers seemed less engaged, and others felt more like daycare than a preschool with a thoughtful curriculum. Then we found AMCH, and it felt like a dream. From the moment we walked in, we noticed the difference. The classrooms were beautifully organized, warm, and child-friendly. There was a wonderful sense of calm throughout the school, and the teachers were welcoming, kind, engaged, and genuinely happy to be there. We immediately knew this was the environment we wanted for our son. Needless to say, we chose AMCH, and I could not be more grateful for the experience. Watching our son grow and thrive there was incredibly rewarding. The staff provided him with structure, encouragement, and, most importantly, so much love and care. What makes AMCH especially remarkable is its staff, in particular Xina Laoshi and Ms. King. This dynamic duo is truly exceptional. They provide a wonderful bilingual Montessori-style curriculum while creating a classroom environment that is calm, engaging, nurturing, and joyful. They have an incredible ability to connect with children and meet each child exactly where they are. They put so much thought and effort into getting to know each child as an individual. They truly learn who your child is--what motivates them, where they may need support, and how they can help them grow. You can see this firsthand during parent conferences. It is clear that they genuinely know your child, and their developmental assessments are incredibly comprehensive and thoughtful. They provide detailed insight into each area of development, which made us feel that our son was truly seen and understood. We saw the impact of that care even after our son graduated from AMCH and started elementary school. We were so proud to see how well prepared he was. He was thriving academically and transitioned successfully. The hardest part for him was leaving behind his beloved teachers and friends. Xina Laoshi was incredibly thoughtful during this transition. She welcomed him back in the afternoons with open arms so he could spend time with his old friends and even told us that he is always welcome to visit. That gesture meant so much to our family. She truly made us feel that we would always be part of the AMCH family. The communication from the school is also outstanding. We received weekly updates recapping what the children had been learning and what was planned for the following week, along with weekly photos that gave us a glimpse into our son's days--learning, exploring, playing, and having so much fun with his classmates. The amount of thought, time, and effort that goes into keeping families so informed is no small feat, and it truly does not go unnoticed. It is clear that these updates are created with genuine care and intention, and they gave us such a wonderful connection to our son's experience at school. As parents, it meant so much to feel included in his learning and to see all the little moments that made his days special. Another unexpected highlight was the food. The meals provided are fresh, healthy, and delicious. They gave our son opportunities to try foods he otherwise might not have been willing to eat, and we loved seeing him become more adventurous with what he ate. More than anything, what stands out about AMCH is the genuine care and love they give to every child. From the lead teachers and classroom helpers to the cook, Vincent, and everyone else who contributes to the school community, every person plays a part in creating such a warm and nurturing environment. They care not only about the children, but also about their siblings and families. You can feel that this is a community built around supporting the whole family. AMCH is so much more than a preschool. It is a place where children are nurtured, encouraged, respected, and genuinely loved. We feel incredibly fortunate that our son had the opportunity to spend his early years there. I cannot recommend Alameda Montessori Children's House enough. I sincerely hope other families have the opportunity to experience the warmth, care, and magic of this school. AMCH will always hold a very special place in our hearts--it is truly a gem.

ACMH is an exceptional school led by Xi Laoshi, a dedicated and talented Montessori educator…read more Xi Laoshi has created a positive and loving environment where children learn how to respect themselves, one another, and their surroundings. All of the staff are extremely patient and skilled at helping children process their emotions. Guest teachers come regularly to teach mindfulness, art, and martial arts. The classroom is bright, inviting, and filled with a rotation of interesting activities, and the outdoor space is large and filled with vegetables and fruit trees that the children help plant, care for, and enjoy. Lisa NaiNai prepares the most delicious and nutritious lunch for the children with a menu sent out at the start of each week that would make any fan of Chinese/Taiwanese food want to partake. My daughter came home everyday excited to tell us about all of the interesting things she did that day and excited to show off her math and Mandarin reading and writing skills. We feel so lucky to have been a part of this community for the last 1.5 years and could not recommend it more highly for parents seeking a school where their children can thrive!

We started our little girl at Le Petit Z when she was two years old. We were referred to them by a…read moretrusted family friend. It was a big step for us and our kiddo was in a two-day nanny share before she started at LPZ. After a short walk through, we knew from Susie's warmth and calm that it would be a good choice. Mrs. Susie and her team are so lovely with the kids! The space is always super tidy and clean. The kids have a lot of freedom to play and socialize. There are plenty of toys, books, art, and zones that cycle by season. Susie and her team are communicative and organized. Drop-off in the mornings is quick and easy. Pick-up in the evening is the same or when we wanted to chat with staff for a few minutes they would always give us a minute. I recommend this provider for parents that are seeking good structure with freedom to play, socialize, and gain some independence.

My almost 3 year old has been attending Le Petit since she was 18 months old and has really…read moreblossomed here. The teachers are professional, kind, and most of all - LOVING. They are so amazing at what they do. I truly feel so spoiled my daughter has been taught, and nurtured, at this school during these precious years. There are only 12 children; it is a very intimate environment, which I love and appreciate a lot. It is evident my child is happier, smarter, and more socially intelligent because of her experience here. I'm getting emotional even writing this review because of how special they've made this phase of life. I'll be sad when this stage of her education continues to PreK, but for now I am soaking it in and feeling very grateful!

Our experience at The Child Unique Montessori has been very positive. The environment is calm,…read moreenriching, and full of gentle encouragement. The teachers are kind and genuinely attentive to each child's growth and development. It's no surprise that this school came recommended through word of mouth. Many families speak highly of it, and it's easy to see why. Some of the parents here once attended TCU themselves and are now bringing their own children. That kind of legacy speaks volumes. Dr. Cindy Acker and her team have built something rare and lasting in Alameda, a women-owned and led school that has quietly left a mark on this community through years of dedication and consistency. The involvement stretches beyond the classroom and into the home, where Dr. Acker gently shares knowledge that parents may choose to engage with through periodic letters and events. That kind of support, offered with care and respect, creates a meaningful partnership not only between the school and the parents, but also among the many families who feel part of this community. This is a special place that continues to shape lives, quietly but powerfully.

Both my sons have attended The Child Unique, from 2019-2020 and then from 2021 up until the…read morepresent. My older son is shy and a bit anxious, but I believe his Montessori teacher's calm presence really drew him out and helped him establish a strong bond with her. He loves creating and drawing, and his teacher last year really encouraged that and he flourished under her care! He graduated from TCU this past spring and is now doing well in kindergarten at our local public school. Our three year just started attending TCU this summer and similarly, has bonded really well with his primary classroom teachers. He's always happy when I pick him up and is signing the Mandarin songs he's learning from his Mandarin teacher. He seems to really be loving school and so both my husband and I are relieved and happy he is at TCU like his brother was!

Wonderful preschool! I sent my oldest here and my youngest just started in the fall. The staff is…read moreextremely well qualified. The location is safe and secluded, with an awesome outdoor play space. It's a great blend of academic preparation for elementary school with a more creative play based approach. The owner is a pediatric expert, I always feel incredibly safe sending my little ones there. The director, Kristyn, is very responsive and even went to the school over 30 years ago!

My daughter went here and we absolutely loved it. Caring and attentive teachers (you can't beat the…read moreteacher to student ratio), clean classrooms, creative play based instruction, and most importantly, proving an environment where my shy daughter felt safe. We took her out of Rising Start and placed her here and cannot be any happier with our decision. Side note, my daughter was well prepared for Kindergarten after attending Seedling.

Our daughter has been going here for a few months and I'm so amazed at how quickly she is learning…read moreMandarin. We dont speak it at home so her only exposure is at school. She'll come home and teach us and sing songs to us. She loves going to the school. She even asks to go on the weekends. I love that WenLaoshi sends out weekly lesson plans. She provides pictures daily to show us what they are doing. And they send home their art projects. We've been to other preschools but this is the best by far. There is a lot of thought and effort put into each activity. Cannot recommend enough.

We feel so fortunate to have found Joyful Alameda Preschool for our daughter. She's been there for…read moreover a year now and it has been a real treat to see her grow in their care. Joyful Alameda preschool is highly organized, with snack and lessons plan sent out before the week starts. Teacher Wen spends a lot of time thinking of how to engage with the kids, and is always finding fun activities for them, whether it's exploring the visitor center at Crab Cove, doing yoga, or having Health Heros come teach the children about being healthy. Teacher Wen has a deep understanding of all the kids and is very tuned into their needs/moods. It's impressive watching her navigate hard drop-offs and meltdowns. What we love most about Joyful Alameda Preschool is that each day is designed with just the right amount of physical, mental, social activity and fun! They spend a ton of time outside on their community walks and park time, but also learn Chinese, work their fine motor skills through things like artwork, and life skills (like sharing and conflict resolution). Our daughter can now read a ton of characters, and is now teaching us Chinese too :*) 11/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a preschool. Joyful Alameda Preschool is a gem!

There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for Ms. Amela and Mrs. Sarah (school…read moredirector) Since Lily was 3 years old, you have been so much more than teachers--you have been mentors, cheerleaders, protectors, and a constant source of love and encouragement. Through your patience, guidance, and dedication, you helped shape Lily into the confident, smart, kind, and resilient young girl she is today. You celebrated every milestone, encouraged her through challenges, and always made her feel safe, valued, and loved. As parents, we say goodbye with tears in our eyes but full hearts, knowing she is ready for the big world ahead because of the foundation you helped build. The lessons, confidence, and values you instilled in her will stay with her for years to come. Thank you for loving our girl and helping her become the amazing person she is today. We will forever be grateful for the impact you have had on her life and our family. Tearfully, but knowing she's ready for her next adventure--Lily is signing out. Thank you for everything.

I enrolled my daughter to start at the Montessori school June 2025 right after she turned two. She…read morestarted in Room 4 with Ms. Howida, Ms. Reina and Mr. Martin. She loved all of her room 4 teachers and always talking about school on the way home. After being potty trained a couple of months ago, she is now in Room 1 with Ms. Amela. She loves going to school every day and learning new skills and play with her friends. Despite several issues along the way, I also very appreciate Ms. Sarah, the director of the school. She is very informative and knowledgeable. She always follows up with issues that we raised, follow through and come up with solutions that work for us.

Luna's has been wonderful for our daughter! She attended their Montessori curriculum from ages 2 to…read more4, and is currently enrolled in their Spanish language aftercare program while she attends public TK during the morning. My daughter is always excited to go to Luna's and often talks about her teachers there. Initially, I noticed many positive changes in her behavior since starting, such as a better ability to share, a regular use of please/thank you/sorry, and an understanding of needing to wait and take turns. She's also regularly learning new words/songs in Spanish, an understanding of time/seasons/holidays, numbers, the alphabet, geography, nature, and the ability to express herself with artwork and crafts. Teachers at Luna's were also always supportive of our daughter's needs, and partnered with us to help guide her through potty training and other toddler milestones. Since graduating from Luna's and moving to TK in a public school, it has become very apparent to me how well Luna's prepared my daughter for a formal school setting both in terms of her applied education (writing and letters as well as counting in both Spanish and English) and her social/emotional learning. We're are so grateful to Ms Abigail and all of the wonderful teachers there!

We had a great experience at Luna's Montessori. From the beginning when we first started inquiring…read moreabout the school, Abigail, the director was very welcoming and supportive. We feel very grateful for how she and the other teachers supported our daughter while she was getting used to being in school. Our daughter was 2 yrs 3 mos when she started and cried almost every day but Abigail and the teachers always reassured us and long and behold after a few weeks of going to school consistently, our daughter started enjoying school. She will come home singing songs and talking about what she learned. I also greatly appreciate the support we got from all the teachers while my daughter was being toilet trained. Lastly, the logistical processes in the school are very well organized and easy, and they follow the Montessori philoshy to the point. I strongly recommend Luna's Montesorri.

My daughter attended Peter Pan in Mariner Square from age 2 until she graduated this summer. I'm so…read moreglad we chose Peter Pan for her. All of the teachers are incredible. The lead teachers in the 2s, 3s, and 4s rooms have each been at Peter Pan for over a decade. That kind of stability says a lot about the school and its director. Speaking of the director, Ms. Julie, the director, is the best. She clearly cares about every family there, and I never hesitated to go to her with questions and for guidance. The large outdoor space stood out to me from the start. It's packed with toys and playground equipment, and my daughter spent hours out there every day. Peter Pan also offers real convenience. The only closures are the December holiday break and federal holidays, which makes it easy to plan around as a working parent. We miss Peter Pan! In fact, our daughter still goes there for monthly Parents' Night Out.

We couldn't have asked for a better first child care experience for our son. As a working family,…read morethe accommodating hours made a huge difference in our daily routine, and when they introduced a lunch program, it took one more thing off our plates -- no more scrambling to pack food every morning. Parents Night Out quickly became a highlight once our child was old enough to take part, both for him and for us! Communication with individual teachers wasn't always perfect -- they're busy staying attentive to the kids, which is exactly where their focus should be -- but Ms. Julie, the director, was always there to step in. Any question or concern we had, she made sure it got resolved. A special shout out to Ms. Pat, Ms. Shelley, and Ms. Maricon, the leads for our child's rooms. They loved our child, and he loved them right back -- that kind of bond makes all the difference. More than anything, this place feels like a true community. We're sad to be moving on, but so happy to know he'll always be welcome back.

TCU has 3 campuses and our child has been to all three. We find all three locations to be amazing…read moreand very Montessori oriented. I can't say enough great things about the staff- they're incredibly knowledgeable, patient and are very passionate about the Montessori philosophy and interacting with children. The children are exposed to so many topics at this school, ranging from foreign languages, reading and math to arts and crafts, performances, social justice and of course, practical life skills. Our child has grown and gain so much from going to TCU, and we love it. There have been some concerns and I'm here to say that you should take it with a grain of salt. It's possible that all centers have some sort of concerns to a degree, some of which are shared while others not. The nice thing about TCU is that there are cameras in the classrooms so there is transparency. None of the other centers that we toured have cameras access. From our experience, the staff at TCU really do act with integrity. They're there for the children. We would send our child here again if we had to start over. It's worth it, and again, just amazing staff overall.

This school, the teachers, and the parent community are incredible. We are so grateful for the warm…read moreand welcoming environment, and for the sense of community especially during these incredibly trying times of Covid-19. Our children are thriving here and are filled with daily joy at going, and having been, to school. We have always sought out Montessori education and have experienced another excellent school in Alameda and in another country. We couldn't be happier with the quality of education and environment at the Child Unique and MEISA. Our children are in different parts of the school. We have experienced the toddler program, enjoyed summer camps on another campus, and now the primary and lower elementary classes at Taylor. The teachers are brilliant: they are high caliber, passionate, dedicated, inspiring and engaging. The daily wonder they create is amazing. And the growth and change in our children is remarkable, especially after months of home learning early in the year. Ms. Cindy is a pillar of the local community who works tirelessly to create an inclusive, fair, calm and nurturing environment. The leadership she has shown to open the school safely, in light of Covid-19 challenges, continues to astound me. We are grateful every single day for this school, the teachers and staff, the parent community and the other children. The school is peaceful, loving and kind and helps individual children in their journey of enquiry, wonder and accomplishment.

If you're looking for a school that will truly help your child thrive, grow, and soar beyond…read moreexpectations, Mountain Blvd Montessori is a hidden gem that every parent should know about! We cannot say enough wonderful things about Mountain Blvd Montessori. From the moment our son started in the toddler class and continued through preschool and the Pre-K/Kindergarten program, we have felt incredibly supported, welcomed, and confident that he was in the best hands possible. The entire staff is truly exceptional. Every teacher and administrator has shown genuine care, patience, and love for our child throughout every stage of his development. It is clear that this school is more than just a place for learning. It is a nurturing community that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The results have exceeded all of our expectations. Our son has not only received an amazing education, but he has also gained confidence, independence, and a true love for learning. Most importantly, he has been surrounded by teachers who genuinely cared for him and helped him thrive. Watching him grow over the years has been incredible. As parents, we had different thoughts about the next step for him. My wife initially wanted to enroll him in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), while I felt that he wouldn't gain much beyond a few extra hours of social interaction and fun. Looking back now, Montessori was absolutely the right choice for our family. Thanks to the incredible Pre-K/Kindergarten program, he is beyond prepared for elementary school and will be entering 1st grade this fall with a strong academic foundation, confidence, and excitement for what comes next. One of the most impressive parts of the program has been the language education. Our son was speaking Spanish and Mandarin remarkably well for his age. He can count, sing songs, and communicate with confidence in both languages. It has been amazing to watch how naturally he absorbed and retained what he learned through the school's language program. What stands out most, though, is the love and attention he received every single day. We always knew he was safe, cared for, challenged, and encouraged to become the best version of himself. As parents, there is no greater peace of mind than knowing your child is genuinely loved by the people helping shape their future. Overall, we feel incredibly blessed to have found Mountain Blvd Montessori. The well-rounded curriculum, dedicated teachers, outstanding language program, and focus on developing the whole child have made a lasting impact on our son's life. We wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent who wants their child to receive an exceptional education while growing into a confident, kind, and capable young learner. Thank you, Mountain Blvd Montessori, for giving our son such an amazing foundation. As he heads off to 1st grade this fall, we know he is more than ready, and we couldn't be more grateful.

My son attended Mountain Boulevard Montessori for two years and three months before advancing to…read moreTransitional Kindergarten (TK). During his time there, we had experience with their toddler, preschool, and pre-K programs, and overall, our experience was wonderful. We never had any concerns about our child's safety, and communication with the school was consistently excellent. Every email or phone call was responded to promptly, and we always felt informed and supported. The curriculum is quite structured and leans a little more academic than some preschools, but in our case, that proved to be a real benefit. It provided an excellent runway into TK, where our son seems very well prepared compared with many of his peers, both socially and academically. There were several staff members who really stood out to us. Mr. Andreas has a wonderful disposition for working with children--he strikes a great balance between setting high expectations while remaining warm, patient, and humorous. Mr. Dennis is an exceptional administrator and was always communicative, open, and thorough. I never felt that a question or concern went unanswered. Ms. Wendy was my son's favorite teacher and was part of his experience for most of his time at the school. She was his classroom teacher for about a year and later his Spanish teacher after he moved into the pre-K class. She is very nurturing and has a particularly good way of channeling the energy of highly active children like my son while still keeping them engaged and focused. In terms of value, tuition seemed right around market rate. Compared with similar schools we considered, Mountain Boulevard Montessori was somewhere in the middle price-wise, but what stood out to us were the smaller class sizes, strong teacher-to-student ratio, and the overall quality of the facility. The school is highly organized, impeccably clean, and consistently well maintained. It was also extremely helpful that the school calendar generally mirrored Oakland Unified's holidays and vacations. That made childcare logistics much easier and avoided many of the scheduling conflicts that can arise when preschool and elementary school calendars are out of sync. If I had to offer any constructive feedback, I think families would benefit from as much advance communication as possible around staffing changes. At this age, changes in teachers can feel significant to children, and having a little runway can help families prepare them. At the same time, I completely understand that employment and privacy considerations may limit what a school is able to share. I also observed a few interactions involving one long-standing teacher where the communication style felt somewhat less patient and nurturing than what we had experienced with the rest of the staff. I have no doubt about her academic abilities or experience, and my son had very limited direct interaction with her until right before his departure, so I can't speak to any lasting impact, however, it was something I noticed that seemed inconsistent with all other interactions with staff at the school. This was very much an exception to an otherwise consistently positive experience over more than two years at Mountain Boulevard Montessori. We were very happy with the care, education, communication, and preparation our son received, and I would feel very comfortable recommending the school to friends or family without hesitation.