Sierra Preschool is a top notch preschool. In fact, it's the best in Auburn by far. I toured about 10 preschools in Auburn and Grass Valley, and there were only two preschools out of the ten-ish that we loved. Sierra Preschool was one of them. The other was in Grass Valley and had a waiting list, so it wasn't an option because we wanted our son enrolled in classes sooner than later. That was a blessing in disguise. GENERAL INFO: Sierra Preschool is a cooperative school, which means that parent participation is required and thus the monthly tuition is reduced substantially. I initially was looking for a preschool where I could drop off my son and go about my business of shopping, working out, cleaning the house, etc., but as it turns out, I LOVE that I am so involved in his daily activities and learning. I love the other parents at the preschool, and I love that I know the kids there as well. It is such a family environment! The teachers are top notch and really care about every student. LAYOUT: The school itself is in an old house, fenced yard, in a convenient location. They have a lot of toys for the kids to play with, indoor and outdoor. There's a separate room for circle time, and a general area for crafts and snacks. There is a kitchen for food storage/prep and a large counter and sink. The office is located upstairs. CLASSES: The toddler class is fantastic and fun. Right now it's Tuesdays from noon to 1:30p. There is an hour of playtime, then 15 minutes of circle time (reading books, games) and then 15 minutes of snack time. The parents rotate bringing healthy snacks each week. The 3-, 4-, and 5- year olds can take a Tu-Th class from 9am to 11:30a. It also has a specific schedule of playtime, circle time and snack time. The class is limited to 18 students. And there's a 4- and 5- yr old class on Mon-Wed-Fri which is geared towards getting the kids ready for kindergarten. That class is from 9am to 1pm. The class is limited to 18 students. They also have summer school classes. In 2011, it's a 6-week program from 9am to 1pm. PHILOSOPHY: The philosophy of Sierra Preschool is "When I play I learn." And all the crafts and stories and outside play are great for these developing minds. My son can't wait to go to class each time. He's socializing and making friends, and I feel it's readying him for elementary school. It is such a relief to have found Sierra Preschool! LOCATION: Sierra Preschool is conveniently located off of I-80. Sierra Preschool is on the corner of Channel Hill Lane and Luther Rd. You can also get there easily by CA-49 to Luther Rd as well. PARKING: They have their own parking lot which fits about 6-8 cars. The parking lot entrance is on the side street, Channel Hill Lane; you can't get to it directly from Luther Rd. So, turn onto Channel Hill Lane and then make a quick right into the parking lot. Overflow parking is available on the neighborhood streets. TOURS: I recommend visiting any preschool before enrolling your child. Take your time; watch and listen while you're there. Take notes. Ask questions. See how your child reacts to the surroundings and the other kids. Talk to the other parents if you can. (When I was looking at preschools, I accidentally met a few parents of Sierra Preschoolers at different venues -- Mighty Mites class, the local library, and while I was there at the school), and every single one raved about Sierra Preschool and how we would love it. Now I know why and I agree!) JUST DO IT!: And if you have any reservations about being a participating parent, don't! It's not that big of a deal, doesn't take up too much time, and you get to meet wonderful people from the community. Message me thru Yelp (upper right corner of my review) if you have any questions. read more

If you haven't been in to see Sierra Preschool for yourself, you & your child are missing out! We were new to the area 2 years ago & each time I asked somebody about preschools, I was referred to Sierra Preschool. My daughter is in her 2nd year there & absolutely LOVES it! She can't get enough of Teacher Ramey & Teacher Heather. We'll be sad to leave next year for Kindergarten. The environment is so great with all the parent participation, we all get to know eachother as parents & we get to know all the kids too. I love that we are making lifelong friends. Go check it out, Today!! read more

My husband, myself, & daughter moved to Auburn and didn't have any references for preschool hunting so I turned to yelp! We lucked out!! My daughter has felt completely comfortable here at Sierra preschool from day one. She looks forward to seeing her friends and teacher Heather every week! When my kid is happy...I am happy. This is a co-op, family. I look forward to saying hello to all the kids, parents, & teacher Heather every time I walk through the gate. Everyone is welcome to come check out the school anytime:) read more

WE LOVE SIERRA PRESCHOOL!!!!! My Family started at Sierra Preschool with other toddler families in 2009. We were new to the area and I was looking for a school where I could participate, volunteer, and stay with my Baby. I found SPS by accident I called many of the preschools in the area and each one pretty much said the same thing. Drop your kid off and leave them with us while you go do your thing. I wasnt ready to do that with my two year old. Sierra Preschool was next on the search list and when I called Ms. Ann answered the phone and told me about the school of my dreams. Come help in class the school ecourages family participation. We have made so many lifetime friends from the years at Sierra Preschool including the amazing teachers. Ramey the director ADORES the little people she works with. The most beautiful thing about Sierra isnt the school at all it is the friendships that each family gains from being at SPS . Because SPS is a parent cooperative the Families participate as a whole. Moms and Dads volunteer in the class. Depending on the year you may be participating with a Grandparent who had their kids in the school many years ago and now have their grandkids in the school. Either way you will bond with other families and enjoy that bond for many years after your little one has moved onto bigger things. Thank You SPS for a beautiful three years! Thanks You for all of the LIFETIME Friendships we made at SPS! If you are not sure if a parent coop is for you take some time out and go meet with Ramey and take a tour of SPS. If you have just a little bit of time to participate I promise you will not regret atteding this school! read more

My four year son will returning this fall, he has attended the last two years (first in the parent/tot class and then in the Tue/Thurs class). My oldest son spent three years there as well. I couldn't be happier with this school. I love the co-op philosphy and the teachers are wonderful. Don't think I can add anything else to Maria W's review. You must visit this school!!!! read more

I wish I could give more stars to this amazing school! Initially I was worried about my son going to school and getting used to starting school, but after our first visit it was truly an amazing environment and experience. Teacher Heather is so understanding, informative, and all around great. We loved her positive vibes and the activities they have for the kids. Another reason we love SPS is the active parent involvement with events. read more

Teacher Heather is amazing! She has so much patience and teaches the children how to talk through a problem. The children learn how to communicate with each other as well as the basic life skills;Taking turns, use your nice words, and use your listening ears. The co-op is not for every parent, you do have to volunteer your time, but it is a great way to be involved in your child's education and learn new skills as a parent from just watching Teacher Heather. Our sons favorite time is when one of us is the room parent and he gets to hold the sign on the walk to the bathroom. read more

Sierra Preschool and Teacher Heather are absolutely amazing! My 3 year old daughter started in the fall and LOVES attending school. I am very grateful for the play based approach and the school's motto of "when I play, I learn" is so true and witnessed daily. I appreciate all the family involvement and have met the nicest group of parents and kids. I looked at many preschools and Sierra Preschool was the only one where I knew my daughter and I would be completely comfortable. I could not be happier with our choice and look forward to continuing next year and beyond with my younger daughter. read more

So happy to be part of the amazing community at Sierra Preschool! My 4 year old daughter will return this fall for her second year of preschool with Teacher Heather and my 18 month old can't wait to be old enough for toddler class! We love this school and are so happy with the quality education that SPS provides. Teacher Heather is nothing short of incredible. We couldn't ask for a better school! read more

I love Sierra Preschool! Their philosophy of children learn as they play totally meshes with mine. All three of my kiddos have gone there and my youngest is currently enrolled. Seven years ago when my oldest was ready for preschool, I visited almost every preschool in Auburn and Grass Valley before choosing Sierra Preschool. My older kids still talk about how wonderful Teacher Ramey is. Sierra preschool does a fabulous job helping kiddos socialize with their peers getting them ready for kindergarten. read more

Both of my sons attended Sierra Preschool, and my family and I have been very pleased. It is perfect for the active and involved family. The staff is professional and has always made us feel like our opinions and ideas matter. Working in the classroom is a fullfilling part of the co-op experience. My sons loved it when I worked in the classroom and graduated ready for kindergarten: confident, friendly, and ready to learn. The teachers emphasize kindness and work with the children frequently on problem solving and politeness. It is a change from what happens in many other preschools, instead of being told how to behave in a classroom setting with punishments for those that don't comply, children are taught how to think about how their behavior affects others in order to make good choices for the rest of their lives. My oldest son is now headed for 3rd grade and has become a friend to all due in large part to his learning at Sierra Preschool. If you are looking for a school where you have a say in how your children are treated, if you want a school where kindness and polite words rule, if you want a school where you can be a part of a much larger community, then pick, as I did, Sierra Preschool. read more

My twins are in college now, but we started at Sierra Preschool. I was looking for a co-op preschool, and so glad I found this one. We loved it! Great all around experience. read more

Teacher Heather is amazing!!!! Sierra preschool is the best segue into Kindergarten. Play based curriculum, fun and engaging activities, and a super supportive parent board. #1 preschool in Auburn! read more