I can't even put into words what a magical and wonderful experience Tender Tracks has been for my…read morefamily. My daughter did the three program last year and is in the four year old program this year. They spend the entire day outdoors, exploring nature, connecting to the natural world, building social relationships and learning to take risks and trust in themselves. Wendolyn retrofitted an old bus to have safety harnesses, which allows them to explore many of the wonderful outside offerings Marin has. The mix of nurturing and rhythm from the amazing teachers and the experience adventuring outside makes this a one of a kind program that can't be beat. I can't recommend it enough, and my younger son can't wait until he can join the Tender Tracks family.

There's a reason why parents drive across the county to get their kids here. This is a truly…read moremagical program with a gifted teacher. Wendolyn knows how to connect on a very deep level with each kid, meeting them where they truly are. This is a Waldorf-inspired nature education program and it's 100% outdoor rain or shine for 3-5 year olds. I can't think of a better place to build life skills, self esteem and grow. I feel so fortunate to have found this.

I have taken my toddler here for drop in play twice and we had a great time. The staff is friendly…read moreand knowledgable, and the variety of Lego toys to play with and buy is really impressive. I'll definitely be bringing my son here a lot over the summer while it's too hot for outdoor activities!

This is a great place for Lego fans - especially kids who want to drop in and play or host a…read morebirthday party. They have some cool parts and lots of sets although they are very expensive. Id recommend more for an "experience" vs shopping.

Great experience taking the adult Watercolor 101 class in San Rafael. I decided to take this class…read moreas it has been decades since I did anything remotely fine art related. I thought watercolor would be an easy place to start, but it's actually probably one of the hardest painting mediums (though the easy clean-up does make up for it!). This class taught me the foundation watercolor painting techniques I was looking for to get me started in art again. Hana Buechel was a skilled and engaging instructor. She is friendly, very approachable and encouraging. She is also an exceptional artist. She really helped re-ignite my interest in painting and going to spend the summer putting what she taught me into practice. Hoping to take another class in the fall. Thanks Hana!

Incredible art school - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Our high school daughter has been attending Art School of…read moreSF Bay's teen class for a few years now. Note that they also have adult classes. The classes she has taken (weekly during the school year) have given her confidence in new painting skills and mediums (oil, etc.). Her instructor, Cody, is phenomenal, providing guidance, asking questions to help students consider their work and approach, and helping develop specific skills (this is not just painting together in a room). She looks forward to art class each week, and we are thrilled each time she brings home a piece. So glad we found this gem of an art school. Thank you!

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!

It has been an amazing experience all around! School of Rock San Rafael has outstanding instructors…read moreand staff who truly care about the kids. They combine high expectations with high support and foster a positive, kind, and mutually supportive environment. It's not a given that kids will be encouraging and inclusive in group settings, but the fact that SoR consistently brings together bands where the students are supportive and kind to one another speaks volumes. The non-teaching staff are also incredible--great communicators, always warm, friendly, and helpful. This program has been a life-changing, inspiring, and incredibly positive experience. Thank you to everyone at SoR San Rafael for everything you do!

Very poor communication - took them over a week just to get back to my voicemail. No one answers…read morephone as well.

My son recently attended a Roots to Branches Summer Camp and loved it. The camp was held throughout…read moreMarin, primarily in the GGNRA/Marin Headlands, a wonderful use of the beautiful area we live in! We recently moved into the area it was a great way for my son to meet new friends in. In addition, the facilitators were awesome, fun, very supportive and helpful. Such a great camp that we look forward to participating in the Roots to Branches yearlong program this year! Thanks!

My soon to be 13 year old son attended this years R2B summer camp and I wish I could give more than…read more5 stars as it really does deserve it. From the time the boys all met up on day one and clicked immediately with Armando taking lead to Zach coming in as well and creating a very different vibe to make the boys feel so welcome. Power tools, Lasar tag, making shelters, building fires, storytelling, and fun games on the beaches of the Marin Headlands were just some of the weeks activities. I have to say my son came home everyday with a smile on his face from ear to ear. He is already asking me when the year long program will begin! Please don't hesitate signing your child up for any program with Roots to Branches as what Armando and Zach are creating for our children as they become young adults in a very different and sometimes challenging world is so very needed and important. Thank you R2B!! Jackie H.