This school has been awesome for us and my daughter. She's been going here since pre k and how she's doing 1st grade work. The one on one is amazing it's like getting a private tutor. Mrs joan and the staffs are wonderful teachers. I highly recommend. read more

The Learning Company is a great value for the amount of dedicated attention my child receives.

Very impressed, while I am considering between TK and one more year of preschool, I toured this school. It has such a warm friendly personal feel. They really look at the child individually to see the level they are at, and work on the area's that they may need extra help in. I toured and was impressed by the simplicity yet the well rounded curriculum. They also do in the afternoon zumba and yoga, and make the day very fun for the kids, although it is academic focus, your child will get plenty of play time and also creative projects to work on. I think what I loved the most is the diversity in the classroom and how lively the kids were, I toured the 3-4+ classroom and was happy to see the kids chit chatting with the teacher and with eachother, I could see my child fit very well in this environment. I also loved the fact in the older classroom, I saw the owner's husband helping a child on a worksheet. They seem like a very nurturing environment that could help my child be well rounded and ready for Kindergarten. Parking was huge and easy, and no congestion due to the fact the school is small with excellent teacher ratio. Thank you miss Joan for a wonderful tour! read more

Our daughter has been going here for a year now and I cannot say enough good things about this school. Her learning has skyrocketed helping with her speech, writing, letter and number recognition, and following instructions. The teachers are so kind, caring, and patient and the small class size ensures such good attention for each child. It's a diamond in the rough and I highly recommend it! read more

We toured a number of daycares/preschools and none of them gave us the feeling of being the right one until we came to the Learning Company. The very first time we met with Miss Joan and toured the school, it was like everything that we were looking for in a preschool was right there, and without a moment of hesitation, we decided to go with the Learning Company. Our kid is the Preschool class, and loves going to the school, it is like an extended family for her. I was expecting tears during the transition period (she had a difficult transition to her previous daycare), but she blended right in from the very first day and was super stoked to go back from the next day. I have to give credit to the teachers at TLC for making her feel super comfortable and at home. A huge shout out to Miss Lillian for being so amazing and being the epitome of patience when handling the kids. She provides regular updates about the kids, their progress and ensures that the they get any extra attention that they need. She is always ready to listen to any feedback/concerns that we have and is always eager to help. Miss Yolanda is always caring and takes such such good care of the kids. Miss Joan and Mr Winslow (the owners with a couple decades of teaching experience) are the Kindergarten teachers. Miss Joan also teaches music and the kids perform every quarter. It is a fantastic podium for the kids to be exposed to music and fine arts. That being said, the school does focus on academics and the child will be provided worksheets based on their skill level, they are not forced to do them but are gently helped and encouraged for progress. Also, the school is not heavy on technology use, and does not use fancy apps to provide daily photos/updates on the kids, but instead the teachers provide feedback/updates on the kids during pickup/dropoff time. I have not once had any problems communicating with the teachers, they are always ready to listen and they do have a phone number that you can call to talk in detail to the teachers when the kids nap. I would highly recommend this school for providing such good well rounded development to the kids. read more

The Learning Company and Academy is an amazing place for learning. My nephew has improved his English and Math skills considerably since attending. They were very focused on helping with his attention and learning skills, and offering personal instructions. Amazing improvements! read more

I highly recommend this preschool. My son can't speak English at all 1 year ago, but now he not only speak fluently but also he can write and read! My son also learned Spanish ! It's amazing The teachers are so nice, patient and impartial and thoughtful ! This is the best preschool I've ever seen! No matter which preschool your kids in, the teacher is important ! L They have musical performance every 3 -4 months! I saw every kid very enjoy it! I don't understand why some parents don't put kids into this preschool. Maybe they really don't know this place! So I want to everyone know it ! read more

The Learning Company and Academy - Elementary Schools Near Me - San Jose, California

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We sent our kid to The Learning Company and Academy from when she was 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 years old. We eventually got to be so uncomfortable with the school that we moved her to a new preschool, even though the new school will mean a longer commute and slightly higher tuition. Below are the reasons we personally decided to leave the preschool. (Acknowledging that each family may have different preferences and priorities, and some may not care about some of the points below, our hope is that this list may help you to evaluate whether The Learning Company and Academy is right for you.) 1. Difficulty communicating with the teachers. For example, one day at drop-off, I said "I forgot to bring KidName's water bottle today. Do you have a cup that she can use? Or do I need to go home and get a water bottle?" I repeated this two more times in different ways, along with pantomiming, and eventually had to open the lunch box and point to where there was no water bottle before the teacher understood. 2. No easy way to communicate with administration. The school does not have an email address. There's no way to text them. They certainly have no app. The only way to reach them is by phone call. (The lack of communication in the above two points has made it nearly impossible to raise concerns about any of the following points.) 3. The school is very punitive and disciplinarian. One of the only times I had any direct contact with administration, they were calling me to ask if our kid had any privileges at home that they could take away at school to force her to nap. Our kid has also been using various terms like "bad girl," "time out," and "troublemaker" that she certainly never learned at home. We have to continually repeat to her that people aren't bad or good, they can do bad things or good things. 4. Forced nap time. our kid sleeps for 12-13 hours a night, so she's not tired during the day, and usually does not nap. On weekends, we have "quiet time" for two hours in the afternoon, where she's in her room alone to wind down, but does not usually nap. During my own time in preschool, I also didn't nap; I'd go sit in a room with the older kids and color things with crayons. When I suggested that our kid could do the same, the school refused. 5. Extreme focus on academics. They have worksheets that the kids are required to do. While I never personally saw my kid not wanting to do a worksheet, I did see the teacher forcing other kids to sit and do their worksheets while dropping my kid off. This hardly seems like a way to inspire a love of learning. The school also sends home report cards (which seems awfully rigorous for a preschool). 6. Not paying attention to kids. In the report cards, they mark what the kids can do, separated into academic things, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. Our kid has had great gross motor skills for a while. Before starting at the school, she could accurately play catch with a ball from perhaps 40ft (10m) away. Yet, her report card said that she was unable to throw a ball at all. There were several other gross motor skills that fell in this same category. The teacher either didn't pay any attention to her or else didn't provide an environment where she was comfortable enough to show her abilities. 7. Messages in songs. The school has concerts every couple of months, where the kids sing songs they've learned. At age 3, you really have to repeat something a ton of times before the kid can repeat it back, which means that the words of these songs are being deeply ingrained in the kids as core messages. Yet these songs reinforce traditional stereotypes. There was a Mother's Day concert, and the full month leading up to it, our kid had a strong preference for mom over dad and kept singing things like "mothers are for hugging, mothers are for kissing." 8. The school claims to be just renting space from a church but not actually religious, but it definitely still implicitly pushes kids into mainstream Christian culture. When I raised concerns about them hosting a Christmas concert, I was gaslit and told that it couldn't possibly actually be an issue because I was the only parent who had ever raised it. (Because I grew up with the confidence of being raised white and male, I had the comfort level to raise my concerns. Although I may be reading into things, I would guess that the woman of color wearing a hijab who sat near me during the concert was also uncomfortable with it, but just didn't feel empowered to raise it as an issue.) 9. Vaguely racist education materials. Our kid brought home a coloring page for "E is for Eskimo" (a derogatory term historically used by colonizers to refer to Inuit peoples). 10. One day our kid told us that the teacher had hit her. We think this is probably not true, but it bears mentioning as something for parents to watch out for, just in case. (Our kid also on the same day said that her sibling's caretaker in a different physical location had hit read more

Miss Joan and her crew are the best you son did preschool and kindergarten, he learned a lot during this time, we highly recommend this school. The level of education is impressive. Thank you all. read more

The Learning Company and Academy - Halloween presentation - Elementary Schools Near Me - San Jose, California

I can't say enough good things about this school. Joan, the director, is a phenomenal educator and overall lovely person. They offer a nice balance of play based education while still focusing on academics. The classrooms are clean and the teachers are strict about adhering to Covid guidelines. Joan and her staff have a lifetime of experience in education, and they bring their expertise into the classroom everyday. Miss Lilian is the preschool teacher and is just a blessing. I don't know what we would have done without her caring demeanor and patience with both of our children. My favorite part about the school is the music and drama Joan brings into the curriculum. There are multiple performances throughout the year and the children love it! All children have an opportunity to play a part, without the stress of "trying out". Songs, costumes and choreography all done by Joan. She's amazing! I also like that the building is set away from the street, so strangers can't just watch the kids play. That's a pet peeve of mine. It's nestled away behind a church, off of Blossom Hill so it's easy to get to, but still away from traffic and strangers' access (not affiliated with the church). I also love the sense of family here. All of the parents chat and stay connected, which is great. Anytime I hear someone looking for a preschool-kinder school for their child, I recommend The Learning Company and Academy. read more

My daughter attended The Learning Company and Academy from 2022 till summer of 2023 and she loved it! She loved all her teachers especially Ms. Joan and she loved their music program. Everyday she used to come home and sing and teach me her songs. We felt it was a good balance of play, extra curriculars and academics. We used to love the shows where the children used to perform during Christmas, Halloween, July 4th etc. The teachers were loving and caring and she loved to go to the school. She made some really good friends there. Thanks to Ms. Joan and her team. read more

My daughter went to Learning Company for pre-k and the summer after K. She was excited to go to school every morning. Ms. Joan and Mr.Winslow are wonderful people who care for the kids like their own. Ms. Lilian and Ms. Yolanda were amazing teachers who taught values and manners in addition to school curriculum. Ms. Joan teaches music and the class performs every month in front of parents. Overall, well rounded education and care provided by The Learning Company and Academy family. Would highly recommend for preschool to K. read more

My second child is close to finishing her 3rd year at The Learning Company and Academy and I am so sad that she will be leaving for 1st grade. The school provides care and academics for pre-schoolers up to Kindergarten. My child is prepared for 1st grade and will excel and I have the school to thank of that. Miss Joan, the owner and primary teacher, has done an excellent job instructing and nurturing both my children. At the school both of my kids had great experiences and were surround by great kids and teachers. They loved the art projects, monthly field trips, music lessons, play time and the educational piece as well. Learning was made fun! I would encourage all parents to check out the school. It is a great place to send your children. read more

I would give this school 10 stars if I could! Both my children went through Preschool and Kindergarten here. Joan and the crew are amazing with children. Patient, kind, and considerate of different needs for each child. I would highly, highly recommend this school. read more

I chose The earning company and Academy because my friend's son was here. Every time I saw the boy he's all smiles and very polite, so I believed this school must be a happy place. Now that my daughter has been here for one year, I know I made a right decision, this IS a school with joy and love. Every morning parents greet with each other, and then kids rushing into the school like there's something wonderful waiting for them. My daughter always came home singing and sharing what she has learned at school. I think the best thing about this school are the teachers. They are experienced, patient, and trustworthy. Too bad we need to say goodbye because my daughter's going to kindergaten. TLC is like a big family and we will definitely miss this place. read more

My son participated in the pre-school program at The Learning Academy many years ago and we have remained friends with Joan and her husband John Winslow. They put their heart and soul into this pre-school and deliver a quality program. My son learned so much and was well cared for. You will not find a better pre-school where the owners can be trusted with your children and they take the time to really get to know your children and teach them. read more

5+ stars, TLC has been an awesome find for our family and has provided a great foundation and scholastic start for my two kids, both of which started here at 3 years old. The teachers truly care about the kids and have a great way of making learning fun. Between the music, art, plays, reading and math exercises my kids have gotten a well rounded, great start making elementary school a much easier transition. My oldest who just finished 3rd grade would like to add the following to my review,"I enjoyed all 3 years at TLC. I made a lot of friends and really liked the teachers. I learned a lot about math and reading and I enjoyed the art, music, field trips and plays. Mr. Winslow was a great math teacher, making first grade math more like a review. I also loved being in the plays and singing, singing is one of my favorite hobbies now and Miss Joan taught me all about it. If you go to TLC, you'll love it!" read more

This is a great little gem of a school. My daughter went here for 3 years, preschool - kindergarten. I initially chose The Learning Company b/c of the quiet location and environment. It was such a nice contrast from the giant corporate day-care centers where both my daughter and I would leave at pick-up time edgy and cranky. TLC is small and locally owned. The director has been in education in the area for years and really cares about creating a great environment for the kids. There are monthly field trips, a PE program and best of all a fabulous music program with a piano in the school. They sing and do music daily and put on holiday plays and performances for the parents. The kindergarten program is very academic but doesn't push the children; they are asking for more and love to learn. My daughter, who is now in second grade is reading at a 4th grade level and I think it's due to the early teaching at TLC. read more

Both my son and daughter attended preschool and kindergarten classes here. Miss Joan and the entire staff pay extra attention to each child and the growth both my kids made was a true reflection of the staff's talent. So many wonderful and different activities provide a very rounded experience for the child and get them prepared for their next step in schooling: whether public or private school. Both kids now go to public school and are way ahead of the rest of their respective classmates in their grade in respects to reading, spelling, math...essentially all the basics. No matter which path of schooling you choose for your children, the Learning Academy gets them off to a great start. Such an enjoyable experience for all involved. Can't say enough. read more

I wish I could give them more than 5 stars! My daughter Anna went here for 2 years, and she loved it. Great school, warm, home-like atmosphere. Great teachers, and miss Joan is just a sweetheart... Such a great experience! read more

My daughter started at The Learning Company and Academy right when she turned 2yr 9mo. 3 months later she can count to 10 (in English and Spanish, almost 20 in English), knows the days of the week, knows the all her colors in Spanish, 5 different dinosaurs and specific traits they each have, and can spell her name (verbally). All before she turns three. Joan has done a wonderful job putting a program together that is fun and interactive. They are big in music and have the kids do short nursery rhyme plays. My husband and I are beyond pleased with the teachers and the atmosphere at TLC. I recommend it to every parent I talk to and will definitely be taking any future kids we have here. read more

Ms. Joan is a great person. The world is lucky to have her. My experience with her was wonderful. My son is a very intelligent child who has a learning disability. What he learned at Ms. Joan's school provided an excellent foundation for his future learning. Ms. Joan incorporates a significant amount of structure into her program. Children learn to be polite, patient, and are expected to follow the rules that she sets forth. These are excellent skills to learn, especially in today's society where many homes do not teach those skills and neither do most schools. This is an excellent school for parents who prefer an orderly, no-nonsense, "old-school" (which is the way it's supposed to be and what has been proven to work) learning environment that also offers creativity, compassion and true interest in the well-being of the children and their academic development. read more

I love TLC. This is my 5th and sadly last year with them. We had just moved to San Jose and were going crazy trying to find a well rounded program for our first daughter when we saw their ad in Bay Area parent magazine, visited the school and instantly signed up! Miss Joan runs a very good academic program complemented by PE, daily music, Arts, Spanish, cooking classes (preschoolers only), almost monthly field trips and several plays performed throughout the year. The teachers teach at each students level moving at your child's pace. They are open to suggestions and ideas from parents. I like the individual attention that the kids get here. Miss Lillian is a very warm and loving individual making sure that the children eat their lunch and this was very important to me. I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a cozy, loving environment for their little ones! read more

My daughter attended the preschool and is now in the school's Kindergarten program. The K program has so much one on one time that she is doing 1st grade material, she is confident, polite and really loving school. We enrolled my son in the preschool program this year as well. Both love to go to school. Besides academics, the kids have art, they preform musicals and holiday shows, they have a weekly gym class, cooking class and much more. The teachers love the kids and the parents are always welcomed to participate and share family interests. I saw how special this school was when I first met Miss Joan and I feel lucky that my kids have an amazing environment to learn, play and grow. read more

I have been meaning to post this for year over a year now. This is the BEST pre-school ever. Ms. Joan and Mr. Winslow are forever embedded in our hearts and the hearts of our children. I cannot put into words how much we love the Learning Company! We always said that if they went through Highschool, we would have signed up our kids for sure, beyon pre-school and Kindergarten. Our kids were more than prepared for Elementary school@!! - The Hansen Family read more