My husband and I are educators, and when we went looking for a preschool, we were hoping to find a…read moreplace with staff who truly cared about nurturing the growth of little people. We found just that at Happy Day, and feel very lucky to have been part of the school community for three years now. We have two energetic little boys, and both have grown and thrived in the care of Fahi, Nadia, Anahita, and the other teachers. The teachers know each child very well (benefits of a small school) - their likes, dislikes, allergies, and routines. I also really appreciate the emphasis on teaching the kids independence, love of learning, and care for their environment and friends. Our kids learned great habits like cleaning up their space, sharing with others, and focusing on activities they choose themselves. When our older son began TK, it was clear that Happy Day had prepared him very well, both educationally and socially, for that experience. We also had to get a little broom so he could sweep up at home, something he definitely learned from the teachers and not from us! And finally, I just want to appreciate the warmth and compassion the teachers always show, which sets the tone for the whole community. We've enjoyed getting to know the other Happy Day families at school events, and it's so fun to see the kids running around like a bunch of ducklings at birthday parties. Happy Day has been a great first school experience for our kids, and we'd recommend it highly to anyone looking for a cozy preschool run by caring and experienced educators.

We had a great experience here. They really care about our little ones. If you want your children…read moreto have the best memories in their early years, please consider sending them here.

Our two kids began at Rising Sun at the beginning of 2022 in the older student classroom and we are…read moreso happy they found their preschool home here. Young children need a lot of care and attention with big changes, especially during the pandemic and we have especially appreciated the attention that the two teachers who work with the older students Miss Carolina (also the school head) and Miss Reina have invested in helping our kids transition back to a structured classroom. There is also a wonderful feeling of community among the students. I recently asked Miss Carolina how she managed to enroll children who got along so well. Demonstrating that commitment to working with each child individually, she explained that all students have the potential to succeed and that the teachers have a responsibility to cultivate skills and encourage children to get there. The community feeling extends to the school's parents as well and we hope to stay connected to some of our new friends for years to come.

Not for every child…read more We had a very poor experience. Our 2 year old attended for a few months in the Spring/Summer of 2019. Pros and Cons below. Pros: Clean, Good Activities/Materials, Felt Safe. Cons: -Very poor communication. We had to message them numerous times to confirm enrollment. A few months into attendance we found out we had never been added to the parent communication list-serve with health, safety and activity information. Payment checks were cashed weeks after given. -Not a good fit for high-energy children. We had numerous parent-teacher meetings over very minor issues such as "walking around during lunch vs. eating at table" and not napping. They were unwilling to accommodate a non-napper and we were asked to leave or go down to mornings only. This happened to another child while we were there too. If your child is at ALL spirited, I don't recommend Rising Sun.

We love this preschool! My son is there and excited to go to school every day to see Ms Jeanne -…read moreshe's the best.

We absolutely love Hummingbird Montessori. Ms. Jeanne is such a caring and nurturing educator. My…read moreLO has exhibited so much emotional and intellectual development while attending. I would highly recommend Hummingbird to anyone looking for a place to send your LO.

We love Orkidz! Our now 2 yr old daughter started when she was 6 months old and we hope to keep her…read morethere until she starts TK. The women who work here are really the heart of the place and the care they provide is what has stood out the most to our family. Every teacher we have had the pleasure of interacting with has always been genuinely warm and loving with the kids. The well being of the child is always a priority and they constantly do everything they can to help foster an environment where they can thrive. Our daughter is a happy, confident, social? curious toddler thanks greatly in part to them. Between Zumba, yoga, and music classes, nature walks, trips to the park and the library, arts and crafts, gardening, and baking, these kids are never bored. Meals are also provided, which has been a huge time saver. We cannot recommend this place enough! Our daughter loves it and we're hoping our son will feel the same way when he joins his sister in February!

Updating my review - We have now sent all 3 of our boys…read morethrough Orkidz, and it has felt like a home away from home for them. Each boy has a different personality, and yet, each one felt supported and cared for at Orkidz. My perspective is that at this age (~2 to 5), learning happens readily when a child feels supported and safe. Orkidz teachers have always provided just the right environment for my little ones! They also offer weekly music, yoga/zumba, and nature walks, which are highlights. My sons have adapted to school very well following their preparation at Orkidz. We miss the teachers, and we're so grateful for their care over the years. You can't go wrong with Orkidz!

My older child attended this preschool from age 2.5 to 4.5, and my youngest is currently enrolled…read moreas well. That alone says a lot -- when you find something that works, you stick with it. The teacher-to-student ratio is genuinely impressive, and the staff are some of the warmest, most nurturing and patient people I've encountered in childcare. You can tell they truly love what they do. The curriculum is strong and varied, with walking field trips to the library, the post office, and nearby parks -- my child was always engaged and learning -- The food is a highlight in itself. Breakfast and lunch are both included in the cost, which is unusual and a significant value add. Kids are served plenty of beautiful fruits and vegetables, and my child looks forward to the morning smoothie every single day. Roxy, the owner, is warm and lovresponsive, flexible, and accommodating whenever possible. When we first started, she helped us ease in gradually and offered support and reassurance along the way. She has always been willing to work with us on scheduling, which made a real difference for our family. One of Roxy's strongest emphases is celebrating diversity, inclusion, and community, and that is felt every day. As an LGBTQ family, we have felt safe, included, and celebrated from the start. The families come from a wide mix of ethnicities and backgrounds, and that was deeply important to us when choosing a school. There are so many more positive elements to highlight but this review is already long, so. A couple of honest caveats: communication could occasionally feel out of sync -- for example around potty training for our older child, where we weren't always on the same page -- though it worked out in the end. And fair warning: the location is an older house that hasn't been updated, so the physical appearance can be a bit of a deterrent on first impression for some. Don't let it put you off. What happens inside is what matters, and inside it's a warm, safe, loving environment where kids genuinely thrive. Both of my kids say they love and miss Wawasi -- and that kind of loyalty from a child is the most honest review of all.

My family has been a part of Wawasi for the last 2 years and we have been very happy with our…read moreexperience. My child is excited to go to school each day and learn. When we go on vacation, my child asks when they can go back! The teachers are attentive and caring. There is structured learning appropriate for their age and plenty of time to play and grow socially. Breakfast and lunch are offered and my child reports that they enjoy it! They also spek to the children in Spanish (though it is not immersion), so my child has picked up some language recognition. The caregivers/parents are also able to connect through different celebrations which has been a wonderful experience as well. My child will be exiting soon to enter TK and we will miss Wawasi greatly. Highly recommend!

My third grade granddaughter has been there since preschool. The outdoor/gardening/cooking…read morecomponent is a great balance to the strong academics. Peaceful atmosphere, lots of beauty.

As someone who moved to the Bay Area about a decade ago, I've often missed the sense of Persian…read morecommunity I grew up with, attending "mehmoonis" (parties), hearing Iranian music fill our home, and being surrounded by our rich, beautiful culture. When it came time to find a preschool for my son, I dreamed of a place that could offer him that same warmth and connection, and Golestan has given us exactly that and more. The first time I stepped into Golestan's "hayaat" (yard), I was instantly transported to my grandpa's garden in Iran. The laughter, the trees, the care woven into every detail. It's such a lively, loving, and vibrant space where my son learns, plays, makes friends, and creates lasting memories. The teachers are absolute angels, deeply nurturing, creative, and so attuned to each child. From the thoughtfully designed classrooms to the fresh, nourishing food (with ingredients straight from their learning garden!), every aspect of Golestan reflects an intentional, heartful approach to education and community. I feel truly honored for my son to spend his days in such a magical and enriching environment, surrounded by love, culture, and curiosity, and I'm already dreaming of the day my daughter can join. Regardless of your background or heritage, Golestan is a place worth experiencing. I'm sure they'll woo you at "Salaam" :)

Absolutely amazing school. Staff is very engaging, supportive and great with the students. My son…read morehas advanced so much in their program and we look forward to another year!

Absolutely Exceptional - More Than Just a School…read more Year after year, this Montessori school continues to amaze our family. It is rare to find a place that balances rigorous academic excellence with such a genuine focus on character development and respect. We have watched our youngest (now 4) blossom here over the last two years. The growth in his education level is nothing short of outstanding--he is learning concepts I wouldn't have expected at his age, yet he is doing it with joy and curiosity. But beyond the academics, what impresses me most is the school's commitment to constantly bringing in new activities and enhancing the learning environment. They never settle; they are always finding ways to be better. A few amazing days of the year for you and the family: All the Holidays - The school ensures we celebrate holidays from across all cultures and life. Fathers' Night: An amazing way to connect their children with their fathers. One of the best moments I look forward to every year. I Mother Tea Time: Another amazing experience for the children to spend some quality academic and fun time with their moms. This standard of excellence isn't limited to just one teacher; it is consistent across the board. Every staff member, at every level, cares deeply about these children. If you are looking for a place that will truly invest in your child's future, this is it. We couldn't be happier.

Our daughter attended LET for three years, and she truly thrived there. The warm, nurturing…read moreenvironment and wonderful teachers helped her grow into a happy, kind, and confident child. Staying for her TK year was the best decision we made. It was amazing to see the Montessori philosophy in action during that third year. Her confidence and independence blossomed. It was clear that the teachers prepared her well academically (early reader and a strong curiosity for learning) but more importantly, social-emotionally. What's more - many of the alumni still stay in touch, a reflection of the wonderful experience so many families had. The LET community has been an integral part of our daughter's early years, and we will always be grateful.

So fortunate to have found this little gem. We found Little Elephant Too in Berkeley online when we…read morewere moving from India to the Bay Area last year in 2022. Fortunate to have fallen in love with this cute cozy and calm space for our daughter! She has so much fun here, loves her teachers and her friends We have been enjoying being part of this community, talking to the parents and bonding over birthday parties at the park or potluck gatherings in school. Amazing memories we will cherish forever! If you ever want to gift something special to your child, gift them montessori education for their early childhood

We sent our son there and he loves going to school now!…read more Great faculty and well thought out classroom set up.

This is an amazing school! I have been a teacher here for over a year and absolutely love it. It is…read morea very welcoming and inviting space where the upper management treats teachers with the utmost respect.