We truly cannot fully express the amount of joy, comfort, and confidence we feel leaving our children in the loving hands of White Pony Preschool. When searching for the perfect preschool, we had very clear priorities - and White Pony was the only school that checked every box (for context, I'm an Excel-spreadsheet fanatic and a serious researcher - I visited many schools, observed classrooms/teachers, analyzed environments, and spoke with current and former parents across 15 preschools in Walnut Creek and Lafayette before choosing Meher Schools). Our top priorities were: 1. Teachers who genuinely practice kindness, patience, and love, creating a safe, nurturing environment that mirrors the care we provide at home. 2. A strong focus on kindness, emotional and spiritual development alongside academics, using the Nurtured Heart Approach to teach leadership, right from wrong, and strong values - something that truly matters in today's world. 3. A calm, orga, clean, and open environment inspired by Montessori/Waldorf principles, filled with music, dance, art, nature exploration, and joyful activities that spark curiosity and a love of learning. 4. Low teacher-to-student ratios with consistent, dedicated staff and minimal turnover. 5. The ease and convenience of reliable daycare availability and consistent school hours, which is invaluable for working parents and provides tremendous peace of mind. Our children have grown into calm, patient, loving, socially and emotionally intelligent individuals. They come home happy - singing songs, performing dances, and confidently demonstrating leadership skills such as speaking up, standing up for others, self-regulating ("resetting"), appreciating nature, sharing their finished "projects" from school, and truly loving life. We are incredibly grateful for the dependable, efficient, and communicative staff and teachers. Watching our children's growth, confidence, curiosity, and joy throughout their time at White Pony Preschool has been nothing short of amazing. We wholeheartedly and highly recommend White Pony Preschool to any parent looking for the very best for their child. read more

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White Pony Preschool literally changed our lives- not just for my 4 year old son but for our family. Prior to attending White Pony Preschool, my son experienced behavior difficulties. After the first day of school, he told me he loves White Pony and that he is so happy. We saw an immediate shift in his overall mood, a decrease in negative behaviors, increase in social skill development, an improvement in cooperative play and an increase his interest in attending school. White Pony preschool offered parent training in the nurtured heart approach and helped us as parents focus on the positive qualities within our son which in turn changed his behaviors at home. In less than a year our son went from a child who was bullied, who cried and did not follow instructions to a warm, empathetic, helpful boy with loving and kind friends. He developed compassion, empathy, a love for art, music and gardening and well developed manners of which I can take no credit for (I'm from New York). White Pony's teachers are experienced, loving, kind and dedicated to the growth of their students. The school's dedication to multi-cultural and diversity teaching has encouraged us as a family to learn and grow. This year my son was so excited to tell me all about Chinese New Year including a beautiful red lantern he made as well as festive art and music. Since my son has attended White Pony preschool he has expanded the foods that he will eat since White Pony serves healthy snacks as well as vegetables and fruits from the preschool garden. They also involve the children in making food as part of the learning. Thanks to White Pony preschool my son will now eat vegetable soup, berries, cucumber, and more. While this may not seem like a big deal to some parents, it meant the world to use as we had such a picky eater. At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted my son to attend a mixed age classroom until I saw how it impacted him. He loves mentoring the younger students and acting as the "helper" in guiding them to follow the teacher's instructions. The mix of ages helped him develop his self esteem and also develop a gentleness with children younger than him. I can go on and on but this is already a long review so I will end it on saying that we will be continuing with the Meher school and our son will go to Kindergarten. Lastly, we would like to publicly thank the teachers and staff at White Pony Preschool for all they have done for our son. read more

I called them to ask if a spot available in their preschool. The woman who received the call was lukewarm-- just saying that there would no personal tour, which I can understand during the Covid. So I asked if they have any spots, the women said that they had a few spots left and "you can submit an application and we would invite for an interview if we see fit"-- okay you can interview us for fit, fair.  So I went to their webpage, paid $40, and spent over an hour just to fill in a long application, from child's personality, temperature, to family education philosophy, and previous daycare contact etc., and finally submitted. The next day I received a message to say that their current spots are filled by continuing students, and they will see if they will have spots in future--- come on! Why didn't you just tell me that you don't have spots on the call? Why did you ask me to submit an application if you know that you don't have a spot? When I wrote to ask, their message was so arrogant: "we have more than 80 applications"-- yes, but does that mean you can abuse parents' trust ? In the end I came to question their transparency and sincerity in working with parents. After paying $40 and wrote a long application, we deserve a better explanation. read more

I looking preschool for my daughter and I contacted white pony school they so rude and Hurry , and what I like to know if they having space for my daughter or not and if yes they do I like to have a tour, they told me to fill the application which is 40$ and almost 2 weeks and not heard anything from them and I tried to contact no one available to answer and when I finally talked to a person she told me it's so complicated and I can't say it over the phone which I don't understand , what I need to know only do u guys have space Available or not ?????? And she told me my staff will contact you and already 2 weeks and nothing read more

We have loved our experience at White Pony. Due to working from home for the last couple of years during COVID, it has taken our son a little longer to adjust to going to school and both the administration and teachers have been incredibly supportive throughout this process. We even had one of the teachers come to our house to do a playdate to help our son feel more comfortable and adjust to new adults. We love that our son has a creative space to learn about caring for others, observe his surrounding, enjoy the beautiful gardens on campus, and become more independent. We are excited about applying and sending our younger daughter to White Pony as well as she loves going on campus to drop off her big brother and say hi to his friends and teachers. Thank you to the teachers for all you do - we feel lucky to be a part of this community! read more

Both my husband and I attended the White Pony Preschool. The teachers are attentive, loving, and creative and the ratio of students to teachers is the best around. Our daughter is finishing up her third year in the preschool and has loved every second of it. We are so thankful that The White Pony feeds into The Meher Schools so that our daughter can experience six more years of this wonderful school. read more

One of the best and most fortuitous occurrences in my child's life was being accepted at White Pony. She started preschool when she was two years old and remained in the preschool until she graduated. She loved the songs and the circle time and the "work" (structured play and projects) and the kind loving atmosphere of the teachers and staff. White Pony provided a great foundation to her for elementary school and for giving her a better sense of self. Also, I appreciate how the culture at White Pony celebrates diversity. My child got to attend school with children of other races and various religious denominations. It provided her with a foundation of inclusivity and equity for all. She got to participate in plays as early as two-years-old and she was respected as a little human being, not just treated like a child. read more

My son is just completing his first preschool year at White Pony School. I've thought a lot about our experience at WPS and I think I have the school's recipe just about right: - one part passionate early childhood education professionals - one part respectful observation for the joyously unique experience that is childhood - one part dedication to an enlightening and refreshing humanistic philosophy - one part commitment to an inclusive and diverse school community - a sprinkling of humor, compassion, and genuine love My son is flourishing at WPS! It is such a pleasure to watch his confidence grow and see him discover and develop his innate abilities and skills. I feel this is one of the most refreshing aspects of WPS- the individual attributes of a child are recognized and celebrated. He loves his classroom, teachers, and his friends and I love to share in his excitement about the butterfly life cycle, the fire fighter who came to visit the classroom, and his adventures in the vegetable garden (and so much more!). The teachers and aftercare staff at WPS are very engaged with each and every student and I am consistently amazed by their energy and patience. What might fluster some adults is addressed with a calm and attentive manner and I find these practices have helped me in my own parenting journey. I also feel parental support - from wellness classes for moms and dads, a weekly original informational newsletter from the preschool director, and a receptive school leadership team - is unique to WPS. WPS is a very special place. It's a school but it's also so much more. It's a community unlike any I've ever experienced. read more

This is my sons second year in the white pony preschool program and he/we could not be happier. He is excited to go to school everyday. His teachers have all been miracle workers and I have witnessed time and time again their never ending patience and the loving care provided to all the children. The way things have been handled during the pandemic has been stellar with clear communication and compassion, both to the community at large but also to the attending families and their financial situations. I feel so thankful to be a part of such a great community and plan to keep my son there until it's time for junior high. If they're able to fit you in, count yourself lucky! read more

This is a beautiful, individual child-focused school with a strong focus on the arts. My daughter is flourishing at White Pony and asks every day when she can go back to school. We love all of the staff, teachers and administration. They are a non-profit and operate lean, but without sacrificing the health and growth of the child and remaining child-centric throughout. Most exceptionally, the way they have handled the shelter in place shutdowns could not have been better. They were transparent and fair, focused on helping families and not their own bottom line. Well done Meher School and White Pony! We are so blessed our child attends this school. read more

I would not send my preschool child there. Daniella the director is RUDE. She will take your money for registration & be nice for that, then its all DOWNHILL after that. The place is inexpensive...and you get what you pay for in terms of administration of the place, the teachers - though there are a few that are good. There are quite a few concerning comments on Lamorinda moms, I wish I had paid more attention to them BEFORE. As for the elementary school - I really don't know but if its the same administration and Daniella runs it, then my guess is they are also focused on dollars and less about the child. read more

This place is amazing. My son attends preschool here, and he is in Room 2. We are so, so happy with our decision. I am an Early Childhood specialist (a School Psychologist for a huge preschool program in a neighboring school district, a teacher of Child Development at a community college, and a consultant for early childhood programs). So I visited 14 preschools in the East Bay before deciding where to send my little guy. I wanted to make sure I picked the best possible place for him and for what I know is best according to research on child development. He is thriving here. He has been a sensitive kiddo with some major separation anxiety around school - every time I would mention that he was going to school, he would melt down. The staff worked extensively with me to help have a plan so that he could ease into school and the program. Before school even started, they let us visit the playground on the weekends so he could get used to the space. Then, right before school started, the lead teacher met us on the weekend so he could play in the classroom, get to know her, and become comfortable with various aspects of the class and routine that she showed him. Then they have a system where every kid gets their own unique start date and go on day one with their parent, so each kid can get a sense that this place is safe, and the other kids aren't hysterical at the same time when parents leave for the first time. Because my kiddo is extra sensitive, they also allowed me to stay at the start of class for weeks after he started, because it helped him adjust daily. I'm happy to report that he hasn't shed one tear at all. White Pony supported his transition in a very attachment-based, gentle approach that really worked for my son. As a professional, I have seen separation anxiety treated in a variety of ways, and I understand that each child requires something different. What many places would have required though (just leave him and let him cry it out, and he will adjust) would not have worked for my kid (yes, I've seen it work for many, but this would not have been ideal for mine). The staff at White Pony were so supportive, reflective, and thoughtful through all of this. Additionally, because of my extra time in the classroom, I have seen what they are like more than others. The teachers are seriously AMAZING. They are the calmest, most gentle, nurturing, loving teachers. They offer such a variety of activities for the kids. They work seamlessly as a team. I have worked with probably about 75 preschool teachers in my 14 years as an educator, and these White Pony teachers are at the top of their game. I have super high expectations, and they have met and exceeded them. My kiddo is excited to go to preschool. On another note, I have no idea what the other reviewer was talking about. Susie Kohl is the Director of White Pony and has been since it opened decades ago. Susie has been equally wonderful with all my encounters with her. She thoughtfully reflects about all of her decisions, sends weekly newsletter messages and tips to parents that are spot on in terms of what the research tells us about child development, and is so kind and caring in all of her interactions. She checks in with me all the time about how my son is doing. This place is a gem. read more

We are so lucky we found this school for our kids. It's full of love for children. Both of my kids have been so happy and comfortable there (we just finished our 3rd year with this school). They always want to play longer when I come to pick them up. The teachers are wonderful. And after school program i think is one of the best there is. We leave in Walnut Creek and have access to very good public schools. But we will not leave the White Pony till both kids graduate from the 5th grade here read more

I attended here from preschool to 2nd grade in 1993. All the teachers were amazing. I loved it and was so sad when I moved. I remember when a little boy was being picked on for regularly playing with the dolls and mermaid stuff. The teacher swooped in and effectively stopped it. They taught us anatomy and math but also how to imagine and let us play. I was wonderfully supported. I don't know the teachers and the set up currently, but if it is at all now like it was then, it is amazing. I wish I still lived in the state so I would be able to send my kids there in the future. read more

Both my kids have attended White Pony Preschool, for a combined total of 6 years. They've loved it - and we've loved the community of teachers and families. :) read more

My daughter went to the preschool, White Pony, for two years, and she/we had a great experience. The teachers were very caring and loving. The teachers and the administration were flexible and open-minded. This school has been around for 40 years and doesn't advertise yet always has a waiting list. There is a culture of love and respect here that is palpable. And the adults teach the children love and respect by modeling that behavior. They are a non-profit and many (all?) of the teachers/administrators take lower salaries because the school's mission is to be a service to the community. I couldn't disagree more with the previous reviewer's assessment. read more

I was lucky enough to have both of my children accepted into the White Pony preschool. This school had and taught all the values that I found important...love, kindness, caring, patience, creativity and compassion. As a full time, working mom, it was paramount to have full time care that would enrich my children's individuality and take care of them in a way that was soft and gentle. I only planned to have them go to preschool there, but was so enamored that I had both of my girls stay all the way through 5th grade. Both girls were able to assimilate into public school without a problem. I would suggest to anyone thinking of sending their children to the Meher Schools, to have them join neighborhood sport teams or clubs to make local friends, so the transition to a bigger middle school environment is less overwhelming. The level of education that they received made them well prepared for public school and both excelled academically and creatively. I'm forever grateful for the quality of education and the base of pure human goodness that was instilled in them. read more