Schools near Kensington, CA

“We feel so fortunate to be a part of The Good Earth School community and have had only wonderful experiences with teachers, students and parents over the 3 years our 2 kids have attended. From the moment we met Gail and Alan for a tour of the school, we could tell how much personal care they put into every aspect of running a top notch program and just got that gut feeling it was a special place (and that feeling remains 3 years later).Since our kids have previously had challenges with transitions, it was especially important to us to find a place where they would feel safe and loved, in addition to an engaging educational setting. Not only were the staff completely open to our needs, but they were very empathetic toward our feelings as parents, so we really appreciated the understanding and extra support we received with setting up a transition plan which ended up making the start of the year much smoother than we expected. Our daughter jumped right into the routine immediately, much to our surprise, and although our son needed a few weeks to get to his comfort zone, he was given a lot of extra cuddle time and he formed close bonds with his teachers during that time.The outdoor emphasis is a perfect fit for our kids who love to get outside and get dirty. They have blossomed in the safe, fun and enriching environment crafted by the incredibly kind and dedicated teachers and staff. They come home singing new songs, sharing details about their daily routine and talking nonstop about new best friends. It's easy to communicate with teachers through the Brightwheel app and we've really appreciated their flexibility when we've needed a late drop off or early pick up. There's a weekly email filled with updates about the curriculum and lots of adorable pictures taken throughout the week. The community events - family picnics, Trunk or Treat, Harvest Festival, teacher appreciation and one-off class gatherings - have given us a chance to develop deeper friendships and a sense of belonging within the community.”

“I called twice and each time someone picked up and was able to help me/assist me right away. Instructions are always very clear . Well run !!!! I am appreciative they are close to me”

“CCC is a co-op preschool where children and adults are invited to grow and play in an inclusive, supportive environment. Creative and loving teachers, spacious and thoughtful play spaces, and opportunities to be actively involved in a community make CCC a special place to spend these precious preschool years. CCC Forever!”

“Our daughter has been at Daisy since she was a year and a half, we've watched her learn and grow. The leadership (Fey & Irfan) and staff really care about the kids. There is a big emphasis on safety, inclusion, and having fun. Learning is supplemented by weekly yoga and music lessons. The facility provides plenty of space, which even includes goats, chickens, and a turtle. Highly recommended!”

“My son thrives at Berkeley Hills Nursery School and we could not be happier! The teachers and the director have 10 - 20+ years of experience. I trust them 100% as experts in their field to help nurture and develop my son.My son does well at this small school, with an intimate group of friends. Because of the low student to teacher ratio, the teachers are very familiar with my son as a unique individual.The director, Kathleen, is top-notch, easy to work with, and very involved with the kids. Kathleen makes our parent "tasks" easy: applying was free and simple, enrollment steps were clear, and daily communication is concise (made even easier through an app).I like that teachers lead activities for the whole group of kids. The play-based activities get my son moving and learning. For example, today the kiddos moved through an obstacle course that helped them with balance, and fine and gross motor skills. They also do art, yoga, and walks in the neighborhood.Lastly, we have a strong parent community, with adult and family social events. We are so happy to have found this gem in the hills!”

“Linda Beach has been a perfect fit for our child and our family. It is a lovely community of parents, wonderful staff, and a perfect balance of learning and play for the children. The additional gymnastics and spanish supplements are a bonus that we didn't anticipate but are very appreciative of. We are grateful for this caring environment during a crucial developmental time for our son. We highly recommend if you are looking for a cooperative preschool.”

“We are blessed to have found CEA for my 4 year old daughter. I decided to enroll her here based on the parents reviews and I have nothing but amazing things to say about this school. My daughter is thriving with her speech versus when she started in August ‘23 she was able to only say a few words and now she is able to have a conversation and express herself clearly. I love to see Amrita and all the teacher work together to create learning fun and at the same time teaching them daily life skills. I would encourage every parent who is looking for a place where their kids are treated with kindness, respect and love to enroll them here. I can’t wait to see what my daughter will learn by the end of this year.Thanks CEA ❤️”

“Great daycare! Our 2 kids enrolled 9 months ago in the Nido and Toddler classroom! The teachers are so great and so nice with them, they love them! We are very happy to be part of Guidepost Emeryville!”

“My daughter has attended here for a little over two years. The staff are lovely. The kids are happy. They provide fresh cooked lunch and snacks everyday - which is a real time saver for our family and encourages our daughter to try new foods. They have optional extra curricular activities like yoga, cooking, science, and soccer. I have seen very little staff turnover, and one staff member has been there so long that she taught one of the parents! I also appreciate all the evening events and additional information for the parents - for example, they organized an information night on transition to TK, including inviting some local TK and K teachers to speak. It feels like a warm community. Candace and Linda are responsive, friendly, and caring. Highly recommended.”

“My interaction with the learning center at Lindamood-Bell was very enlightening. I thought the process of my evaluation and the explanation of the testing results were explained precisely. All in all, I am very pleased. Robert Ault”

“We absolutely love Rising Sun Montessori School!! Our child has been attending this preschool for almost 2 years and we have been so pleased with everything this school has to offer. The owner, Carolina, is incredible with the children. She is patient, knowledgeable, kind, and very welcoming. The same is true of the other teachers as well. They are very accommodating of each family's needs and they make our child feel very safe. I feel very comfortable leaving my child in their care. They provide an excellent early education and wonderful social skill-building. At pick-up, my child often doesn't want to leave school because she is having so much fun with her friends and loves her teachers! We are planning to enroll our younger two children when the time comes.”

“We love having our son at a daycare that feels like home. The maestras welcome him every morning and make sure to update us throughout his day with the activities that they do. They are always very creative and make sure everyday him and his amigos learn but also have a fun time. Gracias AMA!”

“We have been beyond thrilled with the care and education both of our kids have received at Nia House. It's hard for me to know where to begin. My first child is a 2020 baby, and it felt like a huge leap for us to start her in childcare. From the moment I set foot in the school, I couldn't have felt more confident in our decision. Every aspect of Nia House from the physical environment to the way teachers speak to the children is utterly thoughtful. The teachers are deeply knowledgable about development and about helping each unique child find their place in the community. The teachers and staff have also been extremely supportive of my husband and I as parents and have offered guidance and advice when we've run into challenges at home. I feel incredibly lucky to have Nia House as a partner in raising my kids!”

“We LOVE this school!My daughter started at MCPC's Toddler Playtime Program right after they re-opened during the pandemic. The Toddler program is for kids 18 - 36 months old and they get to play with so many different activities around the school. Someone has to stay with the child during the class so it was great watching her explore and learn how things work.She loved the toddler program so much that she wanted to continue to their preschool. This is now her second year at the school and she still loves going to school every morning.One other thing that is so great about this school is that the Director and Board provide parent education before our morning work day meetings and at the General Meetings. I've learned so much and I feel like I've grown as a parent as well!This is a cooperative preschool, so there is a lot of work involved. But honestly, it's really rewarding because I got to watch my daughter grow up into this amazing, confident, and independent little girl. She is so ready for Kindergarten, despite her speech delay. Having my daughter go to this preschool was our best decision!The other parents at this preschool have grown with me, and we've all become part of this community. We all can lean on each other whenever we need anything, or even when we want to go on vacations!This school, its Toddler and Preschool programs, the teachers and its community are amazing!”

“Best preschool around. I taught there and my grandson attended there! Highly recommended staff is highly trained and there's lots of love there ! I highly recommend a visit !”

“My son started at Peter Pan when he was four months old and he just graduated preschool. Peter Pan was truly a second home for him and he thrived so well during his time there. We loved how children are given the space to just be kids and grow up with their own individual personalities while also learning skills and manners, and most importantly how to be kind. My son is so ready and well prepared for kindergarten. We are so sad to leave; the teachers truly feel like family.”

“When I asked my kindergartener about her first day of school, she told me "I was kind today." That's what I love about Golestan, they are focused on creating compassionate humans and life long learners. Last year my older daughter's class did a semester long deep dive into oceans, where all the subjects like art, theater, math, and writing were integrated. It was such a joy to see her curiosity and knowledge grow. I think it's such a more holistic way of learning. We also appreciate that there isn't homework, makes time at home in the afternoon much less stressful and I don't feel like my kids are behind or missing anything, the opposite actually since they can pursue other activities with the free time.The community, green school yard, and garden are all also amazing. We also appreciate the healthy food (and not having to pack lunches or snacks). It's a pretty magical school and we feel lucky to have found it!”

“Wildwood has been a great choice for us! In particular, we love the community aspect of this school — from the parent-teacher partnership, to festive school events for families to come together and connect. We also really appreciate Anita’s leadership (Program Director); she’s thoughtful, transparent, and very involved — which is evident in the relationships she’s built with each kiddo. The fact that she actively supports in the classroom on a daily basis gives us assurance that decisions and updates are informed by on-the-ground experiences. Wildwood’s focus on learning through play resonates with us. Having multiple age-appropriate classrooms also provides good exposure / role-modeling for kids in different learning stages (from infants to pre-schoolers).”

“My kid attended this school, and recently graduated to TK. I cannot recommend Hilda, Delia, and Faila highly enough. It's a beautiful, loving home-based daycare that truly loves and cares for your children. When they get older, the kids are given the option to attend Merritt College's lab preschool program, which is an excellent bridge between Vivan Los Niños and the next grade (either TK or K). Don't think twice - trust Hilda with your kids, and you'll forever be part of the VLN family.”

“We love this school and the whole wonderful community that comes with it. The school is really child centric and while every school says they are here it is real. The outdoors area is big and beautiful with lots of nooks to play in and each room has a novel daily activity setup by the teachers. Monteverde also has an art teacher (Mila) and an art room where kids can make truly unique and cool art.”

“My 3.5 boy and 2 years girl are enrolled at Pinole Montessori. Why 5 stars? Because the facility and staff are absolutely amazing. Especially Ms Phong, Ms Seydou and Ms Fang. They are all very kid friendly and attentive. Always provide the kids' daily update, which I find extremely helpful as a parent.Furthermore, Ms Angela (the director) who has been helping me since day 1. With a newborn and 18 months old boy, my life was miserably busy. Without Pinole Montessori, I probably fall into depression.My boy was well potty trained and his speech definitely improved. He learned how to talk and behave with manners.My daughter started at 20 months and at 2 years, she able to count 1-20 and sing ABC song fluently. I am truly AMAZED!!Thank you so much!!”

“Little Seeds has been a part of our family for about 7 years now and we are all the better for it! As a behaviorist and mom of 3 (all of whom attend or did attend Little Seeds), I can tell you that their play-based curriculum and the way they care, teach and guide children is top notch. My 2 older kids still regularly make it a point to get out of the car to go and say hi to Ms Sarah and all the teachers that they knew from their time at Little Seeds. Additionally, 2 of my 3 kids are learning differenced and the lengths Little Seeds, especially the director, Sarah Hallford, have gone to to accommodate and support their development and progress is truly moving and we couldn't be more grateful. Sarah attends treatment team meetings and her input has been invaluable. My 2 that have graduated to elementary school are thriving and we are certain that Little Seeds have greatly contributed that success. I know - from 7 years of history with Litttle Seeds and Sarah - that children are valued, loved, appreciated and in the best of hands!”

“Cali and the staff at Sugar and Spice are like family. We absolutely adorable this center and everything it has to offer every season, even movie nights on the weekends! Don't know what we'd do without them.”

“I can't say enough good things about ECPC. It's a great community for kids and parents alike. The teachers are kind and provide a lot of interesting projects without forcing anything onto the children. Both of our kids wanted to stay longer when it was time for pickup. I only wish ECPC had space for older kids so we can stay longer.”

“I highly recommend GGLC. It was my son's first daycare center. We were worried very much at first. But my son adapted to this center very smoothly with the help of all teachers. I can feel teachers love kids. They are reliable. What I like the most in GGLC is that they have well organized education system. Kids are learning, making and playing all day.”

“My son (13 months) loves coming here. He lights up everyday when he sees his teachers. He’s learning many skills and I feel like he’s very well cared for. The staff are wonderful and kind & you can tell they care about each child.”

“Montessori curriculum, materials and large classrooms. Very impressed with this school and the teachers. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great start in education for their children.”

“We love Russian Hill Academy (RHA)! When we first toured RHA pre-pandemic, what stood out was how happy and engaged the children were. We joined RHA in summer of 2020, and our twin daughters started as quiet and shy toddlers and have since blossomed into curious, kind, and responsible rising kindergarteners. Jiali, the preschool director, and teachers Wendy and Loraine are amazing, devoted, and very nurturing and kind. They provide exceptional care with seemingly unlimited patience.Teachers Wendy and Loraine make learning fun! My daughters come home showing off amazing choreographed dances they learned, while singing accompanying Mandarin songs. They recite full stories and songs in Mandarin from memory. It's incredible! What I admire is the curriculum is balanced and accelerated without compromising fun. Through dance, song, and movement, all the activities are thoughtfully planned by the teachers and steeped in learning. Our daughters are always so HAPPY at pickup and have thrived under the personalized and wonderful care of Wendy and Loraine. Jiali is fantastic - very warm, approachable and super responsive. As preschool director, she really keeps the best interests of her students and their families in mind in everything she does. Jiali truly understands the challenges and dilemmas busy parents face, and she strives to make our lives easier. From providing nourishing and healthy meals and snacks (I never worry if the girls eat enough) to handling the weekly laundering of naptime blankets and to cleaning of their water bottles, so parents don't have to shuttle those to/from school every week. Even simply providing the nap mats. All these small things add up to one less parenting item that persists on our endless mental checklist. She is a lifesaver! We drop off our girls everyday with 100% reassurance they will be loved and nurtured by teachers Wendy and Loraine.RHA kids are well-prepared for kindergarten -- their social and emotional development, individual and social responsibility, and even practiced focus time on an activity or math or writing worksheet - all translate back into the home and beyond for a strong foundation. We were thrilled CAIS accepted our daughters into kindergarten, and I credit Jiali, Wendy, and Loraine for their preparation and instruction.We feel extremely honored and grateful to be part of this remarkable school and community. As we transition to kindergarten, we are sad to leave our RHA friends, Jiali, Wendy, and Loraine. If you are a parent considering RHA for a daycare/preschool, do it! We could not recommend RHA enough. It is that magical of a place.”

“We pulled our daughter out of a more strict and structured daycare where she was timid and quiet and switched her to Oak Grove at the recommendation of a friend whose daughter loved it here. Our daughter has totally blossomed here - she sings and dances and talks excitedly about her friends and teachers and activities. It has been so low stress and high joy to be part of Oak Grove. The affordable price and food provided are great bonuses as well.”