Schools in Oakland, CA

“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!”

“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!”

“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 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 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.”

“Our son had a wonderful experience over two years at La Plazita. He learned valuable lessons from amazing maestras about community, kindness, and caring for the earth, through art, songs, gardening and more. Moreover he loved it and was happy when I picked him up, sometimes even asking “why’d you pick me up so early?” His Spanish is coming along well and he seems well prepared for his upcoming start in an OUSD dual immersion kindergarten. There end of year play in Spanish was awesome and my parents said it was the best graduation they’d ever attended. I’d highly recommend this preschool to anyone who asked.”

“Both my kids attended this preschool and it is one of the best decisions our family has ever made. The Lake School is a warm and loving place filled with the most kind hearted, generous teachers. Both my children have thrived and blossomed as tiny humans under the roof of this sweet little house. It is a happy place where children get plenty of outdoor time and get to learn and explore through play to their little hearts' content. I could not dream up a better place for my kids to spend the days of their young childhood.”

“We are finishing 3 years here and love the mix of Montessori with yes you need to line up after lunch and the diversity of the teachers. Also love the focus on children's emotions!”

“A few months ago we enrolled our 2 year old at OMS - two of our older kids went there when they were 2-5 years old and we had a positive experience so we decided to return. I don't in any way want to devalue other parents' experiences, especially when they have serious concerns; I'm sharing mine only in the hopes of helping parents who are thinking about sending their children here since I noticed there are so few reviews and finding a school for your kid is a big (and personal) decision!My daughter is excited to go to school in the morning and talks about her teacher (who we love) and her friends frequently. They read books, paint, ride tricycles, play in sand - all the usual preschool stuff - and we hear about it at home. She seems happy and settled there. My older kids had a similar experience so this tracks for us.I have witnessed (recently and in years past) a consistent approach in helping kids find their own way. They are often given choices and help in shaping their perspective (X happened, you responded like Y and then Z happened [a friend's feelings were hurt, someone fell, etc.] - how might we respond next time X happens?) This seems like a lot for small children, and toddlers often need help thinking through these steps but wow, they really respond to it and start to engage in thinking through their feelings and actions.Parent communication is not what it could be - that's been the one down side for us but it hasn't been a deal breaker as I find that I can always get the information I need (it's usually for school events, etc.). They don't do daily reports, beyond naps and diapers, but especially in the toddler room I've found that the teachers are happy to quickly give a 'how was her day' update. This lessens in the preschool room, though they have a poster board that shares what the theme of the week/day was and any specials (gymnastics, music, etc.)I hope this is helpful for folks thinking about OMS. If you end up taking a tour and want to connect with a current parent, feel free to ask for my contact info!”