Parents Press October 2025 by Parenting Media

Making Positiv Impact

Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

Campus Tours for Fall 2026

TK-8 School

6 Good to Know

• No Simple Cause or Cure for Autism

• How to Check Who Won in the Best of 2025?

• Explore the Annual Private School Guides

• Safe Sleep for Baby

• Online Admissions Event Calendar

• 14 Tips to Have a Safe & Happy Halloween

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nutrition

We are providing services over the phone during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360

breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC!

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact:

City of Berkeley WIC Program

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710

City of Berkeley WIC Program 1900 6th Street Berkeley, CA 94710

830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710

510.981.5360

Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@BerkeleyCA.Gov

Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info

Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth

Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth

You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC! Do

Good to Know

2025 Best of Parents Press

Reader’s Choice Results Now Available!

We asked and you told us who your Bay Area favorites are, in droves! Parents Press received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome! We have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools, medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Best of Winners are listed online at ParentsPress.com.

Mark your calendars! Voting for 2026 Parents Press Best Of starts in early January.

Autism:

No Simple Cause, No Simple Cure

Pregnancy is often described as a magical time. Expecting parents brainstorm baby names, decorate nurseries, and read every parenting book in sight. Everyone wants to be a good parent—after all, it is one of the most important and difficult jobs there is.

With autism now estimated at 1 in 31 children—and even higher for boys—many mothers-to-be feel pressure to avoid anything that might raise the risk. They skip dental work, delay coloring their hair, give up tuna sandwiches, and of course, abstain from smoking and drinking. So when headlines warn that acetaminophen use during pregnancy “causes” autism, the fear can feel overwhelming.

But this claim grossly oversimplifies one of the most complex neurological conditions. Yes, some studies suggest a correlation between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. But why was the acetaminophen used in the first place? Fever during pregnancy is already known to increase risks for complications and birth defects. In other words, the underlying condition—not the medication—may be the true culprit. When Harvard and Mount Sinai researchers reviewed the evidence, they found the studies too inconsistent to combine in a meaningful meta-analysis. And the most comprehensive study to date, conducted in Sweden, found no causal link at all.

The truth is, autism is far too complex to be reduced to a single explanation. Genetics play a central role, and changes in diagnostic criteria have also driven rising prevalence rates.

Since 2013, a diagnosis no longer requires a language delay; deficits in social communication alone can qualify. Asperger’s is no longer a separate category—everyone now receives the same autism label, defined by levels of severity from 1 to 3.

If pregnancy fears sometimes oversimplify causes, treatment hopes can oversimplify solutions. Take leucovorin, also known as folinic acid. In oncology, it has a proven role as a “rescue drug,” protecting healthy cells from chemothetapy’s toxic effects by bypassing blocked folate pathways. Some researchers have hypothesized that it could also “rescue” folate metabolism in the brain, especially for children with autism who carry antibodies that block folate transport across the blood–brain barrier. A handful of small studies have suggested promising results in communication and behavior.

But once again, plausibility is not proof. Large, rigorous clinical trials are still lacking. Which brings us to the same recommendation as with any experimental biological treatment: consult your clinical team, and above all, collect robust baseline data before trying the medication. Parents need measurable indicators—whether in language, social interaction, or daily functioning—to know if real improvement is happening, or if hopeful perception is leading the way.

The bottom line: both causes and treatments for autism are complicated. Mothers should not be made to feel guilty over unproven risks, and parents of children with autism should not be pressured into chasing every experimental therapy without evidence. Parenting is hard enough. Families deserve clarity, honesty, and support—not blame and false promises.

Mariela Vargas-Irwin, PSYD, BCBA-D, LABA obtained her doctoral degree from Rutgers University and has over 30 years of experience working with children with autism and other developmental disorders

Good to Know

2025/26 BAY AREA PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE!

The 2025/26 editions of our Annual Private School Guides covering the enire Bay Area are now available! These guides are filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. You will find helpful information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school

Keep Your Baby Safe During Sleep

By Adina Kisilinsky, Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Department

October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, so we wanted to review what SIDS and safe sleep are, how to reduce risk for SIDS, and what parents can do to ensure safe sleep.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

SSUID is used to describe a sudden and unexpected death of a child under the age of 1 where the cause of death is not clear until after investigation. SIDS is an unexplained infant death occurring during sleep, often attributed to suffocation or entrapment causing lack of oxygen. SUID is a more general term which encompasses SIDS and any other deaths from unknown causes. While SIDS can occur any time during the first year of life, it is most common in infants up to 6 months. Infants are at risk for two primary reasons. First, their mobility is still very limited, so they are not able to free themselves if their face and airway becomes blocked with blankets or if they end up face down. Second, infants have an immature respiratory system and a slower arousal response to awaken and respond, meaning if they get too warm because they are sleeping too close to a parent or pillow, it can cause rebreathing carbon monoxide and they may not even wake up to cry out before it is too late.

How can we prevent SUID/SIDS?

There are 3,400 babies that die from a SUID related cause each year in the United States. Not all occurrences of SUID are preventable, however there are several steps parents and caregivers can take to significantly reduce a baby’s risk. One of the key elements is ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby.

to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available online at https://parentspress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

4 steps you can do to ensure your baby is sleeping safe:

1Crib: Make sure your baby’s crib has a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Never use blankets, pillows, or bumper pads and make sure nothing is covering the baby’s head. The crib should also be free of small objects that the baby could get near or in their mouth, such as toys or stuffed animals

2Position: Your baby should always sleep lying flat on their back until at least 1 year of age. Do not prop them on their side or place them face down.

3 Sleepwear: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather, do not overdress them. Additionally, only dress the baby in a wearable blanket, onesie, or other sleep clothing for infants.

4 Room Environment: Babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair; neither alone nor with someone. Babies should always sleep in a crib or bassinet, not in bed with the parents or caregivers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room sharing for the first 6 months, but never bed sharing between a baby and their parents or caregivers. Instead, bring the crib or bassinet into the room.

Good to Know

ONLINE SCHOOL ADMISSION EVENTS CALENDAR

What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 schools & preschools participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https://parentspress.com

14 Tips to Stay Safe this Halloween!

Halloween is one of the most fun holidays for children. It gives them a chance to break away from their “every day self” to become their favorite princess, super hero or cartoon character for the night. Through all the fun and games, Halloween is also known to have the potential of becoming one of the most injurious holidays. Most of these injuries are preventable, so before heading out to Halloween parties and trick or treating this season, be sure your children have taken all the safety measures possible!

• Children should never carve pumpkins on their own. Have them participate by drawing the face they want on the pumpkin and have an adult do the cutting.

• Avoid lighting your pumpkin with a candle. Instead use a flashlight or battery-operated candle to avoid a potential fire in the home.

• When choosing a costume, be sure all parts are flame resistant.

• Before leaving the house, be sure your child’s costume is equipped with reflective stickers or attachments and that they are carrying a flashlight or glow sticks, so that cars can see them better when crossing the street.

• Be sure your child’s costume is not obstructing their view of the road and that it is free of tripping hazards.

• Always accompany your children when trick or treating. No matter how friendly the neighborhood, children should never be out without adult supervision.

• Be sure to always cross the street at corners and on crosswalks. Though it may be tempting for children to run from house to house, they must still adhere to the rules of the road to avoid potential hazards.

• When crossing the street, you and your children should avoid looking at any electronic devices, and always look left, right, left before stepping out into the street.

• Always walk on the sidewalk and stay on well-lit streets. If there is no sidewalk, be sure to walk facing traffic, with your children on the inside of the road.

• Walk pass driveways and parking lots slowly and carefully in case cars are entering or exiting.

• Have an emergency plan set up with your child before leaving the house and be sure your child is familiar with calling 911 in case of an emergency.

• When returning home, be sure to check your child’s candy before allowing them to eat any.

• If you child has a food allergy, be sure to read all labels to ensure it is free of any hazardous ingredients to them.

• Ration your child’s treats to avoid them consuming too much sugar and potentially becoming ill. Y

EHalloween Festivities Around the Bay

very October, families look for ways to make the most of Halloween and enjoy the season to the fullest. Costumes deserve more than just one night, and there are plenty of festive activities that help create lasting memories. Pumpkin patch? Check. Corn maze? Check. Trick-or-treating and spooky stories? Absolutely. To help make planning easier, here are eight can’t-miss Halloween festivities for 2025 that will bring the spirit of the season to life.

HALLOWEEN JAM –CHILDREN’S FAIRYLAND

Join in on two weekends, October 24-26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and October 31, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year’s Halloween Jam has been reimagined with a touch of Mad Magic. Ease into Halloween with three lighter days of themed fun (October 24-26), then return for our special Halloween Day event (Friday, October 31) when mad science experiments take over the park! All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-2386876, www.fairyland.org

4TH STREET TRICK-ORTREAT HALLOWEEN FEST 2025

Berkeley’s 4th Street with over 80 merchants are open to trick or treating for those kids who are too tiny to stay up late but still want to show off their costumes. Participating merchants will have a marking on or above their doors to let revelers know where the candy is. There will be live music, entertainment, even a few treats and free samples for grownups. 3:30-5:30 .pm. 10/31. Fourth St., between University & Virginia, Berkeley. www.fourthstreetshop.com

53RD ANNUAL HALF MOON BAY ART AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Half Moon Bay might not be famous for many things, but pumpkins are one thing

that has put this little hamlet on the map. The coastal air makes pumpkin magic and grows some gourds that are as big as a smart car. All ages will be agog at the marvelous and gigantic pumpkins, but will also love the rest of the festival with crafts for sale, art, live music, food, wine, and children’s activities to do too. Expert pumpkin carvers will amaze the crowd with epic works of art unbelievably carved from pumpkins and gourds. There will be pumpkin flavored everything from pies to cocktails, as well as parades, pie eating contests, and more. October 1819. Check website for daily schedule. All ages. Main St. between Mill and Spruce, Half Moon Bay, https://hmbpumpkinfest.com

GOBLIN JAMBOREE

The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito puts on an amazing Halloween to-do for the early childhood crowd. It’s more than costumes—it’s a Halloween fundraiser made just for kids. Costumes on, bugs out! A just-spooky-enough Halloween fundraiser that brings joy to your family—and kids across the Bay. See website for daily schedules and ticket prices. Oct 18-19 & 24-26. All ages. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Way, Sausalito. 415-339-3932, www. bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

HALLOWEEN HOOPLA SAN FRANCISCO

The 25th annual Halloween Hoopla is back with family-friendly frights and delights for kids under 10 and their adults! This year’s festivities are sure to amaze with awe-inspiring performers from Circus Bella plus live music from the Circus Bella All-Star Trio. The Hoopla grand finale is the popular Halloween Costume Parade – all kids are welcome to join in their best Halloween looks. Plus craft and activity tables. 11/1. Noon - 3 pm. Free. Kids under 10. Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens, SF. www.ybgfestival.org/event/halloweenhoopla-2025

BOO AT THE ZOO - SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

Join in for a spooktacular day of family fun from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm! Enjoy music, crafts, bubbles, and Halloween candy throughout the event! Come dressed in your best costume and celebrate Halloween with us at the zoo! October 25. See website for details. All ages. San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd @ The Great Highway, San Francisco. https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/booat-the-zoo/

“THE COOLEST CORN MAZE ON THE PLANET”

Between the Bay Area and Sacramento is a little farm town called Dixon and it boasts the coolest corn maze on the planet. It’s actually way more than just that. There are tubs of dried corn for kids to “swim” in, giant hay bale structures to climb, and 50 acres of mazes and fun, including hay rides and a pumpkin cannon! It is open throughout the month and has free parking. There are food, drinks and pumpkins available for purchase. Check website for daily offerings. All Ages. Cool Patch Pumpkins, 6585 Milk Farm Rd., Dixon. 530-746-8725, www.coolpatchpumpkins.com

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE TRICK-OR-TREAT

On October 26th the Trick-or-Treat Trail at Winchester Mystery House offers a less spooky, more playful experience. Perfect for younger kids, this event is filled with activities like a daytime pumpkin maze, crafts, and a festive patch. Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose.

https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/ trick-or-treat-trail/ Y

Does your elementaryaged child suddenly get a stomach ache the day of a math test? Maybe your middle schooler constantly declares “I hate math!” or your high schooler doesn’t like Algebra because he or she doesn’t see how it connects to real life.

Add it Up: 25 Ways to Make Math

By Janeen Lewis

FUN

If any of this sounds familiar, there is good news. Recent research shows that despite what they may think, most students can succeed at high levels in math. While it may be hard to disguise a dislike of math, if parents model a positive outlook, children are more likely to feel the same way. Research also shows that students like math more when they understand how it applies to their future.

Here are 25 easy ways parents can make math fun, interesting and relevant, and ultimately help children become better at it.

Use measuring and fraction skills when you bake or cook with your child. When the measuring cup or spoon you need is dirty, ask your child to use a different size utensil correctly to get an equivalent amount.

Use grocery store math. For example, have your child figure out how many pounds of produce to get without going over a certain dollar amount. Say, “Please weigh and bring me three dollars’ worth of granny smith apples.”

Take math outdoors. Make a hopscotch with addition or multiplication facts in the squares. Pick up sticks or use straws and make as many interconnecting squares or triangles as possible on the grass. Or Combine math with your child’s favorite sport. For example, if your child likes baseball, assign different points for single, double and triple hits. Have your child keep score.

4Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (https:// education.ti.com/en/activities/stem/gen-stem) for a variety of videos connecting algebra, geometry and physics to real world jobs like fashion design, flying jets and more. Students can also take a quiz at this site to find their “stem style.”

Learn about the lives of famous mathematicians and what they accomplished. Some interesting mathematicians include: Pythagoras, Archimedes, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, John Nash, Hypatia of Alexandria, Julia Robinson, Emily Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

Let your child plan a special dinner. Then give them a budget and let them shop for the ingredients without going over the budget.

Make technology your friend. Games and apps make learning math facts more fun than flash cards and drills. For homework help, try Didax’s virtual manipulatives at www.didax.com/math/virtualmanipulatives.html.

Introduce your teen to a fun math club. FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge involve math, science and engineering skills.

Plan a trip together, calculate the miles you will travel at a designated speed. Decide how long it will take to get there.

Give your child an allowance that they have to manage. Together decide how much they will save, spend and give away.

11If your child is a teen with a job, help them write a budget and open a savings account.

Teach your child mental math tricks. These are like magic tricks in the math world, breaking down calculator-size problems into problems that can be solved mentally. Try Thoughtco.com for 9 Mental Math Tricks and Games (www.thoughtco.com/mental-mathtricks-games-4177029).

Sing songs and watch math music videos. Check out “Schoolhouse Rock!” (“Multiplication Rock” and “Money Rock”) and “Numberock.” They are catchy ways to teach important math concepts.

14 Read math themed picture books. “Bedtime Math” includes fun short stories with math questions for different age levels and promotes discussion of math strategies. Other good ones include “The Greedy Triangle,” “The Grapes of Math” and” How Big is a Foot?” “G is for Googol” is an alphabet book for tweens and teens.

Have your tween or teen pick out the make, model and year of a car they would like to buy when they are 18. Look up the value of the car and figure out how much they will have to earn every week until they are 18 to buy the car.

16Get up and move! Take a brain break and play a math-themed YouTube or GoNoodle video that teaches about a math concept. These videos combine movements with vocabulary to help kinesthetic learners.

17 Go on a shape hunt. Find various geometric shapes around your house and yard. Draw or take photographs and label the shapes and what they comprise (for instance, the roof, the mailbox, the deck railing) and make your own version of a book like Tana Hoban’s Shapes, Shapes, Shapes.

Have daily countdowns to special events, or do a ___ shopping days until Christmas starting on January 1st.

Redecorate their rooms. Have your teen do a scale layout drawing of the room to make sure new furniture or decorations will fit. Teens and younger kids alike can measure windows and floor space to make sure curtains and rugs fit before purchasing.

Play board and card games that inspire mathematical thinking. Some to try are Uno, Crazy Eights, Mathopoly, Qwirkle, Yahtzee, and Rummikub. For Teens, Coolmath Games, Math and Reading Help (which offers high school math games), Prodigy and board games such as Blokus and Settlers of Catan, and creative activities like math bingo and escape rooms.

Tell math jokes. Yes, they can be corny, especially for teens, but keep it humorous and light, and they may just remember the vocabulary.

Have fun with food. Cut food into fractional parts and use the food fractions to introduce equivalent fractions. For younger children, cut sandwiches and pizzas evenly and talk about equal parts.

Take a tour of your local bank. Talk to your child about words like loan, interest and principal.

Celebrate special math days like the 100th day of school. On Pi Day talk about what it means and why it is important. Make your child’s favorite pie.

Put math in their hands. Use Legos to teach about area and perimeter. Math manipulatives like rulers, seamstress tapes, tangrams, pattern blocks, play money, fraction bars, counters, and geometric shapes are great for kids to make discoveries with while playing. Y Janeen Lewis is a freelance writer and certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. She loves to see children get excited about learning math.

By Barbara Dianis

Students diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD or a learning disability may wonder whether they will be able to graduate from high school and/or collegiate studies. I worried over the same issue myself because I was diagnosed with dyslexia in a time period when there were very few strategies to help strengthen my learning disabilities. Education was very important to me, and I wanted to graduate from high school and college despite my scholastic challenges. Therefore, I set out to teach myself ways to overcome my learning obstacles and graduate. Through the implementation of systematic step-by-step educational solutions, I, like

my students with learning issues, began to master how to overcome learning challenges.

1Plan homework schedule and study times to begin the school year. The planned work and review times will help your child or teen to help meet the scholastic increase of the new grade level. The plan should include additional study time even if the child or teen has study halls during their school day. The times can be adjusted on a successful academic achievement basis.

Children and teens entering a higher grade level typically need to upgrade their study skills to help them keep pace with their current curriculum. Children and teens benefit from reviewing the notes they take in each of their classes for at least five minutes a day. Reviewing the class notes taken will help children and teens retain more core learning concepts. Consistent review will also assist their ability to access the information on tests. Younger students can benefit from a few minutes of reviewing concepts such as grammar and phonetic rules.

A parent and their child benefit from checking the student’s grades online together several times a week. Parents who check grades online with their son or daughter show them they care about education. Additionally, if there are downturns in their grades or missing assignments, then educational solutions can be applied before their difficulty becomes a scholastic issue. The extra accountability generally helps students of all grade levels stay on track throughout the school year. Students of all ages often respond positively to their parents’ praise when they see good grades.

Tests and quizzes become an important part of the academic experience. Children and teens should add more study and preparation time to the system they used in the previous grade level. Students of all ages benefit from studying for tests and quizzes several days before they are given. Parents can help their student understand that their brains may need time to absorb and readily access the educational concepts they will be tested over. Waiting until the day before a test may not be the best option for students because of the increase in information, which is associated with each new scholastic level.

As soon as a student begins to slide, academically educational solutions should be applied to help the child or teen overcome their academic obstacles. All too often scholastic slides are not addressed early enough because the parent may feel it is a problem that will correct itself. It is generally better to address the academic difficulty early on before the child’s or teen’s grades begin to spiral downward. One way to address scholastic slides is to help your child correct mistakes on graded assignments that have multiple mistakes on them.

Parents can help make learning fun during homework and study time. Children and teens can make review and drill time into a game show format using flash cards. They can make these from their study material. When review time is presented in a game show format, students generally are more

engaged throughout the learning process. Parents may wish to host a study review time for their child with several students in their son’s or daughter’s classes. Students of all grade levels generally enjoy the review process when it is made into a game they are playing with their friends.

Parents can help their child or teen develop an interest in learning by asking their teen to tell them three concepts they learned in their classes each day. Asking your child or teen to report several core concepts learned in class can also help improve his or her ability to focus in class. In addition, the student typically will report the class to be more interesting and fun.

8

If a child or teen is struggling in the area of math, then prelearning the mathematical formulas can really help increase the student’s understanding of new concepts. Previewing the key concepts from the upcoming lesson can help the student absorb and glean more information from the instructional teaching lesson. Students can pre-learn new math concepts by reading the following day’s lesson in their online text or textbook. Next, the student should make a notation of concepts that are not understood. The child or teen should ask the teacher for further instruction on the more difficult mathematical concepts. In addition, students benefit from reviewing key terms to increase their mathematical vocabulary to improve their understanding during the lectures.

Students of all grade levels and ages who implement educational solutions to help them overcome areas of academic weakness can improve in their educational skills. Generally, children and teenagers will discover over time they are accurately able to spend less time learning new scholastic concepts as their organizational skills and study habits improve. Students may find learning to be fun as they become capable to meet scholastic challenges and overcome their learning weaknesses. Another added benefit from implementing educational solutions into their daily study time is they may have a renewed sense of academic self-esteem, dignity and a restored positive attitude toward their studies. By igniting students’ interests and understanding, improved grades can be the result of their increased scholastic skills. ✷

Barbara Dianis overcame dyslexia in her own life using self-taught strategies and techniques. She is the author of Grade Transformer for the Modern Student (LuLu Publishing Services, 2014) and has counseled parents of children with special needs for 24 years.

A Legacy of Excellence

At De La Salle High School, education goes beyond the classroom. Since 1965, our mission has been to form men of faith, integrity, and scholarship—ready to lead with purpose and serve with heart.

Grounded in Lasallian Catholic tradition, De La Salle delivers a transformative education that unites academic rigor, faith, and brotherhood.

Spartans are empowered by a culture that celebrates effort, resilience, and authentic relationships, sparking confidence to inspire those around them.

Joining the Legacy

As a De La Salle Spartan, you ’ re invited to forge your own path and contribute to a living legacy: one that welcomes your story and prepares you for what comes next.

Ready to start your legacy? Scan here!

(925) 288-8100

PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Featured

Find the Right Start for Your Child

Parents’ Press takes the guesswork out of finding the right preschool for your child, from start to finish.

The following articles are excerpts from the East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education, covering “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Preschool,” “What to Look for When Doing the Site Visit” and “Basics to Know About Preschool Options.” The complete East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education leads parents along the early education or preschool selection path beginning with how to determine if your child is ready for preschool,

what options and different teaching philosophies are available, questions to ask a preschool, what to look for on a site visit and more. In addition, you will find program profiles and a comprehensive list of regional early education and preschool programs. Your road to the ideal early education program just got easier! Get your copy today of this free resource at ParentsPress.com/ our-magazines.

How to Find the Perfect Program

1START EARLY. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.

2DETERMINE WHAT CRITERIA IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, a year-round program, extended hours, cost? Prioritize what are the most important factors for your situation? Rate these factors so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child and family.

UTILIZE LOCAL PARENTING RESOURCES. Local parenting websites, like ParentsPress.com, offer lots of early education and preschool information as well as open house announcements. These resources will help you to become familiar

with what programs are available in your area and the options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school websites that look interesting to find out admissions information.

ASK AROUND. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the program. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from that preschool?

CONTACT THE PRESCHOOL. Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots

it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee. Find out ways to tours the school.

TOUR YOUR TOP CHOICES. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to preregister for these. Have your questions ready and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program.

APPLY TO YOUR TOP CHOICE. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour — now it is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in spring for the following fall. Also, find out from the organization when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families? If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider other options. If you are concerned that your top choice has more applicants than spots it would be a good idea to apply to more than one preschool. Y

East Bay

Alameda

The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus

2226 Encinal Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus 2212 Pacific Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus

1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595

www.thechildunique.org

Tiny Treasures Preschool

1803 North Loop Road

mos - 4 yrs Up to 20 children

am - 6:00 pm $741 - $2,298

Alameda • 510-995-5383 www.ttpreschoolalameda.org 2 yrs - TK Up to 60 children 8:00 am - 5:50 pm

Alamo

The Dorris-Eaton School

1286 Stone Valley Road

Alamo • 925-837-7240 www.dorriseaton.org

Berkeley

Cedar Creek Montessori School

1600 Sacramento Street

Berkeley • 510-525-1377 cedarcreekmontessorischool.com

Cornerstone Children’s Center & Preschool 2407 Dana Street

Berkeley • 510-280-6126 www.cornerstonechildren.com

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB) 1009 Heinz Avenue

Berkeley • 510-549-3897 www.eb.org

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 1422 San Pablo Ave

Berkeley • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

Little Elephant Too! 2008 McGee Ave

Berkeley • 510-679-5056 www.littleelephant.net

Shu Ren International School 2125 Jefferson Ave.

Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com

Castro Valley

ABC Preschool and Daycare

20135 San Miguel Ave

Castro Valley • 510-581-5577

Early Bird Montessori School 20104 Center St

2.9 yr - 4.9+ PS 12:1 9am - 12pm, Ext Care 7am-6pm

2 yr - 5 Up to 40 children

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Infants - K entry Up to 112 children

8:30am to 5:30pm

2 yr - Grade 8 Up to 100 children

8:15am to 3:30pm. Extended care available (7:30am to 6pm)

2 yr - 6 Up to 48 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

2 - 6 yrs 24 children

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

PS to G5 Up to 140 children

7:30 am - 6:00pm

2 - 6 years Up to 41 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Castro Valley • 510 363-6458 www.earlybirdmontessori.com Age 2-6

1,113 - $ 2,144

Accepted

Based

$5,900 - $37,600

Meals Provided

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Infants $1,949-$2,784

Preschool $1,606-$2,294

Accredited

Diapers Accepted

PS-K $36,685

Accredited

Diapers Accepted Education Based

$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based Center Extended Day Available

Varies Education Based

$29,348-30,950 Tuition Assistance

Accredited Mandarin Immersion Education Based

Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based

Please see website

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Snacks Provided

Summer Programs

His Growing Grove Child Care Center 2490 Grove Way

Castro Valley • 510-581-5088 www.hisgrowinggrove.com

Concord

Concordia School, The 2353 Fifth Ave

Concord • 925-689-6910

First Lutheran Preschool 4006 Concord Blvd

Concord • 925-798-5330 flpsconcord.org

Danville

Autumn Creek Learning Center 14 Osborn Way

Danville • 925-743-4187 www.autumncreek-lc.com

Dublin

Quarry Lane School

5600 Scarlett Dr. Dublin • 925-466-3100 www.quarrylane.org

BEGINNINGS MATTER

Please

Stratford School Dublin

6665 Amador Plaza Road

Dublin • 925-399-1971

www.stratforddublin.com

El Cerrito

Children’s Garden Montessori School

2335 Tulare Ave

El Cerrito • 510- 232-3089

childrensgardenmontessorischool.com

Mi Mundo Preschool

6305 Barrett Ave

El Cerrito • 510-230-4738

www.mimundopreschool.com

Emeryville

East Bay German International School Early Education 1070 41st St.

Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org/

$2,500 - $3,300 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snack Provided

Fremont

Learn and Play Montessori School

7220 Maple Street

Fremont • 510-713-2402

Stratford School Fremont Blvd

38495 Fremont Boulevard

Fremont • 510-713-8900

www.stratfordfremontblvd.com

Stratford School Fremont Osgood 43077 Osgood Road

Fremont • 510-438-9745

www.stratfordfremontosgood.com

Hayward

California Crosspoint Academy

25500 Industrial Blvd

Hayward • 510-995-5333

www.crosspointacademy.org

Eiffel Tower Montessori 493 Blanche St Hayward • 510-475-1762

•

Tiny Treasures Preschool

Where every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow.

We provide every child aged 2-6 (TK) with a Christ-centered, play-based, warm and inclusive community!

– Joyful Learning, Real Growth –

Children learn best through play! Our engaging, hands-on approach fosters curiosity, confidence, and a sense of classroom community—ensuring every child feels seen and supported.

– Personalized Attention –

Small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios mean your child gets the guidance and encouragement they need, every day.

– Faith-Filled Foundations –We explore God’s world with wonder, weaving biblical truths into daily routines, stories, and character-building moments.

– Curriculum That Fits Your Child –Themes are tailored to children’s interests and needs—promoting language, early literacy, math readiness, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

– Caring Teaching Teams –

Loving, experienced educators partner with families, spark creativity, and celebrate each child’s unique gifts.

– Join Us –Tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see Tiny Treasures in action.

Elmhurst Learning Center

380 Elmhurst Street

Hayward • 510-786-1289

Lafayette

Old Firehouse School 984 Moraga Rd

Lafayette • 925-284-4321

www.oldfirehouseschool.com

The Child Day Schools

1049 Stuart Street

Lafayette • 925-284-7092

www.tcdschools.com

Viva el Español

925 Village Center, Suite 2 Lafayette • 925-962-9177

www.vivaelespanol.org

Livermore

The Child Development Center

3000 Campus Hill Dr Livermore • 925-424-1560 www.laspositascollege.edu/childdevelopmentcenter

Li

g Learning Begins

Please

$980 to $2,530 Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

Covenant Treehouse Preschool & Transitional Kindergarten 4000 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 531-0320

At Treehouse we provide a wellrounded, academic-based curriculum to children ages 2 to 5 years old. We are a ministry of First Covenant Church. We offer an excellent foundation and prepare our students to be successful in Kindergarten and beyond.

Age: 2-5 years old

Two Schedules Offered: 9:00am - 4:00pm & 7:30am - 6:00pm

Qualified and Experienced Teachers

Beginning Japanese introduced in Pre-K Beginning Spanish introduced in TK www.firstcovtreehousepreschool.org

Email Director Jan at jan@treehousepreschool.org

Valley Montessori School 1273 N. Livermore Avenue

Livermore • 925-455-8021

www.vmschool.org

Moraga

The Child Day Schools

372 Park Street

Moraga • 925-376-5110 www.tcdschools.com

The Saklan School 1678 School Street

Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Newark

Challenger School - Ardenwood 35487 Dumbarton Court Newark • 510-739-0300 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark/ ardenwood

Preschool: 18 mos - K plus Grades 1-8 Up to 425 children

Cedar Creek Montessori School

Varies by program2, 3 or 5 half/full day AMS, CAIS, WASC Diapers Accepted Montessori Curriculum Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available for Purchase

$935 - $2,435 Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

$23,320 Annual Accredited Play-Education Based Center Snack Provided

Challenger School

39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark

Oakland

Duck’s Nest Preschool Telegraph Campus 3717 Telegraph Avenue

Oakland • 510-658-5443

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) 410 Alcatraz Ave.

Oakland • 510-653-3324

https://ebinternacional.org

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 2540 Charleston St Oakland • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 1650 Mountain Blvd

Oakland • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

$1,400 to $2,200 Diapers Accepted Center

$33,150; Diapers not accepted Spanish Immersion International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

$23,950 - $34,068

Tuition Assistance

$23,950 - $34,068

Tuition

Snacks provided, lunch available for purchase.

Oakland Montessori School

3625 Fruitvale Avenue

3636 Dimond Avenue

Oakland • 510-482-3111

www.oaklandmontessori.com

Treehouse Preschool & TK 4000 Redwood Rd

Oakland • 510-531-0320

www.firstcovtreehousepreschool.org

$15,500-$25,000

Little Angels (2yrs) $1900$2245

PS-PK (Potty Trained) $1420 - $1890 TK $1575 - $1890 Registration Fee $100 Diapers Accepted (2yr old)

Should I Send My Child to Preschool?

Starting between the ages of 2½ and 3, you will have the option of placing your child in preschool. Some parents may ask, “Why preschool? Isn’t my child learning enough at home or with a caregiver?” Of course, nothing takes the place of a nurturing and loving home, and no one is more important to children than their parents. But research shows that kids who attend quality preschool have higher math and reading skills, are better prepared for kindergarten, behave better in class, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college.

When considering preschool education, think about these benefits.

A preschool experience empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn.

A preschool experience:

• empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn

• supports children’s intellectual and language development and communication skills

• offers children consistent, experienced, qualified educators to support their learning and development

• improves children’s ability to think, problem solve and reason as they enter school, enabling them to learn more in the early grades

• develops social and emotional maturity and the ability to relate well to peers and adults, solve conflicts, play cooperatively and be assertive

• provides a solid platform for lifelong learning and education

• guides children to gain independence, self-esteem and selfconfidence, empowering their learning

• helps children have a greater understanding of the world around them

• encourages children to be independent learners and to take an active role in their learning

• supports children to play cooperatively together and learn from their experiences

• enables children and families the opportunity to belong, to be part of a community, and connect with others.

Preschools are:

• fun places to be, with varied, exciting experiences planned to meet the needs and interests of children

• a context to build social connections between families and the community

• a source of professional information that supports parenting

• resources which give lots of opportunities for parent education

• a gradual transition from home to more formal educational environments

• a warm, caring, friendly environment, led by qualified, experienced and dedicated staff

• places that nurture creativity, thinking and social skills, enabling children to develop a love of learning.

Orinda

Holy Shepherd Christian Preschool

433 Moraga Way

Orinda • 925-254-3429

www.holyshepherd.org

St. John Preschool

501 Moraga Way

Orinda • 925-254-4470

www.stjohnorinda.com

The Orinda Preschool (TOPS)

10 Irwin Way

Orinda • 925-254-2551

https://www.theorindapreschool.org

Piedmont

City of Piedmont

Mulitiple Locations

Piedmont • 510-420-3040

https://piedmont.ca.gov

Linda Beach Coop. Preschool

400 Highland Ave

Piedmont • 510-547-4432 www.lindabeach.org

Pleasant Hill

Alice’s Montessori

105 Astrid Drive & 1041 Hook Ave

Pleasant Hill • 925-947-0600

Please

Accepted

Please

Accepted

- 5

www.alicesmontessori.com 3 mos - 6 yr Up to 30 children

Choice in Learning

490 Golf Club Rd

Pleasant Hill • 925-687-5321 cilmontessori.org 2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children 8:00

Creative Play Center

2323 Pleasant Hill Road

Pleasant Hill • 925-974-6820

Play and Learn School

1898 Pleasant Hill Rd

Pleasant Hill • 925-947-2820

Stepping Stones Learning Center 2750 Pleasant Hill Road

Pleasant Hill • 925-933-6520

Pleasanton

Little Flowers Montessori 11533 Dublin Canyon Rd Pleasanton • 925-225-9600

Quarry Lane School

3750 Boulder St.

Pleasanton • 925-846-9400 www.quarrylane.org

Quarry Lane School

4444B Black Ave.

Pleasanton • 925-462-6300 www.quarrylane.org

Stratford School Pleasanton

4576 Willow Road

Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com

mos - 9 Up to 150 children

Please

Accepted

Based

Please

How to Start Your Search

Contrary to what you might have heard, choosing the right preschool for your child is not as difficult as applying for an advanced degree. The key to choosing the right preschool is going into the process prepared. Prepared? Yes, prepared with a solid idea of what you want your child to gain from his or her preschool experience. Keep reading for helpful suggestions for choosing a preschool that is a good match for your child and your family, as well as information on some of the most popular types of preschool educational philosophies. In addition, you’ll find checklists that you can use when visiting and comparing preschool settings.

Think about the Basics

The best way to keep from becoming overwhelmed by the process of choosing a preschool is to think about how the preschool will fit into your daily life. Here are some questions parents should consider:

• Is it important for the preschool to be near my home?

• Is it important for the preschool to be near my workplace?

• Is it important for the preschool to offer childcare services in the morning, afternoon, or both?

• Are you looking for a play-based

classroom or a more academic setting?

• Am I eligible for or interested in subsidized preschool programs (i.e., Early Head Start, Child Welfare League of America or state-funded programming) that offer services such as childcare programs with a focus on providing educational opportunities?

Answering each of these questions will help you narrow down the general location and type of setting you should research. Narrowing down your choices will make the process of comparing settings easier to manage.

Become Familiar with Common Terms

For many parents, the most confusing part about choosing preschools is trying to make sense of terms such as, “Montessori Approach,” “child-centered,” “Waldorf Approach” and “faith-based.” What do these terms mean and how can these terms help you choose a preschool?

Oftentimes, the key difference between settings is connected to the preschool’s “educational philosophy.” While educational philosophies are numerous and their definitions are not set in stone, we have provided you with definitions for some of the most popular philosophies.

Play-Based

In a play-based program, children choose

activities based on their current interests. The classroom is broken up into sections, such as home or kitchen, science area, water table, reading nook, etc. Teachers encourage the kids to play, facilitating social skills along the way.

Academic Based

Academic or skills-based programs are teacher directed and can be very structured and routine oriented. Teachers extensively plan activities for the children in their classes and guide the children in learning.

Montessori Method

Focuses on maintaining the individuality of each child in the learning process. This method believes each child learns at their own pace and educational progress should not be rendered based upon comparing students to one another.

Reggio Emilia Approach

This approach focuses on providing opportunities for problem solving and expression through creativity and exploration.

Waldorf Approach

Emphasis is placed on imagination and experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to explore their world through the senses, participation and analytical thought.

The Child Day Schools

883 Rose Avenue

Pleasanton • 925-462-1866

www.tcdschools.com

Little Treasures Kids Academy

3120 Shane Dr

Richmond • 510.275.3194

www.littletreasureskidsacademy.com

St. David Preschool Richmond • 510-232-1736 www.stdavidschool.org

San Leandro

Li’l Angels Day Care Center

890 Fargo Avenue San Leandro • 510-895-8736 www.lilangelschildcare.com

Montessori School At Washington Ave 14795 Washington Avenue San Leandro • 510-357-8432

San Ramon

Diablo Hills Country School

50 Creekside Drive

yr - 6 Up to 92 children Please

San Ramon • 925-831-1210 www.diablohillscountryschool.com 18 mos - 5 Up to 93 children

am - 6:00 pm

Little Bridges Child Care Center 9015 S. Gale Rd. San Ramon • 925-498-9808 www.littlebridges.org Infants - 5th Grade Up to 205 children 7:30 am - 6:00pm

The Child Day Schools

18868 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon • 925-820-2515 www.tcdschools.com

Union City

Free To Be Preschool

188 Appian Way

Union City • 510-471-0731

Little People Preschool 33700 Alvarado-Niles Road

Union City • 510-489-8650

Walnut Creek

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool

2780 Camino Diablo Walnut Creek • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

12 mos - 5 years Kindergarten, School Age 120 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

2 yr - 5 Up to 49 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

2 yr - 5 Up to 63 children Christian 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

2 yr - 6 Up to 70 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Accepted

Please call for rate

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Accepted Education Based Faith Based

$945 - $2,405

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Summer Programs

Transportation Available (for school-age)

Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

$23,950 - $34,068

Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based

Extended Day Available

Bank Street Approach

This approach places an emphasis on learning through multiple perspectives, both in the classroom setting and in the natural world with a strong focus on emotional learning and intellectual development.

High Scope Approach

This approach focuses on letting children be in charge of their own learning. Children are taught to make a plan for what they would like to do each day and participate in a review session to discuss the success of their plan and brainstorm ideas for the next day.

Other Terms

Outside of the formal educational philosophies, knowing the difference between other common early childhood terms will help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. Below is a list of some common terms used to describe preschool settings. It should be noted that these terms may be used alone or in combination with one another (i.e., a “child-centered, faith-based” setting).

Teacher-led

The opposite of a child-centered setting is a teacher-led setting. Teacher-led often means that curriculum and supplemental activities are implemented based on a set schedule developed by the teachers in the setting. This type of setting usually provides children with a structured learning environment.

Child-led

These settings believe children learn best when they are engaged and interested in learning. Child-led settings wait for each child to initiate or ask for new activities and experiences, fostering individualized learning experiences rather than group experiences.

Faith-based

This term is used to describe preschool programs that are run through faith organizations such as churches or synagogues, according to their faith’s philosophies.

Co-operative

These settings often ask parents and families to assist in the running of the preschool. Parents and family members may build community by signing up

to volunteer during the week, or by assisting in the day-to-day management of the preschool as well as helping with advertising, upkeep and fundraising.

Developmentally Appropriate

This term means the preschool plans the curriculum and activities based on activities that are appropriate for the age of the children in the class.

Pre-kindergarten (pre-K)

Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with preschool. In general, a pre-K program is one that has children enrolled in the year before kindergarten, usually at age four. These settings are often more structured than traditional preschool settings.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Transitional Kindergarten is a school grade that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, functioning to provide students with time to develop fundamental skills needed for success in school.

The Research

Once you have narrowed down the general area you are interested in researching and have a good idea of what type of philosophy would best suit your child, here are a few things you can do to help narrow down your options:

Reach out to other parents: Ask your friends, your neighbors, your pediatrician, your older child’s teacher - ask people you trust for recommendations for quality settings in your area. Be mindful to note the name of the setting and what struck this person as important to mention (low student teacher ratio, close to home, child is excited to arrive, etc.). And, the best question to ask is, “What advice do you wish you had received before choosing your child’s preschool?” Most parents will be happy to offer their insight and advice.

Go to the internet: You might be surprised to learn that your community has an active preschool networking community, a great place to tap into useful advice and resources. Or, you can use the internet to search the names of settings to find out if they have any “red flags” like numerous complaints from parents, health or safety violations, or other noteworthy issues. The Bananas

and 4C’s of Alameda County and the Contra Costa Child Care Council websites offer a wealth of information for parents seeking information.

The best ways to find preschool programs are to attend preschool fairs, get recommendations from fellow parents and scope out programs located close to home or work.

The Visit

Now that you have narrowed down your choices and come up with two or three settings you are interested in, schedule a time to visit each setting. You can learn a lot about a setting by the way staff approach introductory visits with you and your child. During your visit ask yourself the following questions: Do I feel welcome here?

Does my child seem interested in what they have to offer?

Do the children in the setting seem happy and engaged?

How do the adults and children interact?

Is the setting clean and safe?

You should also come to the visit prepared with questions. Some of the basic questions parents ask are:

What is the turnover rate for staff members?

What percentage of the staff hold degrees in early childhood?

How does the setting handle discipline?

What are the safety procedures for picking up and dropping off children? Are they modified to reflect current safety standards?

Is the setting accredited?

What are the payment options and procedures?

Some parents feel more comfortable going to the visit with a checklist of questions they would like answered. We offer an even more in-depth list on page 20. Parents should not feel like they need to ask every question on the checklist, however, using a checklist is a great way to make note of your observations during the visit so you can compare settings afterward. 

Old Firehouse School 55 Eckley Ln

Walnut Creek • 925-934-1507 www.oldfirehouseschool.com

Safari Kid Walnut Creek 2074 Treat Blvd.

Walnut Creek • 925-295-0761

The Seven Hills School

975 North San Carlos Drive

Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org 2.9

Marin County

Corte Madera

Corte Madera Montessori 50 El Camino Dr #10

Corte Madera • 415-927-0919 www.cortemaderamontessori.com

Marin Montessori School 5200 Paradise Dr Corte Madera • 415-924-5388 www.marinmontessori.org

Larkspur

Chronos Academy 110 Magnolia Ave

Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy

Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org

Mill Valley

Marin Horizon School

305 Montford Ave.

Mill Valley • 415-388-8408 www.marinhorizon.org

Novato

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 1180 Lynwood Drive Novato • 415-892-2880 www.gslsnovato.org

Noah’s Ark Preschool 1370 S. Novato Blvd. Novato • 415-892-5713 www.noahsarknovato.com

San Anselmo

San Anselmo Montessori School 100 Shaw Drive

San Anselmo • 415-457-3428 www.samontessori.com

San Rafael

GATE Academy

1 St. Vincent Drive

San Rafael • 415-491-4700 www.gateacademy.org

Diapers Accepted for 2 year olds only Catered meals for purchase

Montessori de Terra Linda

610 Del Ganado Road

San Rafael • 415-479-7373

www.mdtl.org

Montessori in Motion

3 Wellbrock Heights

San Rafael • 415-472-5622

www.montessoriinmotion.com

Sausalito

Lycée Français de San Francisco 610 Coloma Street

Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

The Discovery School

557 McReynolds Rd Suite 100 Sausalito • 415-339-3900

www.thediscoveryschoolbadm.org

San Francisco County

Is My Child Ready?

Just because a few preschools will accept children at around 2 years old doesn’t mean your child is ready for preschool when she reaches that age. Is she socially, emotionally and physically ready to participate in a structured educational program with a group of children? The following will help your think about some of the important skills needed for preschool.

Is your child independent?

Your child should be able to take care of some basic needs, like washing her hands, eating her lunch without assistance and sleeping alone. Most preschools will want your child to be potty trained, but some accept diapers.

Has your child spent time away from you?

If your child has been cared for by a babysitter or a relative, he’ll be better prepared to separate from you when he’s at preschool. Kids who are used to being apart from their parents often bounce right into preschool with hardly a backward glance. If your child hasn’t had many opportunities to be away from you, you might want to schedule some - a weekend with grandma, for instance, or a day with

your sister and her kids. But even if you can’t work out your separation issues up front, don’t worry too much; many children leave Mom or Dad for the first time to go to preschool and they do just fine. The trick is to help your child adjust in short doses. Many preschools will allow you to drop off your child for an hour or two during the first few days there; as your child gets more familiar to the environment, you gradually work up to a full day.

Can your child work on projects on her own?

Preschool usually involves lots of arts and crafts projects that require concentration and the ability to focus on an individual task. If your child likes to draw at home or gets engrossed in puzzles and other activities on her own, she’s a good candidate for preschool. But even if she’s the kind of child who asks for help with everything, you can start getting her ready by setting up playtimes where she can entertain herself for a half hour or so.

Is your child used to keeping a regular schedule?

Preschools usually follow a predictable routine: circle time, play

Alta Vista School

450 Somerset St. - Lower School

2558 Mission Street - Middle School

San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org

Big City Montessori School

240 Industrial Street San

• 415-648-5777

Hiba Academy Bay Area 99 Rhode Island St San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org

The International School of San Francisco Maternelle/Preschool 1155 Page Street

San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org

Laura Vicuna Pre-K 660 Filbert Street

San Francisco • 415-421-5219

Lycée Français de San Francisco 755 Ashbury Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Noe Valley Nursery School 5210 Diamond Heights Boulevard

San Francisco • 415-647-2278

San Francisco Montessori Academy 1283 22nd Ave & 1566 32nd Ave

San Francisco • 415-759-5710 www.sfmontessoriacademy.com

Stratford School DeMontfort

301 DeMontfort Avenue

San Francisco • 415-333-3134

www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com

Stratford School 14th Avenue 645 14th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-742-4254

www.stratfordsf14.com

Stratford School Parkside 2425 19th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-564-6250 www.stratfordsfparkside.com

Sonoma County Petaluma

The Spring Hill School

825 Middlefield Dr

Petaluma • 707-763-7299

Santa Rosa

Brush Creek Montessori School

1569 Brush Creek Rd

Santa Rosa • 707-539-7980

Sonoma

Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place

Sonoma • 707-284-3200

www.scds.org

time, snack, playground, then lunch. There’s a good reason for this. Children tend to feel most comfortable and in control when the same things happen at the same time each day. So if your child doesn’t keep to a schedule and each day is different from the last, it can help to

standardize his days a bit before he starts preschool.

Does your child have the physical stamina for preschool?

Whether it’s a half-day or full-day program, preschool keeps kids busy. There are art projects to do, field trips to

take, and playgrounds to explore. Does your child thrive on activities like this, or does he have trouble moving from one thing to the next without getting cranky? Another thing to consider is how and when your child needs to nap. Preschools usually schedule nap time after lunch. If your little one can keep going until then or even all day like a wind-up toy, he’s set. If he still needs a mid-morning snooze, it might not be time yet to go to school.

Why do you want to send your child to preschool?

Think carefully about what your goals are for sending your child to preschool. Do you just need time for yourself or daycare for your child? There may be other options if it seems he isn’t ready yet for the rigors of school.

If you find that the main reasons you want to send your child to preschool are that he seems eager to learn new things and explore, he isn’t getting enough stimulation at home or daycare, or he seems ready to broaden his social horizons and interact with other children, chances are it’s the perfect time to start preschool. 

San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties

Belmont

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

1000 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont • 650-593-4265

www.ihmschoolbelmont.org

Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool

1200 Notre Dame Avenue

Belmont • 650-591-2209

www.nde.org

Campbell

Action Day Schools | Campbell 1125 West Campbell Avenue

Campbell • 408-379-3184

www.actiondayschools.com

Foster City

Kids Connection Preschool

1970 Beach Park Boulevard

Foster City • 650-578-9697

https://kidsconnectionschools.com

PJCC Preschool

800 Foster City Boulevard

Foster City • 650-378-2670 www.pjcc.org/preschool

Los Altos

Saint Simon Parish School

1840 Grant Road

Los Altos • 650-880-1456

https://stsimon.school

Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Christian School

625 Magdalena Avenue

Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com

Los Gatos

Hillbrook School

300 Marchmont Drive

Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford School Belgatos Park 220 Belgatos Road Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com 2.5

Stratford School Los Gatos 220 Kensington Way Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordlgkensington.com

Menlo Park

Trinity School

300 Ravenswood Avenue

Menlo Park • 650-322-2628 www.trinity-mp.org

Milpitas

Stratford School Beresford Square

125 N Milpitas Boulevard

Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com

Stratford School Great Mall 341 Great Mall Pkwy

2.5 yrs - G4

Varies by age English, Spanish

$29,950 Regular Day 7:30am-1:00pm $38,600 Ext Day 7:30am -

Center

Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordmilpitas.com 2.5 yrs - G8

Morgan Hill

Action Day Schools | Morgan Hill 17535 Del Monte Ave

Morgan Hill • 408-779-7678

www.actiondayschools.com pgs. 11, 44

Stratford School Morgan Hill 410 Llagas Road

Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801 www.stratfordmorganhill.com

Mountain View

Action Day Schools | Mt. View

333 Eunice Avenue

Mountain View • 650-967-3780 www.actiondayschools.com

Yew Chung International School Silicon Valley

Preschool & TK ECE Campus

199 East Middlefield Road, Suite 100

Mountain View • 650-903-0986

www.ycis-sv.com

Palo Alto

Bowman School Children’s House

4000 Terman Drive

Palo Alto • 650-813-9131

www.bowmanschool.org

Challenger School - Middlefield

3880 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto • 650-213-8245

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/palo-alto/ middlefield

This checklist is designed to help families select the right preschool program for their children. It includes the program qualities and components that research says are most important for a child’s growth and development. It does not cover either basic health and safety standards that all licensed programs must meet and which vary by state or whether nutritious meals and snacks are provided. Use the checklist when interviewing the school principal or preschool center director and as a guide for your observation of

Questions to Ask ...

the pre-k classroom. To find the best available preschool program, you may need to visit a few centers. Remember, this is only a tool to help guide your decision. You know your child best; so, ultimately, you must decide which program will best prepare your child for school.

When meeting with the Program Director

Ask these questions:

1. Does the program have a state license, or if not, is it exempt from state licensing because it meets the school district’s standards instead?

2. Is the program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or any other nationally recognized accreditation organizations?

3. Does the lead teacher have a bachelor’s degree?

4. Does he/she have certification in early childhood education?

5. Does the classroom aide have specialized training in early childhood development?

6. Have the majority of the teachers been at the program for at least three years?

7. Has there been any teacher turnover in the last few years?

8. Do the teachers participate in 12 hours or more of in-service training each year?

9. Is there a system for helping teachers improve their teaching expertise?

10. Is there at least one teacher for every 10 children?

11. Are there no more than 20 children in a class?

12. Does the room have separate learning centers (reading, art, dramatic play, writing, blocks, etc.) with interesting equipment and materials to encourage learning?

13. Does the teacher use a well-known, quality, preschool curriculum to guide what is taught?

If yes: Does the curriculum prepare children for kindergarten based on the state standards for school readiness?

Does the curriculum take into account the various learning styles, cultures, disabilities, and languages of the children and their families?

Does the curriculum provide opportunities for the children to explore topics in detail and in multiple ways?

14. Does the class follow a daily routine that offers a variety of activities throughout the day? (i.e., art, makebelieve play, outside play, reading, and science activities)

15. Do children have outdoor unstructured playtime every day, except when the weather is extreme?

16. Does the class take at least two field trips a year?

Stratford School Palo Alto

870 North California Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-493-1151

www.stratfordpaloalto.com

Portola Valley

Woodland School

360 La Cuesta Drive

Portola Valley • 650-854-9065

https://woodland-school.org

Redwood City

Redeemer Preschool

468 Grand Street

Redwood City • 650-366-3466

www.redeemer-school.org

17. Do activities change regularly so the children have a chance to learn new skills?

18. Do teachers have access to trained professionals such as a social worker, mental health consultant, and/or behavior specialist to help children who have challenging behaviors or attention problems?

19. If a child has a disability or special needs, does the school provide accommodations and support?

20. Are parents welcome to drop in without making an appointment?

21. Does the teacher have face-to-face or phone contact or provide regular e-mail or written reports with parent(s) at least twice a month?

22. Does the program hold parent/ teacher conferences at least twice a year?

23. Does the school have a number of ways for the parent(s) to be involved and help their child at home? (i.e., a school newsletter, classroom volunteers, family events, book or toy lending library)

24. Does the teacher keep the parent(s) regularly informed of the child’s progress and school activities in a language they can understand?

If yes, how often?

If the teacher does not speak the family’s language, how do they communicate?

Your own observations

Spend at least an hour in the classroom. Ask yourself:

25. Do I feel welcome?

26. Are the teachers warm and caring with the children?

27. Do the teachers handle problems and conflicts in a positive manner?

28. Do teachers have one-on-one conversations with children?

29. Do teachers work with children individually and in small groups of three or four?

30. Does staff show acceptance and respect to all children regardless of culture, race, language, or disability?

31. Do the children appear to be happy and engaged in activities?

32. Do the children have opportunities to select what they want to do at times throughout the day?

33. Are the children talking and interacting with each other?

34. Do the children seem to be working well with one another (sharing, playing cooperatively, and taking turns)?

35. Do you see evidence that the teachers use a variety of methods to teach letters, numbers, shapes, and new vocabulary words?

36. Does the classroom have a library

with a variety of books and other reading material?

If yes, are the books in good condition and attractively displayed?

If yes, are there books in the appropriate languages for the children who don’t speak English?

37. Do the teachers encourage handson learning such as learning science concepts with water and sand or math through cooking?

38. Do the display areas on the walls contain children’s artwork, writing samples, and photographs of class projects or activities?

39. Are the furniture, playground equipment, and toys age appropriate, clean, and in good condition?

40. When the children are outside, are the teachers engaged in and encouraging the children’s play?

41. Does each child have enough room indoors and outdoors to move around without interfering with other children’s play space?

Finally, review the preschool’s contract. Make sure you understand their policies on enrollment/withdrawal procedures, hours, fees, payment structure, vacation, sick days, illness policy and meals. Also, keep in mind that as your child grows, you and your child’s needs will change. Will the preschool be able to grow with your little one?

San Bruno

Highlands Christian Schools 1900 Monterey Drive

San Bruno • 650-873-4090

www.school.highlands.us/preschool

Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon

2322 Crestmoor Drive

San Bruno • 650-837-9222

www.stratfordsanbruno.com

Stratford School San Bruno El Camino

300 El Camino Real

San Bruno • 650-671-1880

www.stratfordsanbrunoelcamino.com

San Jose

Action Day Schools | Allen

5845 Allen Avenue

San Jose • 408-629-6020

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Amber Preschool

3500 Amber Drive

San Jose • 408-248-2464

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Lincoln 2148 Lincoln Avenue

San Jose • 408-266-8952

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Moorpark

3030 Moorpark Avenue

San Jose • 408-249-0668

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Phelan 801 Hibiscus Lane

San Jose • 408-985-5998

www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Almaden 19950 McKean Road

San Jose • 408-927-5771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ almaden

Challenger School - Berryessa 711 East Gish Road

San Jose • 408-998-2860

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ berryessa

Challenger School - Harwood 4949 Harwood Road

San Jose • 408-723-0111

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ harwood

Challenger School - Shawnee 500 Shawnee Lane

San Jose • 408-365-9298

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ shawnee

Challenger School - Strawberry Park

730 Camina Escuela

San Jose • 408-213-0083

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ strawberry-park

Stratford School Almaden

5200 Dent Avenue

San Jose • 408-877-6300

www.stratfordalmaden.com

Diapers Accepted Summer Program

Stratford School San Jose

6670 San Anselmo Way

San Jose • 408-363-2130 www.stratfordsanjose.com

San Mateo

Serendipity Preschool

3172 Clearview Way

San Mateo • 650-574-7400

www.serendipityschool.com/

Santa Clara

Action Day Schools | Pruneridge 2001 Pruneridge Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-2909

www.actiondayschools.com

Stratford School McKinley 57 Cronin Dr.

Santa Clara • 408-713-6231 www.stratfordsantaclaramckinley.com

Stratford School Pomeroy 890 Pomeroy Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-4073

www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com 2.5

Stratford School Winchester

400 N. Winchester Boulevard

Santa Clara • 408-244-2121

www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com

Saratoga

Action Day Schools | El Quito 18720 Bucknall Road

Saratoga • 408-370-0357

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | University 13560 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road

Saratoga • 408-867-4515 www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Saratoga 18811 Cox Avenue

Saratoga • 408-378-0444

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/saratoga

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School 13601 Saratoga Avenue

Saratoga • 408-867-3785 www.st-andrews.org

Sunnyvale

Challenger School - Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave

Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sunnyvale

Stratford School Washington Park 820 West McKinley Avenue

Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500 www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com

Stratford School De Anza Park 1196 Lime Drive

Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424 www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com

Sunnyvale Christian School

445 S. Mary Ave.

Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286 www.sunnyvalechristian.school

Varies

East

Alameda

The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus

2226 Encinal Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus 2212 Pacific Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.thechildunique.org

Coastline Christian Schools 1801 North Loop Road

Alameda • 510-522-0200 www.coastlinechristian.org

Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.montessorielementaryalameda.org

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School 1011 Chestnut St. Alameda • 510-523-1526 www.sjnd.org

Alamo

The Dorris-Eaton School (PS-TK Campus) 1286 Stone Valley Road

Alamo • 925-837-7240 www.dorriseaton.org PS-8

Gender 12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365

Albany

Tilden Preparatory School

1231 Solano Ave.

Albany • 510-525-5506 www.tildenprep.com 6-12

Berkeley

Black Pine Circle School

2027 Seventh St

Berkeley • 510-845-0876 www.blackpinecircle.org

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley 1009 Heinz Ave.

Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org

Maybeck High School

Gender Varies 305

PS-Grade 8 All Gender 16:1 420

2727 College Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org 9-12 All Gender 5:1 115

Saint Mary’s College High School 1294 Albina Ave

Berkeley • 510-526-9242 www.saintmaryschs.org 9-12 All Gender 16:1 600

School of the Madeleine 1225 Milvia St

Berkeley • 510-526-4744

www.themadeleine.com

K-8 Co-Ed 9:1 250

Mandarin, Spanish

French, Spanish, Mandarin $36,685- 41,540 FA Available

Spanish, French

FA Available

(French Ministry of Education), CAIS, NAIS, WASC

Shu Ren International School - Berkeley Campus, p. 45, 81 2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com PK2- Grade 5

Castro Valley

Mission Hills School 2330 Pomar Vista Avenue

Castro Valley • 510-317-8627 www.mhmschool.org

Redwood Christian Schools Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

Concord

Carondelet High School 1133 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-686-5353 www.carondeleths.org

De La Salle High School 1130 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-288-8100 www.dlshs.org

•

Orion Academy 1868 Clayton Rd.

Concord • 925-377-0789 www.orionacademy.org

Dublin

Quarry Lane School 6363 Tassajara Rd.

Dublin • 925-829-8000 www.QuarryLane.org

Stratford School Dublin 6665 Amador Plaza Road Dublin • 925-399-1971 www.stratforddublin.com

El Cerrito

East Bay Montessori 7075 Cutting Blvd.

El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.eastbaymontessori.org

Golestan School

320 San Carlos Avenue El Cerrito • 510-704-8541 www.golestankids.com

Prospect Sierra School

960 Avis Drive

2060 Tapscott Ave. El Cerrito • 510-809-9000 www.prospectsierra.org

Emeryville

East Bay German International School

1070 41st St.

Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org

East Bay International High School 1070 41st St.

Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) 4550 San Pablo Ave. Emeryville • 510-652-7094 https://ebinternacional.org

Fremont

Grades 2-8

8:1, K-1 11:1

Stratford School Fremont Blvd 38495 Fremont Boulevard Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordfremontblvd.com 2.5 yrs - K All Gender 8:1 (EPS), 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K)

$27,000-$31,000 FA

$33,000-$35,000

$33,150$41,550 Tuition

CAIS, NAIS, POCIS, Green Ribbon School, Ashoka Change-maker School

IB World School, WASC, PASCH, WDA

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

Stratford School Fremont Osgood 43077 Osgood Road

Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordfremontosgood.com

Hayward

California Crosspoint Academy 25500 Industrial Blvd

Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org

Moreau Catholic High School 27170 Mission Blvd.

Hayward • 510-881-4310 www.moreaucatholic.org

Lafayette

Bentley School

1000 Upper Happy Valley Road Lafayette • 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org

Contra Costa Jewish Day School 955 Risa Road Lafayette • 925-284-8288 www.ccjds.org

K-8 Co-Ed 20:2 180

Hebrew, Spanish

K-5: $25,400 6-8: $28,400 FA Available

CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

The Springstone Middle & Community High School

1035 Carol Lane

Lafayette • 925-962-9660

www.thespringstoneschool.org

Livermore

Valley Montessori School 1273 N Livermore Ave.

Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.vmschool.org

Moraga

The Saklan School 1678 School St.

Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Newark

Challenger School - Ardenwood 35487 Dumbarton Court

Newark • 510-739-0300

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark/ardenwood

Challenger School

39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark

Oakland

Aurora School

40 Dulwich Road

Oakland • 510-428-2606

www.auroraschool.org

Bentley School

1 Hiller Dr.

Oakland • 510-843-2512 www.bentleyschool.org

College Preparatory School

6100 Broadway

Oakland • 510-652-4364 www.college-prep.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)

410 Alcatraz Ave

Oakland • 510-652-3324 https://ebinternacional.org

9-12

$33,150$41,550 Tuition Assistance Available

A Legacy of Excellence

At De La Salle High School, education goes beyond the classroom Since 1965, our mission has been to form men of faith, integrity, and scholarship ready to lead with purpose and serve with

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

Head-Royce School

4315 Lincoln Ave.

Oakland • 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org

Holy Names High School

4660 Harbord Dr. Oakland • 510-450-1110 www.hnhsoakland.org

Julia Morgan School for Girls

5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland • 510-632-6000 www.juliamorganschool.org

Park Day School

360 42nd St. Oakland • 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org

Redwood Day 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland • 510-534-0800 rdschool.org

Piedmont

Corpus Christi School 1 Estates Drive

Piedmont • 510-530-4056 www.corpuschristischool.com

Pinole

St. Joseph School

1961 Plum St.

Pinole • 510-724-0242 www.stjosephpinole.org

Pleasanton

Stratford School Pleasanton

4576 Willow Road

NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA, BADA

$43,575 (fees not included) FA

$37,980 6-8 $40,620 FA

$37,510 G6-G8

CAIS, NAIS, ABC POCIS, ICGS

CAIS, AISAP, POCIS, ISBOA ISSFBA, NAIS NBOA, PEN

Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com 2 yrs - G5

Stratford School Pleasanton Middle School 3800 Stoneridge Drive Pleasanton • 925-621-8908 www.stratfordpleasantonms.com

Richmond

Crestmont School 6226 Arlington Blvd. A Richmond • 510-237-4164 https://crestmontschool.org

Gender

(EPS); 12:1 (PS); 15:1 (K) 22:1 (1-5)

6 - 8 All Gender 22:1 (6-8)

Co-Ed 6:1 55

Salesian College Preparatory 2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com 9-12 All Gender 15:1 425

San Lorenzo

Redwood Christian Schools

Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

San Ramon

The Dorris-Eaton School (K-8 Campus) 1 Annabel Lane

San Ramon • 925-930-9000 www.dorriseaton.org

All Gender 18:1 650

All Gender 12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365

Union City

Mission Hills Middle School

250 Tamarack Drive

Union City • 510-760-7068

www.mhmschool.org

Walnut Creek

Berean Christian High School

245 El Divisadero Avenue

Walnut Creek • 925-945-6464

www.bereanchristian.com

Seven Hills School

975 N. San Carlos Drive

Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666

www.sevenhillsschool.org

Sonder Creek Academy

Grades: K-1st 1871 Geary Rd

Grades: 2-4 200 La Casa Via Grades: 5-8 860 Bancroft Road

Walnut Creek • 925-440-1244 sondercreekacademy.org

Tilden Preparatory School 1475 N. Broadway

Walnut Creek • 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com

WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. For 85 years, we have delivered a high-quality, values-based education. Our school follows the four Dominican Pillars of Faith, Study, Community, and Service

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We are dedicated to the education of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our leadership is committed to academic excellence, spiritual development, and social justice.

We believe that every student is exceptional, and our mission is to help them become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens who care for one another. We welcome every family with open arms and invite you to learn more about our community.

In addition to our strong academic program, we offer music, band, Spanish, art, 1:1 iPads, tech lab, partner teachers, learning support, and after-care program.

Come see what we are all about! www.themadeleine.com

Corte Madera

Marin Montessori School

5200 Paradise Drive

Corte Madera • 415-924-5388 www.marinmontessori.org

Kentfield

Marin Catholic High School

675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

Kentfield • 415-464-3800 www.marincatholic.org

Larkspur

Chronos Academy

110 Magnolia Ave

Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy

Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue.

Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org

Mill Valley

Helix School

145 Lomita Drive

Mill Valley • 415-569-5060

Marin Horizon School 305 Montford Ave. Mill Valley • 415-388-8408

Mount Tamalpais School

100 Harvard Ave. Mill Valley • 415-383-9434

Northbridge Academy 17 Buena Vista Ave. Mill Valley • 415-462-5657

Novato

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 1180 Lynwood Drive

Novato • 415-892-2880

Marin Christian Academy 1370 S. Novato Blvd.

Novato • 415-892-5713

North Bay Christian Academy 6965 Redwood Blvd.

Novato • 415-892-8921

Our Lady of Loretto School 1811 Virginia Ave.

Novato • 415-892-8621

San Anselmo

Oak Hill School

300 Sunny Hills Drive #6

San Anselmo • 415-457-7601

San Anselmo Montessori School

100 Shaw Drive

San Anselmo • 415-457-3428

St. Anselm School

40 Belle Ave.

San Anselmo • 415-454-3612

San Domenico School

1500 Butterfield Road

San Anselmo, CA • 415-258-1900 https://sandomenico.org

San Rafael

Brandeis Marin

180 N. San Pedro Road

San Rafael • 415-472-1833

GATE Academy

1 St. Vincent Drive

San Rafael • 415-491-4700 www.gateacademy.org

Marin Waldorf School 755 Idylberry Road

San Rafael • 415-479-8190

Mark Day School

39 Trellis Drive

San Rafael • 415-454-4455

Montessori de Terra Linda 610 Del Ganado Road

San Rafael • 415-479-7373

Success Starts with Understanding

When school doesn’t work for your child, it affects everything. At Winston Prep, we build an education around your child- their strengths, their challenges, their potential. Our individualized, skills-centered approach leads to lasting success in life and learning for neurodivergent students.

Discover a model that works by joining our next Open House Scan the QR codes to learn more

Montessori in Motion

3 Wellbrock Heights

San Rafael • 415-472-5622

www.montessoriinmotion.com

Saint Raphael School

1100 Fifth Ave.

San Rafael • 415-454-4455

Star Academy

4470 Redwood Highway

San Rafael • 415-456-8727

Winston Preparatory School

1 Saint Vincents Drive

San Rafael • 415-993-5533 www.winstonprep.edu

Sausalito

Headlands Preparatory School 1050 Bridgeway

Sausalito • 415-944-2254

www.headlandsprep.com/

Lycée Français de San Francisco 610 Coloma Street

Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

San Francisco • Marin • Sonoma • Napa Silicon Valley • Peninsula Alameda and Contra Costa Counties PLUS...The Online Bay Area School Open House Event Calendar parentspress.com/bay-area-school-open-house-information

www.parentspress.com/bay-area-schools/

Alta Vista School

450 Somerset St. - Lower School

2558 Mission Street - Middle School San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org

Cathedral School for Boys 1275 Sacramento St San Francisco • 415-771-6600 www.cathedralschool.net

Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco 2222 Broadway and 1715 Octavia Street San Francisco • 415-563-2900 www.sacredsf.org

Hiba Academy Bay Area 99 Rhode Island St San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org

Hillwood Academic Day School 2521 Scott Street

San Francisco • 415-931-0400 www.hillwoodschool.com

The International School of San Francisco 150 Oak Street

San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org

KFS School

3140 Balboa Street

San Francisco • 415-525-4035 www.kfsschool.org

Lycée Français de San Francisco

755 Ashbury Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Lycée Français de San Francisco 1201 Ortega Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Millennium School

888 Turk St

San Francisco • 415-992-8520 www.millenniumschool.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 1055 Ellis Street

San Francisco • 415-772-6626 www.shcp.edu

Saints Peter and Paul School 660 Filbert Street

San Francisco • 415-421-5219 www.sspeterpaulsf.org

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception

299 Precita Avenue

San Francisco • 415-628-2008

Principal: Barbara Moodie www.saicsf.org

St. James Catholic School

321 Fair Oaks Street

San Francisco • 415-647-8972

www.sjssf.net

Sterne School

838 Kearny St

San Francisco • 415-922-6081 www.sterneschool.org

Stratford School Middle School

75 St. Francis Street

San Francisco • 415-715-8648

www.stratfordsfms.com

Stratford School DeMontfort

301 DeMontfort Avenue

San Francisco • 415-333-3134

www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com

Stratford School 14th Avenue 645 14th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-742-4254

www.stratfordsf14.com

Sonoma

Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place

Sonoma • 707-284-3200

www.scds.org

Belmont

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

1000 Alameda de las Pulgas

Belmont • 650-593-4265

www.ihmschoolbelmont.org

Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool

1200 Notre Dame Avenue

Belmont • 650-591-2209

www.nde.org

Serendipity School

2820 Ponce Avenue

Belmont • 650-596-9100

www.serendipityschool.com

Burlingame

Mercy High School

2750 Adeline Drive

Burlingame • 650-343-3631 www.mercyhsb.com

Our Lady of Angels School

1328 Cabrillo Avenue

Burlingame • 650-343-9200 www.olaschoolk8.com

Foster City

Kids Connection Elementary

1998 Beach Park Boulevard

Foster City • 650-578-6691

https://kidsconnectionschools.com

Los Altos

Saint Simon Parish School

1840 Grant Road

Los Altos • 650-880-1456 https://stsimon.school

Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Christian School

625 Magdalena Avenue

Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com

Los Gatos

Hillbrook School

300 Marchmont Drive

Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford School Belgatos Park 220 Belgatos Road

Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com

Stratford School Los Gatos 220 Kensington Way

Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordlgkensington.com

Yavneh Day School

14855 Oka Road, Suite 100 Los Gatos • 408-357-7524 www.yavnehdayschool.org

Menlo Park

St. Raymond Catholic School 1211 Arbor Road Menlo Park • 650-322-2312 www.straymond.org

Synapse School

3375 Edison Way

Menlo Park • 650-294-4570 www.synapseschool.org/

Trinity School

2650 Sand Hill Road

Menlo Park • 650-854-0288 www.trinity-mp.org

Milpitas

Stratford Preparatory Milpitas 1323 Great Mall Drive

Milpitas 408-307-8249 www.stratfordprepmilpitas.com

Stratford School Beresford Square 125 N Milpitas Boulevard

Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com

Stratford School Corning

25 Corning Avenue

Milpitas • 408-914-9000

www.stratfordmilpitascorning.com

Stratford School Great Mall

341 Great Mall Pkwy

Milpitas • 408-262-6200

www.stratfordmilpitas.com

YCIS Silicon Valley (矽谷耀中國際學校) is a premier MandarinEnglish bilingual school with two campuses in Mountain View: an Early Childhood Education Campus (Preschool & TK) and a K-G8 Campus.

YCIS Silicon Valley’s English-Chinese dual language program transforms generations of students into bilingual, compassionate multicultural leaders, exhibiting strong community values and academic excellence. The school offers a holistic, inquiry-based education that equally values both languages and cultures, nurturing global citizens from a young age.

Morgan Hill

Stratford School Morgan Hill

410 Llagas Road

Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801

www.stratfordmorganhill.com

Mountain View

Yew Chung International School

Silicon Valley

310 Easy Street

Mountain View • 650-903-0986

www.ycis-sv.com

Palo Alto

Athena Academy

525 San Antonio Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-534-4560 www.athenaacademy.org

Bowman School

4000 Terman Drive

Palo Alto • 650-813-9131

www.bowmanschool.org

Challenger School - Middlefield

3880 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto • 650-213-8245

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/paloalto/middlefield

Stratford School Palo Alto

870 North California Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-493-1151

www.stratfordpaloalto.com

Portola Valley

Woodland School

360 La Cuesta Drive

Portola Valley • 650-854-9065 https://woodland-school.org

Redwood City

Redeemer School

468 Grand Street

Redwood City • 650-366-3466 redeemer-school.org

San Bruno

Highlands Christian Schools

1900 Monterey Drive

San Bruno • 650-873-4090 www.school.highlands.us

Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon 2322 Crestmoor Drive

San Bruno • 650-837-9222 www.stratfordsanbruno.com

San Carlos

Arbor Bay School

1017 Cedar Street

San Carlos • 650-244-1519 www.arborbayschool.org

San Jose

Action Day Elementary School

3500 Amber Drive

San Jose • 408-248-2464

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Middle School

801 Hibiscus Lane

San Jose • 408-985-2138 www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Almaden 19950 McKean Road

San Jose • 408-927-5771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/almaden

Challenger School - Berryessa 711 East Gish Road

San Jose • 408-998-2860

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/berryessa

Challenger School - Harwood

4949 Harwood Road

San Jose • 408-723-0111

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/harwood

Challenger School - Shawnee 500 Shawnee Lane

San Jose • 408-365-9298

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/shawnee

Challenger School - Strawberry Park 730 Camina Escuela

San Jose • 408-213-0083

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/strawberry-park PS-8 Co-ed

Hillbrook School

240 N, 2nd Street

San Jose • 408-356-7976 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford Middle School 1718 Andover Lane

San Jose • 408-626-0001 www.stratfordsanjosems.com

Stratford Preparatory Blackford 3800 Blackford Avenue

San Jose • 408-247-4400

www.stratfordpreparatory.com

Stratford School Almaden

5200 Dent Avenue

San Jose • 408-877-6300

www.stratfordalmaden.com

Stratford School San Jose

6670 San Anselmo Way

San Jose • 408-363-2130

www.stratfordsanjose.com

Grades 5 - 8 All Gender 22:1

Grades 6 - 12 All Gender 22:1

2 yrs - G5

All Gender

EPS 8:1, PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1

2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender

- $28,860

Religious English, Spanish Varies by

Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin

PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1 Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin

August

(of the year before you want your child to attend)

• Define your ideal school

• Find schools that match your child’s needs

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

September

• Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies

• Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools

• Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online

• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying

• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments

• Register for any standardized tests required for admission

• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books

• Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available

Basic Timeline FOR APPLYING TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL

While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.

October

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply

• Take required standardized admission tests

November

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school

• Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays

December

• Continue to watch for any open house or school events of interest

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester

• Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays

• Note application deadlines. Some schools have December deadlines.

January

• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms

February

• Don’t miss deadlines: Many schools’ applications are due in February at the latest

• Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a student shadow day

March

• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

• Watch for financial aid decisions

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend

April

• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

• Notify schools that you applied to but decided not to attend

May to September

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students

• Sign up for music, sports and extracurriculars

San Mateo

Junipero Serra High School

451 West 20th Avenue

San Mateo • 650-345-8207 x 6129 www.serrahs.com

Odyssey School 201 Polhemus Road

San Mateo • 650-548-1500 www.odyssey-school.org

Stanbridge Academy 515 E. Poplar Avenue

San Mateo • 650-375-5860 www.stanbridgeacademy.org

Santa Clara

Stratford School Pomeroy 890 Pomeroy Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-4073 www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com

Stratford School Winchester 400 N. Winchester Boulevard

Santa Clara • 408-244-2121 www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com

Saint Raymond Catholic School

Financial Aid:

BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

Every private school has its own policies about who receives financial aid, what types of aid are awarded, and how much aid a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.

HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

will receive a financial aid decision shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.

To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.

Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.

WHEN TO APPLY

Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.

Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.

Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the

school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org. Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.

Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.

Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.

Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you.

Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.

Reprinted with the permission from National Association of Independent Schools, nais.org.

Saratoga

Challenger School - Saratoga 18811 Cox Avenue

Saratoga • 408-378-0444

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ saratoga

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School 13601 Saratoga Avenue

Saratoga • 408-867-3785

www.st-andrews.org

Sunnyvale

Challenger School - Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave

Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ sunnyvale pgs. 2, 42

Stratford School Washington Park 820 West McKinley Avenue

Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500

www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com

Stratford School De Anza Park 1196 Lime Drive

Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424

www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com

Sunnyvale Christian School 445 S. Mary Ave.

Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286

www.sunnyvalechristian.school

Tips to Help Your Child GAIN CONFIDENCE in the Classroom

By Jan Pierce

Our children have had a rough several years of learning due to the pandemic and now it’s time to re-focus on classroom interactions. Some younger children haven’t had time to experience the way a classroom normally works. How do they behave in a large group? What if they need help? What if they make a mistake? How responsive will the teacher be to individual needs? Parents can help children take optimal advantage of their learning environment by teaching some basic learning skills. Your child doesn’t have to be top of the class to enjoy learning and be a thriving, healthy part of his or her classroom.

Here are some tips to help your child be a proactive, happy learner:

Be Prepared to Learn

Teachers notice when children come to school prepared to learn. They have the right supplies; they’ve eaten breakfast and have had enough sleep. They brought back the permission slip for the field trip and they have their lunch money.

Yes, it’s a lot of work for parents to keep up with all the activities at school. And at some point children need to take responsibility for those things themselves, but not yet. Not when they’re in grade school and are just learning how to manage responsibilities. Be the parent who takes care of business and put your child in the best position to receive approval from the folks at school.

Knowing When to Listen Carefully

The best student in the world can’t be on high listening alert all day long. But successful students know when to listen carefully and that is one of the most important skills a student can learn. You can explain to your child that it’s vital to listen carefully when a teacher is giving exit directions before independent work times. These times

usually come when the entire class is gathered and a new subject is introduced. Just before the children move to work independently the explicit directions are given. Good teachers usually leave written directions where students can refer to them as they work.

Practice listening skills with your children. When are the times you need them to listen and remember? Help them see the difference between casual listening and focused listening when they need to act on the directions given.

Knowing How to Follow Directions

It may seem easy to adults, but children often don’t know how to follow directions. Most directions are sequential: “Get your paper, write your name at the top, then do problems one through ten.” For some children all the words get jumbled up and they fail to do the first thing correctly. You can practice following directions at home and teach coping skills if the child forgets. Listening and following directions are key skills in learning and the earlier children can perform in these areas, the better they’ll do on classroom assignments.

Continued next page >>>

Play a game in which you give two directions: “Go to the door and tap on it three times, then stand by the coffee table.” When the child can do two directions correctly try for three. Keep adding until a mistake is made. Children can become quite adept at following directions using this method.

Knowing How to Ask Questions

Here is a typical conversation in a first grade classroom: Teacher: Does anyone have any questions before we start our work? Student: “My hamster had babies last night.”

This little interchange may bring smiles to adult’s faces, but it highlights the fact that many children don’t know the difference between statements and questions. And, they don’t understand the difference between appropriate questions and those that are off-task. Asking questions at the appropriate time and about the topic at hand is absolutely one of the most important skills a learner can master. It’s good to ask questions when we need information or clarification. It’s smart to ask good questions. But a child

Success in the classroom is more than achieving high marks on assignments. Just as in all of life, being a responsible, kind and caring person is just as important as being the best at what we do.

who hasn’t really mastered the art of asking will be lost, and without the information they need to do a good job.

Practice asking clear, concise questions. “I understand how to write complete sentences using these words, but I don’t understand how you want me to change the action words. Vague questions like “How do I do this?” or statements like “I don’t get it.” leave the teacher wondering where to begin. Say to your child, “What, exactly do you need? And then prompt until the question is clear.

Social Skills: Kindness and Being Aware of Others’ Needs

Not every child will earn straight A’s. Yes, there are average students in every classroom. And that’s okay if the child is working to his or her potential. But some children seem more adept at building relationships and maintaining friendships than others. This is the child who notices when a friend is sad or needs to borrow a pencil. This is the child who shares with others and takes turns. He plays fair. She notices when a friend needs encouragement.

Don’t underestimate the value of social skills when it comes to success in the classroom. Your child may not solve every math problem correctly, but if he is a good friend and a kind, caring person, you’ve got a lot to be proud of and the classroom is enriched. Help your child notice when others seem sad. Guide them to ways to help or share or show they care.

Practice: “Did you notice that Katie seemed sad today? I wonder if we could do something to cheer her up?” Or, “I like the way you shared your Legos with your friends. Being a good friend is really important in our family.”

Success in the classroom is more than achieving high marks on assignments. Just as in all of life, being a responsible, kind and caring person is just as important as being the best at what we do. Give your kids a boost by teaching them to master good classroom skills and watch them soar. Y

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net

Bilingual immersion (PreK - 8)

Exceptional curriculum

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Tuition assistance available

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Sep 23 | 9 am

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Sep 30 | 9 am

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