Preschool Recommendations

Hi E.,
I have a 2 1/2 year old boy and 18 month old boy and they both go to Action Day on Lincoln Ave. we LOVE them!
My oldest has been there since he was 8 months and the little guy has been there since 4 months.
It is not a super rigerous academic environment, which I like!
They are both very happy and intelligent and are thriving there.
Good luck!
L.

My, now 7 year old, twins went to ATLC in San Jose. I loved it but it's not for everybody. If you're looking for a more academic environment then you might try a Stratford or Chalenger type school. There are multitudes of good co-op's in the area as well. I've heard great things about Mulberry, Explorer and Los Gatos Parent Participation School.

The reason I choose ATLC was I was looking for a school that would re-enforce social, as well as, academic skills. Sometimes helping a child learn how to be in a group, and share, and wait in line etc... is just as important as learning the alphabet. Having said that, you know your child better than anyone and if it doesn't feel right, maybe it isn't. Check out some of those other schools and see how they feel for you and your child.

Best of luck to you both :-]

Since I am not parent, I will offer a recommendation based on how the kids are in kindergarten ( I am a kindergarten teacher). There are two schools that come to mind when I think that children are well prepared for Kindergarten (and I do not think it is all about academics). One is Campbell Community Pre School and the other is Saratoga Parent Participation. The kids I have had that attended either of those school were the most positve and well rounded when it came to success in kindergarten. Please remember it is what you do as a parent and family unit that makes the biggest difference in your child's success and attitude.

I love Tomorrow Montessori, off Almaden Expressway. Both my kids go there - My almost 5 year old son is in the kindergarden, was in the preschool last year, and my 3 year old daughter is currently in the preschool, she was in the toddler room last year. I have heard good things from other parents who previously had their kids in other preschools. I love the Montessori approach, but when I was looking I was amazed at how many different interpretations there are. My son has already been asking me things like "how do you spell..." and "what is three and two".

A little about me:
I am a high school science teacher, with an (almost) 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter. My husband and I have been married for 11 years.

Check out St Stephen's School, San Jose,... great foundation for any elementary school. Nurturing program with an academic edge. Its worth checking out. (The school goes through 8th grade but preschool is separate.) Its episcopal, all religions welcomed, the program is not christian based. Good luck (I had two daughters that went through the program and they were well prepared, on arrival in Kinder reading was a breeze!)

I send my daughter to a Montessori school. We went observed a few and liked the one in Santa clara ' One world Montessori. It has a branch in Sanjose . You might want to check it out http://www.oneworldmontessori.org/index.html

My daughter started when she was 2.3 yrs and she enjoys it very much. They allow the child to learn at his/her own pace and develop the skills necessary for the further studies. The teachers gently guide the students to the different activities to ensure the child develops well overall

Best of luck.

Hi E.,

My husband and I have been thrilled with ATLC. We had 3 children attend their schools for many years and always recommend them wholeheartedly.
They have a loving program with lots of playtime with great equipment for the kids and a comprehensive learning program and a safe environment!

Oue kids liked going there too.

Warmly,

B. O'Connor
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Hi E.,
My son went to ATLC a few years ago along with numerous kids we know and had a wonderful time. The staff is loving and caring and well organized.

S.

My son goes to Mandala Childen's House, a Montessori based school in Alum Rock. He's thriving there and the staff goes above and beyond to connect with families. It's very supportive and a wonderful place to learn, but if you want to see worksheets and regular progress reports/report cards it's not the place for you.
http://mandalachildrenshouse.com/
Check it out. Fall registratation has just passed, but I know they sometimes have a few openings and a waiting list if you're interested. Good Luck!

My 3 year old goes to the most wonderful program at emma purse park. It's under santa clara parks and rec. program. The teacher is Miss Barbra and she is just a drean for a first introduction teacher. The program includes gardening,counting numers, shapes, colors, animals, and so much more!!!! It's the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not sure where you live and know you are looking in San Jose, but I do know of an amazing pre-school in Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale Christian School. I am the mother of 5, twin 13yr old boys, 7 yr. old boy, 4yr. old boy, and a 2yr. old girl, my 13 year old twins graduated from their preschool and elementary program, my 7 year old graduated from their preschool program and is currently attending their elementary program, and my 4 and 2 year olds are currently in their preschool program. I absolutly love the school and the connection that the staff has with our entire family.

My daughter attends Play N Learn preschool. She is 2 1/2 yrs old and has attended there since 18mos. She has learned so much since she started there. She can say her abc's she can count in english and spanish. They have a great program. It's a place to check out. Good luck!

My son has been at Campbell Christian Preschool for the past two years, and we've been pretty satisfied with them. There's usually a waiting list though, so if you're interested, I'd recommend scheduling a tour right away.

I highly recommend Temple Emanu-el. They are located at 1010 University Ave. in the Rose Garden. #408- ###-###-####.
Both my son's went there.

Hello E.,
I just enrolled my 3yr old grandson to Kiddie Kountry located on White Rd. and Quimby Rd. ###-###-####. It is located at the East Valley Pentecostal Church. My Nephews and Nieces attended this same pre-school some 20 years ago, I also enrolled my 2 younger daughters (now 6 and 9) which now attend the Christian School at the same location. The staff is very humbling and very good with the children. In addition, I find it to be affordable as well.

You can always call and request if you can take your daughter down and have her spend part of the morning with you there to see if it is right for your daughter. I believe you will enjoy seeing what the children do and learn (i.e. pledge of Allegiance, pledge to the Christian flag and pledge to the Bible, they have goals and report cards and other things as well).

Good Luck, I hope you find the right place for your daughter
O. G.