JANUARY 2026 AUGUST 2025
Celebrate MLK Day in the Bay
Get Ready for Summer Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child? Motivated Teen? Make the Most of Summer with These 9 Activites Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp? 6 Tips to Prepare First-Time Overnight Campers
9 Ways to Foster Leadership Qualities in Kids The Benefits of Tutoring
Making a Positive 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 Now Available
2 Parents Press | January 2026
TK-8 School
TK-8 School
Parents’ Press
2021
BEST OF WINNER
LEARN MORE TODAY! January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 3
CONTENTS
Volume 44 • Number 6
JANUARY 2026
www.parentspress.com
Get Ready for Summer 18 How to Pick the Best Camp for Your Child 20 Which Type of Camp Would
Best Suit Your Child? 22 What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?
WHAT’S INSIDE
23 9 Summer Activities for Motivated
Teens 24 Camps Develop Kids 34 Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
6 Good to Know •
12
16
Coming Soon - Virtual Summer Program Camp Expo • Top 10 Baby Name Trends for 2025 • 2026 National Parks Fee-Free Days • Quick Post Holiday Decluuter Tips 10 Celebrate MLK Day— Kid Friendly Events in the Bay Area
12 9 Ways to Instill Leadership Qualities in Kids 16 Benefits of Tutoring
29 Featured Preschool & Private Schools • Find the Perfect Preschool
Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc. Art Director | Debbi Murzyn
Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502
www.ParentsPress.com 4 Parents Press | January 2026
Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area. Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com
• Is my Child Ready for Preschool? • Timeline for Applying to Private Schools • Financial Aid Basics
Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com
Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2026 Parents’ Press
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March 2014 | East Bay | Parents’ Press 11
Dynamic Education Optimizing Each Child’s Potential
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Good to Know
Take Five
(or 20) minutes to tackle a little postholiday toy overload and pare down clutter with these 5 steps. 1. Look for things that never get used
2. Remove toys your kids have outgrown
3. Say goodbye to toys with missing or broken parts
4. Create a temporary home for items you are not sure about removing 5. Ask kids if there are toys, books, or crafts that they no longer want or need that can be donated to
children in need
GET READY FOR SUMMER! Looking for a Great Summer Camp?
D
on’t miss the Parents Press 2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo starting on March 7. This year, we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customized so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive your customized package of camp information: https://parentspress. com/summer-camp-expo.html
TOP BABY
Names in 2025
N
oah and Olivia topped the list of the most popular baby names, with both names holding the top spot again in 2025, according to Babycenter.com. Luca is back on the boy’s top 10 list. On the girls top ten list Eliana and Aurora makes their debut bumping off Ava and Luna.
6 Parents Press | January 2026
TOP BOYS NAMES OF 2025 1. Noah 2. Liam 3. Oliver 4. Elijah 5. Mateo 6. Levi 7. Lucas 8. Ezra 9. Asher 10. Luca
TOP GIRLS NAMES OF 2025 1. Olivia 2. Amelia 3. Sophia 4. Emma 5. Isabella 6. Charlotte 7. Eliana 8. Ellie 9. Aurora 10. Mia
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January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 7
Good to Know
2026 National Parks FEE-FREE Days
EAST BAY GUIDE TO
PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2025/2026
Find the Right School for Your Child From the publishers of
T
2025/26 BAY AREA PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE!
he 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 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.
ONLINE SCHOOL ADMISSION EVENTS CALENDAR
W
hat 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 8 Parents Press | January 2026
A
ccording to former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days to encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. It’s essential for people to know before they go what is open and available, especially if they are staying overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities. , The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2026
February 16: President’s Day May 25: Memorial Day June 14: Flag Day/Trump’s Birthday July 3-5: Independence Day Weekend August 25: NPS Birthday September 17: Constitution Day October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday November 11: Veterans Day
These are “patriotic fee-free days,” and non-residents will still need to pay entrance fees.
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Celebrate MLK Day in the Bay Area with These Kid-Friendly Events the MLK2026 commemorative march/ parade from San Francisco’s Caltrain Station to Yerba Buena Gardens; norcalMLKfoundation.org
T
he Bay Area offers many celebrations for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights, large and small, over the days leading up to MLK day, January 19, 2026, and beyond. Every year, the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation puts on a week-long festival to celebrate the life and work of MLK. It features a parade, film festival, arts festival, health & wellness festival, and more. Many cities host local Day of Service events, celebrations, parades, and rallies. Most events are free. However, events may require registration, and some (Caltrain) book up very early. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service – San Francisco Jan. 16 – Jan. 19: The Golden Gate National Park Conservacy organizes a weekend-long volunteer effort to make MLK Day a “day on not a day off.” Celebrating the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy all weekend with volunteer projects; www.parksconservancy.org BCAF EXPO & Family Day – San Francisco Jan. 18-19: The Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival (BCAF) invites families to enjoy this day of storytelling, interacting with Black and Brown artists, and learning about the creative art form of comics. In addition to art displays and live performances, kids can explore their imagination and create their own artwork. This is a free event. No registration is required; norcalmlkfoundation.org MLK Parade and March – San Francisco Jan. 19: Join thousands in honoring the Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama marches and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by experiencing
10 Parents Press | January 2026
MLK Day at MoAD – San Francisco Jan. 19: MoAD celebrates the national observance of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a Day of Service, providing FREE admission to the museum and programs throughout the day; moadsf.org Caltrain’s MLK Celebration Train – San Jose to San Francisco Jan. 20: Caltrain will make the trip up the Peninsula, and they want you to be a part of it! The Celebration Train provides free service to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March in San Francisco, organized in partnership with the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation. Attendees who RSVP will receive a complimentary ticket worth a free return trip after 1 pm; www.caltrain.com/caltrains-mlkcelebration-train Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service EBRP- Oakland Jan.19: Every year, to celebrate the MLK holiday, citizens engage in service to empower and strengthen our communities and bring us closer to his vision of a “Beloved Community.”East Bay Regional Parks is hosting volunteer projects at these three MLK Shoreline Locations: Shoreline Cleanup at Tidewater Boating Center, Gardening and Maintenance at MLK Grove, and Shoreline Cleanup at Oakport Staging Area; www. ebparks.org/MLK-day-service Higher Ground MLK Jr. Day of Service – Oakland Jan. 19: Join in for a day of service as we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Roots Community Health Center Lot on 105th and Edes Ave. in Oakland, CA. This in-person event will bring together volunteers from all walks of life to positively impact our community through service activities and engaging volunteers in projects that promote unity, service, and civic engagement; unation.com
OUSD MLK Oratorical Fest Jan. - Mar: Oakland’s legendary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Fest, featured in the HBO EMMY awardwinning documentary, WE ARE THE DREAM: The kids of the Oakland MLK, Oratorical, now streaming on HBOMax and Apple Prime, has been one of the most popular district-wide events in OUSD for more than four decades, and it is drawing near again. So, students, write those speeches, poems, spoken word pieces, monologues, and scenes, or find one that speaks to your heart. Start rehearsing using the judge›s scoring sheet because it’s almost time for the Annual OUSD Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Fest happening in February 2026; skyline. ousd.org Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration - El Cerrito Jan. 19: The Annual Parade and Rally meets at El Cerrito City Hall at 9 am. The parade begins at 10 am. The rally starts at 11 am at El Cerrito High School. Donate! You can also support this annual event by making an online donation to the City of El Cerrito to support the El Cerrito Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration; www.elcerrito. gov/693/Annual-MLK-Celebration MLK Day of Service – Antioch Jan. 19: Let’s work together to build a stronger Antioch! This year’s MLK Day of Service will be at Nick Rogriguez Community Center. (only one registration is needed per Family Group); antiochca.gov/mlk Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony - Martinez Jan. 19: Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is “Beloved Community;” contracostaca.gov
2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Monthly March through June
e h t e v Sa Date
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 11
ids with well-developed leadership skills are more confident responsible, and push themselves to their full potential. Leadership helps them develop better and more creative coping skills in problem-solving and project management. The art of compromise, empathy, and good decision making skills, things most parents strive to teach their children, are also important benefits of having well-developed leadership skills. For some children, leadership comes naturally; for others, it must be developed and encouraged. Either way, parents can help develop their child’s leadership qualities so that when they are ready to attend college and enter the workforce, leading others and knowing when to follow someone else’s lead is already second nature.
SET AN EXAMPLE
Parents can help their kids develop good leadership by showing them what a good leader looks like daily. When you lead others, including your children, try to be optimistic, a good listener, treat people fairly and do the right thing. Your kids will learn these skills simply by modeling your good example.
SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS
Kids who are successful at what they try are more confident and more willing to get out of their comfort zone and help others in the future. You can do this by encouraging them to try activities where they have natural strengths and talent or assist them in projects just enough to help them succeed while still allowing them the majority of the decision and work the project entails.
BUILD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Listening and good communication are keys to making a leader successful and well-liked by peers. Encourage your child to put their communication skills into practice by developing listening skills, public speaking, and expressing their frustrations in a healthy way. Parents can do this by asking their children to order their food at a restaurant, encouraging them to approach coaches or teachers when there is a problem, and teaching them to ask questions after listening to a friend talk.
BE A TEAM PLAYER
School projects, team sports, clubs, or being a part of a band, orchestra, or choir helps kids understand how to work towards a goal as a group. These experiences help your child understand how to be a good leader, when to listen to others, and why both are equally important. Continued on page 14>>> 12 Parents Press | January 2026
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Time management
Encourage lifelong skills
Integrity, empathy, work ethic, respect, negotiation, and compromise are excellent skills for any leader, as well as, any student, employee, or friend. You can encourage these skills by setting a good example and talking through situations where they were or were not utilized well. Ask your child how they would have handled this differently and why. Praise them when they have used these skills well and encourage them when needed.
Show them the value of diversity
There is great value in diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences, and gifts. Encourage your kids to learn about other cultures and experiences and that differences make us a stronger team. They can learn to stand up to those who are singled out or viewed as different. This is what makes a great leader.
Ask for help
Kids who know when to solve problems and when to ask for guidance are better teammates and stronger leaders. It’s also essential to help others in the group who may be struggling. Lead by example and be encouraging and helpful when needed.
Develop good work habits
Kids who have responsibilities at a young age are better prepared to lead others. Encourage your child to get a part-time job at a young age or pick up jobs like yard work, babysitting, or volunteer work so they can build their leadership skills, develop their work ethic, and get experience in a variety of areas.
When your child has a large project to complete, encourage them to map out their plan for completing it on time. Create steps and set goals to accomplish to meet the deadline. Good project management skills will serve them well as a future leader and employee. As your child develops strong leadership skills, it’s important to understand that they will not always be the person in charge. Having good leadership skills doesn’t mean you are always the one who is leading. Being respectful and willing to listen to others and compromise while not officially being the person who is “in charge” of the group is still a way to lead others. Whether your child is a natural leader or a great teammate, these leadership skills will serve them well in the future. Sarah Lyons is a mom of six, including triplets. She enjoys writing, reading, and spending time outside with her kids.
Extracurricular Activities that Build Leadership Skills TEAM SPORTS
Being part of a team helps build leadership and helps kids learn to work as a group and understand the art of leading and following others.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Being part of student council or government helps kids learn to lead and build speaking and negotiating skills.
START YOUR OWN CLUB
If your child is interested in something specific, chances are others their age are as well. Starting their own club is a great way to learn how to lead others and share common interests.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Giving your time helps kids put others first, work on a project for the greater good, develop a good work ethic, and build leadership skills.
ACADEMIC TEAMS OR CLUBS
Being part of an academic team or clubs such as robotics, mathletes, speech and debate, National Honors Society, and science club are great ways to build skills in areas that interest them but also give them leadership skills they can use in college and the workforce.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Not everyone is drawn to team sports, but being part of a choir, orchestra, band, theater, or working on a creative project as a group can have the same benefits as team sports do when it comes to leadership skills.
SCOUTS
Groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts give kids the opportunity to work as a team and individually while helping others and being exposed to diversity, volunteer work, team building, and life skills. 14 Parents Press | January 2026
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 15
By Sarah Lyons
BENEFITS of Tutoring for a Child
P
arents seek the help of a tutor for many reasons. Some parents may choose to have their kids work with a tutor if they are struggling with a subject or particular concept but tutoring isn’t just for kids who are struggling in school. Some parents may hire a tutor because they do not have time to work on schoolwork in the evenings but feel their child needs one-on-one attention while working on homework. Working with a tutor can be beneficial for kids to learn good study habits, how to use their strengths, and work through their weaknesses all while getting individual attention. What are the benefits of tutoring?
INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING
Tutoring can be adapted to fit the child’s needs. Kara Thomas, a teacher who has offered tutoring in the past said “Tutors can provide different tools and techniques because they are working one-on-one with each child. They can also adjust material quickly to be able to meet the child where they are and give them challenges targeted at their skill set.” The benefit of having a tutor is the individual attention that even the best teacher cannot accommodate in a larger classroom setting.
BUILDS CONFIDENCE
Tutoring can help kids build confidence that helps them be successful in the classroom. Some kids lack the confidence they need to speak up and ask questions. Others may have anxiety about test taking. “I have worked with kids who simply lack confidence and need to talk things out.” said Meg Thompson, 16 Parents Press | January 2026
math teacher and tutor. “They are completely capable and they are just worried they won’t know how to do it. They often just need a reminder that they can do this.” A tutor can work through these obstacles to help build a child’s confidence and give them tools that can help them manage these insecurities in class.
ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT
The most common reason parents seek out tutoring is for academic improvement. Tutors can help children work through the challenges they may be facing and give them tools they need to improve their grades and their understanding of the material. This will build confidence in test taking and strengthen understanding of material so that daily homework isn’t such a chore.
IMPROVED STUDY SKILLS
When children develop good study habits early on, they are able to use these skills throughout their school career, in college, and even in the workforce. Tutors can give children tips that are tailored to their needs and help develop the skills they will need to tackle more challenging work on their own. “I tutored a child that I had in my class as a 7th grader. We worked together until he graduated.” said Thompson. “He has autism and for some reason we completely hit it off and he moved from grunting in class to being able to do everything asked of him in higher level math classes.” Everyone learns and develops at a different pace and a tutor can not only work on a specialized
A tutor can work through obstacles to help build a child’s confidence and give them tools that can help them manage insecurities in class.
skill set, but also help kids gain study habits that fit their learning style and personality.
BUILDS CHARACTER
Working with a tutor can be hard work but can have a big payoff when kids understand concepts they didn’t before and see their grades improve as well. Tutoring can be a way to highlight the value of hard work and build your child’s character and work ethic. It can also stretch them out of their comfort zone, help them understand that it’s okay to ask for help, and that it is normal to not understand concepts at first. These lessons will serve them well in life. “It’s a different relationship with the student,” said Thompson. “It’s one where they know you are completely on their side. Sometimes this gets lost in the classroom. I am always on everyone’s side in the classroom, but there is more competition for my time and limited time for questions.” Tutoring can be beneficial for nearly every student and does not have to be utilized because your child is “struggling” in a school subject. Working with a teacher who is there to listen to their concerns, answer questions, and review concepts at a pace the child is comfortable with is priceless and can have long term benefits. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six kids including triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
FIND THE RIGHT TUTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY TUTORING CENTER - A tutoring center can be a good fit for families that want a structured environment with progress reports along the way. Centers like Sylvan usually offer a pre-assessment of skills, something that may not be offered with other types of tutoring. RETIRED TEACHER: A retired or former teacher can be a great fit for many students because they have the opportunity to work one-on-one with someone who has a lot of expertise in a casual environment. Referral is typically the best way to connect with a former teacher who may be offering private tutoring. A HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT: Working with a student can be both affordable and convenient. Some schools may even offer free tutoring as an after-school program. Some kids may respond better to an older child or one of their peers. FREE “DROP-IN” TUTORING: Libraries, community centers, and even churches often offer free “drop-in” tutoring for math and reading after school. This can be helpful for kids that need help with a few concepts but may not need long term tutoring or families who cannot afford private tutoring. ONLINE TUTORING: For kids who are comfortable working on a computer, online tutoring can be helpful. Websites like www.varsitytutoring.com and www. sylvanlearning.com offer an online tutoring option for a fee. This is beneficial because kids can ask questions 24 hours a day allowing flexibility for busy schedules.
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 17
p m a C t s Be
HOW TO PICK THE
I
FOR YOUR CHILD
N THE BAY AREA, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region. 18 Parents Press | January 2026
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January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 19
T
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
he opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few. Consider the possibilities: DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps. OVERNIGHT (also called Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area. CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time. RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s values and beliefs.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest members of all ages, from grandparents to in depth within the context of the whole program. infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, enjoy new experiences and adventures. climbing, and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel. The only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. 20 Parents Press | January 2026
Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many
camp websites are a gateway to most camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture. Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities and prices? Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child. Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.) Submitted by American Camp Association.
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 21
What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience? electing a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is a wonderful way for your child to develop independence, new skills and new friends. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. Consider these questions as you go through your search:
What is driving your camp search?
Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends?
What are your leading camp search criteria?
Which ones are “non-negotiable” and which are “preferences”?
Which of your family’s values should be reflected in the camp philosophy? How religious
should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given?
What activities or programs interest you and your child? What level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?
What kind of facilities will your camper consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining. What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer schedule? The most common session lengths are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week.
What camp clientele do you want to consider? There are camps for only boys or girls, coed,
brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs.
How far are you willing to commute your child? Is there a good local source or is it worth driving to a destination camp?
22 Parents Press | January 2026
Make Summer Count:
9 activities for motivated teens
S
ummer often conjures images of camps for younger kids, where they make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. But as children grow into their teen years, they still benefit from engaging, enriching summer experiences—just tailored to their evolving interests and goals. While babysitting, mowing lawns, or lifeguarding are great ways for teens to spend their summer, there’s a wealth of opportunities that can help them prepare for their future, especially if they’re college-focused. Here’s a look at some activities and their benefits:
Camps & CIT 1Summer Opportunities.
Community Service Camps: These camps allow teens to give back to their communities while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s packing food for the homeless, assisting with community projects, or even helping to build homes, teens gain hands-on experience that fosters a sense of purpose. Interest-Based Camps: For teens passionate about sports, arts, computer science or other activities, specialized camps provide an immersive environment to develop their skills. From improving soccer techniques to exploring the arts or deepening their faith, these camps offer a focused approach to personal growth. Team-Building Camps: At camp, teens meet peers from diverse backgrounds and learn to work as a team through collaborative activities. Trust-building exercises and group projects teach cooperation—skills that are vital in college and beyond.
2 Internships.
For teens with a clear interest in a particular field, internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain realworld experience. Whether shadowing a doctor, assisting in a lab, or working at a local business, internships offer insight into potential career paths and look impressive on college applications.
3 Research Opps.
7Build Healthy Habits.
4Job Shadowing.
Friendships 8 Cultivate & Social Skills.
Teens interested in STEM fields can often find summer research opportunities through universities, science institutes, or specialized programs. These experiences allow students to contribute to meaningful projects, learn advanced methodologies, and connect with professionals in their field. For those still exploring career options, job shadowing provides a chance to observe professionals at work. Spending a day or two with a mentor can help teens understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and determine whether it aligns with their interests.
Interests & 5Develop Skills.
Summer is a perfect time for teens to unplug and dive into interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether attending camps focused on creative arts, sports, or technology, or taking guitar lessons, teens can develop new passions or refine existing ones, which could influence their future studies or careers.
6Build Independence.
Experiences like camps, internships, or job shadowing encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones. These activities require them to adapt to new environments, manage their time, and interact with others—key skills for college and adulthood.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
9 Sweet Homecoming.
Spending time away from home — whether at a residential camp, internship, or through international travel — often helps teens gain a new appreciation for family life and everyday comforts, from home-cooked meals to their own bed. Summer isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a time to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. Whether through camps, internships, research, jobs or other activities, college-focused teens can make the most of their summer while creating memories, making friends and developing skills that will last a lifetime. And yes, there’s still plenty of time for those odd jobs to help fund next year’s adventures! January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 23
CAMP DEVELOPS KIDS Decision Making Skills
D
ecisions can be scary. Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process. However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process. However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp.
Do I Stay or Do I Go?
It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper may have a friend at camp 24 Parents Press | January 2026
and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decision-making tools.
What do I wear? What do I eat? What do I do?
Every summer, campers will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing. At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their own activities each day, and for some campers,
simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum. However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decision-making abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp. From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily. Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decisionmaking takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
CONFIDENCE FOR DYSLEXIC MINDS • A strengths-based approach • Highly trained teachers • Specialized teaching methods • Multi-sensory and project based curriculum We create a summer environment where students gain confidence and build an understanding of how they learn.
June & July Summer Academic Camps Grades 1-8 ENROLLING NOW athenaacademy.org/summer
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 25
Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
Day Camp or Overnight Camp
D
eciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family. This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation. These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
26 Parents Press | January 2026
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp? • Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home? • What’s your budget for camp? • Can your child bath and dress independently? • How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be? • What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 27
2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Monthly March through June
e h t e v a S Date
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials 28 Parents Press | January 2026
EAST BAY PRESCHOOLS January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 29
PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
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.
T
he 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
1
with what programs are available in your area and the options START EARLY. It takes time to research different styles being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school of preschools and become familiar with common terms websites that look interesting to find out admissions information. used. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend ASK AROUND. Talk to other parents in your area to preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years. see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least DETERMINE WHAT CRITERIA IS MOST IMPORTANT about the program. How long did their child attend? Did they FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. Is it location, faith, type experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How of program offered, language immersion, special-needs did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? options, a year-round program, extended hours, cost? Prioritize How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and what are the most important factors for your situation? Rate these children still in contact with others from that preschool? 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. CONTACT THE PRESCHOOL. Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many UTILIZE LOCAL PARENTING RESOURCES. Local openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved parenting websites, like ParentsPress.com, offer lots of early for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that education and preschool information as well as open house your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots announcements. These resources will help you to become familiar
2
4
3
5
30 Parents Press | January 2026
Looking for a school where your young child will truly thrive?
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.
The school for your child: a health conscious, culturally responsive, joyful environment.
6
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.
7
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
Dynamic Education Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Now Enrolling Spring 2026 FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1976
• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills
Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers
Online enrollment inquiry form available on website
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Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
PK - 1st grade Up to 30 children
$741 - $2,298 FA Available Accredited Education Based
Center
$741 - $2,298 FA Available Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
$1,947 -$2,298 FA Available Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center/Private School
2 yrs - TK Up to 60 children 8:00 am - 5:50 pm
$ 1,113 - $ 2,144
Center Meals Provided Summer Programs Available
2.9 yr - 4.9+ PS 12:1 9am - 12pm, Ext Care 7am-6pm
$5,900 - $37,600
Cedar Creek Montessori School
2 yr - 5 Up to 40 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Variety of schedules available
Cornerstone Children’s Center & Preschool
Infants - K entry Up to 112 children 8:30am to 5:30pm
Infants $1,949-$2,784 Preschool $1,606-$2,294 Accredited Diapers Accepted
Center
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB)
2 yr - Grade 8 Up to 100 children 8:15am to 3:30pm. Extended care available (7:30am to 6pm)
PS-K $36,685 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool
2 yr - 6 Up to 48 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based
Center Extended Day Available
Little Elephant Too!
2 - 6 yrs 24 children
Varies
Center Snacks Provided
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 Alameda • 510-995-5383 www.ttpreschoolalameda.org
7:00 am - 6:00 pm 18 mos - 4 yrs Up to 20 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Age 2 - 8th grade Up to 44 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Special Needs Accepted
Special Needs Accepted
Special Needs Accepted
Alamo The Dorris-Eaton School 1286 Stone Valley Road Alamo • 925-837-7240 www.dorriseaton.org
Berkeley 1600 Sacramento Street Berkeley • 510-525-1377 cedarcreekmontessorischool.com 2407 Dana Street Berkeley • 510-280-6126 www.cornerstonechildren.com 1009 Heinz Avenue Berkeley • 510-549-3897 www.eb.org
1422 San Pablo Ave Berkeley • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com
2008 McGee Ave Berkeley • 510-679-5056 www.littleelephant.net
Shu Ren International School 2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com
8:00 am - 5:30 pm PS to G5 Up to 140 children 7:30 am - 6:00pm
Education Based $29,348-30,950 Tuition Assistance Accredited Mandarin Immersion Education Based
Center Summer Programs
Castro Valley ABC Preschool and Daycare
2 - 6 years Up to 41 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
20135 San Miguel Ave Castro Valley • 510-581-5577
Early Bird Montessori School
Age 2-6
Please see website
Center
20104 Center St Castro Valley • 510 363-6458 www.earlybirdmontessori.com
32 Parents Press | January 2026
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
His Growing Grove Child Care Center
6 wks - 5 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please see website
Center
2490 Grove Way Castro Valley • 510-581-5088 www.hisgrowinggrove.com
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Concord Concordia School, The
2 yr - 6th grade Up to 34 children 7:00 am - 6:30 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
First Lutheran Preschool
3 mos - 5 yrs Lutheran 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
2353 Fifth Ave Concord • 925-689-6910 4006 Concord Blvd Concord • 925-798-5330 flpsconcord.org
Center
Center
Danville Autumn Creek Learning Center 14 Osborn Way Danville • 925-743-4187 www.autumncreek-lc.com
2 yr - 5 Up to 110 children
Center Meals Provided
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please call for rate Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
2 yrs - G2 Up to 380 children
$2,450 Accredited
Center Summer Programs Available
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Education Based
Dublin Quarry Lane School
5600 Scarlett Dr. Dublin • 925-466-3100 www.quarrylane.org
BEGINNINGS MATTER
BUILDING LIFELONG LEARNERS
The journey of lifelong learning begins in preschool at Quarry Lane. We know that a child’s first years are critical to their growth and success in life. Our thoughtfully crafted program provides an e$ceptional academic foundation that sets students up to flourish and thrive as they continue on to the accelerated curriculum offered in our Lower, Middle and High School.
28 Join us at our Open House/School Expo: November 16 andJanuary January 25 Join us at our Open House/School Expo: November 5 &
APPLY TODAY! QuarryLane.org/Admissions Campuses in Dublin & Pleasanton
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 33
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Stratford School Dublin
2 yrs - G5 Varies Non Religious Half-day and full-day sessions
Varies Accredited
Center
Children’s Garden Montessori School
17 Months - 5 yrs 12 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Tuesdays - Fridays
2 days/week=$755; 3 days/week=$1,100; 4 days/week=$1,260; Extended Care Option Diapers Accepted
Home Special Needs Accepted
Mi Mundo Preschool
2.6 yr - 5 Up to 29 children
Center
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Varies Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
2 - 5 yrs Up to 59 children Non Denominational 8 am to 2 pm (extended day until 6 pm)
$2,500 - $3,300 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Snack Provided
6665 Amador Plaza Road Dublin • 925-399-1971 www.stratforddublin.com
Education Based
El Cerrito 2335 Tulare Ave El Cerrito • 510- 232-3089 childrensgardenmontessorischool.com
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/
EBI Preschool (PK,TK) Where Young Minds Grow Through Immersion 100% Spanish Immersion in PK and TK
Your child is fully immersed in Spanish from day one—building bilingualism naturally and joyfully. International Baccalaureate Early Years Program - We spark curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness through the IB framework. Social-Emotional Learning at the Center - We nurture confidence, empathy, and independence in every child. A Student-Centered Approach -Our teachers follow each child’s interests, strengths, and developmental path.
Schedule a tour or apply today: 34 Parents Press | January 2026
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Learn and Play Montessori School
2 yr - 6 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Stratford School Fremont Blvd
2.5 yrs - G5 Varies Non Religious Half-day and full-day sessions
Varies Accredited
Center
2.5 yrs - G5 Varies Non Religious Half-day and full-day sessions
Varies Accredited
California Crosspoint Academy 25500 Industrial Blvd Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org
PS-12 82 Christian 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
$23,700 FA Available Diapers accepted for 2 year old class Education Based
Center Lunch available for purchase. Snacks included
Eiffel Tower Montessori
2 yr - 5
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Fremont 7220 Maple Street Fremont • 510-713-2402
38495 Fremont Boulevard Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordfremontblvd.com
Stratford School Fremont Osgood 43077 Osgood Road Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordfremontosgood.com
Education Based Center
Education Based
Hayward
493 Blanche St Hayward • 510-475-1762
CCA offers Preschool to 12th grade California Crosspoint Academy celebrates over 45 years of excellence in education. From preschool age to college prep, we engage and prepare our students to achieve their goals and unique God given passions in life through an intimate, creative, and collaborative learning environment. We are "Transforming Lives for the Glory of God." Average 11:1 student to staff ratio • Individualized learning STEAM (STEM
+ Arts) education • Outdoor education and field trips
Life-long friendships • Scholarship program available
Preschool an d Elementary
• Academic and character development • Introduction to foreign languages and culture • Collaborative and interactive lessons • Creative multi-sensory instruction • Welcoming and nurturing classrooms
Middle School
• Multi-faceted learning experience • Integration of high school level languages and math • Sports teams: cross country, volleyball, basketball and soccer • Seamless transition to our high school
High School
• 21 Honors & AP courses • Foreign languages: Mandarin & Spanish • Sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, golf, track & field, badminton, swimming, color guard and e-sport • International travel opportunities
Contact us for a tour and come experience California Crosspoint Academy. We look forward to welcoming you to our family! 25500 In dustrial Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545 • 510-995-5333 • crosspointacademy.org
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.
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RAM NATIDK January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 35
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Elmhurst Learning Center
2 yr - 11 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Meals Provided
Old Firehouse School
12 mos - 5 Up to 70 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Meals Provided
The Child Day Schools
2-5 years 85
$980 to $2,530 Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)
Varies according to schedule Financial Aid Available Education Based
Center
Please call for rate
Center
380 Elmhurst Street Hayward • 510-786-1289
Lafayette 984 Moraga Rd Lafayette • 925-284-4321 www.oldfirehouseschool.com 1049 Stuart Street Lafayette • 925-284-7092 www.tcdschools.com
7:30 am to 5:15 pm
Viva el Español
Ages 3 - 13
925 Village Center, Suite 2 Lafayette • 925-962-9177 www.vivaelespanol.org
7:30am - 6:30pm
Livermore The Child Development Center
18 mos - 5 Up to 132 children
3000 Campus Hill Dr Livermore • 925-424-1560 www.laspositascollege.edu/childdevelopmentcenter
24SH0807_5x3875advertPRE_1 PRINT.pdf
1
8/7/24
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
4:31 PM
First Covenant Treehouse Preschool & Transitional Kindergarten 4000 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 531-0320 C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Lifelong Learning Begins
K
Our Reggio-inspired Early Childhood program sparks curiosity and growth in our youngest learners. We nurture every child's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs in a vibrant, inquiry-driven environment. Join us for a tour and see the foundation of lifelong learning in action!
36 Parents Press | January 2026
Preschool - 8th Grade 975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 933-0666 • sevenhillsschool.org
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
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Valley Montessori School
Preschool: 18 mos - K plus Grades 1-8 Up to 425 children Independent 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Varies by program 2, 3 or 5 half/full day AMS, CAIS, WASC Diapers Accepted Montessori Curriculum
Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available for Purchase
12 mos - 5 years 75
$935 - $2,435 Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)
3 yr - 5 Up to 32 children 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Extended Care Available
$23,320 Annual Accredited
Center Snack Provided
PS-8 Co-Ed
$6,020 - $28,860
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
7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Play-Education Based
Newark Challenger School - Ardenwood
35487 Dumbarton Court Newark • 510-739-0300 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark/ ardenwood
Center
Now Enrolling!
Cedar Creek Montessori School
Inciting curious minds. Building connections. Encouraging leadership.
Helping Children Explore Their World!
Enrichments
A program offering specialized teachers in art, music, nature studies, and Montessori education in a nurturing environment. 1600 Sacramento Street • Berkeley, CA 94702 • (510) 525-1377 cedarcreekmontessorischool.com
Serving kids 12 months to 6 years
Vegan, vegetarian, and organic meal options
Phone: (510) 275-3194
littletreasureskidsacademy.com littletreasureskidsacademy@gmail.com 3120 Shane Dr. Richmond CA 94806
LT
Outdoor play
Call for a tour today!
Proudly suppo commu nity for rting our over 35 years!
We are a NAEYCaccredited, statelicensed, Christian nursery, preschool, and pre-kindergarten. We offer year-round flexible scheduling, with options for both part-time and full-time.
2407 Dana Street, Berkeley • (510) 280-6126 • cornerstonechildren.com/
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 37
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Challenger School
PS-K Co-Ed
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Duck’s Nest Preschool Telegraph Campus
2 yr - 5 Up to 72 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
$1,400 to $2,200 Diapers Accepted
Center
Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
Ages 3 - 5 65 Independent 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
$33,150; Diapers not accepted Spanish Immersion International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
Center
KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool
2 yr - 6 Up to 60 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based
Center Extended Day Available
KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool
2 yr - 6 Up to 60 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based
Center Extended Day Available
39600 Cedar Blvd. Newark • 510-770-1771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark
Oakland 3717 Telegraph Avenue Oakland • 510-658-5443
410 Alcatraz Ave. Oakland • 510-653-3324 https://ebinternacional.org
2540 Charleston St Oakland • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com 1650 Mountain Blvd Oakland • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com
WHAT BEGINS HERE NEVER ENDS.
A STRATFORD EDUCATION LASTS A LIFETIME.
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
VISIT US FOR A
TOUR!
10 Bay Area locations
Discover Stratford’s innovative and advanced STEAM-based curriculum tailored for Early Preschool (aged 2) through Grade 8 with Mandarin Bilingual Preschool and Pre-K options. Schedule your personalized tour today! Visit StratfordSchools.com/tours
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2024, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Stratford Fremont Boulevard Preschool - Kindergarten Stratford Fremont Osgood Preschool - Grade 8 Stratford Dublin Early Preschool - Grade 5 Stratford Pleasanton Early Preschool - Grade 5 Mandarin Preschool/Pre-K
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
SCAN TO SCHEDULE A TOUR
Preschool State License: 13420588, 13423042, 15700568, 13420939. Copyright © 2025 Stratford Schools, Inc.
Enrolling now: a NEW Montessori school in Berkeley Ages 2.5-6 • Immediate start • Year-round
Our core ideals
• compassion and kindness • supporting creativity • building community • passion for learning • peace
Award Winning Program
Old Firehouse School www.oldfirehouseschool.com
Serving ages 1-5
Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available 2008 McGee Ave • Berkeley • 510.679.5056 • www.littleelephant.net
38 Parents Press | January 2026
Snacks provided, lunch available for purchase.
Lafayette Campus 984 Moraga Road Lafayette 925-284-4321
ofslafayette@gmail.com
*Reggio Emilia Inspired *Primary Caregiving *Extraordinary Faculty
Walnut Creek Campus 55 Eckley Lane Walnut Creek 925-934-1507 ofswalnutcreek@gmail.com
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Oakland Montessori School
Toddler-K Up to 40 children
$15,500-$25,000 Accredited
Center
8:30 am - 5:00 pm Extended Care Avail
Education Based
2 yr - 5 First Covenant Church
Little Angels (2yrs) $1900 $2245 PS-PK (Potty Trained) $1420 - $1890 TK $1575 - $1890 Registration Fee $100 Diapers Accepted (2yr old) class)
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
2 Schedules 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Center AM and PM Snack Provided Must bring lunch from home
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. January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 39
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
2 yr - 5 Up to 25 children Christian 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Extended Care Avail.
Please call for rate
Center
18 mos - 5 Up to 24 children
Please call for rate
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)
Diapers Accepted Education Based
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
2 yr - 5
Please call for rate
10 Irwin Way Orinda • 925-254-2551 https://www.theorindapreschool.org
Center
Center
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Piedmont City of Piedmont
2 yr - 5
Varies
Center
Linda Beach Coop. Preschool
2.75 yr - 4 Up to 20 children
Varies Accredited
Center
3 mos - 6 yr Up to 30 children
Please call for rate
Center
2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children
Please call for rate
Mulitiple Locations Piedmont • 510-420-3040 https://piedmont.ca.gov 400 Highland Ave Piedmont • 510-547-4432 www.lindabeach.org
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Special Needs Accepted
Pleasant Hill Alice’s Montessori
105 Astrid Drive & 1041 Hook Ave Pleasant Hill • 925-947-0600 www.alicesmontessori.com
Choice in Learning
490 Golf Club Rd Pleasant Hill • 925-687-5321 cilmontessori.org
Diapers Accepted Education Based Center
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Creative Play Center
2 yr - 4+ 20-22 per class Varies
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Play and Learn School
18 mos - 9 Up to 150 children
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Meals Provided Special Needs Accepted
Stepping Stones Learning Center
2 yr - 5 Up to 66 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Little Flowers Montessori
18 mos - 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Extended Care Available
Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Quarry Lane School
18 mos. - G2 Up to 380 children
$2,450 Accredited
Center Summer Programs Available
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Education Based
Ages 2-5 (or PreK) Up to 180 children
$2,450 Accredited
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Education Based
2 yrs - G5 Varies Non Religious Half-day and full-day sessions
Varies Accredited
2323 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-974-6820 1898 Pleasant Hill Rd Pleasant Hill • 925-947-2820 2750 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill • 925-933-6520
Special Needs Accepted
Special Needs Accepted
Pleasanton 11533 Dublin Canyon Rd Pleasanton • 925-225-9600
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
40 Parents Press | January 2026
Education Based
Center Summer Programs Available
Center
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. January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 41
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
The Child Day Schools
2 - 5 years, School Age 76
$935 - $2,065 Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Transportation Available (for school-age) Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)
3-5 years
Varies
Center
7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Education Based
12 mos - 6 years 71 Independent 8:00am-4:30pm Extended care available
$945.00-$2375.00/mos
Center
Diapers Accepted
Meals Provided Special Needs Available
3 yr - Grade 8 Up to 36 children Catholic 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Varies Accredited
Center
Infant - 6
Please call for rate
883 Rose Avenue Pleasanton • 925-462-1866 www.tcdschools.com
7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Richmond Curious Explorers Academy 200 Broadway Richmond • 510-974-3540
Little Treasures Kids Academy
3120 Shane Dr Richmond • 510.275.3194 www.littletreasureskidsacademy.com
St. David Preschool
Richmond • 510-232-1736 www.stdavidschool.org
Education Based
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
Center
Diapers Accepted Education Based 2 yr - 6 Up to 92 children
Please call for rate
18 mos - 5 Up to 93 children
Please call for rate
Center
Diapers Accepted Education Based
San Ramon Diablo Hills Country School
50 Creekside Drive San Ramon • 925-831-1210 www.diablohillscountryschool.com
Little Bridges Child Care Center
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Diapers Accepted Education Based Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based Faith Based
Center Transportation Summer Programs
12 mos - 5 years Kindergarten, School Age 120 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
$945 - $2,405 Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Transportation Available (for school-age) Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)
Free To Be Preschool
2 yr - 5 Up to 49 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
Little People Preschool
2 yr - 5 Up to 63 children Christian 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center
2 yr - 6 Up to 70 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based
Center Extended Day Available
9015 S. Gale Rd. San Ramon • 925-498-9808 www.littlebridges.org
The Child Day Schools
18868 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon • 925-820-2515 www.tcdschools.com
Infants - 5th Grade Up to 205 children
Center
7:30 am - 6:00pm
Union City 188 Appian Way Union City • 510-471-0731 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
42 Parents Press | January 2026
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.
and 4C’s of Alameda County and the Contra Costa Child Care Council websites offer a wealth of information for parents seeking information.
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.
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.
Pre-kindergarten (pre-K)
The Visit
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.
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:
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
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.
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 43
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Old Firehouse School
2 yr - 5 Up to 80 children 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based
Center Meals Provided
Safari Kid Walnut Creek
2 yr - 6 Up to 84 children 7:40 am - 6:00 pm
Diapers Accepted
The Seven Hills School
2.9 years and up 21 in PS; 22 in PK 8:30 am - 2:15 pm Extended Care 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Annual $25,000, additional for Extended Care Accredited Potty Trained Required Education Based
Center Snacks and meals provided
Corte Madera Montessori
PK 10:1
Montessori
Please Call
Marin Montessori School
18 mos - 15 yrs
Montessori
Please Call
Chronos Academy
TK-8 All Gender 8:1 22
Independent
$31,000- $40,000 or Indexed Tuition
Marin Primary & Middle School
Ages 2 - 5 100 PS Students 275 PS-8th Students 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Independent Accredited Play Based
$3,000-$5,000 Diapers Accepted for 2 year olds only Catered meals for purchase
PK-8 All Gender 8:1
Independent
Please Call
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
PK-8 All Gender 16:1
Lutheran
Please Call FA Available
Noah’s Ark Preschool
2 - 5.11 All Gender 10:1
Christian
1,046 - $2,031 FA Available
2.10 - 6 yrs 36 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Independent
$17,480 - $20,050
Pre K-8 All Gender 10:1 55
Independent French Gifted Education
$26,200
55 Eckley Ln Walnut Creek • 925-934-1507 www.oldfirehouseschool.com 2074 Treat Blvd. Walnut Creek • 925-295-0761
975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org
Center
Marin County Corte Madera 50 El Camino Dr #10 Corte Madera • 415-927-0919 www.cortemaderamontessori.com 5200 Paradise Dr Corte Madera • 415-924-5388 www.marinmontessori.org
Larkspur 110 Magnolia Ave Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy 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 1180 Lynwood Drive Novato • 415-892-2880 www.gslsnovato.org
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
44 Parents Press | January 2026
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Montessori de Terra Linda
PK-6 All Gender 12:1
Independent
Please Call FA Available
Montessori in Motion
PS-K All Gender 6:1 36
Independent English, Spanish Marin Childcare Council for FA
Please Call FA Available
Lycée Français de San Francisco
PS-G5 All Gender 8:1 135
Independent French
$26,420 to $35,900 FA Available
The Discovery School
2.9 - 5 yrs All Gender
Independent
Please Call
610 Del Ganado Road San Rafael • 415-479-7373 www.mdtl.org
3 Wellbrock Heights San Rafael • 415-472-5622 www.montessoriinmotion.com
Sausalito 610 Coloma Street Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org
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 January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 45
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Alta Vista School
JK-8 All Gender 9:1 320
Independent Spanish
$5,000 - $43,989 FA Available
Big City Montessori School
2-1/2 - 6 yrs 75 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Hiba Academy Bay Area
PK-5 All Gender 8:1 400
Mandarin Chinese /English bilingual immersion
$52,000
The International School of San Francisco
PK2 - Grade 12 All Gender
Independent Education Based French
PK2-Grade 8 $41,140 - $42,240 IB, AEFE, CIS, CAIS, WASC, NAIS
Laura Vicuna Pre-K
3K-8 All Gender 3K/Pre-K: 6:1 / 8:1 3K: 24 students Pre-K: 24 students
Catholic Italian, Spanish
Tuition for Full Day (5:30 PM) $20,750; School Day (3PM) $16,350; Half Day (12PM offered to preK3s only) $13,400 FA Available
Lycée Français de San Francisco
PS-G5 All Gender 8:1 380
Independent French
$26,420 to $35,900 FA Available
Noe Valley Nursery School
2.9 - 5 yrs 27 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Summer Programs
San Francisco Montessori Academy
3 - 6 yrs 23 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Stratford School DeMontfort
PS - G5 All Gender PS 12:1 K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
Stratford School 14th Avenue
2.5 yrs - G6 All Gender PS 12:1 K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Mandarin, Spanish
Varies by age
Stratford School Parkside
2 yrs-PK All Gender PS 12:1 K 15:1
Independent English, Mandarin, Spanish
Varies by Program
450 Somerset St. - Lower School 2558 Mission Street - Middle School San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org 240 Industrial Street San Francisco • 415-648-5777
99 Rhode Island St San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org Maternelle/Preschool 1155 Page Street San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org 660 Filbert Street San Francisco • 415-421-5219
755 Ashbury Street San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org
5210 Diamond Heights Boulevard San Francisco • 415-647-2278 1283 22nd Ave & 1566 32nd Ave San Francisco • 415-759-5710 www.sfmontessoriacademy.com 301 DeMontfort Avenue San Francisco • 415-333-3134 www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com 645 14th Avenue San Francisco • 415-742-4254 www.stratfordsf14.com
2425 19th Avenue San Francisco • 415-564-6250 www.stratfordsfparkside.com
$2,750
Sonoma County Petaluma The Spring Hill School
825 Middlefield Dr Petaluma • 707-763-7299
18 mos - 6 yrs
Varies FA Available Summer Programs
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Santa Rosa Brush Creek Montessori School
PS - Grade 6
Varies FA Available
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
46 Parents Press | January 2026
TK-8 All Gender 14:1 275
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
$34,800 FA Available
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.
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
Featured Preschools
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
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.
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
PS - G8 100 Catholic After School Care Avail
$6,530-$14,000/annually FA Available
Education Based Center
Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool
PS - G8 30 Catholic
$22,495/annually FA Available
Education Based Center
Birth - 5 yrs 320 Independent
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available After School Care Avail
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
2yr-G5 165 Ext Hours available
PS: $1,600 - $3,120 FA Avalable Multiple Schedules Available
Center Diapers Accepted Play Based and Academic
San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties Belmont 1000 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont • 650-593-4265 www.ihmschoolbelmont.org 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
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 47
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
PJCC Preschool
6 mos - 4 yrs 175 Jewish
Starting at $1,850/mo
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
PS-8
$12,900 - $16,350 FA Available Education Based
Center
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
11:1 540
Los Altos Hills Los Altos Christian School
TK-8 150 Christian
$15,000 - $25,000 FA Available
Hillbrook School
JK-12 375 Independent
$45,500-$61,000 FA Available Spanish, Mandarin
Stratford School Belgatos Park
2.5 yrs - G1 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Stratford School Los Gatos
2.5 yrs - G4 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Age 2-PreK 52 Episcopal 7:30am - 6:00pm
$29,950 Regular Day 7:30am-1:00pm $38,600 Ext Day 7:30am - 6:00pm FA Available
Stratford School Beresford Square
2 yrs - G2 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish, Mandarin
Stratford School Great Mall
2.5 yrs - G8 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Action Day Schools | Morgan Hill
Birth - 5 yrs 94 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,912 - $2,564 FA Available
Stratford School Morgan Hill
2.5 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Birth - 5 yrs 167 Independent After School Care Avail
$2,256 - $3,279 FA Available
625 Magdalena Avenue Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com
Los Gatos 300 Marchmont Drive Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org 220 Belgatos Road Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com
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
Center
Milpitas 125 N Milpitas Boulevard Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com 341 Great Mall Pkwy Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordmilpitas.com
Morgan Hill 17535 Del Monte Ave Morgan Hill • 408-779-7678 www.actiondayschools.com pgs. 11, 44 410 Llagas Road Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801 www.stratfordmorganhill.com
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Mountain View Action Day Schools | Mt. View 333 Eunice Avenue Mountain View • 650-967-3780 www.actiondayschools.com
48 Parents Press | January 2026
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Yew Chung International School Silicon Valley
Age 2 - Grade 8 Up to 245 children 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Ext Care Available
$36,900 Accredited Mandarin and English
Education Based Center Summer Programs
Bowman School Children’s House 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto • 650-813-9131 www.bowmanschool.org
12 weeks - Age 6 60 each / 2 locations 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Montessori
$45,414 Lic# 435700719
Center Diapers provided
Challenger School - Middlefield
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Preschool & TK ECE Campus 199 East Middlefield Road, Suite 100 Mountain View • 650-903-0986 www.ycis-sv.com
Palo Alto
3880 Middlefield Road Palo Alto • 650-213-8245 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/palo-alto/ middlefield
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?
T
his 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
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? January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 49
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Stratford School Palo Alto
2 yrs - G8 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
PS - 8 325
$36,170 - $46,190 FA Available
Center
Ages 4+ 14 Christian 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
$16,700 Annual Accredited
Education-Based Center
870 North California Avenue Palo Alto • 650-493-1151 www.stratfordpaloalto.com
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
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?
Your own observations Spend at least an hour in the classroom. Ask yourself:
18. Do teachers have access to trained 25. Do I feel welcome? professionals such as a social worker, 26. Are the teachers warm and caring mental health consultant, and/or with the children? behavior specialist to help children who 27. Do the teachers handle problems have challenging behaviors or attention and conflicts in a positive manner? problems? 28. Do teachers have one-on-one 19. If a child has a disability or conversations with children? special needs, does the school provide accommodations and support? 29. Do teachers work with children individually and in small groups of three 20. Are parents welcome to drop in or four? 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?
30. Does staff show acceptance and respect to all children regardless of culture, race, language, or disability?
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, 31. Do the children appear to be happy clean, and in good condition? and engaged in activities? 40. When the children are outside, are
32. Do the children have opportunities 23. Does the school have a number of to select what they want to do at times ways for the parent(s) to be involved and throughout the day? help their child at home? (i.e., a school 33. Are the children talking and newsletter, classroom volunteers, family interacting with each other? events, book or toy lending library) 34. Do the children seem to be 24. Does the teacher keep the parent(s) working well with one another (sharing, regularly informed of the child’s progress playing cooperatively, and taking turns)? and school activities in a language they 35. Do you see evidence that the can understand? teachers use a variety of methods to If yes, how often? teach letters, numbers, shapes, and new vocabulary words? If the teacher does not speak the family’s language, how do they 36. Does the classroom have a library communicate? 50 Parents Press | January 2026
with a variety of books and other reading material?
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?
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
Highlands Christian Schools
Toddler - Grade 8 300 Christian 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
$16,000- $23,000 FA Available
Center Hot food service available for fee
Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon
2.5 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Stratford School San Bruno El Camino
2 yrs - PK Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish, Mandarin
Action Day Schools | Allen
Birth - 12 yrs 371 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Action Day Schools | Amber Preschool
2 - 4.5 yrs 60 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Action Day Schools | Lincoln
Birth - 5 yrs 266 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Action Day Schools | Moorpark
Birth - 5 yrs 330 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Action Day Schools | Phelan 801 Hibiscus Lane San Jose • 408-985-5998 www.actiondayschools.com
Birth - 5 yrs 255 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Challenger School - Almaden
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Challenger School - Berryessa
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Challenger School - Harwood
PS-5
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Challenger School - Shawnee
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Challenger School - Strawberry Park
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Stratford School Almaden
2 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish, Mandarin
San Bruno 1900 Monterey Drive San Bruno • 650-873-4090 www.school.highlands.us/preschool 2322 Crestmoor Drive San Bruno • 650-837-9222 www.stratfordsanbruno.com
300 El Camino Real San Bruno • 650-671-1880 www.stratfordsanbrunoelcamino.com
San Jose 5845 Allen Avenue San Jose • 408-629-6020 www.actiondayschools.com 3500 Amber Drive San Jose • 408-248-2464 www.actiondayschools.com 2148 Lincoln Avenue San Jose • 408-266-8952 www.actiondayschools.com 3030 Moorpark Avenue San Jose • 408-249-0668 www.actiondayschools.com
19950 McKean Road San Jose • 408-927-5771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ almaden 711 East Gish Road San Jose • 408-998-2860 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ berryessa 4949 Harwood Road San Jose • 408-723-0111 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ harwood 500 Shawnee Lane San Jose • 408-365-9298 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ shawnee 730 Camina Escuela San Jose • 408-213-0083 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ strawberry-park 5200 Dent Avenue San Jose • 408-877-6300 www.stratfordalmaden.com
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 51
Featured Preschools
Ages Served # of Children at Facility Religious Affil (if any) Hours of Care
Tuition Accredited Facility? Diapers Accepted? Education Based?
Stratford School San Jose
2.5 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish, Mandarin
2 - 5 yrs Up to 120 children 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
$3,375 FA Available Diapers Accepted for fee
Center Education Based Snacks Provided
Action Day Schools | Pruneridge
18 mos - 5 yrs 68 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Stratford School McKinley
2 yrs - PK Non Religious
Varies by age English, Mandarin, Spanish
Stratford School Pomeroy
2.5 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Stratford School Winchester
2 yrs - G2 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Action Day Schools | El Quito
Birth - 12 yrs 389 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Action Day Schools | University 13560 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road Saratoga • 408-867-4515 www.actiondayschools.com
2 - 5 yrs 44 Independent After School Care Avail
$1,930 - $2,877 FA Available
Education Based Center Diapers Accepted Summer Program
Challenger School - Saratoga
PS-K
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School
PK-8 435 Independent, Episcopal
$33,960-$39,990 Flexible Tuition Program
Center
Challenger School - Sunnyvale
PS-8
$6,020 - $28,860
Center
Stratford School Washington Park
2.5 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish
Stratford School De Anza Park
2 yrs - G5 Non Religious
Varies by age English, Spanish, Mandarin
Sunnyvale Christian School
PK - Elem 140
Annual $15,000-$22,252 FA Available
6670 San Anselmo Way San Jose • 408-363-2130 www.stratfordsanjose.com
Home or Center Meals Provided? Special Needs? Transportation?
San Mateo Serendipity Preschool
3172 Clearview Way San Mateo • 650-574-7400 www.serendipityschool.com/
Santa Clara 2001 Pruneridge Avenue Santa Clara • 408-244-2909 www.actiondayschools.com
57 Cronin Dr. Santa Clara • 408-713-6231 www.stratfordsantaclaramckinley.com 890 Pomeroy Avenue Santa Clara • 408-244-4073 www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com 400 N. Winchester Boulevard Santa Clara • 408-244-2121 www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com
Saratoga 18720 Bucknall Road Saratoga • 408-370-0357 www.actiondayschools.com
18811 Cox Avenue Saratoga • 408-378-0444 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/saratoga 13601 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga • 408-867-3785 www.st-andrews.org
Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sunnyvale 820 West McKinley Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500 www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com 1196 Lime Drive Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424 www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com 445 S. Mary Ave. Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286 www.sunnyvalechristian.school
52 Parents Press | January 2026
Center ACSI Membership
East Bay Featured Listings January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 53
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus
PK - 1 All Gender 6:1 30
Independent Mandarin and Arts Program
$741 - $2,298 FA Available
AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC
The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus
18mos - 3yrs All Gender 4:1 and 5:1 20
Independent Spanish
$741 - $2,298 FA Available
AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC
The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus
Age 2- Grade 8 All Gender 6:1 44
Independent Arabic, Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish
$1,947 - $2,298 FA Available
AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC
Coastline Christian Schools
K-8 All Gender 8:1 315
Christian Mandarin
$15,500-$16,800 FA Available
WASC, ACSI
Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda
PK-8 All Gender 6:1 25
Independent Spanish with a strong emphasis in the arts
$1,947 - $2,298 FA Available
AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC
Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School
9-12 All Gender 17:1 380
Catholic
$25,495
WASC, WCEA
PS-8 All Gender 12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365
Independent Spanish
$5,900 - $37,600 FA Available
6-12 All Gender 1:1 100
Independent Regular/Honors/AP courses in all high school subjects
Black Pine Circle School
K-8 All Gender Varies 305
Independent Mandarin, Spanish
K-5 $36,800 6-8 $41,900 FA Available
CAIS
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
PS-Grade 8 All Gender 16:1 420
Independent French, Spanish, Mandarin
$36,685- 41,540 FA Available
AEFE (French Ministry of Education), CAIS, NAIS, WASC
Maybeck High School
9-12 All Gender 5:1 115
Independent Spanish, French
$48,725 FA Available
POCIS , WASC, ISSFBA
Saint Mary’s College High School
9-12 All Gender 16:1 600
Catholic Spanish, French
$24,530 FA Available
WCEA, WASC
School of the Madeleine
K-8 Co-Ed 9:1 250
Catholic English, Spanish
$13,900-$15,500 FA Available
NCEA, WCEA, WASC
Alameda 2226 Encinal Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org
2212 Pacific Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org
1400 Sixth St. Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.thechildunique.org
1801 North Loop Road Alameda • 510-522-0200 www.coastlinechristian.org
1400 Sixth St. Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.montessorielementaryalameda.org 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
Albany Tilden Preparatory School 1231 Solano Ave. Albany • 510-525-5506 www.tildenprep.com
WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved
Berkeley 2027 Seventh St Berkeley • 510-845-0876 www.blackpinecircle.org 1009 Heinz Ave. Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org 2727 College Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org 1294 Albina Ave Berkeley • 510-526-9242 www.saintmaryschs.org 1225 Milvia St Berkeley • 510-526-4744 www.themadeleine.com
54 Parents Press | January 2026
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Shu Ren International School - Berkeley Campus, p. 45, 81
PK2- Grade 5 All Gender PK2 6:1, PK3-TK 8:1 K-5: 11:1 140
Independent Mandarin Immersion International Baccalaureate
PK2-TK $29,348 K $30,923 G1-G5 $30,950 FA Available
IB World School WASC, NAIS
Mission Hills School
TK-5 All Gender TK/K - 10:1, G1-G8 - 15:1 106
Independent Spanish
$13,000 FA Available
Redwood Christian Schools Castro Valley • San Lorenzo
TK-12 Co-Ed 18:1 650
Christian Spanish, Mandarin
$16,000 - $19,000 FA Available
WASC, ACSI
Carondelet High School
9-12 Girls Only 16:1 800
Catholic French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, plus ASL
$25,300 FA Available
ICGS, NCEA, WASC
De La Salle High School
9-12 Boys Only 11:1 1,025
Catholic Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, plus ASL
$26,370 FA Available
NCEA, WCEA
2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com
Castro Valley 2330 Pomar Vista Avenue Castro Valley • 510-317-8627 www.mhmschool.org
510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu
Concord 1133 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-686-5353 www.carondeleths.org 1130 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-288-8100 www.dlshs.org
Bilingual immersion (PreK - 8)
IB Diploma Programme
Exceptional curriculum
College-preparatory curriculum
Small classes
Multiple language tracks
Internationally minded
College admissions advantage
Tuition assistance available
Tuition assistance available
Open House All Programs Oct 18 | 10 am - 2 pm Online Info Sessions High School Sep 16 | 6 pm Early Childhood Sep 23 | 9 am Elementary & Middle School Sep 30 | 9 am
Open Classrooms Jan 16, 2026 Private Tours By appointment admissions@ebgis.org Register at http://www.ebgis.org/admissions/v isit-us 1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org
AT BENTLEY, OUR STUDENTS RISE TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH: • • •
Small class sizes that allow for deep dives and strong connections A rigorous and balanced curriculum A collaborative and supportive community, where every student is seen, known, and valued
VISIT AND LEARN MORE.
Representing 70 different zip codes, Bentley has bus pick-up and drop-off locations, including: Alameda Oakland
Berkeley Kensington
Orinda Lafayette
Danville Walnut Creek
V I S I T B E N T L E Y S C H O O L .O R G K–8 Campus, Oakland (510) 229-4140
Parents Press Print Ad 5x8 - Bentley School_9.25.indd 1
9–12 Campus, Lafayette (925) 900-4072
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 55
9/15/25 1:03 PM
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Orion Academy
8-12 All Gender 8:1 64
Independent Special Needs Latin
$49,500 - $58,000 FA Available
WASC
Quarry Lane School
Jr.K - G12 All Gender 7:1 950
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
$25,168-$49,889
WASC, NCPSA, NIPSA
Stratford School Dublin
2 yrs - G5 All Gender 8:1 (EPS), 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K) , 22:1 (1-5)
Non Religious Spanish
Varies by program
WASC, CPSTEME
East Bay Montessori
TK-8 All Gender 10:1 80
Independent Spanish
$29,900-$33,900 FA Available
AMS, BAMA, ISSFBA, NAIS
Golestan School
PreK-5 All Gender 7:1 100
Independent Persian Immersive for Preschool
$31,588-$34,860 FA Available
Ashoka Changemaker School
1868 Clayton Rd. Concord • 925-377-0789 www.orionacademy.org
Dublin 6363 Tassajara Rd. Dublin • 925-829-8000 www.QuarryLane.org 6665 Amador Plaza Road Dublin • 925-399-1971 www.stratforddublin.com
El Cerrito 7075 Cutting Blvd. El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.eastbaymontessori.org 320 San Carlos Avenue El Cerrito • 510-704-8541 www.golestankids.com
Come visit us on October 11 for our OPEN HOUSE!
56 Parents Press | January 2026
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM - Noon
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Prospect Sierra School
TK-8 All Gender 9:1 470
Independent Spanish
TK: $28,800 ES: $36,050 MS: $40,810 FA Available
CAIS, NAIS, POCIS, Green Ribbon School, Ashoka Change-maker School
East Bay German International School
PS-8 All Gender 7:1 150
Independent German, Spanish, French
$27,000-$31,000 FA Available
IB World School, WASC, PASCH, WDA
East Bay International High School
9-12 All Gender 7:1 40
Independent German, Spanish, French
$33,000-$35,000 FA Available
IB World School, WASC, PASCH, WDA
Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
Grades 2-8 All Gender PK 8:1, K-1 11:1 270
Independent Spanish-English Bilingual
$33,150 $41,550 Tuition Assistance Available
CAIS, NAIS, WASC, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
2.5 yrs - K All Gender 8:1 (EPS), 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K)
Non Religious Spanish
Varies by program
WASC, CPSTEME
960 Avis Drive 2060 Tapscott Ave. El Cerrito • 510-809-9000 www.prospectsierra.org
Emeryville 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org 4550 San Pablo Ave. Emeryville • 510-652-7094 https://ebinternacional.org
Fremont Stratford School Fremont Blvd 38495 Fremont Boulevard Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordfremontblvd.com
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 57
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Stratford School Fremont Osgood
2.5 yrs - G8 All Gender 8:1 (EPS), 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K) , 22:1 (1-5)
Non Religious Spanish
Varies by program
WASC, CPSTEME
California Crosspoint Academy
PS-12 All Gender 9:1 642
Christian Mandarin, Spanish
HS $20,800 MS $18,150 ES $15,900 FA Available
WASC, ACSI, Cognia
Moreau Catholic High School
9-12 Co-Ed 13:1 850
Catholic English, Spanish, French, Mandarin
$25,790 FA Available
WASC, WCEA
Bentley School
K-12; Oakland: K-8 All Gender 8:1 650
Independent English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin
K-5: $40,600 6-8: $44,400 9-12: $58,525 FA Available
CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA
Contra Costa Jewish Day School
K-8 Co-Ed 20:2 180
Independent Hebrew, Spanish
K-5: $25,400 6-8: $28,400 FA Available
CAIS, WASC
43077 Osgood Road Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordfremontosgood.com
Hayward 25500 Industrial Blvd Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org 27170 Mission Blvd. Hayward • 510-881-4310 www.moreaucatholic.org
Lafayette 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road Lafayette • 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org 955 Risa Road Lafayette • 925-284-8288 www.ccjds.org
ills Middle Sc sion H n Hills Sc hool & s i M hool Missio
Where minds minds are are thinking thinking while while faces facesare aresmiling! smiling! Who We Are At Mission Hills Middle School and Mission Hills School, we are dedicated to raising confident, intellectual, and well-rounded students prepared for a brighter tomorrow. Our competency-based approach recognizes that every child is unique, setting meaningful expectations that both challenge and support them. By balancing academics, social growth, and physical development, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
What We Offer
Small School,
Big Impact. Visit Us Today! SJND.ord/admissions
�� Academics �� Creativity �� Leadership ⚽ Balance �� Community
58 Parents Press | January 2026
�� Individualized Learning �� Supportive Environment �� Future Readiness �� Well-Rounded Growth �� Strong Teacher Support
Join the Mission Hills Family! www.mhmschool.org 250 Tamarack Drive Union City, CA 94587 (510) 493-2189
1011 Chestnut Street, Alameda, CA 94501. (510) 523-1526
Why Families Choose Us
2330 Pomar Vista Avenue Castro Valley, CA 94546 (510) 317-8627
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
The Springstone Middle & Community High School
6-12 All Gender 8:1 56
Independent
$36,000 (including ACCESS and Technology fees)
WASC, Certified by CDE
Toddler-Grade 8 All Gender G1-8 12:1 400
Independent Montessori Curriculum Spanish
$6,000 - $22,000 FA Available
AMS, CAIS, WASC, CA Green Business Cert.
PS-8 All Gender 10:1 140
Independent Spanish
$23,000- $39,000 FA Available
NAIS, CAIS, WASC
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
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
east bay private school ad 2025.pdf
1
8/26/25
4:00 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Carondelet is an all-girls, inclusive, Catholic college preparatory school in the East Bay that offers a comprehensive educational program designed to help young women build confidence and prepare for leadership and service in the 21st century.
Apply Today!
Our students come from
66 zip codes
Applications close early December.
CarondeletHS.org 1133 Winton Drive, Concord, CA | (925) 686-5353
Building character and a solid educational foundation. K-8 Campus San Ramon 925.930.9000
Preschool Campus Alamo 925.837.7240
dorriseaton.org January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 59
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Challenger School
PS-K Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Aurora School
K-8 All Gender 8:1 74
Independent English, Spanish
$5,250 - $39,871 FA Available
Bentley School
K-12, Lafayette: 9-12 All Gender 8:1 650
Independent English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin
K-5: $40,600 6-8: $44,400 9-12: $58,525 FA Available
CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA
College Preparatory School
9-12 All Gender 9:1 373
Independent English, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin
$60,050 FA Available
CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA
Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)
PK, TK, K & Grade 1 All Gender 2-3 11:1, 4-8 16:1 270
Independent Spanish-English Bilingual
$33,150 $41,550 Tuition Assistance Available
CAIS, NAIS, WASC, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
39600 Cedar Blvd. Newark • 510-770-1771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark
Accreditation/ Associations
Oakland 40 Dulwich Road Oakland • 510-428-2606 www.auroraschool.org 1 Hiller Dr. Oakland • 510-843-2512 www.bentleyschool.org 6100 Broadway Oakland • 510-652-4364 www.college-prep.org
410 Alcatraz Ave Oakland • 510-652-3324 https://ebinternacional.org
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.
Educating Neurodiverse Students in 6th-12th Grade for Over 22 Years!
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!
The Springstone School, a Nonpublic School (NPS), accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and certified by the California Department of Education (CDE). Springstone is an all Special Education school serving neurodiverse students from the Bay Area with Executive Function challenges that affect their ability to organize and prioritize information and make meaningful social connections.
We invite you to visit Springstone to learn more about our unique programs! We offer monthly Group Tours and Program-Specific Tours for parents and advocates. We also offer Saturday and Thursday Open House events for parents, advocates, and families! You are also welcome to schedule a discovery call by clicking the “schedule an admissions call” button on our website!
Springstone has two programs, a Middle School serving GROUP TOURS grades 6th-8th and a Community High School serving Friday Mornings: grades 9th-12th. Springstone offers a serene and calm 10:30am-11:30am learning environment, nestled along the Las Trampas September 19th, 2025 creek in Lafayette. Students are placed privately or October 24th, 2025 through their home school district with a referral and may November 14th, 2025 be enrolled year-round. December 12th, 2025 January 30th, 2026 Springstone provides an academically rigorous curriculum February 20th, 2026 following the framework of the California Common Core March 13th, 2026 Standards. Small, self-contained, structured classrooms April 24th, 2026 (8:1 student to teacher ratio) allow for individualized instruction, collaboration, discussion, and conversation within multiple modalities.
OPEN HOUSES
Springstone’s programs integrate pragmatic language, Saturday Mornings: 10:00am-12:00pm, occupational therapy, mindfulness, organizational skills, Thursday Evenings: 5-7pm work skills, and life skills in the academic classroom, as Saturday Morning, October 18th, 2025 well as in the community. We have a one of a kind ACCESS Saturday Morning, January 17th, 2025 program, bringing project-based learning within the Thursday Evening, November 6th, 2025 greater community. We believe our students will develop Thursday Evening, February 19th, 2026 strategies for use in academic and social settings if they are part of a community that understands, accepts, and challenges them. Come visit us to learn more!
Learn more about our programs and RSVP for one of our events by visiting our website
(925) 288-8100 www.dlshs.org/admissions
60 Parents Press | January 2026
The Springstone School 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549
www.thespringstoneschool.org
925.962.9660 info@thespringstoneschool.org
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Head-Royce School
K-12 All Gender 8:1 921
Independent French, Latin, Mandarin, Spanish
$42,300–$60,500
CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA, BADA
Holy Names High School
9-12 Girls Only 9:1 144
Catholic French, Spanish, ASL
$23,425 FA Available
NCGS, WCEA
Julia Morgan School for Girls
6-8 Girls Only 8:1 133
Independent Spanish
$43,575 (fees not included) FA Available
CAIS, NAIS, ABC POCIS, ICGS
Park Day School
TK-8 All Gender 8:1 350
Independent English, Spanish, After school
K-5 $37,980 6-8 $40,620 FA Available
CAIS, AISAP, POCIS, ISBOA ISSFBA, NAIS NBOA, PEN
Redwood Day
K-8 All Gender 8:1 ≈400
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
K-5 $37,510 G6-G8 $42,040 Inclusive Tuition Model / TA Available
CAIS, WASC, NAIS, POCIS
K-8 All Gender 15:1 216
Catholic Spanish
$11,209 - $12,300 FA Available
WASC, WCEA
PS, TK-8 All Gender 18:1 350
Catholic
$10,345 TA Range: $500 - $2500
WASC, WCEA
Stratford School Pleasanton
2 yrs - G5 All Gender 8:1 (EPS); 12:1 (PS); 15:1 (K) 22:1 (1-5)
Non Religious Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by program
WASC, CPSTEME
Stratford School Pleasanton Middle School
Grades 6 - 8 All Gender 22:1 (6-8)
Non Religious Spanish
Varies by program
WASC, CPSTEME
Crestmont School
K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 55
Independent Spanish
$24,500
Salesian College Preparatory
9-12 All Gender 15:1 425
Independent, Catholic, Private, International Student Program French, Spanish
$22,300 FA & Scholarships Available - Call for info
WASC, WCEA
TK-12 All Gender 18:1 650
Christian Spanish, Mandarin
$16,000 - $19,000 FA Available
WASC, ACSI
PS-8 All Gender 12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365
Independent Spanish
$5,900 - $37,600 FA Available
4315 Lincoln Ave. Oakland • 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org 4660 Harbord Dr. Oakland • 510-450-1110 www.hnhsoakland.org
5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland • 510-632-6000 www.juliamorganschool.org 360 42nd St. Oakland • 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland • 510-534-0800 rdschool.org
FA Available
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 4576 Willow Road Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com
3800 Stoneridge Drive Pleasanton • 925-621-8908 www.stratfordpleasantonms.com
Richmond 6226 Arlington Blvd. A Richmond • 510-237-4164 https://crestmontschool.org 2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com
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
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 61
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
TK-8 All Gender TK/K - 10:1, G1-G8 - 21:1 400
Independent Spanish, French
$14,000 FA Available
Berean Christian High School
9-12 All Gender 12:1 385
Baptist English, Spanish, ASL 19 AP Courses Offered
$15,600 FA Available
WASC, ACSI, CollegeBoard
Seven Hills School
PS-8 All Gender 7:1 424
Independent Spanish, Japanese
$36,650-$41,300 Additional for Extended Care.
CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA
Sonder Creek Academy
K-8 Co-Ed 5:1 130
Independent STEM, Mandarin Honors & Pre-AP Programs
$18,500 - $19,500 FA Available
Tilden Preparatory School
6-12 All Gender 100
Independent Regular/Honors/AP courses in all high school subjects
Union City Mission Hills Middle School 250 Tamarack Drive Union City • 510-760-7068 www.mhmschool.org
Walnut Creek 245 El Divisadero Avenue Walnut Creek • 925-945-6464 www.bereanchristian.com
975 N. San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org 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 1475 N. Broadway Walnut Creek • 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com
WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved
Call for tour (510) 526-4744 1225 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94709 www.themadeleine.com
The School of the Madeleine
The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We are dedicated to the education of the whole is a body, vibrant,and inclusive, school Berkeley. to child—mind, spirit. K-8 OurCatholic leadership is in committed For 85 years, we have spiritual delivered development, a high-quality, values-based education. academic excellence, and social justice. Our school follows the four Dominican Pillars of Faith, Study, Community, and Service. We believe that every student is exceptional, and our mission is to
help them become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens who In addition to our strong academic program, we offer music, care for one another. We welcome every family with open arms and band, Spanish, art, 1:1 iPads, tech lab, partner teachers, invite you to learn more about our community. learning support, and after-care program. Come see what we are all about!
www.themadeleine.com
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
10 Bay Area locations An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2024, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
62 Parents Press | January 2026
North Bay Featured Listings January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 63
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
TK-8 All Gender
Non Denominational
Please Call
9-12 All Gender 24:1 780
Catholic English, Spanish
$27,500 FA Available
Chronos Academy
TK-8 All Gender 8:1 22
Independent
$31,000- $40,000 or Indexed Tuition
WASC
Marin Primary & Middle School
PS-8 Co-Ed 7:1 275
Independent Spanish
$44,000-$50,000 Tuition Assistance Available
NAIS, CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA
Helix School
3-12 All Gender 5:1
Independent Special Education/ Autism
Please Call
Marin Horizon School
PK-8 All Gender 8:1
Independent English
Please Call
NAIS, CAIS
Mount Tamalpais School
K-8 All Gender 7:1
Independent English
$46,540 - $49,030
NAIS, CAIS, ISSFBA
Northbridge Academy
3-8 All Gender 10:1
Independent Dyslexic
Please Call
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
PK-8 All Gender 16:1
Lutheran English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
WASC
Marin Christian Academy
PK-8 All Gender 24:1
Christian English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
ACSI, WASC
North Bay Christian Academy
9-12 All Gender 10:1
Christian English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
ACSI, WASC
Our Lady of Loretto School
TK-8 All Gender 14:1
Catholic English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
WCEA, WASC
Oak Hill School
K-12 All Gender 6:1
Independent Special Education
Please Call FA Available
San Anselmo Montessori School
PK-K All Gender 6:1
Independent English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
AMS
St. Anselm School
K-8 All Gender 7:1
Catholic English, Spanish
$13,817 FA Available
WASC, WCEA, NCEA
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 110 Magnolia Ave Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy 20 Magnolia Avenue. Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org
Mill Valley 145 Lomita Drive Mill Valley • 415-569-5060 305 Montford Ave. Mill Valley • 415-388-8408 100 Harvard Ave. Mill Valley • 415-383-9434 17 Buena Vista Ave. Mill Valley • 415-462-5657
Novato 1180 Lynwood Drive Novato • 415-892-2880 1370 S. Novato Blvd. Novato • 415-892-5713
6965 Redwood Blvd. Novato • 415-892-8921
1811 Virginia Ave. Novato • 415-892-8621
San Anselmo 300 Sunny Hills Drive #6 San Anselmo • 415-457-7601 100 Shaw Drive San Anselmo • 415-457-3428 40 Belle Ave. San Anselmo • 415-454-3612
64 Parents Press | January 2026
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
San Domenico School
K-12 Co-Ed 9:1 680
Independent Mandarin, Spanish Summer Option Boarding Options
$1,000 - $83,450 FA Available
NAIS, TABS, CAIS, WASC, ICG, WBSA, BADA
K-8 Co-ed 15:1
Jewish,
K-5 $43,900 6-8 $46,400 FA Available
NAIS, CAIS, ISSFBA, BADA, IDEAS
GATE Academy
Pre K-8 All Gender 10:1 55
Independent French
$26,200
Gifted Education WASC
Marin Waldorf School
PK-8 All Gender 24:1
Waldorf English, Spanish
$26,000-$31,160 FA Available
NCPSA, ISSFBA
Mark Day School
K-8 All Gender 5:1
Independent English, Spanish
$0-$45,871 FA Available
NAIS, CAIS
Montessori de Terra Linda
PK-6 All Gender 12:1
Independent English, Spanish
Please Call FA Available
AMI
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 1 St. Vincent Drive San Rafael • 415-491-4700 www.gateacademy.org 755 Idylberry Road San Rafael • 415-479-8190 39 Trellis Drive San Rafael • 415-454-4455 610 Del Ganado Road San Rafael • 415-479-7373
Hebrew, Spanish
Every Student Has the Capacity to Excel
Why Headlands Preparatory School? Individualized Learning
1:1 & Small Group Classes
Mastery Learning Model
Full-Time & Part-Time Options
Flexible Scheduling & Pacing
Strong Community Connections
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.
Learn More
Discover a model that works by joining our next Open House. Scan the QR codes to learn more
Winston Preparatory School San Rafael Ages 8-21
Winston Transitions San Francisco Ages 17-21+
Marin County
Transitions SF
Contact Us
admissions@headlandsprep.com
www.headlandsprep.com 415-944-2254
New York | Connecticut | New Jersey | California | Winston Transitions | Winston Online | Winston In College
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 65
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Montessori in Motion
PS-K All Gender 6:1 36
Independent English, Spanish
Please Call Marin Childcare Council for FA
AMS
Saint Raphael School
K-8 All Gender 18:1 165
Catholic English, Spanish
$11,685 FA Available
WCEA, WASC, NCEA
Star Academy
1-12 All Gender 6:1
Non Denominational Special Education
Please Call FA Available
WASC
Winston Preparatory School
3-12 All Gender 3:1 32
Independent Special Education
Please Call FA Available
NYSAIS, NEASC, NAIS
Headlands Preparatory School
6-12 All Gender 1:1 65
Independent Spanish, French, ASL, Japanese
$35,000-$65,000 FA Available
WASC
Lycée Français de San Francisco
PS-G5 All Gender 8:1 135
Independent French
$26,420 to $35,900 FA Available
CAIS, AEFE, NAIS, WASC
3 Wellbrock Heights San Rafael • 415-472-5622 www.montessoriinmotion.com 1100 Fifth Ave. San Rafael • 415-454-4455
4470 Redwood Highway San Rafael • 415-456-8727 1 Saint Vincents Drive San Rafael • 415-993-5533 www.winstonprep.edu
Sausalito 1050 Bridgeway Sausalito • 415-944-2254 www.headlandsprep.com/ 610 Coloma Street Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org
Find the Right School For your Child!
FIND IT
Bay Area PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Covering
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/
66 Parents Press | January 2026
San Francisco Featured Listings January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 67
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Alta Vista School
JK-8 All Gender 9:1 320
Independent Spanish
$5,000 - $43,989 FA Available
Cathedral School for Boys
K-8 Boys Only 7:1 260
Episcopal Spanish, Mandarin
$48,000–$49,500 FA Available
CAIS, NAES, NAIS
Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco
K-12 Single-sex & All Gender 16:1 1,234
Independent Spanish, Mandarin, French, Latin
$44,050–$60,220 FA Available
CAIS, CSEE, IB, IBSC, NAIS, NCEA, POCIS, SHCOG, WASC, WCEA
Hiba Academy Bay Area
PK-5 All Gender 8:1 400
Mandarin Chinese /English bilingual immersion
$52,000
Hillwood Academic Day School
K-8 Co-Ed 8:1 25
Independent French
$18,000 FA Available
The International School of San Francisco
PK2 - Grade 12 All Gender
Independent Education Based French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic
$41,140 - $61,120
450 Somerset St. - Lower School 2558 Mission Street - Middle School San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org 1275 Sacramento St San Francisco • 415-771-6600 www.cathedralschool.net
2222 Broadway and 1715 Octavia Street San Francisco • 415-563-2900 www.sacredsf.org 99 Rhode Island St San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org 2521 Scott Street San Francisco • 415-931-0400 www.hillwoodschool.com
150 Oak Street San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org
Accreditation/ Associations
IB, AEFE, CIS, CAIS, WASC, NAIS
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO
Begin your bilingual journey at one of our Open Houses!
The International School of San Francisco is a bilingual, multicultural PK2-12 independent school where students learn to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence, empathy, and joy.
Kindergarten Open House
Saturday, November 8 10am–2 pm @ 150 Oak Street
Maternelle Open House (PreK)
Saturday, November 22 10 am–1 pm @ 1155 Page Street
High School Open Houses
Sunday, September 14 10 am–1 pm @ 150 Oak Street Sunday, October 26 10 am–1pm @ 150 Oak Street Wednesday, December 11 6 pm–8 pm @ 150 Oak Street
68 Parents Press | January 2026
RSVP through your Ravenna account.
internationalsf.org @international_SF
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
KFS School
K-8 All Gender 4:1 Up to 12
Independent Year Round Flexible seating and movement desks.
$45,600 Year round school
WASC Accreditation
Lycée Français de San Francisco
PS-G5 All Gender 8:1 380
Independent French
$26,420 to $35,900 FA Available
CAIS, AEFE, NAIS, WASC
Lycée Français de San Francisco
G6-12 All Gender 8:1 300
Independent French, Spanish, Mandarin, German
$37,400 to $45,900 FA Available
CAIS, AEFE, NAIS, WASC
Millennium School
6-8 All Gender 5:1 100
Non Denominational Spanish
$500 - $45,985
ISSFBA, WASC
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
9-12 Coed 11:1 1,440
Catholic English Spanish French Japanese Mandarin ASL
$28,000 Tuition Assistance (TA) of $7.4 million
WASC, WCEA
Saints Peter and Paul School
3K-8 All Gender 22:1 180
Catholic Italian, Spanish
$18,500 FA Available
WASC, WCEA, NCEA
3140 Balboa Street San Francisco • 415-525-4035 www.kfsschool.org 755 Ashbury Street San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org 1201 Ortega Street San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org
888 Turk St San Francisco • 415-992-8520 www.millenniumschool.org 1055 Ellis Street San Francisco • 415-772-6626 www.shcp.edu 660 Filbert Street San Francisco • 415-421-5219 www.sspeterpaulsf.org
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 69
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception
K-8 All Gender 20:1 180
Roman Catholic English
$6,300 - $8.500
WASC, WCEA
St. James Catholic School
K-8 Co-Ed 150
Catholic Spanish
$7,000 Tuition Assistance is available
WCEA, WASC
Sterne School
4-12 All Gender 8:1 190
Independent Spanish
$47,600 - $51,000 TA Offered
CAIS, WASC NAIS, ISSFBA, BAAD
Stratford School Middle School
Grades 6 - 8 All Gender 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CPSTEME
Stratford School DeMontfort
PS - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School 14th Avenue
2.5 yrs - G6 - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1
Non Religious English, Mandarin, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CPSTEME
299 Precita Avenue San Francisco • 415-628-2008 Principal: Barbara Moodie www.saicsf.org 321 Fair Oaks Street San Francisco • 415-647-8972 www.sjssf.net 838 Kearny St San Francisco • 415-922-6081 www.sterneschool.org 75 St. Francis Street San Francisco • 415-715-8648 www.stratfordsfms.com
301 DeMontfort Avenue San Francisco • 415-333-3134 www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com 645 14th Avenue San Francisco • 415-742-4254 www.stratfordsf14.com
Fearless, We Pursue
EXCELLENCE
Find out more at shcp.edu/visit
An Inspired Education
INQUIRE TODAY 831.625.8309 info@stevensonschool.org
70 Parents Press | January 2026
Stevenson is an independent PK–12 boarding and day school located on California’s Monterey Peninsula. We believe education should be an open horizon: inspiring, vast, and home to every possibility. That’s why our education is grounded in meaning, purpose, and joy.
Peninsula/South Bay Featured Listings January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 71
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
TK-8 All Gender 14:1 275
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
$34,800 FA Available
CAIS, WASC, NBOA, AeXIS, ISSFBA
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
PS - G8 All Gender 10:1 100
Catholic Spanish, French
$10,500 FA Available
WCEA, WASC
Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool
PS - G8 All Gender 13:1 260
Catholic Spanish
$13,500 FA Available
WCEA, WASC
Serendipity School
K-5 All Gender 10:1 140
Independent English, Spanish and Mandarin
$40,750 FA Available
WASC
9-12 Girls Only 11:1 410
Catholic French, Spanish, American Sign Language, Mandarin
$29,162 FA Available
WASC, Mercy Education
Sonoma Sonoma Country Day School 4400 Day School Place Sonoma • 707-284-3200 www.scds.org
Belmont 1000 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont • 650-593-4265 www.ihmschoolbelmont.org 1200 Notre Dame Avenue Belmont • 650-591-2209 www.nde.org
2820 Ponce Avenue Belmont • 650-596-9100 www.serendipityschool.com
Burlingame Mercy High School
2750 Adeline Drive Burlingame • 650-343-3631 www.mercyhsb.com
WHAT WILL
YOUR
JOURNEY
BE?
eachPadre thrives.
N O M AT T E R H I S P AT H O R P A S S I O N
2025-2026 Admissions Calendar
Padre for a Day
SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER
Freshman Application Available W E D N E S D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 2 5
Affordability Webinar W E D N E S D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 5 , 7 P. M .
Academic Resource Center Application Deadline F R I D A Y, O C T O B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 5
Open House S U N D A Y, N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 5 , 1 2 P. M . T O 4 P. M .
Freshman Application Deadline F R I D A Y, N O V E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 5
Freshman High School Placement Test S A T U R D A Y, D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 , 8 : 3 0 A . M . T O N O O N
72 Parents Press | January 2026
4 5 1 W E S T 2 0 T H AV E N U E
@ S E R R A PA D R E S
S A N M AT E O , C A 9 4 4 0 3
@ S E R R A S A N M AT E O
650.345.8207
S E R R A PA D R E S
W W W. S E R R A H S . C O M
JUNIPERO SERRA HIGH SCHOOL
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Our Lady of Angels School
K-8 All Gender 18:1 293
Catholic Spanish
$10,551 - $12,841 FA Available
WASC, WCEA
2yr-G5 All Gender 245 Varies
Independent Spanish Mandarin in Extended Day
$23,110 - $22,400 FA Avalable
PS-8 Co-Ed 11::1 540
Catholic
$12,900 - $16,350 FA Available
WASC, WCEA, NCEA, 2021 National Blue Ribbon School
TK-8 Co-Ed 16:1 150
Christian Spanish, ASL, Chinese
$15,000 - $25,000 FA Available
WASC, ACSI
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
Spanish
Los Altos Hills Los Altos Christian School
625 Magdalena Avenue Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com
OUR COMMUNITY CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU! For Dyslexic & Twice-Exceptional Learners
When children feel confident about how they learn, they do better in school. Tailoring teaching methods to your child’s strengths creates academic breakthroughs that build confidence, reduce anxiety, inspire learning, and prepare them for future success.
525 San Antonio Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 650-543-4560 • AthenaAcademy.org
PRESCHOOL ELEMENTARY
serendipityschool.com
JOYFUL DISCOVERY MEANINGFUL LEARNING
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 73
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Hillbrook School
JK-12 All Gender 7:1 375
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
$45,500 - $61,000 FA Available
CAIS, NAIS
Stratford School Belgatos Park
2.5 yrs - G1 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Los Gatos
2.5 yrs - G4 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1 ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Yavneh Day School
K-8 All Gender 5:1 120
Jewish Hebrew
$26,000 Base Tuition
CAIS, Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools
K-8 All Gender 15:1 262
Catholic
$16,131-$17,874
WCEA
Spanish
FA Available
Los Gatos 300 Marchmont Drive Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org 220 Belgatos Road Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com
220 Kensington Way Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordlgkensington.com 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
At Action Day Schools, we prioritize the development of well-rounded students who excel academically while also fostering creativity, empathy, and personal growth.
fun
Discover the in a life of learning NOW ENROLLING
• Infant Care and Preschool • Spanish Immersion Preschool • Private Elementary and Middle School • Innovative curriculum that fosters well rounded students through experiential learning • Extended Day program • Exciting Summer Program • On-site enrichment opportunities including dance, sports, and more!
Visit our website for more information or to schedule a private tour today!
Allen School (Infants - 12 years) 5845 Allen Ave San Jose, CA 95123 408.629.6020 Action Day Morgan Hill (Infants - PreK) 17535 Del Monte Ave Morgan Hill, CA 95037 408.779.7678
Amber Preschool and Action Day Elementary School (2 years - 4th Grade) 3500 Amber Drive San Jose, CA 95117 408.248.2464 Mountain View School (Infants - PreK) 333 Eunice Ave Mt. View, CA 94040 650.967.3780
Campbell School (Infants - TK) 1125 West Campbell Ave Campbell, CA 95008 408.379.3184
Phelan School (Infants - TK) 801 Hibiscus Lane San Jose, CA. 95117 408.985.5998
www.actiondayschools.com
El Quito School (Infants - 12 years) 18720 Bucknall Rd Saratoga, CA 95070 408.370.0357
Pruneridge School (18 months - 5 years) 2001 Pruneridge Ave Santa Clara, CA. 95050 408.244.2909
Lincoln School (Infants - PreK) 2148 Lincoln Ave San Jose, CA 95125 408.266.8952
University School Action Day Middle School (5th - 8th grade) (2 - 5 years) 13560 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. 801 Hibiscus Lane Saratoga, CA 95070 San Jose, CA. 95117 408.867.4515 408.985.2138
Accredited for Grades Kinder - 8th Grade by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
74 Parents Press | January 2026
Moorpark School (Infants - TK) 3030 Moorpark Ave San Jose, CA 95128 408.247.6972
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Synapse School
TK-8 All Gender 8:1 310
Independent Spanish and Mandarin
$42,400-$51,200 FA Available
WASC, NAIS, CAIS
Trinity School
K-Grade 5 All Gender 7:1
Episcopal Spanish
K-5 $46,550 FA Available
NAEYC, NAES, CAIS, POCIS, WASC, NAIS, NAREA
Stratford Preparatory Milpitas
Grades 6 - 12 All Gender 22:1
Non Religious English, Mandarin, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Beresford Square
2 yrs - G2 All Gender EPS 6:1, PS 12:1 K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Corning
K - G5 All Gender K 15:1 ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Great Mall
2.5 yrs - G8 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1 ES-MS 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
3375 Edison Way Menlo Park • 650-294-4570 www.synapseschool.org/ 2650 Sand Hill Road Menlo Park • 650-854-0288 www.trinity-mp.org
Milpitas 1323 Great Mall Drive Milpitas 408-307-8249 www.stratfordprepmilpitas.com 125 N Milpitas Boulevard Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com
25 Corning Avenue Milpitas • 408-914-9000 www.stratfordmilpitascorning.com 341 Great Mall Pkwy Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordmilpitas.com
Redeemer School 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.
WHERE STUDENTS BELONG & THRIVE
Come and see where confident young minds grow in Character, Intellect & Faith! redeemer-school.org January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 75
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender EPS 6:1, PS 12:1 K 15:1 , ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Age 2 Grade 8 All Gender 7:1 245
Independent Mandarin & English
$34,650; with ext care $39,600
WASC, NAIS, EMA, AISAP
Athena Academy
1-8 All Gender 6:1 65
Independent, Learning Difference: Dyslexia
$49,500 FA Available
WASC
Bowman School
PK-12 All Gender 10:1 354
Independent Montessori Mandarin, Spanish, Latin
$45,414 FA Available
AMS, IMC, WASC, IB World School
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 525 San Antonio Avenue Palo Alto • 650-534-4560 www.athenaacademy.org 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto • 650-813-9131 www.bowmanschool.org
Educaang for Excellence! 18 months through 8th Grade
Highlands Chrissan school is a transformaave, Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, community that strives to nurture students in wisdom, biblical character, and favor with God and man. As a Preschool and K-8 Chrissan Academy that serves over 300 students and their families each school year, our vision is to raise spiritually mature Chrissan servant leaders who excel intellectually, physically and socially.
Visit Our School Website www.school.highlands.us SCAN ME
76 Parents Press | January 2026
1900 Monterey Drive San Bruno, CA 94066 650-873-4090
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Challenger School - Middlefield
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Stratford School Palo Alto
2 yrs - G8 All Gender EPS 8:1, PS 12:1 K 15:1 , ES-MS 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
PS - 8 All Gender 9:1 325
Independent Spanish
$36,170 - $46,190 FA Available
CAIS, WASC
TK-8 Co-Ed 11:1 160
Christian Spanish
$16,700 FA Available
WASC, NLSA, NWEA, MAP Growth Assessment
Toddler - Grade 8 Co-Ed ES 17:1, MS 21:1 300
Christian Spanish, Mandarin
K-5: $15,000- $15,500 MS: $16,000- $16,500 FA Available
ACSI, WASC
3880 Middlefield Road Palo Alto • 650-213-8245 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/paloalto/middlefield 870 North California Avenue Palo Alto • 650-493-1151 www.stratfordpaloalto.com
Accreditation/ Associations
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
Brain, m t heart. Families looking for a wholehearted education,
Wholehearted learning in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Families looking for a wholehearted approach to Pre-K to Grade 8 we’d love to meet you! education, we’d love to meet you! Now Offering TK Program Schedule your visit at at st-andrews.org/visit Schedule your visit st-andrews.org/visit Flexible Tuition Program Offered
Climb on Today!
Odyssey School Expeditionary Learning The Four Anchor Points of the Odyssey Experience Expeditionary Learning and Leadership Rigorous Academic Challenge A World View of Community Creative Individual Expression
201 Polhemus Road San Mateo, California 94402
www.odyssey-school.org
January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 77
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon
2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender EPS 8:1, PS 12:1 K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
K-8 Co-Ed 3:1 to 6:1 40
Independent
$47,160
Action Day Elementary School
TK-4 All Gender 15:1 220
Independent
Call for Rates FA Available
Action Day Middle School
5-8 All Gender 15:1 140
Independent
Call for Rates FA Available
Challenger School - Almaden
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Challenger School - Berryessa
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Challenger School - Harwood
PS-5 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Challenger School - Shawnee
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Challenger School - Strawberry Park
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Hillbrook School
JK-12 All Gender 7:1 375
Independent Spanish, Mandarin
$45,500-$61,000 FA Available
CAIS, NAIS
Stratford Middle School
Grades 5 - 8 All Gender 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford Preparatory Blackford
Grades 6 - 12 All Gender 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Almaden
2 yrs - G5 All Gender EPS 8:1, PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School San Jose
2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
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 3500 Amber Drive San Jose • 408-248-2464 www.actiondayschools.com 801 Hibiscus Lane San Jose • 408-985-2138 www.actiondayschools.com
19950 McKean Road San Jose • 408-927-5771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/almaden 711 East Gish Road San Jose • 408-998-2860 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/berryessa 4949 Harwood Road San Jose • 408-723-0111 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/harwood 500 Shawnee Lane San Jose • 408-365-9298 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/shawnee 730 Camina Escuela San Jose • 408-213-0083 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/strawberry-park 240 N, 2nd Street San Jose • 408-356-7976 www.hillbrook.org 1718 Andover Lane San Jose • 408-626-0001 www.stratfordsanjosems.com 3800 Blackford Avenue San Jose • 408-247-4400 www.stratfordpreparatory.com 5200 Dent Avenue San Jose • 408-877-6300 www.stratfordalmaden.com 6670 San Anselmo Way San Jose • 408-363-2130 www.stratfordsanjose.com
78 Parents Press | January 2026
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.
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
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 January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 79
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Junipero Serra High School
9-12 Boys Only 14:1 888
Catholic Spanish, Chinese French, Mandarin
$29,600 FA Available
WASC , WCEA
Odyssey School
6-8 All Gender 5:1 50
Independent Japanese
$45,000 FA Available
CAIS Accredited
Stanbridge Academy
K-12 All Gender 8:1 80
Independent Spanish
$57,500 FA Available
CAIS, WASC
Stratford School Pomeroy
2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School Winchester
2 yrs - G2 All Gender PS 12:1 K 15:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
San Mateo 451 West 20th Avenue San Mateo • 650-345-8207 x 6129 www.serrahs.com 201 Polhemus Road San Mateo • 650-548-1500 www.odyssey-school.org 515 E. Poplar Avenue San Mateo • 650-375-5860 www.stanbridgeacademy.org
Santa Clara 890 Pomeroy Avenue Santa Clara • 408-244-4073 www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com 400 N. Winchester Boulevard Santa Clara • 408-244-2121 www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com
Preschool through Eighth Grade Located just west of I-280 at Alpine Road
woodland-school.org admissions@woodland-school.org
Saint Raymond Catholic School • Value centered Catholic education • Rigorous academic curriculum • Small group work in math and English language arts instruction • Personalized attention to student; Differentiated learning; Targeted Learning Specialists
• Promotion of nearly 100% of graduates to desired high school • Highly qualified faculty and staff • Active organized athletic program • Extraordinary parent community • Multitude of leadership and cocurricular opportunities for students
We invite you to our Open House on Sunday, January 25. Please RSVP. 1211 Arbor Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-322-2312 | www.straymond.org
80 Parents Press | January 2026
Financial Aid:
E
BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW
very 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 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
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. will receive a financial aid decision Tuition Payment Plans allow you shortly after your child is admitted to to make monthly payments rather a particular school. than writing one or two large checks TYPES OF FINANCIAL each year. Schools offer payment AID AVAILABLE plans through a third-party financial Grants are the most common type services company, which charges a of financial aid offered by private relatively small fee. schools. They are awarded annually Sibling discounts are designed to to students who demonstrate finanhelp families with more than one cial need, and students must re-apply child enrolled in the same school. each year. Grant money comes from Many schools are shrinking these the school’s budget and does not have discounts, or phasing them out altoto be paid back. gether. Even so, it’s worth asking if Merit scholarships awarded by this situation applies to you. the school are rare and are usually Most families pay for tuition reserved for students who have through a combination of these a special talent that the school options. The school’s financial aid is seeking, such as art, music, or officer can help you create a financacademics. Generally, scholarships ing plan that fits your family’s needs. are based on financial need. They Don’t hesitate to ask questions and may be awarded once, annually, explore all the options available to or as long as the student meets the you. scholarship criteria. Reprinted with the permission from Scholarships from outside orgaNational Association of Independent nizations are also rare, and often Schools, nais.org. awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the January 2026 | ParentsPress.com 81
Featured Schools
Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment
Affiliation / Notes Languages
Tuition Range Tuition Assistance
Accreditation/ Associations
Challenger School - Saratoga
PS-K Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School
PK-8 All Gender 10:1 435
Independent, Episcopal
$33,960-$39,990 Flexible Tuition Program
Challenger School - Sunnyvale
PS-8 Co-ed
Independent
$6,020 - $28,860
Stratford School Washington Park
2.5 yrs - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Stratford School De Anza Park
2 yrs - G5 All Gender PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1
Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin
Varies by age
WASC, CSSES
Sunnyvale Christian School
PK - Elem 140 12:1
Non Denominational
$15,000-$22,252 FA Available
ACSI Membership
Saratoga 18811 Cox Avenue Saratoga • 408-378-0444 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ saratoga 13601 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga • 408-867-3785 www.st-andrews.org
CAIS, NAEYC, NAIS, NAES
Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ sunnyvale pgs. 2, 42 820 West McKinley Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500 www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com 1196 Lime Drive Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424 www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com 445 S. Mary Ave. Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286 www.sunnyvalechristian.school
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Bilingual immersion (PreK - 8)
IB Diploma Programme
Exceptional curriculum
College-preparatory curriculum
Small classes
Multiple language tracks
Internationally minded
College admissions advantage
Tuition assistance available
Tuition assistance available
Open House All Programs Oct 18 | 10 am - 2 pm Online Info Sessions High School Sep 16 | 6 pm Early Childhood Sep 23 | 9 am Elementary & Middle School Sep 30 | 9 am
Open Classrooms Jan 16, 2026 Private Tours By appointment admissions@ebgis.org Register at http://www.ebgis.org/admissions/v isit-us 1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org
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