East Bay Preschool Guide

24 Hour OPTCC's play based program supports children ages 2-5 in developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills through meaningful, hands-on learning. They honor each child's growth and individuality. Subsidized child development services are available for families who qualify.

Warm, loving adult authority, a calming rhythm of homelike activities, and ample outdoor free play allow your child to relax into their first school experience. At Berkeley Rose, they will be valued in the community while learning who they are as individuals.

Bloomers is a play based in-home preschool program in the Glenview neighborhood of Oakland. Children have hands on opportunities for art, storytelling, math, cooking, science, yoga, music, movement, and imaginative play. They have a library of over 1000 children's books, a children's garden, and hours outside every day. LGBTQ+ Welcome.

Broadmoor Preschool is a parent-operated cooperative offering a nurturing, play-based learning environment. With experienced directors, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community, they foster creativity, social skills, and early education foundations. Enroll today for joyful learning!

Broadway Children’s School of Oakland is a diverse, play-based community preschool that has been building community in Oakland since 1952. Programs reflect the belief that every child is unique and special. They nurture and encourage that sense of individuality so that each child will develop within his or her own framework.

CCC is a child-centered, play-based, parent-teacher cooperative with a strong anti-bias curriculum. Their award-winning teachers help young children value differences, engage socially and emotionally, and explore the natural world. Tuition is sliding scale.

Curious Explorers Academy offers a hybrid play-academic approach to Preschool and TK! Their wonderful teachers work with students to prepare them for Kindergarten, with a focus on social emotional development with flexible schedules, low student teacher ratios and accept subsidy programs (Coco Kids, BANANAS, etc).

The EBGIS Early Childhood Program offers bilingual English and German immersion, and a play-based and project-oriented approach widely used in Europe. The EBGIS preschool and kindergarten serve children aged two to five. No prior knowledge of German is required.

For nearly 50 years, Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley has been an innovator in Preschool-8th Grade bilingual education, cultivating confident, creative and adaptable learners with a unique, immersive dual-curriculum in French and English. The Maternelle program begins at age 2.

EBI’s pe-kinder Spanish immersion program provides a nurturing learning environment where students explore their environment through play. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) with Reggio Emilia influences, our youngest students are engaged in learning and socio-emotional development.

Golestan School's Persian immersion program blends Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio approaches in natural environments. We emphasize empathy, communication, music, practical life skills, process-focused art, and nature exploration through emergent, interest-driven curriculum that helps children thrive.

Grand Lake Montessori has been serving families since 1978. They have a beautiful two acre campus in the heart of Oakland with Montessori trained teachers and a tight knit community. They enroll children from 12 weeks - 6 years old.

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschools offers PK2–TK in a nurturing, play-based, Spanish-only environment. With four Bay Area campuses, children build confidence, curiosity, and friendships while learning from native-Spanish-speaking educators in a joyful, Reggio Emilia-inspired setting. Program starts at age 2.

At Les BouTchou, children can explore materials and participate in various carefully planned experiences. They can choose from age-appropriate activities, such as arts and crafts, music, language development, science, nature, dramatic play, and sensory activities. Children will develop self-esteem, independence, and problem-solving skills.

At The Little Schools, children (18 mos-5 yrs) learn through play and connection, exploring and creating in a bright, cozy indoor/outdoor environment. Drawing from Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf, and project-based approaches, the school fosters discovery and is where lifetime friendships begin.

Founded in 1933, MCPC is Oakland's longest running co-op preschool. MCPC builds on a play-based learning model, focusing on social and emotional development. The co-op is made up of 28-30 families who work together to create a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment where children learn to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.

Located in Rockridge, Oakland, My Own Montessori serves children ages 2.8 to 6 years old. M.O.M. offers a special Pre-K/T-K program for children ages 4 or older. Committed to the Montessori philosophy, the M.O.M. teachers nurture and encourage their student’s curiosity in a loving and caring environment where everyone feels “at home at school.”

Northern Light School Preschool is a Montessori based program designed to help children develop a joy for learning and discovery.

Peter Pan is a parent-led co-op nursery school in Oakland, offering a low 1:4 teacher-child ratio in a play-based, mixed-age (2-6) environment. Community, inclusivity, and fostering child autonomy are central to its pedagogy, with monthly parent education included.

Prospect Sierra’s transitional kindergarten is designed for four- and five-year-olds who are ready to learn by doing. The program is designed to help students to develop empathy, find joy in learning, and cultivate strong pre-academic skills.

Play-based parent cooperative located in the beautiful Sequoia Lodge in the Oakland Hills. Diverse community of 30 families, 1 director, and 1 teacher supporting children as they grow emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually. Oakland non-profit preschool since 1947.

Shu Ren International School in Berkeley offers PK2–Grade 5 in a joyful, inquiry-based environment. Through Mandarin immersion and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, students grow as confident, creative, and globally minded learners within a caring community.

For over 40 years, Step One School has fostered a nurturing, inclusive environment where children thrive. With inspired, dedicated teachers and over a third of an acre of nature-filled outdoor space (including organic gardens and water features), this vibrant community supports the whole child’s growth and development.

Sunshine Playschool offers a vibrant, play-based program for children aged 2-6. Emphasizing social justice literacy, emotional learning, and outdoor exploration, the mixed-age setting fosters growth through developmentally appropriate practices and an emergent curriculum, inspiring love, wonder, and discovery.

Sunshine Preschool and Childcare offers a year-round, play-based program for children ages 2 to 5. Their inclusive approach encourages creativity, communication, and active learning. With a low 5:1 child-to-teacher ratio, each child receives personalized care and support.

Temple Sinai David Pregerson Preschool is a Jewish school that uses a play-based, emergent curriculum for children ages 18 months to 5 years. They are committed to creating loving relationships among children, families, and staff.

The Berkeley School's multi-age Early Childhood classrooms incorporate the essence of Montessori and Reggio Emilia pedagogies to provide child-centered learning opportunities. The beautiful campus is a certified natural habitat and provides endless possibilities for children's growing independence and social learning.

The Lake School celebrates 45 years serving Oakland as a non-profit play-based preschool for children ages 2-6! Core classes meet from 2-5 days per week until 12:45. Create your child’s schedule with Enrichment and Aftercare programs offered daily until 5 pm.

Located in the heart of North Berkeley since 1966, The New School offers a nurturing, engaging preschool experience rooted in creativity, play and community. They are a full day program from 8 am-6 pm serving children ages 2-5 years old. New School also offers an afterschool program with transportation for BUSD elementary school children.

TRIS Montessori program, designed for children aged 2 to 6, develops the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. A strong art and music curriculum, as well as French/English or Spanish/English immersion options lay the groundwork for creative expression, bilingualism, and cultural awareness from an early age.