Spanish immersion preschool
I'm interested in sending my daughter to KSS (Kids Speaking Spanish) preschool. I would love to hear about any recent experiences of the school and teachers. (I heard the school is moving to Montclair, but a new owner is staying in the old location?). Can you recommend another Spanish immersion preschool? Thanks! Pamela
Jul 8, 2018
Parent Replies
My son recently finished two years at La Plazita Preschool in Oakland and it was fabulous.
I can't speak to KSS, but I can strongly recommend Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI). My two daughters went through their preschool. The teachers are amazingly loving and able to deeply connect with the kids and help them through the sometimes challenging transition to school. EBI is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school that extends PK - 8, and the inquiry based approach to learning also extends into the pre-K program. The kids at EBI actually ENJOY learning and love going to school. And of course, this is all done 100% in Spanish. My wife and I do not speak Spanish, but both of my kids are near or at grade level fluency in Spanish. Even after just 2 years, they could have full conversations with their teachers in Spanish.
We had a great immersion experience at Escuela Bilingue Internacional on Alcatraz near Telegraph. Our son attended pre-K there for two years. The teachers are very warm and nurturing, and we also enjoyed the community. Additionally EBI offers the International Baccalaureate program, where even pre-K students have thoughtful multi-week units of inquiry, where they explore themes such as "Who we are" and "How we express ourselves through art." And lastly, their music teacher is a gem.
I think you might be confusing things. When KSS left their prior location on Piedmont Avenue, some KSS employees took over the Piedmont Avenue facility and opened Colibrí. KSS is currently sharing space with a church on Park Boulevard. They were supposed to move to the former Women’s Club in Montclair this year, but I don’t know the status of that.
My child will be attending La Plazita, which I’ve heard lots of good things about. If you do searches on this site, you will find other options. (Monte Tavor, EBI, Mi Mundo are a few that come to mind.)
Both my girls have attended La Plazita and we have been very happy there. Great teachers, great directors, great community. I highly recommend it!