Seeking Feedback on Spanish/Persian Preschools in East Bay
Hi BPN community,
We are searching for a Spanish immersion preschool for our daughter and would love to hear from other parents about their experiences. We live in Orinda and are considering several options in Oakland and Berkeley, including:
- EBI (Escuela Bilingüe Internacional) – Oakland
- The Renaissance School – Oakland
- Colibri – Oakland
- Academia de Mi Abuela – Piedmont
- KSS – Walnut Creek & Oakland
- Open Minds Early School – Piedmont
Our daughter is growing up in a trilingual environment—her nanny speaks Spanish with her, her dad speaks Persian, and we speak English as a family. Since she is already becoming fluent in Spanish and Persian, we want a full Spanish immersion preschool to help reinforce her Spanish skills (rather than bilingual instruction). We’re also looking for a school that encourages creativity, independence, and social-emotional development.
We also are looking at Golestan in El Cerrito, which we love, but we’re concerned about the commute. If your child has attended one of these schools—or another great full Spanish immersion preschool in the area—we’d love to hear your insights!
How do the teachers engage with the kids? How has your child’s Spanish progressed? Are the programs play-based or more structured? Any recommendations or things we should consider?
Additionally, we are considering Borna Cultural Center for Persian language classes on Saturdays once our daughter turns three. If anyone has experience with their Persian programs, we’d appreciate insights on that as well!
Looking forward to hearing your recommendations—thank you!
Parent Replies
Our son started at Colibri last year and we have been very happy with our experience so far. The school is very well-run and I like how a majority of the teachers have either been there since the beginning or for more than a few years. Our older child went to a different (bilingual) preschool and there was a lot of teacher turnover. The teachers are very engaged with the students, and they’re also very attentive, warm, and loving. My son has picked up Spanish in such a short amount of time—it’s pretty amazing! The curriculum is play-based but there’s also more structure than the school my eldest went to. They also incorporate a bunch of special activities that are funded by the parent’s board—soccer classes, capoeira, dance, etc. Because class sizes are small I would definitely contact them if you are interested in a spot for this coming Fall. You may be put on a waitlist. If it’s for the following year, you should be fine!
I love Colibri. Three of my kids have gone there and my fourth will go in the fall. They are truly Spanish immersion, with most of the 4s class ohear easily talking to each other and the teachers in Spanish. It is a very nurturing place with excellent teachers and great admin. We went through Covid with them and was so impressed. They are good communicators and have the best interest of the kids at heart. My kids are energetic and have some challenges but they did well welcoming and accommodating them.