Small preschool for introverted 3-yo
Hi friends! We're interested in finding a small preschool in Alameda, Oakland, San Leandro area for our sweet, cerebral and very introverted three year old. We think his current school may be too big and noisy for him - he’s fairly overwhelmed 6 months in. Ideally, would like to explore a place with something 5-15 students max. Unfortunately, we both work, so a parent-involved co-op won’t work for us. Lots of outdoor time, art, nature, gardening etc. Lots of attention to the kids- very involved teachers.
Thanks in advance!!
Jan 11, 2025
Parent Replies
Hi, I can't speak highly enough about Berkeley Rose Waldorf. They just moved close to Piedmont Ave on Ridgeway. My daughter has been in Nursery there for the past two years (started at 2 and will soon be 4) and she loves it. The classes are small and intimate and the teachers are amazing at creating a balance between rhythm, routine and free play indoors and outdoors. I believe the larger nursery/pre-k class has 11 kids with 2 teachers. My daughter loves to spend time at school outside digging in the dirt, climbing and playing family with her friends. Indoors there is lots of cooking, art, story time and more. I'm always impressed with how our teacher thinks about every detail for my child and is very aware of how she's one of the youngest in the class. We feel very cared for! They are outside for two hours in the morning and additional time in the afternoon if they stay for aftercare. I hope this helps!
No particular recommendation, but just a note that some parent-involved coops may offer the option of paying more for a substitute (and sometimes doing other tasks that can be done outside of work/preschool hours) for families where no parent can possibly be there during the school day, so you don't necessarily have to completely exclue those options.
Its probably too far but little elephants too in berkeley is a small very sweet and very nurturing montessori preschool. An introvert would do very well there