Rising Star Montessori
Alameda, CA
- 10/24/22 license check: Other site Rising Star Cottage Campus on Santa Clara has now closed
- 4/13/21 license check: capacity has now increased from 75 to 122
- Previous license # 010212112
Hi there! I’ve had a child go through rising star and enjoyed our time there. Although in Montessori, kids go through their “work” individually, there are many opportunities for them to interact and socialize. Circle time and lessons are done together, lunch and recess obviously. Kids at this school do need a certain temperament tho...sitting well, and not being disruptive to kids working around her. Not for hyperactive kids.
Consider Rising Star Montesori in Alameda. They allow weekly attendance if they have space...might be a bit far, but we put my then three year old in this school for a few weeks in summer when he was 3
I would highly recommend Rising Star Montessori for your daughter. Fantastic program and you can usually get in over the summer because they run year-round and most of the regular families don't participate so much now. Nice thing is, you can sign up week by week if you are on the fence. Also for the school year, they usually have more openings than other local preschools because they are larger than most (with 2 campuses).
As an Alamedan with a child now finishing elementary school, I would say that we were extremely glad to have picked a local preschool, as we made friends that we still have to this day. I, too, was not too keen on Montessori when we started our preschool search and yes, Alameda is very heavy on Montessori. On closer examination, we found that the Montessori programs are balanced with play and other activities. We were at Rising Star and especially loved the many family activities such as the Fall Harvest Fair and organized parent involvement. This is not just to "sell" the school we chose, but just to say that we were very glad in the end to chose a local school where we built longterm connections and that this was worth it above any one "methodology." We also know a lot of people whose kids went to other Alameda preschools and also had great experiences. So I would urge you to at least consider your local options - Alameda is such a great community, and preschool is a great time to get to know other local families.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Feb 2013
Re: Need help planning for 2-year old daughter
Hello, I don't know if you are near Alameda, but Rising Star Montessori there would be a great option for you. They have 2 campuses-- the Cottage for the younger ones and the main campus on High St. for the older ones. Rising star has different ''levels'' if you will of preschool, and also the Montessori method allows for kids to do a lot of work at their own level. They work on ''jobs'' independently for various skills and move on to the next levels when they are ready. Rising Star is also very reasonably priced, plus has full-time before and after care. Preschool Parent
Feb 2012
Re: Need Montessori Preschool Now!
Try Rising Star Montessori in Alameda (http://www.risingstarschool.org/). The secretary, Sharon, is the best person to contact. Rising Star often has openings throughout the year, mainly because it is a larger program than most and they are very willing to take students at any time during the year. It's an outstanding program, so it's a good secret to know about. Good luck! Marie
August 2010
Re: Full day, diverse preschool
We love the diversity of families and teachers at Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. You can look at their website: http://www.risingstarschool.org/. The Cottage Campus near Webster Street (and downtown Oakland) is great for the younger students. The main campus on High Street (closer to Fruitvale BART) also has preschool classes, but usually for older kids because they need to be fully potty trained there. - appreciating diversity
Oct 2009
I would highly recommend Rising Sun Montessori. They have a lot to offer. Such as Spanish, the children are exposed to a basic daily languge. Music class with a great music teacher her name's Caroline, dance and body movement with Jim Beatty, very well know and excellent teacher.they also offer gymnastics. Rising Sun has a great back yard, with a beautiful magnolia tree for children to climb and fruit trees as well. A lot of space for children to move around and explore. The teachers Carolina and Reina speak to the children with such love and respect they truly understand the needs of the kids and parents. Raising Sun Montessori is delivering an excellent education in an incredibly loving and respectful atmosphere The school community is very multicultural and truly wonderful. If you are still looking for school, I definitely encourage you to visit this program. They're proud to announce those two openings. We could not be happier!!! Their phone number is (510) 528-6041. marti
Oct 2009
Re: Any openings at your preschool for a 2.5 year old?
Our 2.5 year-old son recently started at Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. The teachers are wonderful, the cost is more affordable than other Montessori schools in the area, and it is very culturally diverse. They do have part-time programs. Check out www.risingstarschool.org. I think they may still have openings. Parent in Oakland
June 2009
Re: Full-time preschools for less than $1000/month?
Hello, My son attended the Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda (pre-K) and the fees for M-F + extended care are $1032. (M-F $857 + full rate extended care 7-8:30 AM and 3-6 PM is $175). If you use only 3 hours in either the AM or PM it's $125. It's slightly over your limit of $1000 but well worth the extra cost. The website is: http://www.risingstarschool.org/fees.php Rising Star Montessori School (2 campuses: Main and the Children's Cottage both in Alameda) Main Office Phone: 510-865-4536 Fax: 510-865-4538 1421 High St. Alameda, CA 94501 It's a great school and he learned so much. We're sending the baby there this Fall. The head preschool teacher, Ms. Robyn has been with the school for 20 years! Send me an email if you have any questions. sinbadandme
Dec 2007
Re: Rising Star Montessori and Child Unique in Alameda
I missed the original post, but since my daughter went from 2 years at terrific and loving play-based preschool to Rising Star Montessori, I wanted to add a comment. I was nervous about the transition from such a loose and flexible non-academic day to Montessori's more structured day. It turned out that Rising Star was perfect for her, and I am so happy we decided to place her there. She ended up loving school and her teachers so much, and I can't say enough good things about the Rising Star community. At first it did bother her that she couldn't come to school, take off her shoes and play with toys, or go outside first thing in the morning. But eventually she loved coming in and experiencing a predictable routine. Rising Star also did a terrific job preparing her for kindergarten. Meg
June 2003
Re: Preschool for 3.5 year old
For true preschools I am only personally familiar with Rising Star on High St. It didn't work out for my daughter last year, for just the qualities you are looking for (it wasn't ''fun and loving''). Also I do think kids need to be potty trained. They have a good ratio (about 6 or 7 to 1 I think) but the class is just too big. There were about 30-35 kids with 5 adults. They also are fairly strict. My outgoing, social, fun-loving daughter became very withdrawn and ''shy'' there. Frances
March 2003
Does anyone have any information on Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda? Any type of feedback is appreciated. Thank you. cd
My neighbors four year old goes there and she loves it. She does a lot of arts and crafts and seems to be developing wonderful skills. She seems secure and happy there and loves her teacher. The parents are very pleased with it and we plan to send our son there when he's bigger.
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