Semillas Childrens School

Semillas Childrens School is incredible. Our older son went there (he's 7 now) and still refers to it as his favorite school, and our younger son (3.5) looks forward to going every day. The director Elisa and her mom Paula, who is a lead teacher there, are lifelong early childhood educators and are incredibly, warm, knowledgeable, and expert in terms of what children need at different stages of growth. The learning environment they've created helps kids learn independence, collaboration, kindness, and enables kids to follow and grow their own curiosity. We've been part of the Semillas community for nearly 5 years now and it has been amazing to be part of it for our whole family. Can't say enough positive things about Semillas—and now they're moving to Richmond for this fall (from North Oakland)!

I would very highly recommend Semillas preschool in Richmond. My daughter attended 3 years at Semillas when it was in Rockridge (from age 2-5 yrs), but Semillas is now moving to Richmond and we are very sad to lose this gem from our neighborhood. I can't speak more highly of the teachers Elisa and her mother, Paula, who offered the most loving and warm place for our daughter to play and learn - every morning our daughter ran from our arms into the warm embrace of a teacher. The atmosphere is fun, nurturing and play-based and focuses on social emotional learning. You can reach Elisa at: semillaschool [at] gmail.com (semillaschool[at]gmail[dot]com)  

Look no further than Semillas Preschool in Richmond!  This preschool is very affordable and it’s a gem of a school. The teachers are so loving and supportive; my under-two year old had no problem adjusting to being there full-time. It is a magical place for a child and feels very much like an extension of family. 

The school has been in Oakland and they are in the process of relocating to Richmond near the Art Center. They have previously always been fully enrolled and it has not been easy to get a placement. But because they are moving to a new location and are establishing themselves in Richmond, they do have a few openings for fall. You can reach the founder Elisa Pasquini at semillaschool [at] gmail.com

I wanted to give the strongest of recommendations for Semillas School in Richmond, and it seems like a match for what you’re seeking.  It is a truly wonderful play-based in-home preschool. They have been based in Oakland but are relocating to Richmond near the Arts Center in May 2021. My daughter was 1.5 when she started, and she felt so safe and happy there. She was excited to go to school every day.

The children spend loads of time outdoors - exploring and playing and learning and going out on adventures -  in a way that feels wild and free. The school’s founder Elisa and her mother Paula are an amazing team and have put together a group of loving and supportive teachers. Their philosophy is play, and they gently support children in navigating social and emotional learning. The teachers and children are diverse and the school is socially-conscious.  I can’t recommend them highly enough and I’m so excited for the families in Richmond area who will be discovering the gem that is Semillas!

You can reach Elisa at: semillaschool [at] gmail.com