Hi all! We just moved to a Cambrian area of San Jose. We are starting the search for preschool for the Fall 2009 and would appreciate any recommendations. We would prefer the school that is focusing more on play, arts and music rather than on academics.
Cheers and thanks in advance!
I loved Bright Days Preschool - it is on the corner of Winchester and Hamilton in the Methodist church. Play based, wonderful teachers, very calm, I never heard them raise their voices unless a child was in danger of hurting themselves or another child. I felt very comfortable leaving my children with them, because they were the "parents" I hoped I could be. The kid got attention, love, instruction - not a mom who was busy cleaning, or running errands, or doing other chores while trying to parent at the same time. brightdayspreschool.com
Hi Natalie,
My kids are older now but they went to St. Timothy's preschool on Camden near Branham Lane. I Loved the
school. I thought I wanted my children in a more academic
type preschool but the teacher explained that kids learn
but exploring and playing at this age. It was perfect.
You might want to check them out.
Both of my children go to Neighborhood Christian Preschool which is near San Jose City College. It's been a great choice for us, my daughter has been there for 2 years now. The prices are very reasonable for a non home based preschool and we love their caring and loving ways. I agree with you on the academics, our children are going to be pushed enough as soon as they get into Kindergarten, I want mine to be able to be children for as long a possible. My daughter is currently in the pre-K class that is getting her ready for Kindergarten. If you check them out, let them know I sent you. Good luck!
Bunny
It's not in the Willow Glen/Cambrian area, but it's a great play-based preschool with lots of art and music: Carson Parent Participation Preschool at Rachel Carson Elementary School. It's near Branham and Narvaez. My boys went there last year and absolutely loved it AND they were prepared for Kinder without having heavy academics.
I highly recommend it!!!
A friend of mine highly recommends the Campbell Child Development Center.
Hi Natalie,
We send our kids to Little Oak Preschool off of Leigh Ave. We love it! The teachers are so great! Here is the web: www.littleoakpreschool.com
Good Luck!
I recommend ATLC Preschool (A Tyson Loving Care Preschool). It is located on Cambrianna and Union. Both my sons went there when they were 3 & 4. They offer MWF, TTH & MTWTHF classes. It is a very nurturing environment. At 3 they focus on the social aspects and offer French. The 4's programs offer Spanish, Sign Language and phonics/letter recognition. They even offer a Junior Kinder class for those who are on that cusp of being ready. The school is not publicly advertised. The majority enrollment is primarily through word of mouth and occasional drop ins. There is always a waiting list. Both the 3 & 4 programs have music 2 days a week where the director actually plays the piano and the kids sing along and provide hand motions. They have an open house scheduled for 1/13-1/15, 2009.
Mulberry school in Los Gatos (very close to Cambrian area) is wonderful. We've been there for three years and can't say enough about it. While it is a parent participation school, the school does provide options for those that wish to have their kids attend but can't partcipate in the classroom.
hello natalie F i am a preschool teacher at a private preschool in campbell off of winchester called handprints preschool. the ages range from 2-7 years old and the tuition is affordable prices. the currilum for the pre-k is academics, art , singing, free play, and music. we have four teachers and the owner's name is Ms Betty. if you are interested you may call 408-378-9000. thanks
Jolene
Thanks everyone for your help and responses. After some visits and research we decided to take a risk and enroll Anna in a local preschool called Promise Land. She will start tomorrow in the 2-3 group for 2 days a week, and we will see how she will do.