San Francisco, CA
Calvary Nursery School

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The school really lives its play-based philosophy. Accommodates kids with learning issues well. Insists on some structure and manners, but loves creative, spirited kids.

Parent #2
Strengths: Excellent administration and faculty; excellent facilities---spacious, bright and sunny classroom, roof-top outdoor play area; children are grouped in smaller classes w/c enables the teachers to really focus on each child's strengths and challenges; play-based teaching style w/ enough structure tailored to the needs of each class; I really like that they incorporate a little bit of Christian teaching---the older class have chapel visits each week. The Director is very accommodating and approachable; she is also very involved in the children's classroom life and knows each and every child in terms of their strengths/weaknesses; she is always available to parents for any issues/concerns they may have.

Parent #3
This is a great school! I feel that it is one of the best preschools in the city. It is less academic than St Luke's but I feel more appropriate for the children's age. It has a religious aspect, which I really love. They embrace all religions and backgrounds.

Parent #4
Calvary seems to be a very close community, even if you don't belong to the church. In fact, the church is fairly separate from the school. The moms have 'Mom's night out' once a month, where we gather at someone's house to socialize. This helps everyone get to know each other a little better. Any conflicts that I have heard of have always been dealt with quickly and efficiently. They are very conscious of allergies; Calvary is a peanut-free school.

Parent #5
I don't have a bad thing to say about the school. I think it is a wonderful program and would not send my children anywhere else. Calvary does a great job preparing children for kindergarten. They learn how to treat others well and thrive in a structured environment. Though the school is non academic, the children seem to have all the skills necessary for kindergarten life.

Parent #6
I must mention that our Director is most excellent. She promotes successfully the play-based learning that allows the kids to thrive and learn without pressure. She's also hired only great teachers who provide the warmest, loving, nurturing environment to the kids.

Parent #7
I am running out of time here - need to go do bedtime!

Parent #8
Calvary Preschool is the best preschool in our opinion. We turned down many other preschools to attend Calvary and we highly recommend it to other parents. They do child preview sessions and are skilled at recognizing which children are ready for preschool. They will work with you to make sure your child is thoroughly enjoying their preschool experience and learning at their maximum capability. My son has grown emotionally, socially and mentally as a result of attending Calvary. I wouldn't send him to preschool if he weren't enjoying it because they will be in school for so many years overall. He looks forward to school every morning - seeing his teacher, playing with his friends, doing the projects, having music, and playing on the rooftop. Sending him to Calvary has made parenting so much easier! It warms my heart every time that I go to help out in the classroom because it is such a fun and nurturing environment. Calvary also fits my religious upbringing. They welcome kids from all religious backgrounds but it means alot to me that my son can go to school in the church that he is growing up in. It is very sweet when my son asks to sing grace at mealtimes!

Parent #9
The children learn to play together beautifully. They learn how to be thoughtful and considerate friends. I love to see my son's social skills in action -- he is both caring and assertive.

Parent #10
Calvary is all about the kids - they make the children feel really loved and special and that you as a parent are very instrumental.

Parent #11
I feel this is a very sweet school where children get a lot of attention. There is a wholesome feel to it and a deliberateness to the program. The teachers are extremely friendly and warm and there is a real sense of community with the parents and teachers. I have heard that Calvary is not as good at placing its children into kindergartens as it has been in the past, although I have not been through this process yet and have no personal experiences to share regarding this.

Parent #12
Choosing this school for my daughter was one of the best choices I made in the start of her lengthy education. I couldn't ask for more. There is truly no criticism that comes to mind!

Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

View an example from the Savvy Source guide to learn more.

Trace around your child's foot, with shoe on, on a piece of white construction paper or card stock. Have child cut out the shoe print and add a spooky face. Glue it to a popsicle stick and you have a ghost stick puppet!

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