Berkeley, CA
Aquatic Park School

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Strengths are the absolute respect for the children as people and the continuing development of their independent ability to do things for themselves and negotiate their own conflict resolution. I see this as young as the infant program. The teachers seem to exude a boundless amount of patience.

Parent #2
I think I have covered this in previous questions. I think this is an outstanding school for people looking for a true community of learners where parents can be involved and supportive of one another's families. I love that it is a developmental program sensitive to the needs of children. They do an amazing job documenting what goes on at the school (journals, photo collages, emails, etc.) Also, it is one of the FEW places in Berkeley that has not only a preschool program, but also a small infant-toddler program (with AMAZING teachers). This has allowed us to have both our children in one place, where they can see and interact with one another regularly. All of the teachers know and interact with all of the children, regardless of age, which means that our children have the opportunity to interact with a lot of great caregivers who have something to offer them. Also, the outdoor play, walks in the neighborhood, attention to nature, etc. make APS a very special place where it is fun to be a kid.

Parent #3
We feel so lucky to have our daughter at APS. The teachers are fantastic, very dedicated, have been there for four and five years. They also communicate with us really well and have really helpful feedback about her behavior and development.

Parent #4
My only real concern about this school is the amount of time spent outside in inclement weather. There are times when it is cool and damp and the kids are still outside. I have raised this concern with the school and was told that the school believes that even a little bit of outside time is beneficial for the children even if the weather isn't great.

I think it's important to realize that APS is a play-based program. I have been concerned that my child may not be learning what she 'should' because there is no formalized curriculum. My concerns have been without merit. My child is almost reading at 3 1/2 because she's interested and encouraged at school and home - not because she is required to read. I say this only for parents who have expectations that their children will learn their ABCs etc by a certain time.

APS lets kids learn at their own pace and follows an emergent curriculum. It is very effective in no small part because the teachers are tuned into the kids and really pay attention to their interests. In doing so the teachers are able to instruct and guide the children in a really fun way.

Parent #5
Very active parent community. Since it is so large, it is not as cohesive as at other preschools, but the opportunity is there if you are open to it.

Strengths of the school are its numerous and well-educated teachers, social development, conflict resolution.

Weaknesses are frequent illnesses (can't be avoided in a large community) and lack of learning programs.

That said, the kids do learn a LOT at this school...it's just not structured.

Parent #6
The main weakness is the separation between the outdoor and indoor areas. This is handled safely by the staff, but it is a minor disadvantage.

Parent #7
Overall an excellent place: open, friendly, attentive to each child (or at least attentive to my child, I assume its the same with others). The infant-toddler program is especially good--very nurturing.

The director has worked hard on staff retention and appreciation and has done her best to institute continuity of care, so that students go through the school with the same teachers if possible.

She is also excellent at picking staff members, so even when the continuity of care doesn't work out because teachers need to move on for whatever reason, she is great at finding dynamic, interesting individuals to take their place.

It's not the place if you're an anxious or pushy parent. There are walk days for the older kids and there is quite a bit of foot traffic through the courtyard that separates the school from the play area. I have some nervous friends who would not be comfortable with that.

Or if you want an 'academic' preschool, its not the place--Although the kids as a whole are incredibly bright, inventive, interesting and my daughter has learned so much about the world, social interaction, and even 'academic' subjects, if you want a formal curriculum, you would want another school.

Parent #8
The director and teachers are always available to discuss anything which may need resolution.

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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