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San Francisco, CA
Lone Mountain Children's Center

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

neighborhood: Presidio ·  Telephone: (415) 876-0057

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.5)
Conducts an open house at start of school year
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

source:

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:

- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

- Parents in classroom early on

- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

source:

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The ongoing communications and immediate response to any phone call or email is phenomenal. Lone Mountain also provides sound advice to any child-related question I have asked them. It is a blessing not to have to attend numerous fundraisers and events. Parents are invited to all special events, and the schools host enough family/parent events to create a solid community. The kids also put on spectacular pageants throughout the year. But this school does not have to become your only social or donation outlet, which is quite a relief.

Parent #2
I was not there the first 2 years, so I can not address separation, but would assume they handle it well. Our school is play based environment that is surrounded with knowledgable teachers who not only enjoy their jobs, but love our kids as well. I would not trade Lone Mountain in for any other school around. Our director is amazing, loving, knowledgable, caring, playful and completely gets every kid. He is always available for questions and or concerns. He is in the classroom on a regular basis. The kids adore him. I think your questions regarding goals for preschool age children are little much. However, I do understand that some schools believe in starting at an earlier age. Our school has all the preacademic set in a play based environment. There are children who are reading and writing and there are children who can still not write their name. This is a normal range. Our school has a philosophy and goals.

Parent #3
Lone Mountain is strongly developmental but also has a rich curriculum. I've never known a child to get lost in the cracks or fail to be challenged, despite the fact that pre-school kids fall within a wide spectrum of readiness for various aspects of school. I didn't think my answers to questions about learning goals and assessment captured the combination of developmental approach with rich content-based curriculum.

Parent #4
The way they handled the separation process was great and my son absolutely loves the school. He always tells me that he would like to go every day. The school tries to make sure that parents are connected with the school, but doesn't make as much of an effort to foster the parent connection amongst themselves. Especially because of the way drop-off and pick-up are done (from the car), I find that it's been more difficult to establish a connection with other parents because there's less time to just hang out and chat. That's probably also because I work PT, so I'm not always there.

Parent #5
The teachers are great at connecting with the children and communicating with the parents. I am glad that we don't go on field trips away from the school. There is no need because the facility is amazing and the families take the children to all of the city spots. Parents especially come (with siblings) to field play days. There is a large grassy field with trees across from the school.

Parent #6
The school handles the separation process very sensitively and with great care.

Parent #7
n/a

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.6)

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- Encourage play dates out of school

- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)

source:

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
We do not fundraise (thankfully!), but parents are asked for contributions (not required) to the capital campaign (not sure if that is the right term).

Parent #2
We are asked, but not required, to make donations.

Parent #3
Does sports and/or classes together.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Always made themselves available.

Parent #2
They are open to any communication about the children.