In-Depth Preschool Ratings and Reviews for:

• All Cities
• Austin Preschools
• Berkeley & Oakland Preschools
• Boston Preschools
• Chicago Preschools
• Dallas Area Preschools
• Los Angeles (West LA) Preschools
• Los Angeles (San Gabriel Valley) Preschools
• NYC & Brooklyn Preschools
• San Diego North County Preschools
• San Francisco Preschools
• San Jose Preschools
• Seattle Preschools

Saratoga, CA
Saratoga Community Preschool

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

Review this preschool

Telephone: (408) 868-1287

• 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 (3.6)
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 (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:

- Parents in classroom early on

- Small group sessions

- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

source:

Director's Comments

Dependent upon the separation anxiety, we address: Parent Separation Anxiety by encouraging parents to participate in small group activities which include their own child, gradually weaning them toward more activities encompassing the entire class. Child Separation Anxiety by acknowledging the child's distress, and working through it through art work, gardening or any redirecting activity. Parents are kept advised of the progress, and occasionally are asked to consult, all based on trust.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The director of the school has created a wonderful environment for the children to learn, explore, and play in. I have had three children attend the school and she treats every child individually and really has given us wonderful and unique guidance for each of them as they have grown.

Parent #2
This preschool is developmental. The children there learn through play. By volunteering in the classroom, parents see how the teacher/director ties all of the activities together. The hands-on aspect is wonderful. For example, in the spring, fertilized eggs are brought in from a farm, and the children see them hatch as the days go by. It's a magical setting!

Parent #3
I recommend highly the Saratoga Community Preschool to parents. This is a development-based program that requires parent involvement (work in the classroom about once a week). The director integrated OT and SLP activities in play which lay the foundation for the kids' future success in academics. Social interactions are a big focus in this program. Through helping out in the classroom, parents get to know their kids, and to grow their parental skills. This is a wonderful program.

Parent #4
In addition to hands-on academic activities, social development is also stressed. Once the children are comfortable with themselves, their peers and the classroom, the academic learning comes naturally. It teaches children the use of proper words in conflict resolution. Encourages empathy. Children learn science though a remarkable garden they help plant and sow. Children help make their own healthy snacks. Organic and natural foods are encouraged. Circle time with fun exercises to encourage physical fitness and theme stories. Show and tell time. Music with real instruments and sometimes a volunteer musician. Visits to the Senior center to perform songs during holidays. It's just a wonderful place to be a child.

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.9)

Parents:

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Volunteer in the classroom

- 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
Nutritional and dietary suggestions

Parent #2
Because we volunteer to work twice a month, and see each other at drop off/pickup, the parents are pretty close/friendly.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Parent participation in the classroom provides informal time for parents to communicate with the teacher.

Parent #2
Parents participate in the preschool several times a month so it is easy to talk to the director and be aware of what is going on with your child and the class in general.