Lone Mountain Children's Center

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  • Neighborhood: Presidio
  • Telephone: (415) 876-0057

Summary

Contact Info

Lone Mountain Children's Center
1806 Belles Street
San Francisco , CA  94129
Tel: (415) 876-0057
Fax: (415) 561-2335

Director: Jacques Grillo
lonemountaincc@aol.com

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Check Mark Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, upon birth
Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Total enrollment 89
Student/teacher ratio 8:1
Age cutoff for enrollment 2 years and 7 months

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Cathedral, Town, Stuart Hall, MCDS, Burkes, Hamlin, Convent, Friends, Hillwood, SF Day, French American, Claire Lillienthal, St. Vincent de Paul

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Five Stars
Quality of teaching Four And Half Stars
Development of social skills and work habits Four Stars
Home-school connection Four And Half Stars
Parent community Three and Half Stars
Discipline Five Stars
Facilities Four And Half Stars
Health Four And Half Stars
Safety Four And Half Stars
Handling of separation Four And Half Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  13

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:

  • Calvary Nursery School
  • Circle of Friends
  • Peter's Place Nursery School
  • Cow Hollow School
  • The Little School

General Info

Basic Stats

Total enrollment 89
Student/teacher ratio 8:1
Average tenure for teachers 10 yrs.

% of teachers with:

- Bachelors 80%
- Masters 20%
- Teaching credentials 60%
- CPR 100%
- First aid 100%

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.9) Four And Half Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Five Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Four And Half Stars
Outside play equipment Four And Half Stars

Parents' Comments
Parent #1
What an amazing place! The director knows more about preschool age child development than most parents I know (including myself). He was always open to discussions about our child, helpful with direct and honest advice, and a gem when it came to the kindergarten selection process. The teachers are seasoned and experienced and the love their jobs (in turn the kids love them!).

Parent #2
Strengths - Incredibly well thought out program with regards to balancing structure and free play and integrating an excellent curriculum. Kids are more engaged here than any preschool we visited. They have an amazing time, are really disciplined, and learn a lot. Fantastic program. I believe it is the best in the city.

Parent #3
Lone mountain is the BEST pre-school in the City! They take children for who they are and where they are developmentally (potty trained or not) and love them while creating an environment that encourages a love of learning. I can think of no better place to send a child for a first school experience. The teachers love what they do and have been teaching there for a very long time - a true testament to what a wonderful place it is.

Parent #4
Lone Mountain is an awesome place because the teachers are so experienced and loving and caring. The environment is amazing and I love the fact that it's play-based, but also has some structure. The only negative I've experienced is that it's been harder to develop connections as a parent with other parents than it is at other schools. I think this is largely a function of the way the drop-off and pick-up is structured with a drive-up so there's not a lot of time for leisurely chatting with other parents.

Parent #5
Lone Mountain is great at everything except its hours. There is no full day program and for most of a child's 3 years there, he or she will be in school for about 8 or 9 hours a week. So if you work outside the home, you will still need full-time child care. If you are home with your kids, school will not give you much relief. So I don't think Lone Mountain is a great place for parents. But it is a wonderful place for kids and our 3 girls have flourished there. They are always happy to go there and I have never worried about any one of them for even a minute while they are at Lone Mountain.

Parent #6
Strength: Great program. Everything you would like in a preschool for your little one. Weakness: Only three and three quarter hour programs per day. No extended care.

Parent #7
Lone Mountain is unique because it develops a large group of children in a highly creative manner. The 5 teachers and 1 daily 'expert' provide a wonderful student to teacher ratio and expose the children to more areas (art, French, drama) as well as different types of teachers. For those of us with boys, its wonderful that the school is led by a male, so children are exposed to men as teachers (since women are more predominant in this area). The most spectacular aspect of the school is the communication and administration. Parents are always well informed and given thoughtful guidance by the teachers. The monthly newsletter is thought-provoking and provides valuable nuggets of information to help parents be better parents and to encourage children to grow. The school is top-notch in helping parents and children get through the kindergarten process.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Our philosophy is to meet and accept each child as he or she comes to us. We work to build on a child's developmental strengths, while giving special attention to those areas which are less strong. We believe that when a child is provided the opportunity to preserve and enhance a positive sense of self, then the essential foundation for all learning and self-actualization has been established. We strive to ensure that each child has a positive first school experience, and leaves us well prepared and eager to meet life's further adventures.



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Free play 8:45-9:00/12:45-1:00

Meeting/Group Time 9:00-9:30/1:00-1:30

Free play & projects 9:30-10:30/1:30-2:30

Story 10:30-10:40/2:30-2:40

Snack 10:40-10:50/2:40-2:50

Outdoors 10:50-11:25/2:50-3:25

Dismissal 11:30/3:30

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Director's Comments

We offer a developmental, theme-based preschool program for children age two years and seven months through five years and six months. The program is designed to be nurturing, creative, and fun, in a context that honors structure and develops self-discipline. Each of the three levels actively supports and cultivates a child's social, cognitive, physical, emotional and language development, utilizing an array of primarily experential and hands-on educational techniques. In addition, the school offers a curriculum that is unique to Lone Mountain in both approach and degree of sophistication. By the culmination of the three-year program, Lone Mountain students have been exposed, in an age-appropriate manner, to most of the traditional academic disciplines: Art, Music, Science, History, Sociology, Geography, Psychology, World Religions, etc. Our hope is to inspire a life-long fascination with learning and discovery.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.3) Four Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Four Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Four Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Four Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Four Stars
Awareness of others’ feelings Four Stars
Cooperation with other children Four Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language YES
Oral language - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Storybook reading - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense - Free play with some structure - - YES
Time & space - Free play with some structure - - YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Music - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Visual arts - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Physical activity - - Predominantly teacher-led instruction - YES
Other subjects taught Our two older groups have weekly teaching specialists in music, movement, and science. n/a
Director's Comments

We have a theme-based program with a balance of child-directed and teacher-directed activities.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Lone Mountain offers science, French, drama, art, music, and pre-academics enrichment to all students. All these activities are presented in fun methods, so the children love all of them - even pre-academics! Children are also given free time for physical activity, playtime, and coloring. The curriculum is well balanced between structure and kid-time.

Parent #2
I checked the same one for all-free play with some structure. But I know that everyday there is a set of goals that are to be met. They break up into small group and rotate around. Depending what station they are working in, it could be completely free play or completely teacher-led instruction. They just don't wonder around freely with encouragement form their teachers.

Parent #3
I would say that all of the above are part of the curriculum. They are modeled and discussed by the teachers but there are always opportunities for children to engage in them as part of free play.

Parent #4
Lone Mountain's general philosophy and curriculum are play-based, but they also have some structure. My son has attended two other preschools and LMCC is right in the middle in terms of allowing the kids to have a lot of free time to explore and play, but also having rules and a schedule they stick to. In my opinion, it's a nice balance.

Parent #5
Lone Mountain does have an academic program.

Parent #6
n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.8) Four And Half Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Four And Half Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Four And Half Stars
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her Four And Half Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Four And Half Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Four And Half Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Four And Half Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Four And Half Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Four And Half Stars
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Four And Half Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Four And Half Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Five Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts Four And Half Stars
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children Four And Half Stars

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
As you can see, the teachers at Lone Mountain are ALWAYS enthusiastic, treat children with respect, and are adored by all the children and parents alike. They are also very consistent in the way they act toward the children - they all behave very similarly when dealing with the kids.

Parent #2
I love our staff. They all have something unique to offer. Many of them have been there for a long time. They are caring, loving, knowledgeable, respectful of each other and the children, and look like they are having fun. My son adores his teachers.

Parent #3
The teachers at Lone Mountain are amazing and so are the support teachers and the specialists. Really, the teachers and other staff are the reason our kids have gone and go there. The hours are inconvenient and when our oldest went so was the location but the program and the teachers make it all worth it.

Parent #4
The teachers are awesome. They have been there for a very long time. The kids adore them and they are obviously very experienced. The only thing I would like is additional feedback on my child in particular.

Parent #5
I think the teachers at Lone Mountain are outstanding and I would give each one an excellent rating.

Parent #6
Teachers are experienced and outstanding.

Parent #7
The only downside to LMCC is the limited schedule. The days are short and infrequent because the school uses one large room for all their classes so one class must be gone for the other to begin. There is no after school care or lunch opportunity which is tough for working parents.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

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

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.7) Four And Half Stars
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

Director's and Parents' Comments

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) Three and Half Stars

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.)


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

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Always made themselves available.

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

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0) Five Stars
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Overview


Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'

We would encourage Child A to develop other play options for that day while empathizing with her feelings of loss, abandonment, sadness, and anger.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The building is locked and extremely secure, yet with all its windows and stunning architecture, it feels very open and light to the children. The teachers know every single parent and nanny, so they always are highly aware of which adults should or should not be around the school.

Parent #2
The facility at Lone Mountain is definitely one of the greatest things about it. It is very large, bright and airy. The children there have much more space than at any of the other preschools we have visited or attended (our son has attended two other preschools). They also keep it remarkably clean.

Parent #3
n/a

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.8) Four And Half Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Four And Half Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Four And Half Stars
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly Five Stars

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.9) Four And Half Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Four And Half Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Four And Half Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 4 years 5 months to
5 years 3 months
Mon 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Tue 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Wed 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Thu 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Fri 12:45pm - 3:30pm
$7600/Year
From 2 years 7 months to
4 years 4 months
Mon 8:45am - 11:30am
Wed 8:45am - 11:30am
Fri 8:45am - 11:30am
$5340/Year
From 2 years 7 months to
3 years 5 months
Tue 8:45am - 11:30am
Thu 8:45am - 11:30am
$3720/Year

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

2 years 7 months to 3 years 5 months -- $3720
3 years 6 months to 4 years 4 months -- $5340
4 years 5 months to 5 years 3 months -- $7600

2.7 to 3.5 - Tuesday, Thursday - 8:45-11:30 a.m.

2.7 to 4.4 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:45-11:30 a.m.

4.5 to 5.3 - Everyday 12:45-3:30 p.m.

2.7 to 3.5 - 27 children
3.6 to 4.4 - 31 children
4.5 to 5.3 - 31 children


Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, upon birth

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory once we know we have a spot to offer.

Child interview process: Possible, at school's discretion and takes the form of small group setting

Parent interview process: Director-parent

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $50

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis  

Notification occurs: At the time of visit/interview usually in January prior to Sept. enrollment.

Deposit required: $0

Financial aid is available.

Director's Comments

Comments

For our entry level program it is essential to apply within 2 months of birth. Pre-k applications are always welcome.

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 2 years and 7 months to enroll.

Child must be potty trained to enroll.

Enquiries accepted on a rolling basis.

Director's views on diversity:
Our criteria for enrollment is by lottery. We only control for gender balance although typically there is a fair amount of racial/ethnic diversity. As a part-time only program, we tend not to be socio-economically diverse.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Cathedral, Town, Stuart Hall, MCDS, Burkes, Hamlin, Convent, Friends, Hillwood, SF Day, French American, Claire Lillienthal, St. Vincent de Paul

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
My child has only attended for the pre-k year, and that is a much easier year to be accepted into any preschool.

Parent #2
Lone Mountain has a list and you just get on the list. The director is very good about returning calls and letting you know where your child is on the list and how likely he is to have a spot for him or her.

Parent #3
I went to this preschool as a child, so that's the reason I got in!!! I also applied when I was pregnant which is another reason why we got in.

Parent #4
The pre-school accepts children via lottery

Parent #5
Just apply early

Parent #6
applied very early-right when my son was born, and stayed in contact once a year re:our interest in the school

The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
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