Our nature-based curriculum is a unique blend of Reggio-Emilia and Montessori. Presidio Park is just a few steps away from our school, and we use the natural landscape as our classroom during our daily outings. Other outings include Crissy Field East Beach, Lyon Street Steps, the Palace of Fine Arts, and multiple community gardens. While we are on outings, the children are free to explore and play to their heart’s desire.

Two Programs

  • Toddler Program (Full-time or Part-time): 18 - 36-month-olds

  • Preschool Program (Full-time or Part-time): 2 - 5-year-olds

Prior knowledge of Mandarin is not required to enroll in the language program. Learn more about our Chinese program.

Program Pillars

Projects & Play

Children take the lead through in-depth studies. We explore different personal interests framed through academia and various sensory experiences. Open-ended art may be used to teach Chinese writing, or hands-on science experiments may be used to teach cause-and-effect relationships. We believe that play is the ultimate catalyst for the love of learning.

Representational Development

Teachers present new concepts in multiple forms, such as print, art, drama, music, puppetry, etc. This variation is considered essential in making sure that all children (who have many different styles of learning) have the chance to understand what is being taught.

Collaboration

Groups both large and small are encouraged to work together to solve problems using dialogue, comparison, negotiation, and other important interpersonal skills. We strive for each child to learn the importance of their own voice by expressing themselves accurately and listening to the impact of someone else’s words. Each child's voice should be heard within the group to promote the diversity of thoughts and ideas. 

Sense of Self

Children are encouraged to be autonomous every time possible with the guidance of experienced early childhood educators. Autonomy, coupled with the proper support, leads children to develop key personal characteristics such as self-esteem, confidence, and integrity.

Respect

Children are taught to respect each other, nature, family members, teachers, their city, and community members through reasoning and relationships. Children will often volunteer to take on age-appropriate responsibilities that contribute to their mixed-age classroom community, actions such as fulfilling a mentor role or leading their class through the next transition.

Daily Schedule

The schedule may change due to children's needs. Field trips are hosted quarterly and planned in conjunction with the PTA.

Drop-off and Free Play 8 am - 9 am

Temperature checks and hand washing upon arrival. Mask-wearing is encouraged. Please arrive before 9am.

Morning Preparation 9am - 9:30am

Morning greeting and adventure review. Potty/diaper changes. Apply sunblock and change into weather-appropriate attire.

Outdoor Exploration 9:30 am - 12 pm

Children are encouraged to observe, explore, and appreciate nature. Outdoor reading time and creative sessions using natural materials.

Lunch 12 pm - 1 pm

Preparation for lunch, wash hands. Lunch. Clean up.

Nap Time 1 pm to 3:30 pm

Children nap in personal cots or sleeping mats. Quiet time for children who do not nap.

Snack 3:30 pm - 4:10 pm

Upon waking up, snacks are provided.

Circle Time 4:10 pm - 4:30 pm

Reflections on our nature walk and craft project.

Indoor/Outdoor Free Play 4:30 pm-5:30 pm

Classes rotate indoor and outdoor playground use.

Dismissal and Pick Up

Pick up any time before 5:30 PM. We close at 5:30 PM sharp to ensure that our teachers have enough energy for the next day.