Schools near Portola Valley, CA

“We highly recommend Whole Kids School for any parent looking for a high-quality early childcare. Our daughter has been enrolled since she was 18 months old, and the growth we've seen in her is a testament to their curriculum and care.

The communication here is outstanding--we always receive detailed, thoughtful updates on her progress. The teachers are clearly passionate about child development, and they have fostered a wonderful sense of community. It's been especially rewarding to watch her social and interpersonal skills thrive. It's a clean, well-run, and deeply caring environment”

“My son had the most amazing experience with Tiny Einstein. We love all the teachers,atmosphere, academics and approach this center has. They pay great attention to your kid. My son’s ability to speak English, count, communicate his feelings- impressed me. He learned so much there. Definitely highly recommending as a very reliable Child Development Center. We will miss so much all the teachers and Nickolas will definitely miss his friends.”

“A great school! We have been so impressed and grateful to see our son in such a nurturing and developmental environment. Teacher Barbara and Meenakshi are awesome.”

“Palo Alto Montessori is an incredible place for a toddler to grow. We had our daughter there from when she was 2 and she really flourished. The staff are very well trained, caring and watchful. Our trust in the school and staff was 100%.”

“I cannot more highly recommend Sequoia Children's Center. I can only speak to the pre-K program, as we were living in the area for one year, and enrolled our son in the pre-K class for the duration of that time. The teachers - Carol and Becky - are incredible. They have built a curriculum that is engaging and encourages the kids to learn a lot, but also in a safe, nurturing, fun environment. But as far as I can tell all of the teachers and support staff there are wonderful. Our son has come out of the program very prepared for Kindergarten, but not overwhelmed. I also appreciated that there was a very practical and warm attitude there - I found in researching schools many arrogant programs that seemed like they were going to push a really strong academic emphasis on the kids. SCC is a program where the kids learn a lot and are perfectly prepared for Kindergarten, but not at the expense of pleasure, fun, and play. The families there are also terrific and it is a great place to be involved as much as you would like to be, with lots of opportunities for parent and family participation. If you are in search of childcare, in particular a pre-K program, I would definitely check out Sequoia Children's Center.”

“We have had an absolutely wonderful experience with Safari Kid. What stood out for us was the experienced teachers and great outdoor space for the kids. Teacher Bev and Teacher Stephanie are both very dedicated and committed to the overall development of the kids and open to have an honest conversation on how we could help kids outside of the school. One of the primary measures of whether the kids are enjoying their time at school is whether they look forward to going to school and how they are feeling when you go pick them up - we are very grateful to say that we dropped off and picked up very happy and excited kids!”

“My son went here six years ago and we loved the school. Adela is an excellent administrator and runs the school very well. The teachers were wonderful, especially Ms Melissa (dragonfly classroom). The space is beautiful and the activities were very thoughtfully designed. My son loved his time here and always insisted in being the last one to get picked up!”

“My 4.5-year-old son attended Safari Kid for two years, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. His teachers, Ms. Leah and Ms. Megha, were truly exceptional—nurturing, patient, and incredibly skilled at supporting early childhood development. Under their guidance, my son made remarkable progress in writing and reading, showing confidence and curiosity well beyond his age. His language skills blossomed, and he developed a strong foundation in math that continues to impress us. Safari Kid provided an environment that helped him thrive both academically and socially. We’re so grateful for the love and dedication shown by his teachers and the entire staff.”

“Building Kidz San Carlos was a very educational and caring place for our little one to grown in. Their scheduled music, dance, movement classes and educational curriculum was very enriching. The teachers and director were very caring and responsible. The outdoor play area needs some soft landscaping but that is something I know they are working on. Overall a very good experience.”

“My daughter has been at Challenge School belmont campus for 2 years. She is having fun at school everyday and loves the school and the teachers there. From day one, it's been clear that the teachers are not only dedicated but also genuinely caring and patient, which has made a world of difference for my daughter who took some time adjusting to a new environment.

The environment at Challenge School is incredibly nurturing, and it's evident that the teachers know each child individually. They go above and beyond to accommodate different needs, which has helped my daughter build confidence and feel comfortable expressing herself. The daily activities are not only fun but also educational, ranging from crafts and role-playing to planting and even making ice cream! They also had short field trips to the post office to mail their first valentine's day letter!

One of the standout features for us has been the bilingual education. In the Blueberry (2yr-old) class, the entire curriculum is in Mandarin, which has been fantastic for my daughter's language development. As she transitioned to the Strawberry (3yr-old) class, she began learning English alongside Chinese, with dedicated teachers for each language.

Beyond language skills, the school places a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. In Blueberry, the focus was on adapting to school routines and learning self-care, while in Strawberry, it shifted to teaching manners, cooperation, and empathy. It's been incredible to see my daughter grow not just academically but also in terms of her social skills and independence.

Overall, our experience with Challenge School has been overwhelmingly positive. We've watched our daughter blossom in ways we couldn't have imagined, and we owe a huge thanks to the wonderful teachers and staff who have been instrumental in her growth. If you're looking for a preschool where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and supported every step of the way, Challenge School is an excellent choice.”

“For anyone considering piano lessons, I wholeheartedly recommend CSMA! My experience with Muza Mdzinarishvili, a Distinguished Faculty member, was outstanding.

As an adult learner, I truly valued her balanced teaching style: she consistently acknowledged my progress, which was very motivating, while also gently guiding me to address my weaknesses. What sets Muza apart is her ability to create personalized homework assignments that are a perfect blend of pieces by composers I adore and targeted exercises to develop my finger skills. She's an amazing piano teacher!”

“We had an amazing experience with Lilliput Infant Classroom! The teachers, Andrea, Maria, and Gloria were warm, attentive, and nurturing - making it clear how much they love and care for the children.

Our child had a wonderful time there, developing a strong love for books that has been such a joy to watch. The environment was perfect for growth, allowing our little one the freedom to roam and explore. We couldn’t have asked for a better daycare to support our child’s curiosity and development.

Thank you, Lilliput, for giving our family such a positive experience!”

“For those that want an academic based school, I would HIGHLY recommend this school. I found my child was unhappy at other academic based schools and didn't progress as much as I had hoped. My child has always been happy and responded well with the staff at ACME/Learn and Play Montessori. I don't recall a single time where I dropped him off where he cried, which is quite different than the other places he attended. Feedback from my child has always leaned toward staying at ACME/L&PM vs the other schools he attended.

Our son has attended Learn and Play Montessori school and ACME at multiple points of his early education. The first time he attended was just during the summer time, he went to a highly ranked and credible academic school the following school year where he then attended ACME again the following summer. We debated what school to attend the following year but found that his academic progress at ACME in both periods was too great to deny.

Currently there is a GREAT RATIO that allows our child to get the attention and focus of the teachers he would not get anywhere else. This has led him to excel past my expectations in English, Mandarin, Math, Science, and very impressed with his progress in his reading skills very early in Pre-k.

Thanks to Learn and Play Montessori school, we feel our child is well prepared for any school that he attends next year.”

“I never write reviews. The fact that I am taking the time to write, is a testament to how much I love this school!

My family’s experience with University Oaks Preschool has been nothing short of exceptional, and I am confident that it is the perfect place for your child to learn and grow also.

We currently have two boys enrolled at University oaks. Our 4 year old has been there for nearly 3 years and our 2 year old started a few months ago. Our 4 year old started when he was 2 years old. He was a covid baby, only 6 months old when the initial shelter in place started. For family medical reasons we were fairly conservative with keeping a tight bubble for the next year or so. He has an older sister, so he had interactions with another child to play with, but limited interaction/socialization in a group setting or with making new friends. My wife and I were anxious to get him into school, in particular for the socialization.

From the moment we enrolled our son, we were blown away by the warm, nurturing environment created by the dedicated teachers. They were incredibly supportive with helping him ease into his new surroundings and integrating him with the rest of his class. The teachers are not only highly skilled and experienced but also genuinely passionate about fostering each child's development. They provide a balanced curriculum that integrates play-based learning with foundational academics, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. I’m blown away with the things he learns. In particular, he has really enjoyed their science curriculum!

University Oak’s emphasis on social and emotional learning has also been remarkable. Our child has thrived in the supportive atmosphere, building strong friendships and developing important life skills. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and the variety of activities offered – from art and music to outdoor exploration – keeps the children engaged and excited about learning.

Additionally, the communication between the school and parents is outstanding. We are regularly updated on our child’s progress and truly feel like the teachers want to tailor each kids experience to meet the family’s needs . They do a great job supporting our goals, so that there is consistency at home and at school. For example, our second child was slower to potty train and they were very supportive and actually helped us get through that experience. There are also a number of little things, like how they help on a morning where there is a tough drop-off and one of our boys is having some separation anxiety. They always make it easy, take control so you can walk away and then follow-up minutes later with a picture of them smiling and happy. Any parent who has gone through that scenario knows how heart wrenching it is. But, I honestly never worry about it, because I know they’ve got it!

Lastly, the sense of community at University Oaks is awesome and families are warm and friendly.

Choosing University Oaks has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as parents. Our 4 year old just graduated and is off to TK at St. Nicholas. We feel he is honestly over-prepared and will transition very easily. Although, I know he is bummed to leave his friends and teachers. I highly recommend University Oaks to any parent looking for a caring, enriching, and fun preschool environment.”

“We sent both of our children to Country Day Little School and recommend it in the highest possible terms. Having explored many preschools in the Bay Area and elsewhere we feel so lucky to have found Country Day, which truly fulfills its mission of focusing on the well-being and flourishing of the children. The teachers are incredibly thoughtful, reflective, and kind. They bring joy to the children's lives, teach them about the natural world, nurture their social interactions in outdoor and indoor play, and are so highly attuned to the needs and capacities of each individual child. The community of parents they gather together is also a pleasure to be with and very supportive. Country Day is a treasure!”

“This place is pure Magic!Our son loves attending PNS and our family loves being part of such a wonderful community of parents and educators. If you are considering joining (take it from someone who toured almost all the preschools in the area) nothing compares to PNS!”

“My son attended the school for the last year. He loved it, and so did we! Caring teachers, good physical activities and arts, and meals are also included. As a family with three languages spoken at home, it was great to get the French reinforced at school. Our kid has made a lot of progress linguistically while attending APM. We highly recommend!”

“We’ve had a wonderful experience at Building Kidz (Menlo Park). Our daughter has truly thrived during her time here—gaining independence, growing academically, and blossoming socially. She’s developed beautiful friendships, and we’ve found a real sense of community through the school as well.

We’re especially grateful to her incredible teachers, Darcy, Danielle and Sylvia who create such a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment every day. Their dedication and thoughtfulness have made all the difference.

One of the things we love most about BK is the emphasis on performance arts. The weekly music and dance classes are a highlight for our daughter. The school’s location—right next to a fantastic playground—is also a bonus and makes after-school time extra fun for the kids.

Building Kidz has been such a special part of our daughter’s early years, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly!”

“Holy Cross Preschool is amazing! My daughter loves it there and is excited to attend every day; the preschool space is spotless, the teachers and staff are very welcoming/helpful, and emphasize regular communication/parental engagement in person and via the BrightWheel app. When we met Miss Chris for the initial tour, I immediately noticed she takes her job seriously and takes pride in directing the preschool. This was important to me and one of the top decision factors for us.
Since my daughter has been enrolled, we have noticed advancements in her social, emotional, and language development. I highly recommend Holy Cross for your little one(s)!”

“A step above the rest. Shores Kindercare provides a beautiful environment surrounded by nature. The staff are friendly and always ready to help. They greeted my little one with a big smile each day and helped her transition into the classroom. They also have a VERY clean environment for babies, staff and parents put on booties before entering the baby room. My oldest went to a different daycare for his first few years and the entire school would get sick any time an illness popped up. My youngest has not had that same experience here. It's so clean!”

“SPNS has been an amazing school home for my child, and a wonderful place for me to learn and grow as a parent and build our community here in San Carlos.

The teachers are so thoughtful and truly experts in their field. The school emphasizes play, social development, and hands-on opportunities for learning. My child comes home thrilled with the activities, outdoor play, crafts, and friendships, and especially with her teachers.

As a parent, I've made such meaningful friendships here, and have learned how to best support my child during these stages of development. And working in the classroom is a joy.

We love SPNS and are so grateful for the years we've had here!”

“Wonderful school - great teachers and teaching environment. My 3 yo absolutely loves it. The classes are on the bigger side in terms of number of students but you honestly wouldn't know because children are continuously engaged in different activities in smaller groups. The play area is very nice and kids get a good amount of outdoor time.”

“Oscar Sotelo is great! I’ve had horrible experiences at Jeep in the past but at this Jeep location in Redwood City, I had the pleasure of having Oscar Sotelo as my service advisor and he gave me his personal number to contact him anytime and was super responsive every time. Really appreciate how easy he made the experience, he’s great at what he does and is extremely kind and patient!”

“Simply amazing results. We went from just being able to read and write, and on the verge of despair to being proficient and be able to perform at and above grade level. Incredible. We can't thank enough the teachers and teg staff. It's truly an amazing program.”

“Very welcoming conservative shul. Lovely people. Fabulous rabbis and cantor. Active membership and excellent religious school. Diverse congregation of all ages. Beautiful building. Flexible membership rates.”

“Update: I learned that the head teacher of Room 1 is no longer with the preschool so my comment to avoid that room is now obsolete. The rest of my review, which is very positive, still stands.”

“Little Learners is a hidden gem! Our son has been attending for 7 months! The director and vibe of the school sets it part! It’s a play base preschool in a warm setting filled with caring teachers!”

“The classes are very small and my kids enjoy going to school. At this age, the most important thing you can do for young children is to foster a love of learning and this school does just that. Both my kids are testing well above benchmark and never want to miss a day of school! The community is amazing, not pretentious and although there are not a lot of "adult" only socials, I don't mind because everything here is about the kids. This school teaches life lessons and discipline in a way that I have not seen in public schools or larger private schools. With small class sizes, the teachers are able to create learning plans that are unique to each student. They offer competitive sports starting in 4th grade (and training teams for those in K-3) and every child makes a team regardless of skill level. As a school, IHM is still getting their footing post Covid, but your suggestions are always heard. There are a lot of ways to be involved as a parent, but if you don't want to that is fine as well.As 2 of only a handful of African American students, our children have never felt discriminated against and love sharing about their heritage and culture. They are seen for who they are, rather than their race. In the 5+ years since we have attended the school, there have been some administration and staff changes, but given the exceptional community and small class sizes, I could not be happier. Your child will be well rounded and prepared for High School when they leave here in 8th grade. Our kids happiness is our happiness and IHM offers the perfect balance.”