Laurel Hill Nursery School

I grew up in this neighborhood, so Laurel Hill has always felt familiar. Then I saw an old photo of the school from the 1940s and it honestly stopped me. Almost nothing has changed. In a city where everything moves fast and gets replaced, that kind of steadiness feels rare, and it means something. I didn’t expect to feel this much about a school, but once my daughter started here, I understood why. This isn’t just a school. It’s a dojo. Not just for learning letters and numbers, but for learning how to be a person. How to take turns. How to try again. How to handle big feelings with support instead of shame. The teachers don’t just watch kids. They guide them with patience and real care. And as a parent, you can feel the difference. Now my daughter is making her core memories here. It feels like I’m watching her childhood get built in real time. I genuinely look forward to pickup, and I always look forward to asking her the little stories of what she did that day, the ones that sound small, but are actually everything. That old photo made me pause and look back at how much this place has held steady. And now, every time I drop her off lunch, I catch myself doing the same thing. I walk away, then I look back for a second, just taking it in. When she grows up, this place will still be here and she'll walk past this place and remember her childhood. That thought alone makes me grateful. Proud this is her school.

Incredibly happy to have found this school for our daughter. Every teacher and caregiver is attentive and patient. The play based model allows for kids to learn how to regulate their emotions through free play and imaginative child-led games. Our daughter is confident, kind and prepared for kindergarten next year.

I highly recommend Laurel Hill Nursery School! My child attended Laurel Hill for two years, and we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers at Laurel Hill are truly exceptional. They are caring, knowledgeable, and passionate about early childhood education. They created a warm and supportive environment where my child thrived. Laurel Hill's play-based curriculum is perfect for young learners. My child loves spending thier days exploring, creating, and learning through play. They developed their social, emotional, and academic skills in a fun and engaging way. I was also impressed with Laurel Hill's parent community. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, and I quickly made friends with other parents. I also appreciated the opportunity to participate in the school's cooperative program. It been a great way to get involved in my child's education and meet other families.

Enrolling my son at Laurel Hill has been an incredible decision for our family. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were warmly welcomed into a nurturing and inclusive community that has truly started to become an extension of our family. The teachers and volunteers are absolutely incredible. Their genuine care for each child's development and well-being is evident in every interaction. My son, who is naturally reserved and hesitant in new environments, formed a special bond with a few of the teachers within just a few weeks. They have a unique talent for understanding his needs and encouraging his participation in activities at his own pace. I wholeheartedly recommend Laurel Hill to any parent seeking out a play based preschool. It's been a transformative experience for my son and our entire family.

I cannot recommend Laurel Hill enough for families with young children. It is truly a special place and we have had an incredible time here with our kids. The teachers and staff are loving, experienced and professional. The outdoor space at the school is unmatched in the city with multiple levels of decks, sandpits and play areas, climbing structures, a 'cafe' area for cooking sand stew, slides, a biking zone, redwood trees and plenty of water play, digging, art, swinging, imaginary play and any other activities the kids dream up in their self-directed day. And working alongside the teachers and other parents at the school is truly an invaluable learning and community-building experience!