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Preschools using the Reggio Emilia Approach

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools & Daycare > Preschools using the Reggio Emilia Approach




Reggio Emilia school in Albany, El Cerrito area? Sept 2011

I've recently discovered that what I find lacking in Montessori (which my son currently attends) is available in a Reggio Emilia school. I've toured a wonderful school in Rockridge, but it seems too far from our home in Richmond to make it work. Our younger son is in a daycare in El Cerrito. I'm wondering if there are any Reggio Emilia schools in the 80 corridor, especially around El Cerrito, Albany, or Richmond. I'm aware of Duck's Nest and Aquatic Park School, but neither have full-time openings. We are looking to start immediately. If anyone is aware of another Reggio school with immediate full-time (8-6 M-F) openings, please let me know. Thanks!! Searching for the right school


I would like to recommend a school that is not in that geographic area but is a Reggio Emelia-inspired school that I find totally worth the drive for my daughter. I live farther than Richmond and drive to Oakland Garden School because outdoor play and the Reggio experience are both very important to me. I visited in the spring and my daughter and I both fell in LOVE with the expansive outdoor grounds, the nature-based curriculum, and the beautiful and magical classrooms. You will not find a school with a larger, more stunning outdoor space, which includes egg-laying chickens and goats! It is worth a look if you are truly interested in a Reggio curriculum. My daughter, a gentle and somewhat shy soul, begs to go to school on the weekends and comes home dirty and covered in paint. It is worth it for me to make the drive for the one year she is in preschool before she starts kindergarten. In full disclosure, since enrolling her, I have become a parent volunteer and serve as the school's office coordinator. Driving for the Reggio Experience
Sept 2010

My daughter is 18 months old and I am looking into preschools for her. I would like to start part time (maybe mornings several days a week) then maybe increase her hours the older she gets. Specifically, I am looking for a Preschool with the philosophy of Reggio-Emilia or Play with Structure. It could be either in Berkeley or Oakland. Your insights, advice, personal recommendations and thoughts welcome. Cheers, Raquel


Ducks Nest is a fantastic Reggio Emilia school. We've sent 3 happy kids there and the program is amazing. christine
If you are looking for a co-op, the only co-op for kids 18 months old in CA is Skytown in Kensington. I started my daughter there at 20 months and loved it (we are still there for her final year before kindergarten. We lived in Oakland when she started, but it was worth the drive! It incorporates elements from Reggio and Montesourri and other play-based methods. We are filling up spaces quickly, though, so if you are interested, check it out!
Nov 2007

Duck's Nest PreSchool in the East Bay Area is an Emmergent/Project Approach school, inspired by the Reggio Emillo Philosophy in Italy. Duck's Nest is also very fortunate to has several male teachers at all locations.


June 2002

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows of a preschool that uses the Reggio Emilia approach. I have been reading about it and am quite intrigued. Thanks Kelsie


The Old Firehouse School on Moraga Road in downtown Lafayette follows the Reggio Emiglia approach. They take kids from infancy through preschool age, and have both part-time and full- time programs. You can reach them at 925-284-4321. The director is Dorothy Stewart. Sharon
I think Via Nova uses Reggio Emilia, at least in part.

I heard Aquatic Park Preschool billed themselves as Reggio Emilia inspired.

Other recommendations:

  • Association of Children's Services (AOCS)
  • Hearts Leap Preschool
  • Mills College Children's School
    April 2002

    I've been checking out preschools and reading the archives but still can't find what I'm looking for. Can anyone recommend a school that has a lot of free play and creative activities, but accompanied by very serious teacher facilatation? (a la Reggio Emilia). I also want only three full days, and I'm a graduate student so price is an issue. My child is three and I'm looking for the Fall. Thanks for any ideas you might have. Ilona

    Recommended:

  • Via Nova Preschool
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