Berkeley Parents Network: Applegarden Montessori (Oakland, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network

Applegarden Montessori (Oakland, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Applegarden Montessori (Oakland, CA)

March 2009

I've read a lot of praise for Applegarden Montessori preschool in Montclair, and I admire it's thoughtful and well-organized curriculum and physical environment, but I do have reservations about how... well... reserved it seems. When I visited, there was a quiet earnestness in the air rather than the giggling and robust talking and bits of jostling I expected in a preschool. The quiet, ''work''-oriented atmosphere seemed a little tense to me, even though the kids seemed fairly content and engaged. The kids would get self-conscious when talking in the hushed environment and I found myself wondering if the school were ''warm'' enough to meet the needs of me and my daughter. Anyway, I'd be curious to hear from those who like Applegarden as well as those who looked into it or tried it and decided it wasn't for their family. I can see how this beautifully structured atmosphere and approach could end up being *truly* suppotive and wonderful, but I do have some concerns about it based on those first impressions. mom of 2 year old girl

You made some good observations about Applegarden. What you saw in the work period is what they are trying to achieve in that the class is mostly quiet, students doing their works, and the class running smoothly. This is the way that a Montessori class should look like. With that said remember that the students are in this work period for about 2 hours out of a 4 1/2 hour morning session. If you are really concerned about the ability to be silly I would recommend doing an observation during the time that they are outside or during lunch. The students are learning to be disciplined and controlled when that is appropriate. It is actually amazing to me to see my very active, get into everything boys sit and work like they do at school. They love the school and want to be there longer. Of course, with that discipline does come rules and guidance that might not be the right environment for everyone. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or want a more detailed information.

Feb 2009

Re: Looking for a preschool with an afternoon session
I want to recommend Applegarden Montessori for a great afternoon program. The afternoon is from 1:30 to 4:30 with the possibility to join an art class from 1 to 1:30 and aftercare until 6. Applegarden is a great little school. I have 2 sons(5yo & 3yo) that currently attend the morning session, though my older son started in the afternoon and was there all day 2 days a week last year. He asks me every week when he can stay all day again (that is the best indicator for me that it is a good school). The teachers are all very good at knowing the kids and helping them to be the best individuals they can be while learning about the world, nature, science, math, and reading. Good luck in finding a good fit for you. tmc

Feb 2008

I'm considering Applegarden Montessori Preschool for my daughter and would like to hear from current or alumni parents about their experience there, both positive and negative. I am also curious to find out from the full-time working parents what they have done for childcare during the month of August when the school is closed. Thanks so much in advance for your comments. Anon

I have 2 children that attended Applegarden from 3.5-5 years of age. I selected this pre=school because it took place in a house and was small compared to other pre-schools and Montessori schools I visited. I also selected this school because it follows the Maria Montessori method of teaching (as opposed to some where it uses the name but does not use the actual method of teaching). one feature that helped my children learn to read, was the use of phoenetics that they used at Applegarden. The place is clean and runs like clockwork. The only 2 drawbacks about the schooll is the small yard which inhibits the amount of running space for active little ones, and there aren't supplemental teachings provided-such as teaching music (Kodaly, Suzuki, Orff), and art (ceramics, making sculptures, different mediums of art). We were very happy with the teachers and the school. during August, I enrolled the children in Montclair rec center and they made lots of friends there too. alumni parent

Our son has attended Applegarden for two years now, he goes full time as both parents work. I can't write enough how the Montessori philosophy has created in him such a desire and curiosity to learn. Now he is one of the oldest kids at Applegarden (he'll be 6 in October) and being one of the oldest, he has taken on the ''responsibility'' of welcoming the younger kids, showing and teaching them things, providing guidance, etc. Having delayed his admittance to Kindergarden, he is learning to read and develop his math skills - as well as science (they disected a tulip bulb), studied the human skeleton, studied the craters on the moon, etc. For the month of August our son attended a Mandarin Chinese camp for 3 weeks - the Chinese Cultural Education Association at the Lake Merritt United Methodist Church on Lakeshore Avenue. He loved it there and looks forward to going again this year. Tonia

Nov 2007

Re: Preschools with Male Teachers
Applegarden Montessori in Montclair has a male teacher in the afternoon class. Dennis changed professions to become a preschool teacher and it shows that this is what he wants to do. tmc

Sept 2007

I'd love to get some feedback on Applegarden Montessori School in Oakland. Positive and Negative. Particularly the afternoon program. What is the the environment and outdoor play space like? We're not in town to see the school at the moment. Thank you! Kelle

This information may be 20 years out-of-date, but I had a very positive experience attending Applegarden as a preschooler. The teachers have stayed in touch and have a very strong alumni community. I was free to do the activities that I wanted, and have memories of a very tidy, organized system, which I now know is in keeping with the Montessori method. If Montessori is the way you want to go, you found a great school. I have since become an avid follower of the waldorf education system, but remember my preschool days (the only time I was not in a waldorf school) fondly. Lyssa

We had the pleasure of using the Applegarden school on Thornhill in Oakland about 8 years ago for two years and it was wonderful. Good people then and seems I have heard good things since. It was a safe environment with good mixture of age groups and interaction. Tom

Nov 2006

We consider enrolling our soon-to-be 3 year old girl at Applegarden Preschool in Montclair. Does anyone have feedback about the school and its teachers? How would you rate the curriculum in terms of its rigor and Montessori program aspects? Our girl has never been to a preschool before and she is quite shy. We are considering Applegarden because we heard that it has a very warm, nurturing atmosphere. Thanks for any feedback about Applegarden! BMM

My oldest son went to Applegarden for two years. We only left because we moved out of the area. Applegarden offered him a wonderful social and educational experience, he loved going to school. He now is 6 years old and still asks to go back to Applegarden. We have had experiences with two other schools now and didn't realize how lucky we were to have started with Applegarden.
Kara

Oct 2006

I can't seem to find anything about Applegarden Montessori on the BPN - it's not even listed in the Alpha Listing of Preschools. Can anyone tell me anything about it - good, bad. Thank you for sharing your experience Anon.

Having previously been one of the unanswered posts the moderator mentions, I'd like to take the opportunity to finally put Applegarden on the record! Earlier this year I looked into 30 preschools, visiting a dozen of them formally. We chose Applegarden and couldn't be happier. It is classic Montessori (i.e, a quiet, structured environment - if you like chaotic, this is not for you) which I have become convinced is what kids this age thrive on. The staff is highly qualified (my sons's teachers all have degrees from Berkeley, Mills etc, and the school's Director is a PhD in pschology) and infinitely patient. I also especially like the physical facility (in a cute little house with apple tress in the yard) and small size (only one class). I feel good about bringing my child here every day, and he not only enjoys it but is already showing signs of growth, independence and learning Linda

I adore Applegarden Montessori school. It is a rare and special school. The teachers are warm and creative, the school is extremely well run, and my son really thrived there. I looked at a lot of preschools and will forever be grateful that I found Applegarden. Susan

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