Berkeley Parents Network: Berkeley Hills Nursery School

Berkeley Parents Network

Berkeley Hills Nursery School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Berkeley Hills Nursery School

March 2007

If you are considering Berkeley Hill Nursery School as a choice for your pre-schooler, I think you will be very happy. My 3 1/2 year old son has been going since September and just loves it. He loves his teachers very much and has grown tremendously since attending. He comes home excited every day and tells us what they played with or learned in school. Lately they have been learning about maps and it is so cute to hear how much fun he has had and how much he has absorbed. The teachers have BHNS have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They teach the children through play, art, music and conversations. They let the children's interest guide them in what subjects they do next.

As a parent I love how BHNS fosters community. We have parent socials to get to know each other better. We have had pot lucks, Mom's nights out and coffee socials. Because you gained this new community of friends, you feel comfortable leaving your child for play dates. When you switch off which family takes the kids, you get yourself some extra free time! All in all it has been a wonderful experience for the whole family and I can highly recommend BHNS. jennifer

Feb 2006

We are considering Berkeley Hills Nursery School and wondered if anyone has any current opinions and information about it. deborah

We are into our second year at Berkeley Hills Nursery School and have been very happy. My daugher has thrived there. The teachers are wonderful and the parent community is great. It's a little different than most preschools in that it runs on a 10 month schedule and is not set up really for full-time working parents. It's fairly expensive but I think it's worth it. The children seem truly happy and are having fun. The teachers have been there for a very long time and have a great rapport with the children. It's a play-based curriculum and they get into more pre-K stuff with the older children. The kids are all kind to one another and treat each other with respect. I believe the socialization aspect of this preschool is a big success. Good luck in your search. BHNS parent

My child was a student at BHNS for two years. There are many wonderful things about the school although I have criticisms as well. It obviously depends what you are looking for. The second year, The Blue Room, was much better for us and our child, in every way. The teachers seemed more engaged, the projects and activities more energized, there were fewer silly rules (fo r the parents as to what the kids could wear, how to pack their lunch, etc) and there is more space for the kids. The schedule is difficult if both parents work (maximum day to 3:00 4x/week and until 1pm on Friday) and lots of vacation. I think the kids are happy. We wish we got more feedback. Our child liked it there, made friends and was more than prepared for kindergarten. We just didn't find the Red Room that inspiring. There are new teachers for the afternoon program (1-3pm) that people adore. Many people however love the school in general. Good luck. Anon.

June 2002

Re: Preschools with good playgrounds
I was pretty impressed with Berkeley Hills Nursery school--they have an interesting set-up regarding the outdoor area. One area is on multiple and safe levels. Another area is flat with slides, swings, bouncy, springy things. And, a sweet little park abuts the school on one side. It is located in the North Berkeley hills, kind of a trek but a wonderful school nonetheless. marquezfan

July 2000

To the mother (and others) interested in Berkeley Hills Nursery School - we've been there for the last five years with our two daughters, and recommend it highly to those parents whose work schedule or other childcare arrangements can accommodate a traditional nursery school (rather than full time day care) schedule of 9 to 1:00 or 9 to 3:00. The 2-1/2 year old sibling can go to the "Red Room" as little as three days or as many as 5 days a week. The 4-1/2 year old can go to the "Blue Room", which only accepts 5 day a week kids. Last I heard, both rooms are full for next year, but it doesn't hurt to check. The directors, Liz and Terry, have 20 years of experience, and they and the similarly experienced, loving, thoughtful teachers run a child-centered developmental program which has been a dream come true. It's a very calm, caring, nurturing environment. Children learn to get along with each other, play cooperatively and imaginatively. Call 849-1216 for more information. Natasha

April 1999

I have an idea for a pre-k program for the unique and spirited 4 year old. Talk to Terry Gillan at Berkeley Hills Nursery School. They went the extra distance for my son a couple of years ago, who is incredibly charming and very likable, and also has a serious case of adhd and some quirky learning issues. I suggest you be very up front with Terry, and tell her you got her name from an alum in her class of '97. Good Luck! GB

April 1997

Wanted to put in a plug for our daughter's preschool, Berkeley Hills Nursery School. It is located off Shasta, below Grizzly Peak, in a pleasant woodsy neighborhood. There are two classes, the "Red Room" for 2-1/2 to 4 year olds, and the "Blue Room" for 4 to 5 year olds. Each classroom has 15 to 20 kids, with three teachers. The approach is developmental, the atmosphere is cozy, calm, and nurturing, and they strike the right balance (for us) between structured activities and creative play. The regular hours are 9 to 1 Monday to Friday, with the option of an earlier drop-off and extended care until 3 p.m. Cost is not as high as Step One, but in the mid to high range. The approach to fund-raising is low-key, people are friendly, the kids are great. Natasha

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