Berkeley Parents Network: Frog Hollow Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network

Frog Hollow Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools > Frog Hollow Preschool

Jan 2007

Hi - I'm looking for a more recent review/recommendation of Frog Hollow Preschool in Berkeley (a smaller home based preschool) and Duck's Nest in Berkeley - both very different environments. We are considering both for our 2 1/2 year old son for next September and the reviews are both pretty old. Are parents very satisfied with the programs? jamie

Both my daughters went to Frog Hollow. The younger one graduated last year and is now in kindergarten, the older one is now in second grade, both at Tehiyah Day School. Both started at Frog Hollow at age 2 and stayed for 3 years. They LOVED it, and both still talk about it. My older daughter just asked last week if she could go back and help out. It is a very loving and playful place. As I understand it, it is very different from Duck’s Nest, so you really need to decide what you are looking for. Frog Hollow is totally play-based, so if you are looking for any type of academic/kindergarten prep, that is not what it is about. Ellen, and the parents of the kids who go there, believe that kids have the rest of their lives with structure, and that preschool is a time to focus on social skills through play. There are several enrichment classes (the specialists for music and drama are excellent, and I understand that they have added yoga), and daily art projects but most of the time is really spent in imaginative play. Also, the mixed age structure gives the older kids a chance to be mentors, and the younger kids a chance to learn from the older kids. That was great for my kids. It does, however, limit the types of projects that they can do, since for the most part, while they occasionally separate the older kids to do a project while the younger kids go to the library, or vice versa, usually they are all together. I will admit that by the end of the third year for each of my kids I wondered if they should be in a place that gave them more age appropriate activities/enrichment, but that came from me, and not from them. And now that they are both in elementary school, and have had no problems with the transition, and are excelling socially, I feel very grateful for the love and freedom that Frog Hollow gave them. Ronnie

We've been very happy at Frog Hollow preschool for the past two years. What do we love about it?

-The teachers are gifted and intuitive, and support all sorts of different kids, from the shyest to the most outgoing.

-The curriculum is varied and exciting, including art classes, drama/creative movement, yoga, music, library and playground visits. We also have lots of great field trips- this year we've already gone to a pumpkin patch, to Crab Cove, the fire station, and we're going to go to Tilden on a nature walk, Ardenwood for monarch butterflies, and to a slug walk!

-The facility is warm and inviting, with lots of opportunity for the children to get outside every day. The materials are rich and varied, and the art and literacy programs are outstanding. Whatever your child likes, Frog Hollow has great materials to support his or her evolving interests.

-The families at the school are unpretentious and diverse, and support the program in a low-key but meaningful way. -My son, now at the end of his preschool days, is self-confident, good at making friends and communicating his needs, knows how to be in a mixed-age group with older and younger children, and is academically ready for a challenging private school kindergarten. Frog Hollow has supported his entire being, and we couldn't be happier.

Two thumbs up from our family for Frog Hollow! cloudberry

Nov 2004

My three year old daughter is in her second year at Frog Hollow preschool, located on McGee, just a few blocks north of Totland. My older daughter just graduated from there last year. It is an extremely warm and cozy home-based, play-based preschool, with 12 kids and 2 teachers. My kids love it. The program runs from 8:30-1:30. Not sure if you are looking for right now or for next fall, but you can call 525-2566 and talk to Ellen, who runs it. Almost everyone who attends lives within walking or biking distance of the school, so it is also has nice neighborhood feel to it. Ronnie

August 2003

My daughter's preschool has (1) opening for a lucky 3 or 4 year old child. Frog Hollow Preschool is a small, nurturing school, run by wonderful, warm and talented teachers. It is truly a special place! My daughter has blossomed beautifully in this family-like environment. There are up to 12 children and the hours are 8:30 - 1:30 with possible extended care. There are up to 4 mornings available. You can contact the owner for more information: Ellen Dressman at 558-6810. Jennifer

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