• Owner: Ellen Dressman
• Phone: 510 525-2566
• Email:
• Neighborhood: N. Berkeley near Totland
• Zip: 94703
• License #: 013415065
• Capacity: 14
• Website:
• Bilingual:
• Ages:

Hi there. We are trying to decide on what the best route for preschool will be for our daughter. We visited Frog Hollow and liked it a lot. It is convenient, hours are good, liked the teachers, the space, the overall program, and the price. Our main hesitation is for how kids do there in their final year. Our daughter's bday is in February, which means she would be there when she is 5 years old. Our concern is that she won't be stimulated/challenged enough by the activities offered, since it is a mixed age school and the activities are not divided between age groups. Can parents who have older children there now, or attended very recently, comment on this? Also, if your child attended Frog Hollow and then went onto public school, how did the transition go for them.? It seems like the change between 12 kids and 20+ might be tough. Any thoughts and impressions on your children's experience there would be very helpful. Thanks! undecided

Our transition to Kindergarten took about a week. It was a rough week, and then she did great. I think this was true for most of the kids in her class, no matter where they went. Frog Hollow teaches kids how to be a good friend, and that I think is the best skill you can have for kindergarten (and for life).

My now 6 year old has been doing great in elementary school, and the teachers have always commented that she seems to really understand ''how to learn''. She has TONS of friends, and absolutely loves school.

You can't go wrong with Frog Hollow! one of many happy frog hollow parents

I was wondering if anyone had any recent reviews of frog hollow preschool? likes and dislikes if any thanks anon

We were very satisfied and felt we were lucky to get a spot. You too would be lucky to get a spot since there are usually only 20 families with the various schedules and there aren't many openings but we wish you luck. Happy Frog Hollow Graduates anon

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

-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

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

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