Preschool for 4.5 year old's year before Kindergarten

I've checked the archives but didn't find answers specific to my question...Our daughter has a January birthday and won't start kindergarten until she is 5 1/2, in Fall 2005. She has never been in preschool, but is ready, and will go this fall, for the year before kindergarten. Does anyone have any recommendations for a North Berkeley preschool that is well-suited to 4.5 year olds? Larger, more structured, like a ''real'' school, (as opposed to a small, unstructured, homebased one)? She is a bright, sociable girl who gets along well with peers as well as adults. Thanks much. a Berkeley mom

I suggest that you consider some of the Montessori style preschools. The Montessori preschools are usually designed to be a three-year program ending with a kindergarten year. Thus, they are often ideal for children who are older but not quite old enough for private and public school enrollment. My particular favorite is Berkeley Montessori...which has the added advantage of a separate K-8 program. (It is a school at a very exciting time in its institutional evolution. The K-8 program is moving to brand new digs at University and Acton in February.) Their Pre-School program is located in a wonderfully cozy nook at Shattuck and Francisco. (The climbing tree there is just awesome!) Call 843-9374 and talk with Diane Johnson, the Director of Admission.

Another good Montessori program is Growing Light Montessori. It has a Pre K/Kindergarten class at both of their locations - one of which is in Kensington. Their Kindergarten teacher, Deborah Carr, is the best! Call Maggie Scheving at 527-1278.

Another North Berkeley pre-school is Step One on Spruce. I was the Director of Admission at Bentley School, evaluating children for kindergarten admission from a wide variety of preschools. Step One's kids were very well prepared for the accelerated curriculum...again because of the availability of a kindergarten bridge year. They also have a very organized parent outreach and education program. Call Sue Britson at 527-9021.

Wanda Stewart

Elementary Schools with Pre-K Programs

I have been scouring the website while researching possible schools for my children when we move to the East Bay area. There was one topic I did not see mentioned. My boys will at the time of our move be 4 going on 5 (in Dec). I do not want them to be young kindergarteners as this can be hard on boys so I am very interested in knowing if there are any good schools (public and/or private) that offer a junior kindergarten or pre- kindergarten program that would lead into regular kindergarten the following year. This would give my guys a little more stability since they will already have changed schools twice by the time we move and will be adjusting to our re-location as well. Much thanks, CB

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