• Owner: Lauri Miller
• Phone: (510) 524-4606
• Email: redwoodgardenpreschool@gmail.com
• Neighborhood: Northwest Berkeley
• Zip: 94706
• License #: 013416940
• Capacity: 6
• Website:
• Bilingual:
• Ages: 2 years 9 months to 5

We are moving from the bay area to Portland, OR for business reasons. And, honestly, the part that was hardest for me in the decision was leaving my daughter's wonderful preschool and teacher...sounds strange, but she is so amazing that I just really wanted to keep my daughter there for another year before we moved anywhere, but this opportunity came up and it was too good to pass up. Which brings me to an opportunity for one of you or perhaps someone you know...

The preschool is called Redwood Garden and it's a home-based Waldorf-inspired preschool in Berkeley near Gilman St. The teacher, Lauri Miller, is fantastic and such a wonderful guide and resource for all the families that are in her care. She only accepts 6 children a day and they form such a strong bond because of the small size and her guidance. As is typical with Waldorf-inspired schools, the emphasis is on imaginative play, storytelling/puppet shows, singing & movement, baking, gardening, painting, crafts. It is such a wonderful program, I really can't say enough about it and about Lauri! You can read all the reviews on the BPN website, as well.

Our leaving and another child whose family unexpectedly has to leave early due to family reasons, have left an unusual couple of spots open at Lauri's. We will be leaving in Nov., as will the other family. Lauri usually has long waiting lists, but most on her list have already enrolled their children in another school, so I thought to reach out to this community, in case it might be a good fit for someone here.

Lauri can be reached at redwoodgardenpreschool@gmail.com or by phone at (510) 524-4606. And, please feel free to email me with any questions you have, Thanks, Angelisa

This regrettably short review is long overdue. Ditto on all the previous entries. Lauri is amazing! As is her sweet home and garden. My daughter started kindergarten at a small, private school last week and she still cannot stop talking about how much she loves and misses Lauri. I want to have another child just so I can go back there! Erika

Re: Looking for a Tiny Preschool
There is a lovely home based Waldorf inspired preschool in Albany you should look into, it's called Redwood Garden Preschool. It has a small number of children and is very nurturing and warm environment. It could be just the kind of school your looking for. The teachers' names is Laurie Miller. Her email address is lauriemiler@yahoo.com and the number is 510.524.4606 Good luck. Julieana

I'm another overwhelmed parent regarding the preschool process. I'm probably too late because my child will be 3 this spring, but I was wondering about what people thought about Albany Preschool (afternoon program) or Redwood Garden Preschool (Waldorf-based).
- Are these schools highly competitive to enter? I live in Albany, but I'm also thinking about sending my child for just 1 year due to budget reasons... But I also have a younger child who'll most likely follow the older one's path.
- Any recent reviews on either of those schools?
- Do most kids from Albany Preschool go on to Albany's kindergarten?
- Estimated cost for Redwood Garden? (There doesn't seem to be a website, but that's understandable for a home-based Waldorf school.)
Thank you in advance for your replies. daunted by preschool apps

Although I don't usually make the effort to post recommendations on this exchange, I am moved to offer my heartfelt recommendation to any parent looking for a preschool for their child/children. Lauri Miller of Redwood Garden Preschool has made an indelible impact on both my child and our family. My son, who is now going into 2nd grade, attended Redwood Garden for two years. Lauri's brilliant ability to create an environment where young children are simultaneously engaged and afforded a sense of freedom, encouraged in my son and his classmates a spirit of wonder and cooperation. At Redwood Garden children are met as individuals with unique needs. They are provided with opportunities and context to genuinely feel the marvels of the natural world, themselves as individuals, the community they belong to, and the larger world community. Through song, story, craft, food, and activity Lauri teaches a gentle, compassionate, and meaningful experience for the lucky children in her care. Sonja

Re: Any Waldorf Preschools still open in Oak/Berk?
Redwood Garden in Berkeley is an amazing Waldorf preschool led by Lauri Miller in her home. My son attended Redwood Garden for 2 years and still, 2 years later, speaks with so much love of Lauri and his time at RG. I'm happy to talk with you more about her program; email me off-list. Or call Lauri @ 510-524-4606 and I'm sure she'll be happy to set up a time for you to visit as well as answer any questions. brenna

I would like to recommend Redwood Garden Preschool in north Berkeley. Laurie Miller has trained as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher, and her wonderful, small (6 children max per day) home-based preschool is creative, warm, loving, and very inspiring for the entire family. Our daughter Emma attended her school for two years, and Emma loved going every single day. We were excited to witness as over time Emma's play time become more creative, her stories more elaborate, her social skills more adept, her joy in cooking and gardening grew, and her love for Laurie and the other children flourished. Laurie is wise, soft yet firm, imaginative and creative in storytelling, singing, painting and many crafts, intuitive and knowing about how to manage the energy of the children and how to call them to being their best selves. I highly recommend Redwood Garden as a place where your child can grow into his- or herself through creative play, closely held in a loving and nurturing environment. Laurie unexpectedly has a couple of openings this fall--you may reach her at 510/524-4606.
Maggie