• Owner: Diana Mei
• Phone: 510.223.8363
• Email: rosekindergarten@me.com
• Neighborhood: El Sobrante
• Zip: 94803
• License #: 073406324
• Capacity: 14
• Website:
• Ages: 3-6

Re: Preschools that have the most quality outdoor time?
No school can compare with Waldorf schools for quality outdoor time for kids. If you are looking for pre-k and kindergarten, please contact Diana Mei at Rose Kindergarten, in El Sobrante. She was a long term teacher at East Bay Waldorf and opened her own school a few years ago. Our boys have and still attend her school. Much of the time is spent outdoors, rain or shine, playing and gardening. She has bees, chickens and I think is planning on alpacas. She is an amazing teacher and her school is wonderful. If you are looking for 1st grade and beyond, visit the East Bay Waldorf School in El Sobrante. Diana Mei, Rose Kindergarten, (510) 223-8309, rosekindergarten@me.com Maria

Re: Seeking excellent Pre K program with 2011 openings
The Rose Kindergarten in El Sobrante is the most wonderful place I can imagine for a pre-K child. They have a couple of very rare fall openings -- don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity! Both my children were lucky enough to attend Diana Mei's fabulous program. My son, now 12, absolutely thrived in her care. Her program is Waldorf-inspired, but not dogmatic. Although Waldorf was not a good fit for my son once he entered 1st grade, his time in the Rose Kindergarten was invaluable to him and one of his happiest times. My daughter, 5 1/2, is at the Rose Kindergarten now. She adores it and has blossomed there. It's located on 2 gorgeous acres of oaks, redwoods, native flowers, fruit trees. The children pick grapes and make juice in the fall. They garden & care for the chickens all year. They cook and eat the most wonderful, nourishing food. They make art and music and have yoga & Spanish weekly and learn ASL. Children can stay at the school through Kindergarten and go directly to 1st grade; a great option if you need a full Kindergarten day or don't want heavy academics in Kindergarten. A wonderful, supportive & vibrant parent community too which is a great resource for parents & families. Absolutely highest recommendation. Karin

My 3 year old daughter is at the Rose K this year, and it has been wonderful for her. Diana truly holds the children with love and respect, and this sets the tone for the whole community of parents. My daughter feels very connected to her, which is so important for her early schooling experience. Diana offers warm organic meals (she is an amazing cook!), seasonal stories and crafts, gardening, yoga and Spanish. She has an assistant and special subject teachers, and they are fabulous as well. We do commute from Berkeley, so carpooling is very helpful. Jessy

My son has been attending Rose Kindergarten with Diana Mei for the past year and is just thriving. It's such a warm caring atmosphere that it helped his transition to a new school and he's made many friends. Besides being a lovely environment, his day is filled with activities--woodworking, gardening, helping cook, taking care of the chickens, art, Spanish, nature hikes, yoga, plenty of outdoor and indoor play, stories, and more... Diana is always looking for ways to expand and improve her school. Diana's assistants are all loving people--Farmer Kent who does gardening with the children twice a week (Diana's garden is amazing), Mrs. Pierce who assists in daily activities and Senora Hopper who teaches Spanish. Rose Kindergarten also provides all the meals/snacks for the children. The food is delicious and all homemade/organic. My son eats much better than the rest of us during the week. I highly recommend Rose Kindergarten for anyone looking for a wonderful, supportive, Waldorf school for their child. Hilary

My daughter continues to thrive in her third year at Rose Kindergarten and my son will start there next Fall. When we moved to the East Bay from San Francisco five years ago, many friends told us that Diana Mei's kindergarten program was as good as it gets. I taught in early childhood education environments for several years, and sure enough, this school was unlike any other I'd seen.

There is careful attention to rhythm and routine. And because the structure is so well thought out, the children are able to fully be in their imaginations as they explore nature, garden, craft, build, and play, play, play. The setting is beautiful inside and outside. The meals are nutritious and delicious (the children help with the prep, collecting eggs for the pancakes or chopping vegetables for the soup). It's no wonder that my daughter requests that she go to school seven days of the week.

An unexpected bonus is the close-knit community of parents. When I had my son, Diana and the other families dropped off meals and offered us so much support.

Rose Kindergarten is truly a haven for young children. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found it. Jacqueline

There is a gem of a Waldorf-inspired kindergarten for ages 3-6, led by the most delightful Waldorf kindergarten teacher. Two of my children have had the gift of being under her wing, and it has shaped their lives tremendously. The program includes biodynamic gardening, yoga, sign language, a Spanish-immersion day each week, crafts, painting, cooking and baking. Hearty home-cooked organic breakfast and lunch are served every day. Children can attend 3,4 or 5 days per week.

Located on 2 acres, the school has a beautiful oak grove for outside play. The community is tight-knit and supportive, like an extended family. It's located in El Sobrante, with several carpools from Oakland and surrounding areas, plus a van service. I consider myself blessed to be able to give my children this beautiful, nature-immersed experience. There are limited openings for autumn 2010. Call Rose Kindergarten at (510) 223-8363 or email rosekindergarten@me.com Teddy Teddy

Re: Seeking a Waldorf Home school for K-1
For a magical, solid, home based Waldorf school, try Diana Mei's Rose Kindergarten in El Sobrante. Her number is 510.223.8363. Satisfied Parent