Re: Montessori for active, high energy boy?
Our high-energy/spirited and imaginative 4-year-old has been going to Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda (Cottage Campus) since he was two. Although we were worried about the structure and emphasis on independent/quiet focus, we've been happy to see how much he's grown and thrived under such warm and kind teachers. The preschool has been around for almost 30 years, and we appreciate the cozy feeling at their Cottage Campus and the diversity of families and staff. Check them out... www.risingstarschool.org - A teacher and mama

Re: Need Montessori Preschool Now!
Try Rising Star Montessori in Alameda (http://www.risingstarschool.org/). The secretary, Sharon, is the best person to contact. Rising Star often has openings throughout the year, mainly because it is a larger program than most and they are very willing to take students at any time during the year. It's an outstanding program, so it's a good secret to know about. Good luck! Marie

Re: Montessori preschool for 2 years old
Check out Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. At their Cottage Campus, the children can begin at 2 years, 4 months of age. The teachers are all very warm and kind. :)

Re: Part-time Montessori in Oakland or Berkeley?
Check out Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. Their Cottage Campus is close to downtown Oakland, and the High Street Campus is on the East End of the island. www.risingstarschool.org - A happy parent

Re: Full day, diverse preschool
We love the diversity of families and teachers at Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. You can look at their website: http://www.risingstarschool.org/. The Cottage Campus near Webster Street (and downtown Oakland) is great for the younger students. The main campus on High Street (closer to Fruitvale BART) also has preschool classes, but usually for older kids because they need to be fully potty trained there. - appreciating diversity

I would highly recommend Rising Sun Montessori. They have a lot to offer. Such as Spanish, the children are exposed to a basic daily languge. Music class with a great music teacher her name's Caroline, dance and body movement with Jim Beatty, very well know and excellent teacher.they also offer gymnastics. Rising Sun has a great back yard, with a beautiful magnolia tree for children to climb and fruit trees as well. A lot of space for children to move around and explore. The teachers Carolina and Reina speak to the children with such love and respect they truly understand the needs of the kids and parents. Raising Sun Montessori is delivering an excellent education in an incredibly loving and respectful atmosphere The school community is very multicultural and truly wonderful. If you are still looking for school, I definitely encourage you to visit this program. They're proud to announce those two openings. We could not be happier!!! Their phone number is (510) 528-6041. marti

Re: Any openings at your preschool for a 2.5 year old?
Our 2.5 year-old son recently started at Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda. The teachers are wonderful, the cost is more affordable than other Montessori schools in the area, and it is very culturally diverse. They do have part-time programs. Check out www.risingstarschool.org. I think they may still have openings. Parent in Oakland

Re: Full-time preschools for less than $1000/month?
Check out Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda - http://www.risingstarschool.org/. We are also expecting our second child in the fall and will probably send our 2-year-old to the Cottage Campus, closer to the Webster Street end of Alameda. The full-time (7am-6pm) cost is around $1,000. Jean

Re: Full-time preschools for less than $1000/month?
Hello, My son attended the Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda (pre-K) and the fees for M-F + extended care are $1032. (M-F $857 + full rate extended care 7-8:30 AM and 3-6 PM is $175). If you use only 3 hours in either the AM or PM it's $125. It's slightly over your limit of $1000 but well worth the extra cost. The website is: http://www.risingstarschool.org/fees.php Rising Star Montessori School (2 campuses: Main and the Children's Cottage both in Alameda) Main Office Phone: 510-865-4536 Fax: 510-865-4538 1421 High St. Alameda, CA 94501 It's a great school and he learned so much. We're sending the baby there this Fall. The head preschool teacher, Ms. Robyn has been with the school for 20 years! Send me an email if you have any questions. sinbadandme

Re: Rising Star Montessori and Child Unique in Alameda
I missed the original post, but since my daughter went from 2 years at terrific and loving play-based preschool to Rising Star Montessori, I wanted to add a comment. I was nervous about the transition from such a loose and flexible non-academic day to Montessori's more structured day. It turned out that Rising Star was perfect for her, and I am so happy we decided to place her there. She ended up loving school and her teachers so much, and I can't say enough good things about the Rising Star community. At first it did bother her that she couldn't come to school, take off her shoes and play with toys, or go outside first thing in the morning. But eventually she loved coming in and experiencing a predictable routine. Rising Star also did a terrific job preparing her for kindergarten. Meg

Re: Alameda Montessori Schools?
Our daughter started at the Children's Cottage in June and really loves it there. We're very happy with the facility and the teachers.

Re: Preschool for 3.5 year old
For true preschools I am only personally familiar with Rising Star on High St. It didn't work out for my daughter last year, for just the qualities you are looking for (it wasn't ''fun and loving''). Also I do think kids need to be potty trained. They have a good ratio (about 6 or 7 to 1 I think) but the class is just too big. There were about 30-35 kids with 5 adults. They also are fairly strict. My outgoing, social, fun-loving daughter became very withdrawn and ''shy'' there. Frances

Does anyone have any information on Rising Star Montessori School in Alameda? Any type of feedback is appreciated. Thank you. cd

Re: Preschool that takes 2-year-olds

My son was at Our Children's Cottage from 9/98 - 6/00. He was in the younger class and later the pre-K class with Miss Suzanne. It was a wonderful experience and he still remembers quite a bit about units they taught on the rainforest, Alameda architecture and some of the astronomy. They teach in such a creative way, always respectful of the individual's pace and strengths. What also impressed me was that whenever I went for a parent conference, Suzanne and I had exactly the same goals and concerns for my son. This was prior to ANY discussion about his progress. Her instinct is incredible.

My son loved school and most of the other children. He didn't like the naps as he got older and they didn't want him to skip. The afterschool care quality depended on who the afterschool coordinator was. This was at times great and at times not so great. But, it was always safe.

The younger children's program has had turnover since I was there, but if Miss Eva is still there, she's great. Lastly, I was very impressed with the Director, Miss Regina and the owner(I forgot her name). Their love of children and passion for preschool, particularly Montessori is evident in everything they do. They took the time to really know my child. He felt safe, secure and appreciated by all of the adults there. Good Luck.