What Parents Say About Our School
“Our son’s experience in the DK program at OFS was highly beneficial to his overall wellbeing, development, kindergarten prep and our family as a whole. He continued to benefit from the small class size, the Reggio Emilio approach and the relationships that he built with his peers and teacher. It is a big step to go from a pre-school to an elementary school, and OFS is a great place that helps tremendously with that transition. The combination of social-emotional development in addition to the education preparation for Kindergarten prepared him very well for the transition to a larger school with confidence. Teacher Pam and Alex truly feel like family and we still stay in touch to this day and have very strong bonds. We couldn’t recommend more the DK program to anyone looking for a community that will treat your child like their own and prepare them for kindergarten.”
Dave and Erin
Dylan (Class of 2020) and Declan (Class of 2022)
“We decided to send our son to OFS for DK after struggling to find a spot for him in the after-care program for public school TK. We couldn’t be happier with our choice. Our son absolutely thrived with Teacher Pam, the DK teacher. They have a great balance of educational and socio-emotional development focus. I felt like he was really well prepared both academically and emotionally for Kindergarten when the time came. OFS does a great job of fostering community within the class amongst the parents and between the teachers and parents. His alumni class is very close and though the students have all graduated from DK and moved on to different schools, we just held a small class reunion with Teacher Pam so the kids could see their DK friends again. OFS was worth the investment and we look forward to putting our younger son in the DK class, though he, too, would have the option to attend TK at the local public school.”
Tram and Howie, 2022
“When Rylan was suddenly needing a new preschool amid the pandemic, we began looking for a school that felt like a true preschool and offered full-day care along with having child and teacher safety at the forefront. As we went to school after school, all we saw were what felt like daycares that just happened to offer what they claimed to be “preschool” for a couple of hours a day and/or that had minimal safety guidelines in place for the school community. After this year at OFS, we feel that we hit the jackpot and we couldn’t be happier.
As a classroom teacher myself, I have extremely high expectations for Rylan’s classroom experiences and from every interaction I have had and every classroom environment I see, it is obvious that all of you are so purposeful about your teaching, your classroom environment, and your child interactions. You are preschool-oriented and you are all obviously knowledgeable about the early childhood field. It shows in your interactions with the children and in your classrooms. Your classrooms are thoughtfully created and laid out, and are engaging, inviting, and very student-centered. We were searching for a school that valued both play and learning and feel that OFS does an excellent job at creating a play-based learning environment that strikes the perfect balance between play and academics. R* comes home with wonderful knowledge, fine motor skills, etc. but also has plenty of opportunity for engaging with peers in riding bicycles, making “sand pizza” and building castles with blocks. Additionally, though Rylan has one (amazing!) official teacher, every one of you seem to truly know him and provide him with excellent care whenever you are with him.
We are so lucky and fortunate to find OFS and our confidence in our decision only grows everyday as we witness the love, nurturing, play, and emotional growth that his time bestows upon him. We thank you for everything you have all put into creating such a wonderful preschool program and will share this letter with Droothy so she hears (once again, we are sure)( how excellent the preschool is and how happy families are to be sending their children to you. We always recommend OFS as an excellent school with caring, dedicated, knowledgeable and intentional teachers that offers full-day care, nurtures all aspects of a child’s growth, and has a wonderful balance between play and learning.
We can’t thank you enough and want to know how appreciated you are. Thank you so much for all you do!”
Allison and Tim Blair
“We have two daughters at OFS, and a one-year-old starting in August. We happily drive our kids over to Lafayette from Pleasant Hill and will continue until our youngest is an OFS preschool graduate. There are many great preschools closer to us, but we love the sustained, strategic focus on relationships at OFS. It’s the real deal. Because the teachers and children stay together each year, the teachers are able to invest so much time and care into getting to know each child. The teachers expertly model building authentic relationships, problem solving, and conflict resolution in ways that are aligned to each developmental stage. With the consistency and guidance the primary teachers and stable groups offer, our kids feel empowered to take on each new school day with joy and curiosity. They are learning about themselves and about their friends. They are confidently exploring their world together. We often hear things like, “I can’t wait to tell my friends at school about this!” To us, this playful, social approach to learning is what preschool is all about. At the center of it all is the incredible OFS teachers who are highly qualified experts in their field. They have so much insight to share about child development, early education, and, of course, the children themselves. We are thankful for all we have learned from them!”
Christina Morales, Ed.D.
Educational Researcher and Curriculum Specialist
Lawrence Hall of Science
University of California Berkeley
"Old Firehouse School is such a wonderful nurturing preschool. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers and the programs. We have spent time at other preschools as well, and OFS stands out in comparison. They run a true Reggio Emilio program… each project is different, but the play-based journey is always similar. It is a unique and enriching hands-on learning experience. It has truly been a joy over the years to watch the children light up with excitement as they brainstorm alongside their peers to develop ideas and and watch them evolve. All three of my children have gone through the OFS preschool program and I continue to be amazed by how creative, caring, and dedicated the teachers and staff are. Even during the pandemic the teachers put an amazing amount of effort into providing a consistent school-home connection and developing ways to keep the children engaged virtually during such an uncertain time. The school is truly a gem and we are grateful to be part of the OFS community."
A. McDonald
"OFS does a great job prioritizing the kids. They come home with some wonderful energetic subject they learned and ready to tell mom and dad. I could not be happier sending my 2 kids (and hopefully my third when she's old enough) here."
Dan
“OFS Mill Valley has been a part of our family for the last four years - both my son and daughter attended/attend. I feel so lucky to have found this gem of a school - my children have been nurtured, loved, educated, and valued at the highest level. Both of my kids started with OFS when they were just two years old and the care and love they were given created a safe space for them to grow, learn and flourish. My daughter was more than ready for kindergarten after her three years there, and I am confident my son will be as well. It has always been very telling at drop off - my kids simply enjoy their time at school! No tears, just excitement to see their teachers and friends. Thank you OFS MV, for taking such great care of my babies. (Especially this past year as we have navigated the challenges of COVID 19. I have been so confident that your exemplary health plan has and will keep my kids safe!) We're looking forward to sending our 11 month old to OFS as well when the time comes! A million thanks OFS - we love you!”
Kelsey
"When I started looking around for a preschool for my first child, I felt like I already had a good idea of what I wanted. I had worked in various preschools while getting my Child Development degree in college and knew some of the educational philosophies that can influence a school. I knew I wanted a play-based preschool. There is vast research about the benefits and importance of creative, child-directed play in the early years of life. When I observed at Old Firehouse School for the first time, I knew I had found what I was looking for.
I may or may not have seen the variety of cardboard boxes used for play that first day, but I have loved seeing them appear and reappear throughout the years. The possibilities of play with a cardboard box are truly endless. A cave, a fire truck, a puppet theater, a counter for a bake sale... When a child is given the opportunity, encouragement and time to transform materials into whatever he or she is passionate about, the experience is magical to watch. This is what happens at Old Firehouse School.
Old Firehouse School's commitment to child-directed, play-based learning, has allowed my two children to develop into engaged, motivated and creative learners. My older son transitioned beautifully from this play-based model into a rigorous academic setting in a public kindergarten classroom and I am eager to watch the same transition for my younger son as we say goodbye to OFS and begin the next part of our journey."
Cheryl
Parent of a 2017 & 2013 graduate
"Our priorities for pre-school were: find a place that nurtures the child in age appropriate ways, feels like home, encourages relationships, and allows play to be the path of learning. OFS was this for both our sons. Our sons were fortunate enough to have the same primary teacher though they are 3 years apart - which meant that we had a strong bond with their primary teacher and trusted her direction, advice and guidance in many areas of parenting and child-rearing. Beyond the classroom, OFS allowed us to build a strong community of relationships - some of whom are our dear friends 5 years later. We are grateful to OFS for the role it played in the lives of our children and family."
Alexandra Ewers,
mother of two OFS boys/alumni
"Our daughter started at Old Firehouse School in September when they opened their doors and we have been thrilled with the care we receive. The environment is nurturing and stimulating and all the teachers have degrees in early childhood education and it shows.
The school's philosophy is Reggio Emilia inspired which is a child lead, project based curriculum. Through the projects children learn many things including literacy, communication skills, team building and creative expression. Because the projects are child driven they are excited about what they are learning and constantly making new discoveries.
The class sizes are very small and the director and teachers are always available with feedback and to answer questions. The school also hosts invaluable complimentary parent education seminars to help parents with the challenges of preschool age children. Our daughter has blossomed since she's been there and we feel lucky we found such a great school."
Lori Luc
Mother of a three year old in Mill Valley
"At the core of the school is clearly a sophisticated and well established program – teaching the children self confidence as well as respect for others through projects (from water and plants, to dogs and babies), games, and day-to-day life experiences. Sophisticated in the many small details – the daily reports, the organization of staff support and even a continuity plan for staff to stay with the same kids all 5 years at the school. But fundamentally, the core of the school is the nurturing staff, who teach the kids how to deal with their emotions, to work together, to have fun together and, most of all, to be happy kids. The quality of the staff self selects individuals through their interest in the well respected program (how can you match the enthusiasm of a teacher who stays late after school twice a week to teach tap and ballet to the kids?) and continues with formal ongoing education and conferences throughout the year to continue to learn to be effective care providers and teachers.
It is wonderful to have a place, where your child spends so much of their time, which fosters such positive development. And to have a school where we feel involved – watching the toddlers explain about babies, helping on activities, and sharing with the teachers and the children all the highlights of their day. And to have the security that our daughter is in an environment where safety – in all aspects – is a major priority and emphasis at the school.
The Old Firehouse School is a community – our home is filled with art and projects from school, our daughters classmates on “playdates” and the many new friends which we have made as well."
-William Greif MD. and Lisa Greif,
Parents of a one year old and a four year old in Lafayette
"I dropped Ben off at school the other day just as everyone was lining up to go outside. Judy got them all ready and said, "Let's go," and they all turned to each other and exclaimed, "GROUP HUG!" Then they all piled in and hugged so long and so hard until they all fell down.
As I reflected on this heartwarming scene, I realized that it encapsulated all the wonderful gifts Judy had given them this year. It spoke of cooperation, connection, compassion, inclusion, teamwork and generosity. And most of all it represented the dignity with which Judy has treated our children and with which they have learned to treat each other and themselves. Judy, during this year you have nurtured our children's spirits and ignited their intellect. Under your care, we have watched them become artists, geographers, fundraisers for charity, map readers, cooks, tap dancers, French speakers, music theorists, soccer experts, and kindergarten teachers. Parents, you may think that when our kids are sitting around the table in the Castle Room they are talking about hot wheels and bionicles, but if you listen really closely, they are actually coming up with a list of solutions for the world peace!
This is a way of saying that while the sad news is we have to leave OFS, the good news is that because of what OFS has given them, our children march forward to elementary school confident, prepared, with a sense of internal fairness and justice, and ready to embrace everything the world has to teach them.
So thank you Judy, for being such an extraordinary teacher and enriching our children's lives this year. Thank you to all the extraordinary teachers in this school who have cooperated in this venture and touched our children's lives. And thank you, Dorothy, for creating Old Firehouse School. Your vision for early childhood development has been an unmitigated success."
Love, Mary, Ben's mom
Mother of a six year old in Lafayette
"We wanted to send you a quick not to say how much we appreciate what you and the Old Firehouse School have meant to Jeffrey. He has really enjoyed the experience and we are very pleased that his first exposure to a school environment was so positive. In addition, he made many friends that he will carry forward for many years.
We looked at many schools prior to OFS and your school turned out to be better than even our most optimistic expectations. Your dedication and enthusiasm for the education of young children is obvious and carries through to all of your teachers and staff.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and we intend to stay in touch and let you know how Jeffrey progresses. OFS has given him a wonderful foundation for the future.
Thanks for everything.
-Frank and Cathy Witney
Parents of a six year old in Lafayette
"We can’t say enough about the nurturing environment at Old Firehouse School. Our son attended from 2000 – 2004. Old Firehouse School’s philosophy of instilling a “love of learning”, while developing strong social skills has benefited our son tremendously. Our son is secure and confident, excels in school and sports, and develops strong friendships. Looking back, we know that he received the absolute best pre-school education at Old Firehouse School!"
-Theresa and Larry Schmidt
Parents of a six year old in Lafayette
