Seeking a diverse preschool in the East Bay
Hi all, any recommendations for diverse preschools parents have experience with in the Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley areas. Trying to navigate the many options with personal context.
Jun 18, 2025
Hi all, any recommendations for diverse preschools parents have experience with in the Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley areas. Trying to navigate the many options with personal context.
Parent Replies
I've really enjoyed my first year at Dandelion Co-Op, and looking forward to another year in the fall. I really love the teachers and my daughter has grown strong relationships with all three of them. It's wonderful having the outdoor space with the ability for the kids to go in and out as they please. My daughter loves the chickens and chicks, along with the fish. There is also weekly music, rotating science and art projects, and it all feels so joyful. I have really enjoyed being part of the school through classroom participation, and have formed some great friendships. If you're interested, I'd recommend reaching out for a tour. They have open spots for the upcoming fall. :) https://www.dandelionnurseryschool.org/
Step One is the most incredible preschool and prioritizes creating a diverse community. I know they have a couple of openings for 2 year olds starting in August!
I would highly recommend Bloomers Preschool in Glenview, behind Trader Joe’s on Lakeshore/Trestle Glen.
It’s Reggio inspired, very child development friendly. Lots of imaginative play and engagement. My daughter went and was kindergarten ready, loves books, and has a strong foundation for dithering out disagreements amongst kiddos.
I highly recommend my kid's preschool, Monteverde. It's in Berkeley, at St. John's Church, and the co-directors work really hard to have both racial and family diversity within the community. They have anti-racism built into their curriculum and there is diversity in the teaching staff.
Happy to answer more questions if you have them!
We went to Lake School in Oakland and it was truly diverse (also diverse with income which I think is also important). Teachers are diverse as well and that’s also key. Very inclusive and loving environment.
Highly recommend Sunshine Preschool! Two of my kids go there and they love it! The community is diverse from many different aspects and the staff/teachers are the most welcoming and inclusive group I've seen. I have noting but positive things to say about the school!
Sunshine Preschool