Panoramic Learning Academy

Community Subscriber

Berkeley, CA

To see Department of Social Services records on this facility, click on its DSS Facility License # below.

Type:
Home-Based Daycare/Preschool
DSS Facility License #
Owner:
Renée D. McGhee
510-289-3722
panlrnacademy [at] gmail.com
Location:
Berkeley
Loren
Maximum Capacity:
8
Language(s) Spoken:
English
Ages Served:
20 months - 60 months
Monthly Cost:
$1890
Hours
8:00am - 5:00pm
Additional Services & Features:
Afternoon option,
Drop-in available,
Part-time available,
Pre-K program,
Year-round,
Sibling discount,
Subsidized program,
Breakfast provided,
Lunch provided,
Snacks provided,
Organic options,
Potty training support
About the Program:

PLĀ is an in home academic facility, we encourage your child’s creativity through STEM activities, cooking, art, music, and movement. We accept children between 20 months - 5 years of age.

Parent Reviews

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A year ago we moved to USA with two kids, the older was 3 y/o, she did not know any English and was very shy and with no confidence to associate with the kids because of language barrier. When I first took her to Ms. Renee's preschool she fell in love with the place and the atmosphere! she asked me to go there everyday! We were worried she'll be frustrated about not communicating, and then on the first day I received photos and videos of her dancing with all the kids (international language!) and first words that she learned every day! after 3 months she was fluent in English, confident and independent! this is because PLA is not only a place where you drop your kids to spend the day, but rather a place where the kids learn how to get by in the real world! Renee and Phil (aka Professor Snook) take each kid as a project to develop their skills and strengths with an individual tailor-made approach, every kid learns to read and write in his/her own pace, they encourage curiosity, teach the kids to be independent- kids set the tables them selves, cook the food together and clean together. My daughter is coming home from school and tells me about science projects, shows me art works and every Friday they have show and tell, seeing my 3 y/o going from not knowing a word in English to "show and tell" for the whole class made me so proud! And the other kids sit patiently and listen even if the "new girls" has a hard time, they learn to respect their peers, they learn to care for each other! I'm proud of myself as a parent that I had good instinct to notice how special this place is the second I entered the classroom, and knowing this is the best education and care I can give my child. And don't even get me started about the food!!! my daughter requested more spinach and broccoli for dinner!!! just like Ms. Renee makes :)

We’ve had an incredible experience at PLĀ. Our 4 YO has attended since she was a little over 2 and has blossomed in this caring and intimate environment. The academic director, Renée McGhee, has been very impactful with her individualized approach to educating our kiddo. Her observations are always spot-on, and it is obvious how much she cares for each child as if they were her own.  She has developed a lovely community that we are so fortunate to be part of. We love the periodic family gatherings, and must highlight the adorable graduation we attended for the last “class.” 

Also, the kiddos love her - my daughter even slips and calls me Ms. Renée, which speaks volumes. 

Lastly, the homemade breakfast and lunch, plus snacks, is an extra perk that is an absolute game changer for busy parents. Highly recommend.

Our son has truly blossomed over the past year of attending Panoramic Learning Academy. It was his first experience of group daycare, and Renee, his teacher, could not have been more caring and gentle with him. We could not ask for a better experience. In addition to creating a welcoming and warm environment for the children in her care, Renee also works hard to make sure that every day is an adventure for her students. They cook, go to the farmers market, learn their letters, bike ride, celebrate holidays, and do creative art projects. Renee employs a play-based approach that ensures her students are always learning, whether they're playing with each other, practicing early literacy skills, counting, building, or listening to her read an engaging story during circle time. Our son is 3 and already knows how to recognize all his letters, count, and spell his own and his friends' names. Renee also builds community amongst the families by hosting special family nights, which have food, games, and a chance for all of us to hang out and break bread. Our family could not be happier at Pano Academy, we feel blessed to be a part of it! Highly recommend to anyone who's looking for a great daycare/school option for their little ones!

PLA is an incredible day care/school. Our son has been going there for a year and a half and each and every day we are so incredibly thankful we found this place. My partner and I constantly discuss just how amazing it is and how much value Renee provides the children and our families. From the food that is provided (and cooked by the kids) to the activities, emphasis on learning, to the overall community. 

Renee is an angel from heaven. She is so incredible with the kids, and an amazing teacher. PLA offers far more than simply care - the children are always learning through doing and we've been so impressed with the progress they are making in reading, spelling, science, etc. 

They have so much fun, go on wonderful (and safe) adventures, and are constantly picking up skills. 

We've found this to be a very covid-safe school. 

Because it's small and Renee is such a bearer of bright light - it's a really wonderful community of families. There are quarterly celebrations that are so much fun. 

Just can't speak highly enough of this school!

I guarantee, this place is a blessing and if you're lucky enough to see there's an opening, you should snag that! 



 

Our son has been going there for over a year and we could not be more happy. Renee has passion for teaching children and it shows in how our son has developed over his last year. The pros are many but here are a few:

- Tight-knit community of children and parents

- Kids learn important values through play. High-focus on reading, arts and cooking (yes, we love this!)

- If diversity is important to you, you will find it in every shape and form

- One where they will grow into a smart, conscientious and caring child

Feel free to email me if you want to talk. We certainly did the rounds of multiple day cares when our child was around 2 and even tried others out but we love Panoramic Learning Academy.

Our two kids (ages 2 and 4 yo) have been attending Panoramic Learning Academy since the beginning of the year. We've been very happy with Renée and so have the children.