Redwood Garden Preschool

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:
Lauri Miller
(510) 524-4606
redwoodgardenpreschool [at] gmail.com
Location:
Berkeley
94706
Northwest Berkeley
Maximum Capacity:
8
Language(s) Spoken:
English
Ages Served:
33 months - 60 months
Affiliation:
Waldorf
About the Program:

Small Outdoor Waldorf Preschool in NW Berkeley for ages 2-1/2-5

Parent Reviews

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We have sent both of our daughters to Redwood Garden Preschool. We visited preschools throughout Oakland and Berkeley when searching for a good fit for our oldest daughter. Redwood Garden stood out as a magical, nurturing and child-centered environment where our sensitive child would thrive. We've made an undesirable commute from East Oakland to North Berkeley for six years so our children can experience Lauri's guidance and expertise. The children are encouraged to lead their play out of their individual imaginations. They experience the day, week and the season through rhythm. They enjoy songs, rhymes and games of circle time, storytelling, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, and partake in wonderfully unstructured time in the garden, a weekly park day and a monthly day in Tilden. This is an outdoor program where the children learn to to live and breathe the wonders of nature. In this intimate 6-child setting, the children quickly come to understand and respect one another’s differences and learn to work through their disagreements, to collaborate as a group, and to care for one another empathically and deeply.

Our family loves this school and we highly recommend! 

Redwood garden preschool is a magical place.  Our daughters have thrived there. Lauri is a wise and caring teacher. She is extremely consistent. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a loving and supportive environment for their child. 

My son has been attending Redwood Garden for the past two years and it has been a fantastic experience for him and our whole family.  He has totally thrived and blossomed in Lauri’s engaging and nurturing program, and it has been a joy to see him so excited to go to school every morning.  Lauri provides the perfect mixture of structure and freedom where the children are able to follow their imaginations and passions and build such strong relationships to nature and each other.  The small size of the school brings such strong connections and community. I feel that Lauri really knows and understands my son and honors all the things that make him a unique individual.  Lauri is incredibly experienced, skilled, and wise and has provided such loving guidance to our son to help him become more socially skilled, independent and confident.  Lauri has also been a complete pleasure to partner with as a parent - she's incredibly organized, communicative, professional, caring and warm.  If you are looking for a small, natured based program, I could not recommend Redwood Garden more highly.  It is a truly magical spot where childhood is celebrated and we feel so lucky to have found it! 

My daughter attended Redwood Garden for two years, graduating and moving onto Kindergarten in 2022. Redwood Garden was her first school program and it was the most positive, joyful, and fulfilling experience we could have imagined. Teacher Lauri exudes warmth, love, and deep respect for childhood. She is an amazing person and professional. Her (20 years of) experience is palpable and her leadership seamless. Each day and week have a clear rhythm within which the children thrive. They so look forward to their weekly rituals - making bread, visiting the chickens, stone soup, and so on. Throughout the week, stories told by Lauri, songs sung together, and thoughtful activities foster both love for their school and love for life. Our daughter often retold these stories at home or taught us a new song. 

The school is now all outside in a magical backyard setting (yes, including redwoods!). Our daughter experienced rich interactions with nature - gardening, dying with marigolds, identifying birds, discovering pupas, caring for animals, and so much more. My daughter has taught me much about plants and gardening, all gleaned through experiences at school.

In addition to her attentive guidance of the children in her program, Lauri has often been an ear and a resource for us parents. She has a wealth of ideas to offer, and above all, wisdom based on professional and personal experience. Her communications are timely, clear, and caring. Everything is well organized and highly considered. Parents have the option to participate in many lovely moments throughout the year such as their child's birthday, a halloween parade, hike day, and beginning and end of year potlucks. We made wonderful friends through this program.

While at Redwood Garden, my daughter begged to get to school in the mornings, and begged to stay and keep playing upon pickup. Perhaps that says the very most. We can't get enough Redwood Garden and go back for a visit every chance we get. This school shines very bright and was the ideal foundation from which to enter the next phase of school. I cannot recommend Redwood Garden enough.

https://redwoodgardenpreschool.com/

My daughter went to Redwood Garden and it was amazing. I think a child needs to be 2 years and some number of months, but I encourage you to look into it.

My kids adored Redwood Garden Preschool in Berkeley. Just 6 kids and a fantastic Waldorf teacher. Gentle, loving, supportive, & lots of outside time. Not sure current status with pandemic.

I cannot recommend Redwood Gardens Preschool highly enough. It is a small, home based Waldorf preschool and the teacher Lauri Miller is a true gift to parents and children. We've sent both our daughters there and our first is also an intense, spirited sort. RWG was so soothing for her. She was there 2-5 and still goes back to visit and help out. Good luck!

Hi there, I am afraid your son will be too young in the fall for Redwood Garden Preschool, but when he is 2.5, I highly recommend this Waldorf inspired school. Teacher Lauri is a loving, gifted, and wise teacher. 

http://redwoodgardenpreschool.com

Redwood garden is a small waldorf-inspired home-based preschool located in Berkeley on the Berkeley/Albany border. Lauri Miller, the teacher and director of the school and has over 10 years of experience working with children. Redwood Garden has 1 or possibly 2 openings for the Fall of 2018. Our 5 year-old son has attended Redwood Garden for two years and will be going to kindergarten in the Fall. 

Teacher Lauri embodies balance and equanimity and brings exquisite integrity and care into her school.  She creates an environment for the young child in which they can truly be free in their play and deepen their understanding of themselves, the natural world, and the natural rhythm of the day. Lauri carefully crafts the day to meet children’s need for active and resting space, with a wonderful balance of structure and freedom.  She is an artist of the day, giving much attention and thoughtfulness to each transition and to each activity in which the children take part. She truly sees each child, delights in each child’s unique character, and acts to support the spirit of each child.  Lauri creatively and loving engages children in meaningful and purposeful tasks of baking, cooking, cleaning, singing and playing. Through gardening, storytelling and puppet shows she fosters connection with the earth and all living beings in a grounded and yet magical way. She also handles conflicts between in the classroom more skillfully than almost anyone I have ever seen, and I have worked in early childhood education for over 10 years.  She is firm but kind, honoring and yet clear about boundaries and safety.  She can help a child to see the world from their classmate’s perspective, while feeling seen and recognized themselves.  Lauri also offers loving support and guidance with any difficulties or struggles you or your child may have, she was always present and attentive to anything that came up for us or our child. 

Redwood Garden has been a magical and joyful spot that has fundamentally supported our son in every way. We couldn’t recommend it more. 

You can reach Lauri @ redwoodgardenpreschool [at] gmail.com | berkeley, california | 510.524.4606 

Redwood Garden Preschool in the flats, run by Lauri Miller, is the most nurturing, most caring, most creative, sweetest, loveliest, school for a young child. Lauri is not just a profoundly well-educated, highly literary, deeply kind person, she is magical with the children! The Waldorf philosophy that guides her and her school is a deeply conscious, well-thought out approach to the education and social and emotional development of a child like no other. If nurturing creativity and imagination are important to you, send your child there! If teaching them about the beauty of and connection to the trees, the plants, animals, flowers, and one's friends is important to you, send your child there! I can't imagine having felt better leaving my son, who had a hard time with separation when he was little, in her hands (and often her arms) every day! Please feel free to contact me for more information.  

I can say with utmost certainty that Redwood Garden Preschool encompasses all that you seek. I believe that there is a very rare opening for this fall. My daughter attended Redwood Garden for three years and we are still dear friends with several of the families we connected with during our time there. Lauri Miller is a wonderful, loving, kind, nurturing caregiver and teacher, she is family to us even now. Her home is warm and cozy and her garden magical. She leads a gentle, consistent rhythm through the day, flowing between circle, imaginative free play inside and outside, snack, lunch and daily activity - baking, gardening, painting, soup making, etc. That rhythm flows consistently through the week, giving the children a strong sense of place, of self, and of being part of a group moving together as one. Redwood Garden is in the Westbrae neighborhood of Berkeley. http://redwoodgardenpreschool.com/. Feel free to contact me for further information via my user name, below.

Redwood Garden Preschool in Berkeley!!!  On Talbot btwn Dartmouth and Gillman.  http://redwoodgardenpreschool.com/  My daughter just finished preschool there (she is starting kindergarten next week) and it was such a beautiful experience.  Exactly what you describe, small (6 kids max a day), Lauri is so loving and nurturing, Waldorf inspired so play-based/imaginative play.  The kids make their own bread, stone soup, lots of nature, singing, happiness, etc.  My daughter was so shy in any prior preschool and just totally came out of her shell at Redwood Garden.  The kids there form such close relationships and you really get to know all of the parents.  All around a tight knit group.  I feel so lucky to have be able to be part of the whole experience.  Would love to share any further details: contact me via my BPN user name.  

I sent my little-one (now entering first grade) to Redwood Garden Preschool. It was the best choice! My child and our whole family love Redwood Garden. It is a small and nurturing  group. Amazingly supportive of the child and of their imagination. Lauri is a loving, caring and knowledgable teacher, I would not be the parent I am without her insight. My child still asks to visit, and the highlight of her year is attending Lauri's summer sessions. I only wish that we could have stayed at Redwood garden through college!

I'm the dad of a 5 year old who attended Redwood Garden Preschool for 3 years and I'm delighted to have my 2.5 year old daughter start this year. I didn't expect to, but I choked up, bursting with gratitude, on my 5 year old daughter's last day of preschool this past June. Teacher Lauri, who runs the preschool, provided the ideal environment for my imaginative, sensitive and perceptive daughter to thrive.

From day one, for every day, for three years, I had the utmost confidence that Lauri would provide her gentle blend of compassion, empathy, creativity and clarity for my daughter. Lauri has been teaching small children for years and I am blessed to have her in my daughters' lives.

Growing up, I had a preschool teacher for 1 year that remains, in the lore of my family, as someone who shaped my upbringing in a positive way. Now, what a gift to have Lauri to help raise and shape my kids.

The Waldorf influence was perfect for my daughter. Without being heavy handed, Lauri creates the perfect blend of story, play, cooking, crafting, appreciation of nature and outside-time. Lauri is wise in the ways of child development--I often (attempt) to invoke her wisdom while playing or (attempting to) reign in my kids outside of school. My daughter is simply a better little human because of Lauri's influence. 

Redwood Gardens has been a safe and splendid home for my daughter, where she has grown and developed, at her own pace, under the warm and observant gaze of Teacher Lauri. I recommend unequivocally.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Sept 2012
We are moving from the bay area to Portland, OR for business reasons. And, honestly, the part that was hardest for me in the decision was leaving my daughter's wonderful preschool and teacher...sounds strange, but she is so amazing that I just really wanted to keep my daughter there for another year before we moved anywhere, but this opportunity came up and it was too good to pass up. Which brings me to an opportunity for one of you or perhaps someone you know...

The preschool is called Redwood Garden and it's a home-based Waldorf-inspired preschool in Berkeley near Gilman St. The teacher, Lauri Miller, is fantastic and such a wonderful guide and resource for all the families that are in her care. She only accepts 6 children a day and they form such a strong bond because of the small size and her guidance. As is typical with Waldorf-inspired schools, the emphasis is on imaginative play, storytelling/puppet shows, singing & movement, baking, gardening, painting, crafts. It is such a wonderful program, I really can't say enough about it and about Lauri! You can read all the reviews on the BPN website, as well.

Our leaving and another child whose family unexpectedly has to leave early due to family reasons, have left an unusual couple of spots open at Lauri's. We will be leaving in Nov., as will the other family. Lauri usually has long waiting lists, but most on her list have already enrolled their children in another school, so I thought to reach out to this community, in case it might be a good fit for someone here.

Lauri can be reached at redwoodgardenpreschool [at] gmail.com or by phone at (510) 524-4606. And, please feel free to email me with any questions you have, Thanks, Angelisa



Sept 2011

This regrettably short review is long overdue. Ditto on all the previous entries. Lauri is amazing! As is her sweet home and garden. My daughter started kindergarten at a small, private school last week and she still cannot stop talking about how much she loves and misses Lauri. I want to have another child just so I can go back there! Erika



Feb 2011

Re: Looking for a Tiny Preschool
There is a lovely home based Waldorf inspired preschool in Albany you should look into, it's called Redwood Garden Preschool. It has a small number of children and is very nurturing and warm environment. It could be just the kind of school your looking for. The teachers' names is Laurie Miller. Her email address is lauriemiler [at] yahoo.com and the number is 510.524.4606 Good luck. Julieana



Feb 2010

I'm another overwhelmed parent regarding the preschool process. I'm probably too late because my child will be 3 this spring, but I was wondering about what people thought about Albany Preschool (afternoon program) or Redwood Garden Preschool (Waldorf-based).
- Are these schools highly competitive to enter? I live in Albany, but I'm also thinking about sending my child for just 1 year due to budget reasons... But I also have a younger child who'll most likely follow the older one's path.
- Any recent reviews on either of those schools?
- Do most kids from Albany Preschool go on to Albany's kindergarten?
- Estimated cost for Redwood Garden? (There doesn't seem to be a website, but that's understandable for a home-based Waldorf school.)
Thank you in advance for your replies. daunted by preschool apps



I don't have any experience with Albany preschool (friends have been happy with it) but I can wholeheartedly recommend Redwood Garden. Laurie Miller is an extremely gifted teacher and a child magnet - the children really love her and she has a way of connecting with them that is wonderful to see. She's kind and compassionate, playful and enthusiastic. The whole package! My recommendation is to go and visit the school - see how it feels to you. I agree the process of choosing a preschool can feel overwhelming, but visiting really helps - you will have a gut feeling about whether a school is right for your child. My other observation is that in retrospect I see that in Berkeley we are fortunate to have many great preschools - which makes choosing harder, but if you put a little effort into the search, it's hard to go wrong. Happy in Berkeley



August 2009

Although I don't usually make the effort to post recommendations on this exchange, I am moved to offer my heartfelt recommendation to any parent looking for a preschool for their child/children. Lauri Miller of Redwood Garden Preschool has made an indelible impact on both my child and our family. My son, who is now going into 2nd grade, attended Redwood Garden for two years. Lauri's brilliant ability to create an environment where young children are simultaneously engaged and afforded a sense of freedom, encouraged in my son and his classmates a spirit of wonder and cooperation. At Redwood Garden children are met as individuals with unique needs. They are provided with opportunities and context to genuinely feel the marvels of the natural world, themselves as individuals, the community they belong to, and the larger world community. Through song, story, craft, food, and activity Lauri teaches a gentle, compassionate, and meaningful experience for the lucky children in her care. Sonja



April 2009

Re: Any Waldorf Preschools still open in Oak/Berk?
Redwood Garden in Berkeley is an amazing Waldorf preschool led by Lauri Miller in her home. My son attended Redwood Garden for 2 years and still, 2 years later, speaks with so much love of Lauri and his time at RG. I'm happy to talk with you more about her program; email me off-list. Or call Lauri @ 510-524-4606 and I'm sure she'll be happy to set up a time for you to visit as well as answer any questions. brenna



Sept 2006

I would like to recommend Redwood Garden Preschool in north Berkeley. Laurie Miller has trained as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher, and her wonderful, small (6 children max per day) home-based preschool is creative, warm, loving, and very inspiring for the entire family. Our daughter Emma attended her school for two years, and Emma loved going every single day. We were excited to witness as over time Emma's play time become more creative, her stories more elaborate, her social skills more adept, her joy in cooking and gardening grew, and her love for Laurie and the other children flourished. Laurie is wise, soft yet firm, imaginative and creative in storytelling, singing, painting and many crafts, intuitive and knowing about how to manage the energy of the children and how to call them to being their best selves. I highly recommend Redwood Garden as a place where your child can grow into his- or herself through creative play, closely held in a loving and nurturing environment. Laurie unexpectedly has a couple of openings this fall--you may reach her at 510/524-4606.
Maggie