San Geronimo Preschool & Childcare Center

Since 1962, the San Geronimo Preschool has served the communities of West Marin, Fairfax, and San Anselmo by providing a supportive learning environment for children to thrive and gain lifelong skills.

The San Geronimo Preschool introduces a love of learning and social skills. We are an eclectic-style preschool; inspired by all methods of teaching. We embrace aspects from Montessori (cognitive tray work), Waldorf (fantasy play, love of nature and seasonal themes), and Reggio Emilia (artistic expression and exploration).

Our beautiful school environment is full of natural light and flexible space; specially designed by world-renowned preschool designer, Louis Torelli. "A well-designed environment . . . supports infants' and toddlers' emotional well-being, stimulates their senses and challenges their motor skills. A well-designed group care environment promotes children's individual and social development" (Torelli).

Children learn most through their play, so we provide scheduled times for open-ended play where they have freedom to explore, imagine, and create. 

:::CURRICULUM:::

We offer a play-based program that blends both child-directed and teacher-directed activities that include music, art, stories, dramatic play, large motor activities, cooking, and hands on natural science. Children also work together for a “small group time” each morning; as they are divided by age with a teacher for activities appropriate to their age and development. 

*Nutritious snacks are provided daily and we are sensitive to any food allergies/preferences.

:::OUR PROGRAMS:::

“Chickadees” (2-3 year olds)*

Toddlers come to know their world through their active bodies and senses. We offer a program that is nurturing and play filled, focusing on key developmental milestones, such as language acquisition, social and emotional growth, self-help skills, and fine/gross motor development. Comfortable routines and appropriate materials give the toddlers safe ways to explore, think and talk about what they are doing.

* We support children through the potty training process, including those still in diapers.

“Bluebirds” (3-4 year olds)

No longer a toddler, the three year old is ready to be part of an active learning community. He or she takes pride in learning and mastering new transitions and rituals. Children in Bluebirds gain self confidence and abilities through independent activities, cooperative discoveries, and expressive and receptive language. Emphasis is on process not product and honoring all children’s feelings and abilities.

“Redbirds” (4-5 year olds)

A safe and supportive environment is a place for 4 year olds to learn and grow while preparing them for Kindergarten. We encourage curiosity and concentration, as they are challenged to try new things.Through working with themes, the children learn about the world around them, extend their imagination, develop the ability to follow directions and increase muscle skills.

Summer Camp 

The long summer days bring us opportunities to honor the spirit of the season with many fun activities, such as music, stories, puppetry, outdoor games, cooking, art, crafts, and lots of water play.

camp in session: June—August

* Summer schedule announced late spring time.

:::RATES & HOURS:::

Monthly Tuition Rates

*Scholarships available

5 mornings – $800

4 mornings – $688

3 mornings – $568

2 mornings – $413

Toddler Program (2-3 year olds): 8:30am - 12:30pm

Preschool Program (3-5 year olds): 9am - 1pm

Earlybird/After-care ($10-$11/hour): 7am* - 6pm

*Breakfast served –7:30am

We are a year-round preschool that offers a toddler program for 2-3 year olds, preschool program for 3-4 year olds, a pre-k program for 4-5 year olds, as well as summer camp.

:::OUR PHILOSOPHY:::

It is important for a child to experience success in their first association with teachers and the school environment. 

The San Geronimo Preschool provides a safe, kind, and caring place for children to learn and grow – a child centered environment in which to explore, experiment and build confidence. 

Positive learning experiences at an early age contribute to the development of each child’s sense of self and emotional well-being. Cooperative play is one of the most important avenues of learning for young children.