Our School - Menlo Park, California

Sidsel Siersted

Both of our sons have gone through teacher Mickey's young fives program and are enrolled in her aftercare.
We can't recommend Our School enough! Mickey and Natasha have built a unique program based on the principles "lead with love, instill respect and educate". They see, support, and genuinely care for each individual child. They create an outstanding environment for learning through fun and educating experiences, curiosity and play, as well as a balanced academic program. Every week the children receive swimming lessons, have music and go on field trips - to the theater, the zoo, the cactus garden, beaches, the symphony, art museums, visit seniors, and much more. The year at Mickey's includes a number of extraordinary events where the children participate in preparing food, sing, and do dance recitals. Mickey is a wonderful community builder and often invites families to lunches, taco nights and monthly movie nights for the children. She also sponsors the school's t-ball team and comes to the games to support the players.
Everyone in our oldest son's Our School class transitioned easily and confidently to kindergarten and thrives in elementary school both socially-emotionally and academically. We would hope for any child (and family) to have this amazing experience! We love Mickey and Natasha and feel so fortunate to be a part of Our School.

Tiffany Ly

Our School is a fantastic preK program. It has a small class that allows Teacher Mickey to really get to know the kids. I wanted a program that was balanced — that focused on play, social emotional growth, and enrichment beyond the classroom. My daughter has swim and music class as weekly activities. She has gone to plays, the pumpkin patch, and “beaches.” I feel she is enriched multi dimensionally through play with children both at her age and with older kids (in the aftercare program) along with the formal teaching/discussions from various book themes. It’s a lovely sweet program run by loving teachers. It’s a neighborhood gem.

Chris Quaintance

The finest Pre-K program around - Teacher Mickey runs a really fantastic school. Both of my children attended Our School and I couldn't be happier with how it went. At the end of the program, they were so confident and prepared for kindergarten, and they adjusted quickly and easily.

Rebecca Nathenson

I've lived near Our School since 2006, and that whole time, I've heard people in the neighborhood talk about it. They warned me to talk to Mickey early to get on the wait list, so I spoke with her when my son was 2. That was maybe a bit over-eager (yes, I did get him in), but I'd heard nothing but glowing comments. And, every single one of them was true. Teacher Mickey and Teacher Natasha run a program that delivers the whole package--socio-emotional learning, kindergarten academic prep (my son is incredibly close to reading even though that's not the focus, and his writing has improved by leaps and bounds), focused gross motor skills (pumping on the swings, bike riding, monkey bars), and lots of fun.

Oh, and did I mention the extras? Swim classes. Field trips. Music class. The kids cook meals for the parents (yes, really!). We have picnic lunches with singing performances from the kids. They visit art galleries and learn about modern artists. They go to the creek and throw rocks in the water.

If you're looking for a heavily academic, structured program, this isn't it. If you're looking for a program that teaches the whole child, from conflict resolution to nutrition to art to the three Rs, all wrapped up in love and support of every kid's unique self...you've found your place.

Lais Priolli

I’ve heard so much about Our School before enrolling my daughter and the program not only exceeded my expectations but it blew my mind. So much dedication, love and knowledge.

My daughter had the most amazing year and I will be forever grateful to Natasha and Michele to have taught her so many life and academic skills.

Cristin Smith

This is the best Pre-K in Menlo Park! Michele and Natasha are amazing teachers. My son gained confidence, had lots of fun, and advanced academically while at Our School. If you can get a spot, take it!