◈ Homepage — http://www.thelittleschools.com/Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Connection, Curiosity & Community The Little Schools are where young children learn through play, hands-on experiences and nurturing relationships. Enrollment Details We create an environment full of opportunities that invite children to explore, create and discover through play and hands-on experiences. Investigate We spark each child’s natural curiosity with inspiring ideas, engaging materials and bright, welcoming classrooms that encourage creativity and learning. Create We recognize and support each child’s initiative, offering meaningful activities that engage the senses and help children learn about the world around them. Discover What’s Important at The Little Schools Friendships Each child’s independence is recognized, celebrated and supported as they build confidence and connection with others. Community Children learn to care for others and their world through kindness, giving back and simple acts of responsibility. Your Family Our school is a place where parents feel welcome, comfortable and inspired to be part of their child’s learning journey. Academic Enrichment Everyday experiences become opportunities to learn, explore and ask meaningful questions. Cultural Awareness We nurture each child’s natural curiosity about people, places and the world around them. Our Teachers Our teachers create a caring, respectful environment where every child feels valued, capable and deeply cherished. Our Locations The Little Schools serve families across three thoughtfully-designed locations. 5951 College Ave Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 41 students Ages 2 - 5 yrs 5776 Broadway Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 45 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs 1611 Hopkins St Berkeley, CA 94707 [510] 900-2433 42 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs For tuition rate schedules at each location, visit the Enrollment page. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School ◈ Interior Pages — 9 pages crawledAbout | Explore early learning options today — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour About Us The Little Schools Approach brings together proven educational philosophies into one integrated, intentional experience for young children. We honor all the ways children truly flourish. Integrated Educational Philosophies Our approach weaves together educational philosophies that our children experience through daily practices. We blend the most effective and rewarding parts of several different, research-based philosophies that focus on the whole-child experience. While other philosophies are present, these three serve as our foundation. Reggio-Emilia Inquiry, collaboration, project-based exploration Waldorf Rhythm, imagination, storytelling and seasonal flow Montessori Independence, purposeful work, respect for the child We’re also big proponents of nature-based learning and the indoor-outdoor connection. At each location, children are free to flow from inside to outside for play. Mixed-Age Community Children learn in mixed-age environments where relationships grow over time. Older children build confidence and leadership. Younger children learn through observation and connection. Everyone benefits from a community that values collaboration over comparison. Three-Year Continuity Children and teachers remain together across multiple years. This continuity creates trust, stability and a shared understanding of one another. Learning happens best within strong, familiar relationships. Project-Based, Experiential Learning Projects emerge from children’s questions, interests and observations. Teachers listen closely, offer thoughtful provocation, and guide by exploring ideas together, rather than by preset outcomes. Intentional Environment & Daily Rhythm Our classrooms are open spaces designed for movement and creativity. Children move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials are thoughtfully placed, and daily rhythm creates a sense of security while still leaving room for wonder. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School The Little Schools | Play-Based Preschool in Oakland & Berkeley 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Connection, Curiosity & Community The Little Schools are where young children learn through play, hands-on experiences and nurturing relationships. Enrollment Details We create an environment full of opportunities that invite children to explore, create and discover through play and hands-on experiences. Investigate We spark each child’s natural curiosity with inspiring ideas, engaging materials and bright, welcoming classrooms that encourage creativity and learning. Create We recognize and support each child’s initiative, offering meaningful activities that engage the senses and help children learn about the world around them. Discover What’s Important at The Little Schools Friendships Each child’s independence is recognized, celebrated and supported as they build confidence and connection with others. Community Children learn to care for others and their world through kindness, giving back and simple acts of responsibility. Your Family Our school is a place where parents feel welcome, comfortable and inspired to be part of their child’s learning journey. Academic Enrichment Everyday experiences become opportunities to learn, explore and ask meaningful questions. Cultural Awareness We nurture each child’s natural curiosity about people, places and the world around them. Our Teachers Our teachers create a caring, respectful environment where every child feels valued, capable and deeply cherished. Our Locations The Little Schools serve families across three thoughtfully-designed locations. 5951 College Ave Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 41 students Ages 2 - 5 yrs 5776 Broadway Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 45 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs 1611 Hopkins St Berkeley, CA 94707 [510] 900-2433 42 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs For tuition rate schedules at each location, visit the Enrollment page. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School Enrollment | Enroll Today - Secure Your Spot — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour How to Apply Mid-Year Openings Although most children start at the beginning of the school year, We often have some openings mid-year. You are welcome to reach out, and we’ll provide more specific details and a timeline on openings, if available. If you are interested in mid-year enrollment, please sign up for a tour at your school of choice. Schedule a Tour Fall Openings Step 1 Schedule a Tour Recommended First Step To experience The Little Schools, we recommend visiting one, two or all three locations. Tours provide a sense of our spaces, philosophy and community, and give you an opportunity to meet us and ask any questions. Sign up for a tour and select the school and dates you wish to visit.  Schedule a Tour Step 2 Submit Your Application After your tour, or if you’re ready now, submit an application through Brightwheel.  If you’re new to The Little Schools, you will be prompted to create an account in Brightwheel, a preschool admissions platform.  We suggest submitting your application as soon as possible, as spots can fill up quickly.  Submit an Application Step 3 Acceptance and Deposit Once your application is received, you’ll hear from The Little Schools team when we have an opening for your child. If you are offered enrollment, the next step is to reserve your spot with a deposit through Brightwheel.  Our goal is to offer a spot to every family that knows this is their school of choice. We encourage you to finalize your commitment promptly, because we will not be able to hold spots without a deposit if others are waiting. Reserve Your Spot Step 4 Enrollment Forms and Next Steps After your deposit is received, your spot is secure. If you’re enrolling in the fall, we’ll reach out in summer with enrollment forms, a play-date invitation and all the details needed to start the school year. Your child will then be officially ready to join The Little Schools family! Tuition & Schedule Rockridge Tuition Rates Broadway Tuition Rates Berkeley Tuition Rates Frequently Asked Questions Do you have openings now? To see the most up-to-date enrollment availability for each of our locations, please visit the Schedule a Tour page. Are you open year-round? Yes, we are a year-round school with seasonal and holiday breaks. See our Google Calendar for details. When should I tour? Come visit anytime. What is Brightwheel? Brightwheel is the platform that we use for enrollment, communication and tuition management. It is not perfect, but it is helpful. What if I have more questions? Check out our FAQs page or schedule a tour. It is alway nice to meet face to face. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School The Little Schools | Play-Based Preschool in Oakland & Berkeley 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Connection, Curiosity & Community The Little Schools are where young children learn through play, hands-on experiences and nurturing relationships. Enrollment Details Enrollment Details We create an environment full of opportunities that invite children to explore, create and discover through play and hands-on experiences. Investigate We spark each child’s natural curiosity with inspiring ideas, engaging materials and bright, welcoming classrooms that encourage creativity and learning. Create We recognize and support each child’s initiative, offering meaningful activities that engage the senses and help children learn about the world around them. Discover What’s Important at The Little Schools Friendships Each child’s independence is recognized, celebrated and supported as they build confidence and connection with others. Community Children learn to care for others and their world through kindness, giving back and simple acts of responsibility. Your Family Our school is a place where parents feel welcome, comfortable and inspired to be part of their child’s learning journey. Academic Enrichment Everyday experiences become opportunities to learn, explore and ask meaningful questions. Cultural Awareness We nurture each child’s natural curiosity about people, places and the world around them. Our Teachers Our teachers create a caring, respectful environment where every child feels valued, capable and deeply cherished. Our Locations The Little Schools serve families across three thoughtfully-designed locations. 5951 College Ave Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 41 students Ages 2 - 5 yrs 5776 Broadway Oakland, CA 94618 [510] 420-1200 45 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs 1611 Hopkins St Berkeley, CA 94707 [510] 900-2433 42 students Ages 18 mos - 5 yrs For tuition rate schedules at each location, visit the Enrollment page. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar School Calendar FAQs FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School Our Team | Meet Our Educators — Explore Quality Care — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Our Team Management Team Josselyn, Berkeley Director Alexandra, Broadway Director Cindy, Rockridge Director Holly Gold, Little Schools Founder Lynne, Community Director Rockridge Daniel Jessica Dyanna Sinai Anabel Laura Xochitl Broadway Becca Ben Mariam Rosie Kendall Kelsey Maria Berkeley Kosset Elizabeth Ruthie Kimberly Angelica Sara Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School Schedule a Tour — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Schedule A Tour A visit is the best way to experience our approach firsthand. Select a time below to explore our classrooms, connect with our team, and see what sets our schools apart. Rockridge Currently full for this school year.  Enrolling for 2026/27 school year. Schedule a Tour Broadway Enrolling for this school year and 2026/27 school year. Schedule a Tour Berkeley Full for 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years. Schedule a Tour Tour Availability Tours are available at the locations currently enrolling (see details for each location above). Check back if your preferred location is currently full. Mid-Year Openings Although most children start at the beginning of the school year, we often have openings mid-year. You're welcome to reach out and we'll provide details and a timeline on availability. If you're interested in mid-year enrollment, please sign up for a tour at your school of choice (if open for enrollment). What to Expect A thoughtful introduction to our classrooms, philosophy and community. We look forward to showing you what makes The Little Schools such a special place to grow. Adults & babes in arms only:  Tours are designed for prospective families. We ask that older children stay home so you can be fully present. Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School FAQs | Learn More Today — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Frequently Asked Questions These are some of the most common questions we receive from families. If we don’t address your question here, feel free to reach out to us, and we’re happy to answer as soon as we can. Introducing your child to school We will have a welcome event a few weeks before the start of the school year. If your child is beginning mid-year, we will schedule a “play-date” at the school before your child begins. Your child’s schedule You are welcome to change your schedule as long as we have room. There is no penalty to reduce your schedule, but if we are full, it can be difficult to add days. Communication with us Once your family is part of The Little Schools, we’re always here to connect. You can connect with us by: Seeing us at drop-off or pick-up Calling or emailing anytime Reading the daily blog to follow classroom life Checking potty and nap logs Leaving notes in the communication log Talking with teachers during parent-teacher conferences Pulling us aside for a quick conversation when needed Before enrollment, we’re often connecting with many families who are just beginning to learn about us. If we’re focused on the children and families already in our care, we may not respond immediately. We promise to follow up as soon as we can. Another baby on the way It can be helpful to remember that at preschool, new babies are the norm. The best way to help your child adjust is to keep the routine (you already knew that) and the daily plan. Every year, kids begin preschool and welcome siblings at the same time, and it works out well. Staff ratio at all locations We offer a 1:6 teacher:student ratio. Meals and snacks Children bring their own lunch, and we offer two healthy snacks each day. Children often revisit their lunch leftovers after nap. Spanish dual language We practice Spanish integration. We sing songs, read books and speak to the children in Spanish as a way of sharing cultures. Kindergarten readiness We have a pre-k program for 4-year-olds called Panda Time. Parking and drop-off/pick-up Parents pull up in front for pick-up and drop-off. Finding parking has never been a problem. Many families also walk or bike to school. School calendar We are a year-round school, so children enroll for the whole year. The school year begins in August and ends in late July. We close for Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and various other holidays or in-services. Click here to preview our current school calendar. Nap and rest time policy We allow for each child’s age and developmental stage. Generally, toddlers sleep two hours. Three-year-olds sleep or rest quietly. Four-year-olds usually don’t nap, but if they want to, they’re able to come inside for a nap, while the remaining classmates are outside. Potty and diapering support Children do not need to be potty trained. We coordinate with parents to make potty relaxed, positive, and social when the time is right. Parent involvement opportunities We welcome parent involvement, but it is never required. Participation should always feel optional and enjoyable. Ways parents connect with each other Welcome Event with kids (before school starts in the fall) Park Playdate during the first week of school Back-to-School Night Parent Cocktail Parties hosted by school families at least twice a year Holiday Potluck at the school Children’s birthday parties also become natural opportunities for families to connect WhatsApp group where families help each other—for example, if someone is running late for pickup Teacher selection process We look for educators who are warm, thoughtful, playful, and deeply interested in children. Experience and training matter, but just as important is the ability to connect with children in a respectful and natural way. Our approach to diversity Our school includes families and teachers from  various cultural backgrounds and family structures. Each person is preciously unique, and we like it that way. Outdoor time We are a mixed-age, indoor-outdoor school so children have the option to choose whether they want to be inside or outside most of the day. Application next steps If you know this is the right school for you, please reach out to us through the Brightwheel app . Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School In the News | Discover Preschool Excellence Today — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour In The News New York Weekly Intentional Design, Unique Methodology, and Nurturing Young Minds: Celebrating the Berkeley Little School Success Read Article LA Weekly The Little Schools Celebrate 20 Years of Learning Through Play with Innovative Preschools Read Article International Business Times Rockridge Little School Has an Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education Read Article CEO Weekly The Role of Preschools: Teaching Children Who They Are Through Love, Creativity, & Embracing Wholeness Read Article Benzinga Rockridge Little School Founder Calls For Change To Break The Bias Against Community-Based Preschool Read Article Berkeleyside Shop Talk: New preschool opens at former Gay Austin site; changes afoot for Luna Dance Institute Read Article Collabs.io Creating Environment for Children - Rockridge Little School Read Article USA Today Holly Gold Opened Neighborhood Preschools to Fulfill Her Dream of Making the World a Better Place for All Children Read Article Medium Can A For-Profit Business Be Socially Responsible? Read Article American Daily Post Inside the Journeys of 10 Entrepreneurs Building the Next Era of Global Business in 2026 Read Article The US Times The Little School Approach Uses Gardens, Outdoor Play, and Curiosity to Transform Early Learning Read Article Time Bulletin An Exclusive Interview with Holly Gold: The Heart and Vision Behind The Little Schools Read Article American Daily Post How Holly Gold Transformed Neighborhood Preschools into Inspiring Learning Spaces That Blend Multiple Pedagogies and Foster Community Belonging Read Article USA Wire Inside The Little School Approach That Rejects Long Hallways and Rigid Classroom Divisions in Favor of Organic Learning Through Friendship and Connection Read Article The Los Angeles Tribune Opening The Little Schools’ Doors: Shaping Children with a Blend of Freedom, Passion, & Individuality Read Article Success How Rockridge Little School Builds Passionate Educators Read Article Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School Our Story | Explore Our Community — Join Us Today — The Little Schools 0 Skip to Content Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Open Menu Close Menu Home Our Story About In the News Our Team Enrollment Schedule a Tour Our Story From the beginning, The Little Schools were shaped by a deep love of young children and a belief in their potential. The program draws from many educational approaches and is designed around hands-on, play-based learning. Over time, the schools evolved to better reflect the needs of children and families. Learning spaces became more open and connected. Indoor and outdoor areas were designed to work together. Mixed-age groups took shape, creating a sense of continuity and community where children, teachers and families grow together. Now with three locations, we are happy to support the children and families in our communities in very special ways. The Little Schools were founded in 2005 by Holly Gold, who spent many years supporting children and teens in the nonprofit field. Through that work, she came to believe that children do best when they are surrounded by adults who take the time to know them as individuals. Opening The Little Schools became her way to bring that belief to life. Holly brought together her experience in social enterprise, community leadership and early childhood education to create schools that would invest in people, strengthen community and make a real difference for families. She envisioned warm, inviting schools built on strong relationships and thoughtful care. “The way we care for children shapes the world they will one day lead.” Holly Gold, Founder Phone (510) 420-1200 Hours Broadway & Berkeley 8:00am - 5:30pm Rockridge 8:30am - 5:00pm Social School Calendar FAQs ©2026 Rockridge Little School