Redwood Parents Nursery School

My first goal for a preschool was finding a program for our then 15 month old to play, learn and socialize, and be exposed to things I could not show her at home. After one year in the toddler class I can say RPNS has far exceeded any of my expectations and has delivered in ways I could not have anticipated. Our daughter has blossomed and absolutely loves her school, teacher and classmates. We have enrolled in the 2’s program starting in the fall and she is counting the weeks until she gets to go back to school.
First off, the teachers are fantastic. Each week I am blown away by their creativity and commitment to bringing joy, exploration and wonder to their students. They regularly attend conferences and workshops to keep up on childhood development research and implement their findings in the classroom. Teacher Andi has a combination of free play and structured activities that cover just about any kind of activity you can imagine.
Secondly, the facility is top notch and the best of all the preschools we toured on the peninsula. It has several large play areas so the smaller and larger kids can use the school in different ways.
Thirdly, I find the parenting classes to be useful and insightful. As a first time parent having this time to stop and reflect on my relationship with my child and how I’m parenting has been invaluable. It is an opportunity to hear advice from the experts (the teachers, speakers, authors, etc) but also from other parents in a quiet, supportive setting that really promotes sharing.
As far as scheduling goes, I work part time and the class and event schedule is not overwhelming.
I did not know what to expect from a co-​op, but it has been wonderful. The families in this school are fun and friendly, and are committed to raising happy, joyful kids. Most of all, being in the school once a week allows me to witness the developmental strides our daughter is making and to see her grow and make relationships. Nothing is better than that.

When we originally looked at preschools, our goal was to find the right fit for our two-​year old daughter. Little did I know how amazing it would be for me and that I would gain such a strong community of friends. We picked RPNS not only because of the amazing teachers we met and the warm feelings we had, but also because it was the most spacious and equipped school we’d seen, both inside and out.
Our daughter thrived under the guidance of our amazing Teachers Andi and Carina as well as the parents who participated in the classroom each day. I was amazed by the creative planning each week to maximize the children’s sensory and play experience. There was a different theme every week and all of the special activities and projects revolved around the theme and it was so much fun!
At first, I was a bit worried that the time commitment would feel overwhelming, but I quickly found that not to be the case. In addition to the regular work day, I found myself at the school 1 – 2 evenings per month for either parent education or a community building event. While you are «allowed» a few absences per school year, I never wanted to miss out.
I can’t say enough about this school and all that it has meant to me and my family.
I’ve included a link to an article that Teacher Andi wrote about play-​based/​co-​op nursery schools and it gives a great idea of the philosophy at RPNS.

Thanks, RPNS, for what I know will be some of the most precious years of my life!

My children have been involved for the past three years. You will not find a more caring and inspirational cooperative nursery school. Margie, Andie, Cathy, Donna, Karina are all very experienced and adored by the children (and parents). Really interactive and creative approach to learning.

We started our son in the Two’s class and love it so much that our daughter will be attending the Toddler Class in the Fall! RPNS is the best — the teachers are amazing, the facilities are great, and the parents are fabulous! I can’t say enough good things about the school. Love, love, love it!

The BEST preschool around ! Was there with my first child and now I’m going back with the second. and I’ll be commuting from Los Gatos! Thats how much I love this school. Amazing teachers. Wonderful activities that teach and prepare your child in a loving fun environment. Clean, safe and supportive. You and your child will make lifelong friends and have memories to last a lifetime! LOVE this place!!!

We have had a child at RPNS since 2007, when we were new to the area and heard about the school through a friend of a friend. We had not researched any preschools, nor did we really know what a co-​op was. We just knew we wanted a place where our daughter could roam, exercise her body and imagination and socialize with other kids. Yes, you are expected to put in work time at a co-​op. But the benefit of that was that I really got to know the other parents and their children, which, years later, has become invaluable as my daughter has aged, giving me a network of parents I know and trust to share a carpool, host a playdate or just watch the kids while I’m at the dentist. Simply put, my daughter enjoys school, which I believe was rooted in her years at RPNS. My son is in his second year there, and I have no doubt he will benefit in similar ways.

My family is thrilled to be a part of Redwood Parents Nursery School! Because of RPNS my son has made many great friends and his social skills have flourished. Their playground is the biggest of any preschool I’ve seen in the area, and it’s perfect for their play based program. Thanks to Teacher Margie and the rest of the staff my son is ready for kindergarten next school year.
My wife and I have also benefitted from the RPNS community. We’ve made great friends for ourselves at the school and we can’t imagine how hard the last couple years would have been if we didn’t have other RPNS parents as a support group.
One more thing we love about RPNS: before we joined the school my son’s uptight parents didn’t know how much fun it was to make mud pies and to smear paint all over things. RPNS taught us to relax and enjoy making a mess.

My 12 year old went to RPNS when he was little. When my daughter was ready for preschool we were so excited to come back to RPNS. She graduated last year. I honestly believe that this school has the best teachers. They all have been there for several years and know what is best for the children’s development. They are so great with the kids and the parents, as well. Night classes are a great way for the parents to learn about a variety of topics, such as sibling rivalry, ages and stages, and more.
The inside of the school has several different area like puzzles, cars and truck, blocks, library, dress up and much more. The playground is nice and large. There is a great bike track, play structure and sand area. I am always telling people about the school because I loved our experience there so much. I have become an assistant in the classroom because I feel like this school is so beneficial for children and their families.

Redwood Parents Nursery School is hands down a top notch school. The community is fantastic and the teachers are stellar. I attended RPNS 30+ years ago and I still have so many fond memories. Some of my bestfriends I met at RPNS.
Like any school if you put nothing in, you will get nothing out. To be a member of RPNS you MUST be a hands on parent who is committed to your child’s education and happiness. There is committee work, night classes and wonderful activities such as the Halloween Carnival, School Auction and Graduation party. The school is for BOTH, parents and children to be students. EVERYONE is learning! Both of my children have fallen in love with RPNS, just as I did when I was a child. I highly recommend checking out RPNS, you will be sorry if you don’t!!!

They even have a Toddler Program (15 mn to 2 yr) a Twos class, and a Three’s class.
We enjoyed the Toddler Class while we were there. It is a Co-​Op where there is a lot of parent participation (you have to be on 1 committee, plus maintenance, go once a month at night to Parent –ed classes and be involved in the fundraiser auction etc.) It is NOT a drop off, nor child-​care (like Unilocal has it listed), you have to go with your child. There are tons of toys, books, art projects — something new everyday.
What eventually was a turn off for us was all of the sans children activities. The Parent Night was supposed to be Parent Education but in fact was more like a board meeting with hours of business items before the education part. Their fundraisers are also minus children.
I think this is great for someone who has a regular baby-​sitter and is looking to meet other parents who want to spend time together without their children.