Trinity Presbyterian Preschool

I went to many tours and did several observations at preschools around the Penninsula, and Trinity was by far the most extraordinary program! My son has grown there in ways I couldn’t even have imagined! In the 2’s program (and throughout the 3’s and Pre-​K as well) two of the many things they focus on are inspiring the students to learn responsibility and empathy. They work each day to give the children an incredible play-​based environment to evoke their curiosity and develop their love of learning through play.
I am so appreciative of all the time and energy the teachers spend answering any questions us parents have in such great detail with such strong research and evidence behind them. They are all beyond qualified as educators and know so many details about the development of the students they teach, and they spend the time to get to know and reach each child on an individual level. That has been evident through conversations as well as the many activities created for the children to play each day. As an elementary educator myself, I truly appreciate being treated as an equal in my child’s education. I also have loved learning the most effective language to model with the children, why we handle things the way we do in the learning environment, and how to be a better role model for the students there and my own children at home.
I could go on but the best part is seeing my son’s confidence in social situations soar, observing his new problem solving and language skills, and watching him jump out of bed on school days and be so excited until the moment we get to leave. Seeing him this proud and excited for play and learning is one of the greatest joys I’ve had as a parent. Thank you Trinity!

Trinity is a treasure! With so many options out there for school, I sought a rich play-​based curriculum strong in developing social emotional and foundational sensory motor skills for school readiness. As a pediatric practitioner, my decisions were well-​informed and researched. I sought a co-​op program that offers parent involvement yet one that also supports balance for working parents. Trinity has become like a second home for my family. Both of my daughters have thrived and loved every single one of their days in the 2’s, 3’s and Pre-​K programs. It is without a doubt all of the staff that make this such a truly special place! This is a school that fosters community building. We have made wonderful friends at Trinity. My family can’t recommend this school enough! I

Based on the previous reviews, I must be the only one who had a bad experience with this place. Just didn’t work for me. Maybe I needed to give this place more time to discover its charm and didn’t have the patience for it?!
1) Sat through a 3-​hour parent orientation that could have been done in 30 minutes.
2) Spent another 3 hours with other parents cleaning up the dirty preschool before school started. (I’m sure all the parents would have gladly chipped in $ 20 each to help the preschool hire a proper cleaning service.)
3) Volunteered 3 hours during the first week of school and really didn’t like the teaching style. So much nonsense.
4) We were there for less than 2 weeks before I decided this just wasn’t suitable for my child. (I’ve helped out with my older child’s preschool and my younger child attended another preschool before we moved to San Carlos, so I know how a real play-​based preschool functions. This place lacked substance and there was just something off about its teachers.)
5) Paid over $ 800 for registration fees, first month Sept. tuition, and last month May tuition (which for some reason was required upfront).
I understand the preschool not being able to refund me the registrations fees and the 1^st month Sept. tuition, because we chose to leave on our own in September. But they held onto the May tuition as well and refused to return it. (To me, this is like paying first and last month’s rent when you rent an apt. But when a tenant moves out, and is up to date on payments, the landlord is supposed to return the unused last month’s rent.) Well, Trinity insisted that since I agreed to pay last month’s tuition, they get to keep it!!! Bunch of robbers.
I have thought of suing them in small claims court so many times to get my May tuition back, and I’m sure I would have won. But I felt that this school has wasted enough of my time. (It seems that they have this policy of not returning May tuition, because a lot of people drop out mid-​year, and they need to make their money somehow, even though they didn’t earn it.) Can’t believe this dishonest place is associated with our neighborhood church.

Trinity is a play based co op that has exceeded my expectations. My daughter is in their 3’s program and loves it! The staff is great and they have done an excellent job organizing the co oping parents to maintain order. The projects and activities are age appropriate. What I love the most is that everything that they do at the preschool is backed up by concrete educational research.
I have also found that the famillies have been wonderful and there is a nice little community of parents that have set put to support all of the kids in the school.
Overall a wonderful program! I highly recommend.

Without a doubt THE BEST parenting decision we made! Trinity is the quintessential pre-​school. Not only is it a wonderful learning experience for the children, but the parents and subsequently, the entire family benefits. Trinity blends learning and social interaction while teaching respect. Thank you, Trinity for helping my young family integrate into the San Carlos community.

I have been a member of this preschool community for almost 6 years. My first son was a fall baby and spent two years here (3s class and 4s class). He entered kindergarten at 4, turning 5 in late September, and was incredibly well prepared to start school. Trinity gave him the tools to learn. He was able to sit quietly in class, follow direction and communicate easily with his peers. THESE are some of the most important skills a child needs to know upon entering Kindergarten. Ask any teacher. My second son, a February birthday, attended Trinity for 3 years and just entered Kindergarten this year. He too is thriving in school… reading with ease, able to work independently or in a group and is well-​liked among his classmates. I wholeheartedly believe Trinity’s play-​based philosophy has had a large role in our children’s early success in school. Our youngest child just began her first year at Trinity this fall, and I couldn’t be more excited for her to have the same experience as her brothers!

Trinity is a wonderful place, however it is that staff that makes it special. Both of our sons attended and my wife and I co-​oped to stay involved and to see first hand how well the curriculum fit our family. We were lucky to find Trinity and can tell you there is no better place in the bay area.

Trinity is a truly special place. I have 3 kids who have all gone to school here and they have gotten as much out of the school as I have. The school is a co-​op, so parent participation is required. Parents volunteer about 2 or 3 times a month in most classes. Because participation is required, the school has a great community of parents. The teachers are incredible– the average staff member has been at the school for 15 years, which reflects their commitment and love for the kids and the school.
The curriculum is play based and kids get to learn and experience new things in a fun self-​directed way. I have watched my children flourish in elementary school thanks to Trinity. I love the school and feel so fortunate that my kids all got to be preschoolers here.