Presbyterian Enrichment Preschool

PEP school has been amazing for our family. The teachers and staff greet everyone with smiles and are there to help with whatever it is you may need. The playground area is a dream and the large classroom and two story play house make every day exciting. I love that children have flexibility in the day and can choose to play inside or outside throughout the day. The play based structure has helped teach sharing, cooperation, listening, following directions and so much more. Every day my son looks forward to school and I love to see him walk into class confident and excited for the day. #welovePEP

First things first: I certainly didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either.
Pros: clean, great toys and play areas, lots of classes, and absolutely incredible crafts. Mrs. Cindy is wonderful. The office staff is helpful. I appreciated that they did a weekly bible lesson with the kids. The events were very sweet.
Cons: When they advertise they believe in play… They mean it. There is very little to no formal teaching done here. I suppose that this is ok if that’s what you want… but coming from another pre-​k where there was more of a balance between learning and play I felt like this was just glorified day care. Pick up/​drop off made me feel like cattle. It’s truly awful. Parents are made to wait in line and it takes FOREVER to drop off and then later receive your child. I also felt like there was not enough discipline and teachers didn’t want to correct bullyish children. Time after time I would hear from my daughter and her friends about how aggressive a boy was to her and others in the class and the staff wouldn’t do anything about it. When I brought it up to the staff they said «yes we are aware he has some aggression, and we talk to him about his choices.» Um… Okay. The issues continued throughout the year so I don’t think talking to him helped, nor did it make other kids feel heard. That was irresponsible, and in my opinion PEP should have sent the kid packing. Another thing: the dreaded snack schedule. There are very specific rules about what you can bring and what you cannot… I appreciate that they don’t want the kids to be consuming tons of sugar and candy. I can understand requesting that things like cookies and brownies not be brought. I was baffled at how often they allowed homemade muffins to be brought in (no nutrition label, high sugar). Muffins are essentially cake without frosting so this seems particularly hypocritical. Not only that, but my daughter has a severe corn allergy and was once fed a corn bread muffin another parent brought in. They were sincerely apologetic, and even called later to check on her. I know accidents happen, but if they would have had a muffin (or no homemade) ban this would have been avoided. Lastly, they are parking Nazis. I once was walking into the school with my arms full of grocery bags filled with healthy snacks, my 4 year old holding onto my arm, and a crying 2 year old who I had just woken out of a dead sleep tearing at me like a freaked out cat. I clearly could have used a hand and some grace. Instead, a woman came running out and told me to move my car which was in fact, legally parked but not in a space as I was planning on being in & out. The loving thing would have been to say «do you need some help? Let me grab one of those bags for you!». Instead, I was told to move my car immediately. So with my youngest child screaming bloody murder on my hip, my arms overflowing with a gallon of milk and 2 bags of groceries and a 4 year old at my side, I told the sassy office woman «not now, I’ll be back in 2 minutes», went in, dropped off my stuff, and walked quickly back to my car feeling embarrassed and angry.
Overall, I think PEP is ok. There’s a huge wait list and so many people sing it’s praises. Unfortunately, I think that’s a lot more hype/​eliteness talk then anything else. Because of our experience, we chose not to enroll my younger daughter here this year.

This is the best! Renee Inman (supervisor) is the most caring person!

PEP is a wonderful program. I have had two children attend and they both have had wonderful experiences. The staff are highly qualified, compassionate and seem to truly enjoy their work. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a loving and caring learning envirpnment for their child during preschool. The children are able to learn a variety of wonderful lessons in an organized, relaxed and excellently maintained school. Parents and families are welcome to be as involved in their child’s day as they desire. PEP has been great. We love it!

I have visited many preschools in Vacaville, and none made me and my 2 boys feel more alive and happy than PEP school. I am a bit bias as I went to PEP as a kid, however, as a new mom I wanted to make sure I explored all my options. Hands down, the feeling of warmth, love, and experience make this an exceptional place, a hidden gem only known by the Vacaville «locals». The playground alone brings a smile to my face, garden, grass, trees… everything a child should have surrounding them. There is a super unique and cool indoor loft playhouse that leaves room for imagination. There is a sense of local community and families who have been coming here for decades. Personally, I am still friends with 5 people I went to PEP with. There is something very special about knowing someone since pre-​school, and I hope it will be my own kids experience as well. My kids are excited to come to school everyday, and are even sad when it is not a school day. That says a lot!