Kinder Academy Montessori

I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Kinder Academy Montessori in San Mateo. My daughter spent a joyful two and a half years there, and as she graduates and moves on, it’s a truly bittersweet moment for both of us. The school follows the Montessori philosophy with a mixed-age classroom of about 20 students, maintaining an excellent teacher–student ratio of approximately 1:5. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed — varied, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for toddlers. I still remember my first visit during the school tour — I was immediately impressed by how clean, organized, and well-maintained the environment was. It gave me complete confidence that my daughter would be in good hands. Ms. Sophia, the principal, is not only warm and approachable but also communicates consistently and effectively with parents. All the teachers are incredibly kind, patient, and nurturing, while also fostering a respectful and well-disciplined atmosphere. Although we live quite far from the school, I never once hesitated to send my daughter there. She adapted from the very first day, thanks to the caring and supportive environment. The flexible scheduling — 2 or 3 days per week, half-day, full-day, and extended care options — also made it easier to ease her into her first school experience at her own pace. When my daughter first started, she was very shy. Over the past two years, she has blossomed into a confident, expressive little girl who knows how to share and show kindness to others. That personal growth is the best reflection of the nurturing environment at Kinder Academy. I’m deeply grateful to the entire team — Sophia, Grace, Joan, Jenny, Charlie, Linda, and Cora. They never pressure children but gently guide and encourage them to grow at their own pace. Each morning, watching my daughter walk into school with a smile and without hesitation reminded me that sending her here was one of the best decisions I’ve made for her early childhood. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving my daughter such a precious and joyful start to her educational journey.

Both of my sons have loved Kinder Academy Montessori (and my younger son is there now). The teachers are amazing -- they are gentle in guiding kids, silly and fun, and so organized with a wide variety of activities and Montessori curriculum. As part of preschool, they learn Chinese songs, do fun art projects, and have performances a few times a year. My boys have so much fun there, learn so much, and have made great friends.

I still remember touring through different preschools and meeting Ms. Sophia for the first time. I was so impressed by the way she engaged us as parents while also masterfully engaging my 3yo in an activity. Who knew such a gem was hiding in plain sight in an unassuming street in San Mateo! Having been blessed to have my three children graduate from Kinder Academy, I only have one regret: I wish we had a fourth so that our time at Kinder Academy does not have to end. Teachers at Kinder Academy are genuinely caring and thoughtful toward each child. My children have learned so much, not only academics (solar systems and biology anyone?) but also how to share and be kind. I always had 100% confidence leaving my children at Kinder Academy every morning, knowing they will have an amazing day filled with learning and fun. We met so many wonderful families through Kinder Academy, and my daughter still counts friends she made here as some of her best friends even years later. We are so lucky our kids grew up in Kinder Academy. It truly is a gem of a school for children.

We love KinderAcademy Montessori. Our son entered the school during the COVID time when we both worked from home. Like many parents experienced, it was very difficult to take care of a 3 year old while working. We were glad we toured the school a year ahead and KinderAcademy was our top choice for pre-school even before pandemic. We know the school is super clean and well organized. In case you are wondering, during the COVID period, all COVID protocols are followed strictly to ensure everyone is safe. This school is the best I heard. We are comfortable sending our little one to KinderAcademy and happy we did so early. He has been there for two years and is more than ready for kindergarten this fall. He learned so much in two years. He can take care of his own hygiene, keeping mask on in the public and washing hands often. He knows all kindergarten materials, ABC, phonics, addition, even subtraction and multiplication. He also had fun and learn new skills making all kinds of art works and dancing and singing. He loves going to KinderAcademy playing with his friends and teachers every morning. Thank you, Ms. Sophia, Ms. Linda, Ms. Jenny, and Ms. Marilyn for giving so much love to and keep nurturing our little one.

Our son absolutely love Kinder Academy and the staff there. The teachers are top notch and miss Sophia really does a great job with the curriculum but also the events that she puts on where parents are invited to watch the kids perform (Lunar New Year, Graduation, and etc.). In the two years that your son has been there for not only pre-school but also summer camp he has excelled great and not only has he made many friends but also we as parents have made many friends with the other parents. It's really a great atmosphere and community.