Top Rated 15 Schools in Palo Alto, CA - A Guide for Parents and Students

Ted W Our son has had a wonderful experience at Palo Alto Montessori School. Hes made so many friends and has developed into a very social person. The nurturing environment and the dedicated staff have played a huge role in his growth. The school always keeps us well-informed through in-person updates, emails, and regularly scheduled conferences. We couldnt be happier with the education and care he receives here

Nadine Schubert We enrolled our daughter at Palo Alto Montessori when she was 2.5 years old, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. The daycare is extremely well-run, with a highly structured daily routine that provides a sense of predictability for both children and parents. This made the transition for our daughter incredibly smooth. Palo Alto Montessori has a rich history—founded by the mother of the current owner, Dinesh, it was the first Montessori school in the Bay Area. This legacy is reflected in the school’s deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy. Our daughter had the opportunity to express her creativity and enjoy free play while also engaging in age-appropriate, hands-on learning activities. By the time she graduated, our daughter was not only academically prepared for kindergarten but also equipped with essential behavioral and social skills. What stood out the most to us was the school’s focus on fostering a love for learning. Dinesh and his team made learning exciting and joyful for our daughter, and he even provided us with excellent tips to nurture that enthusiasm at home. Overall, we feel so fortunate to have found Palo Alto Montessori.

Inna Zdikhovska This is an excellent Montessori preschool! The staff is very attentive and responsible, and my child enjoys going there every day. My daughter has learned to write letters, do math, including adding and subtracting numbers. The teachers also organized wonderful celebrations for both children and adults, adding a special atmosphere and joyful moments to our lives. Each event was carefully planned, and the children always participated actively, which contributed to their social and emotional development. I highly recommend

c au PreSchool Family is a true gem -- a play based preschool with the most wonderful teachers and strong supportive community of parents. The children have lots of fun while doing a lot of indirect learning, while very directly growing their emotional resilience and conflict resolution skills. The parent education classes are an important part of program and have been so helpful for us to learn more about development stages, supporting our child, strengthening our family and building community with other families.

Briththa Seevaratnam Wonderful preschool that combines parent education with play-based children’s classes rooted in social emotional development. Have learned so much from these incredible teachers over the years who have completely improved our perspective and approach to parenting. The structure of the program also fosters a caring community of families. It is truly a special place.

Jas Zhang "I couldn’t be more grateful to Preschool Family. This school is not just for the kids but for the parents and the entire family. While many schools focus solely on the children, Preschool Family goes beyond that by supporting the whole family. As we know, parents are a child’s most important teachers. The school not only inspires the kiddos but also equips parents with the tools to guide their children in the right direction. Childhood experiences shape a person’s entire life, and through the parenting education I received here, parts of my own childhood that I had struggled with for decades were healed. Preschool Family has a wonderful community, and the teachers are truly amazing. They are more than just educators—they are trusted friends who provide endless support. The more you open up, the more you’ll gain from the teachers and other parents. Preschool Family is not just a dream school for my child; it’s a dream school for me as well. It has left a lasting impact on our lives."

pragnya s I have two kids at Living Wisdom School, and I am extremely happy with the nurturing and holistic educational experience they are receiving. The school integrates mindfulness, creativity, and emotional intelligence into its curriculum, creating a balanced environment where students thrive both academically and personally. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and strong teacher-student relationships. One of the highlights is the annual school play, where students have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a collaborative and confidence-building performance. Additionally, activities like yoga and music are seamlessly integrated into the school experience, ensuring 360-degree development. I highly recommend Living Wisdom School for its compassionate, inclusive approach and its dedication to nurturing well-rounded, purposeful individuals.

Seulki Kim Wonderful school! My two sons really enjoyed going there. Teachers are great. They took care of their own students individually very well. Directer Helen is very warm-hearted. We appreciate her kindness and generosity. School manager Gary welcomed us and made us feel comfortable. He helped my kids get used to school. Every faculty member is wonderful. They are smart and considerable. I wish we would come back to Palo Alto, and kids could go back to Living Wisdom School. Unforgettable days!

Greg Steuck @Lunalunitas 1 star review below. I happened be at the same presentation. I considered Helens request both polite and appropriate. I would not have taken offense if her request were directed at me. I dont know what the personal follow up discussion was like. So, having being there, Im still considering LWS school for our daughter.

Alon Knaan This is a great school! The teachers are nice and a school day is always fun. I would recommend this place for everyone.

Mj Baller I am a student and it is a great place to be!!!

Irene Alvarenga Super good Mandarin language school for your children

Zelda Zhou purrfect

Michelle Lin Our daughter has been at Cornerstone for almost 2 years and we absolutely love it. Her Chinese is fluent now, and this is one of the only schools that we toured for the children actually speak to each other in Chinese on the playground, instead of reverting to English. The project based and play based curriculum for three and four-year-olds is truly unique and engaging. The teacher to student ratio is low and the teachers genuinely understand and are invested in each childs development. Unlike many traditional Chinese schools, they also focus on childrens social emotional development, and my daughter has matured substantially in this area. Helen and Teresa are wonderful and made time to meet with me anytime I had concerns. Truly, an exceptional environment for Chinese immersion, and in my opinion (after touring nearly every Chinese school) the best on the Peninsula.

Kok-Kiong Yap Excellent volunteer school that runs every Friday evening. The school has been around a long time. A great way to provide Chinese exposure to kids. The students are also fairly diverse in background, providing a good environment for kids to learn.