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Our Programs

Our thoughtfully designed programs nurture the whole child through every stage of early childhood. Rooted in purposeful play, they foster confidence, independence, creativity, and social-emotional growth while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and a joyful transition to school.

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Nursery (Age 2)

Our Nursery program provides a warm, nurturing introduction to school and is often a child’s very first experience away from home. We thoughtfully support this important transition by creating an environment where children feel safe, loved, and excited to explore. Through responsive teaching and gentle guidance, students begin building confidence, independence, and meaningful friendships.

At the heart of the program is a play-based curriculum designed to support the whole child. Each day balances joyful exploration with thoughtfully structured activities that foster early cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.

Daily experiences include:

  • Circle Time & Music to strengthen language, rhythm, listening, and social connection

  • Free Choice Play to encourage curiosity, creativity, and independent exploration

  • Art Experiences that inspire imagination and fine motor development

  • Movement & Dance to support coordination, confidence, and self-expression

  • Small Group Learning with stories, conversation, and language-rich activities

  • Hands-On Unit Projects that connect children to the world through sensory exploration and discovery

  • Toileting Independence Support to encourage confidence and autonomy during important developmental milestones

 

With a 1:6 teacher-to-child ratio and just 12 students per class, every child receives the personalized attention needed to thrive. Nursery is a joyful first school experience where toddlers grow into confident, curious learners ready for the next stage of childhood.

Preschool (Ages 3-4)

Building on the strong foundation established in Nursery, our Preschool program encourages children to deepen their independence, strengthen social relationships, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

At this stage, children are naturally curious and eager to engage more fully with the world around them. Our experienced teachers thoughtfully guide students through a balance of play-based exploration and age-appropriate structure, helping them build confidence while introducing foundational academic and life skills.

Through collaborative projects, hands-on materials, imaginative play, and intentional classroom routines, children begin exploring early concepts in literacy, math, science, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Daily experiences include:

  • Circle Time to promote communication, listening, and group participation

  • Free Choice Play to foster creativity, autonomy, and social development

  • Project-Based Learning that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking through engaging weekly themes

  • Creative Art & Fine Motor Activities to support self-expression and coordination

  • Daily Enrichment Classes including Gymnastics, Amazing Athletes, and Gardening
     

With a 1:7 teacher-to-child ratio and a class size of 14 students, every child is deeply known and supported. Preschoolers leave the program with growing independence, strengthened social-emotional skills, and the confidence to embrace new challenges with resilience and curiosity.

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Pre-K (Ages 4-5)

Pre-K is the grand finale of the Little School experience, and we make it count. This joyful and enriching year is intentionally designed to give children the confidence, skills, and independence to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.

In our warm, play-based environment, students are both nurtured and challenged through a thoughtfully designed curriculum filled with hands-on learning, creative exploration, and meaningful real-world experiences. Small class sizes and a 1:7 teacher-to-student ratio allow teachers to truly know each child and tailor the learning experience to support their individual growth, interests, and learning style. Families remain closely connected through ongoing teacher communication, detailed weekly newsletters, and daily photo updates.

Through engaging themes, collaborative projects, and immersive classroom experiences, students build strong foundations in literacy, math, science, problem-solving, and social-emotional development while continuing to learn through play and discovery. The program also encourages cultural awareness by frequently introducing kids to different traditions, perspectives, and experiences from around the world.

Pre-K experiences include:

  • Zoophonics paired with thoughtfully curated weekly letter themes helps build strong alphabet recognition, phonemic awareness, and early literacy skills

  • Cultural Exploration through art, music, stories, dramatic play, and sensory experiences

  • Weekly STEAM Projects that spark innovation, curiosity, and critical thinking

  • Hiking & Nature Play to encourage resilience, confidence, and connection to the outdoors

  • Cooking & Gardening to foster responsibility, patience, and environmental awareness

  • Creative Arts & Self-Expression to nurture imagination and individuality

  • Amazing Athletes & Yoga to support mindfulness, balance, coordination, and body awareness

By the end of Pre-K, Little School graduates leave as confident, compassionate, and capable learners who are socially prepared, emotionally resilient, and academically ready to flourish in Kindergarten and beyond.

Eligibility and Schedule

Here is a breakdown of schedules and eligibility by grade. Our program is intentionally structured to match each stage of early development and ease children into the rhythm of school.

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Nursery

Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15 AM–12:30 PM
Eligibility: Must turn 2 on or before September 1, potty training not required. 

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Preschool

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 AM–2:15 PM
Eligibility: Must turn 3 on or before September 1 and no longer napping.

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Pre-K

Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM–2:15 PM
Eligibility: Must turn 4 on or before September 1 and no longer napping.

Start Your Journey With Us

Enrollment for the next two school years is now open. Apply today to secure your child's spot in our nurturing and engaging learning environment!

The Little School Tiburon

We are a private non-profit preschool with a 501(c)3 status. 

Open Monday - Friday

8:15am - 2:15pm

(415) 435-3521 

heatherdobrin22@gmail.com 

11 Shepherd Way

Tiburon, CA 94920

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