MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL
"Maybeck High School is named after the regional architect Bernard Maybeck (1862-1957), whose work represents imagination and excellence and provides a model for the school's vision of education. Bernard Maybeck's concern for the environment and his appreciation for disciplined technique inspired his use of local natural materials and superb craftsmanship within the existing landscape. The school works to achieve a similar union between the traditional study of academic subject matter and the exploration and appreciation of nature.
Maybeck, established in 1972, is a vibrant community dedicated to learning, where all forms of diversity can flourish amid mutual support, respect, and responsibility. Through our small classes, high expectations, academic excellence, and programs outside the school, students prepare for college and acquire the tools to engage actively and creatively in the wider world.
Our small classes foster close relationships between students and the faculty; student-teacher dialogue frequently extends outside of the classroom. Students forge life-long friendships with each other as well as with faculty members. Maybeck welcomes students of all backgrounds and provides a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their self-expression and be themselves. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Our seminar-style classes encourage students to be fully present in the classroom. All students have a contact teacher whom they can consult about any issue, and our counselor works closely with students up to and throughout the college application process.
At Maybeck, we hold high expectations and we expect our students to be responsible and personally invested in their education. Maybeck graduates are accepted by and attend a wide range of universities, colleges, and professional schools. Our advanced academic electives resemble college seminars, and graduates regularly tell us how well Maybeck prepared them for college."
https://www.maybeckhs.org/
MONTEVERDE PRESCHOOL
"The layout and aesthetic design of our space is very important to us. The environment acts as another teacher by presenting the children with many rich learning experiences. We believe it should feel like home with cozy spaces and a feeling of ownership. The space needs to provide opportunities for big energy but also places that invite quiet time with a friend or even allow for alone time. The space should be full of light and natural materials, creating a place where curiosity and wonder are encouraged.
We have two light filled classrooms which open out on to our large play yard. One classroom is a dedicated art room. The other classroom has many distinct spaces and is ever-changing. It includes a loft, a writing area, a book corner, a light table, and the always-popular hammock. In the play yard you will find a large sandbox, a climbing structure, lots of room for bike riding and ball playing, a treehouse, a garden and our special wilderness area named by the children: The Bongo. Lastly, we have a very large room down a few stairs that contains a kitchen play area with many dress-up options, a large block area and plenty of room for movement activities. This is also where we gather as a community for circle time, where we do cooking projects and where we eat snack and lunch. Since we have a mixed-age setting, all spaces are available to all the children."
https://www.monteverdeschool.org/
ST. JOHN'S CHILDCARE PROGRAM
"Family focused, inclusive, play based, individualized preschool & childcare for children from 3 months to 5 yrs, at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. St. John’s Childcare center was created in 1973 by St. John’s Presbyterian Church to meet a need in the community. Since then, we have expanded into a non-profit, multicultural, non-denominational program serving infants and toddlers, and now preschool age children.
St John’s Childcare Center is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of parents, community members, and members of St. John’s Presbyterian Church. The Board meets monthly to discuss the program, staff, budget, and general goings-on of the center. Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare to really little kids (from 3 months to 5 years).
We celebrate the diversity of our families and staff by encouraging respect and acceptance of all people. We believe that children learn valuable social skills and respect differences in an environment that is multicultural. We believe in inclusion, and will accommodate children with disabilities and other special needs, supporting the individual needs of each child and making sure every child feels welcome."
https://stjohnschildcareberkeley.com/