We believe that children learn by doing
investigate
We inspire children to learn by creating an engaging environment full of learning opportunities. We encourage children to explore, investigate, create and discover their passions.
create
Our bright, airy classrooms are packed with materials to engage and support creativity and curiosity. We draw from the experts in the field including Maria Montessori, The Reggio-Emilia Approach, Waldorf and more. We don’t adhere rigidly to any single system.
discover
At Berkeley Little School each child’s initiative and independence is recognized, celebrated, and supported. Children have the opportunity to try out a number of structured activities and materials that emphasize the use of all senses as they learn about the world around them.
About Berkeley Little School
Friendships
Each child’s independence is recognized, celebrated and supported.
Our Community
Acts of kindness, giving back and environmental stewardship, these are all ways that children at Rockridge Little School contribute to their community.
Your Family
The school is a place where parents should feel comfortable and inspired.
Our Teachers
Our teachers ensure that every child feels gifted, respected, responsible and profoundly cherished.
Academic Enrichment
Chickens and gardens and airplanes…everything is a subject for study.
Cultural Enhancement
Our goal is to make sure kids have the chance to feed their natural curiosity about the world around them.
Our Story
Our historic little school is one of the oldest preschools in the Bay Area. It was founded in 1949 by Gay Austin with a simple but profound idea: follow the child. Many of our most respected early childhood educators began their careers at the school. It was a time when child care was a controversial idea and these leaders knew children and parents both benefited. They didn’t have the term “preschool for all” but that’s exactly what they were trying to create. From the seeds of Gay Austin School, grew many of the preschools we depend on today.
In 2019, after many years of admiring the school, Holly Gold took a leap of faith and made the commitment to carry on the legacy after longtime educator, Bonnie Raetz, announced her retirement. Holly is the owner of Rockridge Little School and has committed her professional life to doing what makes her most happy, making the world a better place through work with children. Inspired by the ideas of Maria Montesorri, Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf), Reggio Emilia and The Rockridge Little School Way, she is honored to continue the legacy that so many before her began.