Utopia Preschool is a play-based program in San Francisco that supports children in a safe, inclusive and inviting classroom environment. We strive to encourage curiosity, kindness, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Our preschool operates on a ten-month program from mid-August through June.
For the 2021-2022 school year, we will operate from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and offer 12:00 pm pick-up and 3:30 pm pick-up options. For more information, please see our 2021-2022 Utopia Parent Handbook. Apply online for Utopia Preschool or visit St. Thomas More School's website, if you are interested in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to 8th grade.
For the 2021-2022 school year, we will operate from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and offer 12:00 pm pick-up and 3:30 pm pick-up options. For more information, please see our 2021-2022 Utopia Parent Handbook. Apply online for Utopia Preschool or visit St. Thomas More School's website, if you are interested in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to 8th grade.
Services
Our goal at Utopia Preschool is to promote each child's love of learning and help them to develop a positive self-image and an awareness of others. We encourage children to value, understand, and respect the cultures, languages, and diversity of families that create our preschool community. Learning takes place while respecting each child's developmental abilities, style of learning, and individual pace.
Our preschool program is open to children 3-5 years old. The preschool application is available online and must be submitted with the non-refundable application fee of $60. The first round of acceptance letters will be mailed out in late January for the following school year. Currently, we will not be providing in-person tours as we prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff.
Our program promotes learning through play, social interactions and hands-on exploration. We provide a variety of individualized materials and activities based on our observations of each child's skills and interests. This is an approach that enables our teachers to provide interesting activities for every child within our rich classroom environment.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently live in Burlingame with my husband, our two children, and our dogs, Ollie and Daisy. I love living in our vibrant and diverse Bay Area community! I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2003 with my Bachelors degree in Psychology and completed my Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) at Fordham University in New York City in 2007.
Reviews (15)
Christine R.
Mar 04, 2021
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We love Utopia! The teachers are great, attentive, responsive and truly care about the kids. The classroom is clean and filled with fun learning areas that are age appropriate from literacy, dramatic play, exploratory, nature & science, art & a lot more. Our daughter didn't complete the whole school year due to COVID, but even in the short span of time she spent at Utopia, we noticed a big change in her social & emotional development. I love how they teach kids independence at such a young age. We will definitely be back!
Marianna Y.
Jan 28, 2021
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When it was time to find a preschool for my little one back in 2018, I did a lot of research and took a few tours. I knew as soon as Rachelle (preschool director) gave us the tour for Utopia, it would be our choice. She wasn't pushy, super understanding and gave us plenty of advice. Little did I know, this preschool and it's teachers would be something I will forever be so grateful for. Every single teacher and teacher assistant are phenomenal, patient and understanding with each student and their personality. They helped us tremendously with our son and always made us feel at home. We
Angel G.
Jan 13, 2021
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Utopia to absolutely AMAZING!!! The entire staff is truly one of a kind. Aside from being so caring, open and transparent with everything they do, they also take the time to really listen to the parents and do their very best to be there for the families in any and every capacity. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Utopia to everyone who is interested and able to attend this wonderful school!
Marie C.
Jan 12, 2021
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We sent our three and half year old son to Utopia. We had a pleasant experience from the start. The tour and application process made us feel comfortable moving forward with sending our son. We were able to visit the classroom outside of the tour and were welcomed by all the teachers. Our son loved attending Utopia, he made wonderful friends, felt comfortable, felt safe and was prepared for Kindergarten. We are planning on sending our younger child to Utopia when old enough!
Bee T.
Jan 11, 2021
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I cannot say enough great things about the preschool staff at Utopia. Every teacher is supportive of not only our children's developmental needs inside of the classroom, but away from the classroom. By the end of my daughters first year, ages 3-4, she was writing her name and her communication skills were phenomenal. The classroom is clean and organized and each child washes their hands upon entry. I could go on forever about all of the good things going on at Utopia, but I'll conclude by highly recommending this preschool to parents.
Stacey I.
Jun 24, 2017
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A decently perfect school that is safe, small (class capacity, in a good way), and taken care of due to the school and its caring staff.
Aside from the tuition being slightly high (around ~ 8K a year), it most definitely is worth it putting your child through this adorable preschool that has the sweetest of staff taking care of the kids.
When it comes to snack time, of course they make the kids healthy small breakfast for the morning when everyone is settled, something to get them going(for example: milk with crackers or fruit, it varies). According to my little sister, its enjoyable so i guess
Aside from the tuition being slightly high (around ~ 8K a year), it most definitely is worth it putting your child through this adorable preschool that has the sweetest of staff taking care of the kids.
When it comes to snack time, of course they make the kids healthy small breakfast for the morning when everyone is settled, something to get them going(for example: milk with crackers or fruit, it varies). According to my little sister, its enjoyable so i guess
Helen S.
May 08, 2017
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My special needs son attended Utopia for a year before moving onto kindergarten and it was by far the best school he attended. The teachers were so accommodating, kind and caring. they never gave up on my son and found ways for him to participate and to get him to participate with the class. I have a case manager from the school district come to the school to consult and they did not bat an eye and were so will to listen to suggest and try them. My son made so much growth during his time at Utopia! He went from not participating to making friend a friend and joining in group activities. Wonderful
Sophia R.
Feb 09, 2017
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My daughter went to Utopia Preschool for 2 years! She absolutely loved going to school everyday. My daughter enjoyed all her teachers, who helped mold her into the wonderful student she is today. My daughter is now in 1st grade and is at a second grade reading level and excels in all subjects. I highly recommend this preschool to anyone looking for an educational, caring, safe and all around amazing school.
Maria S.
Feb 02, 2017
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This is a long overdue review, but it's totally worth it. My twin girls both attended Utopia full-time, 5 days a week and they and myself absolutely loved it! The space is very fun and inviting. The activities done with the children are well thought out. They are always open to have parents come in to volunteer. The teachers are all so wonderful. I felt very safe having my girls there. At the graduation I was the one tears because you become a family. They are simply wonderful and if you have any questions, I am an open book. LOVED our time at Utopia:)
Jill W.
Jan 23, 2017
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We moved my son to Utopia this year as a Pre-K student. I absolutely love this school for so many reasons.
* The teachers - They are constantly in tune with the children and provide the proper guidance in a very organic way - allowing the children to expand upon their interests. I have watched the teachers interact with the children and am always impressed. Lets face it, kids are going to have conflict with each other at this age. The way it is dealt with at Utopia is always amazing to watch and gives me ideas on how to deal with it at home (between siblings).
The other day I went to
* The teachers - They are constantly in tune with the children and provide the proper guidance in a very organic way - allowing the children to expand upon their interests. I have watched the teachers interact with the children and am always impressed. Lets face it, kids are going to have conflict with each other at this age. The way it is dealt with at Utopia is always amazing to watch and gives me ideas on how to deal with it at home (between siblings).
The other day I went to
Mary K.
Nov 21, 2016
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My daughter was a Utopia preschooler for 3 years. The entire experience for us, but more importantly for her, was stellar. The preschool is thoroughly grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach where the children are encouraged to discover, create, inquire, explore, connect and experience their school day as apprentices in their learning vs. receivers of information. It is wholly child-centered where creativity is valued and sensory experiences are constantly offered.
At the start of the school year, the classroom looks like a canvas waiting to be painted upon with blank walls and empty ceiling
At the start of the school year, the classroom looks like a canvas waiting to be painted upon with blank walls and empty ceiling
Joyce T.
Nov 17, 2016
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AMAZING amazing amazing preschool. What a hidden gem tucked away in a lush green part of San Francisco. Many preschools talk about being child directed and "Reggio", but at Utopia Preschool I see it lived out everyday. The teachers are very intentional in how they extend childrens' play and they develop the curriculum organically from observing the children's interests. For example, when there was an interest in restaurant play, the the kids made menus, counted pretend money, discussed favorite restaurants, engaged in all kinds of role-playing, and even held a "restaurant
Lisa V.
Dec 13, 2012
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This is an amazing preschool. I have been wanting to write a review for a while, but have procrastinated because I wasn't sure I could put into words all the wonderful things about it. Here is my best try....
First off, the director of the preschool, has an amazing understanding of young children and their development. She was a constant role model to me on how to treat children with the respect, intelligence and the kindness and understanding they deserve. When I first approached the school after having a bad experience at his previous preschool and being candid about this and what I thought
First off, the director of the preschool, has an amazing understanding of young children and their development. She was a constant role model to me on how to treat children with the respect, intelligence and the kindness and understanding they deserve. When I first approached the school after having a bad experience at his previous preschool and being candid about this and what I thought
Kari G.
Jul 25, 2012
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I have three children and all of them loved Utopia. They'll tell you it's because they have fun, but here's why I love this program.
1. CHILD FOCUSED - The teachers listen to the children and plan the lessons around their interests. This isn't just lip service. I've seen them put this into action.
2. SPECIAL NEEDS - Two of my three children have severe speech issues. The teachers at Utopia have been amazing. They've met with the speech therapist, reviewed the IEPs and their patient when it gets frustrating.
3. PREPARED FOR KINDERGARTEN - My kids left this program
1. CHILD FOCUSED - The teachers listen to the children and plan the lessons around their interests. This isn't just lip service. I've seen them put this into action.
2. SPECIAL NEEDS - Two of my three children have severe speech issues. The teachers at Utopia have been amazing. They've met with the speech therapist, reviewed the IEPs and their patient when it gets frustrating.
3. PREPARED FOR KINDERGARTEN - My kids left this program
Julia M.
Mar 16, 2010
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My son just started at this school after a year and a half at another preschool in San Francisco. We have been consistently impressed with the teachers and the program at Utopia. The teachers are very energetic and full of enthusiasm and new ideas. Every day I drop off or pick up my son I see the children doing lots of interesting things, from playing musical painting, creating 'volcanoes', making rolly-polly houses from recycled materials and more. They also do a good job of exposing the children to letters and numbers and other pre-k activities in a way that is very interesting to the
