Almaden Parents' Preschool (APPS) in San Jose is a parent participation (or co-op) preschool with a 50-year history of providing exceptional education in a supportive, creative and safe environment. Through play-based learning, the disciplines of literature, science, art, math, culinary arts, music and creativity are unlocked.
Together, parents and teachers create an environment that is positive, safe, and fun so children can grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. At APPS, we help children reach their full potential. We are conveniently located for families looking for a preschool in Almaden Valley, Blossom Valley or nearby areas.
Together, parents and teachers create an environment that is positive, safe, and fun so children can grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. At APPS, we help children reach their full potential. We are conveniently located for families looking for a preschool in Almaden Valley, Blossom Valley or nearby areas.
Services
Almaden Parents' Pre-school was founded in 1969 by a group of parents in south San Jose who wanted to participate in their children's early childhood education. They formulated a philosophy that was based on sequential intellectual (or cognitive) development. The parents wanted to be present with their children and witness their growth and new discoveries, and used a co-op preschool model.
There is undoubtedly something special about a cooperative preschool. Our children come to play, to learn, and to grow in social skills. It is also a place where parents can learn more about their children and their important role as parents. In our child-centered environment, your child will grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
We are planning a return to the classroom for the 2021-2022 school year, and will be offering all 4 classes for children from 18 months to 5 years old. Please look over our class descriptions to see which ones would fit your child.
While we plan on opening in person and on campus for the new school year, parent participation may vary - from in-person on campus, to at home activities that support the classroom (for example, preparing art projects, bringing toys home to clean, etc.).
While we plan on opening in person and on campus for the new school year, parent participation may vary - from in-person on campus, to at home activities that support the classroom (for example, preparing art projects, bringing toys home to clean, etc.).
All our classes offer age-appropriate play, learning experiences and social activities. The play-and-learn centers in each class include arts and crafts, science, music, cooking, block building, a playhouse with dress-up costumes, a library, and activities tables for puzzles, manipulatives and play-dough.
Positive Discipline is a program designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. The teachings of Positive Discipline are filled with non-punitive, respectful methods that will incorporate kindness and firmness into parenting, help parents get to the core of their child's misbehavior, bring more joy into the home and give parents a sense of accomplishment!
Reviews (18)
Nicki B.
Feb 28, 2021
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I can not say enough about this amazing school. When i thought about the idea of looking for a preschool for my daughter, the idea seamed so daunting! "what is she doesn't like it?... what if I don't like it?".. what if? what if? what if?!! This was the first place we went to check out, and immediately knew I would look no further. My daughter felt at home instantly, which blew my mind! she didn't even notice or worry about me being there! Everyone is so kind and welcoming. Any and all questions where answered. I also love that we could be involved, that we knew what her
Poonam C.
Nov 30, 2020
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Any concerns/questions regarding your todder's milestones, social, emotional needs? Everything answered here not with just words but with actions. I have been to other parents preschool before but this one is the BEST. Friendly and welcoming community of parents and teacher Tanya is a gem. Working with her as a parent in school, I have learned so many unsaid things by just looking and observing her. She has tremendous amount of patience, good listener and can handle toddler tantrums with so much ease and confidence. She is very energetic and has good multi tasking skills. I also love the helpful
Rosemarie A.
Oct 03, 2020
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We have only experienced APPS since distance learning has taken place (late August for us) and are so far pleased with how it is going. We took a tour of the school prior to COVID and liked the parent participation aspect. For distance learning a parent or caregiver does need to be available to support 3 or 4 days a week depending on which class they are assigned to (by age). The teachers seem highly committed to helping direct and support your child's different areas of development and creating a sense of community. They have a regularly updated video library of songs, stories read, art
Kate B.
Feb 06, 2020
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I'm a newer parent to APPS and I can't say enough great things about the community and experience I've already had here. My son is easy-going and does well to adapt to new things, like his first time going to pre-school. But he has a lot of new adjustments as he has a new baby brother and started his first day here only a week after his brother was born. I adore the parents who help my son every day. I absolutely love that I can be there while on maternity leave and still be so involved in his learning experiences. I find it so amazing the support from the teachers- Miss Tanya &
Surakshya J.
Dec 29, 2019
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APPS is a wonderful co-op preschool. It is a play-based school that practices positive discipline. The community, sense of belonging and the love and kindness the teachers and parents have for their children are unparalleled. We are so lucky to be part of this amazing school and would recommend it to anyone.
Ariana Paulson
Jun 28, 2019
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I enrolled my son in the 2-day class at APPS half-way through the 2018-2019 school year after a disappointing experience with a more traditional drop-off Montessori style preschool, and I'm so glad I did. From the moment we arrived for our tour, I have been so impressed with the quality and passion of the teachers and the warm, family-like environment. Because the parent-volunteers take care of a lot of the basic care of the kids during classes, the teachers are free to really focus on the children's social, emotional, and academic development. The teachers turn every conflict and struggle that
Erin K.
May 16, 2019
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We are winding down our first year at APPS. I cannot say enough good things about his school. I truly believe that the philosophies and teachings have made me a better, more patient parent. They are incredibly welcoming and both myself and my child have made life long friends. If you enjoy being involved and are looking for a sense of community and belonging you won't be disappointed with this school.
Monica E.
Feb 28, 2019
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The 2018-2019 school year is my first here and we absolutely love it! I knew that APPS had my heart when my children and I were welcomed with warmth and a sense of community at the Welcome Back Picnic (our first time ever at APPS).
We had been touring traditional "drop off" preschools. These schools were ...too rigid... in a sense. To me it seemed they expected too much from my child who wasn't even 3 yet. The structure seemed to keep parents out and that caused me great anxiety for this crucial first time experience. Something told me to not turn in the fee for the waitlist and
We had been touring traditional "drop off" preschools. These schools were ...too rigid... in a sense. To me it seemed they expected too much from my child who wasn't even 3 yet. The structure seemed to keep parents out and that caused me great anxiety for this crucial first time experience. Something told me to not turn in the fee for the waitlist and
Holly E.
Jan 31, 2019
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Seriously, I adore this school. Please tour it and see how you feel for yourself because it is amazing!!!!
I had my daughter at a different parent participation school last year and we switched to APPS and just fell in love. Now both of my kids are enrolled here, so I am at school every day to take one or the other and I always look forward to it.
The teachers are so caring, energetic, and patient. Like seriously WAY more energy and patience than I have!! The parent participation model is different from a drop-off preschool, so it might take a bit to understand how it all works if you haven
I had my daughter at a different parent participation school last year and we switched to APPS and just fell in love. Now both of my kids are enrolled here, so I am at school every day to take one or the other and I always look forward to it.
The teachers are so caring, energetic, and patient. Like seriously WAY more energy and patience than I have!! The parent participation model is different from a drop-off preschool, so it might take a bit to understand how it all works if you haven
Andrea Canizares
Jan 28, 2019
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I can't say enough about how wonderful this school is. The community has become family, and campus has become a second home to us. The teachers are kind, caring, and offer exactly what a preschooler needs to support and prepare them for their future education. Our son is thriving in such a caring environment where he's not just learning his ABCs, but also how to play and interact kindly with his peers. When we had our second child, there was no question that APPS would become her home too. APPS will forever hold a special place in our family's heart.
Sharon S.
Nov 27, 2018
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I was hesitant to switch preschools when we moved to this area but now I wish we had found APPS sooner! The teachers are amazing. Knowledgeable, patient, energetic and interactive. I love that the school focuses on parent education and offers resources to help each family with their unique challenges. It is a great community and has worked out so well for my son who is very anxious.
Amy F.
Apr 19, 2018
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I stayed home for 3 years with my son and was ready to go back to work, so I put him in a different preschool (full-day program), only to be dismayed at the result. When I'd bring him home, he'd tell me things like "I was a bad boy, so I sat in the blue chair today". My relationship with him was suffering. They'd literally have to rip him off me when I would drop him off, but when we got home he'd act out, hit me, and throw tantrums more than ever!
After 2 months we decided to switch gears and brought him to APPS. There's no question in my mind that it's
After 2 months we decided to switch gears and brought him to APPS. There's no question in my mind that it's
Anthony L.
Aug 25, 2016
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My twins attended the 2-day class during the 2015-2016 school year; we just loved Sanyoo's care. empathy, and teachings for all of the students. The play-based curriculum is awesome for pre-schoolers to have an environment to thrive and learn. We enjoyed volunteering with other parents during the class time to help out around the scoolroom/yard (and also get to peek on our kids developing social skills and playtime with others).
We especially enjoyed the rotating science projects, art projects and other hands-on activities...many were a first for my kids. I highly recommend any pre-school
We especially enjoyed the rotating science projects, art projects and other hands-on activities...many were a first for my kids. I highly recommend any pre-school
Jamie S.
Jul 12, 2016
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Simply outstanding.
Before I begin let me say at first I was a bit skeptical of the idea of a parent participation pre-school. I envisioned the sorta place where the kids don't wear shoes and folks stand around discussing organic squash seeds.
Both of our kids went through APPS and I've been impressed on every level.
THE KIDS - they provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow, learn, and develop. My son and daughter were very well prepared for Kindergarten developmentally, academically, and confidence-wise.
THE PARENTS - they provide us with practical tools and
Before I begin let me say at first I was a bit skeptical of the idea of a parent participation pre-school. I envisioned the sorta place where the kids don't wear shoes and folks stand around discussing organic squash seeds.
Both of our kids went through APPS and I've been impressed on every level.
THE KIDS - they provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow, learn, and develop. My son and daughter were very well prepared for Kindergarten developmentally, academically, and confidence-wise.
THE PARENTS - they provide us with practical tools and
Lynn H.
Jul 10, 2016
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My daughter attended the 2-Day class at Almaden Parents' Pre-school (APPS) for the 2015-2016 school year, taught by Ms. Sanyoo Bharadwaj. In that time, I observed Ms. Sanyoo's unwavering patience, playful nature and immense love for the children. Our class is structured such that there are 6-7 parents working each day, alongside Ms. Sanyoo. Our duties rotated each week amongst the various stations - kitchen, science, outside, playhouse/circle time area, block area, sensory and art. There is never an instance where a child is left alone or even with only one parent.
The children are given
The children are given
Melissa N.
Jul 10, 2016
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My older one just graduated from their 4-day class and as he moves on to Kinder, our family has made the decision to enroll our younger one into the 2-day class! What I love about APPS is not just the many well-equipped stations (opportunities) children have to explore, build, and become little scholars. More importantly, it's the dedicated social and emotional learning aspect which shapes the way these young ones care for themselves and others.
I want to share one (of many many) stories that really helped me see the beauty of this school. It happened on a day I was volunteering in the classroom
I want to share one (of many many) stories that really helped me see the beauty of this school. It happened on a day I was volunteering in the classroom
Ruzan B.
Mar 04, 2016
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APPS is a great pre-school! My son has flourished so much in this school. Teacher Sanyoo is a gem! She is not only a great teacher but an awesome mentor for all us parents.
Positive discipline has made me a more understanding and better parent. Most importantly, I get to be a part of my child's education and watch my child learn and grow. I highly recommend APPS.
Positive discipline has made me a more understanding and better parent. Most importantly, I get to be a part of my child's education and watch my child learn and grow. I highly recommend APPS.
Eileen Brown
Oct 26, 2014
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My child attended here for 4 years. The teachers are amazing. Positive discipline is used and taught to the parents, and it made such an amazing change to the relationship I have with my child. I loved the hands on parent participation, and knowing that my child was being played with, encouraged, and supervised by other loving parents. It is an amazingly supportive, and kind environment. I highly suggest it!
