Love breathes new life into education, freeing the mind to learn in new and creative ways. Students receive a high-quality education with a strong infusion of the arts, and learn to live the values of harmony, compassion, and service to others. We celebrate creative expression, human diversity, and the unity of all life.
Our student body is a vibrant mix of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. I never planned to send my children to private school, and then I found The Meher Schools. Everyone who works at the school exudes compassion and loving kindness. I know the values we teach at home are being reinforced at the school.
Our student body is a vibrant mix of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. I never planned to send my children to private school, and then I found The Meher Schools. Everyone who works at the school exudes compassion and loving kindness. I know the values we teach at home are being reinforced at the school.
Services
The Meher Schools (K-5) and The White Pony (preschool) offer programs for children two years old through fifth grade, with a focus on serving the needs of working parents by providing child care programs, even for very young children. We believe in the unity of life-of creeds, races, and all mankind.
We offer year-round preschool and K - 5 programs, morning-to-evening daycare, and a solid academic program. Our students receive a high-quality education with a strong infusion of the arts, and learn to live the values of harmony, compassion, and service to others. Our school environment fosters cooperation rather than competition, and an atmosphere that celebrates creative expression, human diversity, and the unity of all life.
Children's days are full of music, dance, art, nature exploration, and activities that instill curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning. Our program is based on sound developmental principles, encouraging children to explore interests in the world around them and the interior world of their feelings, spirit, and the magical realms of preschool thinking.
Kindergarten is a time to build a strong foundation for life-long learners. Five- and six-year-olds explore learning through structured activities, and happy balance of work, art, and play time. A clear, predictable schedule, theme-based curriculum, and hands-on projects provide opportunities for students to learn about the world around them through teacher-guided and independent activities.
Our elementary program encourages children to strive for high standards of academic excellence while learning the enduring values of cooperation, community, and service to the world. Opportunities for small-group and individual work are varied and plentiful with two teachers per classroom. Teaching teams model cooperation and share instruction.
Reviews (13)
T. C.
Jan 11, 2022
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Isabelle L.
Jul 02, 2021
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I called them to ask if a spot available in their preschool. The woman who received the call was lukewarm-- just saying that there would no personal tour, which I can understand during the Covid. So I asked if they have any spots, the women said that they had a few spots left and "you can submit an application and we would invite for an interview if we see fit"-- okay you can interview us for fit, fair. So I went to their webpage, paid $40, and spent over an hour just to fill in a long application, from child's personality, temperature, to family education philosophy, and previous
Karima H.
May 12, 2021
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I've spent much of my life at The Meher School, both as a student and a teacher, and our son attended from age 2 in the preschool through 5th grade. I have taught in other schools but there's no where else I'd rather be but Meher. It's a great place to see people practicing compassion and fostering community.
Joseph S.
Mar 17, 2021
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What an extraordinary school. They use the Nurtured-Heart Approach, which means that discipline is achieved by reinforcing and encouraging desired behavior, as opposed to putting the focus on punishing undesirable behavior. The atmosphere on campus is therefore very safe and loving. In my experience, it's a place where the child's individual strengths are emphasized, and their most elevated qualities allowed to bloom.
Laura R.
Feb 21, 2021
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I attended this school from preschool through fifth grade, and it is such a special school. Nowhere else did I feel so much love and support from my teachers. So much work goes into nurturing student confidence, cooperation, and perseverance. The values that were instilled in me as a child have stayed with me forever and helped me find success in all my academic endeavors following the Meher Schools. The school is so special l even came back to work here as a teacher! The supportive and collaborative environment extends into the teacher, staff, and administrative community. It is a wonderful place
Wendy R.
Feb 12, 2021
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I have been associated with The Meher Schools for over 35 years. My first contact was as a researcher on a longitudinal study that assessed teacher and parent interventions aimed at promoting prosocial development (helping, compassion, kindness--what we now call "ESL"-social-emotional learning.) I remember clearly the palpable wave of loving energy when I first set foot on campus. I have been there ever since! My son started there when they had a baby room, and his daughter now attends The White Pony, Meher Schools' preschool.
You won't find another school community (teachers
You won't find another school community (teachers
Arwen Z.
Jul 24, 2020
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This is my sons second year in the white pony preschool program and he/we could not be happier. He is excited to go to school everyday. His teachers have all been miracle workers and I have witnessed time and time again their never ending patience and the loving care provided to all the children. The way things have been handled during the pandemic has been stellar with clear communication and compassion, both to the community at large but also to the attending families and their financial situations. I feel so thankful to be a part of such a great community and plan to keep my son there until
Jen J.
Jun 18, 2020
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This is a beautiful, individual child-focused school with a strong focus on the arts. My daughter is flourishing at White Pony and asks every day when she can go back to school. We love all of the staff, teachers and administration. They are a non-profit and operate lean, but without sacrificing the health and growth of the child and remaining child-centric throughout. Most exceptionally, the way they have handled the shelter in place shutdowns could not have been better. They were transparent and fair, focused on helping families and not their own bottom line. Well done Meher School and White
Amy O.
Jun 21, 2019
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Both of my children went from preschool all the way to the fifth grade at The Meher Schools. The Meher Schools has become something of a second home to my entire family. My Dad, a retired principal from a Sonoma County public elementary school, ended up volunteering at The Meher Schools for 12 years. My son, who is now heAded off to college, jumps at the chance to go back and say hi to the teachers and admin he loves.
I would say this school more than prepared my kids to move on in education. The report they are asked to do in the fifth grade rivals any report my son was asked to do in middle
I would say this school more than prepared my kids to move on in education. The report they are asked to do in the fifth grade rivals any report my son was asked to do in middle
Olga J.
Jun 13, 2017
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We are so lucky we found this school for our kids. It's full of love for children. Both of my kids have been so happy and comfortable there (we just finished our 3rd year with this school). They always want to play longer when I come to pick them up. The teachers are wonderful. And after school program i think is one of the best there is. We leave in Walnut Creek and have access to very good public schools. But we will not leave the White Pony till both kids graduate from the 5th grade here
Louise N.
May 11, 2017
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No words can adequacy express how much my children and I love this school. My daughter started in preschool and is now in the third grade at the Meher School. She has grown into a person who is confident in her ability to learn anything and is respected by her peers and teachers for her opinions. My son is in kindergarten and can't wait to get to school in the morning. I feel my children are nurtured and taught to respect others during the day, which reinforces the values that I teach them at home.
Ruth D.
Aug 04, 2016
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My daughter went to the preschool, White Pony, for two years, and she/we had a great experience. The teachers were very caring and loving. The teachers and the administration were flexible and open-minded. This school has been around for 40 years and doesn't advertise yet always has a waiting list. There is a culture of love and respect here that is palpable. And the adults teach the children love and respect by modeling that behavior. They are a non-profit and many (all?) of the teachers/administrators take lower salaries because the school's mission is to be a service to the community
Anik G.
Jul 14, 2016
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I would not send my preschool child there. Daniella the director is RUDE. She will take your money for registration & be nice for that, then its all DOWNHILL after that.
The place is inexpensive...and you get what you pay for in terms of administration of the place, the teachers - though there are a few that are good. There are quite a few concerning comments on Lamorinda moms, I wish I had paid more attention to them BEFORE.
As for the elementary school - I really don't know but if its the same administration and Daniella runs it, then my guess is they are also focused on dollars and
The place is inexpensive...and you get what you pay for in terms of administration of the place, the teachers - though there are a few that are good. There are quite a few concerning comments on Lamorinda moms, I wish I had paid more attention to them BEFORE.
As for the elementary school - I really don't know but if its the same administration and Daniella runs it, then my guess is they are also focused on dollars and
