At Skytown, teachers and parents work together to create a play-based, emergent curriculum. Our goal is to support the development of self-confident, self-aware, compassionate and empathetic human beings. Children are encouraged to use a wide variety of materials to explore their world, building their skills in literacy, math, and science.
The multi-age classroom allows for daily practice in social skills and communication. Skytown teachers choose our school for the unusual experience of collaborating closely with parents. Our dedicated staff makes sure the classroom is a rich environment, so as our children learn about their world, we parents learn about our children.
The multi-age classroom allows for daily practice in social skills and communication. Skytown teachers choose our school for the unusual experience of collaborating closely with parents. Our dedicated staff makes sure the classroom is a rich environment, so as our children learn about their world, we parents learn about our children.
Services
Skytown is one of the few co-operative schools in the Bay Area that offers both a toddler program and a preschool program. We offer play-based, emergent curriculum and a part-time schedule. Skytown's preschool classroom is big and bright, with many different areas to explore. Every day there are new activities to intrigue and challenge preschoolers of all ages.
Skytown is a play-based preschool. We use elements of the Reggio Emilia philosophy to allow the curriculum to emerge from the children's own interests. Children move freely indoors and outdoors for most of the day, exploring their world as they choose. During this exploration they deepen their understanding of the natural world, math and science, literacy, and art.
I have been an educator for 34 years. For most of that time I have worked with toddlers and preschoolers. I have also taught in elementary school, taught early childhood education courses at the university level, and led parenting classes. At all levels my work in education has filled my life with joy and a deep respect for young children and their families.
As a cooperative preschool, community is an essential element of who we are. We are a nurturing and supportive community of children, families, teachers and staff who practice "love in action." This love can be witnessed between the family and teacher relationships, through a sense of care and support among the parent community when things get hard, and in the supportive environment we create for children to grow.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is one of our 7 core values and guides our work together as a coop community. We work to create a deep sense of inclusion and belonging--where everyone in our community is welcomed, valued, seen and are able to bring their authentic and whole selves forward. We promote curiosity and understanding of experiences and viewpoints other than our own while upholding principles of fairness and justice.
Reviews (12)
Amy C.
Jul 23, 2019
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Skytown Preschool has been amazing for my 2 kids (the youngest is just about to graduate) and for our family. I don't how else to describe it except to say that is a magical place for both the children and the parents. The children are treated and spoken to with respect for their individual abilities and personalities. There are no mistakes, only learning opportunities to practice empathy, kindness, creativity, and their unique strengths. The children graduate from this preschool with a strong sense of self, understanding conflict resolution and how to advocate for themselves and others. They
Kerri N.
May 21, 2016
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Grace Karuna J.
Mar 31, 2016
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Skytown is amazing! My son started Skytown two years ago, and my daughter started last fall. I'm deeply grateful for the honest caring and depth of understanding the teachers have of supporting our kids to truly thrive and grow. I have seen how my son has completely transformed from a shy, unexpressive, and frustrated child, to being open and relaxed enough to express his thoughts and emotions, even during the most difficult of times. I feel this transformation was only possible due to the integrity of the program, teachers and community allowing my child to grow and at his own pace and feel
Jenny B.
Mar 21, 2016
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Our daughter has been at Skytown for almost 2 years and we couldn't be happier. She started on the pre-school side when she was almost 3 and we're starting our son on the on toddler side when he's 2. I truly feel that there's no better place for my children to be during the day. The children are allowed to move between the inside and outside whenever they like. There's a beautiful (edible!) garden for them to explore. There are classroom pets that they have named and are able to interact with and learn about (a snake, tortoise and fish). There is structure for the children
Alissa B.
Aug 30, 2014
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Our son started in the Toddler Room at Skytown when he was 18 months old and we couldn't be happier with the school! Our son has really blossomed here, developing language at a rapid pace and learning how to interact with other children AND - just as important - other adults. After just 8 months, he now knows how to ask for help, take turns, and communicate his needs verbally. Of course there are conflicts that arise (hitting, grabbing, biting), but they are always dealt with in a very loving and caring way towards all parties involved.
My favorite thing about Skytown is the parent education
My favorite thing about Skytown is the parent education
Emily S.
Jul 14, 2014
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Both of my children attend/ have attended Skytown and I can't say enough about how wonderful an experience it has been this far! My son started when he was three and my daughter started when she was 18 months old.
The teachers are caring and supportive of the children and very much take into account the wishes/beliefs/preferences of families. The emergent curriculum allows children to explore their world and learn according to their interests. It is also amazing to participate, get familiar with the children and parents in the community and get parenting guidance from the teachers. (My husband
The teachers are caring and supportive of the children and very much take into account the wishes/beliefs/preferences of families. The emergent curriculum allows children to explore their world and learn according to their interests. It is also amazing to participate, get familiar with the children and parents in the community and get parenting guidance from the teachers. (My husband
Sue W.
Mar 19, 2014
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My daughter has gone to Skytown since she was 18 months old (she's five now) and has loved every day of it. The school is a parent cooperative but there are options for "buying out" of participation if needed. The school follows an emergent curriculum, mostly in line with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which gives the kids a lot of freedom over how they spend their days. There is a large, sunny outdoor space with lots of opportunity for running, climbing, social interaction, art & sensory experiences. The teachers and the whole parent community are amazing. We're going
Maria W.
Mar 18, 2014
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We and another European family started with our kids in the toddler room..we both left within 2 months and found sthg much better.
Skytown might be a better school for preschool kids: they have a bigger playground and more toys - they even have shadow places in their garden. And when we had to collaborate at the work party, all the efforts only went to the preschool side.
The toddler side on the other hand is terrible: There are rotten toys (e.g a dino with 3 legs, a montessori marble run that is missing some tracks and thus won´t work anymore - when we asked to repair it, it never appeared
Skytown might be a better school for preschool kids: they have a bigger playground and more toys - they even have shadow places in their garden. And when we had to collaborate at the work party, all the efforts only went to the preschool side.
The toddler side on the other hand is terrible: There are rotten toys (e.g a dino with 3 legs, a montessori marble run that is missing some tracks and thus won´t work anymore - when we asked to repair it, it never appeared
Rachael S.
May 02, 2012
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This is a fantastic pre-school that runs on the holistic philosophy that play is children's job, that adults' main roles in the early years are to encourage children's emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and that parents and teachers can -- through consistent collaboration and creativity -- create a cohesive community in which to raise healthy and happy kids.Our son has been at Skytown for about a year and a half. He started on the Toddler side and has since moved to the Pre-school side. He absolutely loves it. The Director, Martha Melgoza, has a good head on her shoulders
Tom H.
Feb 16, 2012
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I can't say enough good things about Skytown Cooperative Preschool. We've been there just over a year. My son started in the Toddler room last January, and moved up to the Preschool room in April. He is thriving, and learning so much through their play-based approach. The teachers are superb, and complement each other. The director/teacher really knows her stuff, and has a great vision for Skytown. The other families are an incredible collection of great people that have pulled together into a cool community around our kids' education. The grounds are gorgeous, including nature
John C.
Dec 02, 2009
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I would have to say the Skytown Cooperative Preschool has been a great experience for my son. He has done well and really loves the place. It is play-based and run by parents, who put various levels of effort in to maintain the school. A new director started in September and is a wonderful fit to this type of school environment. The staff and her let the children explore and discover through play, art, stories, and projects.
The school has 2 programs - a Toddler "side" that takes 18 months to 2 year olds, and a Preschool "side" split into 2 classrooms - younger (2-3 years
The school has 2 programs - a Toddler "side" that takes 18 months to 2 year olds, and a Preschool "side" split into 2 classrooms - younger (2-3 years
Rebecca R.
Apr 26, 2009
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This is an excellent parent cooperative preschool. Our daughter has gone there for 3 years, and is about to go to kindergarten. We feel that she has benefited tremendously from the program, and so have we. We have met many great parents, made lifelong friends, and really feel part of a community. The teachers are great and you really are part of your child's first school experiences. They have a wonderful toddler program, and our son is going to start this summer.
