Los Gatos - Saratoga Observation Nursery School (Mountain School)

"Teachers Alis and Leslie are outstanding stewards of nature and helped our daughter better understand the importance of conservation and sustainable practices while just having a grand time playing in the great outdoors. Teacher-parent communication was open and easy while the outdoor activities and the learning environment kept our daughter excited and wanting to return for more."

"My girls had fabulous time with this school. They developed curiosity around the nature and just had so much fun being outdoor. They had several field trips to creeks, country parks, beaches and more. They observed monarch butterflies resting on eucalyptus grove and watched sea life in low tide pool. This school definitely helped my family go outdoor more. It was also wonderful experience to me. I learned to be an observer for my children as I wrote down the observation. I gained insight from the parenting program. Overall I appreciate our kids' childrenhood memories with mountain school that we will carry along the way."

"Wonderful play based program! Located in the Los Gatos mountains, it gives children the opportunity to explore at their own pace, while working on social and emotional growth.The program has classes at its school house, classes in the forest, and also offers different field trips. I can’t speak highly enough of the program. It has been wonderful for our child. I have also learned so much from the parent education programs offered through the school. It has been a wonderful time spent with my child while watch her grow through her preschool years!"

"I attended Los Gatos Parent Nursery School, fondly know as Mountain School, with both my kids and I am so grateful for this magical place. I love the play-based, child-centered, process-over-product approach. Kids are respected and parents are supported in a kind environment. The schoolhouse is packed with awesome toys and books. Teachers put out sensory and art activities, tell stories, sing songs, and read books while still allowing plenty of time for free play. The school garden produces fresh veggies, grapes and flowers. The yard features a massive sandbox, a boat, a plane, a zip line, a play kitchen, a stage, a chicken coop, and a tire swing. The school teaches children where our food comes from and tries to involve kids in cooking projects, then the kids compost their leftovers or save the scraps for the chickens that live at school. There is a forest behind the school yard where we hike and play among the redwoods. We also go on field trips to special places in nature. I appreciate that we have the same group of kids and parents meet for the entire school year, so we really get to know each other and build meaningful relationships. I find that my children and I feel so wonderful after spending time outside together with our Mountain School community."

"When I had my second one I was excited that I can go back to this school. I had wonderful experiences with my first one and I’ve been enjoying this school with my second one. So many nature friendly activities which I think very important to little ones, wonderful communities and amazing teachers. I sincerely appreciate this school to help little ones emotional and physical development as well as parents."