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Lee McDonald

Preschool

Why Kindergarten Matters, and Why a Private Kinder Might Be the Smart Choice

Kindergarten is a big deal. It’s where kids transition from early play-based learning into more “serious” learning. While the State of California offers public kindergarten, many Bay Area parents quickly learn that the “free” option isn’t as good as it sounds.
Let’s break it down. [Read more…] about Why Kindergarten Matters, and Why a Private Kinder Might Be the Smart Choice

kids playing on a playground in Pleasanton, California.

Fall 2025 Open Houses: Discover Montessori + STEM at Learn And Play®

Fall is in the air, and that means something exciting for Bay Area families! Our Fall 2025 Open Houses are here! At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we believe the best way to see if our program is right for your family is to come in, walk the halls, meet our teachers, and experience the joy of learning in action. An open house is your chance to do precisely that. [Read more…] about Fall 2025 Open Houses: Discover Montessori + STEM at Learn And Play®

Preschool in Pleasanton, CA.

From Splash Pads to STEM: Why Preschool Matters Once Summer Ends

Summer in Palo Alto has a rhythm all its own. The kids are out at Mitchell Park, running through the splash pad or chasing butterflies near the Magical Bridge playground. Parents grab a coffee near California Avenue and squeeze in one more picnic at the Baylands. Perhaps a visit to the Junior Museum & Zoo is in order. There are numerous fun activities to enjoy in and around Palo Alto, especially during the summer. Where else can a preschooler giggle at meerkats and learn about magnets on the same day?

But then comes September. [Read more…] about From Splash Pads to STEM: Why Preschool Matters Once Summer Ends

kids playing on a playground in Pleasanton, California.

Montessori in Palo Alto: A Love of Learning that Lasts a Lifetime

Right here in the city of Palo Alto, just a stone’s throw from Stanford University, we’re planting the seeds for future scholars, creators, and innovators. At Learn And Play® Montessori, we believe a strong start isn’t just about ABCs and 123s. A strong start in one’s education is about curiosity. Our method? To nurture curious minds that love to learn.

That’s where the Montessori method shines. Maria Montessori believed that children naturally want to learn. Kids like learning. Her method was to “let the child learn.” By this, she meant not getting in the way of kids’ natural proclivity to be curious. [Read more…] about Montessori in Palo Alto: A Love of Learning that Lasts a Lifetime

Creating a father's day gift via the Montessori method.

Our Palo Alto Campus is Now Open. Explore Daycare, Preschool, & Kinder Options

We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest campus in Palo Alto, California. At Learn And Play® Montessori, we combine the best of Montessori with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). That combined emphasis – the basics of STEM plus a passion to learn – fit the “vibe” of techie Palo Alto. Many parents are anxious about positioning their kids for future success. Our method addresses that concern, and yet we keep learning “fun.” [Read more…] about Our Palo Alto Campus is Now Open. Explore Daycare, Preschool, & Kinder Options

Two kids at preschool in Palo Alto, California

Preschool Power: Why Preschool Sets the Stage for Success (Especially in STEM!)

Let’s talk about preschool. Preschool is the exciting, curious stage of learning, marked by questions like, “Why is the sky blue?” At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we know this is where the magic begins. Preschool isn’t just daycare; our philosophy of preschool is quite different. It’s where your child starts building skills that will last a lifetime. We’re talking about STEM thinking, problem-solving, confidence, and a lifelong passion for learning.

What are the advantages of preschool for early learners? Here are some thoughts – both for parents and for children. [Read more…] about Preschool Power: Why Preschool Sets the Stage for Success (Especially in STEM!)

A boy in a Pleasanton California kindergarten, learning.

Private vs. Public Kindergarten: Pros and Cons

Kindergarten is important. It’s a bridge between just “childcare” and actual “learning.” Not all kindergarten programs are the same. For many busy families, especially in prosperous East Bay suburbs like Pleasanton, public kindergarten simply doesn’t meet their needs. [Read more…] about Private vs. Public Kindergarten: Pros and Cons

Kids in Pleasanton California experiencing Montessori preschool.

Experiencing Quality Daycare in Pleasanton, California

Let’s talk about something significant: your child’s future. We believe that early childhood is the most crucial time to establish a strong foundation. It’s when kids are curious, excited, and ready to explore the world. That’s why our Pleasanton campus (and all our schools!) is built around what works—Montessori-inspired learning mixed with real-world STEM skills. [Read more…] about Experiencing Quality Daycare in Pleasanton, California

kids playing on a playground in Pleasanton, California.

The “First Day of School” and our New Pleasanton Campus

It’s here! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new Pleasanton, California campus! Think of it like the “first day of school”—but better. Why? At Learn And Play Montessori, learning isn’t just something that starts in August or September. We blend Montessori-inspired tactics with STEM-focused learning, so that kids get both a “love of learning” and the basic skills they need to propel them to future success in careers and in life. [Read more…] about The “First Day of School” and our New Pleasanton Campus

Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!

Schedule a Tour
Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!