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.
Work calendars tighten up. The morning fog returns from over the hill to the Pacific Ocean. Parents shift back into work mode. As for kids? Well, they need their own version of “back to work,” too. Preschool can be that “back to work” event for the kids. But please don’t tell them. We make it FUN to learn. We blend Montessori and STEM, so there’s both the fun part and the serious part.
At Learn And Play® Montessori, we believe preschool should be more than just stashing the kids. It should be a launchpad. A space that blends Montessori with STEM learning. Isn’t that the vibe in Silicon Valley? Fun plus work? We make learning fun. Think of our program as the Googleplex of kids, or the startup vibe for your little one. Let’s be serious. Today’s work environment demands prep.
We’re raising kids in the shadow of Stanford University. And while we don’t expect our toddlers to be coding apps just yet, we do believe they should be learning problem-solving skills, curiosity, and confidence.
As Maria Montessori said, “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”
That’s our mission.
Our preschoolers don’t just memorize. They investigate. They ask “why?” and we help them find the tools to answer their questions. Whether it’s counting leaves at Peers Park or building with blocks that mimic real-world engineering, our kids learn how to think.
And yes, it’s fun.
Kids in our program smile, laugh, and try new things. They build friendships and learn to act independently. They learn to try, fail, and try again. That’s the foundation of success, whether in business or in life.
As Mark Twain once said, “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”
At Learn And Play, we don’t interfere. We guide. We support. We spark joy. We help build a true passion for learning, not just for school but for life. As for comparing us with state-funded preschool. We have better hours. Full days. Flexible hours. A convenient location in the heart of Palo Alto.
Working parents shouldn’t have to choose between quality preschool and convenience for their work lives. So, as summer winds down and the backpacks come out, think about where your child’s next chapter will begin. Come tour our campus. Meet our teachers. Watch your child light up in a classroom designed for growth, joy, and preparation for tomorrow’s careers. The future isn’t far away. Help your child get prepared as summer ends.
