based on 10 reviews
Neighbors say
- Is a co-op
Open Gate Nursery School
2124 Brewster Ave
Redwood City, CA
94062
(650) 369-6833
info@ogns.org
http://www.ogns.org
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2008
Great neighborhood school. All my kids have enjoyed the school and remember their teachers fondly!
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2008
My daughter is in her third year at Open Gate. We've loved every minute and will be sending our younger daughter there when she's old enough next year.
The school is an established, non-profit parent cooperative school for children ages two through five. The school features a play-based curriculum founded on the developmental readiness theory, as well as a comprehensive parent education program. In addition to assisting in the classroom, parents are asked to contribute a number of service hours toward maintaining the school.
Because of all the time that parents put into the school, a great sense of community is fostered. Parents really count on each other and turn to each other for help, support, and friendship. More importantly, the kids love the school. Through play, they are learning the fundamental elements of social skills like sharing and conflict resolution. Because their play is largely self-directed, they are learning about using their imaginations and developing a sense of accomplishment. I can't believe how I've seen my cautious daughter blossom at Open Gate.
Healthy, nut-free snacks are provided each day by parents. This is an important point. As you start to research other preschools, you'll find that very few have a nut-free policy in place and won't accommodate children with serious nut allergies. Open Gate is one of the few that does -- and we parents take it very seriously.
Co-operative schools aren't for everyone -- they require a higher level of commitment than many preschools. But if you're looking at this route for your child, I can't imagine that you could do better than Open Gate.
Oh, and one last thing that I almost forgot to mention: Open Gate has a nursery for younger siblings during a parent's workday. That is, when I have to work in my daughter's classroom, my baby can stay in the nursery with a full-time licensed nursery aide. When I was nursing, she was just in the next room and I could get to her when she needed me. Now that she's older, she can play with the other kids in the nursery. It really makes the co-op a viable solution for many parents as it eliminates the need for a babysitter. You won't find this perk at every co-op, so I consider us very lucky at Open Gate.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2008
The program is very child and family centered, the environment is funky and old... but the teaching philosophy, curriculum standards, and teacher qualifications, and child interactions are stellar. They teach children to problem solve, explore and learn, and all the OGNS kids are excelling in Kindergarten because of what they learned at school. WIth parent participation the ratio in class is 1 adult to 2-3 children. try to find that in a drop off program! Do not judge a program by what it looks like, what really matters is what the children experience there on a daily basis.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2008
Open Gate is a great community of caring intelligent parents who want to be part of their childs early education. With educated, experienced staff and NAEYC accredidation it is the perfect start in school for any child. Rates are very low but quality is outstanding.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: February, 2008
I read all the reviews and was sadly disappointed with the program at Open Gate. The space is small and the children tend to run wild in their cramped surroundings. One licensed teacher did not seem enough to address the demands of the children. The parent education classes were general and the schedule demanding.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Small Space, Need more licensed Teachers per child, Demanding perent education schedule with little real substance.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: October, 2007
We have a new teacher in pre K program this year and it is fantastic. The curriculum and class activities are great, parent education classes are up to date, relevant to what is going on in the classroom, and very informative. The director is very responsive and warm, the board is all parents, and the community is very open and friendly, we love it!
This Neighbor Says
- Is a co-op
By: Your Neighbor
Date: July, 2007
Excellent, caring, good parent education program, years and years in the same location.
By: Preschool Survey 2007
Date: May, 2007
A parent co-op with great community feel. Wonderful teachers leading the children in a play based learning environment. I have learned so much about parenting here as well.
Likes: The hours, parent involvement, staff, teacher-child ratio, academics and price.
Dislikes: Nothing - love it!
By: Preschool Survey 2007
Date: May, 2007
It is a warm, supportive community. Play-based environment. Emphasis on socialization and conflict-resolution. Parent Ed. is required twice a month, 3 hours each time.
Likes: Parent involvement, teacher-child ratio.
Dislikes: There has recently been a change in administration, and it seems the philosophy, values and standards of the school have changed. I do not like the hours of the Pre-K program; however, I understand there is no other way to work out the schedule.
By: Preschool Survey 2007
Date: April, 2007
Talk to other families. Open Gate has a huge and loyal following!!!
Likes: The hours, parent involvement, staff, teacher-child ratio, and price.
Dislikes: Nothing - love it!
