Our Program
Overview
Our founders, director and our community of teachers and parents believe in the value of experiential curriculum with a purpose. The school’s philosophy is premised upon the belief that each child is a unique individual. Every child brings her or his own special qualities and experiences to the school.
With our belief that each child is unique, we work closely with each family to determine the optimal path for their child. Additionally, we have a variety of flexible options to meet family needs:
- All day care
- Early drop off starting at 8 am
- Lunch program from noon - 1 pm
- After hours care until 5 pm
- Summer Sessions and Camps
How we teach
A Play-Based Approach for Holistic Development
Our teachers seek to develop and promote each child's self-esteem, as well as their awareness of and responsibility for themselves, one another, and their shared world.
What we teach
Spirituality
Our curriculum reflects Roman Catholic traditions and embraces the value of developing virtues such as kindness, generosity, sharing, empathy, and forgiveness. Stories and materials reflecting Christian roots of holidays such as Christmas and Easter are also shared with the children.
Program By Year
Explore our wide range of programs designed for children of different ages and developmental stages.
Our Morning Nursery consists of both child-initiated and teacher-initiated interactions. The daily routine includes art room activities, dramatic play opportunities, and outside exploration complete with riding toys, playing with sand and water, and block play. The daily routine also includes snacks, music and movement, language arts, and circle time. Over the course of the year, children grow in their understanding of the world outside their home and family. They learn to negotiate and play with fellow classmates, practice sharing, and care for their bodies while at school. They learn the expectations of a school day, including self-regulation, and management of their time.
Class Size: 28-32 Children (5:1 Child to teacher ratio)
Mon-Wed: 9 am -12 pm
Thurs: 9 am-11:30 am
Fri: 9 am-12 pm
There is the option for early drop-off, lunch, and extended care Monday-Friday.
Our Year 2 program consists of similar experiential learning designed specifically for the four-year-old to enhance their growing autonomy. We focus on social skills, cooperative play, and developmentally-appropriate activities. Walking field trips take our four-year-olds into the beautiful surrounding trails and forests to discover the natural world around them. Year 2 delves further into social and emotional development with deepening friendships and collaborative play. Children participate in focused activities within smaller groups, expand critical thinking skills, and learn to contribute more complex ideas to their play.
Class Size: 25-30 children (5:1 Child to teacher ratio)
Mon-Wed: 1 pm-4 pm
Thurs: 1:15 pm-4 pm
Fri: 1 pm-4 pm
There is the option for early drop-off, lunch, and extended care Monday-Friday.
Our teachers strive to create a stimulating and challenging environment that fosters self-competence and supports the child’s developing self-image. Because children need to experience success, we are aware of and work within the child’s developmental ability. Children learn to work well independently and in a group. They learn to clarify, organize, and extend their explorations through the support of our teachers. Field trips are an integral part of the Year 3 experience. Children and teachers embark on a wide variety of experiences within and outside of the park. The “Presidigo”, the Presidio’s bus system, takes our children far and wide throughout the city and beyond. We love integrating parents into our field trip excursions. At the end of year 3 Serra children are capable, independent, thoughtful citizens of the world. Ready for success in their future endeavors.
Class Size: 14 (7:1 Child to teacher ratio)
Morning Class
Mon-Wed: 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Thurs: 8:30 am-11:30 am
Fri: 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Afternoon Class
Mon-Wed: 12 pm-4 pm
Thurs: 1 pm-4 pm
Fri: 12 pm-4 pm
We understand that many families require care beyond our traditional 3 or 4-hour programs. We aim to provide a schedule that is flexible, nurturing, and designed to meet the needs of each family.
Options include:
- All day care
- Early drop off starting at 8 am
- Lunch program from noon - 1 pm
- After-hours care until 5 pm
Ready for Kindergarten
Serra alums have been admitted to a wide range of Kindergartens in the Bay Area. Our Director works individually with each family to determine the best fit for their child and assists in the application process. In the last 3 years alone, our children have been accepted into Kindergarten Programs at the following:
- Adda Clevenger School
- Alt School
- Canyon Heights Academy
- Cathedral School for Boys
- Chinese International American School
- Convent of the Sacred Heart
- French American International School
- The Hamlin School
- Katherine Delmar Burke’s School
- Marin Country Day School
- Marin Preparatory School
- Notre Dame de Victoires School
- The Nueva School
- Presidio Hill School
- San Domenico
- St Brendan’s School
- St Brigid School
- St Cecilia’s School
- St Christopher’s School
- St Gabriel’s School
- St Hilary School
- St Paul’s School
- St Stephen’s School
- Saint Vincent de Paul School
- San Francisco Friends School
- Stuart Hall for Boys
- Town School for Boys
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A life of learning
Starts at The Serra Preschool
Discover how the perfect preschool experience can benefit your child.