Private Kindergarten in Menlo Park

A Nurturing Start To Your Child’s School Journey

When your child reaches the kindergarten year, you want more than a place to keep them busy. You want a private kindergarten where they feel known, challenged, and excited to come to school each day. At Safari Kid Menlo Park, we offer a research-driven program that supports both strong foundations and joyful learning.

In Menlo Park, our kindergarten classroom is part of a global early childhood education community that serves children from infancy through elementary school. Our proprietary curriculum, inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected approaches, helps children build confidence, curiosity, and readiness for the grades ahead.

We focus on the whole child, including cognitive growth, social skills, language and literacy, physical development, emotional wellbeing, and health and care. Families join us because they want a thoughtful, warm environment where a child’s first school experience feels both safe and meaningful.

The perfect foundation for a lifetime of learning. Click here or call us at (650) 487-1156 to book a tour!

Inside Our Kindergarten Program

Parents often tell us they want to picture what a real day will look like for their child. In our kindergarten classroom, the day begins with a calm arrival and greeting, where children connect with teachers and classmates. Morning meetings set the tone, invite children’s ideas, and introduce themes or projects in simple, engaging ways.

During focused learning times, children move through small-group and individual activities that build early literacy, math, science, and critical thinking. You might see a group working with story cards while another uses manipulatives to explore number concepts. Nearby, children could be observing plants or loose parts for a science inquiry that grows over several days.

Our curriculum draws from Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspiration, so children have access to rich, hands-on materials and opportunities to follow their questions. Teachers offer structured guidance through mini-lessons and guided practice, then allow time for open-ended exploration where children apply new skills in self-directed ways.

We use ongoing observations and assessments to understand each child’s strengths and next steps. These insights guide how we group children, the level of challenge we offer, and the support we provide. Our goal is to help each child stretch in a way that feels achievable, whether they are ready to move faster in one area or need more time and practice in another.

Throughout the day, we also build in movement and outdoor play. Children use our outdoor spaces for both free play and simple investigations, such as measuring shadows or exploring natural materials. This balance of movement and focused work helps children stay engaged and maintain the stamina they will use in later elementary years.

Whole Child Learning & Growth

The kindergarten year is about much more than letters and numbers. We see it as a time when children learn who they are as friends, thinkers, problem solvers, and members of a community. Our program is designed to support this whole child growth intentionally every day.

Social and emotional learning is part of classroom routines. We help children practice taking turns, listening to others, and using words to solve conflicts. When big feelings come up, teachers take time to coach children through calming strategies and reflection, so they build resilience instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Language and literacy development show up in many forms, including shared reading, writing centers, storytelling, and conversations that stretch children’s vocabulary. We introduce phonics and early reading skills in ways that feel purposeful and connected to real interests, rather than as isolated drills.

Math and problem-solving grow through games, building activities, and simple investigations. Children might sort, classify, measure, or graph real items from the classroom. They learn to explain their thinking, listen to peers’ strategies, and see that there can be more than one way to solve a problem.

Physical development is part of our daily rhythm. Fine motor strength grows through drawing, cutting, building, and practical tasks. Gross motor skills are supported with climbing, running, balancing, and cooperative games outdoors. We pay attention to health and care routines, such as handwashing and snack times, as opportunities to promote independence and responsibility.

Creative expression and cultural awareness come through art, music, and classroom celebrations. Children experiment with materials, explore rhythm and movement, and learn about traditions from many backgrounds. These experiences help them develop pride in their own identities and respect for others, which supports their success in diverse communities.

Our Educators & Family Partnership

Trusting the adults who care for your child is at the center of every kindergarten decision. Our educators are passionate about early childhood education and focus on building warm, responsive relationships with each child. They take time to learn your child’s interests, strengths, and sensitivities, and they use that knowledge to make classroom experiences feel welcoming and safe.

We prioritize ongoing professional learning so our teachers stay current with research and thoughtful classroom practices. This includes training related to child development, social-emotional learning, and intentional classroom design. Families often notice the calm, organized way our teachers guide transitions and how they listen carefully to children’s ideas.

Because we know you want to understand how your child is growing, we use regular assessments and observations throughout the year. Teachers document progress in areas like language, literacy, numeracy, social skills, and self-help abilities. These observations help us adjust instruction and provide a helpful picture of your child’s development over time.

Communication with families is a core part of our approach. We use tools such as Procare and social media updates to share classroom highlights, reminders, and snapshots from the day. You can expect scheduled conversations about your child’s progress, as well as opportunities to talk informally with teachers during drop off, pick up, or by appointment.

Family events and classroom experiences give you ways to be part of our community. These might include curriculum showcases, cultural celebrations, or simple gatherings that bring children and families together. Through these connections, we work to create a strong home-school partnership that supports your child now and sets the tone for future school years.

Learning Environment & Local Community

Our kindergarten classroom in Menlo Park is designed to feel calm, inviting, and full of possibility. We use natural materials, soft colors, and organized learning areas so children can focus without feeling overwhelmed. Low shelves and thoughtfully chosen materials help children take ownership of their environment and make independent choices.

Natural light and nature-inspired elements are an important part of our space. Children might see plants, natural textures, or simple collections from the outdoors. These details support curiosity and create a connection between indoor learning and the world just outside our doors.

Outdoor time is an essential part of the day here. Children use our outdoor areas for both active play and quiet exploration, which aligns with many families’ interest in time outside in the Menlo Park area. This time supports physical development and gives children space to reset between more focused learning blocks.

We serve families who live or work in Menlo Park and nearby neighborhoods, and we understand that schedules often involve commutes and busy days. Our routines are designed to help transitions at drop off and pick up feel smooth and reassuring for both children and parents. We also consider how our kindergarten experience supports expectations at local elementary schools, particularly around independence, collaboration, and foundational academics.

By combining a carefully designed environment with a strong sense of community, we strive to create a place where your child feels grounded and ready to grow. Families often tell us that this combination of global vision and local connection is what makes our campus feel like the right fit.

Let’s get them ready for their brightest future. Connect with us online or call us at (650) 487-1156 for a consultation.