Parents are encouraged to come and visit our classes so that they can see the children and teachers "in action" in our Montessori classrooms.

Marilyn Drino, our Administrative Director, handles all school enrollment, and she will be happy to give you a tour. Please call (408) 251-8633 to arrange for a visit. When you talk with Marilyn, she will answer your questions and she will help you to make the class selection most appropriate for your individual child. If your child has any special needs or circumstances, she will also explore with you how Mandala can meet your child's needs.

Early Preschool
The Early Preschool is an orientation class for children who turn two years of age by September 1st. There are three teachers in the classroom and one Teacher's Aide with 18 children. The purpose of this class is to offer young children an experience away from home that allows them to grow at their own pace. The teachers are highly nurturing and they are particularly sensitive to the needs of two year-olds and young three-year olds. They help the children with separation, socialization, cooperation, and independence-all important developmental tasks of this age group.

Children in the Early Preschool do not need to be toilet-trained. However, the teachers work closely with parents to help a child begin this next developmental step.

Morning Preschool
Children need to be three years old by September 1st to attend this class. The Teacher to Child ratio is 1:8. The purpose of this class is to give children the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, and physically in a supportive and enriched learning environment. Children are expected to be toilet-trained or nearly toilet-trained. If your child is not toilet-trained, we encourage you to talk with Marilyn, our Administrative Director, to see if this class is appropriate.

(Note: The Morning Class is not appropriate for children of kindergarten age who are remaining in preschool for an extra year. These children belong in the Afternoon Preschool.)

Afternoon Preschool (Pre-K Focus)
The afternoon classes are particularly suited to four and five-year olds. The purpose of this class is the same as the Morning Preschool class, but the focus is on the needs of the pre-kindergarten child. The Teacher to Child ratio continues to be 1:8. We prefer that all children of pre-kindergarten age attend the Afternoon Class. If your child has been at Mandala for two years, we highly recommend that you send him or her to this older class for the third year. Children who move on to the Afternoon Preschool Class seem much happier in the school.

Kindergarten-age children must enroll in the Afternoon Class. Morning preschool is not appropriate for five-year olds.