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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about enrolling at Little Eden? Find answers about admissions, tours, tuition, ELFA support, and daily life at our Montessori preschool in Glen Park, San Francisco.

If you don't see your question here, we're always happy to help, just send us an email at hello@lileden.com

Program Basics

  • We generally say children should turn 3 by the end of that calendar year. If your child is a few months younger than this, then we will determine if they are ready on a case by case basis.

  • We currently offer a full-time program, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Some families choose to enroll in the full-time program and attend fewer days or pick up early, which is always welcome. Because tuition is based on enrollment rather than attendance, full tuition applies in these cases.

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer afterschool care. Families sometimes make their own arrangements for care after school, such as hiring a teacher for independent babysitting or coordinating a nanny share with another family. These arrangements are made directly between the families and caregivers and are separate from Little Eden. When appropriate, we may help facilitate an initial connection between families who are interested in exploring a nanny share.

  • Monday-Friday. 8:30am-3:00pm. Please refer to the current year’s school calendar for additional closure dates.

  • Our school year runs from August through early July, with a six week summer closure. This time allows us to refresh and update our learning environment while giving our teachers dedicated time for professional development, workshops, and conferences.

  • Our small, intentional classroom allows for a high level of individual attention. Generally, our ratio is 4 children to 1 teacher. We are licensed for up to 14 children, though we typically have 12 children on a given day, with three educators supporting the classroom and outdoor learning environment. At times, we also welcome a former Little Eden student as a teacher assistant. These older students are familiar with our community and routines, and their presence gives younger children an opportunity to learn from and connect with an older peer.

  • Our educators are AMI and AMS trained, and our team includes Positive Discipline certified teachers. All staff are also trained in First Aid and CPR.

  • We partner with amazing locally-run enrichment programs including Music Together SF on Tuesdays and Jumpin’ Gymsters on Thursdays.

  • We do not require a specific number of volunteer hours. We love welcoming parents and grandparents into the classroom to share their cultural traditions, family experiences, and special interests with the children. If you would like to participate, please reach out to us so we can find a meaningful way to be involved.

Tours & Admissions

  • Yes, schedule a tour here.

  • Because Little Eden is intentionally small, we only have a few openings each year. We encourage interested families to visit us at least one year before they hope to enroll and join our waitlist after their tour. After your tour, interested families are placed on the waitlist based on their tour date. As we get closer to each school year, we organize the waitlist into tiers based on the number of spaces we expect to have available. Returning families and siblings of currently enrolled students receive priority within the waitlist. When spaces become available, we reach out to families in the appropriate tier to begin the enrollment process. See our timeline here.

  • We accept students on a rolling admission basis. A rolling admission is an application option that allows you to apply within a window of time until all spots in the upcoming class have been filled.

  • Before the new school year begins, we hold an orientation day or days for new students and one caregiver. This gives children an opportunity to explore the classroom, become familiar with their new environment, and set up their cubby with a familiar adult by their side. Following orientation, all children return to school together. To help new students ease into their new schedule, each child receives a recommended transition schedule based on their individual needs. New students will typically have an earlier pickup time during this period, usually before nap, and gradually work toward the full school-day schedule. We recognize that every child adjusts differently, and we work closely with families to support a comfortable and confident transition into the Little Eden community.

Tuition

  • Tuition supports everything that makes up your child's experience at Little Eden, including AMI and AMS trained educators, authentic Montessori materials, daily art and creative experiences, outdoor learning, weekly enrichment programs, and healthy meals and snacks. Visit our Tuition page for the full list.

  • Families may pay monthly (12 installments, due on the 25th of the preceding month), quarterly, or annually in full before the school year begins. Tuition is based on enrollment rather than attendance, so it remains due during scheduled closures, holidays, and absences.

  • Yes. Little Eden is a participating ELFA school, part of San Francisco's Early Learning For All initiative. Families can apply for tuition support through Children's Council, which determines eligibility and support amounts. Our team is happy to help you understand the process. Learn more on our Tuition page.

Daily Life & Approach

  • Our day runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a daily rhythm that balances freedom with consistency:

    • 8:30 AM: Drop-off & activities

    • 10:30 AM: Outside time

    • 11:00 AM: Meditation

    • 11:30 AM: Lunch

    • 12:00 PM: Quiet time

    • 2:00 PM: Enrichment (Music Together SF on Tuesdays, Jumpin' Gymsters on Thursdays)

    • 2:15 PM: Snack

    • 2:30 PM: Reading

    • 2:45 PM: Pickup

  • Yes. Little Eden provides balanced meals and snacks that follow USDA MyPlate recommendations. Children are encouraged to try new foods without pressure, build independence at mealtimes, and develop a positive relationship with food. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs during enrollment.

  • We believe behavior is communication. Rather than using shame, fear, or punishment, we focus on understanding children's needs, teaching emotional skills, supporting problem-solving, and holding respectful boundaries. Children are still learning to manage big feelings and navigate relationships, and we guide them with patience, respect, and compassion.

  • Children build strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and critical thinking through hands-on Montessori lessons, alongside the confidence, independence, and social skills that help them thrive in the years ahead.

Family Partnership

  • Brightwheel is our main tool for day-to-day communication, including attendance, pickup updates, reminders, and moments from your child’s day. Each month, families also receive an email with important upcoming dates, reminders, and our monthly intention for the children and families. For deeper conversations, such as developmental observations or concerns, we prefer email so we can respond thoughtfully. Phone calls are reserved for urgent situations.

  • Yes. Root, our parent education and coaching program led by our founder, Michelle, helps families navigate early childhood with practical, values-aligned, science-informed strategies.