Our Program

arts-centered Montessori learning for children ages 2 1/2 to 6.

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A Preschool Program That Grows the Whole Child

Our program at Little Eden gives children the time, space, and freedom to become deeply engaged in meaningful work and joyful play. Students grow in many ways at once, and every part of our classroom and curriculum is intentionally designed to support the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.

Peek Inside Our Classroom

Grounded in authentic Montessori principles, our thoughtfully prepared environment encourages independence, creativity, curiosity, and connection while honoring each child's unique pace of development.

Here, children learn by doing: pouring, building, sorting, creating, caring for their environment, and discovering new ideas through hands-on experiences. Beyond the indoor classroom, our outdoor space invites children to explore and discover the natural world through every season.

Hand-drawn bumblebee flying along a dashed trail that loops into two hearts
Hand-drawn bumblebee flying along a dashed trail that loops into two hearts
Bright Montessori classroom at Little Eden in San Francisco, with wooden shelves of hands-on materials, woven baskets, and child-sized tables
Preschooler threading colorful beads from a wooden tray, building fine motor skills and concentration
Teacher leading a small group lesson as three children sit together on a rug in the Montessori classroom
Art area with rainbow-colored drawers of paper and baskets of creative materials, part of Little Eden's arts-focused Montessori program
Child playing on a tablet during creative art time
Overhead view of children slicing cucumber on wooden cutting boards, a Montessori practical life activity
Little Eden Montessori preschool classroom, with low open shelves, natural light, and a tiled work table
Montessori teacher and preschoolers threading beads together at a table filled with flowers and art materials
Preschooler hanging colorful bead bars on a wooden stand while using the Montessori bead stair, a hands-on math materia
Children and teachers working at low classroom shelves beneath a framed print of raised hands holding colorful hearts
Little Eden Director, Michelle, pushing a smiling child on a swing in Little Eden's outdoor play space, with a colorful fence and flowers
Teacher and child walking together along a flower-lined garden path during outdoor learning
Child reaching up to explore flowering plants in the garden at Little Eden preschool in San Francisco

What Our Program Cultivates

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    Confidence and Independence

    Children learn to make choices, take responsibility for their work and actions, and understand how their choices affect themselves and others. They grow more confident in caring for their environment and contributing to their community.

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    Belonging, Equity, and Contribution

    Children learn what it means to belong and contribute. They experience a community where everyone is valued, differences are respected, and each person has something meaningful to offer.

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    Connected Family Community

    Families are welcomed into the life of the classroom throughout the year. They feel known, supported, and connected to the community.

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    Creative Expression

    Children learn many ways to express themselves, from art and imaginative play to conversation, storytelling, and making. They grow more confident sharing their ideas and perspectives.

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    Connection and Empathy

    Children learn to understand themselves and others. They learn to express their needs, listen with intent, navigate conflicts, and develop meaningful relationships.

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    Teacher Partnership

    Families and teachers develop a shared understanding of each child and work together to support their growth. Families gain developmentally appropriate tools and strategies that reflect their child’s needs and their family’s values.

Preschooler placing wooden number tiles above matching bead bars on the Montessori bead stair, connecting numerals to quantities at Little Eden Montessori preschool in San Francisco

Learning Through Hands-On Lessons and Play

Rather than teaching isolated subjects, Montessori invites children to discover concepts through hands-on experiences that build upon one another over time.

Through hands-on lessons and purposeful play, our classroom includes opportunities for learning in:

  • Practical Life

  • Sensorial

  • Language

  • Mathematics

  • Cultural Studies

  • Art & Creative Expression

  • Nature and Gardening

  • Music & Movement

Every lesson is designed to cultivate independence, concentration, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Along the way, children learn to care for themselves, one another, and their environment, becoming active, contributing members of our classroom community.

Our Daily Schedule at Little Eden

  • 8:30 AM | Arrival & Montessori Work

    Children settle into the classroom and choose individual or small-group activities. Teachers offer individual and small-group lessons throughout the morning. Children have access to snack and practice listening to their bodies and caring for their own needs. They also have opportunities for movement and gym room time.

  • 10:30 AM | Outdoor Play & Exploration

    We head outdoors for free play, movement, dance, gardening, and exploration. Teachers join children in play and offer opportunities to connect with the natural world.

  • 11:00 AM | Reflection & Meditation

    We come together as a group for a quiet moment of reflection and meditation, helping children pause, reconnect, and prepare for the next part of the day.

  • 11:30 AM | Lunch

    Children gather in small groups for a family-style lunch, practicing conversation, independence, and community.

  • 12:00 PM | Quiet Time

    The classroom slows down for books, quiet activities, and rest. Children who nap prepare their spaces for sleep.

  • 2:00 PM | Enrichment Programs

    Special enrichment experiences are offered throughout the week, including Music Together SF on Tuesdays and Jumpin' Gymsters on Thursdays.

  • 2:15 PM | Afternoon Snack

    An afternoon snack is served on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Due to timing restrictions, no snack is served on days with Enrichment Programs.

  • 2:30 PM | Closing Circle & Reading

    We gather for a final group reading, reflection, and messages before getting ready to go home.

  • 2:45–3:00 PM | Pickup

    Children gather their belongings and say goodbye to friends and teachers. Pickup takes place between 2:45 and 3:00 PM, with the school day ending promptly at 3:00 PM.

A slideshow video of photos and videos of Little Eden Students from the 2025-2026 school year.

Moments From Our Classroom

A Look Back at 2025–2026

Take a peek inside our classroom and see a year of discovery, creativity, friendship, and growth. From everyday moments to special celebrations, these are the memories our community made together.

Hand-drawn rainbow with pink, teal, and yellow arches

The early years matter.

Come see how Little Eden gives children space to grow, explore, and build strong foundations for what comes next.

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