Playschool Atherton

Playschool Atherton offers a play-based preschool and a summer camp. Preschool is for children at least 2 years of age, and the summer camp is for children at least 3 years old or those who attended the preschool program the previous school year, with a maximum age of 6 years old.

Programs

• Preschool — Children at least 2 years of age; children between two and five years old · Five days: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-2:00 pm; Three days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am-12:30 noon; Extended care for five-day students: Monday-Thursday 2:00 pm-5:00 pm · $20–$2,050 per month · Play-based preschool; school-year program. Extended care is offered full time at $700/month or drop-in at $20/hour.
• Summer Camp — At least 3 years old or have attended the Playschool Preschool program the previous school year; maximum age is 6 years old · Monday-Friday 8:30 am-12:00 noon or 8:30 am-2:00 pm; three 2-week sessions and a bonus week · $450–$1,250 per session

At a glance

• Ages: 2–6 years old
• Price range: $20–$2,050
• General schedule: Playschool follows the calendars of the local public schools, operating from early September to mid June.
• Facility hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am-5:00 pm; Friday 8:30 am-2:00 pm

About the provider

Playschool Atherton has served the San Francisco Peninsula since 1998. Its mission is to promote social, intellectual, and physical development; foster positive self-esteem; develop a joy in the learning process; and support and enrich families. It serves Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and surrounding communities.

Children do not need to be potty trained to attend Preschool. Tuition payments are due monthly, 30 days in advance. Enrollment for the upcoming school year begins in February. A non-refundable registration fee is required if offered a space. Students are placed on a waiting list if no space is available. Admission and specific program/classroom placement is at the discretion of the director. Children with special needs may be enrolled upon mutual agreement between parents and director if Playschool is able to provide the individual attention required.

What families say

“We love Playschool Atherton! Our introverted daughter has thrived at your school. Your focus on communication and self-esteem has made school a wonderful place for her. She looks forward to every school day and is disappointed on the weekends when the answer to “Is there school today?” is no. Thank you!” — parent

Last updated September 18, 2026.