Playschool Atherton

Playschool Atherton is a play-based preschool that offers activities such as music, singing, finger plays, American Sign Language, instrument time, dancing, cooking, gardening, nature walks, and picnics. The program includes enrichment focused on music, cooking, gardening, and communication, and uses role plays, skits, songs, and other methods to teach social skills and emotional intelligence. Room 4 celebrates a different author each month, and families can access Scholastic book ordering and Book Tree’s curated lending program for a monthly tote of curated books.

• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Playschool Atherton has been serving Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and surrounding communities since 1998 as a play-based preschool with small classes and a friendly, comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. The program’s stated goals are to promote social, intellectual, and physical development, foster positive self-esteem, develop a joy in the learning process, and support and enrich families. Playschool Atherton uses Kimochis characters and a “basket of feelings” as part of its communication program, and offers a rich preschool experience in a setting with an extra community playground at its doorstep. Playschool Atherton is described as a play-based preschool serving the San Francisco Peninsula since 1998, including Atherton, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Palo Alto, and surrounding communities. One parent shared that their introverted daughter has thrived at the school and looks forward to every school day, and mentioned the program’s focus on communication and self-esteem.

Last updated June 19, 2026.