Tamalpais Strawberry Preschools

Tamalpais Strawberry Preschools offers play-based programs whose curriculum is tailored to children’s interests and evolves based on teachers’ observations of spontaneous play. Weekly and monthly themes are used as the foundation for learning tasks and creative activities, and small group work is used so children can interact closely with peers. The primary teaching philosophy is based on the work of Jean Piaget, with a child-centered approach that emphasizes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Tamalpais Strawberry Preschools operates as a private non-profit corporation and is among the oldest independent preschools in Marin County, with continuous operation since 1956. The schools are nonsectarian and were built cooperatively with the churches in which they are housed. All teachers have been trained in Early Childhood Education and participate in regular in-service training, workshops, and seminars. The organization is licensed by the State of California, and the COO is Rose Moran. The mission statement notes a focus on the whole child, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Preschool is described as a vital opportunity for families to meet other families in the community, with gatherings such as a back-to-school lemonade social, parent coffees, a Halloween Festival, Parents' Night Out, a spring party at the park, and group play dates. One parent testimonial states that preschool has been a wonderful experience for their family, that their son has developed both physically and emotionally over two years, and that they look forward to sending a second child. Another testimonial describes the teachers as exceptional, becoming some of the children’s most cherished individuals and laying a strong foundation for formal education while fostering social and emotional development.

Last updated June 4, 2026.