Oh how we love Glenridge. My three kids all attended this lovely school nestled in the middle of the woods, in Glen Park Canyon. After our twins graduated, we were so happy our youngest would get to come back, and we could be part of this community again. The friends they’ve made have lasted, and the families we’ve met have become a community and haven for us. The annual camping trips bring our family together, and got us to start camping with our kids. Now camping is part of our routine. Glenridge is such a special place. It’s much more than a school. It is a place my kids play, and get dirty, and can be themselves. The teachers care about each child, and are patient and kind. We love it here. We are a part of Glenridge, we have gotten to be a part of our children’s experience by working in the classroom, seeing them grow and explore. I hope your family can find your way to this beautiful place.

My daughter is now in her second year at Glenridge, and she’ll also be doing her third (TK) year here. Knowing she has many school years ahead, I wanted to give her one more year free from rigid schedules and structure. When I was searching for preschools last year, I worried about whether she would be okay without me—whether her needs would be met, and whether her voice would be heard. I was concerned that, as the youngest in a mixed-age group, she might be pushed around or overlooked. I wanted play to stay at the center of her days, with her choosing where her interests took her. Glenridge eased all of my concerns. They have an incredible focus on guiding children through social interactions. Even though she was the youngest, and her voice would be soft at times, the parents in the classroom are trained to observe, narrate conflicts, and help them resolve issues on their own. And when words fail, we give them the language they need. Glenridge isn’t just a place where kids are cared for—it’s a place where they truly develop and thrive.

My daughter started at Glenridge Cooperative Nursery School in January 2026, and we have been so happy with the experience. What surprised me most was how quickly our family felt welcomed, even though we joined mid-year. At first I worried we were coming in late and would feel behind in getting to know the parents and children, but that has not been the case at all. Between parent workdays in the classroom, playground time after school, impromptu snack breaks on the hike out of the canyon, and the monthly in-person meetings for parents, we quickly started to feel like part of the community. One of the most special things about Glenridge is the setting. The school is just a short walk into Glen Canyon, and once the children arrive they feel completely removed from traffic and the city. They spend their days surrounded by trees, nature, and a small creek where they can explore, play, and get wonderfully messy if they choose. It feels like such a gift to have a nature-based preschool experience like this in San Francisco. I also think this school is especially wonderful for parents who may feel emotional about letting their child start school for the first time. I certainly did. One tearful morning I looked back through the window and saw my daughter walk over to one of the parents working that day for comfort and wrap her arms around them. The parent looked up at me, smiled knowingly, and right then I felt that my daughter was safe and cared for, not just by the teachers, but by the whole community. Another surprise benefit for me has been the parent education that comes from the faculty. I have really appreciated learning more about topics like helping children resolve conflict, as well as having opportunities to ask questions about my daughter's development. That support has made me feel like Glenridge is caring for me as a parent too, not just caring for my child during the school day. One practical thing I did not fully realize at the beginning was that children should be potty independent before starting. At the same time, accidents still happen, and the school treats that as completely normal. I appreciated that balance of having clear expectations while also being understanding and supportive. For our family, Glenridge has become much more than a preschool. It has been a warm, child-centered community where my daughter is building confidence, friendships, and a real love of school, while I am also learning and growing as a parent. If you are looking for an outdoor preschool with caring teachers, involved families, and a truly special setting, Glenridge is a very special place. Today, my daughter made up her own song on the way to school: “I love school, I love school, school school school, I love school.” That was only around her 18th day in the classroom, and my heart has been soaring all day.

My daughter just graduated from Glenridge this Spring, and I'm thrilled that my son will start in the Fall. Glenridge has been an incredible experience for my family in so many ways. Glenridge has helped my daughter build strong relationships with other children, her loving teachers, and other parents. A gift of the co-op model is that she got to see adults coming together for a greater purpose every day. She's seen us navigate early parenthood within a nurturing community, and developed a trusting view of the world. She's also been able to get dirty and enjoy nature every day in Glen Canyon, which feels like a gift in the city! One of my favorite Glenridge activities happens after it rains - the kids use shovels to build trenches between the school and the nearby creek. Then they play in them for weeks, making damns, sailing little boats... you name it! Through playful activities like this, she's learned social skills, a love for nature, and has become SO ready for kindergarten (even if she doesn't want to leave her beloved preschool.) For my family, Glenridge has been a place to find community. Coming out of the pandemic, there was a long time when parenting felt very isolating. Glenridge is the antidote to that! We're part of a community of people all going through similar stages of parenthood at home. Everyone gets it. As parents, we've also loved being in the classroom. We know firsthand what she's doing every day, and we get to learn from her teachers how to be better parents nearly every week. I cannot recommend this school more. Yes, it's a co-op. That means it requires a serious time commitment from parents. But you get from it what you put in. So, SO worth it, if you can make the time.