Southwest Berkeley

We have been beyond thrilled with the care and education both of our kids have received at Nia House. It's hard for me to know where to begin. My first child is a 2020 baby, and it felt like a huge leap for us to start her in childcare. From the moment I set foot in the school, I couldn't have felt more confident in our decision. Every aspect of Nia House from the physical environment to the way teachers speak to the children is utterly thoughtful. The teachers are deeply knowledgable about development and about helping each unique child find their place in the community. The teachers and staff have also been extremely supportive of my husband and I as parents and have offered guidance and advice when we've run into challenges at home. I feel incredibly lucky to have Nia House as a partner in raising my kids!

We are leaving EB after four years. The school has increased class sizes in the second and third grade (as of 2024-25) and it has become increasingly difficult to justify the price tag. Like some private schools, EB is under-resourced when it comes to supporting children with emotional or academic needs. The result, in our experience, has been a chaotic classroom environment that is sub-optimal for learning. The administration is difficult to deal with. Concerns are met with platitudes. The leadership really feels like a black box. My impression is that building the school's brand and profile as an elite institution are priorities that take precedence over the well-being of current teachers and students. My child experienced stress, anxiety and learning loss during his final year as a third-grader at EB. I really wish I had seen the writing on the wall earlier, but my son and I both are so relieved to be starting a new school next year.