Bella Vita is a Reggio-inspired early childhood education program -- one of only a few such innovative schools in the Bay Area. We aspire to help you cultivate la bella vita, the beautiful life, of your child and family. Our program is play-based and developmentally oriented. Beyond self-directed play, children also participate in small-group activities and teacher-facilitated learning projects. Curriculum is designed throughout the school year in response to the particular group of children in each class.

Teachers actively observe the children's play to discover what inspires and excites them. In-depth projects are developed around materials and themes for which children show great enthusiasm. At the same time, projects intentionally but subtly incorporate a wide variety of learning areas, including language, math, science, art, music, movement, as well as social, emotional, moral and spiritual awareness. By creatively designing projects, teachers seamlessly infuse learning into the children's play. Teachers may for example incorporate teaching math, science, language, art etc. through play activities related to trains, dolls, cooking, gardening or worms, depending upon the expressed interest of a particular group of children.

Our program is designed for children ages 2-6. Younger children may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Classes are exceptionally small and personal. Students benefit from both mixed-age interactions, as well as age-specific small group activities. We provide diapering for children who require it. We also offer a snack. Though we are structured as a drop-off program, parents are welcome to participate in coordination with teachers.