La Piccola Scuola Italiana

In response to the one-star review below, I disagree with the reviewer's assessment of the Reggio Emilia practices at LPSI. My daughter has attended the school since 2010 ( the first year at the "new" space) and both my husband and I are delighted with her progress. The teachers send weekly "momenti della vita" newsletters with pictures of the children, written transcripts of conversations between the kids and an overview of what the children were interested in that week. At each parent-teacher conference I was presented with several pictures of my child, along with samples of their artwork and projects, and suggestions for playdates. I'm unsure if the previous reviewer's child attends the preschool or the K-8, but the cornerstone of the preschool IS it's Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. By definition, Reggio Emilia education applies to preschool learning, so the elementary school is not Reggio Emila-inspired, but rather International Baccalaureate (IB), which promotes the same sort of explorative and creative learning as RE. Overall, we are immensely pleased with every facet of the school and are sending our daughter to the young K program in the fall. I highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

I liked the idea of having an Italian full immersion in San Francisco . The school has great ideas of the immersion and the Reggio Emilia approach is great. The new building is well done and the community very nice. However I must say they do not apply what they want to be. The teachers are seldom Reggio Emilia trained and a parent can hardly understand if their children really develop their sense of exploration, imagination, creativity and collaboration. For example I was expecting that the teacher observed and documented the daily life of the school to make learning visible, (using a variety of documentation methods, such as cameras, tape recorders, and journals, to track children's thoughts and ideas as they play together or work with materials).about what my child was learning at school. But this never happened in this school. And I just learned that they are changing the teacher again next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two children attend preschool here and it is our third year in LPSI. This school has great leadership and an amazing and generous Community. Everyone loves the director. The teachers are ALL competent and loving. There has been some turnover but with great new additions. The brand new space in 20th and Tennesee is beautiful and inspiring. And all the children look so happy in their interactions with teachers, other children, and enjoying their surroundings, including their little garden. They eat organic fresh made Italian recipes, and seat at the table,with table cloth and silverware. What I love the most is how confident and inspired children can become there. I cannot be thankful enough to this school. I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school. We have had our son here since pre-school. High level of quality focused on the child. A nurturing and provocative environment that excites and interests children in learning and discovering. The entire child is considered (not just the mind which is important) but the individual and his/her social involvement and interests. We are very lucky that this school is now continuing through 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent