The Room To Grow
Preschools for San Francisco and Oakland
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OAKLAND
The Oakland school resides in Rockridge on Broadway just South of Highway 24. We are in a sweet neighborhood with much to explore, including the secret steps that take us up the hill behind the school and into Lake Temescal park or the few blocks to College Avenue with its bookstores, markets, garden stores and the BART station. We visit “Triangle Park”, play in the courtyard of the local church grounds and get on BART to visit the farmer’s market in downtown and the dinosaurs at Lawrence Hall of Science.
The outdoor space is an extension of the classroom and children have access to move freely indoors and out for the majority of the day and projects often extend outside as well. Our diverse and talented teaching team brings their unique interests to the classroom on a daily basis. Children can expect to have regular and frequent exposure to science, gardening, music and singing, yoga, storytelling, cooking and baking as well as the myriad projects that emerge from the unique interests of the community of children throughout the year.
OPEN HOUSES & VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS
Virtual info sessions for families interested in enrolling their child for the 2027-28 school year.
All 2026-27 enrollment events are now available for registration - please join us to learn more before calling about a tour.
Look for us at the SF Preschool Night at Riordan High School on September 24th.
Virtual Info sessions are a casual introduction to our schools and a chance to meet our staff. Let's chat about your little ones, preschool, and family!
Oakland is still enrolling for the 2026-27 school year. Please reach out through the Contact Form for more information.
For general questions, please view our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us.
MEET OUR OAKLAND STAFF!
ALORA (pronouns: she/her)
My name Is Alora and I’ve been at RTG Oakland since 2009, and I’ve never looked back. I always knew that I wanted to work with young children and made it my reality. I’ve worked in various programs but RTG has been the best learning experience for me as I continue to learn and grow in this field. I am an East Bay native and have lived here all my life. I grew up in the church and was in the choir when I was younger so singing has always been fun for me to add into my daily classroom life with the kids. I also love being in the kitchen and cooking so I love that we are able to have the space available at the school for kids to enjoy it too! My favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree because the tree is such a sweet and caring friend.
JILL (pronouns: she/her)
While I have always gravitated towards teaching in some capacity, my early focus was on science, with a large dose of Latin and Ancient Greek mixed in. I discovered how much I enjoy working with young children when I became a mother of twin girls. I joined Room to Grow in 2007 as a parent as well as a teacher; I stayed on because I love the philosophy and the community. I think that what makes me a good teacher is an abiding sense of curiosity and wonder. (Although at times my juggling skills come in handy!) The book "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell is one book that I love to read to children. I hail from Massachusetts and am an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and other New England sports teams. When I am not at Room to Grow, I spend time practicing (and teaching) karate, volunteering as a medic with the Berkeley Free Clinic, and being outdoors whenever possible. One of my favorite places to hike is Point Reyes National Seashore. I am inspired by all those who take a stand against hate and oppression, and also the words of William Saroyan: “In the time of your life, live—so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.” My special signature dish is a Giant Oven Pancake, with lemon and sugar... but I rarely go a day without coffee and chocolate!
OSHA (pronouns: they/he their/his)
Hi there! My name is Osha and I have been building connections with the youth all the way back to when I was a youth (which to be fair wasn't that long ago) but the point is I've always found myself gravitating towards environments filled with diverse young minds. I'm grateful to be a part of these young folks' adventure of a life and look forward to growing alongside them! While I'm not hanging out with the kiddos I also enjoy being out in nature, skateboarding and spending time with the people I love!
AN (pronouns: she/her)
Hi! My name is An and I have been at RTG Oakland since 2021. I always knew I wanted to work with young children since I was a child when my niece was born. I am a South Bay native and have a Bachelors of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Psychology, which I have earned at San Jose State University. I have experience working with children from infancy to elementary. I moved to the East Bay in 2016, and have a son who is a former RTG student. I love making connections with children, watching them grow and thrive, and becoming their authentic selves at their own pace at RTG! I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling and baking. My favorite places to visit are Hawaii, Seattle and I have been out of the country three times throughout my life.