The Room To Grow
Preschools for San Francisco and Oakland
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 FOR FALL 2024 ENROLLMENT ARE NOW COMPLETE
We have a few openings still available for the 2024-25 school year.
If you're interested in visiting the school please reach out via the contact form for a private tour.
Families interested in enrollment beyond August 2024: Fall Open House dates will be available by September 1st, 2024.
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!
REYNA (pronouns: she/they her/their)
I started out at as a long term sub for RTG in 2013. Once I had other other opportunities to teach at other preschool settings, I quickly realized how special the community is at RTG. Once I finished my BA in ethnomusicology, I found my way back to RTG and was then hired as a teacher a few years later. I appreciate the Reggio approach with children, creating a close nit community each year. I love being able to play guitar with the students along with creating an engaging outdoor space for students to try obstacle courses and water/sensory play just to name a few.
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.
MONSE (pronouns: she/her)
Hi, my name is Monse Garcia. I’m new at RTG, I started in 2023 and have learned every day from my co-workers and students alike. Every day is a adventure and I’m glad to be here for that!
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!