Grace Children'S Academy

Our kiddo attended Grace Children’s Academy from age 2 to 4, starting just as we moved back to the Bay Area and recently graduating into a local TK program, and we feel incredibly grateful for the beautiful start he had here. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. From the moment we met Ms. Merria, it was clear how deeply the teachers care about the kids and who they are as people. Grace’s has been a nurturing, calm, and joyful environment where our child could truly grow. Over these two years, he’s grown into such a thoughtful, curious, creative, and socially aware little human—qualities we know were deeply nurtured by the GCA team. He learned to express his feelings, show kindness, make friends, and navigate challenges with calm confidence. His sense of fairness, emotional awareness, and joy in learning were all supported and encouraged here. Their approach is grounded in emotional development, creativity, and a deep respect for each kid. No pressure or rush to academics and checklists, but rather meaningful learning through play, nature, movement, art, storytelling, cultures, and connection. The teaching team—Ms. Merria, Ms. Lupe, Ms. Rose, and Ms. Kris—are simply amazing. Their consistency, warmth, and dedication create a stable, loving environment that makes kids feel safe and known. That kind of long-standing team is rare and speaks volumes about the school’s leadership and values. It gave our kid a strong sense of security and gave us, as parents, real peace of mind. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, GCA! We’re so grateful to be in community with you.

We truly can’t express how lucky we feel to have stumbled upon GCA right after moving to the neighborhood. It felt like fate. From the very first moment I met Ms. Merria, the principal, I knew in my heart that this was the right place for our family. Her warmth and calm presence were instantly reassuring. Coming out of the uncertainties of COVID, GCA’s peaceful, nurturing environment helped my son adjust with such ease—it felt natural for him to settle in and begin making friends. I had visited several preschools in Albany and Berkeley, but none of them quite matched what we were hoping for. GCA stood out because of its focus on relationships and emotional growth, not just structured education or toys. The emphasis on gentle, nature-inspired play and meaningful connections mirrored exactly what we envisioned for our children. Ms. Merria patiently welcomed us, showed us around, and something just clicked. Over the past four years, she became our anchor—always there during the more stressful moments, offering support and steadiness. When it was my daughter’s turn, she followed in her brother’s footsteps with the same smooth transition. Like so many other families, we felt embraced by a community that truly felt like one big, loving family. Everything was just right—no stress, no pressure, just trust and care. Watching both of my kids grow at GCA, learning, playing, and connecting with others, has been a joy. We’ve always felt seen and supported. Their annual reports are thoughtful and detailed, full of insights into how our children are growing and where they’re headed. The teachers—Ms. Lupe, Ms. Chris, Ms. Rose—are simply incredible. Their kindness, patience, and genuine love for the kids shine through in everything they do. They’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and compassion. We are deeply grateful for this place, and for every heart that has guided and cared for our children. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. We couldn’t recommend GCA more.

Our son has been attending GCA for nearly a year now, and we couldn't be happier! At the end of the day, he leaves school reluctantly and comes home eager to share about his experiences. The staff is so loving and considers the strengths and needs of each child as an individual to help them grow. We feel grateful to be part of the GCA community during this important time in our child's development, and can't wait for our second child's turn to attend!

I can't say enough good things about Ms. Merria and her team at GCA. This is truly a fantastic preschool! One of my favorite things about Ms.Merria is she believes the importance of teaching empathy and compassion to children. My son is kind, inclusive and generous when he plays with other children and I know this is because of his teachers. She is making the world a better place. I'm thankful to be part of the GCA family!

This school is the kind of place you want to send your kids. Ms Merria and her team not only foster a supportive and nurturing environment tailored to each child's development and inherent nature, but their approach to teaching children about morals, values, society, conservation, diversity and inclusion is superior to any other school we have come across or heard about. Their fee structure is also very affordable, and no other schools can come close to providing the same value they offer. If you are looking for a great preschool in Emeryville or North Oakland, look no further than Grace Children's Academy.