By: Maria Williams

The inspirational walls of preschools encapsulate more than academic wisdom and skill-building activities; they hold the key to a profound understanding of what nurtured minds of children can achieve. Passionate about empowering children to unlock their full potential, Holly Gold founded Berkeley Little School under the Little Schools umbrella. 

Berkeley Little School opened during the turbulent COVID times, despite the infinite hurdles this presented, what was offered to the children was truly unique from day one. Though it is the latest addition to the Little Schools family, the Berkeley location is where the Little School way was mastered to perfection, truly emanating the essence of what should be cherished the most about early childhood development: community bonds, familial warmth, and a genuine love for children.

Even though every Little School is built on the same principles, each location maintains a unique feel. For Berkeley Little School, that personality blossoms from its origin story; located in a building that has served as a well-known and respected preschool since the 1980s, the Berkeley branch honors the passion of the previous owners while elevating it with a novel approach. “The school has always been an integral part of the community. I walked past it many times, dreaming of the day I would be the one running it,” the founder reminisces. “I never thought my vision would come true, but as soon as the building was listed for sale, I applied for an SBA loan, purchased it, and started renovations.”

Turning a challenge into an opportunity, Holly embraced the state the building came in, rebuilding and redesigning the facility to align with the Little Schools philosophy. Designed for freedom, with an indoor/outdoor space where young children are free to move with the feeling of independence while metaphorically held by teachers every step of the way, Berkeley Little School promotes guided independence, encouraging children to revel in the joy of unrestricted yet supervised exploration. 

Photo Courtesy: Amy Perl Photography / Berkeley Little School by Amy Perl Photography

However, the preschool’s story isn’t devoid of challenges. With the purchase date right before COVID and the building gutted just before shutdown, the timing couldn’t have been worse. With the new normal, the doors opened in September 2021, starting with a small group of kids in a pod. While the pandemic’s impact was certainly tangible, stifling Berkeley Little School’s growth, it also instilled a cozy, tight-knit sense that the school hasn’t lost since. 

Berkeley Little School started with a group of passionate teachers led by an amazing team who knew exactly how to approach community-based preschool development in this volatile time. Though it was designed to be a preschool for 45 kids with open, airy, and bright indoor and outdoor spaces, it made the most of its space, welcoming a small, sweet group of kids and parents who simply came together because they loved the school, the arts, the freedom, and the connections. Although it opened at a challenging time, Berkeley Little School achieved the ultimate goal – making kids happy.

Photo Courtesy: Amy Perl Photography / Berkeley Little School by Amy Perl Photography

At the heart of the Little School methodology is valuing individuality, igniting creativity, and mutually loving and respecting each other. On a mission to foster a creative environment that naturally sparks self-expression, Berkeley Little School treats every inch of the space like a canvas, inviting a rainbow of colors into every corner. Central to the educational space is a writing table where kids can engage in verbal games, scribble innovative thoughts, and watch their ideas come to life with the power of verbalization. 

Realizing the immense impact of learning in nature, Berkeley Little School incorporated elements that bring the beauty of the outside within its walls, from a breathtaking view of the creek to outdoor climbing structures and an organic fruit and vegetable garden. For youth, growing something is more than an activity; it helps them expand their mindsets, discover different names, and learn the power of loving and nurturing.

As part of the Little Schools umbrella, Berkeley Little School, accompanied by its two Rockridge siblings, contributes to a new era of community-based preschool. In this era, community bonds and freedom are paramount, with the intention that every student, teacher, and parent feels loved and valued. Looking into the future, Berkeley Little School plans to host an open house where the Berkeley community can gather, share inspirational stories, and celebrate the school’s unique origin story.

“The Little Schools ignite big dreams, encourage creativity, and simply put a smile on everyone’s face. We have three amazing schools that fill me with pride every day, and we want to watch them thrive,” shares Holly, reflecting on her purpose. “Built on the same philosophy but with a unique personality, Berkeley Little School is the grounded, often forgotten child that has boundless potential. It’s not about building an empire but spreading the Little Schools’ way across the world to empower young dreamers to follow their hearts, let their creativity shine, and never lose their sense of wonder.”

Published by: Nelly Chavez