Girotondo Italian School558

You don't have to be Italian to fall in love with Girotondo Italian School! Our family feels so fortunate to have stumbled upon it while researching our preschool options last year after we moved from San Francisco to Marin County.

One of the strengths we see in Girotondo, located in San Rafael, is its faculty. We greatly appreciate their warmth and love of children. The preschool's teacher to student ratio of 1:4 allows our daughter to receive the guidance, resources and support to flourish. We also appreciate the strong sense of community and collaboration among the teachers and parents. We all work together to create the best possible experience for our children. Every child is recognized as an individual and truly treasured.

Girotondo is a natural extension of our family, teaching the values and ideals that are important to us. It is the only school we know that celebrates lunch. One of the most invaluable things to us is hearing Tatum say school is fun! Since this is her first school experience, we love that the mention of Girotondo elicits such joy and excitement from her. An added bonus is that she is learning a second language. We are still in shock to hear our 2-1/2 year old conversing with her friends in Italian, after just 5 months at the school. We believe this unique opportunity to learn Italian at such a young age is one of the greatest gifts that we can give her.

Other advantages of the school include enrollment starting at 2 years old, up to 5 days per week, extended childcare hours (8am-5pm), low teacher to student ratios for all classes, no potty training requirement, lunches that are prepared onsite using fresh and organic ingredients, summer camps, and the monthly pajama nights that allow my husband and I to go out on dates again!

The website includes an impressive short video that will give you a real flavor for the school. If you are looking for a special and unique experience for you child, we encourage you to check out Girotondo!

My two-year-old daughter has been going to Girotondo for the last six months and I am astounded by her language acquisition. I hadn't planned on sending her to preschool so young but I new she would have an easier time picking up the language the earlier she was immersed.

I cannot say enough good things about the school. My son has been with them since just after he turned 2 yrs and it is amazing how much he speaks and understands Italian already. Even though we don't speak it at home. I am grateful to have found them and plan on keeping him there as long as possible!

Aside from the fact that my son loves scuola and his teachers, we are thrilled that he has the opportunity to use Italian outside of the home. The atmosphere is warm, stimulating and encourages fun learning. The staff is top quality and the variety of activities and opportunities for growth are truly fabulous. This is also a great place to get involved in the Italian community in the Bay Area.

We are so impressed with the level of instruction and interaction our boys are getting at the school. They ask to go even on days off. The teacher-student ratio is fabulous, it is truly an immersion environment, and they cook a nutritious, delicious Italian lunch. My children are developing great friendships, speaking Italian beautifully, and learning while playing.

My children Giulia and Isaac have attended Girtotondo since it opened in 2006 and we all love it. We travel from Berkeley to attend Girotondo, and it is well worth it to us. I'm of Italian descent so it is very important to me to pass on the Italian culture and language to my children, and, as far as I know, Girotondo is the only school in the Bay Area that offers Italian immersion preschool and Kindergarten. Eventhough my husband doesn't speak Italian, he is totally supportive of the school because he knows how great bilingualism is for children's development and academic achievement. We feel really lucky to have found this school.

This school, the children, parents and teachers have a very special place in my heart. I have the utmost respect and confidence for what Girotondo is accomplishing. I am proud to bring my daughters to school here. If you are serious about your child(ren) learning Italian, this is the ONLY place to be; the first of it's kind & the only one!!

I couldn't be happier with this school. I had high hopes as it was recommended by an Italian Professor of mine, but the school has exceeded my expectations. The student teacher ratio is better than the best "other" preschools in Marin and the teachers are very highly educated and passionate about the kids. Very warm environment. My daughter loves it and asks to go to shcool. All this and my little girl is speaking Italian! Thank you Girotondo!