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A Positive School Experience in a Christian Environment.

Our mission is to provide a hands-on learning environment for children 2.5 to 5 years old, with the teachings of Jesus Christ inter-woven into a development-oriented, play based curriculum.

A woman and a child.

How will your child benefit from Kirk House?

We believe that play is the most important avenue to learning. It actively involves the child in the learning process and enables the child to experience concepts first hand. We stimulate the child’s innate desire to learn by providing age appropriate “hands on” experiences for the development of the whole child: emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual.

By providing a large variety of well-rounded learning opportunities in an environment in which the child feels safe and secure to investigate without criticism, the child will make steps in fulfilling his or her own potential.

Individual Learning

Be valued as a unique person with an individual learning style and timing of growth. Develop quality relationships with teachers so he or she feels safe to explore and discover.

Development

Develop and grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically; thus gaining confidence and self-esteem in a school environment.

Hands-on Learning

Participate in hands-on learning activities that takes into consideration attention span, differences in interests, and cognitive abilities.

Jesus’ Love

Be introduced to Jesus’ love through Christian holidays, songs, and stories.

Our Programs

Kirk House Preschool provides a welcoming school environment where children feel secure, accepted, and loved. Through play and exploration, children learn about their world, and loving and nurturing qualified teachers meet children’s individual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

A child holding up a toy and smiling.

Small

We have a low child-to-adult ratio.
A kid playing outside wearing a pink shirt.

Development

The program focuses on appropriate child enrichment and development. We meet children where they are, celebrate their strengths and help them grow.
A woman and a child.

Licensed

We are a state licensed, non-profit school. We are a ministry of Menlo Church, however, we welcome children and families of all faiths and denominations.
Kids during creative playtime at kindergarten.

Learn

Our engaging play-based curriculum encourages self-paced exploration.  Guided by our staff, children spend their days developing into uniquely wonderful individuals.
A child siting and being impressed at something.

Environment

We offer several spaces including the art room, block room, music room, and an outdoor playground - each filled with fun and engaging activities each day.
A little girl  looking through a magnifying glass.

Parents

We encourage Parents to explore new activities each day with your child. Learn more about volunteer opportunities when you enroll!

Meet Our Teachers

We’re a diverse group of educators unified by our passion for educating young children. In each of our roles, we enjoy the opportunity to partner with parents in the foundational early years of childhood.

A woman wearing a black shirt.

Geri Boegner

Teacher, Monday-Friday

Geri started at Kirk House many years ago! She has been married to Kurt for 39 years. They have two adult children, who attended Kirk House Preschool. Geri loves to camp and in her spare time she enjoys reading, taking long walks and hanging out with her family.

Headshot of Debbie Bravo.

Debbie Bravo

Teacher, Monday-Friday

This is Debbie’s first year at Kirk House. She comes with more than twenty-two years of early childhood education experience. She is married to Frank, her high school sweetheart, for 31 years and they have two adult sons Jonathan and Spencer. Frank and Debbie visit them as much as possible, dividing their time between Fresno and San Diego. Debbie enjoys craft projects, trying new recipes and can’t live without her slow cooker! She especially enjoys meeting with friends for coffee or for lunch.

A woman wearing a white jacket.

Ruth Esteverena

Director, Monday-Friday

Ruth has been at Kirk House for six years, and has over fifteen years of early childhood education experience. She has been married to Alex, who she met at UCLA, for 31 years. They have four adult children - Amelia, Isabel, Andrew, and Rosie. The whole family loves to travel and have adventures! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, attending 49er games, and spending time with her pets and friends. Ruth is a supporter of the local equestrian community, and serves as an officer of Woodside Pony Club.

A woman wearing a black shirt.

Silvana Chang

Teacher, Monday-Friday

Silvana has been a teacher at Kirk House for five years. Before joining Kirk House she was the Volunteer Coordinator for Children's Ministry at Menlo Church. She has two adult daughters and a son in 10th grade who was a student at Kirk House! Outside of work, Silvana likes to read, exercise, walk with her dog Winnie and travel with her friends and family. Silvana is fluent in Korean and Spanish and enjoys sharing her love for languages with her students.

A woman wearing a white t-shirt.

Jodi Patzer

Curriculum Coordinator, Tuesday and Thursday

Jodi brings over twenty years of early childhood education experience to developing impactful curriculum for all our students. She has been married to her husband Bill for 23 years and has two adult children, Jack and Sarah. She loves the beach, her cats, and riding her bike around Menlo Park.

Enroll Your Child Today

Simply click below to learn about our admissions process.