Now Enrolling for Fall 2026.
Our Island Preschool is a small play-based preschool.
I've worked in elementary schools as a teacher, including TK, and spent two decades as a co-op preschool teacher and director. All along the way I met committed educators and wonderful parents, but in schools that size there just wasn't enough time to really see each child and each family. So I'm going small. I'm opening a preschool that is small on purpose.
A small school means I know your child, and I know you. When your three year old falls apart at drop-off or is struggling with something new, I've seen it a thousand times and I'm not worried. Parenting is tricky. Nobody hands you a template and you never know if you're doing it right. I remember the uncertainty with my own children. What I know is that children do best when someone gives them the time and space to expand their ideas and build real relationships. That takes a small school.
At Our Island academics can wait. Childhood comes first.
We're a play-based preschool in Alameda for children two and a half through entry to first grade. Classes start September 1.
Maria Chew, founder and director
We're waiving fees for our founding families!
The families who enroll with us now, before our doors officially open, are helping build something from the ground up. As a thank you, we're waiving:
- The $200 deposit
- The $100 registration fee
-Applications are always free!
This offer is for our first enrolled families only, through August. Reach out today to reserve your child's spot.
Welcome to
Our Island!
I'm Maria Chew, founder and director. I am a proud Early Childhood Educator. A quality preschool is a magical gift and privilege to provide to our youngest students. I love working with children and families and I love our island.
We believe children learn best through play, and connection. Families thrive when they have support for their parenting and experienced professionals to lean on.
Program Details
Ages
Our students are between the ages of 2.5 and the start of first grade. We accept children who wear pull-ups, but are not able to accept children who are still in diapers.
Tuition and Fees
Choose the schedule that fits your family. Rates are per child, per month for our core 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. day.:
2 - Days - Tuesday/Thursday $600
3 Days - Monday/Wednesday/Friday $800 per month
5 Days Monday - Friday $1,000
Extended Care $15 per hour - 8:30-9:00/12:00-1:00
Sibling Discount: 10% off tuition for a second concurrently enrolled child.
The Basics
Our first day of school is September 1st, then we will follow the AUSD calendar.
We are starting as a morning only program and hope to expand as we go.
Our ratio will be 1 adult to 7.5 children. We will have up to 15 students at a time
Location
We are located at 1910 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, cross street Chestnut. We have a very sweet space that was a preschool previously. Children enjoy a large playground and sweet classroom space.
Founding Family Discount
Families who enroll with us now, before our doors officially open will get our Founding Family Discount!
For our first families we will waive the $200 deposit and our $100 registration fee. Applications are always free.
This offer stands through August or when we reach full enrollment, which ever comes first. Reach out today to reserve your child's spot.