History

In 1981, two ambitious Mills College graduates, Sue Britson, and Lisa Sondin raised $8,000 from family and friends and launched a new kind of preschool. They had a vision of a school that would nourish teachers’ creativity and treat them as true professionals; that would foster children’s social/emotional development and intellectual curiosity equally, as key to developing a lifelong love of learning; that would develop a sense of empathy and inclusion and a commitment to diversity throughout the entire community with cutting-edge anti-bias education.

Forty-two years later, Step One has guided four decades of families and their children through the critical years of early childhood, while building the School’s distinct and thoughtful pedagogy, growing and strengthening its financial position, and increasing accessibility through its tuition assistance program all while establishing itself as one of the foremost preschool programs focused on nurturing children’s love of life and learning in a community rooted in respect for self and humanity.

Today, Step One offers a two-year-old and preschool program that provides structure and routine while also creating space to explore, uncover, and connect.  We adhere to a play-based, developmental philosophy with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity. Our light-filled classrooms are carefully curated spaces that encourage curiosity,  exploration, and creativity. Our outdoor space provides an organic garden, river/waterfall, sandboxes, climbing structures, and nature trails.