Sycamore Valley Day School

We just moved to Danville and had to find a daycare for our son. I selected Sycamore Valley Day School because of the program, location (it's at the base of the open preserve and near Sycamore Valley Elementary, very safe and secure), and Ms. Fedra (the owner and director). We are beyond happy with our experience. Our son loves the school, his teacher Ms. Xenia, his friends, and all the other teachers and helpers. He used to be clingy at drop off, but at Sycamore, he looks forward to his day and walks in with full confidence. It's a well run school and program, and it's impressive how Ms. Fedra has adapted and coped through Covid, which must have been difficult. Highly recommended!

— Kathryn R.

We send both our kids to sycamore valley day school and absolutely love it. We switched preschools, and visited half a dozen other schools before choosing sycamore valley day school.

What sets it apart are the following:

Teachers: Ms Charlene, Kathy, Sindy, Mariam and all the other teachers clearly love what they do and care deeply about their students and their well being. It comes through in every interaction with them, how much they are learning, and it's clear from the kids how much they they love their class.

The environment: The school is tucked back against the hills and right next to sycamore valley park. The outdoor playground is huge with lots of trees and shade. There's a nice chicken coop with friendly chickens who run around inside the yard, and often turkeys and deer outside it. It's unique to be located right next to a huge park. This makes it possible for even the infant class to have mini field trips to the park.

Ms Fedra: Perhaps, most of all, Fedra makes this school stand out. She clearly loves and cares deeply for the kids and her school. She's extremely active and involved, and is always the first one there, and often the last to leave. She's hired great teachers, kept class sizes intentionally small, offers huge snacks which our kids love, and cultivated this really wonderful small school feel. All the kids know each other, and it's adorable to watch at pick up time all the kids giving hugs and saying good bye to each other.

We are already sad knowing that someday our kids will have to graduate and leave this wonderful school.

— Chris H.

If you're looking for an amazing preschool, you have found it. This place is a gem. I started my daughter at Sycamore Valley Day School last June and am very happy with my decision. Previously, she was at another preschool where she cried almost daily at dropoff (for an entire 8 months). We made the decision to switch her preschool and I was concerned with how she would do at a new place but I knew it was necessary to switch her school. The director of SVDS, Fedra, and her teacher Ms. Kathy have been extremely attentive and helpful in getting her acclimated. Fedra would wait for my daughter at dropoff to feed their chickens (the school has an awesome chicken coupe). Fedra knew my daughter liked animals and it was so thoughtful that she would wait for my daughter to feed the chickens. She truly cares about each child and their comfort and happiness. So after only 2 short weeks of crying at drop off, my daughter was no longer crying and actually wanting to go to school!

Since starting SVDS, my previously reserved daughter has blossomed into a happy and social girl and has thrived. She is currently learning how to write and is enjoying all of the neat art/science projects that Ms Kathy does with her students. She also enjoys playing outside on their playground.

The location of the school is great. It is nestled up near a beautiful open hiking space and adjacent to a large field and park. The children see nature and beauty. With that also comes privacy and safety. There is a gate which remains locked during school hours.

They have also helped us in the potty training process, which hasn't come easy for my daughter. It's nice that potty training is not a requirement and is also great that they are so am willing to help when the time is right.

I am happy to give this preschool 5 stars and really hand nothing but positive things to say about our experience. We are lucky to have found SVDS. We will be starting our son in their infant/toddler room in a couple months!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sycamore Valley Day School!

— Britany A.