Explorer Parent Participation Preschool

Explorer Parent Participation Preschool Est. 1960. We are a NAEYC accredited parent participation preschool located in Willow Glen, San Jose.

Meet Teacher Mary! Mary is an Assistant Teacher in the MW2’s and Pre-K classes and is the Lead Teacher for Kinder Club....
08/28/2026

Meet Teacher Mary! Mary is an Assistant Teacher in the MW2’s and Pre-K classes and is the Lead Teacher for Kinder Club. She started as a parent at Explorer in 2021. Before coming to Explorer, she taught second and fourth grade for almost ten years in the San Francisco Unified School District. She has also been a director at a summer camp in Palo Alto for over eighteen years, serving campers ages four to fourteen.

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Mary:
1. I have worked at a summer camp in Palo Alto since 2003- best way to spend the summer!!
2. I lived in San Francisco for about 10 years after I graduated from college.
3. I love to watch live sports- professional teams and my kids too!!

Why I love teaching at Explorer: I love my co-teachers! I learn something new from them each week; they make me laugh, and they are truly the kindest people. I also adore the community of families that Explorer attracts. Everyone at our school is invested in making it the very best for each student and family.

Meet Teacher Kathy! Kathy is an Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s and Pre-K classes. With over 20 years of teaching ex...
08/26/2026

Meet Teacher Kathy! Kathy is an Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s and Pre-K classes. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she enjoys teaching at co-ops as it involves the whole family where lifetime friendships are formed among both the children and the parents.

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Kathy:
1. Being in the mountains, in nature-in every season- is my happy place! Hiking, Snow Shoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, observing nature.
2. I like to do Word Search Puzzles!
3. I LOVE being a proud grandma (YAYA), to my beautiful granddaughter Elena! We have so much fun together on our adventure days!

Why she loves Explorer: Explorer feels like "HOME" and "FAMILY". Everyone is welcome, accepted, and there is a sense of belonging.

This Sunday (8/23) is our last all-school park playdate before school starts! Come reconnect with old friends and make n...
08/21/2026

This Sunday (8/23) is our last all-school park playdate before school starts! Come reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Be sure to wear your Explorer shirts. If you are new to our school or interested in learning more about us, please feel free to come say hello.

Last week, we had a wonderful park playdate filled with laughter, snacks and friends. Teacher Ellen brought some of her...
08/20/2026

Last week, we had a wonderful park playdate filled with laughter, snacks and friends. Teacher Ellen brought some of her brand new learning materials that the students absolutely loved! Interested in hearing more about our classes? Sign up for our upcoming tour on August 28 at 10 am through the link in our bio.

Meet Teacher Ellen! Ellen is the teacher for the Together Time classes. She has been an Early Childhood Educator for ove...
08/19/2026

Meet Teacher Ellen! Ellen is the teacher for the Together Time classes. She has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 35 years!

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Ellen:
1. My favorite job ever is being the mama of my 11 and 14 year old children! They teach me and make me a better human every day.
2. I am so excited to be a part of the Explorer community that I’ve been making new homemade learning materials for my classes all summer with my children!
3. I am now certified as a level one Nature-Based Educator by ANBE! It was a wonder-filled process filled with PLAY!

Why she loves Explorer: Explorer respects and values childhood and holds best practices for children as the priority for all decisions and choices.

Meet Teacher Rima! Rima is the Pre-K Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s class. She began her Explorer journ...
08/17/2026

Meet Teacher Rima! Rima is the Pre-K Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s class. She began her Explorer journey as a parent in the 3’s to 5’s class and made the transition from Explorer parent to teacher in 2023.

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Rima:
1. I have lived in 7 cities before moving to San Jose.
2. I love backpacking in the outdoors, and am very grateful my children like it too.
3. My favorite part of the day is the morning, when the sun is rising and a new day begins.

Why she loves Explorer: Children and families are respected and heard in Explorer, no matter where they come from. Children (and families) are not judged and supported to be themselves and grow at their own pace. I also love the outdoor classroom part for the Pre-K class.

Meet Teacher Meredith! Meredith started as a parent at Explorer in 2017 and had the joy of experiencing each class Explo...
08/14/2026

Meet Teacher Meredith! Meredith started as a parent at Explorer in 2017 and had the joy of experiencing each class Explorer has to offer with her two children. After falling in love with the wonderful school community and high-quality educational program at Explorer, she began substituting in all classes in 2023, which led her to becoming the Teacher for 3’s to 5’s in 2025.

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Meredith:
1. I love animals - cats are my favorite! I have a pet cat named Sirius Black, a bunny named Ozzy, and two hens named Penelope and Midnight.
2. My favorite way to spend alone time (when I can get it!) is reading a good book or working in my garden.
3. I love camping! I've been an avid camper from birth and even met my husband on a camping trip.

Why she loves Explorer: Getting to be a part of such a warm and welcoming community, seeing the incredible growth in the children over the year, and my wonderful teaching team!

Meet Teacher Annie! Annie is our school director and teaches the 2’s classes. Her journey began as a parent, spending 4...
08/12/2026

Meet Teacher Annie! Annie is our school director and teaches the 2’s classes. Her journey began as a parent, spending 4 years in the community before joining the staff in 1995

Here are 3 fun facts about Teacher Annie:
1. This summer I’ve traveled over 3500 miles in the car, through 8 states. I’ve loved every mile!
2. Favorite escape: crocheting while listening to an audiobook while camping.
3. My husband and I tell ourselves we’re in charge around here, but the actual bosses are our two senior chihuahuas.

Why she loves Explorer: Explorer is my happy place! I love the positive, supportive atmosphere. I love our parents and their eagerness to do well by all the children. I love our children who are free to be themselves. I love our teachers, who are creative, loving, and knowledgeable. Explorer is a wonderful place for children, parents, and teachers.

Tomorrow is our next all-school park playdate! Our park playdates are open to all interested, new and returning families...
08/11/2026

Tomorrow is our next all-school park playdate! Our park playdates are open to all interested, new and returning families. If you are new to school or want to learn more about Explorer, come introduce yourself and we would love to chat about our preschool.

Be sure to wear your Explorer shirts so we can easily spot our friends.

Address

2700 Booksin Avenue
San Jose, CA
95125

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 11:30am

Telephone

+14087230757

Website

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