Children's Center
offering ample opportunities for experiential learning, wonder, play, and exploration of the natural world
Program
- 6:1 Student-to-teacher ratio
- Emphasis on exploring the natural world
- Social Emotional Learning
- Art
- Music
- Movement
- Story-telling
- Early literacy activities
- Hands-on math explorations
- Rest time
Preschool Tours
Attending a Preschool Tour is a great way to get to know our Children’s Center program and get your questions answered. Tours provide an opportunity to see our classroom environment and outdoor space, and generally observe our Preschool in action. The tour includes time for questions and answers.
Sign up for a Preschool Tour
Age Range
The Children’s Center serves children over 3 years old. Applicants must be at least 3 to attend an Admissions Playgroup. Spots in the Preschool class will be reserved for the youngest children who need to wait until they turn 3 to apply.
Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 8:15am – 3:00pm
- Friday: 8:15am – 12:00pm
- Extended care is available until 6pm Monday-Thursday, and until 5pm on Fridays, for an additional fee.
Staff
Matt Linden
Director of Preschool
Education: B.A., Human Biology, Stanford University; M.A., Elementary Education, University of California, Berkeley
Matt brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, shaped by deep Bay Area roots and a lifelong commitment to relationship-based learning. He began his journey at Stanford’s Bing Nursery School—later serving as a teacher there and at One Fifty Parker Avenue School, where he stepped into his first full-time leadership role.
Matt went on to lead as Executive Director at The Little School in San Francisco, where he advanced a culture of inclusion and social-emotional development. At Avenues Silicon Valley, he co-designed and led Avenues@Home during the pandemic and helped shape the Founding Class Program—supporting students, families, and educators across the globe with creativity and care.
At Tessellations, Matt leads the Preschool program with warmth, vision, and deep respect for the power of play. He is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment where relationships, exploration, and joy are at the heart of learning.
Juliana Steinert
Preschool Associate Director of Teaching & Learning
Education: B.A. Pedagogy Education, Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil); Certificate in Early Education Leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Juliana brings more than 14 years of experience in early childhood education, with a strong focus on child-centered, inquiry-based approaches. Originally from Brazil, she has led classrooms and collaborated on curriculum development across diverse educational settings, drawing from both global pedagogical traditions and local community needs.
At Tessellations, Juliana guides instructional design and supports faculty in nurturing the unique strengths of young gifted learners. Her leadership is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and a deep belief in each child’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. She is particularly passionate about helping students find their voice, explore big questions, and connect learning to lived experience.
Marilyn Jauregui
Early Childhood Teacher
Education: B.A., Education, San Jose State University; A.A., Early Childhood Development, Foothill College
Marilyn brings over a decade of experience supporting joyful early learning environments for preschoolers across Silicon Valley, including programs at Google and Stanford. She is passionate about nurturing the whole child and creating spaces where young learners feel safe, engaged, and inspired to grow. At Tessellations, Marilyn draws on her deep roots in the Bay Area to build strong connections with students and families alike. Outside of school, she enjoys skateboarding, visiting local bookstores, and giving back through her church community.
Kelly Li
Early Childhood Teacher
Education: B.A., Early Childhood Education, Tianjin Normal University; M.A., Education, Heidelberg University; Montessori Teaching Credential
Kelly brings warmth, intentionality, and deep respect for each learner to her role as an early childhood educator. With a background in progressive education and Montessori methodology, she designs environments that are responsive to children’s developmental needs and natural curiosity. At Tessellations, Kelly supports young learners through thoughtful observation, tailored experiences, and a calm, nurturing presence. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking in the woods, spending time with her cat, and walking dogs for friends.
Cici Luo
Early Childhood Associate Teacher
Education: A.A. (in progress), Early Childhood Education, Foothill College
Cici brings care, creativity, and consistency to her work with young learners. With over five years of classroom experience, she thoughtfully designs activities that support children’s social-emotional growth and cognitive development. At Tessellations, Cici fosters a joyful environment where curiosity is celebrated and each child’s learning journey is honored. Outside of school, she enjoys listening to music, staying active, and traveling with her family.
Jay Patel
Early Childhood Associate Teacher
Education: B.A., Graphic Design, East Lancashire Institute of Higher Education; BTEC Foundation Degree in Art & Design, Blackburn College
Jay brings creativity, warmth, and a love of hands-on learning to his work with young children. Originally from the UK, he spent a decade leading art-based programs at Clitheroe Castle Museum before moving to California. At Tessellations, he inspires preschoolers through play-based, child-centered experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and imagination. With a background in museum education and maker spaces, Jay helps create joyful learning environments rooted in exploration and creativity.
Admissions Process - Initial Application Materials
Tessellations actively seeks students and families that share in our school’s vision, mission, and core values, and whom we can confidently serve. We have a rolling admissions process. Applications are reviewed as they are completed, and students are admitted for Fall 2026 depending on availability.
For families interested in an immediate start: we have limited availability in select grades. Please reach out to our Admissions Team at admissions@tessellations.school to inquire.
All applicants are asked to submit the following initial application materials:
- Preschool Intake Form or Prekindergarten Intake Form and Application Fee
Please fill out the Application Form on Ravenna and summit the application fee of $100. Please contact us if this cost is a financial hardship. - Student Information Form
This is a detailed form that helps us get to know your child in-depth. - Student Video
We ask you to create a short 2-3 minute video to give us a glimpse into your child’s world. - Parent/Guardian Statement
This is a short form to get to know more about you. - Parent/Guardian Interview (virtual)
We look forward to meeting our families in conversation about Tessellations and the Early Years. - Playgroup or Shadow
Preschool teachers and a group of applicants with their parents/guardians will meet and engage in an engaging playgroup together. Prekindergarten applicants are invited to Shadow for a half-day. - Teacher Recommendations (if applicable)
For students enrolled in a preschool or day care program at the time of application, we ask that you request a teacher recommendation.
Admissions Process - Finalist Application Steps
After the initial application materials are submitted, Tessellations will invite finalists to proceed in the application process. Finalists are invited to complete some or all of the following steps, depending on the age of the child and information needed by our Admissions Team. Please note that the order of these steps may vary.
- Parent/Guardian Interview
This is a meeting to ensure alignment between family expectations and our school’s educational approach. We will explore how our program can support your student’s learning journey, and allow you to ask any questions you may have. - Playgroup
Preschool teachers and a group of applicants with their parents/guardians will meet and engage in a fun activity together. This is not a test, but rather meant to provide insight regarding how your child engages in a group environment and to allow you and your child a chance to experience our program.
Admissions Decisions
When the application process is complete, the Admissions Team will make an admissions decision. A number of criteria will inform the admissions decision; however, no single criterion will determine the final decision.
Upon acceptance, a contract will be sent to the parents/guardians for review and signatures. As part of their decision-making process, prospective families are invited to request to meet current families (adults and/or students) to hear about their experiences.
Once accepted, a signed contract and deposit toward annual tuition secure your child’s place in our program. We consider qualified candidates in the order in which they apply.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Tessellations admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Tessellations does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in the administration of its educational policies, financial award programs, or any other school-administered programs.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is:
- Preschool – Pre-Kindergarten: $44,500
- Kindergarten – Grade 1: $44,900
- Grades 2–5: $45,050
- Grades 6–8: $46,150
Each year, tuition is reviewed and adjusted thoughtfully to support continued investment in exceptional faculty, program development, and the overall student experience.
Tuition at Tessellations sustains the core elements of our educational model, including:
- Small class sizes
- Talented, experienced faculty and staff
- Ongoing professional development
- Experiential and interdisciplinary learning
- Social-emotional development and executive functioning support
- Outdoor education and connection with nature
We are committed to financial sustainability while remaining mission-aligned in our support of gifted learners.
Financial aid is available to qualified families and is determined on a case-by-case basis.