ABOUT US
Phoebe Hearst Preschool
The Phoebe Hearst Preschool Learning Center is a “child-centered” preschool, committed to the growth of each child in a caring environment that nurtures self-acceptance and exploration. Our preschool environment is a testament to a belief in childhood.
Letter from the Director
Dear Prospective Parents,
Thank you for your interest in our program. We are delighted that you want to learn more about our preschool. Searching for the right school for your child in San Francisco can be quite daunting. However, I would like to reassure you that you do have lots of wonderful options. We have many wonderful and exciting choices in this lovely city.
At Phoebe Hearst Preschool we believe in providing an excellent and engaging early childhood experience. Our curriculum is built on the belief that children will excel when given the opportunity to explore and create within their classroom environment. Our flexible curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all children in the classroom. Our program is child-centered and art based and helps provide the foundation on which all later learning will be built.
Our additional downstairs space allows us to explore the art studio, the sensory-motor room, the tinkering studio and the yoga studio. These all combine to provide an enriching and inspiring preschool experience for our students. Children are at the heart of all that do here at Phoebe Hearst Preschool.
The best way to fully understand our program is to visit and see it in action. We look forward to showing you around our facility and embarking on what may be a long-term relationship with you and your family. We believe in good communication and strong collaboration between faculty and families. Relationships are an important part of our philosophy.
Please give us a call with any questions and to set up a tour.
I look forward to meeting you.
Warmly,
Irene Byrne
Executive Director
Mission Statement
To provide an excellent and engaging early childhood education experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and compassion.
To serve a diverse community of children and families of San Francisco that reflects its rich cultural, economic, and social diversity.
To provide a progressive, child-centered, art-based program that promotes individual growth, self-awareness, and readiness for formal learning.
To continuously explore, develop and implement best early childhood practices through academic association and research.
Irene Byrne’s Bio
Irene Byrne, M.A. joined the preschool in 1995 and became the director in 1996. Irene obtained her B.A. degree in psychology and English from University College Dublin, Ireland and her M.A. degree in education from San Francisco State University. She also holds a Montessori Teaching Credential from Sion Hill College in Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland.
Her publications include Birthing: Choices You Have to Create the Best Birth Experience For You and Your Child, Finding a Preschool for your Child in San Francisco and Marin, and her latest book, Preschools by the Bay.