Welcome to
Garden Gate Preschool 296 Guttenberg St. San Francisco
A unique, safe, nurturing home & play based preschool in San Francisco.
License # 384004487
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We are a child directed, with a play based learning program. Our curriculum is derived from the idea that creativity and learning occur best when children are provided with numerous and varied options. This idea is based on the open structured nursery school model, in which the classroom provides different areas of interest. Some examples
We are a child directed, with a play based learning program. Our curriculum is derived from the idea that creativity and learning occur best when children are provided with numerous and varied options. This idea is based on the open structured nursery school model, in which the classroom provides different areas of interest. Some examples of these areas are; blocks, art, puzzle, messy manipulatives, imaginative play, and book areas. The children are free to roam, spending time in any area of their choosing. We have optional and varying projects always available. We mold our curriculum lesson topics to the children’s interests so they chose the themes that we will fully delve into.
We also believe that nature is a secondary classroom, where children can develop fine and large motor skills by exploring, digging and climbing. Therefore we incorporate much outdoor time, in the garden, at the park, and on regular field trips. We practice positive reinforcement and attachment, non-punitive style teaching. We aim to facilitate long lasting connections with children and families.
About Us
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Shannon Lundling and Michelle Rios are SF born and raised locals. Both met and taught at the beloved SF preschool original: Little Bear School. Upon the unexpected closure of Little Bear School in August of 2021, Shannon and Michelle decided to team up and open their own smaller version, reinforcing a similar philosophy and teaching style, but with their own unique style.
Our Program
Our Philosophy
Our Program
Time: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Days: Monday-Friday (3, 4, or 5 days)
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
Group Size: 6 kids/day
Ratio: 1:3
Children who attend 3 or 4 days per week may add extra days if families give advance notice and if space allows.
The 25/26 school year runs from August 4th 2025 to July 24th 2026.
*Admission completed with $500 deposit.
*Payment
Time: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Days: Monday-Friday (3, 4, or 5 days)
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
Group Size: 6 kids/day
Ratio: 1:3
Children who attend 3 or 4 days per week may add extra days if families give advance notice and if space allows.
The 25/26 school year runs from August 4th 2025 to July 24th 2026.
*Admission completed with $500 deposit.
*Payments are the same month to month, non-refundable, and are paid on the first of each month.
*Holidays will be observed and follow the SFUSD Holiday Calendar. We are closed the last week in June for summer break and the last week of July for teacher prep week.
*Holidays and sick days will be paid in full.
We drive to field trips and parks.
Meet the Team
Shannon Lundling, Owner
Shannon Lundling, Owner
Shannon has worked with children for over 20 years. Mainly as a preschool teacher, but also as a postpartum doula. She has extensive nanny experience, and in running elementary after school programs. She received her degree in Child Development and Early Education from CCSF. Shannon is also mom of two LBS alum.
Michelle Rios, Director
Shannon Lundling, Owner
Michelle Rios has taught preschool for 15+ years, and was the lead teacher for Little Bear School’s Pre-K class for 3 years. She received her B.A. in Psychology
from San Francisco State University and certification as an Early Childhood Education Practitioner from CCSF.
Michelle is fluent in Spanish, she designed and directed a preschool
Michelle Rios has taught preschool for 15+ years, and was the lead teacher for Little Bear School’s Pre-K class for 3 years. She received her B.A. in Psychology
from San Francisco State University and certification as an Early Childhood Education Practitioner from CCSF.
Michelle is fluent in Spanish, she designed and directed a preschool Spanish class
for 8 years. She incorporates Spanish into the daily class curriculum.
Assistant / Substitute Teachers
Assistant / Substitute Teachers
All staff members are:
Fully Vaccinated for Covid-19
CPR and First Aid Certified
Early Childhood Education Certified
Contact Us
If you have questions about the opportunities available to you in our programs, feel free to send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Garden Gate Preschool
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm
