Love Notes

“My youngest looked at me and said, ‘Daddy, you need to smell the flowers and blow out the candles!’ I laughed, “It took me a second to realize he was telling me to take a deep breath and calm down!” 

-Joe, Toddler Parent, 2019

"If you are lucky enough to get a spot at this school, drop everything you are doing and enroll your child immediately. I cannot imagine a better preschool than this one. In 2019, my son's former school closed unexpectedly, and we were left scrambling to find a place for him. I called literally every school in Santa Rosa and toured every one that responded. I didn't feel great about any of them, and then I heard from a friend that her son's former teacher, who she raved about, was getting ready to open a school. I called the owner and director, Nicole, that same day and went to visit the not yet open Storybook Village.  From the moment I stepped in the building, I was in awe of how well thought out and charming the rooms were. Every square inch of the school is designed with a purpose. The spacious yard has been continually upgraded and offers several different options for the children. After the tour, I eagerly filled out the application, and my son was there the first day the school opened. I told several other families who were in the same situation about the school. They had the same reaction as I did about Nicole and the school and enrolled their children as well.

Nicole is simply amazing. She is passionate, maybe even obsessed, with early childhood education. It pours through her soul. She hand selects teachers that truly buy into her vision and philosophy. My son learned all of the academic things that you would expect out of a high quality preschool, but what I am most pleased about is his social-emotional education.  The school mantra of "we are kind, we are respectful, we are healthy" really stuck with him. The school emphasized these qualities in everything they do. Speaking of health... when Covid-19 hit, the school was ready. Regular hand washing and hygiene had been a huge thing at the school before the pandemic. Nicole quickly pivoted to make the school safe and compliant with state and local guidelines. I never worried about my son being at school with the protocols she and the staff had in place.

We are forever grateful that we found this school. Every child deserves to be in a school as exceptional as Storybook Village." 

-Amy, Preschool Parent, 2020

"I myself am an elementary teacher of 14 years, and I can say that Nicole Monachello is definitely an asset to any learning community. Perhaps the most telling comment I could write about Ms. Monachello is that I feel so fortunate to entrust her with the educational foundation of my children."  

-Jen, Pre-k Parent, 2013

“I like that Storybook [Village Preschool] works to routinize certain things; whenever my daughter washes her hands now, she sings a song called ‘Tops and Bottoms’ and doesn’t stop lathering the soap until the song is over.”  

-Katie, Toddler Parent, 2020

"Hands down THE BEST preschool in town! I say that to my boys, and their eyes light up in agreement. We highly recommend Storybook Village!!! Miss Nicole the director/owner is absolutely amazing with building up her staff so that they are equipped and full of confidence in their roles as educarers for the littlest members and future of our society and the world. She and her DREAM TEAM are indeed our village, our kiddos' second home. SVP has been our village since the school opened.  Our FOUR boys LOVE attending preschool at Storybook!! They go above and beyond with their care, teaching, and the school itself. Check it out! Worth the wait if you get put on the waiting list." 

-Shayne, Preschool Parent, 2021

"Today is my daughters last day at Storybook Village as she is going off to kindergarten. Storybook Village has been our home for the last year and I wish she could stay here forever. It's such an amazing school for all littles. The teachers really nurture our babies with positivity. They always encourage the children to use their imagination, which allows for them to really trust themselves. They are the golden globe of preschools. I can't thank Nicole and her wonderful staff enough." 

-Katie, Preschool Parent, 2022

"As a parent, it was essential to find a safe place where my 4 year old daughter can feel comfortable and also excel academically. In such a short period of time, it amazes me how much my daughter has improved in learning and preparing for kindergarten. The director and teachers at Storybook Village Preschool are excellent and are very passionate about their profession. And I never have to worry about the care my daughter receives. That gives me peace of mind. The entire staff are friendly and helpful and I couldn't ask for anything more." 

-Christie, Preschool Parent, 2020

"My son has been at Storybook Village since they first opened, and it has been an amazing experience since day one. Nicole has always had a vision of what she wanted her school to look like, and she has made it happen and then some. I can honestly say I love every single staff member. You can tell they were chosen with care. I have asked my son who his favorite teacher is and he always answers with "all of them!" Storybook really focuses on emotional growth and I can see the effect it has on my son daily. They have helped him learn how to identify his emotions and to understand it is healthy to have them! That is a very vital thing for young children (and everyone) to learn. This is seriously a top notch school.

I have been especially appreciative of SVP during these uncertain times of COVID19. They take the children's health very seriously and have numerous safely precautions in place that ease my worry when sending my son to school. I would highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking for a safe place for their children. I can't express how superb this school is." 

-Jenna, Preschool Parent, 2020

"How do I convey my love for this preschool? My daughter was 5 months old when she needed to start attending out-of-home care four days/wk. We toured numerous preschools and in-home daycares and could not find one we felt comfortable leaving our infant with. We then toured Storybook and we KNEW we had found the one. The meticulous effort that was put into tailoring a care plan specific to our family's needs was unmatched and the teacher-to-infant ratio was just where we needed it to be. Maybe most of all, we felt confident that she would be in an environment that was designed to stimulate her ever developing brain. Every single time we picked her up she was being tended to, played with or held by one of her primary teachers. She is now two years old and loves going to school. All of the rooms of Storybook Village are so intentionally crafted to promote open-ended play and imagination, it's truly magical. And I could not write a review without stating how amazing the teaching staff and school director are; they are true advocates for the children they care for. To anyone looking for exemplary care for your kiddo: this is the place. " 

-Lisa, Toddler Parent, 2021

"I can not even put into words to describe how amazing this school has been for my son who is 4. 5 stars is not enough, this school is 100% amazing!!!! My son has been attending Storybook since the school first opened. Nicole has built the school of her dreams, and it shows. The environment is welcoming and the staff are amazing. My son has some special social emotional needs and health issues, and Storybook has always been accommodating to my son's needs tailoring a plan that works for him, so that he is able to thrive and excel. The teachers are loving, engaging, attentive and nurturing towards all the children that come in each day. I love the communication that I receive as a parent, so that I feel involved in the learning pyramid that takes place at school and I am able to foster that same creativity at home. I highly recommend Storybook Village to anyone looking for safe and quality care for their child/children. There is no other place that I would want my son to be." 

-April, Pre-k Parent, 2021