Via Center

Petites Merveilles is a nurturing and engaging Montessori-based daycare located in Berkeley, dedicated to supporting the natural development of children aged 2 to 6 years. With a core mission centered around love, respect, and curiosity, the school fosters a joyful environment where children can thrive. The program accommodates up to 12 children, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful interactions. Utilizing Dr. Maria Montessori's educational philosophy, Petites Merveilles emphasizes practical life skills alongside early literacy and pre-math development through a variety of hands-on activities such as gardening, singing, and dancing. The daily schedule is thoughtfully designed, featuring morning activities that encourage skill practice at the child's own pace, outdoor play that promotes gross motor skills and social interaction, and nutritious organic meals prepared with children's involvement. A unique aspect of Petites Merveilles is its French immersion approach, which enables children to learn the language naturally through storytelling, songs, and conversation while celebrating diverse cultures within the community. With its low student-teacher ratio, strong emphasis on family partnerships, and commitment to holistic child development, Petites Merveilles stands out as a compassionate educational choice for families seeking an enriching early childhood experience.

Avalon Academy is a specialized private non-public school dedicated to serving students with movement disorders, cerebral palsy, and complex motor and communication needs, ages 5-22. This interdisciplinary program integrates comprehensive special education with full therapeutic services including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and adapted physical education. The school employs certified special education teachers, licensed therapists, and specialists trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide individualized education plans tailored to each student's unique physical, communication, and academic needs. Avalon Academy emphasizes a family-focused approach with strong parent partnerships, maintaining low student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention. The specialized campus is equipped with adaptive technology, mobility equipment, and therapeutic facilities to support students with complex physical disabilities while promoting independence, communication skills, and academic achievement through evidence-based interventions.

Diane S. Leichman Career Preparatory and Transition Center is dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning needs, focusing on those who require specialized support to thrive in their educational journey. Serving a range of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional individuals, the school fosters an inclusive and nurturing environment where each child can develop essential life skills. The center's mission emphasizes rigorous life skills instruction, ensuring that students engage in vocational, community, and work experiences designed to promote greater independence. With a commitment to high expectations, the dedicated staff collaborates closely with families to set meaningful goals that enhance cultural awareness and community involvement. What sets Leichman CTC apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction, as well as its strong partnerships with families that create a supportive network for students. This unique approach not only prepares students for future success but also cultivates active participation in the broader Los Angeles community.