Element School

Our Teachers

Qualified teachers are an important part of your child’s early education because they’re the ones who not only will instruct your child but will offer comfort and encouragement. When teachers are safe, caring, and approachable, classroom communities thrive.

Kimberly Gonzalez, Director

Kim is a bilingual marine biologist and educator with over a decade of experience designing STEAM programming for students of all ages. She was the science teacher and curriculum creator at top PK-8 East Bay schools, The Academy and Escuela Bilingüe Internacional. More recently, she was the lead content creator for Design Squad Latinx: an NSF-funded engineering program on PBS Learning Media.

Kim brings her experience designing programming at The Seattle Aquarium and the award-winning Marine Science Center at The Harbour School, Hong Kong to Element.

Kim believes that mindfulness and artful expression go hand-in-hand with a brilliant STEM education. She has completed the East Bay Meditation Center’s year-long Practice in Transformative Action training and practiced world dance for over ten years. With this holistic perspective in mind, Kim draws from the best of Socratic, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches to create an inquiry-supportive early childhood environment.

Ching Chang, Curriculum Designer

Ching is a software engineer and entrepreneur with a Master Degree in Computer Science from Boston University. She worked at large tech companies such as Microsoft and Booking.com, and she was also an early employee at a number of San Francisco healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups funded by top-tier venture capitalists such as Sequoia and Google Ventures.

Ching is an assistant teacher and a technical advisor to Element’s curriculum. She has designed and taught an AI and robotics curriculum to middle schoolers. She is also an avid cook who designs our menu to include cuisines from around the world.

Ching has completed several 10-day silent meditation retreats and participated in a yoga teacher training. She brings her yoga and mindfulness practice to all aspects of education.

Testimonials

“Our science class together is the highlight of my day.”

— Fourth Grade Student, The Academy

“Kim, thanks so much for being such an inspiring teacher! [My son] comes home after your classes with such excitement! He tells me about waves and air and recreates projects. He calls your class Kim’s Laboratory (with such adoration of what you do). Thanks!”

— Parent, Escuela Bilingue Internacional

“Kim is passionate, empathetic, engaged, committed, and a true justice advocate. She easily inspires others with her words and heartfelt connection.”

— Director of Community Programming, IslandWood Graduate Program

“Ms. Gonzalez designed a state-of-the-art wet lab. Her abilities to work with administration, construction professionals, and teachers is a credit to her abilities as a team player.”

— Science Coordinator, The Harbour School

Philosophy

The world needs explorers and inventors. At Element, students don’t just participate – they co-create their learning experiences

The Future of Early Education

True learning begins with self-knowledge and self-motivation. Our students use their spirit of inquiry, grit, and empathy to work with the abstract and make sense of the unknown. Harnessing these innate qualities is a natural outcome of collaboration and ownership in the learning process.

Through hands-on, personalized, and experiential lessons, Element educators facilitate spaces where creativity and diverse perspectives are celebrated. Socratic-style explorations coupled with self-directed activities create dynamic experiences which support young learners as they prepare for a rapidly-changing future.

What is STEAM?

The acronym S.T.E.A.M. represents an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Recent research shows a curriculum integrating STEAM and Maker education promotes pupils’ learning motivation, self-efficacy, and interdisciplinary language acquisition.

STEAM is for Everyone

Young people are capable of understanding complex STEM topics! Creative activities such as crafts and dance support this process through developmentally-appropriate fun. Interdisciplinary STEAM programs engage students and foster inclusive, gender-equal environments.  Research shows they improve creative thought and emotional intelligence.

A Well-Rounded Education

In addition to each of the STEAM subjects, we offer a wide breadth of enrichment classes (dance, music, literature, etc.) and field trips to local museums and natural spaces. Element learners have ample opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies while developing their social emotional skills.

Cultivate a Love of Learning

Element learners are encouraged to follow their own genius: STEAM is foundational in developing children’s autonomy. Your child will have the freedom and independence to move, play, think, and create while exploring the world with wonder.

Location

We are located in the beautiful Panoramic Hill, surrounded by nature and wildlife.

Part cozy home, part exploratory museum

We carefully created the space with the developmental needs of children in mind. Element is the preschool we wish we went to. We regularly redesign it with learning elements tailored to the curriculum. There is ample space for children to work alone, interact with each other, or rest.

About our program

Element School is a STEAM-focused early childhood education space nestled in the  Berkeley / Oakland Hills of California. We nurture preschoolers’ natural genius with a child-centered, holistic, and fun approach to learning. 

Element students are introduced to a range of topics while gaining exposure to English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Element is an inclusive community; the school is owned and operated by an LGBTQ+ family of color.

Admissions

Note: Now enrolling Infants age 4 month and up.

Join the Element School community in three easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you’re interested in enrolling, submit an application here. If this option is not available, you can message the program director directly.

3. Tour our program

Come see what makes Element School unique. Make sure to bring your child with you during the tour so we can meet them!

4. Enroll

Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.