Early Education and Care in San Mateo, CA
Every Moment Matters
- The components of our Balanced Learning® approach are intentionally aligned to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Your child will stay engaged all day with the right balance of child-initiated and teacher-guided learning experiences.
- Our students learn the foundational skills to develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts® that will forge a path to a brighter future.
Franchise Owner
Shafiq Thobani
Welcome to Primrose School of San Mateo! I am proud to bring high quality preschool and child care to young children and families in the San Mateo community.
My connection to Primrose Schools runs deep and is built on years of witnessing the transformational impact of quality early education. I have seen children consistently thrive at Primrose, demonstrating strong academic foundations, leadership skills, and a genuine sense of responsibility toward others. Within my own family, my nephew, my cousins’ children, and now my own son have all attended Primrose. Watching my son flourish, developing a love of learning, growing in confidence, and building meaningful relationships has affirmed the power of the Balanced Learning® approach and the lasting foundation it provides for lifelong success.
At Primrose, we believe who children become is as important as what they know. Our exclusive early learning approach balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. We deliver more than a curriculum; it’s a life-changing experience for children and their families.
I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children feel valued and families feel supported. I look forward to partnering with families as we build a school where children learn, belong, and truly thrive.
We are excited to meet you and your family!
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all staff members background-checked and CPR/first-aid certified?
Yes. Every Primrose staff member undergoes a thorough background check before joining our school. All staff are also CPR and first–aid certified, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, prepared hands every day.
What curriculum or educational philosophy do you follow?
Our school uses the proprietary Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® curriculum, which is research-informed and designed to nurture the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. We believe in balancing teacher-guided learning with purposeful play to build a strong foundation for the future.
How do you support school readiness and the transition to kindergarten?
All of our programs are designed in age-appropriate ways to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. We focus on early literacy and numeracy as well as social-emotional skill development — so children arrive at kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. 96% of Primrose Schools Pre-K students met ASQ benchmarks for problem solving.*
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am-6:00 pm.
How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?
Connecting school to home is one of the ways we help children thrive. We use the Procare app to share daily updates and photos so you stay connected to your child’s joy, learning and special moments
When does Primrose School of San Mateo open?
Primrose School of San Mateo is opening in Fall 2026. You can schedule a tour now or check back for updates as the opening date approaches.
Who owns and operates Primrose School of San Mateo?
Primrose School of San Mateo is owned and operated by Shafiq Thobani. Primrose runs in his family, his nephew, cousins’ children, and his own son have all attended Primrose schools.
Does Primrose San Mateo serve nearby communities like Redwood City, Burlingame, San Carlos, or Foster City?
Primrose San Mateo is located on South El Camino Real, near Bay Meadows Park and Hillsdale Shopping Center. Families from Redwood City, Burlingame, San Carlos, and Foster City find it a convenient drive.
How do I get on the waitlist or enroll before Primrose San Mateo opens?
Schedule a tour to learn about enrollment and reserve your child’s spot ahead of opening. Contact the school directly at (415) 261-1234 for current waitlist details.
Is Primrose a Montessori school? What's the difference?
No. Primrose San Mateo is not a Montessori school. It uses Balanced Learning, a curriculum developed exclusively for Primrose Schools that blends teacher-guided lessons with child-initiated play. Montessori programs typically use mixed-age classrooms with self-paced, hands-on work.
How much does tuition cost at Primrose San Mateo?
Pricing isn’t published on the school’s website yet. Contact Primrose San Mateo directly at (415) 261-1234 for tuition information.
What is Transitional Kindergarten, and will Primrose San Mateo offer it?
Yes. Primrose San Mateo’s Transitional Kindergarten classroom is being built as part of the new school. TK is a research-informed, full-day program designed as a bridge between preschool/pre-K and traditional kindergarten. It uses the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum to foster academic, physical, social, and emotional growth for children.
Is Primrose San Mateo hiring teachers and staff?
Yes. Primrose San Mateo is currently hiring for its opening team. Open positions are listed on the school’s careers page.
What ages will Primrose San Mateo enroll when it opens?
Primrose San Mateo will offer Infant through Transitional Kindergarten classrooms once it opens, serving children starting at 6 weeks old.
What positions is Primrose San Mateo hiring for?
Primrose San Mateo is hiring teachers and staff for its opening team. Current openings are listed on the school’s careers page and updated as the opening date approaches.
