Nihao School · San Mateo
A little world of play, language, and discovery.
An educator-created, mixed-age school home for children from about 3 months through 5 years. Mandarin and English live in songs, stories, meals, play, and care. Your family can begin here in any language.
3 months through 5 years
Monday–Friday · 8 AM–6 PM
San Mateo Village
A note from Alice
I’d love to meet the child you know so well.
Hi and Nihao! When a family visits, I want to hear what makes their child curious, what helps them feel comfortable, and the little moments that make them laugh. Those details help us begin a relationship.
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As you explore this page, imagine the story your child might begin here. The illustrations come from real Nihao School photographs—moments of play and discovery that happened in our own spaces.
A day at Nihao
Every child finds a way into the story.
A song, a shared toy, a new role in a game—small moments make room for language, imagination, and friendship.
Belonging begins together
Familiar adults help children feel secure as they begin to notice and connect with one another.
Imagination has room to grow
Children build, pretend, tell stories, and try on new roles through everyday play.
Discovery goes outdoors
Movement, gardening, sensory play, and shared adventures are part of the school day.
Most illustrations on this page are adapted from real Nihao School photographs. The Mandarin scene is a concept illustration.
Language in everyday life
Mandarin belongs to the moment.
At Nihao, language grows familiar through people and experiences: a greeting at the door, a favorite song, a conversation over lunch. English is part of the day too, and all home languages are welcome.
Children join in from their own starting point. Small, flexible groups and personalized learning plans help us notice what each child is ready to explore next.
Nourishment and connection
Food is part of how we care.
Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack bring children together around nourishing food. We offer variety, make space for curiosity, and help children feel comfortable at the table.
Our typical meal times are 9:30 AM, noon, and 3:30 PM. We discuss dietary needs with each family.
Growing together
Support for every stage.
Age gives us context. Your child’s development, interests, and relationships guide the support they receive.
Infants
Familiar adults learn your baby’s cues and partner with you around feeding, sleep, and comfort. Talking, singing, and floor play make care a time for connection.
Toddlers
Movement, pouring, building, and pretend play offer new discoveries. Simple choices and gentle support help toddlers grow into daily routines.
Preschoolers
Stories, projects, and imaginative play invite children to share ideas, build friendships, and take on growing responsibilities.
People your family will know
A small school with familiar faces.
Alice Ding
Founder and Director
Alice leads program design and personalized learning, bringing stories to life through song, movement, and role play.
Cora
Program Supervisor
Cora leads daily operations and family communication, from warm conversations at the gate to thoughtful play setups.
Program Assistants
The backbone of our program
Our Program Assistants bring steady care and hands-on support to play, daily routines, and the relationships children build at school.
Good to know
Planning your child’s day.
Hours and core day
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM. The core program is typically 9:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Meals
Morning snack at 9:30 AM, lunch at noon, and afternoon snack at 3:30 PM. These times are typical.
Attendance
Five days, or a consistent two-, three-, or four-day schedule within Tuesday–Friday, subject to availability and program fit.
Tuition and closures
A fixed monthly fee reserves your agreed schedule. Full tuition remains due during scheduled closures, including December winter closure. The Family Guide has rates and dates.
Come see where the story begins
Let’s get to know one another.
Tell us about your child and the schedule you’re considering. We’ll share the Family Guide and help arrange a virtual tour or, when space allows, a playdate visit. Visits are scheduled in advance, and we share arrival details directly.
alice@i-immersion.org · 650-666-2598
Child Care License No. 414005183