The Lake School
Daycare center in Oakland, CA. 304 Lester Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606
About the program
The Lake School is a licensed daycare center in Oakland, California, on the state register since 1981. It is licensed for 46 children and serves preschool ages.
The Lake School is a play-based preschool and transitional kindergarten located in a Victorian home in Oakland, California.
The program follows a play-based approach.
Tuition and capacity
Tuition: not listed. The Lake School does not publish a fee schedule on its website. Programs in the area that publish full-time tuition have a median starting price of $1,705 a month.
Licensing and safety
Open the state record →California cites a Type A violation for an immediate risk to the health or safety of children, and a Type B violation for a record-keeping or maintenance item. The state file gives counts, dates and regulation numbers, not the inspector's notes.
Regulations cited
1596.7995(a)(1)
Open the state record for each visit report.
What parents say
Love this school, these teachers, and our new director with all of my heart! We've been at The Lake School for two years (including the recent leadership transition and unfortunate staff turnover) and really cannot recommend this place enough. If you speak to any of the current teachers, aides, or admin staff, you can feel how much they are supported and how much they care about creating a safe, secure learning…
Lindsay Harte · 5/5 on Google · 3 months agoDo not take your child here! Staff are quitting. The new Director Awa Gaye has been reported to DSS for harassing teachers, parents, and even children! I'm a parent of a child here and I'm posting anonymously out of fear the Director and the board will retaliate! The Lake School was famous for great culture. By failing to take action on the problems with the Director, the current Board of Directors is killing the…
Ozjazz · 1/5 on Google · 4 months agoA truly special place for children. Amazing teachers (especially Steph and Chianai), a warm and caring school director who listens, unassuming and thoughtful parent community, a magical place for your children to grow and learn. Cost is relatively affordable and they offer scholarships. Can’t say enough great things about this lovely school. Send your kids here if they’re great.
ZairyZuppy · 5/5 on Google · a year agoBoth my kids attended this preschool and it is one of the best decisions our family has ever made. The Lake School is a warm and loving place filled with the most kind hearted, generous teachers. Both my children have thrived and blossomed as tiny humans under the roof of this sweet little house. It is a happy place where children get plenty of outdoor time and get to learn and explore through play to their little…
Katie Waltemyer Graceffa · 5/5 on Google · 2 years agoGetting there
304 Lester Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606
Questions about The Lake School
Is The Lake School licensed?
Yes. The Lake School holds an active Day Care Center licence from California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (licence 010205449), with a licensed capacity of 46 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has The Lake School had any inspection violations?
California's public file shows 1 citation for The Lake School, across 3 inspection visits. The median daycare center in the area has 1. The state record linked above has each visit report.
What ages does The Lake School take?
The Lake School is licensed to serve preschool ages.
How much does The Lake School cost?
The Lake School does not publish tuition on its website. Ask for the full fee schedule on a tour, including registration, supply and late pick-up fees.
