As you approach the red-shingled Main Street building, you might assume that this Walnut Creek nursery school is just like any other. The worst part, though, is that there is a 12-month backlog simply to secure a place. The parents write their child’s name down on the birth certificate before the ink dries, so it’s not a misprint.

Who cares then? Just what is the big deal? The personnel isn’t slacking off, to begin with. You can tell these educators adore their little tornado students because of their extensive degree collections. After playing in the art room, which is covered in paint, the kids go out into the garden, where they gleefully pick strawberries and dig for worms. Nobody has to strain their elbows at a cramped workstation tracing letters.

Flexible hours are another major factor. The days of all preschools closing at 2 are over. Some parents’ workday ends at five, not lunch, and this establishment understands that. No one has to dash across town every afternoon with a racing heart thanks to extended care. Oh, and parents do talk—to one other and to the employees. Although it may sound inconvenient, no one seems to be complaining about getting stuck in the morning drop-off traffic. But instead of planning meals together, they’re arguing about whose child brought home more glitter. A genuine feeling of belonging is there.

Preschoolers here don’t merely learn their ABCs and 123s. Cooking, music, and an international week including cuisines from all over the world (including, my son’s favorite, “French toast Friday”) are all part of the mix. Families came out in droves to plant trees in December, even though it was raining. The filthy footwear were obvious to you. It was more like a large family gathering than a traditional school.

Not everything is peaches and cream. Some regulations are stringent. Screens? Not going down. Healthy snacks exclusively. A courteous note will be sent home if your lunch contains a granola bar that seems suspicious. Not all parents find that endearing. Conversely, having well-defined limits helps people feel more secure.

Perhaps the lack of iPads, eco-friendly playhouses, or even the curriculum isn’t the true secret. As soon as they step foot in the building, parents get that sinking feeling. Every child’s name, along with that of their dog and the superhero costume they wore to Halloween, is etched in the director’s memory. Everybody feels heard here.

When something is effective, word gets around quickly. Continuing, the list expands. Some families contact each other once a month in the hopes that a family member will move away, graduate early, or, you know, have twins. Would you recommend it? If you want to know how long the line is, just ask any family that has survived. “Absolutely,” is the consistent response.