Pagoda Hill Kindergarten

The Pagoda Hill Kindergarten opened in 1883, by Miss Mary Alice Phelps, assisted by Miss Anna Warren, both graduates of Mrs. Kate Smith Wiggins’ training class at the California Kindergarten Training School in San Francisco.

“A leading School for Training the Little Ones of Oakland and vicinity“

The school was in Miss Phelps’s father’s (Coridan B. Phelps)home in Pagada Hill, near College Ave and Claremont Ave.

“derives its name from the hill it is stituated … the property having been part of the estate belonging to the late Hon. J. Ross Brown.” Oakland Tribune Jan 20, 1887

The climate was delightful and healthy.

The grounds were picturesque, and the house was large and airy.

The school aimed to make children happy, unselfish, gentle, obedient, thoughtful, industrious, and helpful.

Miss Warren was in charge of music and games. Sewing was also taught, and hot lunch was furnished to those who desired it.

Kidergarten on Wheels

In May 1883, the school purchased a handsome coach to take the children out for a daily airing. The coach held about 16 children and was also used to take them to and from school to protect them from the dangers of the streets.

...excellent care taken of the children and the good manors in which they are schooled both at then table and elsewhere”

New Location

The school moved to 1513 Telegraph Ave (corner of 21st) because they needed more room.

Then the school moved back to Pagada Hill in 1886.

I’m not sure how long the kindergarten was in business. I have found ads up to 1887.

Mary Alice Phelps died in 1944.

Pagoda Hill

Pagada Hill was the name of a mansion owned by J. Ross Brown in the Claremont District.