I would give 10 stars if I could!…read more There is no short story to describe a woman of Monika's character. She has made my baby, and every other child, her absolute and only priority during their time there, and she regularly checks in and takes the extra half-hour to let us know what kind of development is in the works. After touring literally EVERY school in Laguna Beach and the prominent schools in Newport Coast, Newport Beach, and Irvine, I was pretty disappointed. This is my second run, having gone through the screening process in West Los Angeles with my older daughter, where the competition is fierce. Not to worry, here is when friends in high places will come to the rescue! I was so blessed to have met Monika through a dear mutual friend who also taught at the Anneliese Schools and had the most wonderful things to say... Even that was an understatement! I called Monika to arrange a school tour and intake interview - call it mother's intuition, but the moment I heard Monika's voice, I knew that I had found the place for us. I took my two girls to visit the school, and we all fell in love with Monika and her beautiful home/school. The location is tucked away in a part of Laguna Beach that is rich in history... Her home has a magical vibe, there is a lush garden with fruit trees, a vegetable bed, flowers, and all kinds of sensory activity stations. I have no idea how she does it, but the environment is kept spotless and sanitary, which is a huge thing for me. As for Monika, I don't even know where to begin - I'd have to write a book about this Angel who loves and gives with all her heart. I have no doubt that every child feels like they are Monika's favorite. She is highly trained through the German education system, highly experienced in the Waldorf inspired approach to learning, well-educated in psychology and supporting disciplines of study, and she is energetic, sprite, attentive, and so affectionate. We started school here in the beginning of March 2015, and our daughter is thriving, absorbing information like a sponge, learning to sing in different languages, enjoying daily arts and crafts projects, making music every day and dancing to her heart's delight, eating fresh fruit from the garden and home-cooked organic food from Monika's kitchen, learning to take care of pet rabbits and watching a little hermit crab do its daily routine, gardening and picking fresh blueberries for snack time, practicing yoga, being cared for in a loving environment with seasoned routines, the list goes on... Monika is as sharp as a whistle, highly intuitive, perceptive, and observant. Nothing gets past her and I appreciate that beyond words. I know without a doubt that my child in safe, secure, cherished, and loved beyond measure every day that she is in school with Monika. What more could any parent dream for? 10 Stars Across the Board: Safety Enrichment Environment Education Stimulation Nutrition Routine & Schedules Joy & Friendship Compassion Discipline with Kindness Love Thank you for creating the ideal first experience in schooling for our younger child, Monika. You are truly a gift to our family!

I love Monika! She is such a wonderful and sweet lady! Her house is so cute and cozy right in…read moreLaguna beach. She has a beautiful front yard with a sand box and toys, a garden with fresh herbs, the cutest bunny named rocket, and fun play items for the kids! Her house is so clean and tidy and each day the kids do a fun art and craft project! Rowan, the little boy I watch, goes to Monika's and loves it! He always gives her a big hug when it's time to leave. I HIGHLY recommend Monika's day care! The kids love her!

Both my kids went here for almost 2 years each. I only have great things to say about Ms Pari and…read moreher family. This was kids' second home! Couldn't ask for better care for them! Home cooked food, clean, age appropriate enrichment activities, and very safe. I will always be thankful to them for everything!

The Butterfiles Childcare will always hold a very special place in me and my wife's hearts. When we…read moremoved down here our baby boy was only 9 months old so he cried quite a bit during the first few days as expected. Pari was so kind, loving, and patient though and helped our baby adjust and get comfortable in less than 2 weeks. He ended up loving it there and didn't even want to come home when I would go to pick him up! He ate, slept, played, and learned well and most importantly I could easily tell how much Pari truly loved my son. We plan to bring our newest baby there in a few months and look forward to seeing Pari and Amoo soon!

I loved to work in McDowell School because children enjoy their clases. I noticed a good and…read morerespectful relationship with a smile between them and the teachers. Also, Ms Cibele is amazing because she is patience, lovely, and excellent listener. Children have core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies, computer lab, painting, and more. For sure, this is the best School!!

I love this school - I wish they went up to middle school as well!…read more All my 3 kids have gone here. I moved from Los Angeles specifically because my oldest son at the time I felt needed to be in private school; he was getting left behind in public school and he had so much potential. I interviewed with many schools all over Orange County and got a good vibe from McDowell. He started there in 2015 in 4th grade. He LOVED it and thrived there. McDowell gave him a strong foundation and he is about to be a senior at a public high school. He is a straight A student in all IB, AP and honors classes. My twins have now gone there since kindergarten and they are about to start 3rd grade. They actually look forward to school and love all their teachers and the other students! From the extracurriculars, to their main teacher for the year, to the other parents, and the Head of school, Mr. Lincoln, it has been a wonderful and nurturing environment for all my kids. I would recommend McDowell wholeheartedly!

If you are looking for the absolute BEST childcare provider you have found her! I found her on…read moreaccident when my son was 6 ( he is now almost 21) and it was no accident! Natalie gave the best care and attention to him and then my now 12 year old daughter from the time she was 8 weeks old. Natalie absolutely loves her daycare children and is absolutely the most caring and dependable provider I have ever had. We moved away a couple of years ago, but still keep in touch because she is THE BEST!

When we found Natalie my daughter was about ten months old and I was very nervous to send her to a…read moredaycare. Not only did Natalie exceed my expectations, my daughter loved every minute spent there! Fast forward and my daughter is now three, she still loves Ms.Natalie and all of the friends she has made.

This agency is AWFUL. I was a community counselor for two years and have an in-depth knowledge of…read moretheir processes. We have also hosted 3 au pairs through this agency. It is 100% all about money for them. Our Au Pair was dropped off after a 20 hour flight in NY - without her bags, having to wear the same clothes for three days and not given any kind of a stipend. The agency just said "sorry". She was forced to do a three day workshop wearing the same clothes from Africa, having no toothbrush or warm clothing etc. and having to pay out-of-pocket for these items with zero reimbursement. After 9 months of a one year contract, our family moved to a big city that should have had a new counselor available (the state capital!) and we were told that no counselor was available so our Au Pair would be forced to rematch within two weeks. They made zero effort to hire a new community counselor. Their solution? Stay in our current location and have my husband visit on the weekends. We had to choose between losing our au pair or losing my kids dad all week. They were trying to make money off a happily placed au Pair twice by forcing her to rematch with another family who would pay again, and offering us no refund for more than three months left on a prepaid year (thousands!) if we didn't live separate from my husband. Additionally, our Au Pair was allowed to bring two bags from her home country and upon leaving the agency would only let her take one bag home for free. This means she would have to pay $200 just to bring her own belongings back home with her. This was not explained to her before hand. They also wanted to charge $140 to change flight location even though the flight was cheaper. They use a shady travel agency that will not answer the phone or take calls. They are dishonest, and completely unreasonable. DO NOT USE THIS AGENCY.

If you need an au pair for your family, go elsewhere. The local support, in particular, is…read moreatrocious. The local counselors are not knowledgeable in areas such as taxes, drivers licenses, or social security cards. We had to find all the "important stuff" out by ourselves, with ZERO support from the agency. This took an incredible amount of time and effort on our part, when this could have been easily covered in the initial class in NYC. The monthly meetings seemed to be purely social gatherings, and the girls were often encouraged to backbite and "share the dirt" on their host families. When issues arose with our au pair, I was essentially told that it was my fault (as the host mom), that I had no idea how to manage a family at 43 years old. Being "schooled" by our twenty-something local advisor was incredibly unprofessional and unhelpful. In our au pair community, girls ran rampant, drinking heavily, partying, driving while intoxicated, and taking advantage of their host families. The local advisor did nothing to teach these girls that their primary job was to WORK here and HELP their host families. Don't hire this agency. Take your funds and run the other way.

Would recommend Anna Maria Montessori to any parent seeking a nurturing and high-quality experience…read morefor their child. I stumbled upon the school from a referral and it was the best decision for our son. Ms. Anna and her staff create a warm, engaging and peaceful environment that supports both academic and personal growth. The small teacher-to-student ratio ensures the kids get the attention they need at this milestone age. The school is thoughtfully designed with spacious outdoor exploration space, a garden, a mascot tortoise and classrooms that inspire curiosity and independence. Ms. Anna has a gift for understanding and guiding children. She combines loving kindness with a calm, firm presence that fosters respect and cooperation. Under her care, my son is already learning valuable skills such as independence and confidence in his abilities--all within the framework of Montessori philosophy.

We joined Miss Anna's school this month and it was the best decision we have made. She is kind,…read morecaring, intelligent and made with magic. Our son goes three days a week and when he isn there he asks when he can go back to school to see Miss. Anna and his school friends. The best environment I could have ever dreamed of. Thank you to the magical Miss. Anna

The most Loving, caring, patient, They love to love…read more I highly recommend this establishment

My son attended for six months, and we would have stayed here if it wasn't for a move. The owner is…read moreamazing. She is so good with the children. She spends so much time with each child, and they get so much love and attention. She made a fresh lunch each day, choosing a variety of items for the kids to try, and always healthy. My boy got to experience new meals, and she would tell me which he liked so I could prepare them at home as well. It really broadened his menu for sure. My son began talking while there, and she taught him both english and spanish words. I was always amazed what new things he would learn. He loved it so much that he was always excited to go each day, and he never wanted to leave when I would come to pick him up in the evening. He wanted us all to play together. We wish we could have stayed with her. I would highly recommend this daycare. They are very special.