Seven years ago, while touring preschools for our first child, we walked into Carmel Mountain Preschool and immediately knew there was something special about it. My mom, who has spent 40 years in education and childcare, toured the school with me. By the end, she simply said, "Nothing else we've seen compares to this. The decision is easy." She was right. Choosing CMP meant a longer drive for our family than several other schools we considered, but we knew it was worth making it work--and seven years and two children later, I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best decisions we've made for our kids. The campus itself is truly unmatched. Each age group has dedicated outdoor and playground spaces thoughtfully designed for their developmental stage, and the school has created so many different environments for children to explore and grow. Art, nature, STEAM, farm-to-table experiences, outdoor learning--the list goes on. There is so much intention behind how the campus is designed and how children experience it. But what has made CMP so special to us goes far beyond the campus. The teachers and staff have become like family. They have nurtured both of our children with so much love, patience, and genuine care. When we returned years later with our second child, they welcomed our entire family back with open arms. There is a feeling of warmth and community here that is difficult to put into words. It truly feels like home. As working parents, we have also deeply appreciated how reliable CMP has been. Compared with other preschools, they maintain an incredibly consistent schedule with very few non-holiday closures. That reliability matters enormously to families who depend on childcare. We saw that commitment firsthand during COVID, when safe, dependable childcare was especially critical for parents who, like us, were essential workers. We are so grateful to be a CMP family. Looking back over these seven years, I have no doubt that the incredible teachers, loving environment, thoughtfully designed campus, and experiences our children have had here have given them such a beautiful start to their childhood. CMP will always hold a very special place in our family's heart. read more

We toured multiple preschools in North County before touring CMP, after seeing the campus and meeting the teachers we decided on it immediately!! The mommy & me program they offer has helped sooo much with the transition for our 2.5 year old! read more

Carmel Mountain Preschool has some goods and some bads as well. The goods are mostly around the teacher our daughter had. She helped us transition our daughter who had never gone to preschool before into this new environment really well. She called us almost every day after school for the first month to give us updates on how she did that day. We felt that she really cared for our daughter's wellbeing. The bads are mostly around the administration here. Whenever we brought up an issue or concern, we were replied to in a curt and uncaring manner. Sort of like take it or leave it. With the school being so big it sometimes felt like we were dealing with a corporation with multiple layers of bureaucracy and obfuscation. It felt like they were more focused on painting a pretty picture for social media than actually listening to the parents. Ultimately we did leave to another school in the area and we've been happy with our decision. read more

We love this preschool and feel so lucky that our two boys spend their days there. Each staff member is incredibly caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child. And what's really special is everyone seems to know our boys--not just their names, but their individual personalities, interests, and quirks. We also love how much time the kids spend outside. They're encouraged to explore, get messy, play, and just be kids at the school's many wonderful facilities. Whether they're playing at the playgrounds, learning hands-on about the animals at the nature lab, using tools in the tinkering area, or growing and eating vegetables from the farm, every day brings a mix of activities, and it's clear how much thought and creativity each teacher puts into making the classroom fun and engaging. Our boys come home happy and usually covered in dirt, paint, or something else wonderfully messy--which brings a huge smile to our faces. We couldn't ask for a more nurturing, fun, and thoughtful environment for our kids. We highly recommend this preschool. read more

CMP is the best preschool you can send your kids to in the area. We had our first child go through CMP and second child currently goes to CMP as soon as we could at 18 months old. The staff is amazing and go above and beyond to make sure your child is in a safe and nurturing environment. Especially being a working parent with long hours, CMP gives me great comfort knowing that my kid is getting the best possible care and foundation for their future education. read more

I went here when I was a kid in like 2003 and I think I turned out pretty good not gonna lie

We never thought we'd be writing this review. We were the kind of CMP parents who showed up, got involved, and truly believed in the school. We helped advocate for the return of their kindergarten program and loved sharing how magical it felt -- the chickens, the nature-based learning, and the emotional intelligence philosophy. For a while, it really was everything we wanted. But then something changed. When a serious safety concern arose, we found ourselves feeling that the school's response didn't match the seriousness of what we shared. We felt like the focus shifted more toward minimizing the situation and maintaining appearances, rather than directly addressing the concern or making sure our child was fully supported and safe. We left feeling unheard and unsure that the school was willing to prioritize our child's well-being over maintaining a perfect image. We had expected collaboration and care. Instead, we felt isolated, with no clear communication or plan of action to address what happened. We're not sharing this out of anger or bitterness -- we're sharing it because we believe parents deserve to know how it felt when things didn't align with the promises we once believed in. CMP may look wonderful on the outside. And for many, it may be. But we learned the hard way that the true test of a school's values is how they respond when something goes wrong. If you're considering this school, ask them the hard questions. Make sure you're fully comfortable with the answers -- and that they align with how you expect your child to be cared for and protected. We wish we had been given that chance. read more

We toured so many preschools looking for the right fit, specifically one that embraced a play-based learning environment, and the moment we walked into Carmel Mountain Preschool, we knew it was the one. The staff and teachers are warm, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. Once you tour, you'll see that the entire facility is designed with children's growth and imagination in mind, from the art studio, outdoor decks, and gardens, to the nature lab and multiple playgrounds. The emphasis on outdoor exploration and play-based learning was exactly what we were looking for. Our son has loved going to CMP for nearly two years now, and we've been continually impressed by his growth, joy, and love for learning. His teachers, Ms. Sydney and Ms. Grecia, are truly exceptional, nurturing, creative, and so in tune with their students. We have another child starting this fall, and without hesitation, CMP continues to be our first choice. We are so grateful to have found this school, it's been everything we hoped for and more. read more

I am so thankful Miss Cassandra took the time to talk to me about Carmel Mountain preschool and recommend I come in for a tour. We started our son at 18 months and it's been such a blessing! He's now in his second year and we can truthfully see how much our son has grown. The school is a beautiful combo of outdoor and play and learning. He's in Miss Nicole and Miss Jocelyn's class right now and they really seeee each child. They know what each child needs . Worth every penny! read more

I couldn't be happier with all the teachers we've had at CMP! Ms. Jack has had a huge impact on my daughter's growth emotionally, intellectually and as a person. I couldn't be more grateful. Last year, Ms Carolina and Ms. Ariz were imperative in helping my daughter to adapt to her new school because we moved mid year. They nurtured her, made her feel welcomed and loved. Not only did they help her adapt, but they taught her so much as well! Ms. Ariz and Ms. Nicole have made my son's transition into school incredibly easy. He has truly flourished under their guidance and warmth. My son truly loves school and I couldn't be more thrilled. read more

Started my daughter a few years ago with Ms Autumn and Ms Wendy in the toddler program. They were fantastic in helping her make the adjustment to Preschool and using the teaching philosophy implemented here to give her the building blocks to be her best self. Now this year those foundational blocks implemented previously have been built upon under the guidance of Ms Jack. My daughter is now flourishing in her social-emotional skills with her friends and self-regulating like a big kid. Any preschool can teach numbers/letters/writing/etc, but this school will prepare your child with the tools to be a successful human being. Thank you Ms Jack, Ms Autumn, and Ms Wendy. You are all truly masters of your craft! read more

Staff just seemed checked out most of the time. I'd walk in and see them scrolling on their phones or talking to each other while the kids were doing whatever. It never felt like anyone was really paying attention or interacting with the kids. I even mentioned it to the office that I felt my child's teacher could be warmer or more compassionate. It's one thing if the teachers are just having an off day, but it felt like this was the norm. My kid was supposed to be in this nurturing, engaged environment, and it felt more like a daycare where the staff couldn't be bothered. Disappointed, especially since we'd heard such great things. If you're thinking about CMP, maybe look a little closer at how the staff actually act during the day. The garden's pretty, but the vibe wasn't great. read more

What can I say about CMP other than that it's our home away from home! My daughter started there at 18 months old and absolutely thrived. Even through the inevitable hard drop-offs as we got used to the new environment, she always came home happy and excited to show us dances or tell us about her friends. Each day became easier, and now, in her second year of school, she loves every day. The teachers are so kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. At every pickup they share something fun the class did and point out moments that made them--and her--proud. As a family, we love getting involved and attending the school events. Every day at drop-off and pickup we walk the campus to say hi to the animals (chickens, bunnies, turtles, snakes, lizards, etc.) and stop at our favorite spot--the garden! Ms. Maile is amazing with the kids and has created a truly beautiful and delicious garden. She has even given us a few veggies to plant at home because my daughter loves it so much. Beyond the beauty of the campus, we love CMP's learning style. My very cautious, clean, careful daughter has finally learned to get a little messy and to trust herself to be brave and try risky things. She learns from the other kids and from the "don't intervene unless injury is imminent" philosophy that she can climb and run and doesn't need to worry--she can trust her body. She's also become so in tune with her feelings, regularly telling us, "I'm sad because..." or "I'm angry because..."--a huge development we credit to CMP's approach. All in all, we love every aspect of CMP. There are endless activities and areas to play, learn, and explore, and so many wonderful people providing her with love, support, and guidance throughout the day. We can't wait to send our littlest there soon! read more

There are not enough words to express the gratitude our family feels for the teachers at Carmel Mountain Preschool. From the very beginning, this place has been more than just a school--it's been a home away from home, filled with love, joy, patience, and an environment where my children have absolutely thrived. Our daughter began at just 18 months old and is now two. Her teachers, Mrs. Carolina and Mrs. Ruby, are nothing short of extraordinary. Mrs. Carolina is one of the most maternal, nurturing souls I've ever met, and Mrs. Ruby is so warm and inviting. Together, they've helped shape our daughter's growth emotionally, mentally, and academically in ways that are far beyond her age. She comes home singing their names, talking about them constantly, and beaming with joy. One of the most meaningful gifts we've ever received was a handmade calendar they created with our daughter's handprints--each month lovingly designed with its own unique theme. It's a gift we'll treasure forever, and a beautiful reflection of their care, creativity, and incredible patience. Our son, who is three, is in the preschool class with Mrs. Veronica and Mrs. Caitlyn, and they too have become deeply cherished members of our family's story. Mrs. Veronica is a gentle, calming soul who always keeps her cool, and my son proudly calls her his best friend. That bond speaks volumes. Mrs. Caitlyn, who attended CMP herself as a child and has now come full circle as a teacher, brings her own unique passion and connection to the school. Around Christmas, they helped the children prepare a performance that brought everyone to tears--including the teachers. The care and effort they poured into rehearsals and building confidence in the kids was nothing short of incredible. All of the teachers at CMP have a gift not just for teaching, but for connecting. You can see it in the way they light up when they talk about the kids, and the way our children run into their arms each morning. Special shout-out to Mrs. Ariz, whom our daughter absolutely adores--she quite literally leaps into her arms with joy when she sees her. CMP is a place where kids are allowed to be kids--where they're outside constantly, playing in the dirt, climbing, exploring, and becoming one with nature. But what's equally amazing is how the school fosters a strong community for families. Because of the environment these teachers have built, we've met lifelong friends and feel deeply connected--not only to the staff, but to other parents as well. The impact this school has had on our family can't be confined to words alone. The teachers at CMP have changed our children's lives--and ours--in the most beautiful ways. We're forever grateful. read more

Our son has grown so much since starting at Carmel Mountain Preschool. His curiosity, confidence, and independence have flourished, and it's all thanks to the incredible teachers and staff here. The outdoor-focused learning is amazing--our son loves exploring the play areas, art studio, Glenn, farm, outdoor kitchen, climbing structures, and all the hands-on activities they do outside. We're so grateful for CMP and the impact it's had on our son. This is his third preschool/daycare and after some negative experiences elsewhere, we are so grateful to have found the right fit with CMP. We consider the cost of it to be a worthwhile investment because we know he is being cared for by top notch teachers, given a loving environment, which gives us peace of mind while juggling full time jobs. Knowing our son is having a great time and learning so much makes us so happy. Highly recommend CMP for anyone looking for an engaging and outdoor focused experience for their child. read more

This is our first full year sending our daughter to CMP. It had been an incredible experience for all of us. Ms. Sydney her first summer experience was the loveliest. Currently Ms. Autumn & Ms. Wendy have been the most caring amazing teachers I could've hoped for. They have the patience of saints as well as creativity and expertise. The teachers communicate daily with pictures and lesson plans of what the did that day which just helps facilitate such meaningful conversations with our daughter. We owe both teachers and all of the staff so so much for all their hard work, compassion and dedication on a daily basis. I would give this school 5 stars if I could. read more

I have reviewed CMP before, and would like to add my recent experience. My daughter is now 3.5 years old and is still thriving at CMP. Her teacher, Mrs. Veronica, has been instrumental in guiding her as she grows in her emotional regulation, gross and fine motor skills, and cognitive development. Mrs. Veronica puts so much thought into her curriculum, and it absolutely shows in her class. The class friends are kind, thoughtful, and engaged in learning by her example. I am so grateful to have her as a teacher for my daughter at CMP. read more

What a school! We chose to send our son to CMP this past year and not one moment have we regretted it. Our son's teachers Ms. Cori and Mr. Michael have been so influential in our sons development over the past year and my wife and I are so grateful for them. If you are looking for preschools or are trapped in a subpar experience elsewhere and exploring alternatives we couldn't recommend CMP enough. read more

Our son has been attending CMP for about a year. We are so impressed with the facility, with the beautiful sprawling land, chickens, gardens, tinkering, and art labs...but we are even more impressed with the wonderful staff! Ms. Sydney and Ms. Grecia have been absolutely wonderful as our son's primary teachers, and we've loved the support that Ms. Hailey provides whenever needed as well. Such a wonderful group of humans we've entrusted our son with!!! read more

After moving from NY to CA, we were incredibly fortunate to enroll Lukie at CMP. This is his third school, and it's by far his favorite. We're continually amazed at how much Lukie has learned and grown at CMP. The teachers' passion and dedication shine through as they nurture Luke's curiosity, teach him good manners, and inspire him through diverse explorations. From the authentic playground and sensorial garden to the brand new forest adventures and connections with animal friends, CMP has created an environment that supports his development and joy for learning. At CMP, the teachers make us feel like part of a family. Even those who aren't Lukie's direct teachers often share their interactions and observations about him, which we truly treasure. Hearing their stories about Luke's day at CMP has been a heartwarming experience, giving us assurance that he's in great hands. This personal engagement is so much more meaningful and reassuring than any pictures or camera streaming could ever be. read more

What an amazing place! Our daughter has been with Ms. Wendy and Ms. Autumn for almost a year and it has been an incredible experience. Wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Carmel mountain preschool has been an amazing experience for our family. I feel so safe sending our child there and have seen my child blossom into a creative, social, caring individual who has a love for learning and sharing. Ms Ruthie is our teacher in the Spanish Immersion program and she is simply the best! She connects with each child so they feel seen and heard. She is always available to communicate about my child's day and I am utterly impressed with the activities she does with the whole class. I wish I had had this experience growing up! read more

AMAZING!! It's fun, it's wholesome, it's earth conscious & just a fantastic place for kids & families! They do a billion activities with love & everyone knows you when u walk-in. It's a special villiage & community unlike any other. We have even tsken our other kids who are in school there for summer canp be suse it's such a great experience. They just pack so much into eaxh day that your child truly gets an experience unlike any other. We have tried other schools & nothing compared to the love & attention they got at this school! Mrs..Kathleen is giving us daily updates on everything & tons of photos so I always feel like he's having a better time without me then he ever could if I was not working and at home with him. My 3 kids & I just LOVE this place! read more

Carmel Mountain Preschool - Pottery wheel - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - San Diego, California

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CMP is absolutely amazing! It had everything I was looking for in a preschool for my son. It is secure, has a ton of outdoor time, exposure to so many different activities and events. Their campus is beautiful and most importantly it had a Spanish immersion class starting as young as 3y/o. It was the only preschool with a choice of a different language I could find in Poway. Mis Ruthie is our Spanish teacher. She is an absolute angel. She is amazing with all the kids in her class. She keeps all the parents completely updated on the day in the app. I feel like I never miss a day out of my son's life with her detailed updates and photos. She is so kind and understanding when my son has a bad day. She is encouraging and individualizes for each student. I could go on and on about Mis Ruthie!! It school and immersion class is what I would have loved as a child learning in different environments instead of sitting at a desk all day. I would have my son stay in Mis Ruthie's immersion class tall the way through grade school if it was an option! read more

If you are lucky enough to have Ms. Jules as your child's preschool teacher, consider yourself truly blessed! She taught my daughter in the 4s class (5B) last year, and I cannot say enough about her warmth, dedication, and ability to create a nurturing learning environment. She balances learning and fun perfectly, helping kids grow academically and socially with confidence. Her communication with parents is always so thoughtful, honest and supportive. We feel so lucky to have had her, and I highly recommend her to any family! Thank you, Ms. Jules! read more

We absolutely love Carmel Mountain Preschool and cannot recommend it enough to parents looking for a fun, clean, safe, educational, and all around amazing school for their little ones. The teachers are wonderful and the facilities are unmatched. Our son James has two wonderful teachers, Mrs. Carolina and Ms. Ruby. He feels so comfortable and loves both of them so much, which really makes a difference when you're having someone else watch your child. One of the greatest decisions we have made as parents was sending our son to CMP. We can't wait for our youngest to be able to attend as well. Highly recommend this preschool! read more

I highly recommend CMP to any perspective family interested in a high quality education for their little ones. My daughter has Ms. Chantelle and Ms. Satya. Both teachers are highly qualified and help show my daughter the joy of learning. read more

There are not enough good things I can say about CMP. Since the moment we stepped foot onto the campus when my son was old enough to attend, we have been treated like family by the staff. Emily, Navi, Donna, all the teachers (Mr. Michael, Ms. Cori, Ms. Jules, Ms. Amanda, just to name a few, I could keep going on and on!)....they are amazing. They love my son like he is their own. Sending your child to be taken care of by others can be nerve wracking as a parent, but honestly not when you send them to CMP. They are safe, loved, and growing so much every single day they are there. The facilities of the preschool are unmatched. The playgrounds, the Glenn, Nature Lab, Tinkering..and so much more. They are all magical. All the animals they get to take care of and see (chickens, tortoise, bunnies, and so much more!!!) The things the children are exposed to and get to learn about at such a young age is unlike any other preschool, and he is so confident, well spoken, and well prepared for Kindergarten. You will always thank yourself for sending your child to CMP, I know we have. Now we have #2 heading there soon and I can't wait to experience it all over again! read more

CMP is truly incredible in every aspect, we could not be happier. Our daughter was at another preschool before, but as soon as we saw CMP in person it was a no brainer. Pictures do not do it justice. They have thought of everything to engage kids and give them hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom. A garden, chicken coup, science area, art studio, water play, sand pit, structures to climb, hills to slide down, etc. Beyond just a great facility, they clearly put a ton of thought into education and rotating through themes (learning about butterflies for a week, sensory experience, learning your body, etc) as well as just mixing it up with fun (splash/mud days, playing drums, etc).... it seems like every day our daughter is experiencing and learning something new. The best thing about CMP is the staff. Our daughter literally runs to hug her teachers every morning (Ms Autumn & Ms Wendy thank you). They clearly care so much and are so in-tune with each child's personality and emotions. They communicate each day and work in tandem through phases like potty training. The entire staff from the teachers to the front desk - they all seem to care about the kids and love working there. It's just a great environment. We love it. read more

We are incredibly grateful to have Ms Jules and Mrs Kathleen as our child's teachers. Ms Jules brings such a warm, positive, and funny energy into the classroom that instantly puts the children at ease -- including my little one, who can be a bit shy. Ms. Jules goes the extra mile to help him feel comfortable and included, always paying attention to the small things that make a big difference. She has a beautiful balance of being caring and nurturing while also supporting their academic development. Through fun, engaging activities, she's teaching them early math, letters, weathers, emotions, motor skills, and even encouraging a love of nature. Since my son is growing up bilingual, her patience and encouragement have helped him blossom in his English skills, and it's been amazing to see his progress. What I love the most is how she helps the kids navigate their big emotions -- a skill that's so important at this age. My son adores her and even calls her his "bestie." We truly feel lucky to have her in his life! Besides, Mrs. Kathleen has been such a lovely addition to our child's classroom. Even though she joined the class a little later, she immediately made a connection with the kids -- my son now calls her his "second mom at school," which says it all. She brings such a calming, nurturing presence that gives the children a strong sense of security and care. She's very thoughtful when it comes to their well-being -- especially around nutrition! She's shared helpful lunch ideas with us, and we truly appreciate her attention to their overall health. Mrs. Kathleen also deeply respects each child's individual personality and helps them feel confident in their own strengths. She's incredibly kind, attentive, and truly sees each child for who they are. We feel so grateful that our son has her in his day-to-day life -- she makes school feel like a second home. We are so grateful that we choose CMP as my son's preschool to make the big difference for his future development. read more

I had such a horrible experience with this nursery signing up my toddler! They don't explain their policies during tour and they straight out make you sign up for 2 terms from start! When you ask for money back of one of tent terms, all what they say is: " Sorry fees are non refundable "! Make sure you ask all the questions you need to ask before sending your kids in! They are very misleading and their policies change when it suits them! Straight out they are "a business" the money comes first then your children! Way before the start of the Summer term back in February I realised they've charged me a fortune not only for the term I signed up for (the summer) but for the Fall term as well, called them to get a refund of the Fall since the summer was even months away and god knows what happens till then! They said oh we give you credit, refund will take a long time (took the credit thinking my son will start in June anyways) come open house a couple of days before the Summer term: their policies changed and the playground was under construction and the list goes on and on! I found this school no fit for my son! Asked for a refund of the fees that ofcourse they charged ages ago and decided not to send my child before the Summer term even started! The owner just called me to say nothing is refundable then didn't want to hear me out, kept talking over me and interrupting! Had to speak a bit louder so she can hear other than her voice, she HUNG UP in my face! Could be she had a bad day or it's just her personality! What would you have done in my shoes? I will make sure everyone out there knows what this so called preschool did to my family! Business after money! Nothing else they care about! Just noticed they blocked me on Instagram! They are so scared to hear the truth about themselves! The owner hangs up the phone to run away from facing her mistakes and then they block whoever talks negatively about them! read more

There are not enough words to express our gratitude for CMP. The world had reopened after COVID and our 2 year old son needed to be socialized. We were turned away by a nearby school and not treated with compassion or respect. I left devastated and heartbroken. I pulled into our driveway, and our neighbor saw my tears and said they just started CMP and loved it. We toured the school and immediately felt at home. I am thankful that school turned us down because it was not meant for our family. I told our first teacher our experience and we were welcomed and told his behavior was age appropriate and that the school helps them learn and not to worry. We are now in our third and last year and I don't want to leave. Our son is thriving, has great manners, learning, baking, farming, and is so happy. Our hearts are with all staff but our teachers have been wonderful, hardworking and so incredibly kind. They are forever apart of our family. Not only has our son made the sweetest friends who have become apart of our family, but we have made lifelong friends with the parents. We are forever blessed because of this school family experience. read more

At this school, all they care about $$$. We were so shocked that the school still withdrew money from our bank account during the pandemic. No school should charge students at this difficult time, except CMP! They still opened , and still charged tuition fee while the kids stay home with their parents. Why should we paid for them to stay open???? And what do they use our tuition for while they got the PPP loans? That's illegal! We all agree that CMP is a great environment for kids. We paid $1,000 to secures our son's spot on top of the wait list. My son loves his teachers. But the way they run their business is unethical. While many families are struggling with financial issues, instead worring about the kids, they worried about their tution fee. It forced us have to withdraw my son while he loves his teachers and friends so much. The rate here is expensive , plus some additional costs. Below is our attachments showing their tuition options for parents. You read it and you can understand how unacceptable it is. We decided to withdraw our son without signing the 60 days notice because it didn't say parents need to do it in the pandemic. CMP should refund tuition fee for other parents who was not sending their children to school while the city lockdown read more

Carmel Mountain Preschool - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - San Diego, California

Potential CMP parents, caution of all the positive reviews! They're essentially bought during a contest each year, asking families to flood review sites to boost their rating with the chance of winning free tuition for 6-months. See attached photo. 60-day withdrawal not waived during COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally multiple schools we've talked to have never heard of a 60-day withdrawal in their 30 years of experience in this industry. It used to be 2-weeks, then 30-days and now the ludicrous 60-days. You'll notice a theme here, driven by the bottom line and maximizing profits at the cost of the community and children. YoY spikes in tuition, sometimes as high as 15-20% without much in the way of explanation of why and no noticeable differences in new programs or playground improvements, etc... favorite teachers let go because they spoke up against the admin. They love to flaunt their year-long plus waitlist, basically forcing parents to pay $1k to secure their child a spot in the school when enrollment occurs. We haven't met a single parent who hasn't paid this fee for what it's worth. If their waitlist is truly a year long then they shouldn't have any problem filling in your child's spot when you leave. Instead they take in 2 months worth of payments just so you can withdraw your child! The program has changed significantly in its time since we were referred by a family friend. The CFO has changed this community institution to one that things about profits first. Granted it's a business, but they've taken it to the extreme, leveraging anyway they can to usurp your hard-earned money like a guarantee placement fee, massive YoY tuition hikes and 60-day withdrawal notice (not waived during COVID-19!) Buyer be warned! read more

This is our second year at CMP and our daughter is super happy. She started in Aug 2021 at 21 months of age and has developed and thrive tremendously. One of the main reasons that we picked this facility was for all the outdoor space and the amount of time that the children get to play and interact outside. Our daughter has always been an extrovert so we wanted to pick a school that fit her needs. The grounds to the school are extremely diverse with so many different types of activities for the children. There's gardening, chicken coop, tinkering, art studio, multiple playgrounds for all different age groups (this is important if you have a little little one). Our daughter is always happy when we drop her off and pick her up. She enjoys all the interactions with her friends but most importantly with her teachers. Her teachers are extremely loving and have a very organized schedule of what the children will do and focus on weekly. I'm very happy and comfortable knowing that my child is enjoying her time everyday and is in good hands. The only reason I didn't give CMP 5 stars is because I wish they would have meals for the children (although they do provide fresh fruit/vegetables as snacks). I understand that it is difficult to provide meals with so many food allergies out there but our last school before moving here had that and it definitely made a difference for working parents. Not only that but it teaches the children to try different foods and learn how to eat family style. That would be my only recommendation but other than that we are extremely happy to be part of CMP. read more

This is our first year at Carmel Mountain Preschool and we've had such a great experience so far. What drew us to this school was the amazing outdoor learning area. I find myself parking at the top of the school so that my son and I can enjoy the walk down through The Glen. It's guaranteed to start your morning off on a great note with the serene sounds of the water fountains, smells from the herbs in the garden and friendly smiles (Ms. Maile). We stop by to say hi to Gio, the turtle and make our way down to 1A with Ms. Amanda who always welcomes us with a big smile and positive attitude. She's been so great with our son and responds well to all the kids in the class. She keeps us updated daily/weekly on what the kids are doing and provides so many amazing pictures. She has done so many adorable art projects with the kids, personalizing them with our son's face. We are so grateful for Ms. Amanda and her patience! read more

Don't get fooled by the good reviews. CMP used to provide incentives to exchange for good reviews. It has optional to win 3 months tuition. The teachers are not very happy and turn over gets higher and higher each year. Tuition increased almost 40% compared to 2020. All they care is to make more money. read more

Carmel Mountain Preschool - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - San Diego, California

Emma started in CMP in June 2022 when she was almost 3. I can't not say thank you enough to all the teachers and staff in CMP. Emma had no school experience before CMP, and they provided tremendous help for Emma to adapt to and get comfortable in this whole new environment with a lot of patience, communication and love. We gets daily updates through social media and in-person check-in. Now she's always super excited about going to school and really enjoys her time in CMP everyday. read more

Carmel Mountain Preschool - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - San Diego, California

Our son has been going to CMP since Summer 2020 - he started with the Twos Program where they have 2 teachers. Although there was a bit of a turn over in his teachers the first part of the year (maternity leave and other reason) - the school made transition smooth and painless for the kids. The staff/teachers are absolutely fantastic - kind, loving, understanding and truly care about each one of the kids. Our son absolutely adored his teachers and his 6C friends - he still talks about 6C class where Ms Cassandra and Ms Emma are - they were his favorite teachers. The facilities at CMP are amazing - so many playgrounds, learning spaces, Art Studio, Tinkering Studio, Garden, chickens... they also have Yoga and Music classes for kids. Our son comes back with beautiful artwork and tons of fun stories from the day. Currently, our son is in Threes Program with Ms. Yukie and she is really amazing. She is engaging, fun, playful and full of energy. The school practices Conscious Discipline approach which aligns with our family's thinking as well, they encourage healthy foods and lots of outdoor play. We receive daily photo updates either on Instagram or FB (private groups - for parents of that class only). My favorite part of the day is when I get a notification that there are new photos of the kids and their activities. Throughout the year, the school organizes different events for families to get together and get to know other parents. There is no other school like CMP in San Diego...overall, the program is enriching and child-centric. read more

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Both of our daughters attended CMP since they were toddlers, and we cannot say enough good things. The staff are loving and attentive, the kids do so many fun enriching things, and the outdoor spaces are simply amazing. Whenever I drop them off I wish I never had to leave! Same goes for our oldest, who is now in elementary school - she loves going back every chance she can get. Highly recommend CMP! read more