I write this review from a unique perspective as I was actually a preschooler at this very…read morelocation. As a matter of fact, I was a part of their very first graduating class of 1993! It warms my heart to see that Columbia is still in operation after all these years. When I had attended, it was a brand new preschool and truly the best of its kind. The venue was a large room sectioned off into areas per age range. I recall the place always being immaculately clean and full of awesome, educational books and toys. The part I feel had impacted me the greatest was the wonderful, dynamic staff. I still remember my teachers by name, though I'm sure they have all moved on by now. Four year olds are total sponges when it comes to learning, and I feel that the Columbia staff did a commendable job at preparing me for kindergarten. My days were filled with educational activities which involved a good balance of learning, art, singing, and play. I recall entering kindergarten and being at the top of my class. I cannot comment on the preschool's structure as it is today, but can confidently admit that it was one of the best experiences of my early childhood years. When I have children of my own, I'd wholeheartedly enroll them here. Thanks for the memories, Columbia!

We couldn't be happier as the parents of a thriving 20 month old who absolutely loves his teachers…read moreand the daily activities at this wonderful center! Structure, education, socialization and the highest level of care. Look no further and reach out today!

Our experience with Creative Beginnings and its director, Johna, was extremely disappointing and…read moredistressing. We enrolled our 2-year-old son for his first preschool experience after clearly explaining in advance that he is a slow-to-warm-up child and may need time to adjust. Before enrollment, we were reassured that this was normal, that children often cry at the beginning, and that the school had experience helping toddlers transition. Based on those assurances, we trusted this preschool with our child. Unfortunately, the reality was completely different. On the third day, our son had what appeared to be a very positive drop-off. He recognized the school, walked in on his own, and separated without crying. Less than an hour later, we were called and told he was "not ready for school," and we were asked to pick him up. We were then told he should probably not come back. His belongings had already been packed, which made it clear that they had already decided to remove him rather than give him a fair adjustment period. We found this deeply unreasonable. He is only 2 years old, and many toddlers need time, patience, and support to adjust to a new environment. Instead of offering a gradual transition plan, reassurance, or professional guidance, the response was abrupt dismissal and labeling. Our child was described in a way that suggested his behavior was outside normal expectations, even though he has regular pediatric visits and has never been diagnosed with any behavioral or developmental abnormality. What made this even worse was how cold and inconsistent the communication felt. Before enrollment, everything was positive and reassuring. Once he started, the tone changed completely. Rather than support, we were met with negativity, impatience, and a clear lack of willingness to work with a toddler who needed a slower transition. At pickup, our son appeared unusually distressed and fearful, much more than we had seen before. He was alone in a classroom with the director, with no other children present, crying intensely. When we asked for clarification about what had happened and whether there were cameras to review the situation, we were told there were no cameras inside the preschool. That left us with serious concerns and no transparency. In addition to all of this, we were also alarmed by the drop-off and pick-up safety around the school. We observed unsafe traffic conditions and no clear child safety signage or controlled traffic measures in the immediate area, which is unacceptable for a preschool where very young children are arriving and leaving with their families. Overall, this was a very painful experience for our family. Our son deserved patience, safety, and a chance to adjust. Instead, he was judged quickly, dismissed early, and left us with serious concerns about the professionalism, judgment, and support provided by this preschool. We would not recommend Creative Beginnings to families with young children who may need a warm, gradual transition into preschool, and we strongly encourage parents to ask detailed questions about how adjustment difficulties are actually handled before trusting this place with their child.

My daughter and I enjoyed her time at Creative Beginnings! She always came home excited to…read moreshare/sing about all the things she learn in school, she loved her teachers (she still talks about them), and she loved having all the open space to play indoors or outdoors. My daughter had a blast on their water days, birthday celebrations, performance, trike event, and field trips. There was always something fun going on! I, as a parent, love that Faith and prayer are incorporated into their daily routines, teachers were quick to communicate with me for any questions or concerns, and I was assured from day one that my daughter was safe and happy with pictures and updates through the app. I also enjoyed their early and late start/end times of operation compared to other options in the area (even though we didn't always use them), autopay made payments easy, and their app was easy to use. Overall, we enjoyed our experience here and highly recommend it for your littles as well!

We have fond memories of Little Shining Stars Preschool. It was safe, small, and affordable…read more There were field trips and plenty of activities for the little ones. Ms. Laurel is the big shining star and models what it is to be kind, patient, and responsible. She is so approachable and there is no wonder why there is usually a waiting list. Don't knock on the front door of the house. During business hours, enter through the side gate to the backyard on Marlene and enter the preschool door in the backyard. Love this place!

Our family feels so incredibly fortunate that we found Little Shining Stars Preschool. Our daughter…read moreis currently a student there and the care and attention and education she is receiving is incredible thanks to Miss Laurel and her co-teacher Mrs. Biggs. It is so amazing to have found a school that is offering our daughter such a high quality education and experience and is still this affordable. We all want the best for our kids, and that's what each family gets at Little Shining Stars Preschool.

We love VCA, the teachers are so great! they have so much experience and love kids so much, it's…read moreeasy to see. We've been there over a year, our little angel was having trouble at her previous school, hitting kids and teacher's biting etc.. within weeks she was on the straight and narrow! She loves it there! there fees are VERY reasonable! There's even a Coffee Shop when the school is in session. Everybody is super nice and professional. They actually teach kids how to read and write as well as nurture them.

We have been going to valley christian preschool since my oldest was 4 and he is now a 2nd grader…read moreat VCA. My middle son is now in the 3 year old class and I can't say enough positive things about this school. Every teacher is wonderful and sweet to my son and Mrs. Wilson is very sweet and always accommodating with schedules (as much as possible) and my son loves going to school. It is decently priced and they offer an amazing curriculum. 5 stars all around

This school has been absolutely amazing for my three-year-old daughter!! We recently moved here and…read moretried another school that was just not a good fit. After talking with Elizabeth, the school's director, I felt so peaceful and excited about the school's vision for teaching, and their approach to child lead learning. My daughter has thrived at school! She is a highly spirited, very vocal, and a quite lively child, and she gets everything she needs and more. They have a large outdoor classroom that they utilize every day, that lets children learn through play, and movement, which is so appropriate for their developmental stages. She is already learning math, and doing very well picking up Spanish. It has taught her independence, and build her confidence, and ability to self regulate. I cannot say enough great things about the school's approach to learning! Then there are the teachers, who are some of the nicest people we've met here in Santa Maria. They are patient, they talk to my daughter with respect and kindness. Every time I pick her up, I see teachers down on the kids levels, teaching them, and helping them to solve their own problems between one another. Whenever I ask, they are so quick to share positives that they see in my daughter, and ways she is improving (along with ways that they are helping overcome obstacles that are unique to her in the classroom). I cannot say enough good things. I was recommended through a mom I met at Trader Joe's, and have recommended the school to several of my friends, one of which has recently enrolled her daughter, and is in love with the school too.

I am the father of a 4 1/2 year old preschool student who was recently expelled/kicked out. I write…read morethis review because no child should be punished for their parents speaking up regarding the health of their own child. How did a simple request regarding keeping my child inside on a cold and wet day escalate to an expulsion? Our main concern was the fear of having our child get sick that would increase the severity of her asthma resulting in us having to give her regular breathing treatments. The owner Elizabeth didn't agree with our request to keep her indoors on a wet day because she operates an outdoor Montessori school. So, I picked up my child on a cold and wet day and soon a flurry of text messages between my wife and Elizabeth resulted in Elizabeth soon determining that her school was no longer a good fit for my child. Take into consideration that all of this was by text message, the professional courtesy of a phone call or a sit down meeting to explain the situation and work together to find a mutual solution NEVER took place. As a parent in Santa Maria finding a preschool is tough enough and the last thing we want to do is criticize or question our childrens teachers. Flaws were always there yet we choose to look the other way. But, sometimes a culmination of flaws must be addressed. We often wondered why other parents were leaving the school. Now I am that other parent looking in and I am speaking up. Multiple lice outbreaks in 1 school year is unacceptable. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be glad to explain in detail my experience at Casa dei Bambini. Zero stars!!!!

Upward Bound has provided a safe space for my daughter to grow and learn. She asks every day if she…read moregets to go to preschool. The teachers are creative, fun, and you can tell love for their job abounds. Can't recommend it enough!

Very good preschool. Easy for children to adjust because the staff are friendly and consistent…read morewith their schedule and attitude. It's great to have this preschool in our neighborhood!

I will never recover from the trauma and abuse I endured at Valley Christian Academy. As an adult,…read moreI have been diagnosed with C-PTSD in relation to my experiences there. I left after Junior High without a will to continue living. I only remember bits and pieces of 5th grade. In 6th grade, we were taken to Ironwood Christian Camp for a week to be 'broken and reshapen in the image of God like Adam at an age we need it most,' where I was physically, spiritually, and emotionally abused by the adults responsible for my safety. We had to swim in a lake we were told "natoriously gives rashes to whoever showers last." Then, I was TOLD to shower last by Cindy Mudgett. The next morning, Ms Mudgett woke me up cheerfully telling me it was time to hike to Soldier Mountian. (Previous to the trip, we were told this hike is extreme, and optional.) I told her no. I told her I had a horrible rash between my legs and on my skin and that it hurt to walk. She smiled so sadistically I will never forget it, and she said "too bad, get up you have 5 minutes." while threatening to grab my blankets. I proceeded to hike for hours without any food or water. My whole class was crying because the hike was so hard, and we were only 11 or 12 years old. We were told the point was to feel 'God help you get to the top.' Cindy Mudgett still works at the school. I have plenty of memories of Joel preaching/shouting to us as children in chapel to what can be summerized as "why white male superiority is important: God says so." I felt empowered to leave a review after seeing some of the other ones left here. I am so heartbroken knowing my parents paid tens of thousands of dollars throughout the years for my education of memorizing Bible verses and having things like 'damnation' be my volcabulary words. If you love your children, do not send them to Valley Christan Academy. They will attempt to break the personaility out of them.

Overall a great curriculum and liked how children were challenged to reach their highest potential…read more I think this school was way better than public school and gave my grandson a good spiritual and intellectual start in life. On the other hand, my grandson had one teacher who was completely inexperienced and not a good teacher at all. she did not return to teach the next year stating that teaching was not for her.

I really like this center the teachers are great! The director, Crystal, is welcoming and answers…read moreall questions about the center. The teachers Miss. Kathy is great too, she teaches the kids manners and how to count in English, Spanish and French! My kid really enjoys coming here and the small class size is really nice for that one on one attention!

My partner and I moved to Santa Maria in mid-May of this year, without knowing a single soul over…read morehere, and one of our biggest concerns was finding a school for our three-year-old. Let me say, we are over the moon about Grace Lutheran Nursery School. Within the first week, our child fell in love with this school. First thing she does in the morning is say "time for school!" and is upset on weekend mornings when she can't attend school. Within the first month, we noticed giant strides in her vocabulary, color recognition, social demeanor, and her attitude. Grace Lutheran has developed a love for school within our child which we believe will stay with her for years to come. The teachers are wonderful, always smiling, and helpful. We are very grateful for Grace Lutheran Nursery School and all they do for our child!

I am a new member and I LOVE it! The classes are SO FUN AND HELPFULL. The pool and jacuzzi are…read moreawesome! Great place!

Well I hope this replaces my old review which was during the time when they had no hot water in the…read moreshowers. So this is a very nice place and considering how upscale it is surrounded by parks and very nice views right across from the airport in Santa Maria or orcutt, It's a bargain and a half. January gets half price membership fee, In the monthly fees are well worth it and adjusted for families and if you're over an age I don't know. And now the Hot water is back on. Staff is very friendly they have every feature for families that you would ever want. They have all the classes you would ever want. They have tiny dry and wet saunas. I have some great outdoor areas fantastic views I think I mentioned that, but I didn't mention the soccer field which can be rented but it's basically for kids leagues three to 12. And it's particularly nice it's completely enclosed and has artificial turf. They have a lap pool and a jacuzzi off to the side and four weight areas and two gyms with half court, a couple of fully enclosed handball courts which I love. One and a half pickleball courts I'm dying to try that once I get back into reasonable balance. It may be my good looks and personality but people are very friendly. And it's a great place if you got anything going for you to meet someone. So after one tour and 8 days later one try out which isn't much I'm giving it five stars. And it's my favoritest gym I think that I've ever joined maybe the Santa Barbara Y was close.

Putting my son in child care for the first time was a decision that I weighed heavily. Trusting him…read moreto Seeds is one of the best decisions I've made. Ciara and her staff are kind, communicative and a delight to interact with. I watched my son flourish during his time there and his social, communication and motor skills increase. He was so happy there that when I came to pick him up he would just look at me and go back to what he was previously doing. I strongly recommend Seeds. Thank you, Ciara!

From the owner: We are not your average daycare. Our goal is to take little seeds and turn them into mighty trees…read more We want to help children develop their thinking minds so they can solve problems and make responsible decisions. We want our children to learn what it means to be respectful and we want them to learn skills that they can bring home with them. We strive to teach children how to treat their parents and other adults, their peer, and more importantly how they should treat themselves. We live in a day where technology is booming and children are exposed to so much in such in so little time. At Seeds we want to cultivate their innate child behavior and reinforce it with encouraging stimuli that will enhance their abilities rather then diminish them. Because when we learn, we grow and we are going to have a blast doing it.