Truly exceptional place! Our son thrived in this environment. There have been some recent problems…read morein selection of school administrators, but they have been corrected. Would STRONGLY recommend this school. Do NOT believe the baloney rumors you may read. What difference does it make if the school administration is of a particular religious bent if the do NOT (and I can absolutely confirm this!) proselytize?

My grandson started the Preschool at Aptos Academy this year and he loves it so much (age 4) that…read morehe's constantly asking, "Go to school tomorrow?" - he wants to go back even on his way home let alone that evening or the next day! Not only is the school in a beautiful setting but all the faculty and other students are friendly, caring and welcoming! Small class sizes, a faculty that is caring, nurturing and fills the needs/requirements of each student individually for educational/physical/mental growth and well being in the beautiful Aptos community...what more could one want for their child? We feel so blessed to have discovered the Aptos Academy!

I have to start with the disclaimer that my children attended SLE for a few month, during a…read moretransitional period for our family. The school secretary is very sweet and caring. The teachers that we were assigned were wonderful. They inspired both children by being wonderful role models and making learning fun. There were practical applications of lessons such as playing town and learning to write checks (4th grade). Parents were very involved and were wonderful. We attended the science fair which was both engaging and a lot of fun for the whole family. Both kids always looked forward to going to school each day and when their time here was up, they were really sad to leave. This school has similar logistical problems as other schools such as student pick up and drop off. There are parents who should have left 5 minutes earlier than they did, so they take it out on others by acting impatient or not waiting for people in crosswalks... which is especially bad if you drop off and pick up by the entrance to the Jr. High. Speaking of parking, if you do use the entrance near the Jr. High, please use the church parking lot and do not violate the 'No parking' signs in the residential neighborhood. surrounding the school. They are there because those are narrow streets and when too may people park there, emergency vehicles couldn't get through. It's happened and someone almost died. The neighborhood surrounding the school does have people with health conditions, are aging, etc, so please have respect for your fellow community members that are the most vulnerable. Your perceived (illegal) convenience is not worth someone losing their life because an ambulance or fire truck couldn't get through. Please also don't park IN people's yards. Not cool. And hey, if you don't want to do it out of respect, do it because you will get stuck if in their muddy yards if you do and you may have to pay for a tow truck. It's not worth it and you didn't save any time doing it. To add to the list of things that people shouldn't be doing but they do it anyway... Stop your car when you see people crossing the road. It's a school zone and it take the 3-10 seconds to wait while you are stopped. That's it. Not minutes. Seconds. That's all. You aren't making up any time by rolling at pedestrians and you are willfully putting someone's family at risk. Don't be a nincompoop, just stop. Again, leave a little early and you won't have a problem finding parking. If you can't leave early, just arrange a late pick up meeting area. I did this with my kids and I promise you that it works out just fine. There is also a school bus (check if you are on their route) and there are after school programs that will pick up your kids and hold them until you can get there. You have options. Take a deep breath and do the right thing. Thank you to SLE for the memories before we start the next chapter in our life.

I go to San Lorenzo Valley Elementary. I am in first grade. This school deserves 5 stars. Zoë Haffread more

A wonderful school. My daughter had several delightful years there. Responsible and caring staff.read more

Can't thank this school enough. As a now grown student, I still look back on this schools'…read moreteachings and absolute life lessons that it has taught me. With patience, nurturing, and all around acceptance, Orchard raised me when one person couldn't do it alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I had never felt truer words that befit this schools benefits. It truly helped keep my childhood lively and adventurous, and to this day my thoughts linger on just how grateful I am. If I ever have a kid, I'll do my best to ensure they get to go to a school as fine as Orchard. Only shame is, they used to go from K-8, if I recall. But to know they're focusing their teachings on earlier ages is just as righteous to me.

My daughter cries to go to her preschool when she has to stay home sick. She LOVES it!…read more Super clean, very organized, lots of choices for kids to play and learn, VERY communicative owner and teachers, great focus on learning positive behavior, making positive choices, and channeling creativity. Low teacher turnover (fabulous). Also, HUGE backyard and again, lots of choices for outdoor play. Thank you for running a wonderful little school, Stacey!

I'm so happy we found this preschool and were able to get in. 2020 has been insane, and having a…read moresafe and fun place to send my child is a HUGE relief. He absolutely loves it there, and after his first day he told me he likes to follow Teacher Kim around at school because he loves her so much. The kids are definitely spoiled there with all the new playgrounds, and most importantly, the COVID safety measures they take are everything a worried parent could ask for. Thanks, Stacey & COF staff!

I went to Simcha when I was a toddler, and now my own children go there! My two year old has had a…read morewonderful year in the toddler class, and will be in the preschool class next year. My 4 year old will be in the TK/K class this coming year. The teachers are great, the outdoor spaces are wonderful, and the extended hours they offer are so helpful for many families. We've made great friends there, and are so thankful!

I cannot speak highly enough about my experience at Simcha. We've been attending for three years…read morenow - my older daughter attended pre-k and the kinder class, and my younger daughter started in the toddler class when she was two, then the preschool class, is currently in pre-k and will be in the TK/K class next year. Both of my girls have thrived at simcha, and we adore the community. Both our kids and us parents have made many amazing friends. The teachers are incredible, and we've really appreciated the play-based curriculum with tons of outdoor time. In TK/K, teacher Jan blends academic material with so much fun and creativity - the kids hardly know they're learning. My older daughter was extremely prepared for public 1st grade because of Jan's guidance and the small class size - she learned to read and write, gained strong math skills, and made special, lasting friendships. our younger daughter could have attended public TK but with Simcha's extended hours and unique program, it's worth the investment of an extra year. Highly highly recommend!

We have had an absolutely wonderful experience at Santa Cruz Waldorf School! The nurturing…read moreenvironment and dedicated teachers truly set this school apart. From the moment we stepped on campus, we felt welcomed and inspired. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, allowing children to explore subjects in a meaningful and hands-on way. Our children have flourished here, academically in math, writing, and languages, as well as more broadly with the arts, music, gardening, outdoor education trips, and more. If you're looking for a school that encourages a deep love of learning, I highly recommend the Santa Cruz Waldorf School.

Santa Cruz Waldorf School has been a good fit for my children. The kinder program is magical! Being…read moreable to play and learn to connect with peers and teachers AND nature is just what my children needed at that age. Over the years, we have learned reverence and rythm and the beauty of slowing down from our time at the school. Their love of festivals and community connection is unmatched. I appreciate the deemphasis on screen time as well. The Waldorf practice of teacher looping was something that was quite new to me and at first I was a little hesitant about. I have grown to see the process of keeping the same teacher from grade 1-8 as a true gift. It has given my children time to be seen and understood to learn most effectively. If you are exploring elementary and middle school alternatives, SCWS is a great option to consider!

A very warm preschool for kids..and adults!…read more My 3 year old started PENS this year and it has been a blessing to our family. There are always tons of activities to do indoors and outdoors, and my daughter loves going to school! The parents stay once a week (or all days if you want) where you work at the school, and have a seminar with the teacher and other parents at the end of the day. The working day is very insightful as you learn how to be with children, and by working together you bond with the parents as well. There is a nice sense of 'community' that I feel is very important and precious :)

I cannot speak highly enough of Soquel PENS. My daughter is on the younger side and the amount she…read morehas learned at this school is AMAZING. Teacher Nancy is so kind and considerate. Her gentle and subtle teaching style is a perfect fit for the toddlers and little children that surround her. The name speaks for itself: you're not only educating your children while attending this school; as a parent, I'm educating myself as well.

Mindy is a master teacher and one of the most committed Montessorians I've met in my 15+ years…read moreworking in Montessori schools. She is also a Montessori trainer and provides tuition support for her teachers who demonstrate commitment and passion for becoming a fully accredited Montessori teacher.

I have to say I was unsure about sending my first child to daycare / school and wanted to quit my…read morejob stay home with her. That said, I am now confident that she is learning much more and getting more attention than I could ever provide. The staff and teachers have all been amazing and super friendly. Our daughter is happy to see them when we drop her off in the morning. She comes home and does and says things that she learned in "school" and seems genuinely happy to be there. She has little friends in class and is slowly depleting the school sandbox via here little baby shoes. On the COVID front, I really believe and trust Mindy (owner) and all her staff are taking this with the upmost seriousness and thought out planning. They seem to always be cleaning things and updating policies per new info. Overall strong endorsement for Quail Hollow and all their staff p.s. daughter is in the 6m to 2y class starting at 9m