Our daughter went here for 2 years from age 2-4. She loved it. The teachers showed how much they…read morecare about the children. They provided many extras such as one on one keyboard class and Spanish language immersion. Our daughter learned many Spanish songs. They have a big backyard with ample room to play. They use the garden to teach about plants and animals. They will bring in ponies and petting zoo and ride in a horse drawn carriage in the Lo Jolla Xmas parade. Thank you to Ms. Joanne for making a safe and loving place for our girl.

My daughter started going at the beginning of 2024 and she was encouraged and empowered from day 1…read moreto be independent from the moment she arrives to school. I really like it specially when she comes home and says "I can do it myself". She is always offering to help too which amazes me. she has learned so much that words can not describe it. All teachers are very caring and knowledgable. The school is always clean and organized. The new Principal, Miss. Marili is very knowledgeable too. She was one of my older kids's favorite teachers when they went to MontessorI in Mount Soledad 12 years ago.

Earlier this year, we moved away from San Diego to be closer to family, and leaving La Jolla…read moreMontessori School (LJMS) community was one of the hardest parts of that decision. LJMS is truly a best-in-class school. As a first-time mom, this was my first experience with a school for my son, and I had as they say "all the feels". From day one, though, I felt nothing but peace of mind dropping him off. I knew he would be safe, cared for, and getting an incredible education. A few things that stood out: * Safety: LJMS takes security seriously. From drop-off to pick-up, every detail is thoughtfully considered, and I really appreciated that. * Education: I knew my son was getting a strong academic foundation, but what impressed me most was the focus on the whole child. The school goes beyond academics and teaches kids how to be respectful, independent, and kind. * Care: The teachers, aides, and staff genuinely care about the children. It never felt like people were just doing a job, it felt like they truly wanted to be there. We were greeted with warm smiles every day and my son came home with a smile on his face every day. If you're looking for a school for your child, I can't recommend LJMS enough.

Both of my children have been going to La Jolla Montessori School. My son since 18 months of age in…read morethe toddler program and he is now 5 and in his 3rd year of the Primary class. My daughter also started at 18 months and is now 3 and in another one of the primary classrooms. All their teachers have been amazing, kind, and experienced. Clear communication in regards to expectations and our children's needs. The classrooms are beautiful and truly uphold Montessori standards.

This school is such a special place! Our son asks everyday "is today a school day?"…read moreWe have spent 3 years here so far and have nothing but great things to say. The staff is wonderful and attentive, the space is so conducive to curiosity and play and it really does feel like a small community there. My son has made some great friends here and so have I. I can't wait to send my daughter here next year!

The BEST preschool in San Diego. You will not find a more nurturing, creative, or positive…read moreenvironment for your child!! From the FRIENDLIEST FAMILIES of any community group in the city, to the highly-praised Reggio Emilia teaching method of "learning through play", my only regret about this school is that it's not Pre-K-12th grade! The staff and teachers here are absolutely incredible. Your child is loved, protected, and encouraged. The school days here are magical, focused on plenty of attention to your child (no chaotic "kids going wild" environment here), singing, dancing, open-ended play, art, gardening, and the teaching of EMPATHY towards others. The facility is on-point to what young children need and crave: warm, inviting, and with simple open-ended play structures and toys. The community here is on-point to what parents of preschooler's need and crave: friendly, supportive, and relatable. EVERY single child that graduated here with my oldest son (there were about 8) and went on to Kindergarten with him at our local elementary school were among the nicest, most socially adapted children in the population of the grade. My husband and I feel so grateful to be able to send our children here, and will be so, so sad when our youngest graduates!

Highly advise against Beth Montessori: minimal time outside, tiny playground (presumably related),…read morelarge class sizes, and seemingly a disproportionate number of aggressive kids and passive parents. Very secretive environment only communicating with teachers through administration and not allowed to view children while any are on the playground. My child received very little from Beth other than some poor behavioral tendencies that were quickly remedied upon changing schools.

From the owner: Beth Montessori is a Jewish Montessori preschool located in the heart of La Jolla, California. Our…read morewarm community of families and staff, help create an inviting environment that fosters the well rounded development of our children. Beth Montessori is open to children ages 9 months through 6 years (Infant Community, Toddlers, Preschool, and Kindergarten) and offers an integrated secular and Judaic curriculum based on Dr. Maria Montessori's proven philosophy and principles. In addition to this, Beth Montessori school provides a Bilingual Program (English & Spanish).

Our daughter went to Sandbox for two years, up until transitional kindergarten. We all loved it so…read moremuch. Tasha and Dom are a great team and truly care for the kids, the parents, and their positions as teachers. The indoor/outdoor preschool includes play through centers (including the beloved mud kitchen), circle time, and free time. It allows the kids to build friendships and learn to respect each other. The preschool also puts on events throughout the year to allow parents to meet and get to know each other. I would highly recommend Sandbox to others, as it was a terrific experience and huge stepping stone for our daughter.

My daughter has gone to school at Sandbox the last two years and she (and us) have LOVED our time…read morethere! Tasha & Dom have created an amazing atmosphere for kids and parents alike. The kids get to be kids (playing in the dirt, gardening, imaginative play, and more) and learn along the way. We tried another preschool in the area before here, but the environment here was a much better fit... Both in getting the personalized nature of care that Tasha/Dom provide for their students, and we loved that out daughter was exposed to children both younger and older than her (vs. all the same age as many schools are) since she was able to both learn from the older kids when she was little and help out with the younger kids when she was older. I highly recommend Sandbox to anyone who's looking for a loving, nurturing, educational, and fun environment for their children to grow in.

Little Steps is amazing! Our daughter is now is almost 3 years old and has been going to Little…read moreSteps since she was 4 months old. All of her teachers have been so caring, attentive, loving, and compassionate to her. We can tell she is so loved. She is so excited every morning to go to daycare that she is usually the first one there and last one to leave. There are so many things she has learned before the age of 3. She can say the whole ABC's and identify many of the letters, count to twenty, and identify and say all the colors and shapes just to name a few things. She is also completely potty trained thanks to Little Steps with no accidents at all any more it is incredible. They really worked with us and her and helped so much. We are so grateful for all they do and we tell all our friends about Little Steps.

If I could give them 0 stars I would. We toured with my son was he was little over 1 years old and…read moreI mentioned to them that he was delayed on standing/ walking. The teacher then seemed to have no problem with it and didn't make it a big deal at all so we decided to put him on the year long wait list so he could start once he turned 2. Closer to the start date, I made a phone call and mentioned he was still delayed in walking but walking with assist now and according to his PT, could be walking any day now. The school had to talk to the church and they called me back with the decision that they couldn't not allow my son to go to their preschool bc he would not be able to participate with the other kids. That is completely false because I take my son to many diff toddler classes and gym classes and he is such a outgoing little guy and great at participating. This school/church is discriminatory, gives out false information & frankly could be racist for all I know. They mentioned how were the only Indians who would be in the school. Do not waste your time. If they are treating my son like this before he even started school with them, imagine what they would do without his parent(s) knowing when he's attending school. Shame on a church too!

We came to this school for one year during Covid, and are still there! Our experience has been…read moreincredible. The class sizes are small, the teachers are completely invested in the children, and we wholeheartedly believe in the staff and all teachers. TCS is a Reggio Emilia school, that breeds a deep community of connectedness within the parent group, as well as student to teacher group. Our kids are absolutely thriving and their creativity is soaring! We couldn't be happier with the child-centered, hands-on project based and environmental curriculum. This educational experience is second to none!

From the moment we stepped through the front gate, The Children's School felt like a warm embrace…read more The staff greeted us with such genuine warmth, making us feel instantly at home. The most impressive part is that was three years ago, and each day since has been equally as wonderful. As a mother of a Kindergartener, I value the consistent positive energy of the staff, and their prioritization of social and emotional well being, specifically during these very impressionable early childhood years. There is a strong connection between staff and students, as well as staff and parents. There is a strong connection amongst the community as well, fostered by the rare privilege of an open campus environment for parents. Drop off and pickup feel like a family gathering through and through. We as parents also learn from the very experienced teachers as well, via our children. The teachers model strong communication skills and encourge friends to "send messages," to one another during challenging as well as happy times. They teach "whole body listening," where friends are encouraged to engage their minds, ears as well as their hearts. Collaborative problem-solving builds resilience and community from a very young age, and differences are celebrated in this inclusive environment. The culture embodies kindness and mindfulness, and there is no better fit for our family.

We needed a kindergarten for the first of our four kids to attend and were hoping for Spanish…read moreimmersion. My husband and I speak some Spanish and see the value of learning it as Americans (and humans) and had no idea there was a French school in San Diego. I happened to drive by, walk in to a school tour, and fell in love. Cheesy but true. This school has my heart. It was the best language immersion option for us because of the proximity to Pacific Beach. Now all four of our children attend and we couldn't be happier. We've found our community. NON-FRENCH SPEAKER TIPS: 1.The after-school homework is a must; especially if you hate homework and can't speak French. BONUS: They don't bring homework home! 2. Try the French classes for grown-ups, offered at the school. So fun and a great way to meet people. 3. Don't be scared. Lots of us don't speak French and we get along just fine. 4. I highly suggest little ones in PK do full day. They take naps in the afternoon and have lots of play time, but the best part is they really start to pickup the accent. Our oldest, who started in K, has a good accent but the ones who started in PK0 are downright Frenchies.

Our child has attended SDFAS for the past 8 years. It has been a wonderful experience for all of…read moreus. The school offers an academically diverse and challenging curriculum incorporating language into all activities. They also offer inventive and educational field trips and experiences for the students. Overall, our child has flourished at SDFAS and is academically and socially well prepared for high school.

Wanted to take a moment to update my review of YMCA's Summer Camp experience now that our youngest…read moreturned 5 and has joined her big brother (10 year old) at camp. The YMCA Dan McKinney location continues to be rockstars when it comes to their summer camp experiences for the kids. There is a reason we come year after year and it has to do with the quality of their high interest, highly engaging camps. The counselors continue to work hard to ensure all campers are having a blast and be so patient and kind in those moments of overwhelm. As an educator myself, I greatly appreciate the care and effort of each counselor we've met this summer. I see the effort and it doesn't go unnoticed. Our oldest (10 year old, autism and ADHD) continues to love the different camps he's been a part of this summer. Slime, Harry Potter, Adventure (I mean....they're going on amazing field trips to Petco Park and Safari Park!), and soon Parkour. Our youngest (5 year old) has loved gymnastics, Disney Jr, and coming up Little Gardeners. It just feels good as a parent (and special needs parent at that) to drop off your kids knowing they're safe, going to make some new friends, and thoroughly enjoy each activity each day. Registration is straightforward, communication each week is clear and helpful, checking in and out also a breeze. 10/10 So, thank you YMCA Dan McKinney for continuing to provide amazing camps for our kids and kudos to all of the counselors who are gems in bringing these camps to life for these/my kids.

Remodel . Clean swimming, pickle ball book club cooking classes a great family experience.read more

Have not yet started - but had our kid on the waitlist since before he was born and today we got…read moreoffered a place at the Beachside location. The waitlist is long (because many people want to go here), but it is possible to get your preferred location from the outset. I'm just posting this review because I see someone below criticizing the school administrators for their waitlist.

Do not waste your money going on the waiting list for this preschool. The way they fill spots in…read morethis school is that they essentially make you put your kid into the less desirable "bayside" location which is literally on maybe the busiest cross section in Pacific Beach and la jolla with constant traffic smog and noise all day within few feet of the playground and a very thin fence that a runaway car would easily plow through. After you kid spends some time there and they have a replacement for them in the less desirable location, they offer to transfer your kid to the better located seaside location. We have been on waiting list for seaside location for much longer than some others who decided to put their kid in bayside and now they are being moved to seaside (we are happy for them and sympathize that their kid did the time in bayside). But we are no longer are planning to put our kids in either of these 2 schools as we are not comfortable with the ethics of these types of business practices. Just beware if you are applying and spending time and money going on waiting list for this preschool. Do not do it unless you are willing to first put your kid in the "bayside" or "roadside" location. This is not at all a reflection of teachers and workers there whom i am sure are great we just feel it is deceiving to take peoples money and time to put them on waiting list for a school that they will essentially never get to go to unless they are willing to send their kid to another less desirable school first ... this should be clearly explained prior to application and fees.