I can not speak highly enough of this gem of a preschool. I tried for two years to get my son in…read moreand finally there was an opening. It's a magical place without a doubt. Their classroom is in a yurt in the middle of an epic garden. They have animals, they cook, they sew, they do art, they have puppet shows, they garden and more imaginative play than you'd think possible. It is a play based preschool which we LOVED. Fantastic ratio of 12 students to 2 OUTSTANDING teachers, Miss Jamie and Miss Jackie. They both have extensive backgrounds in education and teach with such love and respect of each child. My son was upset when it wasn't a school day and now that he's in kindergarten, he misses the school and his sweet teachers SO much. So do I!! They really create a community for both the students and their families. We signed up our daughter as soon as we realized what a gift this school is. She will be starting next year and we can't wait to get back!

I wish I still lived in Santa Cruz so my third kiddo could go here too. My sons still have fond…read morememories of this preschool. I also love how they made keepsake books at the end of the year with art my boys did throughout the year as well as photos of them engaged in play activities. Those books are as special to me as baby books and photo albums. The enriching outdoor activities and small class sizes are also big selling points. This preschool makes me miss Santa Cruz so much and I moved away almost four years ago. When I think of home I think of the Bagelry, staff of life, shoppers corner, zoccolis, and hidden treasures.

"My new school is frickin' great!!" That kind of sums it…read moreup but let me expand on our three-year old's initial impressions after his first day at Natural Bridges. We cannot believe how lucky we are to have found this incredible school for our son. He has been here for two months and is absolutely thriving. The staff are so nurturing, thoughtful and child focused. The program is active, and engaging without feeling regimented, giving the kids the space and freedom to explore, learn, and grow. Most importantly our son feels safe and well cared for, which makes leaving him in the morning easy and picking him up a joy as he enthusiastically shares the details of his day. All of the teachers are highly qualified, so kind to the children, and obviously dedicated to the growth of each of them as individuals. We are already sad that at some point our son will have to leave and go to kindergarten!

We love NBCC. Our daughter is in the Monarch program and thriving. I love the thoughtfully designed…read morespaces and the wonderful programming. It's been a place for our four year old to really spread her wings and gain some much needed freedom this year and she'll be starting kindergarten so much more socialized and confident. Can't say enough good things about this school.

Springhill has the most incredible teachers. The quality of attention and care to the unique needs…read moreof each individual student are amazing. has the most incredible teachers. The quality of attention and care to the unique needs of each individual student are amazing. Also, the design thinking method of running experiments is very entrepreneurial, setting our kids up at an early age for success in today's modern world!

I couldn't be happier with our experience at this school. I'm a teacher myself, and this school is…read morea dream come true for my son. Small class sizes, fabulous staff, and individualized learning for each child. I highly recommend you check it out!

My child has been attending since she was first walking and I am so impressed by the environment…read moreand loving care that she receives from Lisa, Lori, and Heather! They have a beautiful backyard garden with produces that children harvest directly. She loves visiting the chickens and playing on the swings and in the sand box. Inside it is a homey and cosy environment with wooden toys and puzzles plus lots of books that the teachers joyfully read to the children. Everyday they seem to have available paints, playdoh, or other projects that children can choose to engage in. Wonderfully homed cooked meals including oatmeal, soups, and other tasty nutritious menu items follow a predicable rhythm that changes with the seasons. This preschool is really an amazing gem for our community!

I can't say enough good things about Lisa and Carly Rose. And their beautiful school, yard, values,…read moremenu, and creativity. My boys have the best time there. Unfortunately we moved out of the area so they can't attend this year. And when we did live in the area, it was a 40 minute drive to and from to get there. It was that worth it for us. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

My son attended NCC for three years and had an amazing experience. The teachers were dedicated,…read morecaring, and loving, and the campus provided a spacious and welcoming environment for children to play and learn. The school also did a great job building a strong academic foundation through the Montessori method. For parents considering NCC, don't be discouraged if the admission process takes some effort (headmaster L may not like to reply to messages); it is well worth it when you see your child's happiness and growth.

Great school. I realize that the school is more guarded during the waiting list timeline to protect…read morethe safety & guard the routine of the children during school time. My daughter is attending this school now and I have to say that the children are prepared for educational success in every way imaginable. There are three groups; youngest group, middle group, and pre-K. Some highlights: Onsite reading specialist Bilingual education Montessori classroom time structured and free learning time Non profit with emphasis on community service Healthy (usually organic) vegetarian diet served at meals Parent involvement in the direction of the school. Wonderful educational field trips Advanced curriculum designed for school preparation. Emphasis on Science, math, music, language, cultural enlightenment. This school is also very culturally diverse, when looking at the "make-up"' of ethnicities amongst the children. The school is extremely hygienic with an aggressive health policy, with sink stations in every class room and around the play yard for hand washing. Resulting in healthier children (and parents) with less time off from school in the long run. I am very pleased with this school. We were invited for a visit once our names were high on the waiting list. I was instantly sold when my daughter was invited to participate in the days activities. The first was dissection of owl pellets and identification of the animal consumed based on bones found. The next was a story circle, the children each performed a portion of the book in a dramatic manner with props and costumes included. The next was a bilingual story and song circle, with children being "submerged in spanish," for the duration of the 20 minute circle. The final was a magic circle., which was fun and educational. I highly recommend this school. The teachers were patient and supportive while my daughter adjusted to the separation from me and my husband. They actually surpassed my expectations!

We love WPENS. It's been so great for my son and family. I love teacher Cory she is such a caring,…read moreloving teacher. She really takes the time to create such a loving, nurturing and safe environment for all children. My son has really thrived socially and emotionally because WPENS. We love the community and support we have at WPENS. It's a really unique experience because not only is it a preschool but also a learning environment for parents. WPENS offers parenting resources. It helps build a nurturing environment at school and at home. As a parent you can really be involved in your child's learning development by participating in and outside the classroom. Overall WPENS is the best choice. We are really happy and are returning back next year!

I love this School! We have been at WPENS for the last 3 years, and what a great community we…read morehave! The magic is all in the name: Westside Parent Education Nursery School. Notice how it says 'Parent Education' - at WPENS the parents learn with the kids! Here are some of the biggest pros: 1.) Lower cost Co-operative preschool - most affordable and keeps you involved with your child's education 2.) Community Building - get to know other families and build connections 3.) PARENT EDUCATION - because we don't know it all. Monthly educational seminars and weekly meetings help to hone those parenting skills 4.) Incredible Teachers - decades of young child education gives a perspective that is invaluable and patience that is incredible.