I loved to work in McDowell School because children enjoy their clases. I noticed a good and respectful relationship with a smile between them and the teachers. Also, Ms Cibele is amazing because she is patience, lovely, and excellent listener. Children have core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies, computer lab, painting, and more. For sure, this is the best School!! read more

I love this school - I wish they went up to middle school as well! All my 3 kids have gone here. I moved from Los Angeles specifically because my oldest son at the time I felt needed to be in private school; he was getting left behind in public school and he had so much potential. I interviewed with many schools all over Orange County and got a good vibe from McDowell. He started there in 2015 in 4th grade. He LOVED it and thrived there. McDowell gave him a strong foundation and he is about to be a senior at a public high school. He is a straight A student in all IB, AP and honors classes. My twins have now gone there since kindergarten and they are about to start 3rd grade. They actually look forward to school and love all their teachers and the other students! From the extracurriculars, to their main teacher for the year, to the other parents, and the Head of school, Mr. Lincoln, it has been a wonderful and nurturing environment for all my kids. I would recommend McDowell wholeheartedly! read more

We can't say enough great things about McDowell. Our two children have attended the full-time program for the past two years and we're incredibly lucky to be a part of the community. It wasn't all luck, though. I can't downplay my wife's months of research and intense vetting process spanning up and down the SoCal coast. We've seen them all and there was no close, 2nd-choice. I'm going to forget a dozen+ reasons why we love McDowell, but here are a few off the top of my head. STAFF: We couldn't have hand-picked a more caring and knowledgable group to entrust with our babies. The turnover rate at McDowell is comparable to the Supreme Court. We love knowing that we'll see the same wonderful faces for years to come. PERSONALIZATION: McDowell feels like a family. The small classes allow for a level of personalization that is exactly what we'd hoped for. We get daily summary sheets, text message updates, frequent email notes, adorable pictures, conference calls, and more with the little details that make all the difference. SECURITY: When we drop off our little peanuts, we're 100% comfortable that they'll be secure & protected. The safety protocols assure that nobody enters or leaves without getting past Keri or Miss Sue. CLEANLINESS: The facility is always immaculate... way cleaner than our house. RESPONSIVENESS: Whenever we have a question, we know it'll get answered almost immediately and we question whether Keri sleeps at all. ACADEMICS: Every day, one of our kids will come home with a new trick. Our two-year old knows more Spanish than I do and surprised us with the whole "pledge of allegiance" the other day. These are just a few of the many reasons we love McDowell and I can't possibly do it justice in one review. Special shout out to Miss Keri, Shari, Jennifer, Paige, Zohre, Lorie, and Hend! read more

McDowell School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Six years in and we've grown to love this school and the staff even more. The past two years have challenged us in so many ways we never thought possible, but the leadership and staff at McDowell stayed strong, committed, and creative in their mission to keep the students safe and engaged. I can't stress enough how grateful I am to the teachers who continued to reach out to us during the 2020 lockdown; in spite of having to deal with their own personal challenges. Our kids received zoom calls, activity packages in the mail, drive by parades, and personal calls through the months the school was closed. It's always telling how amazing a teacher is when their students are beyond excited to be back in class. This new school year has been so good for our kids. While we continue to face new challenges, I commend the leadership and staff at McDowell for pushing through and staying focused on what really matters - the students, their safety, and their education. If you're looking for a safe, engaging, family-like environment for your little ones, this is definitely the school for you. From what I can see, the kids are all reading, writing and doing math at atleast 1 grade above. The school also does an amazing job of embracing and promoting diversity and inclusion. I encourage you to take a tour and see for yourself. read more

This school is amazing !!! The teachers are awesome and my children are always very happy to go to school ! We love the community there :)

Great school the best teachers and great environment for the kids. They really help the kids to build up self confidence .

I am so grateful to be able to send my daughter to school here. It's her first year at McDowell (in the 2nd grade) and she raves about everything she does there. Yoga, art class, Spanish...classes that are included in her week which she would otherwise not get at other schools. Ms. Dawson has been simultaneously teaching students in class and over Zoom since September and doing a wonderful job - it is so much extra work for her but she always makes sure the parents and students have everything they need for distance learning. The entire school from Mr. Lincoln to Ms. Sue, and all the teachers, are warm and welcoming. They have done an amazing job with health and safety precautions in regards to COVID. I also want to give a special mention to Ms. Hend for making my son feel so excited about being himself and expressing his culture. I appreciate the diversity seen at McDowell and the celebration of differences. I definitely recommend this school! read more

I have had both my girls at McDowell for over a year and I can't say enough good things about the school. My oldest was in Ms.Valerie's TK class and really thrived. The strong academics really challenged her (she finished the year doing math and able to read basic books) and I really appreciated how well-rounded the program is. She learned a lot about geography, other countries/cultures, and learned some Spanish. Oh, and she got to go on real field trips! My youngest is in the infant room with Ms.Jen and Ms.Zohre. They are so kind and caring with her, and I really feel like they know my baby. They work on thing like sign language and spanish with her, read to her, and do all sorts of art and music activities. Its so cute to see her run to Ms.Jen when I drop her off, and she's always happy and well fed/rested when I pick her up. There are so many other things that make this school special that you just don't see on a quick tour- the staff really cares about your family and gets to know your kids, the teachers love teaching, the kids learn about being good people and build character, there are a lot of special events throughout the year, etc. Oh, and both my kids have returned following the COVID shut downs, and I'm very comfortable with the procedures and protocols they have in place. I looked at soooo many daycares and schools for my kids, I only wish I had landed here sooner! read more

Mc Dowell school is the best school I know in OC . Two of my kids have already graduated from Mc Dowell , Thank God I still have one more kid at this school because I loveeee this place . My kids have great foundation and they are doing great in middle school and high school all because the teachers at Mc Dowell are so amazing . The staff , Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Keri and Ms. sue are wonderful . They make You feel at home , this is a place that your child will thrive and succeed not only academically but also socially and emotionally . I am so grateful to Mc Dowell school /staff and teachers . I know for sure I have made the best decision to enroll my kids here . Thank you from the bottom of my heart . read more

I am so impressed with this school! Mr Lincoln the principle, is highly educated and run the school in such a fun, loving way. The class size is small and all the teachers are so very respectful and caring. It does feel like a family. I love all the fun activities they have that make it so special and fun. I also appreciate they teach the kids about honor/ gratitude/ respect etc. it is so rare to find this kind of learning in a none religious school. They have art, music, Spanish and computer. In addition to yoga and PE. Kids here are happy and active. The perfect environment to learn. read more

We've been attending McDowell now for about four months. This is the third private school/daycare we've been involved with as parents and have been fortunate to have nothing but positive experiences with all three schools, but McDowell is something truly different, and that warrants a Yelp review. I was dropping the kids off to school at the "Covid protocol check-in table" the other morning. At the table was the effervescent Ms. Keri, school director, and a team of teachers and admin staff that serve as helpers/substitute moms/etc. Then Mr. Lincoln walked up. This is the Head of School. He greets family after family in line BY NAME and then stops and wishes one of the kids a happy birthday. This is noteworthy, and I'll tell you why. As a former classroom teacher and school administrator, I can tell you that it is RARE for the Principal/Head of School to know anyone's name, let alone remember someone's birthday!!! But this just speaks to the number one selling point of this school- the personal, family-feel that you get. My kids are loved at this school. I mean, I genuinely believe that they are loved and adored and that if I want to brag about how cute or cool or smart or clever they are, I know I am preaching to the choir if I'm speaking to a) my husband; b) any of their grandparents or aunts and uncles; or c) any of the staff at McDowell. Was this on my checklist of qualities in a school? Mutual adoration of my kids? No, it wasn't. But, gosh, it feels wonderful to have it. It doesn't feel like they merely tolerate my kids. It feels like they see them for all their special uniqueness and love them. And that goes to a larger compliment that I have for the staff of McDowell. I think it's easier to find the special and amazing qualities in children when you truly love educating. The folks here LOVE their jobs. They LOVE teaching. They LOVE kids. They are lifelong educators (many of them will spend their entire professional lives not only teaching, but teaching AT McDowell, because the turnover rate is practically nonexistent). Kids are smart. And so they know when you like them and when you just tolerate them. And I am certain that this feeling of love is communicated to my daughter and son every day. I am sure of this because just last week, when we pulled into the school parking lot for the first time for drop-off after a week of summer vacation, my daughter happily yelled out, "SCHOOL!!!!! Yayyyyy!!!!" She of course knew where we were going but she had this strong visceral reaction to seeing the school building after a week away- and it was pure joy. I expect this reaction when you start getting closer to Disneyland and see the mouse ears everywhere and squeal, "YAY DISNEY!". I expect it when you see your first store decorated for the holidays and feel "YAY Christmas!" or "YAY Chanukah!" But "Yay school"? That's the greatest parenting win ever. It's taken me as long as it has to write this review because I want to make sure I get everyone's name down and give EVERYONE a shout out. This is hard because it's not like other schools where your child is cared for by one lead teacher and maybe an aide and you never saw the school director except for that one time your kid bit someone. No, at McDowell, it's a family affair so my kids know everyone and everyone knows them. And they are ALL amazing. So I apologize in advance if I forget anyone's name, because even though this school is like a family, it's not like YOUR family or MY family where there's that one relative that no one wants to sit next to at Thanksgiving. Everyone here is incredible. So a big SHOUT OUT to everyone there: Mr. Lincoln and Ms. Keri (a school culture like this starts with YOU- thank you!!!), Ms. Courtney (my favorite morning chats are with Ms. Courtney), Ms. Sue (who works in the admin office as the Office Manager but my infant son recognizes her voice- that's how connected everyone is here!!), Ms. Jenn and Ms. Zohre (it is important to note that my infant son has never once come home with a dirty diaper or dirty clothes- this is harder than you might think in infant care, but they make sure that he is clean and comfortable- and cuddled!!), Ms. Lizzie (a walking, talking smile of a human being), Ms. Hend (Miss Honey, who loves her kiddos so much she thinks of them even when she's not teaching- like a lot!), Ms. Kadie (in her endless and serene patience), Ms. Anita (does such a great job at explaining the "why" to kids- and let me tell you- this is so so important, even for four-year-olds). Thank you all for being true partners in fostering my children's love of learning. You are all phenomenal educators and professionals. Thank you for everything you do. read more

We absolutely love this gem of a school!!! Mcdowell is a very nurturing, loving environment and has a superb academic program! Everyone is like a family here. It is a huge bonus that class sizes remain small and that is a true gift on its own. If you are looking for private school in south orange county, make sure to consider McDowell. read more

McDowell is truly a hidden gem! I was unhappy with my son's public school education and was desperately looking for a non- denominational private school with small class sizes where he would be challenged. As soon as I went for a tour at McDowell I knew it was THE one! It was the first school I toured so I decided to look at a few more to compare, they didn't. My son started mid year in 2nd grade and everyone was incredibly welcoming. It's a very nurturing environment compared to other private schools while being challenging. The math curriculum is a year ahead, the specialty classes are incredible and we couldn't be happier. He's now in 3rd grade and is flourishing with his incredibly kind and patient teacher, Mrs Peotter. My daughter started TK last year as well and Ms Valerie is absolutely amazing! My daughter comes home exhausted from all the activities and asks to go to school on the weekends. I'm amazed every day by how much she's learning while still having fun. The one negative about McDowell is that it stops at elementary, and I doubt I can find a middle school that will ever compare! read more

Wild that this place has such great reviews. I have been touring schools looking for a place to enroll my little one. Called McDowell three times requesting a tour and every time I was told that the director who scheduled was gone or busy. A message was taken three times. Never once received a call back. Is the director really too busy to call me back? Or is the grumpy women who answers the phone failing to give the director my information? I guess I will never know. read more

As a mother of two young boys, we have experienced a handful of childcare providers. With that said, I could not be more thankful to have found McDowell School. The Preschool Director, Teachers, and Staff are one of a kind. Every day they make you and your child feel cared for and loved. If any issues arise, they communicate with you and offer great advice. At the end of the day, it's all about the people and we are so thankful to have them caring for our little one. read more

I can't say enough about how amazing McDowell is! We feel so lucky to be part of this incredible school. It's so rare to find a school that is extremely academically focused, while also providing a loving and supportive environment. I literally can't say enough about this school! We LOVE McDowell!!!! read more

McDowell is a fantastic private school. All four of my children went there for preschool and Kindergarten. The small class sizes really do make a difference and the teachers are amazing. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a preschool and/or elementary school. My 4 year old currently attends and has grown so much this year. When he started I felt he was behind other kids his age developmentally and now I feel as though he has caught up. He hated is previous preschool and cried every day. He looks forward to going to school now. read more

My daughter has been in McDowell School since the age of 2 and I highly recommend it for anyone searching for infant care, preschool, or elementary school! We love the small class sizes and caring educators and the fact that they always have such fun and educational activities for the kids. read more

Two of my daughters go to McDowell and I love the school and what it provides. Some highlights to consider: - The principal. Mr Lincoln, is a true compassionate educator who inspire the teachers and kids every day. He listens to the parents and improve the school experience whenever needed. - The teachers. Our kids were under three different primary teachers and we had a wonderful experience with all of them. The art teacher, pe teacher, and others were fantastic as well and the kids love them. - The school feels like a family. Class sizes are small, kids come from diverse background, and everyone treats each other with respect. Our daughters love the school. - Cost. Private school is expensive, but McDowell is low cost vs the alternatives (ex: TVT, which also had larger class sizes) - Not religious. Kids celebrate all holidays but it's not oriented towards religious beliefs, which allowed us flexibility with what we do at home. Downsides are pretty limited but you might want to know: - It's more expensive compared with public school (about 15k a year per kid) - It only goes up to 5th grade - The facilities are not as fancy as some of the other schools. I went to MIT, so I am used to prioritizing education over real-estate, but if you expect a fancy building you might be disappointed. read more

Both my Son and Daughter have attended the McDowell school. The staff is "family" plain and simple. They have been attentive to our children and unequivocally aided in their growth and development. I would highly recommend the McDowell school and I am grateful for our experience. read more

We've had both of our children attend since they were infants. This school is extremely welcoming, caring and has done a tremendous job with our children. The teachers have all been great and very caring. We couldn't be happier with this school and all the staff and teachers. Thanks McDowell! read more

You will not find a better school than McDowell. The academics are stellar with small class sizes, a year ahead curriculum, specialty classes (Spanish, Art, Music, Computers), field studies, and teachers that care about teaching. What really makes McDowell special is once your child enrolls, you become part of the McDowell family. The teachers, the administrators, the parents, and the kids all care about each other and are willing to help in any way possible. Our family learned first hand the compassion/support/love of McDowell when there was a death in our family. I see that over and over again with others. The academics may bring you to McDowell, but the people will cause you to stay. This is the village that you will want your child raised in. I know it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. read more

I'm a parent of two currently enrolled in the preschool at McDowell and it has been such a great fit for our family. We've been to two other local daycares/preschools and McDowell is so different, in a good way. The classes are small, the teachers are amazing, the COVID protocols have kept my children safe and the admin, especially Ms. Keri are so personable. She cares so much for these children. We are so lucky to have stumbled on this school- I wish we would have started our youngest sooner! read more

I moved to Laguna Niguel recently and could not have been luckier to find this school! The nurturing and family-like environment is what makes this school so special. The teachers and the admins know every single student's name and make your child feel so loved. My son and daughter absolutely love going to school every single day, and care about their teachers like they are their own family! I cannot say enough good things about this school. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know their kids are in GREAT hands!! read more

We are so glad to have found McDowell School for our kids. We are very pleased with the teachers as our kids are motivated and excited about learning everyday. I couldn't get my daughter to read chapter books before, and now she's constantly reading (and enjoying) chapter books (and it's only been 3 weeks into the school year!) We also love how small and international the school environment is. I highly recommend this school. read more

Our son, now age 16, went to an extraordinary Montessori school next to the ocean in a suburb of Victoria BC and then for grade 1 to an authoritarian school near MV High School, which was awful. It did inspire him to lead a rebellion among 1st graders so he did learn some leadership. It was the most anal school or organization I've encountered in my life. The then principal used to cry at public gatherings, too. For grades 2-5, he attended McDowell. Our primary concern was quality of education. He got a great education that prepared him for what followed. His teachers were very good. The current Director did not impress us as much as his predecessor and added the pre-school, which was a strategic and from our perspective not a great decision. The facility is too small to combine preschool and elementary grades unlike the Montessori school in Canada that had literally acres of natural bush, a large field (3 soccer fields), a large vegetable garden, and a magnificent beach and ocean. Still, we are thankful to the teachers at McDowell. read more

When I toured the school three years ago, I recall hearing from several teachers and families that McDowell was more than a school, it was a family. The idea of " family", is often made within institutions but generally fails to provide tangible evidence to support the claim. McDowell is different. It truly is a family and the support among the teachers and parents makes a measurable and positive impact. With it's small class size, dedicated teachers and both parent and alumni support I have seen my kids flourish academically and socially. For me, McDowells biggest draw is it's community and the collective efforts of staff, teachers and parents. I cannot recommend this school enough. read more

Our son started at ~5 months and now 2.5 years old. My wife and I searched high and low being working professionals in Ladera Ranch and couldn't be happier with our decision (our best friends have their daughter there too). Our son has connected with every teacher along the way and in every step we've always felt confident with the consistency McDowell delivers. The planning and communication during a pandemic and seeing our son so excited to see his teachers and friends is a stress relief for us. That said, having a true learning cirriculum to help develop our son vs a "do as you will" type daycare is worth every penny, but the lessons and relationships are what is valued most . To the quality and care this school delivers, we are happy parents to say the least. We give this school and their team an A+. read more

If I could give more than five stars, I would. My only regret is that we found McDowell late in my son's educational journey. He started school here in 4th grade and is currently in 5th. Prior to McDowell, he'd already attended another private school, a public school, and a charter school. We just couldn't find the right fit for him. He's a gifted learner, in the traditional sense of being exceptionally bright for his age and above grade level in most subjects. Most importantly, he loves learning and being challenged. After his first week in 4th grade at his previous school, he came to me in tears and asked if we could home school him. They were working on addition in math, something he'd been doing since he was three, and the teacher had laughed at him when he asked her if he could learn algebra. This was not the first time something like this had happened. Sometimes the teachers would placate us and tell us that they'd give him some extra math worksheets, but it never happened. It's heartbreaking to see a kid who loves school brought to tears in an educational setting. My husband and I knew we had to move him and learned about McDowell through word of mouth. We both had a good feeling when we took a tour and met Mr. Lincoln, the head of school. We took a leap of faith and decided to enroll him. It's the best decision we've ever made for our child. He needed a place where his unique gifts would be nurtured and where he would be stimulated in the classroom. We got all of that and so much more. Here are some of the ways that McDowell stands out: Family atmosphere From the moment we walked through the doors of McDowell, we got the sense that it's more than a school; it is a tight-knit community. Everyone is so positive and welcoming. You can tell that they genuinely love each child placed in their care. The culture of the entire school is one of caring, kindness, and compassion. At first I thought it was too good to be true, perhaps a sales tactic to get us in the door, but nope, it's authentic! I'm happy to report that my first impressions were correct! Outstanding education The education at McDowell is exceptional. They provide a rigorous curriculum and help the children meet high expectations. My son is excited to go to school every day and comes home wiped out (in the best way!) because he's been actively engaged all day long. Because the class sizes are so small, the teachers can meet the needs of every learner. If a child needs extra help, they will receive it. Or if they need more of a challenge, as in my son's case, the school will provide it. At our previous schools, my son kept getting teachers who were in their first or second year of teaching. Certainly a new teacher can be an excellent educator, but there is something to be said for having years of experience in the classroom. That's what we've gotten at McDowell. My son had Mrs. Schoenhoefer in 4th grade and now has Mrs. Pufahl in 5th. Both of them have years of teaching experience and have been at McDowell for a long time. Not only are the teachers experienced, but they are passionate educators. You can tell that they truly love what they do and care about their students. I couldn't ask for more. Extras McDowell provides a wide range of curricular activities. While many public and private schools are cutting back on subjects like art, music, and PE, at McDowell, my son enjoys all of these, plus yoga and Spanish. The Spanish teacher, Señora Williams, wears many hats at the school, including student government advisor. She is an EXCEPTIONAL educator, one of the best teachers my son has ever had. Diversity Research indicates that a diverse classroom provides a better and safer environment for student learning. I've looked at a lot of private schools in Orange County, and unfortunately, many of them lack diversity in the student body. At McDowell, I love that my son is learning alongside children who are from different backgrounds and cultures than his own. While McDowell is not perfect in this regard, it's far better than the other schools we've considered. I could go on and on about how much we love this school! In a nutshell, my son has thrived at McDowell, and we are so grateful that we found it. I wish he could stay here forever! read more

I can't say enough good things about McDowell. Our 14 month old has been going there for about 4 months and we can't imagine sending her anywhere else. I looked at A LOT of options in OC before finding McDowell. From our first visit, it felt like home. The classrooms are clean and the students are joyful and engaged. EVERYBODY, and I mean EVERYBODY, that we have met has an obvious love and passion for educating and taking care of children. The staff tenure is extremely impressive. I have complete faith in dropping my daughter off and know that she is in good hands, is safe and is learning so much more than I could have provided for her on our own. Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Zohre are angels - my family has so much gratitude towards them and everyone we have met at McDowell. Their COVID protocols are top notch and provide us with the confidence to send our girl in each day. I should also mention that we drive almost 40 minutes each way. We don't think twice about the commute and will be a McDowell family for years. Thank you Ms. Keri for bringing us home!! read more

My son is in the toddler program at Mcdowell. It amazes me everyday how much effort they put into each individual child. He has Spanish lessons and physical education. They have special visitors come like the aquariums of the pacific and the reptile guy. Every time I drop him off in the morning I know he will be safe because the love the teachers have for their students in palpable. I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Both of our children have attended McDowell and we are beyond grateful for the faculty, staff and community. We loved all our teachers, appreciated the education and knew our kids were ready for elementary school. It's a lovely community with supportive parents and we made some really amazing friends as well. Highly recommend!!! read more

A year and a half ago my family made the decision to pull my daughter from a very "academically challenging" charter school in March of 2018. We toured almost every private school in the area and decided on McDowell after visiting in International night and seeing that people from many different backgrounds attended school. Teachers were unbelievably welcoming and helped my daughter get caught up. My daughter went from being a complete shy introvert to a girl who is more outspoken and confident and most important happier than I have ever seen her. This summer on vacation even our extended family noticed the tremendous positive change in my daughter, engaging everyone and openly talking. Previously she was too shy to talk much with them or even to the neighbors' kids. McDowell's strength lies in it being an extremely diverse small, tight knit community where all the staff know every kid. My own mom calls it her "home away from home." All three of my children will attend this year. The parents at the school are unbelievably kind and down to earth. This school is worth every penny! read more

We've been McDowell family for over 10 years between my 2 boys. Best decision ever made. Academics for grade schools are on extremely high level. My older son went to public middle school after 5 years of McDowell & never had to stress or do homework at home, he'd finish everything at school. This school sets children on path for academic success. Staff is very personal & it feels like family. read more

Grateful - that's how all the parents feel about McDowell. It's a wonderful happy family of teachers, parents and students. Our daughter adores going every day and would happily spend every waking hour there. The teaching is unsurpassed in the OC (standards are higher than any other school in the region, but none of the kids feel pressured - thanks to the small class sizes, every child's workflow is individually planned and monitored). After a disastrous two months in first grade at one of LN's supposedly 9 star public schools (an awful experience - more than 30 in the class, terrible old-fashioned facilities and a teacher completely out of control) our daughter was going backwards fast, both academically and socially (like most of her class). We looked at all the private options - most were too religious, or, like St Mary's, too formal, or, like St Margaret's, not solid enough academically. Then we found McDowell - half the price of all the others and ten times better. We've never looked back. If you can afford around $1k a month (really cheap for any school, let along one of this standard) and want a school that is non-religious but teaches solid social values and ethics, with a proper computer lab (where they learn programming from kindergarten), science lab and art studio, and a great music teacher, you shouldn't even bother to look elsewhere. They have terrific field trips supported by a committed and passionate parent support group, a principal and school administration that are second to none, and a warm, loving atmosphere where all the kids thrive. A wonderful school. Our only regret: it only goes as far as 6th grade. read more

Education's purpose should be to put forth a next generation of critical thinkers who are able to learn from failures, have grit, resilience, perseverance, organize effectively, communicate intelligently and confidently, be intuitively decent human beings. Our family was terrified moving from the unique, global, and fast paced New York City and Dubai, to Orange County, and its misgivings of a "bubble within a bubble". We toured and even tried reputed schools with great reputations. We ultimately found, all that glitters isn't gold. Our family values focus on Education & International Travel, keeping our kids humble, curious, confident, with a lifelong love of learning and growth. We want our kids to be around those who are multi-lingual, culturally competent, outstanding, diverse, respectful and can hold their head high among friends and foes alike. When you define your priorities clearly for what you want in your child's education, having ourselves invested in international and Ivy league colleges, with masters degrees, we were looking for a school aligned with these values. We vetted over 35 schools with a thorough spreadsheet of various observations and factors: Montessori, St Mary's, St Maragrets, St Anne's, Harbor Day, Waldorf, Charter, Public: and were supremely disappointed. They were all the same "Saints": shiny without substance. We couldn't believe we were working hard to pay $30,000/year for robotic, entitled, unremarkable little human beings: a country club membership and social snobbery in guise of an educational institution. McDowell is not perfect, no school ever will be, but its the real deal, and that's precisely why we believe its the best elementary school here in the OC. Every private school has pretty much has the same offerings: same ratios, same extra curriculars, same academics, but with different price points/bells and whistles. What is extraordinary about McDowell is the staff: their focus is making every single decision entirely on the well-being of student, the EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF A YOUNG MIND, not just academia, finding that critical balance between keeping students happy and engaged and laser focused on putting forth their best but not burning them out, adhering and demanding high character values and choices and calling out those kids who DON'T, holding them accountable with so many tender yet tough teachable moments their young minds and hearts to love to learn, designing the learning curriculum with academic richness - not just "we are ahead academically", the low attrition rate among the most down to earth, qualified, dedicated and experienced staff, the families seem more welcoming overall, a genuinely authentic and warm staff who you can see are supported and happy to be there (not everyone but more than we have experienced at other schools), and a principal who leads with compassion and humility. They offer yoga which I have seen at very few schools, and yet is so important to integrate into the toolbox for the next generation of young minds that needs those mindful skillset desperately to cope with mental health challenges they will face: academically, socially, emotionally. Students get opportunity after opportunity to develop their public speaking skills, from a young age, whether it be book reports or campaigning for student government, and practice real leadership on a daily basis with a staff role modeling racial and socio-economic diversity and inclusion. Its the MOST international and racially and socio-economically diverse group of staff and families That we have seen here in the "bubble within a bubble." It feels exactly like a healthy family environment should be: each student and teacher is hardworking, supportive, has high standards of themselves and their peers, and holds the other family members accountable to be a good person first and foremost, the learning comes next. The kids are blossoming and growing and eager to goto school. They come home happy and recharged, not burnt out, entitled, and cranky. The social climate is not toxic or superficial or soulless. Of course, the family environment is the other half of this coin in molding a child (and you can easily see the families that don't align with these values and shouldn't be here), no school is perfect, but for the 6 hours each day a child is at this school, they are blessed to have an entire team of teachers FULLY INVESTED in doing their jobs with integrity and making sure they come out to be good, solid human beings who are going to lead extra-ordinary lives and leave their mark fiercely, and leave this world a better place. I am grateful to have found a school that aligns with our values and will leave a permanent and indelible mark in moulding my children's character, confidence, and critical skills while preparing them with grit and resilience they need in the real world. Goodluck! read more

Amazing, amazing school from the school principal Mr. Lincoln to all the staff & teachers. They are all so kind & caring . The school is very academically driven & the teachers are very knowledgeable. The kids truly enjoy all aspects of the school. It's a hidden gem in laguna niguel. read more

A true gem in Laguna Niguel / South OC for those who seek academic and social excellence for their kids in a non-religious environment. This is the 6th year my daughter is attending McDowell, and I can say the combination of academic and social programs (including wonderful thoughtful field trips and events) is second to none. read more

McDowell is AMAZING! I am Linda Peotter, a Third Grade Teacher at McDowell School. I have taught in both public and private schools. The McDowell Education is superior! McDowell School provides a warm small environment and individual attention is given to each student. Small class sizes allow teachers to sit one on one with students to help them grow academically and personally. The Parent Support Group is fabulous and my fellow teachers are all very professional and dedicated. Character traits are emphasized. McDowell has a remarkable reputation in the community for graduating capable students that succeed. read more

Wish I could give more than 5 stars! My daughter attends preschool here having transferred from another local program - and McDowell has been superior in every single facet. Attentive, thoughtful, caring, and competent teachers and staff. Terrific age appropriate curriculum and additional optional enrichment programs. Wonderful school events and involved community of parents. If you are at all debating - don't! I visited and compared many programs and campuses (many of them "shiny and new") - but I'm so grateful we picked this amazing school. read more