I cannot emphasize enough the level of satisfaction I have from head to toe with this school…read more Everything here makes you feel like your child is #1. Small class sizes, teachers and staff specifically educated in child development. Every single thing has been thought out and perfected. Every adult there knows the name of each child. The list goes on and on. Would highly recommend to anyone

My son had a shadow in TK. He has a mild autism diagnosis. His shadow worked on social skills goals…read morewith him. He didn't (still doesn't) have any sort of behavioral problems. Honestly if you didn't know him and you observed the class you probably wouldn't notice anything. He really just needed some help with making friends and building language skills. One day his shadow was out sick and the director at the Ladera Ranch location said he could not come to school when his shadow was out. A shadow that we provided and bc of his diagnosis our insurance funded. She wasn't flexible at all. He couldn't come make up the time he missed on other days. I was even willing to drop him off and sit in the parking lot just in case they wanted me to pick him up early (would not have been needed) and she wouldn't allow that. I paid for so many days in which the director wouldn't let him attend. In addition, other kids in the class aggressed towards him. I have "ouch reports" in his file at home. He never once retaliated or aggressed towards others. He's literally the sweetest. Very disappointing. He's currently thriving in mainstream kindergarten.

As a First 5 Orange County Commissioner, appointed by the OC Board of Supervisors three times to…read moreoversee county programming of children 0-5, I can tell you STAY AWAY. I can recommend other preschools: ENC, Community Seedlings Preschool, LePort Montessori, Guidepost Montessori, Newport Coast Child Development Preschool, any of the Head Starts or state preschools, ECLC (Irvine), dozens of other great schools. If it is Montessori you want, this is not a true Montessori school because they don't even practice what Maria Montessori taught. The owner clearly doesn't take discrimination or inclusion that seriously because she shows no effort to outreach or work with children with disabilities. To me this demonstrates that she clearly cannot handle anything that isn't exactly how she wants it to be. Her assertion that they were found to be in full compliance is not truthful or accurate, there was "no finding for further action," which is not a finding of full compliance, but I think this may be above her head. It was a her word against mine issue, where it could not be proved, not that it was found not to have happened. Remember OJ was found not guilty beyond reasonable doubt, he was not found innocent. The "scheduled meetings" were offered only AFTER my daughter was removed from the acceptance list, and put back on the waitlist, only to wait how long? For the owner to continue to string us along? No thank you. Why would we want to go to such a school when they have such discriminatory practices? There was NO meeting offered in order to process enrollment when we were told there was a spot for us, my daughter was removed from enrollment before we were even told of the decision that she could not enroll due to being disabled. It is all utterly disgusting. It actually was a blessing in disguise to be hurt in such an awful way, because I would only want my child to be somewhere where she is truly wanted and accepted, as in the programs she has attended (without any accommodations for her disabilities, by the way, so she would have thrived in a Montessori classroom). And we stopped communicating because there was no point. We didn't send our typical child there because we didn't want her polluted with the owner's promotion of her own caste system and eugenic philosophies. The owner can lie and spin all she wants, like with every excuse she has with every negative review! No one is so perfect that *every* complaint is not even an ounce their fault. The fact that not even once in any replies to negative reviews does she ever admit even a teeny tiny mistake or a misunderstanding, just plain and simple everyone else is the problem and she is perfect, should be a red flag to readers of these reviews. It shows that she just spins everything, or maybe she is just delusional and actually believes her alternate reality. There are multiple comments here dating back years that relay a very similar experience about discriminating against children who she thinks will not be picture perfect robots: Jennifer P.'s review from Apr 23, 2021 or Dara M. from Apr 28, 2016. Don't fall for the disproportionate number of reviews from people who have only written one review and it is about this place. I think most people can see what I'm talking about. The owner claims to have a faith in God, so it is between her and her maker how she treats and has treated the most vulnerable and fragile children with such utter disregard and in such an ugly way, like they are disposable, when they are deserving of nothing but acceptance and love. One has to ask, why would I stake my reputation to make these statements so publicly? I am more than open to discussing details further with anyone who wishes to reach out to me. ALL I am saying is do your homework. If you are a current parent, consider: are there any children with noticeable disabilities? Maybe you agree with the owner and don't want your child learning alongside a child with disabilities. I've heard it from a lot of people, so it doesn't shock me. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and to raise their children how they see fit, but that doesn't mean that the owner doesn't discriminate and that we weren't handled in the most insensitive and cruel of ways.

My wife and I couldn't be happier with our experience at Mission Montessori. Our son has been…read moreattending since he was just 6 months old, and it's been incredible to watch him grow through each stage from the infant room, to the toddler room, and now into the primary room. Our son's development has progressed tremendously, and we truly credit the school and the amazing teachers who have guided him along the way. Each classroom transition has been smooth and thoughtful, and every teacher he's had has played a meaningful role in his growth, both academically and socially. The staff at Mission Montessori have been exceptional. They are not only highly skilled, but also genuinely kind, patient, and understanding. It's clear that they care deeply about each child's development and well-being, and that shows in the way our son talks about his teachers and his day. Our son especially enjoys the soccer classes on Thursdays and the hands-on work activities that keep him engaged and excited to learn. It's been wonderful to see him develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning at such a young age. We are incredibly thankful that our son has the opportunity to attend Mission Montessori. We truly believe this school is giving him a strong foundation that will help him be successful for the rest of his life.

My daughter has blossomed in the last two weeks since she's started attending preschool here!…read more We chose this school purely based on how my daughter's face lit up during the tours. We toured a few schools and she did not like any of them until we visited this school. Ms. Pei and Ms. Betty from the bilingual classroom were both so warm and welcoming, and made my daughter so excited about starting school from the first time we toured their class! Before starting school, she was so shy and timid and would often avoid playgrounds with too many people. She would hide when people say hi to her, and run away from kids who tried to play with her. Ever since she started school here, she suddenly became a social butterfly! And she would wake up every morning excited to go to school and play with her friends! We seriously are so happy and thankful for all the teachers here for caring for our daughter and helping her overcome her social anxiety!

We started sending our precious baby, M, here when she was 9 months old. She is now 14 months old…read more We chose LNMC because without exception, the staff are so warm, welcoming and thoroughly trained in authentic Montessori education. (Any school can use the Montessori name, so just because a school says they are "Montessori" does not mean they implement it correctly or to a quality standard.) if you want the true Montessori experience, you will definitely want to tour this school. Baby M lights up every morning when she sees her teachers, and even though she misses us when we leave, I always have *complete* confidence and peace of mind leaving her there because I know she is loved, and her physical, cognitive and emotional needs are more than met. Teachers are flexible and understanding and communicative about the many particular and constantly changing needs (feeding schedule, switching from bottle to cup, encouraging solids and naps, etc) of Baby M. In the infant room, they support and follow whatever daily schedule your child follows at home. M did have trouble napping in a classroom at first (because she just wants to keep playing with everyone) but she is napping well now. The school feels like a community. Even the teachers of the older kids know Baby M and always say hello to her (we typically have to stop a couple times on the way to her classroom in the morning because she is a very social baby and wants to give the other teachers morning hugs). The school also hosts various celebrations, such as "Muffins with Mom" for Mothers Day and "Donuts with Dad" for Fathers Day. For Muffins with Mom, I got to hang out one morning after drop off to eat muffins and fruit with M and the other mothers. It was lovely. They even set up a back drop for Mother's Day for us to take a picture together and regularly send kids home with product art on holidays. I am not the biggest fan of product art (vs process art) as a learning tool, but I admit I LOVE these keepsakes and will keep them forever. We also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Scholastic book fair and to purchase books for M's classroom. Ms. Athana and Ms. Danielle (administration) keep the school very secure, the children safe, help support teachers on the daily and in their professional growth, and are always approachable. They are so kind and patient with our "new parents sending our baby to preschool for the first time" and other ongoing questions/concerns. (We had raised concerns about M not napping, which they completely understood and helped us resolve.) Other notes: the classrooms are very clean, well-organized, full of cognitively stimulating materials (but not cluttered) and have beautiful natural light. There is a kindergarten classroom if you want the option for your child to go the Montessori kindergarten too. The front door can only be opened with your own personal code (love the security), and check in and check out are done using the Procare app (easy, convenient). You will get daily updates via the app about when your child is eating, sleeping, and when they've had diaper changes. Teachers will also occasionally send photos of what your child does during the day. It is a nice connection to have to them throughout my workday. Clearly, we (and Baby M!) love this school. I highly recommend a tour if any of these positives resonate with you. If you do so soon, Baby M will likely greet you at the door of the infant room .

I really appreciate how awesome these ladies are. A huge thank you to Miss Riley, Miss Paepke, Miss…read moreKielb and Mrs, Rivas. You guys are amazing with jax. Such a sweet staff. We love them all. My son has made some amazing friends here. All the kids are super sweet and adorable. We have made many memories here the past year. I also love the fact how they have military scholarships for families.

This is currently my tenth year teaching, but my first year teaching at Our Savior's Lutheran…read moreSchool. It has been such an amazing experience being a teacher on this campus. The director Joan Lundbohm is the reason I chose to leave my previous school to teach under her as my director. She has so much experience and knowledge in early childhood. Joan is an amazing leader and boss. It has been a privilege and a blessing to work with her. The entire staff at Our Savior's works so well together. We work as a team and it really is a beautiful thing. I am supported by all of the staff every single day. This team truly loves what we do! I felt so welcomed by all of the families when starting the school year! The families at Our Savior's are THE most caring, kind and compassionate families I know. They welcomed me with open arms and it truly meant so much. I highly recommend Our Savior's to not only be your preschool but to become your community. It takes a village to raise your children and Our Savior's should be a part of YOUR village! When you walk on this campus you feel Christ's love. The Holy Spirit is moving on this campus!!!

Choosing a preschool is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent, and after having two…read morechildren attend Pacific Preschool's San Elijo Hills campus, I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions we've made. Our oldest started at Pacific during COVID, which was an especially stressful time to be a new parent. I was also pregnant with our second son, so finding a preschool where we felt completely comfortable and supported meant everything. Even during such an uncertain season, the staff created a warm, consistent, and loving environment that gave us so much peace of mind. We always felt that our son was safe, cared for, and genuinely known by his teachers. Fast forward a few years, and now our youngest is enrolled at the same school. It's been so special returning as a family and seeing familiar faces. There's something incredibly comforting about a school where the teachers remember your family and truly invest in your children's growth over the years. One thing I've always appreciated is how closely the teachers partner with parents. They've helped us navigate everything from separation anxiety to developmental milestones with kindness, patience, and great communication. As working parents, having dependable childcare is important, but what we've found at Pacific Preschool is so much more than that. It's a place where our boys have been encouraged, celebrated, and loved. I'd also like to give a special thank you to Jessica, the director. Her leadership has helped create a culture that feels welcoming, organized, and genuinely family-centered. You can tell she cares deeply about both the children and the staff, and it shows in the positive atmosphere throughout the school. Watching our oldest successfully transition into elementary school with confidence, and now seeing our youngest thrive in the same nurturing environment, has only reinforced how grateful we are that we chose Pacific Preschool. If you're looking for a preschool where your child will be cared for by people who truly love what they do, I highly recommend the San Elijo Hills location.

I have been part of the Pacific Preschool family for 3 years now. My son attended two years in the…read morepreschool program and my daughter is currently in her second year of the preschool program. I have always had the best experience with the school and all of the staff members. It truly feels like a family there. The staff are always so welcoming when I drop my kids off for the day and when I pick them up. I regularly get updates from my child's teachers, and have even had other staff share special interactions that they have had with my child on given days. My son struggled a bit with impulse control and transitions in the classroom and, his teacher was very patient and offered so much support. I often had meetings with the director and teacher on ways that we could all work together to help my son be the most successful. He is now moving on to first grade and I'm so grateful for his time at Pacific because it really helped prepare him for elementary school. His teacher often reminded me that raising children takes a village and she always felt like a major part of mine. My daughter loves school and going everyday but drop offs can sometimes be hard for her. Saying goodbye to Mommy/Daddy can be challenging for kids but all of the teachers out on the play yard offer so much support to help comfort my daughter and the other kids that may have a difficult time separating from their parents. I know my kids are safe and in great hands when I leave them for the day.

Great teachers and staff. So happy with my daughter's progress and experiences. Miss Mariam and…read moreMiss Anna are helping to create a new class of future leaders and achievers.

I really think that finding an amazing school for your kids feels like one of the holy grails of…read moreparenting. And MBMA truly is it. Hear me out -- I feel extra qualified to make this bold statement Bc we've tried it all. I read all the books and blogs about how to best support my firstborn when I had to go back to work full time (and you've probably felt the same agony about nannies vs au pairs vs daycares). We did the nann(ies) route for a while but it's honestly just hard to find the perfect person. We then decided to look for a daycare and I feel like I toured all the ones possible to find in laguna beach (where we lived at that time). Again, I felt like I had to compromise on kind of major issues (one place tried to sell me on how important playing in literal dirt is for kids and others had frazzled teachers) but I was getting desperate. We decided on a place but after weeks of my son coming home covered in all that dirt, I realized that I was paying way too much money to be this disgruntled. I spread out my search and found MBMA a decade ago. And it is perfect for us. The teachers truly love my kids (and it's not just lip service; we can all can feel it). The space is a Montessori (and IG) dream in its simplicity, airiness, cleanliness, and peace. They have a perfect mixture of independence and loving nurturing. And it feels safer than a lot of other schools bc of their security systems/fence. We've had all 3 of our boys attend and couldn't be happier. I rave about this place to pretty much everyone I meet:). Let's face it -- it's not easy to find a place you can recommend this highly and all parents who need help with childcare realize that who you are entrusting your child's day/education/upbringing (they see them almost as often as us!) too is critically important. They're amazing and have all my gratitude bc I can go to work and know my children are in the best hands.

Six years, three kids, and endless gratitude!…read more We have been with Happy Minds Kids Academy for six years now, and we couldn't be more grateful for the love, support, and care they've provided our family. We first started when our oldest was two, right in the height of the pandemic and fresh off welcoming his younger brother. From day one, the team was an incredible support system for us. All three of our children have attended Happy Minds: both of our older boys went here before transitioning to public school, and our 3-year-old daughter is currently thriving here. A few things that make Happy Minds truly special: Inclusivity & Thoughtfulness: As a family with two dads, we have always felt deeply seen, respected, and celebrated, especially during holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day. Genuine Partnership: When our middle son went through a tough phase with emotional regulation, the staff didn't just manage the situation, they partnered with us, worked on thoughtful strategies, and supported him through every rough moment with patience and grace. Lasting Relationships: The environment is so warm that even now, our school-aged boys love coming along for morning drop-offs just so they can pop in and visit their favorite former teachers! Happy Minds is far more than a childcare center; they are truly an extension of our family. We feel so blessed to have found them six years ago!

We can't praise HMKA enough! We started bringing our two babies here at 6 weeks old. We were…read morefostering to adopt and we weren't expecting to have two at once. They were SO amazing. Two years later, we only have our one son. He has LOVED this place from the beginning. They have the same teachers everyday so the kids are comfortable. They play inside, outside, do crafts, have story time. In the summer time they have fun activities like water play, mini ponies, bounce houses, etc. Half the time our son with do or say something new and we will say, "did you learn that at school?!?" And he always replies "YA". I happened to be there one day during a fire drill. I was blown away at how organized it was. Ms Yvonne (director) was ON TOP OF IT! Ms Fashana (owner) has built a wonderful and safe place for our little guy. We're so grateful to EVERYONE at HMKA

The best there is in San Clemente…read more Both of my kids attend school here and our experience has been nothing but amazing. My daughter transferred to this school when she was 3 and stayed thru the TK/Kinder program. She has come such a long way and is even reading and doing math! My son started when he was 6 months and the school really met them where they were at, especially when it comes to sleep schedules and big transitions/development (e.g.- one nap, teething, moving up rooms). Their curriculum is diverse and well rounded, the facilities and equipment are well taken care of and maintained, the events they have are so fun and thoughtful, the staff is kind and my kids seemed to trust and feel comfortable with everyone they encountered there, the admin team is so welcoming, supportive, and communicative...the list goes on! Overall, everyone at this school seems to lead with genuine care for the kids and their development. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for care in the San Clemente/Dana Point/San Juan Capistrano areas.

This preschool is top notch. So much love and guidance. My…read moregrand child enjoys going everyday and looks forward to seeing her friends and teachers