My son went to Linscott after we moved to Watsonville, for 7th and 8th grades. We really enjoyed…read morethe Linscott experience and would recommend it to other families who are looking for the right place for their kids. The administrator, Alicia, seemed caring and organized. Her strengths were common sense expectations and fair consequences for the students on an age-appropriate level. The amazing office wizards, Patti and Our favorite teacher was Lisa Fowler, though, as a parent and teacher myself, I also appreciated Brett Hagerman's firm structure. It's necessary in middle school. The other teachers all seem incredible, too, I just don't know them well because we started in 7th grade.

Radcliffe Elementary School is an older school in Watsonville near Fifth Street and Rodriguez. It…read morehas a beautiful mural at the entrance and when you enter you see a courtyard like structure. The office is through the entrance and to the left. In the office you will be greeted by smiling helpers who know just what to do to help you get to your destination.Sign in and you areoff to the classroom or activity you seek! Most of the children here are either monolingual Spanish speaking or bilingual Spanish/Englsh speaking. Many mornings you will see moms pushing strollers with younger siblings of the students who go here. It's a close community and almost everyone knows everyone! I have had the pleasure of observing several students in the classrooms here and can tell you the Special Education staff is awesome at this school. If my child needed specialized instruction I would be so happy to have them attend Ratcliff! Plus...they have excellent after school programs where students get help with homework!! Ratcliff is a school which warms the heart and the Watsonville surrounding neighborhood can be very proud of their children who attend there as well as the teachers who serve their children in their early years in learning! Ask any student who goes there....they'll tell you, Ratcliff rocks!!

This school is not the best for your kids see the teachers are somewhat rude. You say what you're…read morelike huh then lunch is horrible. It expired.

This is an excellent school! It's small, which means that your child doesn't get lost in the…read moreshuffle. It goes from preschool to 8th grade and the students get to know all of the teachers well in advance of being in their class. The teachers are fantastic! Ultimately, this school is a hidden jewel tucked away in a charming little town. We are very fortunate!

Big city Mom finds herself in a small town... First thought - where the heck do I send my kids to…read moreschool?! Well what do you know? There is a preschool/daycare center smack dab in the middle of little old Aromas. Yes, of course my second thought... but is it any good? do I just get what I get and deal with it? NO! Dear ABC Staff, you are truly amazing!! You loved and cared for both my 3 and 6 year old in a way that made them wake up and want to go to school. What more can you ask for right? Kris and her entire staff are a gift from above: loving, genuine, understanding, and professional. They are involved, they care, they take their work personally. As a mother- this is what I want. A warm, comfortable yet structured place for my kids to feel at home. Unlike larger franchised big-box centers who seem more concerned with keeping up appearances and their reputation (yuck). ABC is a quaint place but not small. There is a separate space for school aged kids (where my 6 year old was) and for the preschoolers. There is a good sized blacktop yard with lots of space for biking and playing, there are two separate sandbox/play structure areas as well and a really cute garden full of sun flowers. They walk the school age kids to and from in the am and pm. Snacks are provided and even a microwave for the bigger kids to heat up their pizza (for example). ABC was always clean and tidy. They even took some time off (with plenty of notice in advance) to revamp their center for the benefit of the kids. During summer months they kept their program interesting and fun. Price wise - You definitely get maximum bang for you buck. I was paying around 3200 up in the Bay Area for the same hours. Insane right? And on that note, Kris was always able to work with me during times when I got a little off schedule. We all hate to admit that those things happen but they do and she did not blink and eyelash to help me get back on the horse. I could really go on and on but I'll sum it up with this - when we left I shed a tear because I have never seen my kids happier than at ABC.

Excellent preschool, I love the close knit community and the learning skills that are taught to the…read morelittle ones, my daughter loves going there and is excited to go every morning. Great playground, safe environment, excellent teachers.

Two of my children attended and graduated from Mount Madonna School. This institution is truly…read moreexceptional, offering students a comprehensive and well-rounded worldview. It provides individualized support across all subject areas, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they need to succeed. Graduates leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to excel in both higher education and in life.

Eighteen years ago, I was invited to attend Mount Madonna's Class of 2003 High School Graduation…read more Five seniors graduated in that class and at their commencement ceremony, each gave an inspiring, well articulated speech about their personal life story. I don't remember their specific stories, but one spoke about overcoming difficult adversity and others about their gratitude for their teachers, friends and time at the school. I do strongly remember the way I felt. I was inspired and amazed by the maturity of these young people and awed at the head start I felt they had in their lives. I turned to my wife after the ceremony and proclaimed that no matter what, our child(ren) would go to school here. My first daughter had just been born six or so weeks prior, and like any new father I wanted to provide her with as many opportunities to grow, be enriched and hopefully to be as inspiring as the high school seniors I had just witnessed. Fast forward to 2021; in just a few weeks, my daughter will be one of the new graduating seniors from Mount Madonna School. Her studies began in kindergarten with the most loving teachers you could imagine. Not only did their care, kindness and compassion for each student shine through, these teachers also began my daughter's journey by making school fun. They engaged her imagination and curiosity and stimulated her desire to learn. Through each grade at Mount Madonna, this foundation has been built on, expanded and developed. Yes, she's learned to read, write, do arithmetic, but it's her mindfulness, emotional readiness, compassion, and the strong relationships with fellow students and teachers that will last throughout her life. Yes, as parents we've made personal sacrifices to afford to send her to this school. Yes, it's a small school and they can't offer every sport or foreign language as some bigger schools can. Mount Madonna excels in supporting what interests the student, as well as offering a tremendous (often under-appreciated) unique curricula and multicultural traditions that prepare students for life as kind, compassionate adults ready to step out in the world. Situated on a beautiful campus high on the mountain, it can feel somewhat remote. The campus offers a beautiful setting in nature that inspires students to care for the environment, learn natural sciences, hike, explore and attend outdoor classes. The campus includes student gardens, a new amphitheater and two gyms. If you are a parent, grandparent or friend of someone with children, I encourage you to learn more about Mount Madonna School. Learn how each grade has unique and incredible touchstones, which I have never experienced in public schools. Ask about the Buddy Program and rites of passage through each of the schools (pre/k, elementary, middle school and high school). Check out the science programs in each grade, which sustain a strong emphasis on the environment and how personal choices make a difference; the Performing Arts Program, which begins in preschool to developing personal confidence; the public speaking support; and the state champion volleyball program, which teaches teamwork and engages students who enjoy sports more than homework (sometimes) as they become juniors and seniors. Inquire about the school's Values Program, which offers multitudes of well-balanced experiences (that can seem unbelievable to someone who hasn't experienced it) and equips students to become conscientious global citizens. Thank you to all of the teachers, founders, administrators, staff, students and parents who are the heart of this little yet mighty school and who have had such a large impact on my daughters. I am grateful for attending that graduation ceremony so long ago, which led to the opportunity for both of our children to have an extraordinary education and to be so enriched.

This might be a strange review, but I'm at a volleyball game and the Salesian girls are all wearing…read moremasks. I really appreciate how respectful they (and their families and coaches) are being. The other team, sadly, is not showing the same amount of care and respect for our community. This tells me so much about Salesian at a time when no one under 16 is vaccinated for COVID-19.

We did extensive research on schools in the area. This school was recommended by an educator. It…read morehas one of the best blends of environment and academics I have experienced. The surroundings are beautiful, the facility is good, the staff cares and listens to the children, the children are held accountable, and the academics are challenging as they should be. I also found that many of the parents themselves are teachers and staff at other surrounding schools, and they have their children at Salesian, that says a lot. They also have an extensive sports program, even though they do not have an indoor gym. They work it out using other local facilities. We are glad we found Salesian!