I write this review from a unique perspective as I was actually a preschooler at this very…read morelocation. As a matter of fact, I was a part of their very first graduating class of 1993! It warms my heart to see that Columbia is still in operation after all these years. When I had attended, it was a brand new preschool and truly the best of its kind. The venue was a large room sectioned off into areas per age range. I recall the place always being immaculately clean and full of awesome, educational books and toys. The part I feel had impacted me the greatest was the wonderful, dynamic staff. I still remember my teachers by name, though I'm sure they have all moved on by now. Four year olds are total sponges when it comes to learning, and I feel that the Columbia staff did a commendable job at preparing me for kindergarten. My days were filled with educational activities which involved a good balance of learning, art, singing, and play. I recall entering kindergarten and being at the top of my class. I cannot comment on the preschool's structure as it is today, but can confidently admit that it was one of the best experiences of my early childhood years. When I have children of my own, I'd wholeheartedly enroll them here. Thanks for the memories, Columbia!

We couldn't be happier as the parents of a thriving 20 month old who absolutely loves his teachers…read moreand the daily activities at this wonderful center! Structure, education, socialization and the highest level of care. Look no further and reach out today!

This school has been absolutely amazing for my three-year-old daughter!! We recently moved here and…read moretried another school that was just not a good fit. After talking with Elizabeth, the school's director, I felt so peaceful and excited about the school's vision for teaching, and their approach to child lead learning. My daughter has thrived at school! She is a highly spirited, very vocal, and a quite lively child, and she gets everything she needs and more. They have a large outdoor classroom that they utilize every day, that lets children learn through play, and movement, which is so appropriate for their developmental stages. She is already learning math, and doing very well picking up Spanish. It has taught her independence, and build her confidence, and ability to self regulate. I cannot say enough great things about the school's approach to learning! Then there are the teachers, who are some of the nicest people we've met here in Santa Maria. They are patient, they talk to my daughter with respect and kindness. Every time I pick her up, I see teachers down on the kids levels, teaching them, and helping them to solve their own problems between one another. Whenever I ask, they are so quick to share positives that they see in my daughter, and ways she is improving (along with ways that they are helping overcome obstacles that are unique to her in the classroom). I cannot say enough good things. I was recommended through a mom I met at Trader Joe's, and have recommended the school to several of my friends, one of which has recently enrolled her daughter, and is in love with the school too.

I am the father of a 4 1/2 year old preschool student who was recently expelled/kicked out. I write…read morethis review because no child should be punished for their parents speaking up regarding the health of their own child. How did a simple request regarding keeping my child inside on a cold and wet day escalate to an expulsion? Our main concern was the fear of having our child get sick that would increase the severity of her asthma resulting in us having to give her regular breathing treatments. The owner Elizabeth didn't agree with our request to keep her indoors on a wet day because she operates an outdoor Montessori school. So, I picked up my child on a cold and wet day and soon a flurry of text messages between my wife and Elizabeth resulted in Elizabeth soon determining that her school was no longer a good fit for my child. Take into consideration that all of this was by text message, the professional courtesy of a phone call or a sit down meeting to explain the situation and work together to find a mutual solution NEVER took place. As a parent in Santa Maria finding a preschool is tough enough and the last thing we want to do is criticize or question our childrens teachers. Flaws were always there yet we choose to look the other way. But, sometimes a culmination of flaws must be addressed. We often wondered why other parents were leaving the school. Now I am that other parent looking in and I am speaking up. Multiple lice outbreaks in 1 school year is unacceptable. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be glad to explain in detail my experience at Casa dei Bambini. Zero stars!!!!

Love this school! The students are very talented in boxing and street fighting. I love free WWE…read morematches that happens here. I mean its ghetto but free!!!! :D (y'all need a life frl)

I've gone to this middle school and from my experience, the teachers are very sweet and…read moreencouraging. They've made me feel seen and heard, they've helped me with what I needed if I had any trouble with any subject. The staff in the office are super sweet and welcoming. Overall, this was a fun school!

Holli is so amazing. She has a specialty in marriage and family, and is very good with kids. My…read morechildren are happy to speak to her and her confidentiality even within the family establishes a lot of trust. I would highly recommend her especially for anyone who has trauma, abuse or weight gain issues in their history. She is INCREDIBLY well credentialed for a therapist and has a lot of experience... 5 STARS no question.

The preschool program here is fantastic and we found the elementary program to be very good as…read morewell. I like that the children are encouraged to learn additional skills such has prioritizing their own work and that they're not simply following directions. My children have all done very well there and the problems they were facing in the public school system slipped away as they progressed through the grades at Children's Montessori School. There are things I wish were better but that would be true anywhere. I'm very pleased with the experience from my children's educational and developmental perspective.

Our children have attended CMS since Spring 2013 and we are confident that they are receiving a…read morequality education. The Montessori method has been beneficial to both of our children, both in the Primary and Elementary classrooms. The teacher quality is exceptional. They truly care about each student in their care. We strongly believe in the Montessori Method which offers research and evidence to supporting their techniques. I would recommend CMS to any parent looking for a high quality school for their child.

We have fond memories of Little Shining Stars Preschool. It was safe, small, and affordable…read more There were field trips and plenty of activities for the little ones. Ms. Laurel is the big shining star and models what it is to be kind, patient, and responsible. She is so approachable and there is no wonder why there is usually a waiting list. Don't knock on the front door of the house. During business hours, enter through the side gate to the backyard on Marlene and enter the preschool door in the backyard. Love this place!

Our family feels so incredibly fortunate that we found Little Shining Stars Preschool. Our daughter…read moreis currently a student there and the care and attention and education she is receiving is incredible thanks to Miss Laurel and her co-teacher Mrs. Biggs. It is so amazing to have found a school that is offering our daughter such a high quality education and experience and is still this affordable. We all want the best for our kids, and that's what each family gets at Little Shining Stars Preschool.