We are so grateful to have found Orange Tree Christian Preschool. It's a total gem in the area with some of the most loving and talented joyful teachers that provide one on one love and care for our little one. The classes are small they know every child in the school by name, and character, and you can truly feel the love of God, academics, and individual personalities in their approach. The directors are kind and approachable, very solution focused. The community of parents has been a sweet blessing as we're all figuring out how to be parents of toddlers. I had a huge spreadsheet of all the schools that we looked at, and I am so grateful to have Orange tree partner with us in raising our little one and providing so many academic, phonics, dance and art opportunities and social and emotional development for our little one. Thank you for all you do! I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a great teacher ratio, passionate teachers, and safe kind community of faith-Orange tree Christian Preschool is the best! read more

This hidden gem of a preschool is by far one the best programs I have seen in Orange County. Down to the high quality staff, facilities, and aesthetic! I highly recommend this school for parents wanting a strong Christian foundation, highly educated teachers, and a family feel culture! read more

Ms Lucy, I couldn't be happier today. The progress this child is making is extraordinary. The entry today, the welcome, the habit to wash hands and try and go potty before school, the teachers support, the amazing pictures of my boy growing so fast in front of my very eyes, ALL of it can make a grown man cry with pride. It is the power of consistency with a kiss of discipline. It is the power of community and faith. I have been praying for today and it came. As a Chef, I can say in confidence that you have quite the recipe! I applaud you and your amazing teachers and their unwavering dedication to his path. Truly, I thank you all. Sincerely, Chris read more

We toured the first time and had a great experience. We put down the $150 registration fee and planned on having our daughter start Sept 2022. However we asked for pastime pricing and were ignored for over a month. Do I inquired again and got a call from LESLIE LUCY asking me if we were still interested. I said yes and that we had been asking for prices but were ignored. She stated she wanted to "See if you were still interested because we have another children interested in the spot". So I asked when school started and she stated it had started ONE WEEK AGO which we were not informed of. She stated we needed to tour again and asked us if we "were really dedicated to helping your daughter grow or are you looking for someone to just watch her while you're at work?" Which we both were very offended by. But it got better because she told us not only that we had to pay the tuition but also have our babysitter come with her everyday. Why, we had no idea. All of which she accused my husband of being the step dad and not her real father. We have emailed LESLIE. And asked for our registration fee back because not only did our daughter be over looked but we were insulted as well. We have yet to hear back. read more

Our son attended Orange Tree Christian Preschool from 2017 to 2020. We're a little late on writing this review, but can honestly say that we LOVED our time at the school!! The teaching staff was AMAZING. They really cared for our son and it showed - our little man jumped out of bed everyday excited to go to school! The curriculum they teach is fantastic (we still use Friendship Fixers at home) and the strong foundation of faith they provide is exactly what we had hope for. Our little man's heart is full of love and he's a strong believer in God... and we have Orange Tree Christian Preschool to thank for reinforcing those values. Orange Tree was the perfect school for our family! Our son made life-long friends and he left preschool fully prepared for Kindergarten. Finding the school was truly a blessing... we trust that you will feel the same way! read more

What a wonderful and supportive school this is! My son is very shy and I was worried when it was time to send him to school. However, Mrs. Lucy (school director) was so patient with him and gave him so much one on one time to let him know he was in a safe place and made it fun for him! Both the teachers and Mrs. Lucy sent me texts with pictures and updates for weeks. I felt at ease knowing he was well taken care of and having fun. The teachers are so sincere. The classrooms are clean and well organized. The curriculum is very well thought out. They have a cute little farm for the kids and fun little activities to keep them stimulated, weekly. There seems to always be something new and exciting for the kids to look forward to. It's just such a great, well rounded school. read more

If I could do ZERO stars I would. Absolutely horrible communication, organization, professionalism and zero sincerity. Traumatized by our experience! Do NOT enroll your children. As a tithing member of the Crossing church for a decade, appalled by how we as parents and our sweet child were treated. I pray no one else goes through this!! read more

I would not recommend this school. My daughter was there for only 6 months and she had 5 different teachers! The teachers were all wonderful; we've actually remained friends with a couple of them. The school obviously has a leadership issue and cannot retain staff. read more

We had a Horrible experience at this school. I would not recommend this school to anyone. They claim to be inclusive and it couldn't be further from the truth. read more

As a mother I feel as this review is needed for other parents. As a christian I pray that no slander nor unwholesome talk come out of this review. My son went from June 2021-September 2021. We enrolled my 19-month-old son into the MWF 8:30-3:30 at Orange Tree in June 2021. Prior to coming here, he was at home with me and my husband. Our experience was seamless until the end. The director communicated with us that our son would often cry waking up from a nap and said it's stressful for her to come and comfort our son everyday with her own tasks going on. (The teacher takes a break during nap so that's why she has to step in). In September we went out on our own to seek a speech delay assessment because we noticed that he was a little behind. He could say simple things like ball, mom, dad, pop pop, dog and follow simple one-step tasks. He did come back with a mild speech delay and we communicated that with Leslie and his teachers to loop them in. The following week, my husband went to pick up our son and we were made aware that our son would be dropped from the school immediately. There was no prior communication stating that he might be kicked out and we felt that was very unprofessional. End result: he was dropped from school because of crying and his mild speech delay. Anyway, here are some positives- Pros: School app to provide parents with photos of child, weekly lesson plans, incorporated scripture/worship Advice: although there is screening to be entered into the preschool, you should implement a further screening. There was also another review I seen that said their child was kicked out as well. These are children and it's rude to toss them to the side if they don't meet your standards. If I could give a 2.5 star I would. read more

My children have been enjoying Orange Tree for over a year and a half. Great to run into so many young families we see around town and when we drop off and pickup the kids. Great balance of Christian lessons and age appropriate educational tasks. The teachers are always friendly and professional. read more

My daughter has a severe egg allergy and has been prescribed an Epi pen in the rare event she comes in contact with it and has a allergic reaction. My daughter is almost 3 and thank God we have never had to use the Epi pen however, due to the severity of her allergy her Epi pen must always be near by. We toured Orange Tree and over all liked what we saw. The school was clean and neat the class sizes where small and the staff was young an energetic. We decided right after to enrolled in the two day a week program, we discussed at the time of the tour with the director of our daughters allergies and then paid the enrollment fees. When purchasing all her supplies such as her nap mat, back pack and lunch pale I emailed the school director as to where I should put or who I should give her Epi pen to on her first day of school. To my shock I received a phone call from the director of the school stating my daughter would NOT be allowed to bring or even have her Epi pen on campus. The exact words " let me be very clear, she can not bring her Epi pen to school. In the event of a reaction we leave it to the professionals and call 911." Again shocked... Especially coming from a school director who I'm sure has taken a standard CPR class and or child development class or two. Severe allergies such as my daughters effects one in ever 13 school children under 18. The reason for an Epi pen is that timing is key. Is it really Orange Trees stance to just sit back and watch a child struggle to breath until 911 responds? Unfortunately there are many cases where 911 responded to late. Today most schools even in Newport have Epi pens on hand. I have since called local private schools in the area, they have all been shocked to hear my story as they have Epi pens on hand in addition to allowing the child to have a prescribed Epi pen on campus. Severe Allergies are common place these days especially bee stings and peanuts allergies. I am shocked at the stance Orange Tree has taken. Do they really feel if they ignore the issue they wouldn't have to deal with it? I emailed the director with information on how common place allergies are and how simple it is to use an Epi pen in the rare case of a severe reaction but my email was never returned, only a check for the money I had paid for enrollment. I'm sure it will not be the last time my daughter is treated diffrently for needing special accommodations for her allergy- disability, I just didn't realize she would be turned away from a school for it. On a positive note, I get to spend a little more time with my daughter until I find another school that is better educated and equipped to meet her needs. read more

Our twin sons age 2 1/2 years old were enrolled 2 days a week, Tuesday and Thursday at Orange Tree Christian Pre-School. Their first day was on Sept. 4, 2018. Upon arrival in the school, we found out that one of the teacher's hired to teach the class quit on a last minute notice. We also found out that this school has so much turn over of pre-school teachers. On day 2, my wife received a call from Leslie Lucy, the founder of Orange Tree Pre- School. She informed my wife that one of our son's do not meet the criteria to be accepted in her class. This was a very devastating news and she proceeded to state that she cannot have him in her class. My wife was very appalled with this news and was totally shocked. Leslie claim that one of our sons could not follow her instructions. Both boys age 2 1/2 years old are very energetic, active and healthy children with no medical problems. The doctor's clearance provided to the school validates their clean bill of health. As parents, we are writing about our very bad experience with Orange Tree Pre-School to get the word out and to inform other parents to be extremely careful enrolling their children in this pre-school. We wish we would have read reviews written by parents who had the same experience we had. Leslie Lucy may be the founder of this school but she does not know our children well enough to make a quick judgement in 2 days. We are so glad that we have decided to take our children out of this school immediately. read more

We have our daughter attending Orange Tree currently. She loves it there. The facilities are very clean with nice classrooms and play areas. The teachers are all well educated and teach the kids a variety of things; respect, kindness, dance, Spanish, etc. so happy to have found this preschool. read more

Amazing preschool in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. My preschooler was in the first class here at the Newport facility. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this school and their teachers are! The classrooms are very clean and well organized. Very good mix of play and learning with a Christian emphasis. I have recommended this school to all my friends and co-workers. Each day starts with a BIG hug and a group prayer. You can't beat the ratio of kids to teachers here! Trust me... I looked at a bunch of other schools before I picked this one. I cant wait till my little one starts! read more

I have nothing but great things to say about Orange Tree Christian School! The school and teachers provide a very loving environment for the children. When my son first started coming here (which was the first time he was away from me) he would cry when I dropped him off. The teachers would right away take him and rock him in the rocking chair until he would calm down. It only took a week for him to get adjusted. Now he wakes up every morning and drags his backpack to the front door, because he cannot wait to go to school! Other things I love is that the school teaches children about kindness and also manners. My son always says "yes please" and "no thank you." All my friends rave about how my son is the "most polite boy they have ever met." One other great thing about the school is that they teach children how to work out their problems. They use something called "friendship fixers" when ever there is a conflict between children. These are lifelong skills children need to succeed! I recommend Orange Tree to all my friends! read more

Love Orange Tree in Newport Beach. Both of our daughters have been here for a few years now and we love the teachers and the Director. Everyone is always so kind and patient with the kids. They have a dance class which is included in the tuition every Friday which my daughters love and they have a great balance of fun time and learning. I also love that they teach about Jesus and pray for others each morning. read more

We had our son in Orange Tree Preschool from 2 to 3 1/2, and we had a wonderful experience! The teachers were so loving, and the entire school from the director to all the staff showered my son with care. They are very attentive to the needs of each child and give clear feedback to parents when they notice changes or concerns. The school led by Ms. Lucy is extremely organized and she has very high quality standards. The lessons and curriculum were engaging, and my son learned a lot while having fun with his friends. The director of the school is incredibly detailed oriented and provided a clear organized environment with lots of love, care and attention. They had lots of fun activities for the kids and parents- a big Christmas play and Thanksgiving brunch. During Covid, they managed to keep virtual school and then they reopened without any issues. I recommend the school 100%. read more

Best school ever!!! The teachers are so sweet and loving. The curriculum they teach is so valuable, this is the only preschool I would ever send my kids. I trust Leslie and her whole team to love and teach my children God's word and the important fundamentals needed as they grow. read more

We enrolled our son In Orange Tree after reviewing handfuls of schools in the area. The director Leslie "seemed" involved, caring and available. Our son is a loving, caring, hugging little boy who loves to play and would get excited about going to school each day. Four months into his time at Orange Tree we were approached by Leslie ( who I had seen all of 3 times in the 4 months my son was there) saying they wanted to have a meeting with us, that this is normal and nothing to worry about and was done with every parent. When my partner was approached he told Leslie we were leaving on vacation and would be able to have the meeting as soon as we were back. The next week I was back I saw Leslie and she asked me to have the same meeeting - that was normal with every student, I said sure, so we scheduled it a few days from there. As we sat down for the meeting, Leslie, her daughter Nicole who will be the new director and Ms. Nguyen, one of my sons closest teachers decided to bombard us with guilt about how long it took to schedule this meeting. Never had we been emailed, called or requested a meeting of other than once. Then come to find out the meeting was of serious nature- not a normal meeting like we have been told. They went on to say Josh should be tested, I was sent phone numbers to neurologists and ABA therapists, anything and everything under the sun to insure our son and our $1300 a month we pay in tuition stayed there. They bad mouthed taking our son outside of the school for services and how we would become worse if he was around children with special needs (as if children with special needs have a disease that he might catch). Our mind was blown. I could not believe professionals such as themselves could be sitting here suggesting such negative reviews of the ABA programs offered within the school district. That since they were a private school they were much better and cared more. Leslie is rude, condescending and lives off the motto it's her way or the highway. I work a very busy, stressful job. When I bring our son into school each morning, I check him in, get him settled, have a few words of small talk with the teachers and send him off with a kiss and a hug. This was the routine that Happened every single day before I went to school, and Leslie said the teachers felt intimaited by us. Why because we have tattoos? Because I can't spend 20 minutes at the school each morning before school? Initmafted by what? There was nothing to be intimiadated by- they were merely not equipped or trained on how to do their job. Her excuse was they felt intimated by my partner and I and that's why the didn't approach us sooner. How are you a trained child care provider and see "an issue," yet you don't feel like tou can talk to a parent. We would go in there, laugh, talk and speak about our son, activities clothes, rt. This intimidation excuse was simply that they had nothing else to go off of to validate that they handle this all wrong. They handled a very difficult situation very poorly and it's is heart breaking that other children have to go through this experience or deal with Leslie in any way shape or form. I NEVER write reviews, but this couldn't just be pushed under the carpet.. other people should know and be aware of this woman and her inability to be professional and care for their children. She is throwing diagnosis' out there as if she is trained in that field, well, she is clearly not even well trained in her own field. Please be aware of Orange Tree. My son is a precious 3 1/2 year old and it my heart breaks thinking he was in this facility for as long as he was. She preaches Christianity, but her demeanor and behavior are far from the practices of Jesus. I pray for her and that she can learn to be humble and admit her wrong doings. Her daughter Nicole is taking over as the director, mind you, these two are usually never visible or available on campus. Please also ask about the no locked doors or gates and they safety issues your child would face attending this poorly run facility. read more

My daughter started going to Orange Tree in 2017 and my son since 2019. Orange Tree has been such a blessing for my family. As an overwhelmed new mom with two young children I was exhausted and found so much comfort in sending my toddlers to this preschool. The preschool not only works on academics but sets a wonderful foundation of the Bible and what it means to be a good human. My children began listening better and showing engaging with others better. Leslie Lucy, the founder of the program is very involved with the children, parents and teachers. She is extremely honest which can make some people dislike her. I personal would rather hear the truth about things rather than have them be sugar coated. She cares about the well being of everyone and seems to be extremely fair. She has helped my family tremendously and gone above and beyond to new available yet safe in the craziness of COVID. I have a lot of respect for Leslie Lucy and Orange Tree Christian Preschool. The one only thing that has frustrated me over the last 3.5 years is the teacher turnover. No school is perfect for everyone but Orange Tree has been great for us and I highly recommend it. read more

I have been exceptionally content with the solutions Orange Tree have come up with to make sure that your previous students from Lake Forest Orange Tree Preschool were taken care of and transitioned into the Newport Preschool comfortably and without unnecessary stress. My daughter has blossomed before my eyes in such a way, that I am extremely satisfied with her astonishing progress in what a two year old Preschooler can make in a remarkable amount of time. You all do such amazing work. I am very satisfied with my choice in placing her into this School. read more

We love this school. My daughter is excited every day she gets to go to school! We love the staff, the curriculum, and how it feels like a family :) read more

We love this preschool. My daughter has attended Orange Tree since the tender age of two and has blossomed into a smart, kind and confident girl. The teachers are energetic and caring, the environment is warm, and structure of the daily schedule and program is excellent. We have gained so many great memories here and are so thankful for finding this wonderful school. Now, it's off to Kindergarten we go...! :-) read more

We love Orange Tree! Our daughter is thriving here and she enjoys going to school everyday. She is learning amazing manners, such as, asking to be excused from the table after dinner (mind you she is not even 3). She is learning how to share, how to be polite, how to get along well with other kids, and is learning about what it takes to be a good human. The teachers are all amazing and take great care of the kids. I can't wait until my younger daughter is old enough to go! We can't say enough good things about this school! read more

I love this school and can't say enough good things about it! My 3 year old loves going here and couldn't be happier! The teachers are amazing- supportive and sweet and interact so well with the kids! I have complete trust while my son is there. They are so great with communicating with me on how my son is doing and are always happy to answer questions and help! They really love te children there and teach them respect! Hugs are given, fun is had and I can tell he really learns alot! read more

This is the first preschool I've checked and I'm very impressed with all the teachers. I have a 2 and 3 years old in this school and I just can't say enough how wonderful they treat my kids and how well they educate them at an early age. I highly recommended this school. Everyday they start with a big hug, prayer and circle time. Great location and very clean. read more

You will not find a more loving and well-rounded preschool than this! We checked out a lot of other preschools and nothing compares. The owner makes it clear that every single kid is a perfect gift from God, and everyone there sincerely cares about your kids. They are like family now, and we're gearing up for our fourth kiddo to go there soon. The teachers go out of there way to train and love your kids beyond the amazing curriculum and work on individual needs. For example, our first daughter's teacher helped her come out of her shell, as social things came harder for her. She gave her steps to evaluate and approach situations to help her learn how to play and participate better, which was invaluable to her entering kindegarten. They really look at the whole child and build a foundation for future success and a relationship with Jesus. Our third child is special needs. We didn't know it when we started there, and his wonderful teachers helped us identify issues and get him the help he needed. Every single one of them was loved and taken wonderful care of. When Orange Tree consolidated locations and were much farther from our house, teachers would meet us near our house and actually drive our kids to school every day. We love Orange Tree and cannot say enough good things about them. We are forever grateful to them for being our village as we raised our babies. read more