Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

(23 reviews)

0.2 mi

We love WoW preschool, Miss Julia (the owner) and the whole team! They are truly the most caring…read moregroup of people. They have fun themes every week which helps me get my toddler excited to go to preschool. My daughter started to go 3 days per week when she turned 2.5. Much to my surprise, she had a very hard time and cried at drop off (turns out the age of 2.5 YO is the height of separation anxiety), well I cannot thank Miss Julia and the wow team enough, they were so patient with my daughter and myself. Miss Julia would update me throughout the day of my daughter's improvements, transitions, pictures, etc. I cannot thank her enough for the hand holding she did with me. I am forever grateful to how caring she was during such an anxious time for me. Fast forward 4-5 weeks and my daughter loves going to wow all the time. The wow team, seems to know all of the kids well and are attentive to their needs! Hell, my daughter is now potty trained hugely thanks to the WOW team. Overall, I can't imagine going anywhere else. They have all exceeded my expectations. Also the security precautions that are taken at WOW are also very comforting!

I am forever thankful we found this gem of a school! They're fantastic, supportive, and everything…read moreI wanted my kiddo's prek experience to be! They mean the world to my family!

See all

Adventures In Montessori - Ocean Beach

(13 reviews)

0.5 mi

Considering early education for your child is a huge decision... I'd choose this school every time…read more The educators are hand selected by directors Tannia and Jeff with so much thought and consideration with the well-being of the littles at highest priority. They take time to get to know the kids and keep parents in the loop. They plan fun events that help foster the kids imagination and growth and ones that make us parents feel appreciated too. My daughter loves her preschool and so do we!

We absolutely love Adventures in Montessori! From day one, we were welcomed by a team of incredibly…read morecaring, patient, and joyful teachers who clearly love what they do. The environment is nurturing and supportive, and it's been amazing to see how much our kiddo has grown over the past year, socially, emotionally, and academically. We came here on glowing recommendations from friends, and after a year, we can confidently say they were spot on. Tania and the entire staff go above and beyond to create a space where kids feel safe, seen, and excited to learn. Every morning is greeted with smiles, and every afternoon - usually :) - ends with stories of discovery and fun. Thank you to everyone at Adventures in Montessori for creating such a great experience!

Montessori material in the Tiny Explorer classroom

See all

Montessori material

St Peter's Preschool

(18 reviews)

0.9 mi

Incredible staff, Miss Dori is as professional as she is kind and the teachers are wonderful!read more

We absolutely love St. Peter's by the Sea! The daycare is clean, well-organized, and has a…read morefantastic staff. Parking is convenient, and the learning environment is excellent. Our child has grown so much here--both academically and personally--becoming a happier, more confident individual. Most importantly, my child truly love it and eagerly ask, "When is the next school day?" A special thanks to Dori and her amazing team--Miss Alanna, Lesley, and Diana--for their dedication and care. We've been incredibly happy here for the past two years!

Grateful for a visit from Canine Companions

Rainbows and Unicorns!

See all

St. Peter's Preschool is dedicated to creating a safe loving academic environment. Children will grow socially, emotionally and academically

Dandelions Montessori

(4 reviews)

0.4 mi

People who love people, nature and life set examples of what a Human Being is capable of. Natalia…read moreis one of them. Her professionalism and conscientiousness are astounding. Experiences and opportunities through socialization are needed; they are essential, they are the foundation and only path to build character, awareness, flexibility and help develop strength through emotional management and resiliency... these are fostered in this superb, adorable and dedicated school.... where the child will always be the teacher of mankind. Congratulations Natalia and to all the families you serve.

My daughter attended during covid up until kindergarten, so for 3 years. My son for a year as well…read more We feel that Natalia is a wonderful teacher, so patient and kind. We love the positive discipline approach. We enjoy the healthy home cooked meals, the field trips, and the community. We would recommend the preschool for parents looking for a homeschool that promotes independent, confident, healthy, happy, well rounded children.

See all

Newbreak Playschool

4.5

(25 reviews)

0.3 mi

Newbreak is the best! I have been an educator for 23+ years. My four year old son has gone here…read morefor almost two years. In this time, our family has been impressed with the level of care, personal attention, and professional expertise from the teachers at Newbreak. They know every single child well and work with them to make sure they feel loved, are learning, and are behaving in ways that are age-appropriate. We receive routine communication from teachers and admin. I love getting photos and videos from the teachers several times per week. Newbreak does fun things like movie nights, art night, and water day for the students. There is a fantastic balance of play and structured learning. From drop off until about 9AM the 3-4 year olds get to play on the playground. the playground has many sensory activities in addition to big wheels, a sandbox, and toys for the kiddos. Around 9AM they take a bathroom break and then go to the classroom for circle time. During circle time they each get a chance to talk and interact with the teacher and other students. I could go on and on about how much I love Newbreak!

2 Year old teacher (Hannah) is great with kids. The director (Thea) & 4-year old teacher (Kelly) do…read morenot create a safe place for kids to learn. I reported that children were bullying my son on multiple occasions (severe bullying), which escalated into them touching him sexually. The school gaslit repeatedly saying they didn't witness anything & so they cant substantiate the claims. But they never brought in someone who knows what to look for to observe, or to hear from us on what we were reporting. The details and scenarios were not something that could be manufactured, and the director acknowledged that the girls who were to blame were ongoing trouble for the teacher & had new babies at home. Which is an important note because they forced my son to do things (or did things to him) that were all related to playing house, breastfeeding, and "making babies". The director told us the teacher struggles to manage her classroom, she tends to act like their friend instead of the teacher, and that she gets wrapped up with one kid and misses what is happening for the rest of the class. (The director's message to us, not ours.) I watched over the play yard fence and saw first hand how these specific girls were physically hurting their peers and the teacher didn't even see because she was in a different area across the yard. My son's body and boundaries were violated multiple times, which we shared with the therapist we now have to see. (He is 4.) The director Thea asked us to let her know if anything else happens.. so when we emailed saying that the girl tried to pull down his pants under the guise of playing house when the teacher was taking another student to the bathroom, THE SCHOOL KICKED US OUT. For reporting. No meeting to hear the details or discuss the circumstances. I am concerned for the wellbeing of the children who are still in the class, as well as the girls who continued to target my son. When I asked the director to make sure nothing was happening to them at home, the director shrugged and said "oh no, i know their families." Again, dismissing a potentially very harmful situation. Update: we have learned through therapy that horrific sexual violence was done to my son while in the care of Newbreak Playschool. (Worse than I was aware of when i posted originally.) Repeated behaviors, not things that happen in a split second, AND that the teacher continued to put my son next to the child who was sexually assaulting my kid during naps, bathroom breaks, and outside play. Even after our therapist told the director they needed to be separated for my son's safety.

See all

Rad Roots Nature School

(15 reviews)

0.6 mi

Our son attended this nature school for the past year, and we couldn't have asked for a better…read moreexperience. Miss Gabby and Miss Mandy are absolutely wonderful, they created such a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where he truly thrived. He looked forward to going every day and developed a genuine love for exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and building confidence through hands-on experiences. It was amazing to watch him grow throughout the year. If you're looking for a preschool that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a meaningful connection with the outdoors, I wholeheartedly recommend this nature school. We are so grateful to Miss Gabby and Miss Mandy for making our son's first school experience such a positive and memorable one!

It's hard to put into words what this school has meant to our family over the past 2.5 years…read more What makes this place so special isn't just that the children spend their days outside, it's the way every experience is centered around respect, connection, and social-emotional well-being. The teachers have an incredible gift for meeting children where they are, helping them navigate friendships, build confidence, work through challenges, and develop independence in such a thoughtful, compassionate way. We've watched our son grow into a kind, curious, and resilient little human because of the foundation they helped build. The days are full of real childhood magic (which is what we had hoped for!). Our son came home excited to tell us about native plants, mushrooms, and insects he discovered on the trails, proudly showed us the nature crafts he made to celebrate the changing seasons and holidays, and loved helping care for the community garden. Some of his favorite memories were the simplest ones...relaxing in the hammock, splashing through puddles during rainy days, climbing, exploring, and just having the freedom to be a kid. One thing that always stood out to me was how prepared and inclusive the school is. Rainy days weren't something to avoid, they were something to celebrate. They have a shared collection of rain gear available for every child, so everyone gets to experience the joy of playing outside together, no matter what they own at home. It's such a thoughtful example of the caring, community-minded culture they've created. That same sense of community extends beyond the school day. The seasonal celebrations, family gatherings, and community events gave us so many opportunities to connect with other families and created friendships that we'll carry with us long after preschool. Most of all, the teachers truly know and love each child. They notice the little things, celebrate each child's unique personality, and make every family feel welcomed and supported. You can feel how much they care. As our son gets ready for kindergarten, we're leaving with so much gratitude. These past 2.5 years have given him a deep love of nature, confidence in himself, lasting friendships, and countless joyful memories. We will always be thankful this was where his childhood began.

See all

Warren Walker School

3.8

(6 reviews)

0.9 mi

Nurturing, creative school... great art and music enrichment. Daily Spanish and PE. Kids feel safe…read moreand are seen for who they are as individuals. Am very happy with this school.

If you're looking for a infant to 8th grade school that provides both academic and emotional…read moreeducation this is a great school. The staff and administrators are very communicative and genuinely care about the students. The headmaster is fantastic and he's at almost every school event including early mornings, evenings and weekends (not sure how he does it) greeting parents and students always with a warm welcome and smile all by name! Warren-Walker is a great place for students, we couldn't be happier. Go gulls!!

School Spirit- Middle School competes inter scholastically.

See all

Westminster Presbyterian Preschool

4.7

(6 reviews)

1.7 mi

My son has mild special needs and I was disappointed in how they dealt with his disability. In my…read moreexperience, there didn't seem to be appropriate training for the staff on interacting with children who have behavioral challenges. For most children, Westminster is a good choice. If your child has sensory or behavioral special needs, I recommend researching to find a school that works more often with these behaviors.

My 21-month old son currently goes to school here and we love it! I am disappointed to see a…read morenegative review, so I thought it was important to offer a different point of view. The school certainly does not lack in sanitary conditions. The teachers and administrators have been nothing but helpful and friendly to our family. The improvement in my son's language skills over the past two months clearly show that he is benefiting greatly by the staff and by spending time with other children his age. Debbie Batchman genuinely enjoys her position at Westminster and does a great job with the children. Mrs. V--our son's teacher is so attentive and loving towards all of the kids. I look forward to the next few years here and will be sending my daughter when she is old enough.

See all

Early Learners Children's Academy

(20 reviews)

2.9 mi

I can't say enough great things about the Taylor St ELCA. We have had our two daughters go through…read moreELCA and most importantly I have always felt they are safe and loved there. Miss Marla runs a caring and professional little learning environment. All the teachers have been great, always so kind, enthusiastic and happy! Keep up then good work guys, you're really appreciated!

I have a son and a daughter who both attended ELCA. The staff are friendly and caring. Plus, they…read moreprovide tons of fun activities for the kids. Our 3.5 year old attended his first foam party and met with special animals as part of a cool summer meet and greet. He couldn't stop talking about it! The facility is secure, clean, and tidy and most importantly, the kids are happy. The hours are good, too (open from 7:30-6pm). We highly recommend ELCA to prospective families. On a side note, our former preschool closed unexpectedly. I was 40 weeks pregnant and ELCA was able to quickly accommodate us and watch after our son. I'll never forget how thankful I was during that stressful time. Thank you!

See all

ABC Children's Center at San Diego

4.6

(118 reviews)

19.9 mi

Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

Both of our children had attended ABC Children's Center over the past 7 years and we have had a…read morewonderful experience and are so grateful for the care our children received and continue to receive every day. The staff is warm, caring, and creates a safe, fun environment where children can learn and grow. A special thank you to Ms. Swapnil, whose kindness, patience, and dedication have made such a positive impact on our child. It's clear that she genuinely cares about the children and loves what she does. Knowing our children are happy, well cared for, and excited to go to daycare each day gives us tremendous peace of mind. We highly recommend this learning center to any family looking for a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our two children have been attending this daycare for 3 years and 1 year respectively, and we…read morecouldn't be happier with our experience. Communication is excellent. We receive regular updates throughout the day via the app and email, which gives us real peace of mind and keeps us connected to what our kids are doing. It's clear the staff genuinely care about the children -- they're attentive, warm, and create a nurturing environment. We also love the variety of activities they organize. From family hour to the summer and fall parties, and special outings like the SeaWorld excursion, there's always something fun and engaging happening. These events also help build a real sense of community among the families. Honestly, we can't say enough good things. If you're looking for a daycare where your kids will be genuinely well cared for and you'll always know what's going on, this is the one.

We offer a learning environment that promotes your child's creativity, emotional well-being, and intellect. Book your school tour today!

See all

Fleur De Lis School

(42 reviews)

4.8 mi

Fleur de Lis School provided our son and our family the most incredible experience we could have…read moreever asked for. In our 2 years there, we watched our son grow immensely in his confidence, relationships, and overall love of learning. He was sad to leave school every day and excited to wake up and start the day with his amazing friends and teachers. The approach and philosophy that Fleur de Lis takes truly allows each child to blossom in their own unique and beautiful way and we not only got to experience this with our son, but saw it with his classmates as well. We saw our son make presentations to his class about a science or art project he did with us at home or proudly present his show and tell Spider-man toy to his classmates - we are so grateful to the entire Fleur de Lis community for encouraging this level of self-esteem and individuality. The staff at Fleur de Lis is truly one of a kind - the professional, yet individualized attention of Tina Smith and April Kozelh as directors is amazing. They know your child personally and do everything in their power to make your child's experience at Fleur de Lis enriching and creative. Our son still talks about Ms. Tina coming into their classroom and reading them special books (his favorite was about an owl in NYC) and Tina consistently shared specific memories of our son's social and emotional growth during his time there. The teachers we had at Fleur de Lis (Ms. Sandy, Ms. Chelsea, Ms. Amber, Ms. Kiara and Ms. Diana for Spanish) were incredible in every way - we appreciated the attention to the holistic needs of each child - the cognitive, physical, and emotional were all given attention and we saw our son blossom in each area. The day our son "graduated" Fleur de Lis School was a bittersweet one - we were thrilled to know he was ready for kindergarten, but also so sad to say goodbye to the daily moments of this special community. Our son couldn't stop hugging his amazing teacher Ms. Sandy at the singing show - clearly showing the same emotions we felt as parents.

If you are a new parent, join the FDL wait list now -- trust me, your older parent self will thank…read moreyou! It's hard to explain the magical and nurturing environment this school provides. I remember my son, Julian, sobbing when I left him on his first day as a two year old, and my heart was breaking. In less than a week, he was all smiles at drop off, excited to see his teachers and friends. Since then, he's thrived at this school, both emotionally and educationally. Now, two years later, he's heading to Francis Parker, and looking back on his time at FDL, I can't express how grateful I am to the amazing team there. There are a few specifics that make FDL special: The community -- everyone at FDL knows Julian's name, even teachers who aren't assigned to his class. Pre-Covid, when I would pick him up from his classroom, his daily departure was like a little parade, with waves and goodbyes to friends, teachers, directors, everyone. You really feel like part of a family here. Kira, Bev, April, Julie, Julia, Diana, Iris, Nina, Autumn, and many others...each has been a unique and positive impact on Julian and our family over the past two years. The safety -- speaking of Covid, I don't think I appreciated how nice it is to have total confidence in the efforts of the FDL team to keep my child safe at all costs until this pandemic. When they reopened under new safety guidelines, I never once worried they would slack or not keep the sanitation and safety bar high. In fact, Julian now inspects my hand washing and admonishes me if I have not made enough soap bubbles or washed long enough . They always ran a tight ship, but it's exceptional now. The positive reinforcement of high expectations -- on my visit prior to enrolling at FDL, I saw all the kids eating lunch as they chattered politely and consistently used manners. On the playground, no one pushed. They all took turns. What's more, they were still incredibly joyous little kids, giggling and delighting in silly play. I was in awe. And yet, now Julian models those same behaviors. FDL teachers are kind and warm, but firm. They set a high bar, and the kids rise to meet it. At the same time, there is tremendous fun had on the daily at this school. Julian greets me at pick up with a big smile and a hug, his cheeks flushed from play and sand in his shoes. He excitedly shows me his projects and tells me funny stories and things he learned from the day. FDL is exceptional. If you have the chance to send your child there, take it. You would be hard pressed to find a more loving and capable setting. We will miss it terribly!

See all

Ana's Little Kangaroos Child Care

(18 reviews)

5.7 mi

Our son spent close to a year with Ana. We are so grateful to have had Ana be a part of our sons…read moreand our life. It is easy to see how much love Ana has for the children. We saw improvement in development steps right away, sharing, communicating, playing with others. Ana is great with communicating with the parents, and I always felt like I was leaving my son in great hands. We are sad that his time with Ana has come to an end, but know that other families will benefit from a truly caring provider.

Ana and Mirko set the standard for a loving, nurturing, and safe home daycare experience. Both my…read moreson and daughter have attended Ana's Little Kangaroos, starting in summer of 2022. Ana has always been so in tune with what is going on with my children developmentally and is very observant to their individual needs. She goes above and beyond to model respect, autonomy, and love. I trust Ana and Mirko implicitly with the care of my children, which is a true blessing as working parents. They provide healthy breakfast and snacks, structured activities, learning, art, and have lots and lots of fun :). If we could take Ana and Mirko on our cross country move to continue caring for our children, we absolutely would!

Christmas craft

See all

The Lulus Montessori

(28 reviews)

8.4 mi

We absolutely love the Lulus Montessori! The staff is amazing with the kids and they get an amazing…read moreeducation. We are always surprised by how much they learn and how much fun they have. Also their meal plan is great. We are very fortunate to have our son there. We looked at around 10 different places and it gave us anxiety because we really wanted our son to be at Lulus which was much much better than all the other places we saw all over San Diego.

We've been taking our son to Lulus Montessori since he was about 18 months, and it has been the…read morebest daycare/preschool experience we could have hoped for. The teachers are incredibly loving and thoughtful. I especially love the fact that they celebrate birthdays and holidays and create opportunities for parents to get to know each other, too. My child has grown by leaps and bounds, and his interactions with the other children are fun to see. The fact that meals are provided (bfast, lunch and snacks) is a godsend. Several daycares/preschools in the region claim to be Spanish immersion but aren't actually (e.g., they speak English to the kiddos). At Lulus, I feel like we get a truly authentic Spanish immersion program for our son, knowing instruction is exclusively in Spanish. And it shows. My son 100% understands Spanish when it is spoken to him and he mixes Spanish and English in his vocabulary regularly. I credit Lulus for a large part of that bilingual ability and look forward to seeing his fluency improve in the years to come. Highly recommend Lulus!!

See all

ABCD Montessori Christian Preschool

(26 reviews)

13.2 mi

We couldn't have asked for a better preschool for our daughter. She attended from the time she…read moreturned 2 until she started TK, and it became like a second home to her. Miss Gladys creates such a warm, loving, and well-organized environment. She has an amazing ability to guide children with patience and kindness--without ever needing to raise her voice. The children listen, eat their healthy home-cooked meals, and take their naps because they feel safe, respected, and cared for. The preschool is always clean, organized, and welcoming. Beyond the loving care, the children learn so much. My daughter developed independence, learned her letters and numbers, and built the confidence she needed to start school. Thanks to Miss Gladys, I truly feel my daughter is more than ready for TK. The best proof of how much she loves this place is that every day at pickup she never wants to leave. She always has to give Miss Gladys a hug--sometimes even coming back for one more before we finally head home. We are incredibly grateful for the love, care, and dedication Miss Gladys has shown our daughter over the years. We will always remember these special years and highly recommend this preschool to any family looking for a safe, nurturing, and enriching place for their child.

This school is one of the best schools I could ever enrolled my daughter in. My daughter went for 2…read moreyears and I'm very pleased of how much she has learned. Being a single Latina mother it's hard to trust anyone with your kid. She was the only one out of my 3 kids to enroll in daycare/school . She has grew so much in education and personality. Has also developed amazing being more confident and as a team player ! I'm so grateful for Mrs Gladys and her team !!!! Not only she was my daughter teacher she became family . Very well organized! So professional! Very communicative! And she cares for your kid like if they was your own ! Thank you Mrs Gladys and your team for doing an excellent job! Preparing my daughter to go into Kindergarten! 100% recommend this daycare !

Ready the area for our Thanksgiving pictures!!

The table is ready to take a picture of all of you!

See all

Sensory activity

Aspen Leaf Preschool - BTMCCC

(6 reviews)

5.3 mi

The teachers and directors at Aspen Leaf Preschool Downtown San Diego are so wonderful. My son has…read morebeen going here since he was in the infant room and just runs in every morning excited for the day. You can't beat walking to school to drop off your kiddo in the morning at a place they love. If you're living/working in or near downtown San Diego, I highly recommend this daycare and preschool. The low ratios and provided snacks/lunch are just icing on the cake. We are not federal employees, but the daycare is located behind security in the federal building and there are special rates for those who are government employees.

Aspen Leaf Daycare in Downtown has been an absolute blessing. There are so many benefits to speak…read moreof including incredible teachers and staff with extensive degrees, experience and training; three quality meals served each day; very flexible drop off and pickup times; consistent availability; and options for discounts for federal and military parents. I can't speak highly enough about the great community, Parent Board, and tremendous learning environment that our kids get each and every day. A tour is your best bet to see for yourself! Overall, great value.

BEST of San Diego, California Coffee near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

4 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tricia G.

0

2

0

8 years ago

We cannot say enough good things about Sacred Heart Preschool. This school is not just a daycare/school but rather a family and is all about community. The directors, Suzie and Rebecca, care and love our children so much, and everyday my kids, when leaving school, have to always stop by the front office to give them hugs. The teachers are exceptional and provide both fun and enriching curriculum. Not only do they learn about the alphabet, word sounds, colors, seasons, and conduct science experiments, garden, and go on field trips, but they develop their social maturity and foster a sense of treating others with respect and kindness. With this being said, we have also met some incredible Sacred Heart families in the last 3 years. We could not have hoped for a better place to care for our children. P.S. This school is also great for working families. It is open during summer and the hours are from 7AM to 6PM. read more

Brit J.

0

1

0

13 years ago

I couldn't say enough NICE remarks about this school. From the Head Instructor to each teacher, they All have huge hearts and beautiful souls! My Child has attended North Park Christian Fellowship and Kiddie-Hall downtown, both have sweet head instructors BUT the demeanor and attitude of your child speaks VOLUMES of how their Day actually went. So I began searching... My child has truly Blossomed since attending this school, no longer tears and begging to stay with me, now I get begged to hurry so we make it for Learning Time!!!! And for that, I GIVE them 5 stars and more if I could! I encourage everyone seeking quality care to give Mrs.Suzie a Ring! read more

Monique T.

0

3

10

13 years ago

Both my father and I both attended SHA... while it is heartbreaking that the official elementary school is closed the Preschool is open and continuing to operate right in the center of Ocean Beach. I look back at my time at SHA with great fondness and know it has shaped me to be the person I am today. The school was known for its usage of core knowledge curriculum and the preschool has continued to excel in its teaching curriculum. I'm glad the preschool is still going and able to offer that same education for a cheap price to younger children to help them be successful. read more

Zany Z.

0

32

1

13 years ago

Such a great school. Too bad is gone now.

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool - preschools - Updated August 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of San Diego, California Things to Do near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

BEST of San Diego, California Gymnastics near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

BEST of San Diego, California Kids near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

BEST of San Diego, California Restaurants near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

BEST of San Diego, California Hot and New Restaurants near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

BEST of San Diego, California Dance Studios near Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

Browse Brands

Brands by name

People found Sacred Heart Academy Preschool by searching for…

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Sacred Heart Academy Preschool also viewed

Learning Jungle

3.4

(29 reviews)

We had such a wonderful experience visiting this preschool! The director was incredibly informative…read moreand took the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly, which made us feel very comfortable and confident. Everyone we met was so warm, welcoming, and friendly. What stood out the most was how quickly our son felt at ease -- he instantly started playing with the other children and looked completely comfortable in the environment. We also loved seeing the dynamic between the teachers, students, and staff. It genuinely felt like a caring, positive, and nurturing community where the children are happy and well supported. We left feeling very excited and grateful for the experience!

After my child has been there for 3 years now, I can fully agree with the 1 star review left by…read moreSia. My child has been neglected in the past by a teacher who purposely tripped my child, which then made my child fall and hit their head and the that teacher tried to make it seem like it was nothing. Now as of recent, we have been told by the primary teacher that all children in the classroom have been recently acting out due to a change, however, when my child did some of those similar actions, they would single out my child and make behavioral reports for my child's actions, then have my child isolated in the directors office with just the director Kiana when again these were similar actions to other children. Also, at one nap time, my child did not want to nap and normally they give the child something quiet to do during that time, however my child was sad missed mommy and began to cry loud and what did the director do? They didn't call mommy to help calm the child down, this director instead took my child's stuffy away from the classroom, and my child was told to lay down with their eyes closed and they had to cry themselves to sleep, which my child was crying for over an hour with no remembrance of home to help them calm down. Last straw was when another behavioral report, when going over the report of those similar actions other children were doing, I found out my child was again isolated with the director and part of their recess time was taken away. Once my child was brought out by that director, they were brought out without water or their water bottle. In that same discussion with the teacher of my child's actions, I noticed that another child harm another and action was done. That child got to continue to play. I elevated my concern in that moment and what came from it you ask? The following day I was being told by the director that when speaking about my child nothing else or incidents should be brought up (referencing the other child doing harm that i witnessed). To only speak about my child. Which raised more concerns regarding that director, as I only but it due to 1) a child was hurt, 2) another child did it and they were not isolated or talked to. Now after meeting with regional director and a program specialist for this company, they said in person they have no concerns and behavioral reports that were written were not valid and will look for support.... HOWEVER, in an email, it was the opposite, they want single out my child more and try hush us parents with their idea of "support" which was to start sending my child home early for any and all including the most minor of behaviors if it continues, all while threatening to terminate my child going there, though they repeatedly claimed they didn't want to do that. During my child's time there, they have been numerous teacher swaps and 3 director swaps (1 director didn't even last week). There was a teacher strike due to the constant change and from that strike, many teachers left. Parent, teacher and child confidentiality is consistently being released to other parents that are not related They may reply with this being uncharacteristic of the place, however I can confirm after 3 years there, it is in characteristic for this place.

Ali Colorate Montessori

(2 reviews)

Ali Colorate Montessori isn't just a daycare--it's truly an extension of our family!…read more Our two daughters have been attending for a year now, and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. Before finding Ali Colorate, we were enrolled at a large, franchise-style daycare in the San Diego area for two years. Despite the high cost, we noticed our toddlers weren't getting the developmental and educational attention they needed, so we started looking for a better option. After touring several places that didn't meet our standards, we discovered Ali Colorate Montessori. Initially, I was hesitant about using an in-home daycare, but after meeting Ms. Janell, all my concerns disappeared. Her warmth, passion, and professionalism were immediately clear, and I knew we had finally found the right place for our children. Ms. Janell runs an organized, loving, and education-focused environment that goes far beyond basic childcare. She has a thoughtful curriculum with daily plans filled with enriching activities like yoga, cooking classes, art shows, and even holiday plays. Children wear uniforms, which helps ease their transition into a more formal school setting. Since enrolling, we've seen incredible growth in our daughters' learning, speech, and social development--far beyond what they experienced in their previous daycare, where playtime was the only focus. At Ali Colorate, the emphasis is on education, social skills, and community--and it shows. Our girls absolutely love Ms. Janell and her team. Morning drop-offs are filled with hugs and excitement--they run into her arms with joy! We feel confident every day knowing our children are safe, loved, and learning in an environment that feels like family. A huge bonus: Ali Colorate Montessori is part of the MCCYN military fee assistance program, making it even more accessible for military families. If you're searching for a nurturing, structured, and enriching environment for your children, stop looking. This is the place.

Our girls thrive with Ms Janell and team. They are loved, nurtured, and safe, and they love being…read moreat daycare so much they sometimes cry when they DON'T get to go to daycare with their friends (in a way that warms our hearts that they love where they spend time while we work). Ms Janell and team treat the children as if they can learn and so they do. We often get comments about how smart our girls are, and we always say it is their daycare that creates an amazing environment to learn. Our 3 year old knows ~1/3 of her letters and is so excited and proud of herself as she recognizes them and adores writing them for us. They constantly surprise us with what they know and understand, and love that we are gifting them with Spanish, which is something we never had. We adore the constant stream of photos we get to see how they are enjoying their days. It helps feel a connected to our sweet littles even when aren't with them, and it is fun that we know about what they did as we talk about their days in the evening. Also, the photos leave us so impressed by the level of concepts being introduced and soaked up by all the kids. They are great partners as we support our girls through these early years, and work with us when our kids have needed extra love and attention - our 3 year old has BIG feelings and our 1 year old refused to eat for a time. Potty training was (relatively) easy because they had been covering the concepts and even have potty buddies (in a beautiful and appropriate way). My contact list of daycares is 95+ and this is the third we were at. We wish we had found Ali Colórate from day 1 and simply cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Merry Go Around

4.2

(44 reviews)

MGA staff has been taking such wonderful care of our son for the last 4 years. MGA has been his…read moresecond home since he was 7 months old, and all the staff really nurtured him to be the happy more independent little child he is now. All the teachers, admin and staff are truly dedicated, responsive, and loving, knowing each child in every class. He and we will truly miss all them now that our son is going to T-K this coming August. The daycare center is securely located at the the FAA facility in Miramar requiring badges to get through the entrance security gate, which always gave us peace of mind. MGA has good sized classrooms, newly upgraded outdoor playgrounds and spaces, and plan extra fun activities for the kids daily, in the summer and thoughout the year. They provide meals and snacks (which a lot of daycares do not do) which makes drop offs so simple. They use the Procare app and are so communicative keeping parents updated with pictures and videos of what the kids are doing each day. We recommend MGA 100% and will definitely return and trust them with caring for our next child.

The last three years at Merry Go Around have been so great! The staff are so caring and they…read moreprovide a safe and nurturing environment. The curriculum covers so much more than I expected and I am always excited to hear what my daughter learned about in her day. We are going to miss the MGA team as we transition into Kindergarten later this year.

Casa de Alicia Montessori

(3 reviews)

We've been part of the Casa de Alicia Montessori community for 5 years. First with our oldest and…read morethen with our 2nd who joined last year! After being with the school for several years now, I can honestly say how grateful we are to have found them. As parents, one of the biggest things you look for is trust. We fully trust the teachers and staff with our children's safety, their emotional well-being, and their development. They truly care about the kids and love them like their own, which gives us so much peace of mind every day. What we love most is how much the kids learn while still being kids. The Montessori approach really shines here. The children build independence and confidence while learning real skills--math, art, painting, music, cooking, and critical thinking. They explore different cultures and are encouraged to ask questions and think for themselves. The teachers create a nurturing environment with loving but firm boundaries, which has been wonderful for helping our kids grow. Another thing we really appreciate is the home-cooked meals. Our daughters have tried so many different foods and vegetables here that we never expected them to eat. It's amazing to see them become more open to trying new things. Casa de Alicia also did an incredible job preparing our oldest for TK. She left confident, independent, and with a genuine love of learning. We could see how well the school had built her foundation. We feel so lucky that both of our daughters get to grow up in such a caring, enriching environment. Casa de Alicia has truly been a special place for our family.

Can't recommend highly enough, we have had a wonderful experience with Casa Alicia over 3 years. If…read moreyou're considering sending your kids here, come visit, and the families will tell you all you need to know.

Discovery Playhouse

4.6

(10 reviews)

I am absolutely heartbroken that my daughter won't be able to hang out with Miss Nikki and her…read morefamily every day since we are now moving. I can't say enough good about going to Discovery Playhouse. Prices were great, they accommodated food restrictions, there was a great structure but also a tremendous amount of play. Nikki was even accommodating to the fact that we used cloth diapers. I can honestly say that I felt like I had a team helping me raise my daughter. Not just Nikki, but her own children helped too. I could share with her what challenges we were facing at home and then she would talk about how we could partner to steer the behavior as a team. Heck, even potty training became a whole team effort with multiple kids the same age training at the same time so everyone could be influenced together. Strategic! My daughter absolutely adored Nikki, was best friends with her son, and was wowed by her daughters. Even her husband Josh was extremely responsive and helpful when I contacted them for their services. It was wonderful having a whole family that I could absolutely trust not just to care for my daughter, but also a place that she truly enjoyed going to.

I put 2 stars cause Nikki is wonderful and my daughter loved going there. But they lost stars cause…read morethe husband is too much around and can be really mean !!!! I'm taking my daughter out cause of him !!! I don't even know if having him around kids is legal !!! But just you to know they are just about money not really caring !!!! Good luck !!!

Lift Me Daycare & Preschool

(1 review)

My daughter has been going here and loves it here. Mrs Marian is kind and very good with all kids…read more I would highly recommend her.

Fleur De Lis School

(42 reviews)

Fleur de Lis School provided our son and our family the most incredible experience we could have…read moreever asked for. In our 2 years there, we watched our son grow immensely in his confidence, relationships, and overall love of learning. He was sad to leave school every day and excited to wake up and start the day with his amazing friends and teachers. The approach and philosophy that Fleur de Lis takes truly allows each child to blossom in their own unique and beautiful way and we not only got to experience this with our son, but saw it with his classmates as well. We saw our son make presentations to his class about a science or art project he did with us at home or proudly present his show and tell Spider-man toy to his classmates - we are so grateful to the entire Fleur de Lis community for encouraging this level of self-esteem and individuality. The staff at Fleur de Lis is truly one of a kind - the professional, yet individualized attention of Tina Smith and April Kozelh as directors is amazing. They know your child personally and do everything in their power to make your child's experience at Fleur de Lis enriching and creative. Our son still talks about Ms. Tina coming into their classroom and reading them special books (his favorite was about an owl in NYC) and Tina consistently shared specific memories of our son's social and emotional growth during his time there. The teachers we had at Fleur de Lis (Ms. Sandy, Ms. Chelsea, Ms. Amber, Ms. Kiara and Ms. Diana for Spanish) were incredible in every way - we appreciated the attention to the holistic needs of each child - the cognitive, physical, and emotional were all given attention and we saw our son blossom in each area. The day our son "graduated" Fleur de Lis School was a bittersweet one - we were thrilled to know he was ready for kindergarten, but also so sad to say goodbye to the daily moments of this special community. Our son couldn't stop hugging his amazing teacher Ms. Sandy at the singing show - clearly showing the same emotions we felt as parents.

If you are a new parent, join the FDL wait list now -- trust me, your older parent self will thank…read moreyou! It's hard to explain the magical and nurturing environment this school provides. I remember my son, Julian, sobbing when I left him on his first day as a two year old, and my heart was breaking. In less than a week, he was all smiles at drop off, excited to see his teachers and friends. Since then, he's thrived at this school, both emotionally and educationally. Now, two years later, he's heading to Francis Parker, and looking back on his time at FDL, I can't express how grateful I am to the amazing team there. There are a few specifics that make FDL special: The community -- everyone at FDL knows Julian's name, even teachers who aren't assigned to his class. Pre-Covid, when I would pick him up from his classroom, his daily departure was like a little parade, with waves and goodbyes to friends, teachers, directors, everyone. You really feel like part of a family here. Kira, Bev, April, Julie, Julia, Diana, Iris, Nina, Autumn, and many others...each has been a unique and positive impact on Julian and our family over the past two years. The safety -- speaking of Covid, I don't think I appreciated how nice it is to have total confidence in the efforts of the FDL team to keep my child safe at all costs until this pandemic. When they reopened under new safety guidelines, I never once worried they would slack or not keep the sanitation and safety bar high. In fact, Julian now inspects my hand washing and admonishes me if I have not made enough soap bubbles or washed long enough . They always ran a tight ship, but it's exceptional now. The positive reinforcement of high expectations -- on my visit prior to enrolling at FDL, I saw all the kids eating lunch as they chattered politely and consistently used manners. On the playground, no one pushed. They all took turns. What's more, they were still incredibly joyous little kids, giggling and delighting in silly play. I was in awe. And yet, now Julian models those same behaviors. FDL teachers are kind and warm, but firm. They set a high bar, and the kids rise to meet it. At the same time, there is tremendous fun had on the daily at this school. Julian greets me at pick up with a big smile and a hug, his cheeks flushed from play and sand in his shoes. He excitedly shows me his projects and tells me funny stories and things he learned from the day. FDL is exceptional. If you have the chance to send your child there, take it. You would be hard pressed to find a more loving and capable setting. We will miss it terribly!

San Diego Cooperative Preschool

(23 reviews)

Our eldest started SDCP at 19 months and our youngest started at 10 months and we couldn't be more…read moredelighted. Our toddler takes a while warming up to new places and people, and we knew (or I mean, she knew!) immediately this was the place for her when she darted outside. The indoor / outdoor access that every classroom has is awesome; the intentional curation of the spaces operate as another educator to explore and inspire. You can feel how much the teachers genuinely love what they do; their care and dedication are clear in every interaction with the kids and the stories they tell when we pick them up. When I was first researching preschools, I was excited that there was a co-op option in SD and wondered how it might fit with my schedule. After touring and learning more about the school, meeting Stephanie and the amazing teachers / staff, it was an easy decision. They have an open door policy and the hours are flexible for parents. The co-op model has taught us so much, allowing us to learn and grow together with our kids, both modeling and providing tools for connecting with them to be their whole, individual self through play.

Lovely preschool. Feels like the teachers really care about the kids. They use the RIE methodology…read morefor infants. Safe and supportive atmosphere. There are co-op requirements where parents/other adults have to volunteer at the school on a regular basis, which can be difficult for some families. Only downside is a long wait list to get in.

Early Learners Children's Academy