I have to start with the disclaimer that my children attended SLE for a few month, during a…read moretransitional period for our family. The school secretary is very sweet and caring. The teachers that we were assigned were wonderful. They inspired both children by being wonderful role models and making learning fun. There were practical applications of lessons such as playing town and learning to write checks (4th grade). Parents were very involved and were wonderful. We attended the science fair which was both engaging and a lot of fun for the whole family. Both kids always looked forward to going to school each day and when their time here was up, they were really sad to leave. This school has similar logistical problems as other schools such as student pick up and drop off. There are parents who should have left 5 minutes earlier than they did, so they take it out on others by acting impatient or not waiting for people in crosswalks... which is especially bad if you drop off and pick up by the entrance to the Jr. High. Speaking of parking, if you do use the entrance near the Jr. High, please use the church parking lot and do not violate the 'No parking' signs in the residential neighborhood. surrounding the school. They are there because those are narrow streets and when too may people park there, emergency vehicles couldn't get through. It's happened and someone almost died. The neighborhood surrounding the school does have people with health conditions, are aging, etc, so please have respect for your fellow community members that are the most vulnerable. Your perceived (illegal) convenience is not worth someone losing their life because an ambulance or fire truck couldn't get through. Please also don't park IN people's yards. Not cool. And hey, if you don't want to do it out of respect, do it because you will get stuck if in their muddy yards if you do and you may have to pay for a tow truck. It's not worth it and you didn't save any time doing it. To add to the list of things that people shouldn't be doing but they do it anyway... Stop your car when you see people crossing the road. It's a school zone and it take the 3-10 seconds to wait while you are stopped. That's it. Not minutes. Seconds. That's all. You aren't making up any time by rolling at pedestrians and you are willfully putting someone's family at risk. Don't be a nincompoop, just stop. Again, leave a little early and you won't have a problem finding parking. If you can't leave early, just arrange a late pick up meeting area. I did this with my kids and I promise you that it works out just fine. There is also a school bus (check if you are on their route) and there are after school programs that will pick up your kids and hold them until you can get there. You have options. Take a deep breath and do the right thing. Thank you to SLE for the memories before we start the next chapter in our life.

I go to San Lorenzo Valley Elementary. I am in first grade. This school deserves 5 stars. Zoë Haffread more

My eldest child attended Calvary for preschool, and we had such a wonderful experience that we…read moreenrolled our youngest as well. After exploring several schools on the westside, we chose Calvary based on recommendations from other parents, the experienced staff with long tenures, its convenient location, and its cost-effectiveness. The flexible scheduling and minimal time off during the school year were also important for our family, as was the diverse student body. We believed Calvary would provide a smooth transition to public school, and it certainly did. Our daughter and another child from Calvary were the only ones in their TK class who could write their names at the start of the year. Calvary's play-based approach emphasizes early literacy, which is crucial for us. The school offers abundant resources, engaging activities, projects, and ample free play. With spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, the children also benefit from being divided into three smaller classrooms and having a dedicated nap area, unlike many schools that use open spaces. Additionally, Calvary assists with potty training and provides meals and snacks, so we don't have to send anything with our child each day. It's reassuring to know she is well cared for at Calvary.

This is the first preschool I tried in Santa Cruz after we moved. My son was 2 and a half and he…read morecried every day for two weeks. They called us to come and pick him up half of the days. It was heart wrenching. Then the director told us that he was not ready for their school. Luckily we tried another school and my son adapted really quickly even though it was a bigger preschool with more kids. I regret having my child experience his time at this school and wish we never had this experience. The teachers didn't give him time to adjust and expected him to be perfect little boy without giving him the opportunity to bond and get comfortable. My son is now moving on to transitional kindergarten! I still have regrets putting him through Calvary preschool. It was definitely a "Calvary" for us parents but greateful to have found an amazing, caring, beautiful people at Lifespring preschool that loved and cared for my son! We were willing to pay more as long as our son was in a good setting but not only we found a nurturing and caring teachers at lifespring but it was a lot less expensive. More expensive preschool doesn't mean a better setting for your child. We learned the hard way.

We have had an absolutely wonderful experience at Santa Cruz Waldorf School! The nurturing…read moreenvironment and dedicated teachers truly set this school apart. From the moment we stepped on campus, we felt welcomed and inspired. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, allowing children to explore subjects in a meaningful and hands-on way. Our children have flourished here, academically in math, writing, and languages, as well as more broadly with the arts, music, gardening, outdoor education trips, and more. If you're looking for a school that encourages a deep love of learning, I highly recommend the Santa Cruz Waldorf School.

Santa Cruz Waldorf School has been a good fit for my children. The kinder program is magical! Being…read moreable to play and learn to connect with peers and teachers AND nature is just what my children needed at that age. Over the years, we have learned reverence and rythm and the beauty of slowing down from our time at the school. Their love of festivals and community connection is unmatched. I appreciate the deemphasis on screen time as well. The Waldorf practice of teacher looping was something that was quite new to me and at first I was a little hesitant about. I have grown to see the process of keeping the same teacher from grade 1-8 as a true gift. It has given my children time to be seen and understood to learn most effectively. If you are exploring elementary and middle school alternatives, SCWS is a great option to consider!

We really appreciate the MCS community and would definitely recommend it. Our son has been…read moreattending MCS for 2 years, starting in the Nido room when he was almost 1. He's since moved up through the toddler room and is now in the primary/ preschool community. Our new baby will be starting there this January. Our son is thriving and remains consistently challenged and nurtured. The leads in his classrooms have been wonderful, showing a genuine interest in his development. Our son had a few normal but difficult behavioral challenges in the last few months when our second son arrived and the leads and staff have responded with grace and care, working with us to support our son. The space and setting is also beautiful!

All three of my kids have attended and some still do. They started at their Nido program and have…read moregone through (or still are) Toddler and Primary. The guides and aides are and have been loving and caring towards my children. Furthermore, they have helped provide more than simply a nice place to play and have fun. My kids have learned lots of skills that have translated to home and academics. They have helped support our kids in aspects of life we may have been working on at home (i.e. napping, toileting, and the like). My kids enjoy going and I feel good about sending them there.

Dorrie S. is a great teacher at Oasis. She is knowledgeable…read moreand respectful. It was a good experience working with her.

Great program for independently driven students!read more

If you want to learn and play alongside your child, then this is the preschool for you! I've…read morelearned numerous skills to use on my parenting journey. I have loved every opportunity to teach/experience new things with my children. I attended for 4 years (2 years each child) with my older two and will return with my youngest child in the fall of this year. This school provides hands-on learning through play and multiple field trips throughout the year (1 each month). There is a huge outdoor space equipped with bikes, a sandbox, and lots of other toys, play structures. There are multiple play areas inside as well. Parents provide healthy snacks on a rotating basis and the kids LOVE when it is their snack day! It gives everyone an opportunity to try new foods and I've seen kids eat things their parents said they wouldn't even try otherwise! My children were very well equipped for kindergarten, both socially and academically. There is not a way to adequately say how this program has positively affected me as a parent. I am forever grateful and indebted to Teacher Sarah and Watsonville Cooperative Preschool.

My family has attended this preschool for the past 5 years. Both of my boys have gone through this…read moreschool, and I am so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful small community this preschool has built. Not only is Teacher Sarah is AWESOME, but the connections you make with the parents here is amazing! What's unique about this program is that it is not only with the kids learning, but it's showing us, parents, how to positively parent our children. Any family coming through this program will benefit from this program immensely.

The teaching staff offer such a loving, devoted and respectful relationship to the children in the…read moreschool, As a parent I have the peace of mind knowing my children are getting exactly what they need to be successful at this stage in life and beyond. My deepest appreciation!!

Terri has worked with my son for 7th and 8th grades in all subjects with particular attention to…read moremathematics and reading comprehension. She is kind, patient, and thorough and my son enjoys working with her on a daily basis. The updates I receive are very valuable in keeping me informed on his areas of study, progress, and work that needs to be completed at home. The assistance my son has received from Sparks of Learning has been instrumental in helping him achieve his educational goals.