Four years ago I had come to the office looking for help getting a permit, and I had a really bad…read moreexperience. The woman who was supposed to help me took a look at my transcript, said no, and sent me on my way. No support, no guidance, no appeared interest in wanting to answer any of my questions. I remember leaving discouraged and confused because I couldn't understand why my classmates, who all had the same courses as me, were able to get a permit and I wasn't. I remember being frustrated and not wanting to go back to the office because it seemed like a waste of time. Fast forward to today, I met with a credential specialist named Mario Castillo who was super helpful! He was very patient with me and helped walk me through the process of what I needed to do. He offered me different options for what I was interested in getting, and showed me all the forms I could use for the application. He was very knowledgeable, and it was clear he knew how to do his job and could do it well. I left feeling encouraged, and I left with a much better taste in my mouth of the County of Education office. I now feel like I know what next steps I need to take, and I don't feel as lost. Good customer service really does make a difference, and I'm glad that Mario was able to assist me today.

I have been coming here for over the past decade for a variety of reasons. Mostly meetings and…read moreworkshops, but recently I have been coming for in services and trainings for the new Common Core Standards and its implementation. The presenters and support staff have been friendly, encouraging, and very helpful. The office are old but well kept and have been upgraded over the years. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-diego-county-office-of-education-san-diego?select=haTpVOz-zlXRXVj0JsuaNw#ZYOjeo93-wPq-L1gDw3Rlg) The landscape is always well maintained, (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-diego-county-office-of-education-san-diego?select=haTpVOz-zlXRXVj0JsuaNw#wKwCxgMAJ2XLppYwVIlgZQ) with plenty of places to sit out doors. They have a technology center to support educators and students. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-diego-county-office-of-education-san-diego?select=haTpVOz-zlXRXVj0JsuaNw#VlauAB4UwfgNYmmut6CVcw) One thing that really impressed me was Internet access and fast and reliable band with. It is a screaming demon when it comes to downloads. The offices sport a cafeteria with daily specials, and serve breakfast and lunch. I have eaten there a few times and the food has been good, especially for cafeteria food.

Staff and teachers are wonderful and friendly. Have weekly fun activities and get to do lots of…read moreoutings, volunteering, and cultural days. Have massages for $45 by awesome people at ICHOHS. Got to try a massage after classes!

Just wanted to try out the school so I gave them a shot and attended half day class but it wasn't…read morewhat I expected! Lack of organization and discipline, small classrooms and the parking sucks in that area. 2 stars simply because they offer free classes!

The best language school in the heart of the San Diego where you can learn English andread more

I am extremely disappointed with my experience with California Language Academy…read more My friend from Kazakhstan enrolled at CLA but was unable to attend because his U.S. visa was denied. I personally made the payment to CLA on his behalf using my own bank card. CLA approved a $575 refund and provided a refund form stating that the refund would be issued by August 27, 2026. We waited for more than a month, but the refund was not received by the promised date. After the deadline passed, we contacted CLA twice. They responded that they were waiting for an update from their CFO, but the money was still not refunded and no specific payment date was provided. Because CLA failed to issue the refund by the deadline stated in their own document, I have now filed an official complaint with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). This has been a very frustrating experience. I expected a school to honor its own written refund commitment and return the money on time. Based on this experience, I would not recommend dealing with California Language Academy.

Time flies. It has already been 3-4 years since I took the TEFL class in SDSU ALI. I can't help but…read morewrite a review as soon as I found this on Yelp. This program has not only good reputation, but also amazing instructors. All the instructors were so great. They have so much experience teaching in this field and was able to share many teaching skills and theories. One of my favorite parts was that I had a chance to teach in an actual class. I had to observe a class, learn how to teach from a mentor, and also got to know students and help them to learn English. It was a fabulous experience and it helped me a lot to find a job in Korea, where I used all the stuff I have learned in my classes. I still get update emails about job openings from all over the world from ALI and SDSU. How nice !! Wish I can write everything I have done. I can just say it's the most amazing program ever.

My experience at the American Language Institute has been amazing. It was my first time to study…read moreabroad and I already been here for one year. I love San Diego weather and life because it was very relaxed. American Language Institute is in San Diego State University campus. So it's a good chance to improve your English because you can meet a lot of university students and native speakers. Also, ALI gave their students a lot of benefits, like city tours, baseball games, zoos, etc. You can really enjoy your time in San Diego. Also, we can use the gym on campus. Sign up and it's free for ALI students. I like this language school because i met a lot of international students, very nice and friendly teachers. I'm so happy I can be a part of ALI, but in the other hand, I think the class was a little bit early, everyday started at 8:00 am. So sometimes it's difficult to wake up. If it's possible to change at 9:00 am it's better for students. And the class finish at 1:00 pm, so we can have a lot of time to hang out with friends and enjoy beautiful beaches in San Diego. I would definitely recommend this language school to everyone who wants to study abroad and improve their English. Also, ALI has a lot of different programs you can choose, not only learn how to speak English, but also can get some special certificate about business. So I think it's very useful for me in the future. Thanks ALI gave us a really nice and good study environment. I appreciate it.

Very good preparation book distributed to students, instructor highlighted vital points and issues,…read moreallowed enough time for self-study & review before the notary exam. Good fingerprinting and photo inclusion in course.

I signed up and paid for my late February 2016. I received a workbook and the California Notary…read moreState Handbook to study a couple days after. Prior to attending the class I went to get my passport 2 x 2 color passport picture (Postal Annex) and Live Scan Fingerprinting (UPS Store) completed as these services aren't provided with the class. I saved some money ($22) doing so on my own compared to the going rate on the National Notary ($110). I just took my Combo Mobile Notary & Marketing Class this past Saturday. Richard was engaging, friendly, informative and preps you well for the exam (which follows immediately after the 6 hour course). On the day of the class, you're provided with a Notarial Journal, Notarial Thumb Print Stamp,Disc with the required state Notarial forms, and 20% off discount coupon for your stamp and Notary supplies. I got a little anxious and nervous prior to the exam and he helped me overcome this by ensuring me that I'm doing fine, to just relax and take my time reading the questions vs rushing through everything. After reviewing all the materials taught in class and the encouragement from Richard...I felt confident taking my 30 question Notary exam. Now I just gotta wait a little over 2 weeks for my grades. Following the 6 hour notary course I stayed another 3 hours to take the Mobile class. I was given insight on very helpful information in loan signing and mobile notary service. I can't thank Richard enough for sharing his knowledge and the wealth of information obtained from both classes. I highly recommend CA Notary School for those who are interested in becoming a Notary or wish to renew their commission.

Robert, I…read moreunderstand completely why you will not be discussing my poor review on this platform. I also admit to the things I said about the DVD and everything else. But you left out the things that you said in reply during that conversation among other things. Let me point out in your long extensive assumption that I have not become successful in the window tinting business your wrong. No thanks to you I kept fighting and finding new ways to learn winting tinting on my own thanx for asking. Its cheap and petty of you 2 write a 5 paragraph rebuttal then exit the conversation. It was your way of sounding like the bigger man and stating facts about me and leaving out facts about yourself and the way you handled/left our conversation. I never left anything behind except your class in my rear view. All in all you obviously can't handle a bad review and thats where I WILL LEAVE THIS "PLATFORM"

I am so glad we sent our son to this school! Our son had a great experience with Robert and Jaymi!…read moreThey trained him in auto tinting, flat glass, paint protection, and a full business implementation plant to start his own business! He returned home with a new light and fire for life and his future! He feels they gave him what he needs to succeed! They also will support him with questions he will have as he starts and grows his business. Thank you Robert and Jaymi. You have forever changed my son for the better by empowering him with a new set of skills and tools that will help him realize his unlimited potential!

I took my CompTIA Security+ exam here and had a pretty good experience overall. Especially for my…read morefirst time doing a career certification test at a center. I scheduled my exam the night before on the CompTIA website and was really relieved this location had next day availability. I arrived about 45 min early (not super necessary), but it gave me time to get familiar with the place. Some things future test-takers might want to know: - Parking: Lots of available parking when I went. I noticed there were some "reserved" spots; pretty easy to determine those spots. - Finding the entrance: Suite 100 is where Avarice Partners has an office, but there was no outside sign that day, even though their Yelp photos show it. The Avarice Partners sign was actually inside the suite that day (guessing it was because it was raining that day). The Suite 100 door was on the left side of their Avarice Partners sign picture on Yelp; the door was locked - there was a buzzer with a camera a few feet from the door. I just buzzed and let the front desk staff know I was there for testing. - Check-in process: Signed into the building on an iPad, took photos of my ID, then was informed I could wait in the waiting area if I'd like or I can do whatever I want outside (since I was ~45 min early). I returned when it was about 5 min before my time, and the Avarice Partners staff brought me through a mantrap and offered a restroom break first (nice touch; restrooms were only available after entering through the mantrap). Inside, check-in was smooth - signed a couple forms, had my photo taken, got to pick a locker to store my stuff, and the proctor gave me some basic instructions like raising my hand if I needed something (I didn't need anything though). - The testing room: I didn't get to sit in private cubicles/stations as they have pictured on Yelp - it was a long room with multiple stations along both walls. There were some form of dividers between each station, but I could still see other people. The noise level was fine; mostly just the hum of computers and HVAC. They had headphones at the stations and offered foam earplugs if I wanted them (I didn't utilize either). The room felt clean enough; not spotless or anything but adequate. - Taking the exam: My workstation worked fine. Some of the PBQs felt a little laggy, but that's probably just the exam software. When I finished, I returned the laminated note sheets they provided, got my printed score report, and the proctor walked me back out through the mantrap. Overall, very straightforward and smooth. Staff were helpful and professional. I'd definitely take another Pearson test here - easy parking, easy access, and no major issues.

I took an exam here and the process was clear and smooth with the team at Avarice Partners! Isabel…read moreand Gigi helped me get set up and were really clear and helpful regarding getting signed in, all my stuff properly locked away so I could lock in for my exam and pass! They were really sweet despite being so busy, please consider taking your exam with Avarice Partners if you have the choice :)

My instructor Rich for my ab class was great . I was really struggling with the material and knots…read morefor the Marlin spike . He took extra time to help me get up to speed and was proficient in my skills assessment. Thanks Rich , highly recommended.

Took the STCW Revalildation course with George Baldwin on 6.14.19…read more Let me give you a play-by-play PARKING: Although the lot has abundant parking, there are specific spots that the school has assigned for their student to park. To have this go smoothly, please pull up next to the door where you will see a podium marked with a sign for parking passes. There will also be an attendant to guide you to where you need to park. LOBBY: Once you enter the building you will immediately be facing the counter where students check in. Help out by having your ID ready. On the day I arrived multiple staff members were checking in people, so I will reiterate, do have your ID ready because I wouldn't blame them if you were skipped over because of a line of students... I had mine in my front pocket before I came in the door. Follow suit, you can put it back in your wallet later. CHECK-IN: After the staff photocopies your ID and answers any questions you may have concerning check-in and the class specifics, they will tell you where your class will be held. This might possibly include receiving a map of the facility which may be highlighted, displaying the route you will need to proceed along to arrive at your assigned classroom. LUNCH: The staff will also inform you that you can order lunch and it will be delivered but, you have to order before 8 A.M. Although, I will admit to not paying much attention to the lunch order details, due to bringing my own lunch, I will try to relay how things progressed. So, they have menus, which were located on the counter to the far right. I believe they stated that it was cash only. They will also inform you that several other options exist in the area and that you will have 60 minutes (1 hour) for lunch... That is long enough for lunch and a nap, if you bring your own. Trust me, I witnessed at least one guy napping, lol. STUDENT LOUNGE: This well laid out area, is located to the right of the check-in counter. You will find two drink machines and a snack machine here. You will also find complementary teas and coffee. There are plenty of tables, most with 4 chairs per table, but a few two-toppers as well. There are two microwaves here, and they were spotlessly clean when I arrived. Please be respectful and leave them in the condition that you found them... or better. There is a full-sized refigerator here, where you can store your lunch while you are in class. Do note that stickers have been made available, so that you can add one to your belongings and then mark it with your name/date (and I'd toss in the name of my class). They have sink, dishwashing liquid and hand sanitizer for keeping things clean. I would also like to point out that they have utensils, paper plates, napkins (open a napkin, or two, up fully and cover your food if you are microwaving items, be respectful of others and keep in mind that those who are hired to clean up are not specifically hired to clean up after you), and finally they have a decent stock of condiment packets like hot sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup and such. So, what I am telling you is that this was well thought out and properly designed to make the most out of their space. If this was an Olympic event I would give them a 10 for organization and imagineering. CLASSROOM: Although I took only the STCW Revalidation course (6.14.19: $600), I did look into other classrooms, such as ones that was designed as an engineering operating station (EOS)/control room. Very well and simply laid out. THE FACILITY: Although this facility would not be confused with or compared to a college campus in sheer size, like campus buildings, the rooms are labeled with numbers and some with specific functions, i.e. "Testing Room" the aformentioned map will assist even the the most navigationally challenged individuals. MY CLASSES: After the classroom instructional, the class was bussed over to two different facilities for firefighting and watercraft survival. The classes progressed smoothly and by the days end we all had our certificates. END GAME: I liked the school but, I did price out these classes elsewhere. Hang onto your shirts as I announce this: San Diego: $600. Northern California: $650 Louisiana: $345