Would give TEN STARS if I could!!!! Took a buddy wheel class for the first time and when I tell…read moreyou, this was a SUPER FUN. I'm talking from the moment you go in Soji is hands on and gets you right to it!!! The studio is perfectly sized and gives a warm and gentle atmosphere all around ‍ her instructions are easy to follow and she makes sure you are comfortable asking any questions or needing assistance in any way, during the entire process. You make quite a few pieces by the time the class is over! If you are looking for an awesome, one of a kind art making experience Soji's is the place to start, because I guarantee, like myself, you will be returning time and time again!!

We loved our class with Soji! She was very thorough in explaining what to do, we both had never…read moreused a wheel before and left our class with 7 pieces in total! Amazing very beginner friendly class :) would definitely recommend!

We planned our annual girls' weekend, and this year was in Pajaro Dunes. Our superstar planning…read morecoordinator suggested a couple of activities for us to do, and it was unanimous we do the Sand Dollar Paint and Sip in Santa Cruz. This was all of our first time, and we really enjoyed it from beginning to end. We had a blast! Not only do they provide wine and snacks but you can also bring your own which we did. There were several tables with each canvas on an easel with the pattern penciled on the canvas. You get a palette of different colors and a water bowl to rinse your brush. You are offered to use additional brushes if you choose. When you're done with your masterpiece, you may add embellishments such as glitter to seashells. Kimberly was fantastic! She was very welcoming when we came in. She lead the class with lightheartedness and humor. She encouraged you to be creative. She showed us how to blend the colors to produce different hues. For some of us, we were challenged, but we did it! It was so much fun! I highly recommend checking out The Painted Cork. Thanks, Kimberly!!

This is my absolute favorite place to spend an evening. Every time I walk in, I'm welcomed with…read moresuch warmth and positivity as it really feels like a little creative escape. Kimberly, who runs the classes, is not only incredibly kind and welcoming, but also so talented and patient. She makes everyone, no matter their experience level, feel comfortable and confident in what they're creating. I've done several classes here, including a resin art class, a resin coaster workshop, and a holiday ornament painting session. Each class has been unique, fun, and thoughtfully guided. Kimberly provides all the materials and walks you through each step, making the process easy to follow and so rewarding. The atmosphere is always relaxed, creative, and filled with great conversation. It's such a refreshing way to unwind, learn something new, and leave with a piece of art you're proud of. I'm already looking forward to coming back for another class--this space truly brings joy, and I can't recommend it enough!

A very warm preschool for kids..and adults!…read more My 3 year old started PENS this year and it has been a blessing to our family. There are always tons of activities to do indoors and outdoors, and my daughter loves going to school! The parents stay once a week (or all days if you want) where you work at the school, and have a seminar with the teacher and other parents at the end of the day. The working day is very insightful as you learn how to be with children, and by working together you bond with the parents as well. There is a nice sense of 'community' that I feel is very important and precious :)

I cannot speak highly enough of Soquel PENS. My daughter is on the younger side and the amount she…read morehas learned at this school is AMAZING. Teacher Nancy is so kind and considerate. Her gentle and subtle teaching style is a perfect fit for the toddlers and little children that surround her. The name speaks for itself: you're not only educating your children while attending this school; as a parent, I'm educating myself as well.

The classes are so unique, and the results are adorable. Cayce and her helpers are so kind and the…read morekids have a blast. Love Blue Apple Art!

I love this place! Cayce is the most patient, kind, creative teacher. The experience for both…read moreadults and children is fabulous and getting to leave with a finished product evokes pride and a sense of accomplishment. I can not recommend ANY of the classes at Blue Apple !

My daughter absolutely LOVED Ross' classes!!! Ross is so talented and has a natural way with kids…read more And his inspiring approach of interacting with the environment and nature that surrounds you as part of the process makes Aptos the perfect place for this gem of a school! My daughter learned skills from Ross that she will carry with her throughout her life as an artist. Thank you, Ross!!!

I love this place! Initially recommended by a friend, my wife and I look forward to each…read moreopportunity to create clay art, that never would have been possible, had we not known about this place and it's wonderful owner, Geoff, who has skillfully guided us in this process. He makes it so fun and easy!! Clay IS the way!!!

Sadly this wasn't the place for me. The owner Geoff has the worst communication and made my son and…read moreI feel really terrible. Some of the people that are members are not the nicest to work around, however I met a few great people that were great! Overall because of the poor communication, bad management and some of the mean members I personally do not recommend Clay Creation. Clay is something my 17 year old son and I have loved doing together for years, but since we went to Clay Creation he hasn't wanted to do it anymore. He really felt terrible with the way we were treated. Hopefully he will start someday again. I've been going to Santa Cruz Clay and Phoenix. Both places have been so incredibly nice and so helpful.

Just amazing work creating a pair of custom stained glass windows. The whole experience was as…read morewonderful as the two windows that we ended up with!

I would like to send out accolades to Kiss My Glass for the excellent repair of a 39-year-old…read morestained glass Christmas angel. Her wing is now repaired and she is flying as good as new.

My daughter Clara just graduated from Santa Cruz children's school after 6 years there from…read morekindergarten through 6th grade. I was not sure how to thank the school with all it's dedicated teachers and outstanding directors Joanna and Deric, so I decided to write a review. From day one she became part of a large caring family. When she left she expressed nothing but love and appreciation for all her friends and teachers. Though sad to leave, she felt confident and well prepared for her transition to middle school. In the last couple of years my daughter learned to organize and complete all her work with proud independence. She improved her writing skills considerably, excelled in math, and took up multiple musical instruments with the many talented music teachers at the school. Beyond core courses, the school also puts on plays, a yearly concert, and an end of year multi day class trip adventure for older kids. My daughter has had World inspired cooking classes, movie making classes, circus fun, learned to play chess, civics class with a ucsc professor and much more. How they manage to do all this, keep the kids inspired and eager to learn, as well kind to one another is remarkable. If you are looking for a school where your child will be happy, eager to learn and go to school each day, and well prepared for middle school, I highly recommend Santa Cruz children's School.

After beginning our son's grade school at a different private school in the area and then having…read moresuch a disappointing experience over 2 years, both for our son and for us as parents - we decided to check out Santa Cruz Children's School from a referral and reading reviews.-- After attending the open house in June of 2013, we felt like it was worth a try and hoped that they would provide the care, curriculum, enthusiasm, professionalism and transparency they promised, we so desired and felt we deserve. Now half way through our son's first year at SCCS, they have proven to be all we had hoped for and we couldn't be more grateful. My son is enthusiastic for school every single morning and afternoon! The teachers and administration members have shown to be professional and respectful to each other, the children and parent community. The children are also respectful, kind and supportive of each other. There have been no negative issues of any kind in the classroom or on the playground and I feel strongly that is due to the great degree of responsible supervision, respectful, timely and honest communication and policy that is in place and honored. Our son's 2nd grade teacher has shown a true love and compassion for teaching and children. She fosters the imagination, learning and beauty of each child's individualism and personality. It is a small school with about 48 children, at first a concern of ours, but that is really in where the blessing lies. The small class sizes offer important individualized attention, learning and support. Organization, scheduling and attention to details are top priorities. The school's scheduling of curriculum and homework requirements are clear and consistent! This in itself has provided a better learning structure for focus, responsibility, self-confidence and academic success. We have seen our son's academics (Math, Science, Reading & Writing Comprehension, Spelling) progress and are continuously stimulating and engaging. There has also been great support of Music, Astronomy, Life-lab, Spanish, PE, Art and his beloved Chess! His interests are flourishing along with his love for his new school. He is supported and encouraged to be imaginative, inquisitive and true to himself. We feel very fortunate to have found such success with Santa Cruz Children's School. Thank you!