FIVE STARS! I cannot say enough good things about The Purposeful Preschool!!! I am a very critical…read moreperson who has to do a lot of research before I make any decision, especially the huge decision of who I would trust my 2 children and their early education with. After looking into many other preschools, my husband and I knew that Colleen was the best we could find. She follows the Reggio Emilia and Montessori model. If you don't know either of those, look them up! They're the best! There is so much respect for the child and his/her needs, emotions, interests, ect. The school is filled with lovely natrual materials and non-electronic toys to foster the children's creativity and curiosities. I knew i wanted inquiry-based learning, but PP is inquiry-based learning and more. Colleen really personalizes the lessons and materials for whatever the kids are really interested in or needing that week. For example, I mentioned to Colleen that my son was having tantrums and his emotions just seemed too big for him, and after trying everything I was at a loss to help him. The next preschool day, she had books and a game (which she ordered online) all dealing with a toddler's experience with big feelings. It brought tears to my eyes, because I knew that was exactly what he needed! This is one example out of many! She always goes the extra mile and you can tell she loves all her students and loves what she is doing. The preschool has an atmosphere of genuine respect and care for one another, which I know is because Colleen models that for them. There is never any shaming or punishment when they misbehave, but always an age-appropiate interaction to help uncover why the child is acting out and what are better options for them to choose instead. By witnessing Colleen's example, I have learned to be a better mother and my children have learned how to become more kind and compassionate little humans. That's worth more than anything can buy. Another example, there is a technique she uses for sharing and, since my kids started at the preschool, they have become excellent sharers to the point that other parents notice at the park and playdates and they ask me how I did it! A 2-year-old and 4-year-old who exemplify sharing to other children. She's a miracle-worker. I obviously love this Preschool for my children and it is very hard for me to be concise in this review because there are so so many things which I could rave about and keep writing for days. If you've made it this far in my review, just schedule a tour and meet with Colleen. I can guarantee that your child will be grateful you chose The Purposeful Preschool. My kids count down the days with excitement for every "Preschool Day". Seriously, give it a try.

Coming from a conventional preschool in a big city to a home-based preschool in Encinitas was truly…read moreblossoming for our daughter. We made a big move, worried about how she would transition and what a new area would bring. Stars aligned finding The Purposeful Preschool and we took the chance (confident of all aspects of the school but just apprehensive as parents with all the change). What we thought would be short-term is turning out to be the perfect fit! It's totally magical. Our daughter has grown leaps and bounds in confidence. She's worked personally with Ms. Colleen on communication, potty-training for naps, conquering fears, writing, letters and the list goes on. Ms. Colleen is attentive (we feel spoiled), so incredibly loving, creative, patient and really a joy to know (she's totally a friend to us as well - and a local reference). The group this school attracts is equally loving. Truly feel lucky for our daughter - only wishing we could hang with her there everyday too!

We are entering our second year and loving it. Our daughter adores the school; she very clearly…read moreprefers this school to her other preschool because she loves the academics and challenges. So much so that our daughter requested to stay in extended day! It's a warm environment that pushes her to learn and grow- could not ask for a better environment. Ms. Miriam was an amazing addition to the school; bringing fun cooking and science to life.

We love this school. I went to Rhoades as a kid and now my daughter gets to have the same amazing…read moreexperience. We love the quality of people that Rhoades hires and our daughter loves them too!

My Daughter is 4 1/2 and started at this school with 23 months. She continues to attend the school…read moreand has turned into such a responsible, considerate, humble, focused, sweet and ultimately a very happy girl. I continue to be surprised at how much endless love, patience, guidance and support the teachers have for these children. The school is small but so vast in opportunities for a child to learn and develop. The teachers communicate with me daily and are VERY responsive since day 1 and always offered me a great deal of support from my separation anxiety! Communication is always taking place and everything they do is so consistent. From the moment I walked in I knew this was a home away from home and just the community I was looking for to raise my daughter. I highly recommend this school.

I love this small scale Montessori children's house. The space is cute and very organized and the…read morequality of teachers here are amazing. They are very experienced, knowledgable, patient and loving. They take only 12-14 kid total with age between 2- 6 years old. The school feels like a family compare to some other large Montessori schools in the area that is large, charges twice as much that felt like a money making corporate company with kids being shuffled around rooms like live stocks. Our son loves coming to school and had became so well behaved and communicative since coming here 5 month ago. We learn great tips from the teachers all the time and we have a peace of mind having our son learning here.

This is my child's third preschool (because of moving) and I can't recommend this place enough. The…read moreteachers are so loving and nurturing. They truly care about each child. My kid is always so happy when he gets to school and when i pick him up, he even asks if he can stay. I love that they get a lot of time outdoors with a lot of grass and a big playground. We are so grateful for this school and all the teachers!

Our family loves Lighthouse! The staff and teachers are incredible. They love all the kids so much…read moreand both of my children absolutely love going to school everyday! The school is safe and secure, with a beautiful grassy area and playground where the children love to play. The kids are so sweet and the teachers go above and beyond to create healthy friendships and foundations. Lighthouse does so many amazing and creative things with the kids and my children always come home happy! Lighthouse fosters a beautiful community, it feels like family

This school is amazing! My child has attended for over 2 years and she absolutely loves it. It is…read morea wonderful place if you are looking for children to get a good academic foundation but have plenty of playtime and opportunity to bond with other children. The teachers and staff are wonderful and really do care about the children. The school is small so you know everyone, students, parents, teachers, creating a family environment and plenty of opportunities for direct interaction between everyone.

My daughter has been attending CPP since she was two. (Potty training was so easy with the…read moreteacher's help!) She is now in her last year and ready for kindergarten! The teachers are amazing and the director is so supportive and kind. I can't wait to send my little guy there next year!

Absolute most wonderful teachers and staff, and such a special place. Both my boys went there…read more(newer Olivenhain location) and I can't recommend it enough.

Love this school. They take such good care of kids and meet kids where they are. They value play…read moreand understand that drive problem solving and long term success.

We absolutely love this school! They are so great with the kids and provide not only a great…read moreeducation, but a kind, safe and loving environment for the kids. One of my kids will be starting kindergarten soon and will be very well prepared. MSE has taught her to read, write, addition, subtraction, etc. She has an advanced understanding of science, biology, history, music, etc. The teachers we have had are all SO great. I can't say enough good things, I highly recommend!

Great school. Our daughter has learned and grown so much. We are so lucky to have this place!read more

Although my kids no longer attend this school, I continue to recommend it to my friends and family…read more They are currently expanding, and it's exciting to see the growth! This school gave my children the strong foundation they needed to excel in their next steps. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Ban and Mr. Jay for being so wonderful!

We've been part of the school for over 4 years, with our oldest starting at 2 yo in Ms Shubra's…read moreclass and then onto Ms. Sharee's class in Room 2. Our younger daughter also followed suit. We can't recommend this school enough - both our kids have loved their time at CMS and we are sad to leave. Room 2 with Ms. Sharee has been the best experience - the teachers are so kind and patient, truly caring for each kid. It's amazing how good they are at knowing every child, even those not in their own classrooms! Our kids look forward to going to school and our daughter pretends to be the teachers all the time when she's home. If we had the option of staying past Kindergarten, we would (seriously, we've asked Ms. Ban multiple times).