This school has been absolutely amazing for my three-year-old daughter!! We recently moved here and…read moretried another school that was just not a good fit. After talking with Elizabeth, the school's director, I felt so peaceful and excited about the school's vision for teaching, and their approach to child lead learning. My daughter has thrived at school! She is a highly spirited, very vocal, and a quite lively child, and she gets everything she needs and more. They have a large outdoor classroom that they utilize every day, that lets children learn through play, and movement, which is so appropriate for their developmental stages. She is already learning math, and doing very well picking up Spanish. It has taught her independence, and build her confidence, and ability to self regulate. I cannot say enough great things about the school's approach to learning! Then there are the teachers, who are some of the nicest people we've met here in Santa Maria. They are patient, they talk to my daughter with respect and kindness. Every time I pick her up, I see teachers down on the kids levels, teaching them, and helping them to solve their own problems between one another. Whenever I ask, they are so quick to share positives that they see in my daughter, and ways she is improving (along with ways that they are helping overcome obstacles that are unique to her in the classroom). I cannot say enough good things. I was recommended through a mom I met at Trader Joe's, and have recommended the school to several of my friends, one of which has recently enrolled her daughter, and is in love with the school too.

I am the father of a 4 1/2 year old preschool student who was recently expelled/kicked out. I write…read morethis review because no child should be punished for their parents speaking up regarding the health of their own child. How did a simple request regarding keeping my child inside on a cold and wet day escalate to an expulsion? Our main concern was the fear of having our child get sick that would increase the severity of her asthma resulting in us having to give her regular breathing treatments. The owner Elizabeth didn't agree with our request to keep her indoors on a wet day because she operates an outdoor Montessori school. So, I picked up my child on a cold and wet day and soon a flurry of text messages between my wife and Elizabeth resulted in Elizabeth soon determining that her school was no longer a good fit for my child. Take into consideration that all of this was by text message, the professional courtesy of a phone call or a sit down meeting to explain the situation and work together to find a mutual solution NEVER took place. As a parent in Santa Maria finding a preschool is tough enough and the last thing we want to do is criticize or question our childrens teachers. Flaws were always there yet we choose to look the other way. But, sometimes a culmination of flaws must be addressed. We often wondered why other parents were leaving the school. Now I am that other parent looking in and I am speaking up. Multiple lice outbreaks in 1 school year is unacceptable. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be glad to explain in detail my experience at Casa dei Bambini. Zero stars!!!!

The DANDY LION MONTESSORI SCHOOL is located in Grover Beach, provides an authentic traditional…read moreimplementation of the Montessori Method of education, it provides 2 classrooms for children aged 2 1/2 to 6 years of age. The school is affiliated to the International Association of Progressive Montessori. The directing teachers in both classroom hold credentials from the IAPM Organization. The school follows the curriculum and professional code of ethics of IAPM. Therefore parents can rely on consistency in the quality of the program and how it's delivered. The Montessori approach to education provided at Dandy Lion Montessori School is centered on the uniqueness, individuality, and potential of each developing child. The purpose is to develop the whole child into a well-rounded human being. Children enter this world with a natural desire to learn and to perfect themselves. Montessori education fulfills this instinctive need by providing a "Prepared Environment" where children are allowed the excitement of learning by choice, rather than by force. In this environment, children develop the "inner discipline" that guides their self-development and the joy of learning.

I would run, not walk away from this school. The owner/Director is more interested in giving you…read morethe initial tour/presentation and then is no where to be found when you contact her about the safety of your child. Research her and you will find that she is only interested in collecting her money off Montessori trainings rather than actually being involved in your child's best interest and welfare. She spends her time off site and is not present at this location and will never call or email you back because we were told she is not technologically advanced per Cindy. Cindy will handle everything and even reply back from the directors email herself &/or just ignore you if there is something that they just decide to sweep under the rug, Every other Director and site supervisors at many other locations have been extremely helpful. You would only hope that as a full paying customer, Dandy Lion would care enough to talk to you and help support your child during their young years. Sadly, this was not the case because we were told that they are a private school and can do whatever they want. This was very troubling to hear from both Cindy and the Montessori Director. I would do my research in advance before enrolling a child here. This is the only school that locks their gate and does not give you immediate access or the code to the school. Every other preschool gives the parents full access to the campus. That should be enough of a red flag in itself. Extremely unprofessional business.

My son has been attending Arroyo Grande Montessori School, and I honestly cannot say enough…read morewonderful things about our experience. From the moment we enrolled him, it was clear that this is such a positive, nurturing environment where children are truly encouraged to grow and thrive. When he first started, my son wasn't really developmentally ready for a structured learning environment, but Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Andrew went above and beyond to meet him exactly where he was. Their patience, care, and expertise have been incredible to witness. Thanks to their guidance, he has grown so much academically and socially. His reading skills have improved tremendously, and he is now confident and enthusiastic about learning every single day. Beyond academics, the school has fostered a warm, inclusive community where my son has built a wonderful group of friends. The environment is consistently supportive, happy, and inspiring, which makes both children and parents feel at ease. It's clear that the staff genuinely love what they do, and that passion translates into an extraordinary experience for the kids. Arroyo Grande Montessori School has exceeded all of our expectations. My son loves going to school every day, and as a parent, it is such a relief and joy to see him flourishing in such a caring, encouraging, and positive setting. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality early education for their child.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Arroyo Grande Montessori and highly recommend it to…read morefamilies seeking a nurturing, creative, engaging, and above all safe environment for their child.

We love Montessori school. Our son is been going there…read moresince 18th months old. Is been an amazing experience to see how he grow so happy and full of joy. Already have life skills as small as they are and learning the basic of Maria Montessori! Great teachers, great staff.

I can't say enough good things about MCS and the community it fosters. It was our lifeline during…read morethe covid pandemic. I can't work from home, so zoom school wasn't an option for us. We started with MCS for that reason (one of the few, if not only, schools offering in-person instruction and childcare). But we have stayed for elementary school because our experience was so wonderful. Not only are the teachers at MCS warm, caring, and nurturing, but they are incredibly communicative (as is the leadership/administration). If I have a question or concern, it is responded to almost immediately. Everything is very well organized and I can focus on work each day knowing that my son is happy, surrounded by friends, and growing in a nurturing environment. MCS has fostered my son's learning and confidence. He regularly works in class with children from other grades and has developed wonderful friendships across the ages. Assignments, homework, and projects are appropriately challenging. It's been awesome watching him grow and develop in this environment. I am not sure what we will do after sixth grade -- I just wish MCS continued through grade 12! - but this certainly is an incredible place for us now.

My family has been part of South Coast Montessori since my daughter was 18 months old; she is now 6…read moreand we're excited to continue into the elementary program. SCM has been where she learned to potty train, dress herself, read, and build early math skills. She's learned practical skills like sewing, and the school has nurtured the artist inside her while encouraging her natural curiosity about the world. The teachers and administration are genuinely invested in each child's success. I appreciate how collaborative the environment is -- there's far more access to teachers than you typically find in a traditional public school, and staff communicate thoughtfully with families. As a parent, I've always felt supported and included in my daughter's learning journey. SCM follows a traditional Montessori approach, and I'm consistently impressed by the classroom dynamics: up to 20 children working independently yet not in chaos, but in a calm, productive rhythm. The school fosters independence, confidence, and a love of learning. I wholeheartedly recommend South Coast Montessori to families seeking a warm, well-run Montessori school where children are encouraged to grow academically, creatively, and socially.

My son started at SCM at 3 months old and he is now almost 1year. As a new mom, of course I was…read morenervous but I turned out to be the best decision ever for him and our family. Itzy and the teachers assistants are excellent. They have helped my son with lots of seamless transitions such as daycare routine, naps, bottles, and solid foods. He is so happy and well adjusted. He has learned to happily play independently. He loves seeing the other kids in his class. He loves the stimulating and educational toys and the activities they do there. He always has a smile on his face when we drop him off and when we pick him up. The classroom and drop off area is calm, clean, and orderly. The teachers have given me great advice for at home too. They are helpful, educated, and nonjudgmental. They also often send the most adorable pictures and videos of my son throughout the day which is the highlight of my workday! Unlike many daycares/schools, the holiday schedule is quite reasonable. They offer "camp" where they can take care of your child during weeklong holiday breaks which are about 4 times a year. Can't say enough good things. Highly recommend.

I wanted to share my experience with this preschool's enrollment process because it has been very…read moredisappointing and confusing. About 1 and half years ago, I spoke with Marie, who told me my child had a slight chance of getting in. She advised me to fill out an application and pay a $50 fee after the tour. I did everything as instructed, expecting that we at least had a reasonable chance. However, after paying the fee, I was told that my child was actually around number 100 on the waiting list. This was never communicated beforehand. If I had known there was such a long waiting list, I would have reconsidered applying. The waiting list process has not been transparent at all -- I've received no updates or clear communication about how it works or where my child actually stands now. It feels unfair to collect fees without disclosing this information upfront. I hope the school improves their communication and transparency for future families, because it's really discouraging to go through this experience without honest information from the start

Couldn't be happier at this school. Everyone has been extremely approachable and caring and my son…read morelooks forward to going to school every day and doing his "work." Mary is very approachable and seems to have a genuine interest in the long term success and well being of the children in the school. Teachers are very approachable and are happy to meet with you if any issues come up and are also accessible be phone or email. They seem to really care about the students and go out of their way to make them feel comfortable. Tuition is less than half of what we were paying in LA.

This is hands down, THE BEST daycare facility you will find for infants on the Central Coast. As we…read moresoon as we stepped in the door we felt as though it had been bespoke for our daughter. Everything is so well curated to provide an environment that children will absolutely thrive in. It has a natural and Montessori vibe that provides a safe space that they can independently explore and learn. Honestly, it's a space that I could personally hang out in for a while. As first time parents, we were very nervous about starting daycare, but Sophie has made the transition so smooth and easy for everyone. Sending us updates through out the day when morning drop offs were rough and it seems like there is always a new activity or toy ready for the babies first thing in the morning. In the short time that we've been with Downtown Baby, our daughters physical, social, and mental skills have absolutely exploded. We feel so happy that she is learning so much and able to interact with other children around her own age. We can not recommend Sophie & Downtown Baby high enough.

In an effort to try to help this day care's rating I am going to review my walk through to help…read moregive info to others looking for a facility. My review is for the walk through only as I have not yet decided if I am going to enroll my little one. My choice, if i do decide not to enroll, is only due to my own personal reasons and nothing to do with the facility. I did not know what to expect during my walk through because there was only two ratings for this daycare. I went to the location in Shell Beach. It is daycare out of a home just thought I'd point that out for those interested. The home is very clean inside, like not even a spec of dust from what I saw. The toys are very minimalistic, it's not cluttered, and its very organized. The facility also has two bedrooms for nap time if needed, one for smaller kids, and one for older kids. Both very clean. I could not see the backyard/outside area because it was too dark to see. Overall my walk through was uneventful but I did get the overall feel of the space and the person who would be watching my baby. We did meet at 5:30 as the other rating did mention, but i'm assuming it's because the hours of the daycare are 8AM-5PM and its probably a safety concern to have an unknown adult in the space with multiple children and one caregiver. I would also not want anyone i don't know or haven't met allowed in the space with my child if my child was enrolled there. The location I was at was the home space so, I can understand if that's the only time they offer because of this. There is obviously no isolated room to keep the children in while someone walked through other than a bedroom and that's a little weird to shove kids in there while trying to accommodate an adult. Anyways- based off my first visit i'd say that it's worth checking out if you're looking into childcare.

Our son loves going to school (well...most days, anyways). The learning environment is really…read morecatered to each child's ability so there's a lot of encouragement both from the teaching staff and from the older students. From math and science (his favorite subjects) to yoga, gardening and sports day - the school really strives to develop the whole child and their place in the world. And the camaraderie that the parents develop is great - the school board really does listen to the parents and it shows in the content of the monthly newsletters as well as some of the projects that we are asked to participate in to spruce up the school grounds. Definitely glad we are a part of this community!

If I could I would give 0 start to this place. This is one of the worst schools I have ever…read morevisited. The lady who was supposed to give me a tour was very unprofessional and rude. She was offended that I had some questions to ask. The school itself looks horrible. Tiny and very dark with a very small outdoor place.

The director (Robin) is amazing and her touch can be observed through the teachers and with enough…read moretime the children. As with any preschool some of the teachers will not stay long(1 year or 2), however there are some that are more consistent. I was very hesitant of Montesorri at first however after having both my children go, I am sold. It is not for all parents as it is a different way of talking and thinking however the children thrive in it and that's what matters. Best money I've spent on education for my children. It's location isn't as visible as other preschools and the outside area isn't as nice as other preschools however what's in between the walls is what matters most and I've never heard a child complain about the outside area. If you live in SLO county you should be looking at this school, if you want a top notch preschool (and education) for your child.

From the owner: Specializing in: - Preschools & Kindergarten…read more- Child Care - Schools