My girls go here and I was impressed with the dedication and personal attention that the teachers…read moregive to each student. We have two different teachers who have different styles but they are fairly consistent in the curriculum (same grade level) and they pay attention to details. They are organized with weekly homework assignments provided at the beginning of the week along with weekly newsletters that spell out the expectations and activities for the week. The parent-teacher communication is great! I love that my kids have a full day of school (just under 6 hours) and have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of subjects and get physically active. The school uses Ki's lunch for it's lunch program so it makes it easy to have healthy, nutritious lunches on the days I don't feel like packing one. I saw a previous review that commented on income disparity. I think this is a factor at any private school that draws from a wide variety of communities and demographics. Yes, there are upper middle class folks and there are working class folks. The school offers financial assistance so that kids from many different income brackets can attend. As far as private schools go, this is probably somewhere in the middle in terms of cost. (I did extensive research for private schools in north county) But I can also say that the teachers are very sensitive to the disparity and try to be considerate of any additional costs for parents. Overall, we are very happy that we chose this school!

My son attended Tri-City Christian School from Pre-K through 4th grade. In the early years, we had…read moresome truly wonderful experiences. Teachers like Mrs Bicum, Mrs Cinors Mrs.Lever, Mrs. Theis, and Mrs. Mackey were caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in helping him succeed. I will always be grateful for the kindness and effort they showed our family. Unfortunately, our experience changed dramatically in 4th grade. My son struggled with reading and had educational needs that required additional support. Instead of receiving the help and encouragement he needed, it felt like the school gave up on him. He went from being a student who earned B and C grades to receiving failing grades, and we saw very little effort to help him maintain the academic progress he had made over the years. During this time, our family was also wrongly accused by a teacher, which resulted in a report being made to CPS. We found this experience deeply upsetting. We were also concerned to learn that the same teacher allegedly shared private information about our family with other parents without our knowledge, which further damaged our trust in the school community. As parents, we were repeatedly made to feel that our son no longer belonged at the school because of his learning challenges and his need for an IEP. Rather than partnering with us to help him succeed, we felt pressured to find another school. The message we received was that Tri-City Christian was not willing or able to support a child who learned differently. If your child is a strong student who does not require academic accommodations and excels in sports, your experience may be very positive. However, if your child struggles with reading, is behind academically, has an IEP, or may need one in the future, I would strongly encourage you to carefully consider whether this school can provide the support your child deserves. What hurt the most was that this happened at a Christian school. By the end of our time there, I felt embarrassed and unwelcome on campus. Every child deserves patience, encouragement, and support--especially when they are struggling. Sadly, that was not our experience during our final years at Tri-City Christian.

Bella Mente Academy may be a good fit for parents who prefer to take a quiet, hands-off…read moreapproach--those who don't ask questions and accept school decisions without much involvement. In those cases, families are treated warmly and respectfully on the surface. However, when a parent begins to raise concerns--even thoughtfully and professionally--the tone can shift quickly. The administration may start to view you not as a partner, but as a problem. Instead of open dialogue, the response often comes in the form of subtle retaliation, increased formality, or distancing behavior. Eventually, the pressure and lack of transparency can make a parent feel isolated and unsure, while the child--unfairly--is framed as the issue. From my experience, what seems to challenge the administration most are parents who: * Are observant * Ask questions * Understand how systems and accountability work * Expect clear communication, not vague policies These qualities appear to disrupt the comfort of those in leadership, and the reaction is often controlled but intentional. There is also a notable level of teachers turnover, which contributes to a sense of ongoing instability. If you're a parent who intends to advocate for your child, ask questions, or expect partnership, I encourage you to carefully consider not only the academic environment--but also the emotional and psychological safety the school provides. The experience can be deeply discouraging for engaged families when collaboration is replaced with control disguised as professionalism.

Fun environment my kids love coming to school every day they learn new things they learn Hands and…read morethe teachers are wonderful the staff treats everyone like family

Sanderling Waldorf School has done a major campus renovation so the school is looking beautiful…read more The Waldorf curriculum and approach are the only school I've found that is truly developmentally appropriate. The teachers are loving, they care deeply about the children, and understand how to meet the children with gentle, loving authority. The curriculum includes art, music, lots of games and movement, woodwork, knitting, 2 foreign languages, and of course all the traditional academic subjects. They learn their times tables by jumping rope, they learn languages through singing and stories, and botany on nature walks. They have been screen and tech free for over 100 years and Waldorf graduates go on to do well in High School, University and beyond. I should know, my daughter had a Waldorf education from Kindergarten through High School and is a successful working adult with a great circle of family and friends. Your child will love going to school and will grown into a resilient, confident, capable, kind and accomplished adult. Sanderling serves children from 15 months through to Grade 8, so call them to take a tour. You won't regret it!

Sanderling is a wonderful option in north county for a screen free approach to education. This…read moreschool has provided an anchor for our family and a community that provides a huge sense of support. Highly recommend!!

We love this school for my 5th grader! My daughter had Mrs. Sue Williams for 4th grade and Mrs…read more Holguin for 5th grade and who in the world doesn't love Miss Maddy at the front desk?!? The principal Mr. Carasko is hands on and is one of the few principals that parents have encountered that uses precise and understanding communication tools. I could go on and on about this school because every family finds this school to be more like family. I love and appreciate all the staff and all the hands on learning they give for the kids. Thank you so much to the amazing teachers and the "proud principal of the North Terrace Tigers". Please give a big hug to Mrs sue Williams as she will forever be dear to my heart. She is so selfless and an amazing human being to those kiddos!

I absolutely love this school! 2 of my kids have went here from Kinder on. The teachers are…read moreamazing and actually care about the kids in the school! I would definitely recommend this school to everyone! They all get to know the kids and families on personal levels which is great cause then it's easier to catch if there is anything wrong with your child. They are now up to 7th grade in this school. YaY!

It has been remiss of me not to leave a review of this wonderful school after all the great years…read moreour family has spent here. My oldest son was just 18 months old when he first started in the baby room (he's 10 now). Until then, I had never trusted anyone other than family to care for him, so leaving him with new caregivers was incredibly difficult. Ms. Shirin helped make that transition so much easier. She carried him around lovingly, helped him adjust, and showed him so much kindness and patience. In truth, she treated all of the children with that same level of care. One of the things that initially made me choose KidsTown over other programs was the camera system throughout the school. Being able to see firsthand the excellent care the children were receiving gave me tremendous peace of mind. I also loved being able to check in and see my little guy enjoying his day and participating in activities. Before long, he was cleaning up toys at home while singing the "clean up" song he had learned at school! It quickly became clear that this was so much more than daycare--these children are truly learning and growing every day. As he moved into the Pre-K classroom, he began developing strong academic skills and a genuine love of learning. Every teacher he had helped nurture his strengths and encouraged his curiosity. He later moved into the kindergarten and elementary programs, where he continued to flourish with the benefit of close instruction and individualized attention. He has now successfully transitioned to public school, and I truly credit much of his academic success to the strong foundation he built at KTMS. Our second child now attends KTMS. He is autistic and has some additional needs, and the support he has received has been extraordinary. Ms. Karina and Ms. Suzie have been wonderful with him in the toddler classroom. Ms. Karina goes above and beyond every single day to support both him and our family. Before that, Ms. Mala was incredibly loving, patient, and attentive with him in the baby room. Since starting here, we have seen tremendous growth and progress. We could not ask for a more caring, attentive staff or a more positive environment. Supporting a child with extra needs truly takes a team, and at KTMS, we have found our village. While KTMS may not be the least expensive childcare option available, it has absolutely been one of the best investments we have made in our children's future. Mrs. Mahsa, along with her mother, are exceptional administrators. The school is consistently well-run, organized, and responsive. Whenever I had a question or concern, Mahsa was always accessible and proactive in finding solutions. Her years of experience with both children and running a successful school are evident in everything she does. We feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the KTMS family for so many years, and I would wholeheartedly encourage any parent to consider it for their child.

My son & I moved to Vista during the pandemic. He was 3 at the time, still in diapers. Due to my…read morework I was able to get him into Kid's Town a few months later. Ms. Karina was his first teacher and thank God for them - they helped me with potty training and getting him socialized and around other children. He moved from pre-primary to primary and the way they teach math and explore cultures, sciences, and multiple languages (basic exposure to colors/numbers) was great!! He thrived at Kid's Town for 3 years and we still stop by to visit now that he's at another school, but I have given many referrals to KTMS and have great experiences with the teachers and staff. Plus, a ton of lovely memories!!

We've been at Big Future for the last 4 years with 2 boys, and are sad to close this chapter with…read moreour little now in kindergarten. Ms. Jessica, Ms. Xyra, and Ms. Mahua have been with us from the beginning and have watched our boys grow over the last few years. The early days were difficult with drop offs as you can imagine with toddlers, but they welcomed them with open arms and ensured for a smooth day ahead. All the teachers have nurtured, loved, and have well-prepared them for their next adventure. Our kids enjoyed going to school and adored their teachers and being with their friends, and even want me to share photos and stories with them on weekends. It's a true testament to how comfortable they feel with the staff at BFP!

We are very pleased with our child's experience at Big Future Preschool. The staff, including Ms…read more Jessica, always goes above and beyond to create a safe and welcoming environment. Starting preschool can be very overwhelming and stressful for children and parents alike. However, the level of communication and support provided by the staff has truly made a positive impact on our child and our family. We have always felt reassurance knowing our child is being cared for by teachers and staff that have a passion for ensuring a happy and productive preschool experience. Thank you BFP for all you do!!

We've been part of the Montessori of Oceanside family for the past six years, and it's truly been…read morean incredible experience for both of our children. Our son started at just 11 months old during the uncertainty of the pandemic, and our daughter joined even earlier at 3 months. From the very beginning, the school provided a sense of safety, warmth, and consistency that meant everything to our family. Over the years, the teachers and principals have become so much more than educators--they feel like extended family. They've supported our children through every stage of development, celebrating their growth and guiding them with patience, kindness, and genuine care. One of the things we loved when first choosing the school--and still appreciate today--is how engaging and thoughtful their programs are. From creative classroom activities to festive holiday celebrations (the parades are the cutest!), there's always something meaningful happening. The field trips are also a highlight, thoughtfully tied to what the children are learning, which makes education feel exciting and real. The staff consistently go above and beyond. They are nurturing, attentive, and deeply invested in each child's well-being and development. You can truly feel how much they care--not just about education, but about building confidence, independence, and a love for learning. We are so grateful for the role Montessori of Oceanside has played in our children's early years.

Both of my children have attended Montessori School of Oceanside since they were just 3 years old,…read moreand I can confidently say that this school has been one of the best decisions we've ever made for their education. My oldest recently graduated from the elementary program, and my youngest is currently attending elementary here -- and the growth, confidence, and academic foundation they've built over the years is nothing short of amazing. The Montessori approach has truly helped my kids develop into independent, curious, and respectful learners. We constantly hear from friends and family how advanced and well-rounded our kids are compared to their peers at other schools -- and we owe so much of that to MSO. What really makes this school stand out is the staff. Every teacher and staff that we've interacted with over the years has genuinely cared about our children's growth and well-being. It's clear they take pride in their work and absolutely love what they do -- and that positive energy is reflected in the school environment. Montessori School of Oceanside is more than just a school -- it's a community that supports and nurtures children to thrive. We are so grateful for the years we've spent here and highly recommend it to any family looking for a strong, supportive, and enriching educational experience.

Weird vibe from teachers, principal, and office workers at this school. Seems like everyone is…read moremiserable on a daily basis. Always begging for donations, and never enough for them.

Such a great school!!! Feel privileged that my kids are able to go to a good school. Good teachers…read moreand overall, a great staff. Just one recommendation: The main lady that works the front desk in office: needs to be by far more friendly, patient, have a positive attitude, and be more approachable. 95% of the time, she is rude to many parents and not willing to answer questions in a nice professional way. There's been times that I've asked for clarification on something and she sounds frustrated that I even asked. If you don't like your job at this great district... DON'T WORK THERE! I understand that the job can be frustrating but hey, life is not a smooth ride for everyone at times. Why doesn't the principal do something about this? I know they see her attitude. Bad example for the kids she works with.