This store is FABULOUS for middle grades with a lot of resource books, posters, supplemental materials, etc. As a former 6th grade and now current 4th grade teacher, I LOVE Critical Thinkers for my grade levels (Lakeshore has mostly primary materials). CT is by far the only teacher supply store with a good stock of materials for my students. They are also the only store I've found in North County San Diego that has grade appropriate materials for my grade levels.
HOWEVER, they're hours are terrible as they are closed on weekends...the only days I can shop! During the week I am in my classroom until 4:30ish and with my own children/family to tend to, I can't make it before closing. I also live about 30 minutes away. Not very convenient for the typical teacher. Also, they're website rarely works and they're phone system tends to be down (I think it's a cell phone?? So it does a ringback tone and sometimes disconnects)
I grew up going to Creative Teaching Supplies as a child looking for educational materials and was saddened when they moved to a smaller location (town center owner is terrible...screwed over many small companies in this shopping center). I was hopeful when I became a teacher 9 years ago that I'd be able to use Creative Teaching Supplies/Critical Thinkers for all of my educational needs, but the smaller location, terrible hours, and difficulty accessing the website has been very discouraging.
I'm not giving up on them yet as they truly are a great teacher supplier (for ALL grade levels...unlike Lakeshore) and there really are no other stores like them in North County. However, I'm nervous they'll close their doors because of their out-of-the-way location, terrible hours, and unpredictable website/phone. I've had to rely on online ordering a lot lately because I can't get to Critical Thinkers and there are no other suppliers out there for my grade level.
I hope things change soon! I love the owner and the staff! I'm hopeful things will pick up as the economy improves... read more