A jewel of a parish. Lots of great family activities and solid scripture studies. Beautiful Church…read moreand great school too.

As a father of two boys currently attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, I couldn't be more…read moregrateful for the experiences our family has had here. This school is a true gem--not just for the beautiful Montecito setting, but for the heart and values it instills in its students every day. One of the most unique aspects of Mount Carmel is the way students of all ages interact and care for each other. It's common to see middle schoolers reading with kindergartners or helping them carry their backpacks after school. That kind of cross-grade mentorship and unity doesn't happen by accident--it's the result of a loving, intentional community where everyone is seen, known, and valued. The small class sizes have allowed both of my boys to receive individualized attention, and the focus on Catholic education has provided them with a solid foundation--not just academically, but morally and spiritually. The teachers and staff are deeply committed to their students. As an active volunteer, I've witnessed firsthand the passion, energy, and care they bring into the classroom each day. They know their students well, and their impact is lasting. Yes, like many private schools, Mount Carmel is thoughtful and creative in how it uses resources, but we see this not as a flaw--but as a strength. There's something very special about a school that brings together families from different communities who all want the same thing: a nurturing, faith-filled education for their children. This is not just a school--it's a community we're proud to be a part of. From school Masses to buddy programs, from the committed leadership to the incredible parent involvement, Mount Carmel truly lives up to its mission. If you're looking for a school where your child will be known, loved, and challenged to grow in character and intellect, Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a place worth considering.

The Montecito Family YMCA is a beautiful and welcoming space that clearly has whole-person wellness…read moreas its top priority. I was staying near Montecito for a while and needed a place to work out. I'm usually a pretty hardcore gym person, but something about the Montecito's Y website was extremely attractive so I decided to give them a try. I was going to schedule a tour on the site but did not since I couldn't be certain of the time I'd be able to get there. The website was very inviting and said something like "...or just stop on by..." which I did, I was greeted so warmly, and so enthusiastically by the staff (John, along with 2 lovely ladies whose names I did not get) that it felt both unreal yet fully genuine at the same time. The facility, while housing modern equipment, feels like a throwback to a simpler time, with multiple workout areas, some partially outdoors (awesome!) and a great pool that's heated year-round. Every member I encountered offered a warm smile and a hello, and extra touches like a wide array of flowers for sale are wonderful. I was set to be in the area through the New Year for a job that unfortunately ended prematurely. Still, I'm so grateful to the team at the Montecito Family Y for inviting me in so beautifully when I visited, providing all the equipment I needed for a full workout, and for existing as a beacon of community at a time when our world needs it the most.

I am so grateful for Daniel's chair yoga class. He sets a tone of peace and tranquility while…read moreleading us through much-needed gentle stretches. I sure wish it was offered twice a week! Thanks to the Montecito YMCA for providing an oasis for body, mind, and spirit.

I have two children enrolled in school here and they have been so good to us as newbies to the…read moreneighborhood. They're great community builders as well hosting family get together so the parents can get to know each other as well as the children. The teachers are warm and welcoming and my children love it there. Montessori is such a wonderful way to help children learn and flourish. My boys are so much better behaved after learning the Montessori way and this school really helps with that.

A real gem in our community. From the moment you walk through the blue gate you are enveloped in a…read morewarm and nurturing environment where children can blossom into their true and confident selves. The teachers are caring, competent, and guide your child through their learning journey with a perfect balance of love, respect, and support. Our daughter attended this precious school for 3 years and has now started K. All the tools she was provided with at Sunrise have helped her ease into this transition. Sunrise is not just a preschool but truly a home. Thank you Felicia, Jennifer, Jean Marie, Margarita, Kimberley, Rosie, Nina and big Jason for all your love and wisdom.

Danielle Monroy is the owner and director of Creative Care for Children, and she does an amazing…read morejob! Both of my children attended Danielle's, and both my kids loved it. Danielle has a wonderful focus on art and outside play - in the summer it is not unusual to see a handful of kids laughing and playing in the sprinklers in her gorgeous back yard. Her facility is amazing - a HUGE backyard with a Victorian wooden playhouse, lovely grass area, children friendly vegetable patch and flower garden, multiple climbing structures, and a paved bike path. Though technically she's a childcare and not a preschool, she still takes the time to teach the older children their basics. My son attended Danielle's until kindergarten, and I felt that he was well prepared for his first day of real school. Do yourself a favor and go check her out - you'll and your child will be happy you did!

We searched and searched to find the perfect preschool for our 2-year-old. We toured all the…read morehighest rated schools in SB and weren't excited about any of them. And then we found Danielle. We couldn't be happier! She's caring, attentive and it's abundantly clear that she adores the kids. It's not a standard school - it's out of her home, in a residential area. But, she has a fully equipped, expansive backyard where the kids run free and explore. Danielle has a master's degree in early childhood education and believes in the importance of outdoor learning. There are numerous daily art projects and most are nature based. Inside, there are wooden Montessori and Waldorf toys as well. I've also noticed that she spends a lot of one-on-one time - teaching and reading to the kids. We are so glad to have found this affordable, small little school where our daughter has thrived.

Great place to send your children everyone is so kind they even have a big area in the cafeteria…read moreFor great events

My daughter has attended this phenomenal preschool since she was two years old. She is now four…read more I am so over-joyed with the loving, attentive staff and curriculum. I feel that she is safe, taken care of, loved and educated. Her classmates are her friends that she looks forward to seeing every school day! There are fun family activities, field trips, interactive games for the children to explore...and the art at this school is beyond words. The formative years in life is the most important, so I believe one must trust in the best school to our most prized possessions, our children!

Child's Play is truly a hidden gem. We're on our 2nd child growing up in this wonderful little…read morespace. There is a big focus on outside play and creative arts/crafts and cooking (pre-Covid) that our eldest son really enjoyed and thrived within to include weekly art and dance classes for the kids. The teachers really encourage independence and creativity within the confines of a group setting of children that really learn the important early lessons of respect and appreciation for one another. Our oldest son was wonderfully prepared and ahead of kids at the Kindergarten level entering pre-K and knew how to read/write his name, count and do simple math in this program that carved out a "K-class" for the older elementary school transitioning kids. Donna, Daniel, Laurel and Lindsey are wonderful teachers and I would HIGHLY recommend this program for any parent looking for well rounded loving learning environment for their little.

Our kid is 5 yrs. He has been at another preschool for nearly 2 yrs. In that time, we never…read morereceived any negative reports involving his behavior. We have never witnessed rage in our son. He also spent 3 days at Child's Play. In one of those days, our son wanted to go outside. He repeatedly asked but he was not permitted to step outside. His frustration grew and grew. According to Donna, he attacked a teacher at the school. I can only imagine the extreme frustration at that point. I feel that if someone or anyone had taken the time to explain or just sit with him that this would have never happened. Perhaps they were too busy?? Maybe they did not notice?? She also said he was on the spectrum?? It turns out that he was just low in English (he is bilingual) and is in fact, suffers from a bit of Einstein's Syndrome!! After a fun filled three days, we quickly got him out of there!

Love this place. Been here for 6 years, all 3 kids go here. All teachers we have had have been…read moreamazing, tremendous energy, engaging and caring. Small class sizes. We are so lucky to attend.

This school is as good as it gets. They have the resources…read moreto give our children the best of the best. Small class sizes, violin lessons, science lab, organic gardens, parent education classes, student trips to DC, teacher in services at Harvard....I could go on and on. This is a public school but is better than most private schools. We are fortunate our children go here.