My child has been attending Learning Jungle La Mesa for about a year and a half, and I'm very happy with the school. Here's why: 1) Tuition is comparable to or beats some home daycares, and beats a lot of (non-home) school-like daycares. Also includes snacks and lunch. You may think you're getting a better deal at home daycares that provide diapers but I personally like being in control of what brands of diapers and wipes are being used on my baby's bottom! And for that matter, (compared to what I've witnessed at home daycare visits and have heard from others' experiences), there is a lot more oversight when your child is at a school-like daycare. I feel like there's less accountability at home daycares in general and it just gives me a greater peace knowing that the place my child spends 9 hours a day is more official and follows guidelines more strictly. 2) The teachers really care a lot for the children. I have great relationships with them, they're very communicative, experienced, and you can really tell that they love the kids! It's more than just a job for them. They use really nice language with the kids, for example, "No thank you," "Come this way, friends," or "Nice hand, please!" (You will not hear them "yelling" at children the way sometimes frustrated grown-ups or parents do). 3) You hear a lot of buzz these days about Montessori schools.. but honestly LJ teaches kiddos the same kind of independence and life skills (for example, the kids are expected to throw away their trash, return their water bottles to the fridge, and return their nap time bedding to their cubbies). What I think LJ does that's actually a greater service than the Montessori schools is that it provides structured activities and instruction that are similar to the format of traditional public schools. (I mean yeah, in theory, it's great that your kid can explore and learn with activities that vibe with his/her preference or unique learning style, but in real life, your student will be expected to participate in class activities during group time, and will be expected to work independently during individual work time, when he or she is in elementary school and beyond.) So, in that regard, I think LJ does better to prepare young children to meet the demands of kindergarten and school (and life, for that matter) than the Montessori schools. (I mean, there aren't learning centers for all grade levels and in all walks of life, right?) And lastly, 4) there are monthly activities and/or seasonal events that involve parents and guardians that are festive and fun, which make (along with everything else) LJ La Mesa altogether a fun, safe, educational and happy place! read more

I rarely leave reviews, but I feel it's important to share our family's experience with Learning Jungle La Mesa so other parents can make an informed decision. Our daughter attended this center for approximately four months, and during that time the center went through two different directors. While leadership changes can happen at any childcare center, we experienced inconsistent communication and a lack of continuity throughout our time there. From the beginning, we wanted to partner with the daycare to help our daughter succeed. Whenever behavioral concerns were brought to our attention, we worked with her at home and asked staff how we could support them. Unfortunately, despite repeated concerns about her behavior, no one ever scheduled a meeting with us to create a behavior plan, discuss strategies, or ask what techniques were working at home. Instead, it often felt like incidents were documented without a collaborative effort to address the underlying issues. One of our biggest concerns was communication. We specifically requested that staff notify us if our daughter was having a difficult day or refusing to nap. Despite those requests, there were multiple occasions when she was in the office during nap time and we were not notified. On one occasion, my husband went to the daycare and found her in the office with markers in her mouth, which raised concerns for us about supervision. On another occasion, he found her cot placed by itself in a corner of the room, separate from the other children during nap time. We do not know whether this was a one-time occurrence or a regular practice, but seeing her separated from her classmates was upsetting and raised concerns about how she was being managed. Regardless of the reason, we worried that repeatedly separating a young child in this way could leave them feeling excluded rather than supported. As parents, it was difficult to understand why she was repeatedly removed from the classroom or separated during nap time without timely communication or a discussion about what was happening. We also repeatedly requested copies of incident reports involving our daughter but did not receive the documentation we requested. Without those reports, it was difficult to fully understand the incidents and reinforce expectations consistently at home. Another concern was hygiene. Our daughter was potty training, and there were multiple days when she had several accidents. On several occasions, I picked her up still soiled and needing to be changed. We understand accidents happen with toddlers, but we expected that she would be cleaned promptly and cared for appropriately. Communication with our family was inconsistent. Staff would tell us that "it's better when parents are involved," but when I attempted to become more involved, I was told, "We've got it." At the same time, concerns were often shared with me informally at pickup but were not consistently communicated to my husband when he picked her up. We wanted to be active partners in supporting our daughter, but we never felt included in developing a plan to help her succeed. Another thing that stood out to us was the classroom environment. Throughout our daughter's enrollment, we consistently saw artwork from many of the other children displayed in the classroom. We never observed any of our daughter's artwork displayed. While there may be an explanation for this, it added to our concerns about whether she felt fully included in classroom activities. The biggest reason I'm writing this review is because of what happened after we transferred our daughter to another licensed daycare. The difference has been remarkable. She has not been reported for hitting or kicking other children. She plays well with her classmates, comes home clean every day, and her teachers communicate with us in a positive, balanced, and collaborative way. They celebrate her accomplishments while working with us on any concerns, and we've experienced the kind of partnership we were hoping for all along. Every child deserves patience, respect, and a team of adults who work together with parents in their best interest. Unfortunately, that was not our experience at Learning Jungle La Mesa. My hope in sharing our experience is that the center reflects on its communication, collaboration with families, and overall quality of care so that other children and parents have a better experience. read more

I am extremely disappointed with how this center handled our situation. My son became very ill and had to be taken to the ER. Despite this, the center continued to charge us full tuition even though he was too sick to return the following week. I spoke with Alexa, the center director, and Nichelle Gissle, the executive director, and both of them were extremely dismissive and condescending. There was no empathy, no concern -- just cold responses and a refusal to consider any refund or support. What I expected wasn't just a refund -- I wanted to see that they care about the well-being of the children they are responsible for. Instead, they hid behind policy and showed no accountability. I'm not writing this review to cause problems, but to warn other parents. Please think carefully before enrolling your child here. read more

This establishment seems very non transparent. I have tried two separate times (about 4 years apart), multiple attempts to inquire each time, to get information on enrollment for two of my children. I have asked to tour and each time I'm met with "we are too busy". My review of a one star is based on the fact, I can't seem to get any information from the learning jungle - La Mesa location, and that makes me uneasy to ever enroll my children here if I was ever given the opportunity. At first I was told that they could do an in person tour (in January 2024), but I could do a virtual tour, and so I opted for a virtual tour and they went as far to attempt to schedule me, and then they told me they will be too busy to do a virtual tour until March 2024. Just seems odd and like you all are missing out on potential future families enrolling. Kinder-care San Carlos and Child time La Mesa on the other hand are extremely transparent and easy to tour and ask questions of. read more

Called the school, provided all the information and was told that I would receive a call within 2 days regardless or not my child can be placed on the waiting list for next June. One week later, no calls. Called the school back, Amanda apparently had no recollections of the phone conversation nor have any interest in checking her roster but simply stated "I don't think that there is a possibility for your child" ..I guess the school is doing really well, but no reasons to unprofessional, cold, and rude. Hopefully, she is just a receptionist and not one of the teachers. P.S Amanda, please get some training on your personal skill, much needed to create warmth, welcoming, and professionalism for your scope of work. read more

I have had the worst experience with this daycare. They refused to let me take my child home early when I have full custody of him and when their staff called me names, but when I cussed at them back it was an issue. I threatened to call the cops and they told me I would look bad because I'm crying about them not giving me my child. read more

So far so good! It has hard finding a preschool during the pandemic that was open. Thankfully my son was able to start Learning Jungle immediately. He's been there a week and absolutely loves it. Amanda the director has been attentive and very responsive with our questions. His teacher Mrs. Jen has been absolutely awesome and he talks about her every day! We are very happy with this choice to have him in learning jungle. read more

We were very nervous about leaving our 4 month old at daycare but the Learning Jungle quickly set our minds at rest, they are structured with weekly and daily schedules and the teachers in the infant room are kind and sweet greet our baby girl with cuddles and smiles when she arrives. We get a daily update on how she has done during the day and if she is showing signs of sickness or a fever they are quick to call and let us know. The biggest testament to how our daughter loves it is that she is full of smiles and kicks her legs with excitement when we drop her off every morning and when we pick her up she is happy and sleeps well after a busy day of learning and playing. A safe, structured and happy place for babies, with flexible plans for full time, half days and part time attendance which is great because every families schedule and needs are different. Thank you LJ! read more

My son just started attending College Center Montessori School. I was really concerned regarding my son and taking him to a private school but I am glad that we have. He is learning so much and he is really excited to go to school at College Center. I love to see how happy my son it and how he actual loves to go to school and sometimes does not want to come home. I also like that they have the option to pick up your kids a little later if need. I had an emergency last week and would not have been able to pick him up at three but I called and picked him up at 5. read more

This was the first preschool my daughter attended at 16 months. The Learning Jungle had just taken over from a well known Montessori school only a few weeks prior. The director has a background in Montessori philosophy and is compassionate and creative. The classrooms have a ratio of 1 staff to 3 children. This provides a hands on approach to learning from a group of friendly and caring jungle employees. I feel confident that my daughter is getting the care that she needs while I am at work! read more

My step son used to have problems attending and participating in class room settings. After a problem that happened in public school we decided to move him to College Center Montessori School and I must say that Kevin loves it at College Center. read more

My son experienced being in a large classroom setting before attending CCMS. I did not believe that he was where he should be academically and cognitively. Even though I would teach him at home, during school hours I needed that extra assistance with his education. After entering him in CCMS my son is not only where he should be (especially academically), but he has surpassed the goals that I have set for him. He is learning the same information in KDG as he would if he was attending a public school for first grade. I love my son in a smaller classroom setting. He gets the attention he needs and deserves. I am also able to have a great relationship with all the staff. They all play a part in my son's education and hold him accountable for his actions and work. I love CCMS. It will be a sad day when it is time to move on (military life). They also accept subsidy which helps my family with tuition. read more

Our 3 yr old daughter first started at Leaning Jungle in November 2015. We were very nervous sending her, as this is her first preschool/daycare experience. She couldn't have been happier after her first day! She was very disappointed that she couldn't go back the next day, as we have started her on a 3 day a week basis. Mrs. Ravin, the school director, is a very genuine and joyful young women with a great background in child education. The preschool teacher, Mrs. Chandima, is very sweet and caring. She makes sure that each child is learning, listening, and having fun! My daughter comes home from school telling me she loves her teacher! Which is very important to us. She has even started soccer lesson at Learning Jungle! This preschool is definitely helping her excel and we can see it in the work she brings home. We are very pleased with our daughters experience so far at Learning Jungle, and highly recommend this school for preschool/daycare! read more

Our granddaughter (age 2 1/2) has been attending College Center Montessori School for about six months now (two days per week, 9:00 to 3:00) and we can't say enough good about it. The staff is so attentive (thank you, Miss Marcella) and caring and our granddaughter has learned at least one new thing every time she meets us again. She loves being with the other children and seems to be thriving in the calm environment offered at this school. It is not just daycare. It's an instructive atmosphere. The director is very hands-on and helpful. It is a superb choice. read more

The Best advise I can give any parent considering this establishment for their child is this. Take two hours of your day and visit the Regional Childcare Licensing office in Mission Valley. (Call to make an appointment) have the records for both the infant care center and school program pulled. Once you have read what is on file you may reconsider placing your child in this establishment. Had I know I could review this establishments past history and complaints I would never have placed my child in this facility. Unfortunately I personally experienced and witnessed the mistreatment of my child at the time 1 1/2 yrs old. To my disappointment; when I reported the incident and it was investigated it was ruled inconclusive. Regardless of my witnessing what had taken place. read more