This school seems to only accept affluent families and the staff plays favourites with parents and children depending on who they deem as 'worthy'. The office staff is rude, unfriendly and Ahelee Cowell rarely responds to emails. There is also immense pressure put on the children to memorize pointless facts and long bible verses. We were very disappointed with our overall experience and the lukewarm christian environment, we would not recommend this school based on our three children's experience. read more

Loved MCS. Could not have found a more caring environment for my daughter. The faculty were the best.

From the moment we visited MCS I knew this school is exactly where our family was meant to be. I had visited several schools and didn't get that "this is it" feeling until we came here. Our family has been blessed to be a part of MCS for 10 years. It's a beautiful thing to know that my children can be at a school where there is a firm foundation in Christ and that our school is unwavering in our commitment to Christian education and academic excellence. The administration, staff and teachers have had such a strong impact in molding my childrens' academic and spiritual formation. I know the years spent here will forever be cherished and valued in their hearts and mine. read more

There is truly no place like Mariners Christian School. From the moment you walk on campus, you feel the love, joy, and Christ-centered purpose that fills every corner of this community. The teachers are the absolute best of the best--deeply committed, incredibly gifted, and genuinely invested in each child's growth, both academically and spiritually. They don't just teach; they inspire, guide, and care in a way that leaves a lasting impact. MCS is more than a school--it's a family. A place where faith and excellence go hand in hand, where character is nurtured, and where kids are truly known and loved. I couldn't imagine our journey anywhere else! read more

This school has partnered with my husband and I to support each of our children throughout their journey at MCS. The teachers and staff know our kids and have spoken God's truth over them. Now having one in high school I can confidently say that he is prepared and successful in the highest level of academics, while having a firm understanding of his identity in Christ. I have a deep love and appreciation for this school! read more

Love the facility. Impressed!! very nice. Looks very safe guards always standing outside. Especially both of my daughter son love to go to school. They love their teachers and friends. Having met some of the faculties I just believe my kids are in very good hands read more

Mariners is amazing! My daughter started there this year in Kindergarten and she absolutely loves going. The staff is great and the quality of the curriculum has really shown through in my daughter's development. She is leaps and bounds ahead of her same age group that doesn't go to Mariners. Family and parents are always encouraged and supported there. I highly recommend Mariners Christian School for your family too. read more

it's an amazing school! My daughter goes there and the teachers are so kind and better than most public schools

Who are these people that are running this school??? What a waste of my time. After two months of running around to obtain all the stringent requirements and pastoral recommendation which I was told that without that my child's application would not be considered. We were sent a letter without any reasoning as to the declination of the application. Total discrimination against other Christians if you don't fit in their weird rules. read more

The lack of diversity in this school is one of the main reasons why we decided to leave. But in addition to that it was the continued absence of communication with the teachers. Multiple times our daughter was sick and it was never communicated with us at one point she had a high fever and was never sent home or even communicated to us that she was sick. When we picked her up she was BURNING and RED EYES! I immediately took her to the er and mind you this was AFTER the entire day at school. I asked my daughter what happened and if she asked to see the nurse she was ignored by the teachers. My daughter even said "she fell asleep in the classroom" and by the time class was over no one woke her up. Terrible!!!! Since then when my daughter was sick I wouldn't bring her in I was so traumatized by the lack of attention and care by the staff. read more

Love the school, staff, students, and other families. It is a true sense of community. I'm writing this due to a few of the negative comments on MCS. Very surprised. While I can't speak to the other reviews, our son started MCS for Kgarten, and absolutely loved it. The teachers are incredible, and show so much dedication and care for the children. There are so many children with diverse needs...and they are all supported. The MCS families are close and build a sense of community. We also deeply appreciate the service driven mindset (appreciation for veterans, focusing on ones community, Boy Scouts program, family focused school events) and Christian values MCS focuses on. Further, the faculty really support a child's academic growth. The classes sizes are much more intimate than a public school but still large enough to have plenty of socialization and new friends to make. MCS has a balanced approached. It is very true...Mariners focuses on the "whole" child as opposed to purely academics. Frankly, everyone we've meet at MCS has been great, and the kids/parents agree. Thank you. read more

Wouldn't accept my child because he was not convenient Christian, they said that regular Christians are not allowed and you need to be part of a special convenient Christian Church. Sad to see that this school is trying to segregate Christians to push there agenda on to children. Do not take your child to this school. Go to a regular Christian school where everyone is accepted not interviewed to viewed "fit" for their special type of Christian. I can not believe organizations like this exist. read more

Wonderful! I could not be more pleased with this school. This is my third experience with enrollment in Christian schools. Mariners is top notch. The faculty, staff, and parents are all great. Academics are high, and Christian teaching is the foundation. I am also pleased the school has no tolerance for bullies. One of the negative reviews is from a parent whose son punched other kids and made threats. He was asked to leave the school. Well done, Mariners. Let's keep our school safe. read more

You know it's a great school when my son constantly asks to go early or stay later. Amazing teachers, Christian values foundation, and just all around love + joy as soon as you step foot into campus. We have so much peace knowing our kids are in an environment that mirrors our home and they are loved so well. So blessed we are able to have our kids attend such an amazing overall school! read more

This School is GREAT UNTIL your out of the box, creative, questing, strong son or daughter enters middle school. They simple don't know what to do with kids outside of their box. If that is not your son or daughter, it's great! Go for it! read more

Great school. Great teachers! I love the motto; "Building a firm foundation..." I can't think of anything better for our children to have, but a safe place to build a foundation - invested in Jesus Christ. read more

Love MCS! I have kids in 8th, 5th and 4th grade. The teachers and the staff truly care about your children. No one is perfect. They do try their best to have the heart of Christ and shepherd your children. In this crazy world , I'm so grateful to have my children attend the school. read more

This is a good school if your child is the perfect angel that fits into their cookie cutter mentality and you don't mind your child being brainwashed into the overly pushy christian regime. My child is not perfect however and had a lot of problems there, which the school were unwilling/unable to help with. They said all of the right things when you went to meet them in person, but their day to day actions didn't match their words. They decided to exclude him from the school after a few months, which I am happy about as I had enough of this place. read more

Mariners Christian school has been such a blessing!!! We switched from another private school two years ago. Our girls have thrived here!! Would highly recommend this school! I do not believe there is a better balance of academics and character (moral) development anywhere. Great environment with loving teachers. Nothing better than having children look forward to going to school! Thank you MCS! read more

Our oldest son is in his fourth year at Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa and our daughter is in her 2nd year. They LOVE it. As a family looking for Christ centered education for our children we cannot say enough about Mariners Christian. Their teachers are top notch. From teaching skills to old fashioned care and concern for our kids the Teachers are some of the best out there...The academics are incredible as well. Both kids are flourishing in their classrooms. Each day I ask them how school was and they answer "Great!" When I ask them more specifics they'll tell me about an experience they had with a subject or a teacher or a friend. We are so grateful for this school and their staff. Years from now when we look back at the younger years of our kids' lives I know that many great memories will be centered on their time at MCS. read more

I am so blessed to have my kids at MCS, where the teachers and admin have poured themselves into my kids, where the environment is safe and nurturing yet challenging and character-building, and where the core mission of the school permeates all they do. Each grade level for each kid (our third will start in TK in the fall) has been a blessing. read more

My family has been at Mariners Christian School since 2006. They deliver on providing a Christ-centered education because it's not just in the curriculum with chapel, bible class, assemblies, and events. It's in the character of the people who work at the school, all the way from the head of school to the volunteers who give of their time and their heart to pour into each child's academic and spiritual growth. The teachers are outstanding because they want to be there and it shows. They're creative, warm, loving, and hold the students accountable for their actions in the classroom and on the playground. They routinely go above and beyond to challenge their students academically, and to provide opportunities for both accelerated learning and extra help when kids are struggling. We are forever grateful for Mariners Christian School. read more

MCS has been a blessing to our children. It is second to none in meeting the needs of the whole student, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. No school is perfect for every family, however, it is accurate to say that it is a caring, thriving school that provides an excellent education for its students. As MCS prepares to celebrate its 25th year, anyone considering the school will find am environment quite different than the one described in a recent review. There are many good public and private schools in the area, but MCS shines in a truly special way. read more

First and foremost, we are thankful to God that our son attends Mariners Christian School (MCS). MCS has excellent teachers and staff who love our son as much as we do. MCS is a school where praying for each other is the norm. The teachers exude love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness. They are a light for Jesus that the children learn from. They teach faithfully in God's word affirming Jesus Christ as our Savior. They trust in the Bible as truth providing direction for the students. One of the best parts of MCS is that they passionately love God and serve God in all they do. MCS is a special place that enables our family to grow in Christ. MCS is building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education enabling the students to excel in high school, college and in life. God bless you. read more

Love this place! Teachers and parents are genuinely friendly, and really care about their families. They truly do train a child in the way they should go, in Godly love and character. My only wish however is that they would provide scholarships for incoming families who are trying to start their children on the right path but might not have the full finances at the start of the school year. read more

This is a very good school, clean, good experience. My son is the first Vietnamese going to this school. He has been here for a year. All he has ever received is love, care and support from everyone at the school. He love it here so much that he cant wait to go back to school. He will continue to study here for as long as he could. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SCHOOL. Most unfortunately we had been to two different schools before we found MCS. Our children came over in 6th grade but I wish every time I have any interaction with any of the staff or parents which is all the time, I WISH my children had attended here since kindergarten. I think the biggest difference is that it is truly full of God's Grace. The academics are above par. The teachers are the finest and most compassionate teachers you'll ever find. If ever you are not understanding or need a little extra help the teachers will bend over backwards to make sure you understand the material you had struggled with before. Your children come first with these teachers. The middle school principal, Heather Harrison is probably the most spiritual person I have ever met in my life. She walks Gods walk better than anyone I've seen (besides maybe my Mother whom prays all day every day.) If you are considering MCS, you must attend their Chapel on Friday mornings. It will move you!! In my opinion, your children will be blessed beyond your expectations at MCS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SCHOOL AND EVERYONE IN IT! Michelle Manclark read more

The teachers are amazing. Everyone is very friendly. Academics are fun yet challenging.

MCS exemplifies what is truly important in raising a child academically and socially. Great academics, amazing teachers, encouraging and loving environment, incredible spiritual development, the value of family and a ton of FUN! Just what God wants for all of us! read more

Excellent experience. After our 2 kids started at MCS, we moved out of the area for business. We are now returning to OC and MCS. Having attended other schools we now truly understand and appreciate the quality of the experience that MCS offers. A deeply Christ centered curriculum and school community. A strong and welcoming spiritual foundation for families. Challenging academics, especially the middle school preparing students for high school. Progressive, forward thinking yet nurturing and accepting; creating a safe, encouraging social environment. Exceptional, wise teachers and administrators. MCS offers the highest quality mix of what matters most. read more

So grateful for MCS, the teachers, administrators and staff. We have been at MCS for 8 years and love this school and all that it stands for in honoring God. Academics are challenging. Spiritual development a big part of the life of the school. And, we love the individual care that is given to our kids. Absolutely love this place! read more