I have been very disappointed with my experience at this school. From my perspective, the school…read moreseems to put a strong emphasis on fundraising and getting families to donate money. During fundraising campaigns, families are repeatedly encouraged and pressured to contribute, and it can feel like there is a constant expectation to give more. What is especially concerning is the way students are rewarded for fundraising. Students who raise more money or whose families contribute are given incentives such as ice cream, burgers, glow parties, and other rewards. While I understand wanting to encourage fundraising, I don't believe children should feel that they are being rewarded or left out based on how much money their families can contribute. Another thing that I find particularly troubling is how the fundraising is displayed in the classroom. Teachers have a race-style game on the board with all of the students' names, and students move forward as they raise certain amounts of money to earn different rewards. This means that if a family does not donate or is unable to raise as much money, the child can visibly remain behind their classmates on the board, seeing that difference every day. As a parent, I find this very uncomfortable. Whether intentional or not, I believe this can make children feel embarrassed, singled out, or like they are falling behind simply because their families are not contributing as much money. Elementary-age children should not have to carry the emotional burden of their family's ability or inability to donate. Fundraising should be about supporting the school, not creating a visible ranking system among children based on how much money they raise. There are many ways a school can recognize fundraising efforts without making children feel like they are being rewarded or punished based on their family's financial contributions. I hope the school will reconsider this approach and find ways to support its financial needs without putting so much pressure on families or making children feel left out. A school should be a place where children feel included, valued, and supported regardless of how much money their families are able to contribute.

We love Desert Christian Academy. We've loved this school ever since we joined. Our son started in…read morefirst grade and is now heading into middle school. What sets DCA apart is the strong sense of home and family--it's more than just a school. The staff is incredibly supportive and full of love, always there when we need them. We're so grateful to have found not only a great school but a true community. Desert Christian Academy gives you a sense of peace, and honestly, there's nothing negative we can say about it.

Pros: Great school, great teachers, great staff, great head start in education. 2nd Grade Mrs…read more Zech, the best! Loved Mr. Davis as principle though Mr. Preston is good too. Even Danny the parking lot crossing guard is pretty darn cool and helpful. Cons: Parking, parking, parking!!! Not enough, way too many parents not utilizing the bus or walking and too many "hang around" much to long and park where ever they feel like it.

Great school!!! As a former student, I would say that this place is like a second home to me. I…read moregotta say, Ms. Carlyle was my favorite teacher. She used to be the computer lab teacher, but then, she left when I was in fourth grade. The problem is the parking, but I know someday, this would be taken care of. Mr. Davis was the best principal anyone could ask for. And Mr. Preston too because he's really funny. Overall, I love this school. I miss all my friends, my teachers, and the good times we made. Gerald Ford will always be in my heart. Class of 2011 - 2016

This program is incredible!!! Seno Yipsy is such. wonderful educator and my 5 year old loves class…read more Ms. Yipsy is an effective and kind teacher. She builds on top of each lesson and makes it fun. Very satisfied and I know it is working because my 3 year old who sits and listens in on the class with my son is now counting to ten in Spanish. Thank you Luis for a wonderful program, very very happy.My son delightfully sings the songs around the house and we watch the great musical videos often.

Amazing program, amazing teachers! So honored to be a part of this Program! Miss Yipsy truly cares…read moreand helps the students so much.

Great facility! Well ran and so loving. Never had a bad experience for the past two years.read more

This is hands down the best day care!! my 1 year old is in…read morethe toddler room and the amount of communication they provide to the parents is amazing It's the small details that count for instance they email me photos of my son playing through out the day and the amount of comfort that brings me is what makes it easy for me to drop him off and know he's in great hands

Our son just finished his first year at the Learning Tree and it was a great year for our family…read more The biggest thing for us was the flexible before and after school drop off. As working parents that took a huge weight off, and they were always easy to work with on timing instead of making us feel like we were asking too much. The other thing I really noticed is how well they handle boys. My son has a lot of energy, and they knew how to keep him engaged and actually learning, not just telling him to sit still. The teachers clearly get how kids that age really are. It is a small school with warm staff that treats families like they know you. I would recommend it to any parent in Palm Desert or in the Cochella valley area.

This is our second year at the Learning Tree and our daughter is absolutely thriving! The staff and…read morecommunity are like a family. Well, many are actually related but they treat the ones that are not like family too! The education is fantastic! There are so many extra things that they do to make school and learning fun! I've read the posts and I'm not sure people who are speaking negatively are talking about the same school! This school is warm and welcoming to all! The after school programs are such a huge bonus too. I can compare what our daughter is learning to the other private schools here and she is on par or slightly above depending on the school. They keep the class sizes small so the kids can get some personal attention and both of her teachers offered individual tutoring for those who need it. I highly recommend The Learning Tree!

Teaching is good, Teachers are nice. But the facilities are terrible shabby and poor. No toys for…read morekids. It seems the owner has not invested any money since the school is established. Kids have nothing to play outside. Also, they keep kids outside for lunch all the time no matter the temperature is above 110 degree during summer or fierce windy days , just avoid the carpet get dirty ( California has a law, not allow schools put kids outside when temperature is above 90 degree). The carpet is more important than kids for school. The high cost tuition does not match the school facilities at all! I decided to change school after my daughter stayed there for two weeks.

Before you consider ANY Montessori school, please do your research! Read "montessori Madness". It…read moreis not a "traditional" school. Any school can teach your child to read, write and spell by age five but Montessori school also taps into your child's cognitive learning ability. This school is of the best schools in the desert. I had two children going there. They started at age 4 and by 5 years old they were doing phonics and encouraging them to read. Their math progress came naturally which is amazing because that is what Montessori schools tap into. Teacher-child ratio is small. Discipline, etiquette, manners are also important. They have dance, gymnastics, Spanish, art and theatre available. Parents and teachers are very close. Feels like a family! I highly recommend this school. We had to move and we were unable to continue with this school. My kids still attend a Montessori school in the "big city". I currently took my children to an elite private school and their entry evaluation results were above normal school level.

Excellent school. I'd recommend it to everyone! Academically they're at the top of my list of…read moreschool s that offer a high achieving and religious experience for 4 years. Best place to have your young person form lifetime skills.

They're terrible neighbors. I live across the street and the level of music noise from the games…read morerecently has gotten to the point where we're getting law enforcement involved. The amplified noise can be heard inside our homes, with doors and windows closed, and the bass is making things in my house vibrate. I know we live across the street from a school. I expect there to be a certain amount of noise. But being unable to enjoy some peace inside my house is ridiculous. I've tried calling and have left messages, but they haven't helped. Next step is the police. Edit: 11.5 hours. 8am to 7:30 pm of thump thump bass. I know for a fact the police were called multiple times. Everytime they came out the music would go down for a little while...and then they cranked it right back up again. I wish Yelp would allow a zero or even a negative star rating.

WoW!!! This school is absolutely amazing! I really had reservations about putting my children here,…read moreso much so that last year we did an interdistrict transfer to one of the "top notch" schools in the district... big mistake. I really feel my son lost out by not going here sooner. The principal is great, truly loves his students and his staff. Encourages the children like nothing I've ever seen before. I have two boys one in 4th and one in kindergarten, I could not say enough about these teachers. they are amazing. my kindergartener is reading at a 2nd grade level and is whizzing through double digit math all ready. My 4th grader is at a 6th reading level and is also doing great in math. There are so many befor and after school activities/programs for the children. Every teacher and the principal gives each and every student a high five before they leave the campus, every day! Tall about being personally connected with your kids! Thank you Mrs. Borrows, Mrs. Payne and Dr. Stockhammer for ALL YOUR SUPPORT! MY KIDS LOVE YOU! Sarah

Too many fights, but great security, 7/10 would recommend sending your children to this schoolread more

Great School for everyone! I love going to the school and like all the teachers and classes.read more