Arroyo Grande Montessori is the best! My son enjoyed his time there. I don't think of Elizabeth as…read morea 'daycare provider' or a 'teacher'. She and Andrew are more like partners in parenting. Their attention and concern for my son helped him get a great start with school. The location is great. Very convenient, in a close-knit neighborhood area.

My son has been attending Arroyo Grande Montessori School, and I honestly cannot say enough…read morewonderful things about our experience. From the moment we enrolled him, it was clear that this is such a positive, nurturing environment where children are truly encouraged to grow and thrive. When he first started, my son wasn't really developmentally ready for a structured learning environment, but Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Andrew went above and beyond to meet him exactly where he was. Their patience, care, and expertise have been incredible to witness. Thanks to their guidance, he has grown so much academically and socially. His reading skills have improved tremendously, and he is now confident and enthusiastic about learning every single day. Beyond academics, the school has fostered a warm, inclusive community where my son has built a wonderful group of friends. The environment is consistently supportive, happy, and inspiring, which makes both children and parents feel at ease. It's clear that the staff genuinely love what they do, and that passion translates into an extraordinary experience for the kids. Arroyo Grande Montessori School has exceeded all of our expectations. My son loves going to school every day, and as a parent, it is such a relief and joy to see him flourishing in such a caring, encouraging, and positive setting. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality early education for their child.

I can't say enough great things about Wellspring. My son has gone there for 2.5 years, and my…read moredaughter has been there a year. Susan, the director, is a woman full of wisdom and love for these children. She has dedicated her life to helping young children grow well, and has always had a listening ear when I need child rearing advice. The kids get to play in THE BEST WAY! Everything is set up for maximum imagination in a totally stress free environment. They are allowed to get dirty, and always come home with the biggest smiles on their faces. Susan in a wealth of knowledge about child development and her philosophies on play make so much sense. Wellspring is also very community oriented. They have "family" gatherings as well as other events to cultivate community. My family feels welcome and at ease when we are there. And they sell farm fresh eggs for $4 per dozen- what a screaming deal! This school is such a blessing to our little community. It is also a non-profit organization, making it very affordable.

Wellspring is such an amazing preschool! Our son has gone there for the last 2 years, and we love…read moreit! Wellspring provides a loving, nurturing environment for kids to play, be creative, take risks and learn about relationships with other kids. It is really different than other preschools we visited, in a good way! First, Wellspring is truly "play-based." There is no required group activity except for lunch. All the kids have to wash up and sit together for a sweet, usually home-cooked healthy meal together. There is also a story time where a teacher will read books, and kids may sit together and listen, but this is not required. Kids really get to get into their play deeply. There are lots of places to play, and lots of things to play with, and the kids get to choose what they do. There is a mud hut (sand box with pots and pans, tools, shovels, trucks.) There is a place to mix colored water. There is a clay station. There is a little house with dolls, dress up clothes, capes, etc. There is a hay bale fort to climb on. There are musical instruments to play. There is an art studio. There are toys like plastic dinosaurs and cars, magna-tiles and blocks. There are so many creative things to do, it always amazes me! Kids are allowed to direct their own play. Kids aren't allowed to hurt anyone (physically or verbally. Kids don't have to share, which was a new concept for me at first. Now I am a fan! The kids know that they can play with something as long as they want, and when they are done, only then can someone else have a turn. That way, kids can really get into their play and not feel rushed. Everyone has this same right. Sometimes kids choose to share on their own, and sometimes not. The play I see at Wellspring is so creative! Second, kids are allowed to take risks. The director, Susan, set up play areas to be safe for kids. There is a deep layer of wood chips on the sand and things are set up in a very safe way. Kids are allowed to climb on top of the hay fort and jump down. They are allowed to play as their imagination directs them. This way kids get to explore their limits and gain self-confidence and skills like balance. My son is an only child, and he has gained so many social skills. He always gets dirty and comes home happy.

Happy Time has been such a special part of our lives. All three of my kids went there and I can't…read morerecommend it more. My oldest is 13 now and still has such fond memories. With it being a co-op I volunteered in the class and got to know all the children along with their wonderful parents. The activities they do and the enriched classroom environment provided such a fun and safe space for my kiddos. Love love love Happy Time!

Cooperative preschool. Parents can volunteer inside the classroom for a reduced tuition. It's such…read morea magical time with 3/4 year olds. Lovely as a Mom to spend time with my child in this setting. Great way to meet other families. Teacher Neita (retired) and Teacher Amy (current director) are just amazing, kind, creative teachers who teach learn through play. My children have learned how to play with other children and how to express their (complicated) emotions. Just love it!

The DANDY LION MONTESSORI SCHOOL is located in Grover Beach, provides an authentic traditional…read moreimplementation of the Montessori Method of education, it provides 2 classrooms for children aged 2 1/2 to 6 years of age. The school is affiliated to the International Association of Progressive Montessori. The directing teachers in both classroom hold credentials from the IAPM Organization. The school follows the curriculum and professional code of ethics of IAPM. Therefore parents can rely on consistency in the quality of the program and how it's delivered. The Montessori approach to education provided at Dandy Lion Montessori School is centered on the uniqueness, individuality, and potential of each developing child. The purpose is to develop the whole child into a well-rounded human being. Children enter this world with a natural desire to learn and to perfect themselves. Montessori education fulfills this instinctive need by providing a "Prepared Environment" where children are allowed the excitement of learning by choice, rather than by force. In this environment, children develop the "inner discipline" that guides their self-development and the joy of learning.

I would run, not walk away from this school. The owner/Director is more interested in giving you…read morethe initial tour/presentation and then is no where to be found when you contact her about the safety of your child. Research her and you will find that she is only interested in collecting her money off Montessori trainings rather than actually being involved in your child's best interest and welfare. She spends her time off site and is not present at this location and will never call or email you back because we were told she is not technologically advanced per Cindy. Cindy will handle everything and even reply back from the directors email herself &/or just ignore you if there is something that they just decide to sweep under the rug, Every other Director and site supervisors at many other locations have been extremely helpful. You would only hope that as a full paying customer, Dandy Lion would care enough to talk to you and help support your child during their young years. Sadly, this was not the case because we were told that they are a private school and can do whatever they want. This was very troubling to hear from both Cindy and the Montessori Director. I would do my research in advance before enrolling a child here. This is the only school that locks their gate and does not give you immediate access or the code to the school. Every other preschool gives the parents full access to the campus. That should be enough of a red flag in itself. Extremely unprofessional business.

This is a review for the parent participation preschool classes but this school has so many…read moredifferent classes - from fitness to languages and computer classes. These classes are amazing. It's like preschool but with the parents there giving the parents a chance to talk to others about issues with their little ones. These classes incorporate play, reading, songs, outdoor play, renting library books, crafts, field trips, snacks...and the list goes on and on! For the parents they have speakers, kids clothing exchanges, The classes are also very inexpensive for what you get - over 2 hours once a week for 10 weeks. We will continue to come here!! Love it!

I've had experience with the parent participation class and the Tiny Hikers. Both of which were…read morewonderful! Melissa was a great teacher for our 0-6 month parent participation class. We covered a wide variety of topics and the community it provided was invaluable to a new mom. Seriously, new moms, you need to be with other new moms. Validation is amazing. Also, Liz is a fun leader for the Tiny Hikers group. So fun to be out and active with your little one. It's encouraging that you can continue to hike as they grow older!

As a single father of three daughter's iI quickly found out that I did not have the time,knowledge…read moreor patience to help them on their college path to a better education. Thats when a friend told me about Elite Collage Planning. Kym took my anxiety and stress away moments after walking in the door. She professionally handles the whole college process from start to graduation! What a relief! Thanks Kym

Thank you Kym for all your help! With no clue as to what we had to do, we contacted you late in the…read morecollege application period and you helped us understand the process. Your advice, tutoring, guidance and encouragement gave our daughter a positive attitude and confidence with her applications. You also helped her prepare an application for the University of Redlands even after the initial application process was completed!!! She was accepted and is going to U of R!!! I recommend to everyone to contact you as soon as their child is in high school to get things lined up early!!! Your high energy and positive attitude is exactly what a teenager needs! You make your sessions convenient and comfortable for busy high schoolers too. Thank you!

Small and personable school. Mrs. Porter, the new principal is superb! 3rd in the 4 years my kids…read morehave been there and I hope she's able to stay for a few-several. Mr. Ramirez (1rst grade) is the greatest teacher I have ever encountered.....EVER!! 2-3 years ago, I was so-so on this school....today, I couldn't be happier! If you're lucky enough to have your kid go to this school, GO! Am hoping for Mrs. Teel next year, she is super awesome!

I have had two other instructors before but Gary is the best. I took four lessons from him and was…read moreable to pass the test with just 2 errors. In these 4 lessons, Gary taught me the fundamentals with logic and patience and that actually helped me in my test. He is very knowledgeable and also the only instructor who made the effort to take me to a freeway drive. A very nice gentleman! Highly recommend :)

Great customer service, and staff that actually teaches the students instead of just driving them…read morearound. Would highly recommend