I love everything about St. Mark! We've had kids at SMP for more than 4 years now--my son attended ages 2-5 and my 4yo and 1yo daughters are there now! Where to begin... The best thing about St. Mark is how warm and caring it is. The teachers and director create a home away from home where I know my kids are feeling love and support from their caregivers. And the teachers also constantly guide the kids to make kind choices toward one another. Next amazing thing--St. Mark is fun! The kids are outdoors more than half of the day and the play areas are big and varied. They are always getting dirty and imaginative and just get to be kids playing. My kids love being there and often don't want to leave, even after 9 hours! St. Mark is also structured. There is a routine to each day, from inside/outside time, songs, circle time, stations, free play, when to wash hands/use bathroom, etc. There's also weekly enrichment like special music classes and PE with Mr. B that the kids look forward to. The SMP community is forever! The school hosts lots of great events, big and small, and creates a space for the families to get to know each other and bond. From big events like winter sing and graduation to smaller ones like seminars, movie nights, and spring cleaning, there are tons of opportunities to make connections. I have such special friends from this school. I could go on and on. I'll also share that St. Mark is a tremendously supportive environment for children with food allergies. My family's experience working with the school to create a safe environment for a young child with severe allergies cannot have been better. read more

My son has been attending St. Mark's Preschool for a few years now, and truly couldn't be happier. He's thriving in every way--socially, emotionally, and academically. The teachers are incredibly warm and welcoming, and the environment they create is one of kindness, joy, and encouragement. The director is amazing and runs the school with such heart and dedication. You can feel the sense of care and community in everything they do. read more

We love St Mark and miss Ana- amazing care for our boys. Play based center with very loving teachers

I cannot say enough wonderful things about St. Mark's Preschool. I was not prepared for how overwhelming and stressful looking for a preschool is-especially when it's your first child. I was very lucky to have a friend, who is also a PhD in early childhood development, looking for preschools at the same time I was. She chose St. Mark, and I figured she was much more knowledgeable about preschools then I was, so I added it to my growing list of campuses to tour. The first few campuses I toured almost made me reconsider sending my child to preschool-I remember leaving and telling my husband that I couldn't imagine leaving my baby in a place like that. Then we toured St. Mark, and from the moment we walked in, we knew this place was special. The new director, Ana, was warm, inviting and immediately put me at ease. The teachers we met, especially on the infant side, felt like extensions of my family. We added our son to the waiting list that day and hoped he would get in. It's now 5 years later, and I still could not have made a better decision. We have two sons that have gone to St. Mark's, starting as infants. The teachers are truly phenomenal-patient, loving, creative and dedicated. They foster a love for learning through fun, and thoughtfully blend play-based learning with routines and early academics. The classrooms are bright, clean and playful. The outside space, where the kids spend most of their time, is safe and full of joy. Communication with parents is seamless, with regular updates, photos and opportunities to connect with the teachers. I have also seen the school staff bend over backwards to accommodate all types of children, regardless of their learning styles, play styles, and development. Not only do my children love going to school here, but we have also found life long friends with many fellow parents. To me, that says everything about this community. We are so deeply grateful to be part of this incredible school! read more

Both of our children have been attending St. Mark Preschool since they were 1 years old. Our kids absolutely love it and so do we. The teachers are loving, fun, and engaging. Our kids feel safe and loved and most days do not want to leave. I highly recommend this school read more

I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to have found St. Mark. Under the thoughtful and kind leadership of the Director, Ana, and the committed, creative, and skilled instruction of her teachers, my daughter has absolutely thrived at St. Mark. For those of us with young children, we know it is no small thing to have your child skip off happily at the school gate each morning, and return to you bubbling with news of the day's adventures when you return. This was the scene I had the good fortune of enjoying with my daughter day in and day out during her time at St. Mark. The school is tucked away in a lovely, secure spot behind a church. It has a very safe and welcoming feel, and undergoes frequent upgrades/repairs to maintain the play yards and classrooms. The play yards are full of age-appropriate structures and toys, and you can often find an activity being led at the tables for those children who wish to participate. The classrooms are well-kept, and neatly stocked with a thoughtful selection of interactive toys. Everything is bright, warm, and reflective of a staff committed to filling its students' days with joy and learning. The school believes in the importance of play, and provides ample opportunities for the children to learn and grow through free play. However, the teachers all clearly have a plan and purpose for their day, and with each carefully chosen activity are striving to aid in the physical, emotional, and academic development of each child - whatever age or level they are at. As a result, my daughter is entering TK fully prepared for the year ahead. Ana also does a wonderful job of coordinating events and workshops for St. Mark families, from strategies to manage challenging behaviors, to potty training tips, to holiday events and gatherings. These help to build a strong sense of community among the families. She also communicates openly and frequently via newsletters and personal emails, and makes an effort to personally know each parent and child. We are graduating from St. Mark with full hearts and fond memories. read more

The school principal Ana thinks she is a psychiatrist or a doctor. She told us our child probably had a mental disorder because they didn't take a nap?!!!!! We pulled our child from the school the same day. And have been doing just fine in a new school. You've been warned!!!!! read more

I would of given 0 star if I could. We came to this school with our first child when Miss Taundra was the director. She was super helpful, understanding, cheerful, responsible and etc. I was able to finish college, work on my career, and then start my own business. St. Mark Preschool helped me pursue my American dream. After Miss Taundra left, they went through two more directors, and then they hired the current director. I noticed than about 4-6 teachers who had been there for a long time quitted since the new director came to school. Also, some kids were pull out of school. However, I didn't think too much. AND I WAS WRONG. My son was not napping at all and being loud since August, and we were notified every day. I felt so bad about my son disturbing the whole class resting and asked if he could just play outside. I was told they were short staffed so either my 2 year old needs to nap or be completely quite for 2 hrs at nap time. I was told to pick up him at nap time two days in a roll as the director was aware of me shutting my business down for two days. The director asked if we could HIRE SOMEONE to watch my son during nap time every day while we are paying 1500 monthly. Later on, the director stated that my son could not stay still during circle time and he is playing rough with other kids. I said it's kids being kids. My son came home with scratches on his face sometimes too but I understand because his friends were all 2 year old kids. Some kids play nicely some play a little rough. Since my son plays a little rough and does not concentrate on things that the director likes, I was told that he may have IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR, and suggested that we should get him evaluated. As the pastor stated that the director saw RED FLAGS and she has 20 plus years experience. I guess my son can be diagnosed by someone without a doctor certification. We PULLED our son OUT right away in the middle of the month because we couldn't affording paying extra nanny for the director nor continue to shut down my business. Just letting you guys know, if your kids can nap perfectly, show no IMPULSIVE behavior, and do things that the director likes, it is the preschool. If you kids are little naughty, parents cannot take off work, get ready to get a phone call saying you should bring your kids to the REGIONAL CENTER. By the way, our son is doing just fine in his new preschool and he has been napping for 2 hrs every day. read more

St Mark Preschool is hands down the best and we are so grateful for the experience our daughter had there the last two years. We toured a handful of various local preschools, and found our place at St Mark the second we set foot on site. When we officially enrolled, their new fabulous director, Ana had also just started as well and she really transformed the school and superseded all of our expectations. She has an amazingly advanced background in early childhood education and is a gem of a director from her warm morning welcome song to all of the thoughtful events she organizes, philosophy, availability at the drop of a hat, and so much more. They have a magical outdoor play setting, incredible hours/ease of scheduling, truly special staff of teachers that go above and beyond to provide nurturing care, creative fun activities, safe environment, superb communication, flexibility, and excel in focusing on the growth of each individual child. They have this remarkable way of making every day a unique and positive experience. In addition, one of our favorite aspects of St Mark has been the commitment to creating a strong community bond between all of the families that attend. We've made the best friendships, memories, and decision with choosing St Mark, and couldn't recommend this preschool more! read more

Our family absolutely loves St. Mark Preschool. My son has been there since he was fifteen months old and is graduating this year. There was a bit of instability when he first started in 2020 with a few directors who didn't stick after Taundra left but the current director, Ana, who has been with the school for a few years now is incredible. Her passion for early childhood education and fostering community at the preschool is contagious and she has created a warm, welcoming environment where the children can thrive and teachers feel supported. We have had most of the teachers at the school and they are all warm and loving with the children but also create structure and keep the classrooms running smoothly. The school and staff are extremely professional, they strictly follow licensing guidelines and keep the children safe. We have had experience with another preschool in town that is considered a bit "fancier" but it truly does not compare to the environment and community at St. Mark. With respect to the negative review below, it sounds like there was some miscommunication and this parent had a bad experience. I know that some of the families that have been at the school for a long time struggled with the adjustment when Taundra left but Ana has brought stability back to St. Mark that was much needed and I know that she does her absolute best to work with parents to find a solution that works for them, their child and the preschool - being a preschool director is certainly not an easy job managing many competing priorities. read more

When we first moved to Santa Barbara finding a preschool was not only intimidating but stressful. Most schools we contacted had a long wait list. Some schools required parent volunteering (if not, you were "fined" for your hours). We compiled a list of ALL schools (private, religious, home teacher, whatever), and started to do the interviews all over SB. We spent about 2 weeks doing all this. They say that a children between the ages of 3-5 are the most receptive to new information. Beyond his education, I wanted him to be well rounded. To be respectful. To be kind. To be curious. What we were looking for: Teachers that genuinely cared - it was obvious that this was a passion - not just a paycheck. Environment that's safe and fun (obviously) The student population was diverse Curriculum was educational and stimulated thought beyond what was told A place that my son would be excited about going to His teachers in CO said he was one of the best in his class. He was very engaged with his teachers and classmates so finding a new school that was going to be as good was a challenge. I think he missed his teachers more than he missed his family. My son is far from shy but he just wasn't clicking with any of the other schools' directors or teachers. St Marks was the last of the tours and this was the only one that my son was willing to wander off and do his own thing. He played with the other students, he played with the teachers, he played in the playground. He seemed genuinely interested. We haven't been here for more than a semester, but we're already signed up for summer and fall. My son loves his teachers, He has friends, and talks about them. I've just seen him grow so much in the short few months we've been with St Marks. When it's been time to pick him up, more often than not, I'm waiting a bit while he's finishing up with his friends, or showing Ms. Patty something or asking Ms. Melissa something. CONS: Other tidbits: the kids all have a rest time - I'm not that thrilled about it since my son hasn't been napping for a few years, but he seems to like it and it gives him some alone time. He does tend to want to stay up later if he's napped during the day. PROS: I haven't felt any pressure to donate my time or my money. It's a do if you can and feel like, which is nice. I really don't want to be made to feel like a walking ATM (at some schools, before I walked in, I already felt like that). The school has made every effort to make m (and my son) feel included in school activities and events. Their hours are one of the most flexible - 745 - 515! Their tuition is reasonable. They have a very clear emergency plan. They do not practice shaming - which is AWESOME!! They encourage good behavior by reward The school is hidden in the back of a church - actually you might have driven by it and not noticed (makes me feel like my kid is safer) All the parents are really nice and cordial read more

I visited six preschools before deciding on St. Mark, and did a lot of research and reaching out (to get word of mouth recommendations) to find the best one for my 2.5 year old. My daughter has now been attending for almost a year, and we couldn't be happier. St. Mark is a hidden gem - it's not publicized much but it is a really great, high quality preschool. You'll never see a teacher or aide on their cell phone, and all are genuinely caring, highly attentive instructors with educational/degreed backgrounds. The rooms are clean, fun, and they encourage healthy lifestyles. The director and teachers are well organized and we've been so impressed by the planning, arts and crafts, events and activities the kids get to do. One of the best parts is the focus on outside play in what I think is the best play area/yard in town. I could go on and on, but basically I highly recommend this preschool. read more