Review from my almost 4-year old, "I love preschool because my teachers are so nice and I love my friends. No matter what, I get dirty all the time. My favorite thing in the big huge backyard is pretend in my clubhouse. I like planting things in the garden. I like to sing in chapel. And I like to give Mrs. Jones hugs all the time." This is, hands down, one of the best preschools in Orange County. I love their use of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. This school is hands on, child directed, learning through play and emergent curriculum. If you are looking for a preschool where your child will thrive in an atmosphere of creativity, community, collaboration and critical thinking, where they will be dirty from fun and learning, where they will think for themselves and not regurgitate memorization drills, where the teachers will respect and love your individual child, this is your school. But you don't have to take my word for it, I'm positive if you take a tour, you'll see for yourself. read more

This is a wonderful preschool. My son looked forward to going to school everyday that he went here. He was very sad to leave to go to a new school for Kindergarten. Now I'm taking my daughter here and she loves her mommy and me class. She wakes up everyday wanting to go to school even though the class for her age is only one day a week. Also, one of the teachers here, her name is Mrs Bennett, is an angel of a teacher. Even after my son left to go to kindergarten, she got in touch with me to ask how his first day went on the first day of school! She cares about the kids and is so kind. She sets the bar for what a good teacher is and I'm so happy my daughter will get to eventually have her as her teacher too!! I would definitely recommend this preschool! read more

I researched several other schools for my 3 year old Son before committing and being put on a wait list, and hands down this one was by far the BEST!! The teachers and office staff are amazing...they treat you like Family! My Son is always having so much fun and wants to go everyday lol. The Reggio philosophy and outdoor classroom is perfect for my Son, who loves to explore and get dirty...such a fun way to learn! Anyone would be happy sending their child here, and I love it just as much! read more

This review is for two years ago. The older teachers CLEARLY played favorites, they seem like they're over it. I overheard them talking trash about one of the children (who was known to cry), and they're visibly frustrated with several children (complete with eye roll, sigh, and clenched fists) I don't think they liked being called out for it. I'm disappointed because this was not the school I thought it was when I toured. Over promised, under delivered. 3 stars for the garden, the trike-A-Thon, and the outdoor playground. read more

It doesn't get any better than this school! I toured multiple preschools in the Tustin area before attending the St. Paul's Preschool tour, but I knew immediately that St. Paul's was the school for our family. My daughter attended St Paul's Preschool for three years, from 2006 to 2009 and my son has attended from 2010 - 2012. I cannot accurately describe how kind and loving the teachers are, how awesome the classrooms and playground are, and how many fantastic programs they offer. There are six classrooms, set up in "pods" which are pairs of classrooms that work together. The student to teacher ratio is ten kids to one teacher and one assistant. When a pod combines for an activity, the ratio becomes twenty kids to four adults. There are two pre k classes for five year olds and these are fifteen children per teacher and assistant. My son is now finishing his third year at St. Paul's, and he is currently in the pre k class. This program is great. The pre k classes learn the alphabet with the Zoophonics program, have appointments (this is what they call the activities each child chooses), and care for the class pets (you can even sign up to host the class guinea pig at your home on weekends). In addition to the regular curriculum, students attend chapel weekly, music class, motor lab (similar to p.e. - they do various activities to improve their motor skills), work in the school garden (which is amazing), and attend science classes. The 3 year old class (Tues., Thurs.), and the 4 year old class (Mon., Wed., Fri.) are very developmental (play based) and the five year old pre k class (Mon. - Fri.) is more academic to prepare kids for kindergarten. The entire school follows the Reggio model and is a model/demonstration school for teacher education programs. That's all I have time to type right now, but I have nothing but great things to say about this school - they are like family to us! Tell them Vanessa Aguilar sent you! read more

This is my son's second year at St. Paul's Preschool and I cannot speak highly enough of the environment, teachers, and director at St. Paul's. My son had severe separation anxiety during his first month or two (beyond anything normal!) and his teachers and the director at St. Paul's were so patient, loving, and supportive. Over time, they helped us transition him into preschool in a way that I truly don't think other preschools would have accomplished or had the patience for. My son now LOVES preschool and runs into class confidently, and he runs out smiling at the end of the day to tell me how much fun he had. He says he never wants to go to school anywhere else. I wish they offered classes through 12th grade honestly!! St. Paul's has truly been a blessing for our family, and I'm confident their program would be a blessing for yours as well. read more

Pros: Lovely outdoor area, some great activities that get changed out regularly, one very loving teacher, reasonable prices. Cons: it's overrated in my opinion. 20 students in a class even with 3 teachers can be a lot. Especially when they are often joined with the next door class making 40. Lack of communication with parents was my biggest issue as well as dismissive attitude towards parental concerns. Some teachers just don't have that nurturing personality you would hope for with 3 year olds. Extended care teachers especially lack warmth. St Paul's does MWF AM and PM groups. Then some of the teachers teach Tues Thursday AM and PM groups as well. That's 4 groups of 20 students a teacher has each year. My kids are much happier in a setting of 12 kids with 2 teachers. Their current teachers have 1 set of students that they know so well and I get daily reports with specific feedback about my child. I find that much more important than an impressive play area. Lastly, the timings and schedule St. Paul's offers are not ideal, especially if you have more than one child. read more

As an alumni myself, some might say I am biased, but this is the best Pre-School around! My daughter just "graduated" from their Pre-K program, and after four years of attending the school, did not want to say goodbye. We started with the "parent and me" program when she was 2, went on to two days a week when she was 3, three days when she was 4 years old, and then the 5-day/week Pre-K program this past year. We couldn't have been happier. My youngest daughter and I just finished the parent and me program, and she will start the two day/week program in the Fall, and I'm so thrilled to be continuing here. There are parents that drive from neighboring cities (Orange, Irvine, Villa Park, and more) to bring their kids here, all because of the AWESOME program, caring and highly qualified/trained teachers and staff, and overall feel here. It was a home away from home for my daughter who had a very tough transition leaving me initially. She now seems so mature and ready for Kindergarten and I truly attribute that to her years, teachers, and guidance at St. Paul's. For a minimal charge, the school has awesome extended day programs too for bringing your child early if they're in the "afternoons" or staying late if they're in the "mornings". This allows the parent to decide what works best with their schedule, and when. Again, the school has "history" here in Tustin, and it's where I made my very first friends; two of whom were in my wedding! They truly focus on the children, their needs, what's best for them, and are continually reevaluating to DO BETTER! They work SO hard! I cannot imagine sending my kids anywhere else! read more

This was such a great school when my kids were attending. The teachers and staff do a wonderful job of instilling a love of learning at such a young age. They foster creativity, analytical skills, critical thinking ability, physical agility and leadership. One of my kids used to cry every day prior to attending another preschool. Not with this school. I also appreciate how they foster such independence and autonomy in children. The kids get to create their own woodworking creations through one on one instruction, they learn to cook together, they investigate the world around them through the eyes of young and slightly mad scientists (as preschoolers are apt to be!). Plus, I received the most sage counsel from the teachers there about helping foster my children's development. Most of the teachers have kids themselves, so their perspective is invaluable. If you want academic learning and memorization to be the focus, then this is not the place for you. Your kids will not read at the 2nd grade level by the time they finish preschool. HOWEVER, if you are interested in fostering a love of learning, creating the right foundation to grow intellectually and emotionally, and developing independence of thought and spirit, then this is the right school for you! read more

Love love love St. Paul's Preschool. Amazing staff and my kids love the outdoor classroom project. They come home and brag about all of the hands on learning they get to do. Painting, gardening, bakes sales, post office sorting, sewing, digging, reading...such fun learning. St. Paul's also teaches appropriate social skills like problem solving and communication. I started at another preschool in Irvine and switched to St. Paul's for the 3 day and then Pre-K programs. So happy I did. The program definitely prepared my child for Kindergarten, which is way more academically demanding than I was expecting. My second child is now at St. Paul's and I know he will be prepared and well taken care of. Highly recommend. read more

If you're looking for an amazing preschool, St. Paul's is the place! The staff is nurturing and attentive and the comprehensive Reggio approach to learning is providing our son with the cognitive, creative thinking, social/emotional and fine gross motor skills to foster his development. They also have fantastic playground/outdoor space, which is one of the two OC preschools certified by the Outdoor Classroom Project. I suggest a visit and you will see what a special school this is! read more

Today we graduated the TK program at St. Paul's. Such a bitter sweet day. The progress in my son this year has been amazing. He has grown, matured and learned so much in this last year. I am sad we won't be signing him in tomorrow but I know that what he learned from this school will carry with him forever. I am certain that the memories made and some of the friendships will last a lifetime. For these things I am so grateful. Love. Love. Love St. Paul's. By far one of the best decisions I have ever made as a parent. read more

I wanted to take the time and write about our great experience with St. Paul's Preschool. We were lucky enough to send both of our children to St. Paul's. We started with the Parent and Me class when they were 2yrs old and went there all the way through Pre-K. Every teacher our child had ended up being their favorite teacher year over year and for the 8 years our children attended St. Pauls, they never had a bad day. To borrow directly from St. Paul's, their focus is for your child to gain experience in social, emotional, and cognitive skills, physical endurance and the establishment of the foundation for strong spiritual growth and values. They have many things they do that incorporate the school's focus. They get introduced to cooking and baking. They do many projects including painting, woodwork and many items they create for presents around holidays. They attend Chapel once a week and put on shows for Christmas and Mother's Day. They encourage family involvement and have events at Halloween (focus on Dads and Grandpas) and a wonderful year end Family Picnic. They maintain a folder that is passed along to their new teacher each year. In this folder they keep all the different things your child worked on. At the end of your last year at St. Paul's you are given the folder. It allows you to see the development your child went through from the beginning to the end. I could go on and on with many great examples of things they learned and did over their time at St. Paul's. However, I think the best thing I can recommend is for you to get over there and tour the school. I am confident after your tour that you will feel very excited about having your child attend St. Paul's. Both our children are excelling in grade school both socially and academically. We know it can be traced back to the great foundation they got from St. Paul's Preschool! read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about St. Pauls Pre School. My son goes to preschool there and not only does he love it, but I love it just as much. The way they encourage the children to express themselves through a variety of different ways is above all other schools I have seen. They are a Reggio inspired Preschool and I just love their philosophy on teaching and nurturing my son. The teachers are amazing! I would highly recommend visiting the school! read more

My daughter attended this preschool. This program is very interesting, unique, and well thought out. This should be the standard of education. Student attention is enhanced with low class numbers. Anyone would be happy sending their child here. read more

This school is amazing! I've had my son there for 3 years and he has just thrived! The teachers and administrators are incredible. I love that he gets to learn through exploring. The Reggio method is fantastic and I wish I could find a grade school with this method. We will be sad when it's time to move on to kindergarten. read more

My son had an amazing experience at St Paul's. Ms. Stacy was my sons teacher and I am so happy to hear she is the new Director. Love the outdoor playground and that I was able to volunteer and help out in the classroom was amazing. The garden and outside classroom experience was invaluable to my son. read more

What an amazing preschool, we couldn't be happier with St.Paul's! The Reggio philosophy and outdoor classroom provide so many learning opportunities in such a unique and fun way. Everyday our kids are exposed to hands on experiences from gardening, cooking, wood working, class pets, dirt pit and so on, with each activity having an intentional learning purpose. The teachers and administration have so much experience and truly love what they are doing. They are amazing and have taken the time to get to know our whole family. On top of that they make an effort to build a community of families which enhances our kids preschool experience. Can't say enough about how great our experience has been. read more

I am a parent at St. Paul's and there is not a better place for my son that allows him to learn through doing, through exploration, and through guided teaching. This is not just a classroom and jungle gyms, nor is it a day care. It is a culture of learning through projects and interaction with the kids that allows them to learn the way they best know how. Wait until you see the playground! They have a huge garden dedicated to the kids growing their own food and learning how to care for their surroundings. Beyond the facility are the teachers, who are the most down to earth and loving people. They are the heart of the school and I see it daily in the way they interact with the kids. We also love the community aspect to the school. Parents love getting together at the school events. I would highly recommend visiting for a tour. read more

After extensive research on preschools in Orange County, I am so thrilled to have found St. Paul's. It is the perfect combination of a loving, nurturing environment mixed with an educational philosophy that creates innovation, creativity and independence in my kids. The Reggio approach to education ensures that my son gets plenty of exploration in many mediums and has the opportunity to develop a love of learning. The staff is so wonderful, they genuinely care about our kids. In addition to having awesome classroom set ups, they are actually a demonstration site in Orange County as an Outdoor Classroom. They have a beautiful garden that the kids get to work in. The kids are involved in serving the community with some of the food they collect and grow. I couldn't be happier with our decision to send our son here. Our next two kids will go here as well. I really feel he is getting a rich start in life, emotionally, socially and academically. read more

Excellent school - one the best in Orange County. Great parent involvement and kids have a blast learning

My kids have been attending St. Paul's Preschool for the past 4 years (starting with Mommy and Me and now in TK.) I knew from the moment I stepped on the campus that this was the right school for my children (and me.) Their playground, affectionately known as the "backyard", is not concrete and artificial material like you see at neighboring preschools. It is filled with organic materials where kids are encouraged to build forts or canals in the sand and mud area. There are tactile tubs spread throughout the yard that promote play and learning, as well as dress up stations, a water pump/mud pie station, an outdoor kitchen, painting areas and much more. The yard is huge too! It is by far the biggest we had seen at any preschool. The school is the first in Orange County to receive recognition as an Outdoor Classroom since there are so many enriching activities and learning that take place outside. The garden, which sits on the other side of the campus, across the parking lot, is wonderful as well. My kids have done math, science and reading lessons in the garden as they learn to grow and tend to the plants with their garden teacher. They food they grow is then donated to those in need, helping to foster giving hearts and compassion towards others. While the grounds are amazing, we never would have stayed if the teachers weren't equally wonderful. The ratio is great and I really appreciate them guiding the kids rather than directing them. They encourage thinking though questioning rather than just giving the answer. I've really seen my son's confidence grow through this guidance and through being permitted to explore and experiment on his own in a safe environment. We will be "graduating" this year and will miss the great days of learning through play at St. Paul's Preschool. (If you're considering attending, be sure you take a school tour ASAP so that you can get on the waitlist.) read more

This is a phenomenal preschool. There is so much love and care from the teachers as well as the administration. I love that they focus on the Reggio approach and that they have an outdoor classroom for kids to get messy. My daughter absolutely loves it there! Best preschool in Orange County by far! read more

I love this school! My kids love this school! It is a happy place free of some of the drama and craziness I've seen at other preschools. The program is fantastic. Joyce Jones, the director, is always smiling, friendly, and helpful. The teachers are always pleasant and truly want to nurture your child and encourage their growth and development. It is what all preschools should strive to be! read more

I had the pleasure of attending the recent educator's workshop at St Paul's Preschool. During this eye-opening day, I received the guiding philosophy that has inspired the vision at St Paul's, and witnessed the amazing successes that the staff and children have shared in realizing this vision. As an educator myself, I found St Paul's practices to be in line with today's best pedagogy. Even more, I found their implementation to be a one-of-a-kind success. The teachers at St Paul's truly practice what they preach as evidenced by the value they place on documenting student work, by the amazing indoor and outdoor classroom they have created with the children, and their high view of the child. As a parent, I have experienced the difference that St Paul's has made in my son, Jonah. I am so thankful for all the staff who seen my child, not as an empty container, but has a person. Thank you St Paul's! read more

This is the most amazing preschool! The staff, teachers and families make up a wonderful community for the kids. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome and go above and beyond with their lessons. The "backyard" is an outdoor classroom with so many great activities and things to explore. read more

My daughter started the parent and me class this year and absolutely loves it. A friend had recommended we check this school out and when we toured earlier in 2016 there were not parent and me spots open, should show you how in demand this place is. Fortunately for us there was a last minute opening. The routine and structure of the class is designed for 2-3 year olds perfectly. Mrs. Young is wonderful with all the children, has great skill in dealing with this age group. Looking forward to my daughter attending her preschool years here. If you are considering this school, take the tour early. read more

St Paul's has everything you and your child could want in a school. The teachers and staff are incredibly knowledgable and supportive. They are committed to nurturing the social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and academic growth in your child while letting the students drive the exploration. It also has a fantastic and welcoming parental community. It is an amazing place! read more

This is the BEST school I have ever had the priveledge of working at! I have worked at over 10 schools as a substitute and I have never seen such an amazing program in a beautiful facility with an amazing caring and nurturing staff. All of the love and care eminates through the school even behind the scenes. Send your children here if you wsnt them to have the best expierience possible. (I no longer work here due to family circumstsnces, but what I saw here is forever burned in my memory as an amazing place) read more

If you are looking for a preschool to send your children to, look no further! If you're anything like me, you've probably already toured at least 4 or 5 preschools looking for the "One!" Every other preschool I toured either felt way to heavy academically or way to loose with no curriculum and basically just like a daycare. Neither of those was what I was looking for. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure what it was that I was looking for, I just knew I hadn't found it yet. A girlfriend of mine highly suggested for me to tour St. Paul's Preschool. I remember her saying " St. Paul's Pre School was where all of the teachers she knew had sent their children for pre school!" Ok, well thats a good sign I thought. So I scheduled a tour. Immediately walking the campus I could instantly feel the love generating around this place. The tour went amazing and I knew I had found our preschool! I walked away from the tour and the only way I could describe it to my husband was "magical" It truly is a magical pre school, which is what pre school should be! It wasn't too heavy academically yet it wasn't so loosey goosey with no curriculum, it was just right! St. Pauls believes in letting kids be kids. They highly encourage kids to get outside and just play, create and get dirty. They let the children's little inquisitive minds lead the direction of what it is they will be learning about that week or month. They do so many wonderful hands on projects, not to mention weekly music class, motor lab, chapel and trips to the schools garden. The schools garden is Amazing! The children are the ones who actually plant and harvest the crops. The crops then go to help feed the homeless at St. Pauls Sunday suppers. I could go on and on about all the wonderful things that St. Pauls is. I have since sent both of my children there and will absolutely be sending my 3rd baby there as well! When you send your children to St. Pauls you can know with certainty that they are being so loved, cared for and nurtured, something that is hard to find these days! St. Paul's isn't just a pre school, its a family. read more

My experience at St. Paul's Reggio workshop was meaningful and extremely profound on many levels.   First I am a parent of a 3 year old who attends St. Paul's and second I am an early childhood educator by trade.  I knew in theory that this was the right place for my son, but after meeting all the staff and seeing the Reggio curriculum presentations I now know it in my heart as well.  St. Paul's preschool is a spiritual place.  It's full of love, understanding, kindness and compassion for children and their families.  Joyce and her teachers have created a beautiful learning environment.  Their intentions are visible in every aspect of the school and their attitudes exemplify the role of the teacher.  I was totally overcome with emotion as I observed my ideal model of what a preschool should be...and it just happens to be my son's first school, my neighborhood school.  What an amazing gift! read more