Tara is a unique and magical educational experience in the redwood forests near Land of Medicine Buddha. Our daughters attend and are thriving in the elementary and preschool programs. The preschool program is located in the heart of Soquel. The teachers are terrific and the children and community wonderful. While in Soquel proper, they do make weekly trips up to the redwoods to play and explore. It's an excellent program filled with creative activities, traditional Montessori education, and play. The elementary program is located within the Land of Medicine Buddha, nestled amongst the redwoods, where the children hike, play in the stream, and count banana slugs while on their way to the playground. The class sizes are small which allow our daughter to receive more attention and tailored education than in a traditional public school. Montessori-style teaching meets the student at their current level of development for each subject, providing flexibility and ensuring a child is challenged and not left behind or left waiting for their classmates to catch up. The elementary school teachers are wonderful, highly experienced, and a positive influence on our daughter. Lastly, the school ethos of compassion, mindfulness, inclusion, and kindness instill important values in our children and foster a culture of like-minded parents and teachers who share these same values. PS - Refreshingly, there are no screens at Tara. The children learn through their senses and through physical objects, not by the glow of pixels and hum of electricity. read more

nestled among the redwoods, the school offers an education that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply humane. learning here is not just about absorbing information, but about cultivating attention, kindness, curiosity, and ethical relationship... to oneself, to others, and to the living world. the rhythm of the days feels intentional and spacious. mindfulness, compassion, and inquiry are embodied through routine, ritual, and relationship. children are supported in developing emotional literacy alongside academic skills, learning how to sit with difficulty, resolve conflict, and care for one another with sincerity and respect. the teachers are attentive, thoughtful, and deeply committed... not only to education, but to the inner lives of the students. there is a palpable sense that each child is seen as a whole person, with their own temperament, questions, and unfolding path. the connection to nature is not ornamental; the redwoods, trails, and open air are active participants in the learning process, grounding education in sensory experience and reverence for the natural world. i am grateful to have gone here and if i lived in santa cruz and i had children... they would absolutely go here. read more

My children have been at Tara since January of 2022 and every year we are grateful to be a part of their community. We started at the Village campus and are now at the Redwood campus. Teachers Adela, Bev, and Regina at the Village Campus are so dedicated and passionate about their work. They show up happy to be there every single day. The daily trips to the Redwood campus to be surrounded by the forest, fun field trips, and Montessori teaching approach have been so valuable to my children. Teachers Namasya and Lisa at the Redwood campus have also been wonderful in continuing the Creating Compassionate Cultures curriculum, which at the heart is based on our body's own wisdom. I love the interconnectedness and values they teach at this school: why it's important to be kind and practice gratitude towards plants and animals, how to make a difference in other's lives, the natural elements and how they pertain to us, food sources & cooking in class, how to be a good friend and so SO much more-- these values feel like the true core of what it means to be a happy, healthy & balanced human in the world and I am just so grateful to have my children learn it at such an early age. Grateful to Tara for going on five years of a truly wonderful experience. read more

Our daughter attended this school for almost four years until the pandemic happened. She went in as a timid child with some social anxiety after attending kindergarten at a public school. It didn't take long for her to open up and feel comfortable with in class presentations, group hiking and to develop clear communication skills. She was also introduced to daily meditation and violin playing. During the remote learning, the teachers began to offer online yoga classes and meditation circles for the kids to have as a supportive outlet. We wish it could last until her middle school years! As parents, we have found a supportive community and a great outlet for outdoor hiking trails. We love Tara Redwood! read more

Tara Redwood School - Love the art they have the kids create. So much engagement and creativity. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Soquel, California

My 3.5 year old daughter attends preschool at Tara Redwood up in the Soquel mountains and I could not be happier. This school literally feels like a dream come true. If you are looking for a school that incorporates compassion, kindness, and love...this is the school for your child. Teachers Bev and Jen are absolutely wonderful. read more

This school was wonderful for my daughter. The teachers were sweet and kind. The woods and play areas were awesome for her rough-n-tumble nature! So why the one-star review, you may be wondering? Well... I had omitted her father's information from her intake papers because of a big custody issue where her safety was a huge concern. This was legal, as he didn't share legal custody at that point. Interestingly enough, he found out that she was going there. I thought my email had been hacked because the wording when he let me know was nearly identical to an email I had sent to the school! Then he found out some confidential information that I had shared with one of the teachers... Turns out, the office manager was friends with him and was passing my emails and information to him. This was a terrible breach of confidential information that could have easily put my daughter at extreme risk. My daughter was also asked to not come back again with no notice to make other arrangements. I wrote two letters complaining to Pam, the Principal (and owner?), to let her know that her employee had shared confidential information (which is against federal law for schools and against state board regulations for privacy) and suggested that the employee be released, assuming that she was the only one that needed to bear consequences from her actions. I never heard a single word in response. I have no idea if Pam received the emails or took any action at all! Not only did I think it was rude to not get a response (it's been a month and a half!), but the whole thing was diabolical and unethical. We look to our childcare providers to not only care for the physical bodies of our children, but also for them to be kept safe from predators and the safekeeping of our private information we share with them. Tara Redwood School did NOT keep my daughter safe. Nor did they do anything to help resolve the issue. If you have any concerns about the confidentiality of your information (payment, how you pay, when you pay, what days your kids are there, what hours they are there, your contact information, etc...) I would highly recommend that you find another place to care for your child! read more

Our daughter is thriving here! We noticed a few bullying incident at her previous public school and she was disappearing in the large class sizes. She loves it and so does Mom and Dad! read more

Our daughter has been going to Tara Redwood for more than a year now. It is a wonderful school. She loves going to the forest every day, and is excited to go to school almost every day. The curriculum has really helped her become a nice caring person. The teachers are wonderful, and have really helped her as well. We are so glad we picked Tara Redwood for her, and are sending her there again next year without even looking at other schools. read more

A great little school that focuses on teaching positive qualities and compassion for the Earth and others. They are in the process of moving the K-3 kids to a new location that isn't as nice so I can't recommend them as highly as I used to. Maybe in a few years when things have settled it will be better. Still great for preschool. read more

My other review got deleted so this is what I said Is that my second year was bad teachers too strict to much bench time my teacher was lisa she would make dumb uneducated comments like Jesse when your a grown up you are going to be a farmer don't take your kids here. read more

Kindness, generosity, tolerance are three of the five basic values taught here according to their website which is what caught my husbands attention. I was not as enthused after having observed the children and teachers myself for 2 years prior out at public parks and after speaking with former teachers, parents and children attending and learning why enrollment has declined every year. In any case my husband decided to pursue and I supported him in his quest to learn more. He spoke with Pam on several occasions about our child, we were honest and forthcoming with his diagnosis and thanked for being honest and told other parents hadn't been in the past and it caused them problems. We were allowed a trial day for a few hours and that was all it took for the "teacher" to decide our child was not a good fit for their school. Our child did not hurt anyone or behave disrespectfully in any way according to Pam but he walked out of the noisy classroom to a quieter room because the construction going on next door was too loud and distracting for him and they did not have a quiet area designated for him to go to nor was he given instruction on what to do if the noise got to loud knowing he has anxiety and aversion to loud noises. We were told this wasn't going to work out, we were disappointed in their handling of the situation and it confirmed my feelings about this school. I wanted nothing else to do with them, my husband insisted on speaking with Pam again to discuss further and calls were not returned. About one week before school starts Pam calls my husband(must have been really low on enrollment this year..) and now she agrees our son didn't get a fair chance and that they never denied his enrollment and that we should try again...my husband was surprised at the sudden change and really wanted this to work out so he asked what we needed to do and she said she would talk to the teacher and get back to us. Never heard back, that as it. We were left in limbo for so long my husband finally gave up and we finally agree this is nothing like it sounds. Our child was not shown compassion, honesty, generosity or tolerance instead my husbands time was wasted and our family disappointed since our child thought he may have the chance to go to school with many of the children he had already made friends with there. I personally have observed how strict a teacher can be when she took away about 45 min of 4 kids playtime one year at Jade street park because they started playing a game they aren't aloud to play with my child. I saw how sad their little faces were and how it made my son feel as if he was responsible for getting them in trouble through no fault of his own. They were just talking & playing what they were clearly aware of and aloud of playing at home but was against the rules while at school. They should not have been punished by having their playtime that kids their age so desperately need to be able to concentrate in a classroom. I've also had to tell the teachers when kids were going to far away from the playground where they aren't aloud to go and when I witnessed little girls behaving extremely inappropriately with my son and other boys while out of view of the teachers because they were too busy talking to each other. I've also been present to look over 2 boys that were left behind after recess at a park last year that I had to call them about, we were the only people left at the park that day. The boys didn't mind but one said his mom would, I hope they told her. I highly encourage parents attending this year to do pop up visits at their park days and classroom to view what goes on from afar. We are very disappointed and will never consider or recommend this school to anyone. Please be vigilant parents. read more

Both of my children attend preschool at Tara Redwood.... they are thriving and love it! Fantastic teachers, wonderful community, strong academics, a curriculum that teaches mindfulness, set on a 100+ acres of redwoods backed up against Niscene Marks. The "big playground" is a natural style playground situated in a clearing of the forest with swings, a soccer pitch, sandpit, large garden, etc and so many places to explore! You can hear the gurgling creek near by and deer sometimes wander through. I know that when I drop my kids off for school they are getting 100% loving care. This is a very special school. Couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

My eight-year-old daughter is thriving here, both socially and academically. We'll stay here until she gets too old!

This school has been great for my little boy. My wife and I have been incredibly pleased with the teachers he has had through the last 3 years. Jen, Krista, Christina, and Hope have all really stood out to us. read more

Tara Redwood is fabulous for our family for so many reasons. My 4 year old started in the young children's program 2 years ago. She is now in preschool and loves it. From the compassionate cultures curriculum that encompasses a global learning perspective to the gorgeous surroundings in the redwood forest, Tara Redwood is unique and deeply enriching. We are so fortunate to also be part of a community of parents committed to healthy living, learning and thriving. As Tara Redwood parents we have participated in preparing hot lunches for our daughter's class, the annual auction, field trips and volunteer work parties to keep the school grounds looking sharp. Finally, I can't leave out how talented, thoughtful and fantastic the school staff is, from the director Pam to the teachers we've had each year, to the bookkeeper and bus driver. It is truly a wonderful community! I can't wait for my second daughter to turn 2 so she can start at TRS. read more

We have been extremely pleased with our experience at the school, the environment, the teachers, and the overall philosophy has been very influential on our daughter. The combination of creating compassionate cultures accompanied with Montessori is fabulous. I highly recommend the school, you will not be disappointed! read more

This was my daughter's first year at Tara and she's really enjoyed it! Bev and Jen are amazing teachers- very patient, loving, and creative. I always know Gabriella is in good hands with them. The program puts emphasis on creating compassion and helping young children evolve into loving, empathetic people. I've really enjoyed watching my daughter develop a lot of these qualities and can't wait to see her grow as she continues with Tara in the coming years. read more

Tara Redwood School is a magical place! Our experience thus far has been with the preschool up at the Redwood Campus. Aside from the idyllic atmosphere in a cabin amongst the Redwood trees, the teachers Jen and Bev are truly special. There is a kindness, love and nurturing these women posses that makes me confident that my children are in the most capable and loving of hands. My child's confidence has continued to soar while under their guidance. There is also a very creative and natural way of learning that allows my child to express his curiosity for learning and academics in a very organic and playful way. There are art projects about the human anatomy, plays about nature, animals and human kindness, counting and letters are seamlessly weaved into daily activities. The most special and irreplaceable part is the connection to nature. There are daily hikes to "the big playground" where the children see banana slugs, spiders, wishing trees, prayer wheels, Redwoods, waterfalls and streams. This school is an absolute gem. We are so lucky to have found it! read more

Ok even though i made a bad one before my first year was great. i made good friends pam was great lisa was great first year was great. I made this to give them some credit from my first year read more

My child attended pre-school and after a short period at public school we decided to enroll her back into their program. I find it convenient from Scotts Valley because there is a bus that takes there and back. She is getting music and gardening lessons and learning leaps and bounds through their education program. Tara Redwood is a wonderful school and unlike in previous years at our local school she actually wakes up everyday and wants to go to school. She is also in a great mood when I pick her up. The community is wonderful and the teachers are fantastic. She is thriving. I feel so fortunate to have found this school and would highly recommend it to anyone. read more

This was the very first school my daughter attended at 2 years old. She LOVES her school and so do we. I love that they have their own curriculum to educate the heart AND the mind and that it has some similarities to Montessori. The teachers are amazing. My daughter doesn't even pay attention to me at drop off because she is so happy to be there. She learns so much and she is comfortable there so that makes us feel great about our choice. read more

My seven year old son has started at Tara when he was only 3.5. He is a first grader now. Everything that I ever wanted to convey to him about compassion, mindfulness, generosity and interconnectedness - but somehow couldn't because of schedule pressure and parent overwhelm - Tara has taught him effortlessly. The school is not just an incubator for knowledge and critical thinking. It is the home for future heart-based leaders and influencers of change. For the more traditional parent - this school has all the right mixture of perennial values and modern education; for the alternative parent - you will find solid roots here. For as one of the first schools who ever introduced mindfulness 30 years ago, Tara Redwood School is still very much on the forefront of new developments and ideas in that field. A true Education for the Heart and Mind! read more

I love this school! The teachers are amazing so caring and loving with my children. It is really about a community here supporting the children to become happy, healthy and well rounded young learners who truly are connected with all things in all ways. The teachers plan meaningful curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and student centered. I had two of my children attend and I can see a difference in how they view learning and perceive the world. It is such a breath of fresh air to have a school that is so centered on the children and becoming the best versions of themselves. read more

My oldest daughter attended preschool at Tara and my middle daughter went through the young children's class and is now in the preschool. We love the school. The location is amazing, the kids get to be out in nature in the beautiful redwood forest. The teachers are amazing, they do the best projects with the children based on the Creating Compassionate Cultures curriculum and Montessori methods. They create a wonderful community and provide a great environment for the children to learn and thrive. read more

My wife and I are very happy with this school. Our oldest is in his third year here, and our daughter just started her first. The teachers are attentive and the community is outgoing and kind- teachers, parents and children alike. Teaching empathy and compassion early on in a social setting is something I believe will benefit all of our children, and this school is all about that. As a non-profit, they are obviously not profit-focused, but rather oriented toward teaching meaningful tools that your children will be able to carry with them from pre-school onward. read more

This is our second year at Tara Redwood, and we couldn't be happier about the community here that welcomed us. My daughter is thriving inside and outside the classroom and with her classmates and amazing teacher Namasya. If you're looking for a kindness-centered curriculum for your little one, this is the place. Direct quote from my 5-year old daughter last week after school: "Mama, it's really important to have compassion with each other and compromise." read more

We were part of the wonderful Tara community for six years - it was the foundation of our boys' education and we could not be happier. Even years later, the boys still talk about their Tara years. Tara and its fantastic staff have influenced and impacted our lives forever. Thank you. If you have a chance to experience Tara, you and your family will never look back. read more

I love tara redwood school! My daughter goes to preschool there. The teachers are amazing; they really take the time to connect to each kid and create a calm and engaging social environment. The setting for the school is beautiful. It is at land of the medicine Buddha. They spend a lot of time outdoors and the playground looks like an "adventure playground" nestled in the redwoods. The kids play in the dirt and climb on an old redwood stump that has become a playhouse. When they are indoors they learn about compassion and kindness and do Montessori work. The school values diversity and teaches the children about being a part of a global community. The main reason I've heard parents choose not to send their kids here is that it is too far, but it takes me less than 15 minutes to drive from downtown Santa Cruz in the morning and pickup is before rush hour starts in the afternoon. They also have a school bus that goes all the way to the west side. It's worth the short drive for us. Overall it's a great school and we're lucky to have it in our community. read more

Never have written a review in my life but this school made need to write one. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO THIS SCHOOL. Recently moved area and was exploring. Was out hiking with my husband and son when I saw the school. Lovely place for a school I thought. Decided to ask for more information when I saw something that made it all not OK. One of the adults was shaking a child. Not sure who the adult is. Is it a parent? A teacher? Their were other adults around and no one seemed to do anything about it. But i'm sure they saw it too. Setting beautiful but the care was HORRIBLE. If you want your child to be safe don't send them here. read more