The Children's School

This is our fourth year at TCS, and I could not be any happier with our school. Unlike most schools, the philosophy at TCS is that children cannot succeed academically unless their physical, social and emotional needs are met - and these needs come first! They have taken my oldest child who WAS a shy and somewhat anxious child and have turned him into a confident, social kid who is emerging as a leader in his classroom. My younger child has a whole different set of needs - he needed to learn that the world would not end if he got something wrong or did something less than perfectly - and his teacher understood how imporant this was to his long-term well being. On top of all of that, my kids are way ahead of grade level in reading and in mathematics. They love to go to school, they feel like part of a community (so do I), and they adore their teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had a truly wonderful experience at The Children's School. I highly recommend it! Amazing teachers and awesome field, science lab, music lab, etc!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her 4th year at this school. The teachers truly know my child. They are open, collaborative and engaging. When I see rants and lies written about the school, I must wonder about the writer. Signing "a contract not to say anything negative about the school," wow; untrue. If anything, the school is open to continued reflection, constantly re-evaluating themselves and the process of learning - from administration to teachers. I have great respect for a community striving to best itself and teaches our children to think critically, deeply and multi-dimensionally.
--Submitted by a parent

The Children's School is something that has to be experienced to be believed. It's obvious, from the moment you step onto the campus, that this is a very place. My child wakes me up at 6:30 am wanting to go to school, and he never wants to leave! My only regret is not finding it sooner!
--Submitted by a parent

This school has SERIOUS PROBLEMS!! It claims to be a progressive, hands-on education in a nurturing environment. This was definitely NOT our experience. Our child spent time doing repetitive worksheets followed by unguided hours upon hours of free time daily which became a problem. This lack of challenge left my child bored and miserable. We were threatened by our child's teacher when we expressed our child's unhappiness. You have to wonder about a school that has parents sign a contract stating you will not say anything negative about the school. We were then dismissed by the administration when we approached them with our concerns. The school claims to be very progressive on education yet they do not train new teachers nor do they communicate or follow through on the school's philosophy. Teachers are not monitored. My child often told me stories of teachers providing coloring sheets and then going off to "Facebook" on the computer. The school needs a major overhaul. I find it appalling that the need for the school to appear perfect is more important than the child!!!! Our child begged to leave the school. The Children's School is NOT what it claims to be!! Run away fast!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We now have 3 kids at TCS and can definitively say it is the best experience academically and socially we could have hoped for. Our children love going to school, have done excellent on standardized tests, benefit from the great facilities and extracurricular programs (sports, music/dance, arts), and most importantly, are becoming good kids.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal commutes from Newport Beach, and the head of the middle school home schools his own kids. In addition, the vast majority of the students in the 5th and 6th grade left the school. What more do you need to know?
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, I couldnt' be happier. Wish there had been schools like this when I was growing up.

I'm really disappointed to see the hurtful reviews. While the school is going through some growing pains, there is not a problem with low test scores across the board. My child has thrived in this environment. Academically she is doing phenomenal, and scored quite high on the ERB test. However, I send her to TCS because they don't teach to the test. I think it is shameful people are assuming every child has low test scores.TCS is an amazing school, I can't think of anywhere else I would send my child.
--Submitted by a parent

Great facilities and they are trying to improve many of their academic programs. They have many wonderful teachers especially in early years and elementary programs and the parents are very committed to the school.
--Submitted by a parent