The Children's School

Our child has been in preschool here recently. He is happy in the classroom, the teachers are very positive people, and the classroom is beautiful. However most days there are almost 20 children with three teachers, which is too many for this age range according to the research on preschool quality, and too many for much one-on-one teaching to happen. I was under the impression the teachers prepared personalized educational plans, but this has not happened. Enrichment activities are good, but cost extra even when they happen during regular school time. Our child produced more interesting artwork, more frequently, when he was younger and in daycare elsewhere. The school is rather a club for parents. Every week there is at least one activity for them. This is called 'building community' but I'd like more focus on education for children and less on fun for parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child went to Preschool at the Children's School. The child-centered curriculum does not ask much of the students. Facilities are nice and teachers ok. Parents very active. If you child is born between september and december, you will have to wait an extra year to go to Kindergarten. We were unhappy with this (we feel its a trick that private schools use to help them achieve higher test scores) and decided to send our child to a good public school instead.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a wonderful experience at this school! Our children graduated as intellectual, thinking, academically prepared and socially aware students prepared for the rigors of independent secondary education. From the academics to the social interactions to the caring, loving environment, the teachers and staff made sure to reach each of our children where they were rather than forcing them to fit a state-mandated pre-determined mold. Did our children memorize answers to standardized tests? No. Did our children learn how to think for themselves and ask the right questions? YES! Did our children perform at the top percentile on standardized tests that they did take? Absolutely. Would I want any other education for my child? Positively not. I highly recommend The Children's School to any family looking for a forward-thinking environment that produces the leaders of tomorrow.
—Submitted by a parent

I was disappointed in this school on many levels. My child's teacher was uncommunicative to the point of not even replying to emails. The other children were very bonded and unwilling to welcome someone new. When a problem arose, I was not informed or involved until far too late. Nothing positive or unusual was done in spite of the much-touted social curriculum. My child came in bright, loving school, and eager to learn, but was met with exclusion by the children, blame by the principal, and was relegated to minimal roles in all things by the teacher. Furthermore, few of the teachers have degrees from outside the CA state university system (make of that what you will), and TCS's library is, contrary to its claims, very small and there is no class time for children to use it. Even extracurriculars taken were joyless. One plus--very involved parents. Bring $$$$$$.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a big disappointment. It is probably fine for some kids but if your kid doesn't 'fit the mold' then there is a great chance that he will not thrive in this environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our situation has been unique. Our child attended La Jolla Country Day School for 3 years, and I've taught in the public schools for 6 years. Coming to The Children's School was the best move we could have made for our children academically, physically, emotionally, and socially. We couldn't have asked for a better environment for both of our children who have different learning styles. Teachers are nurturing, yet have clear visions of each of their students. The social curriculum allows children to feel safe around their peers as there is a common moral understanding. They also learn conflict resolution early on as TCS knows the importance of this in the world outside of our school. The director is a solid businesswoman who we trust and who takes charge of important decisions for our school's future. The small, family like atmosphere has been great for our children and we are thankful!
—Submitted by Kris Ryner, a parent

We have 2 children at the school and have been a member of the TCS community for 5 years. Our children have both thrived in this environment even though their learning styles and personalities are very different from each other. Their teachers have truly taught them to love learning. The child-centered approach has been fantastic for them both. Our daughter is in 6th grade this year and was accepted by both of the top private schools in the area for Junior High. TCS develops children with a strong academic foundation, a love for learning and a true sense of self.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent at TCS, I couldn't be happier with the curriculum and the environment that my children get there. The hands-on learning along with the social curriculum, give my children so much. In an environment where schools teach to a test, it is wonderful to know that TCS students do wonderfully on the standardized tests and they have a full curriculum of special classes as well as core curriculum based on the state standards. My children cry if they can't go to school. They get mad at me when I pick them up and they are learning to be learners as well as great people. I would definitely recommend The Children's School to anyone interested. It is a wonderful place for children.
—Submitted by a parent

We are the parents of a fifth grade student and a third grade student. Our family has been at TCS for 7 years, beginning in the preschool. We have nothing but good comments about the faculty, administrations,school curriculum and philosophy. Our children have thrived in The Children School's child centered-learning environment and have done extremely well on standardized tests. Our 5th grader will not be attending TCS next year, because of our decision to start middle school in the 6th grade with peers. We support and understand the administrations decision regarding the 6th grade class. If parents do not turn in contracts pledging enrollment new teachers can not be hired and new classrooms can not be put together. We also understand that TCS will have a 6th grade classroom next year if enough parents and students make the committment. TCS is a wonderful school and we highly reccommend families attend!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started at TCS four years ago as a kindergartner. In those four years we have seen her blossom into an intelligent, thoughtful, passionate young girl. In second grade we had our daughter tested for the California GATE program (gifted and talented education) and she scored in the 99th percentile for her age. However, I would rather pay thousands of dollars in tuition for the quality of academic and social education my daughter is experiencing at TCS than send her to my local public school, which is rated one of the best in the County, if not the state. That is how fond I am of the teachers, staff and administration at TCS and how confident I am in the job they are doing.
—Submitted by Denise Hickey, a parent

As a parent, chair of the last major fundraiser and member of the Board of the Parent Association, I feel extremely positive about the direction and stability of this wonderful caring school. I am extremely confident that the administration and the Board of Trustees act in the best interest of the children and will continue to lead us in the most positive manner. The decision to not continue the 6th grade is a strategic decision that makes most sense for the children's success in their middle school years. The teachers that my daughter has had have provided her with the most enriching environment and have challenged her to become a better individual. I am excited to see how more years in this great school will impact her!
—Submitted by Ranjitha Kurup, a parent

With a PhD in artificial intelligence and learning, and as a Director of R&D in the same field, I am quite well-versed in Human Learning and Cognition and can spout theories a la Piaget and Gardner with the best of them. Addtionally, my wife has a master's degree in education from Harvard and several additional years of post-graduate studies and research in cognitive and developmental psychology. So when we decided to select a school for our daughter, we approached the task very methodically - and The Children's School was a no-brainer for us. Our daughter has been in the school for the past year and it amazes me how she has blossomed both intellectually and as a person, all under the guidance of wonderful and caring teachers, administration and board. The blend of a developmental curriculum that is focused on the child, coupled with intellectual rigor, provides the best education.
—Submitted by Zunaid Kazi, a parent

The word that best describes our experience at The Children's School is 'unparalleled.' The education that our daughter is receiving, guided by a rigorous set of academic standards and a strong social curriculum, is unmatched. The relationships that we have built with other members of the TCS community play important roles in our lives much as an extended family. The support, involvement and commitment that permeates the school from the faculty members to the administration to the board of trustees is second-to-none. When my child needs a little extra assistance with her academics, she gets it. Just as importantly, when she needs someone to hold her hand and help her navigate the complicated social structure of just being a child, she gets it. I am confident that the foundation that TCS is providing my child will help us achieve our goal of raising a respectful, sensitive and caring citizen.
—Submitted by A Happy TCS Family, a parent

Unfortunately, due to a lack of capable management, vision and basic business skills, TCS will probably fold within the next few years. The fallout of students and teachers has been significant, primarily attributed to the hostile relations caused by the head of school . Now, without notice, the sixth grade for 2004/2005 has been disbanded. The head of school blames the parents for not committing by contract in a timely manner. The parents withheld commitment pending a clear understanding as to how this grade was going to be reorganized (new teacher, new make-shift classroom, and potentially just 2 or 3 children in the entire class). Evaluate this school with caution. Based on this fiasco, one or more grades may not be there when your child is! A school must be an 'institution'! Respect has been lost as a feeder school.
—Submitted by Moving On Parents, a parent

I went to this school in the 70's. I now have 2 children enrolled. I love the way this school works. My kids love to go to school, and hate to leave. There is not a lot of 'forced' education and the class sizes are small. It is pricey, but all privates tend to be now.
—Submitted by Jodi, a parent

We've had both our daughters currently attend TCS and love it! The school staff is warm, friendly and knowledgable. They make learning fun and the kids just cant wait to go to school. The methods they use to stimulate a child's curiosity really work.
—Submitted by a parent

The Children's School has always had an excellent reputation for pre-school, however, the year my daughter attended 3rd grade, (5 years ago) both teachers abandoned the class and school in the midst of a controversy which was never clearly defined to most of us. The elementary school lost an astonishing number of its students that year as well as the principal and other valuable contributors. Parents were forced to go to court for refunds. It was a total disappointment and we lost more than just money.
—Submitted by Cathy Lydon, a parent

We have been a part of The Childrens School community since preschool. The atmosphere at TCS is what I remember as a child - happy, exciting, fun, creative and very safe. The children learn how to communicate clearly and how to problem solve a variety of solutions to any one problem - essential skills for long term success in this ever changing world. The children at TCS are guiding into thinking rather than memorizing.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at The Children's School for 5 years- starting with their fantastic toddler program. The academics (in K and up) are top notch, with a focus on having kids fall in love with learning as well as being self-motivated learners! The school is a real community and is full of wonderful people.
—Submitted by a parent