The Children's School

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

Wonderful teachers. Nice campus. Nice parents. My only complaint pertains to test scores. However this school has never been about tests and memorization. Great people, I cannot say that enough. My children enjoy going to school and that is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

What a special school! I have 2 children at this school and couldn't be happier with their academic success as well as their social development. My oldest has been here for 7 years and loves school and her report cards reflect that. Not only has she become a confident, intelligent young lady but has also learned to give back to her community and is a positive role model and leader to other students. My youngest is in the early childhood program and is flourishing. My child feels safe, nurtured and challenged to try new things and ask questions. She also loves coming to school everyday - what more can a parent ask for? The teachers are amazing, passionate and actually care about my children and know them very well; thank goodness for small teacher to student ratios. My children will graduate from TCS not only academically prepared but socially responsible and good people. Thank you TCS for making their school experience so special.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with The Children's School for many years and have seen my kids progress dramatically with the school's academic and social programs. While all of my children are different and excel in different areas and learn at different speeds, the individual focus on student's needs have been remarkable. That being said, the school is a progressive school - not a traditional school where students are lectures to and learn how to test well without learning how to apply their knowledge. The Children's School focus on critical thinking skills, creative problem solving and small group learning. Certainly different from what I grew up with, and also the kind of school I wish I had gone to. My children are learning something I had to figure out on my own later in life - how to think for myself, solve problems (and personal conflicts) and communicate effectively. The school may not be the right fit for every child or family (no school is). For my kids and my family - it has been the perfect fit.
—Submitted by a parent

TCS Rocks!! I can't say enough about this wonderful school. I have 2 boys at TCS and in 4 years of attendance, my children have literally been transformed into excellent students with exceptional social skills. Teachers at TCS are paid well and therefore the best nationwide are recruited. Our fabulous new Head of School has jumped right in and is continuing the long tradition at TCS of academic excellence in a nurturing, student-centered atmosphere. I thank you and my children thank you!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school breaks the mold in San Diego. It teaches kids beyond rote memorization, passive conveyance of rules, facts and formulas and merely teaching students just to test. The teachers and curriculum inspire kids to ask their own questions, help guide their own learning and, frankly, have excitement and joy about learning. State standards are merely a baseline - kids are motivated to go far beyond them. My son is 9, the age when many boys become blas about school and learning. He and his friends, on the other hand, still find school extremely cool!!
—Submitted by a parent

TCS is our family's second home. Our kids are growing into confident, creative critical-thinkers, and are able to collaborate with others and resolve conflict in a mature way. They are also ahead of their peers at other schools academically plus they love going to school. It is an amazing place and we love the nurturing & dedicated teachers and feeling like we are welcomed as partners with the school in our children's education. The new campus is a wonderful addition.
—Submitted by a parent

A school that understands what it really means to educate children. The academic curriculum teaches my kids how to think for themselves, develop their own problem solving skills and explore their world with curiosity and wonder (not just how to take a test). The social curriculum teaches them all of the communication and conflict resolution skills necessary to thrive in a world where successfully dealing with a wide range of personalities on a daily basis is a requirement. Every morning I see my kids run into school with smiles on their faces and at the end of the day they are in no hurry to leave (exactly the opposite of how I felt when I went to school). Waiting for Superman? Not my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Just remember that not everything that shines is gold. This school's focus is on looking like an exceptional school, not necessarily being one. You will pay a crazy tuition for a Glorify Daycare. Had a horrible experience at this school that pretends to care for kids but when it really comes down to it they have NO IDEA what differentiating really means. Their social curriculum is only implemented by some teachers not ALL. The trouble comes when your child needs something more or something different. The policy is "Fit in or get out". For the hundreds of thousands raised per year *by parents* to support it, this school is not nearly as exceptional as it pretends to be. Most of the time parents are being ask to donate and raise money for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school cares for the individual child, the whole child. Strong curriculum that doesn't teach what to think, but how to think.
—Submitted by a parent

Sadly, we found the administration full of drama and not focused enough on education or willing to listen to parents' concerns. We decided to transfer to a school where the focus is on learning and families are valued by the school's leader. Below average overall, average academics, but most of the teachers are good and a couple are really good.
—Submitted by a parent

TCS is an amazing place! TCS fosters an environment that instills the love of learning in its students. The teachers are very inspired and are able to draw the best out of the students. One of the core philosophies of the school is "just right" for the student. It is simply amazing what the students can do without ever sitting in a traditional class room. The parent community is equally inspired and impassioned about the education that the children are receiving. The school has hired an awesome new Head of School that I believe will take the schools to all new heights!
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I feel lucky that there is a school like TCS. It is a small school with a very close-knit feel. Parents are involved and care. The teachers really know their students. They just hired a new awesome Head of School to start 2010-2011 academic year- his energy is pretty infectious.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at TCS for six years. We came to TCS for their one of a kind Toddler program. Now, five years later we are still impressed with their social curriculum, academics, hands on learning, Spanish, music, science and computer programs. This has shown to be a wonderful school where our child has the freedom to grow and learn. I am thankful for the dedicated teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children at TCS in 5th, 3rd and 2d grade. We have been at the school for 3 years. So we are currently immersed in the elementary program and preparing for our oldest son to enter middle school. We feel so fortunate that our son will attend middle school in a school that fosters intellectual inquiry, teaches personal accountability and respect for all individuals. Our children love the active learning environment, particularly the focus on arts and science. We are often awed by the level of knowledge and insight that they exhibit in discussions with family and friends. TCS is an exceptional school.
—Submitted by a parent

We could not be happier with our experience at The Children's School. We were drawn to TCS for its progressive philosophy, attention to social/emotional curriculum, and magical environment. But, we were unexpectedly surprised by how rigorous the academics are. The child-centered, hands-on approach to teaching is hardly fluff, but instead very advanced. As we hear about what the children are currently learning, we can't help but say again and again, 'If only I had been taught that way!' While our family makes sacrifices to send our child to a private school, we believe with conviction that it is absolutely worth it and that TCS sets the bar.
—Submitted by a parent

We now have 3 kids at the school, and while each is very different, they all love the school and are progressing both academically and socially. The best part about the school is the teachers. They have great educational backgrounds and love to teach and be with the kids. From toddlers on up, we couldn't be happier with how our children are being prepared for high school, college, and most importantly, life. If only they could build more parking spaces, it'd be perfect!
—Submitted by a parent

For us, the academics were so-so and we had to get tutoring to catch up. Maybe since they're hiring a new principal it will help? I hope things start turning around for them and they get some kids into the empty desks in the elementary part.

My daughter has attended TCS for 6 years and is in the Nelson Middle Years program this year. She has thrived here and it is evident in her acadmic grades and self-confidence. The teachers have always been amazing, nurturing and positive mentors. I feel that TCS has prepared her and she can go on to a public high school with ease. I highly recommend TCS for parents that are looking for a school not only where they're child will succeed but will enjoy a love for learning, be respectful and a critical thinker.
—Submitted by a parent