Del Mar Pines School

The current director of this school is AWFUL she is so out of touch and is restricting and picks favorites. otherwise this is an amazing school. btw i am a teacher there.
--Submitted by a teacher

My child attended Del Mar Pines School and has gone on to a private jr high school well prepared with a solid academic foundation. This is the result of the leadership team, teachers, and frankly how Del Mar Pines works with the 'whole child.' They are constantly improving curriculum, technology, and also are evolving by being current on the latest developments in neuroscience and learning which is a huge benefit for all children. Del Mar Pines provides children with a well rounded and balanced academic education, including the arts, Spanish, music, community service, p.e, environmental activities, and so much more. I can't say enough about it as my child had a wonderful experience and obtained a solid academic base in the process.
--Submitted by a parent

Del Mar Pines has so many amazing teachers and academic programs. You can't say enough good things about the entire community of students, parents, and faculty. There is no doubt that your child will receive a phenomenal education at Del Mar Pines. Students leave DMP with an incredible understanding of technology (far beyond the national standards) and they are confident and prepared to take on life after elementary school.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter is a 6th grader at DMP in her first year at the school. DMP offers her a brilliant education and it has set her on fire for school. She loves learning more than she ever has. Never once has she done anything less than smile about her school and dive into her homework! And her academic abilities have soared this year. I am not surprised. When I sat in on the teacher's presentation of their school academic plan, never have I seen or heard of such a masterful level of brilliant and creative teaching. The cross-subject integration is almost unimaginable. The creativity and learning style variety infused into every subject is inspired. The daily emphasis on great character, responsibility and kindness is real. That's the other thing about DMP - both the girls and the boys are the nicest, most well mannered students my family has ever encountered in a school setting. No spoiled or ill mannered kids here. If you can't tell I just absolutely love this school and I am a HARD guy to please because I don't just want great academics. I require great education. Lastly, I take my hat off and give a standing ovation to the teachers and to the director. They are each simply amazing.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended DMP for 5 years. We are very pleased with the: - accelerated academics (without being a pressure cooker) - leadership (whose goal is to put students first and look outward to remain competitive) - teachers (who teach to the individual and have the latest technology in classroom) - families (diverse but sharing a common goal of raising kind children with integrity) - strong social credo (cliques and bullying aren't tolerated) When considering any school, be smart enough to read between the lines of overly negative reviews isolating blame. No school is perfect but, having looked at other schools, I feel fortunate that a school as special as DMP exists. It is an intimate environment that isn't the right fit for every family/child. That said, we feel our child is getting a very well rounded education including art, music, technology, PE, hands-on science lab, Spanish, wonderful public speaking opportunities and an excellent creative writing program.
--Submitted by a parent

The current director is not good at all. She has no prior experience with kids and recently has ruined two graduation ceremonies by sharing her "experiences" with each graduating sixth grader. These included " so and so is a solstice baby..." about a girl who was born a day before the solstice. Also, she only said " always smiling" about 2 kids, as well as stating that she wants her stepdaughter to marry one of the boys one of the students, although her stepdaughter is in college. She is NOT insightful at all, and should be replaced. Apart from that, this is an AMAZING school.

My daughter graduated from DMP two years ago and is currently attending another top private school in the area. She was incredibly well prepared for middle school both academically and socially. She has been in all the honors/accelerated classes. Del Mar Pines School gave my child the confidence and skills to be successful in whatever academic environment she is in. The teachers, administrators and families are all exceptional. It is an amazing community to be a part of.
--Submitted by a parent

The director needs a reality check. She has taken away the kids right to celebrate their birthday away. Now all birthdays in a given month have to be celebrated on just one day during the month. Very controlling.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful parents, competent teachers, but the current director is incompetent (per parents and teachers).. Judy Panton used to run the school, and she was wonderful. The curriculum is not more stimulating than the local school district's curriculum. If you can avoid the current director, then the school is OK.
--Submitted by a parent

This is school is exceptional! My son attended DMP for six year and developed amazing reading, math and writing skills. The teachers especially in the primary grades take an exceptional amount of time and effort in developing a basic foundation for reading and writing. It's about the learning process. My son has a tremenoudous foundation and love of reading and writing. We owe a large part of this to the founder of Del Mar Pines School, Mrs. Judy Panton. She truly believes and loves education. She truly has left a mark in my son's mind and heart. This he will take with him all years of his academic future and in life. Del Mar Pines truly is a special educational institution. It's a wonderful family.
--Submitted by a parent