Del Mar Pines School

Our daughter is a kindergartener at Del Mar Pines and we have been so impressed with everything about this wonderful school. Our daughter has blossomed and we attribute that to the great teacher/student ratio and the warm, caring atmosphere that the administration works so hard to foster, and of course the academics are stellar. The staff truly care about each student and their families. Recently there was a student talent show in which any student was welcome to participate. There were some very talented kids and some not as talented kids- however, the student audience never acted like they were bored or unimpressed. In fact, when a preformer was getting nervous or scared, the kids would start clapping to the music or waving their arms in time with the beat in order to encourage and support the child performing. As a parent, it was amazing to watch. My daughter came home lit up because a lot of "older kids" came up to her afterwards and told her what a wonderful job she had done. These kids are being taught a sense of community that you just can't get anywhere. I would recommend this school without hesitation and we look forward to our younger children starting here.
—Submitted by a parent

The decision to change schools can be a difficult one to make. However, sending our two daughters to Del Mar Pines, after many disappointments with our local public school, is the best decision my husband and I have made regarding our children's education! They are both thriving in a safe, nurturing, and highly academic environment. The teachers are dedicated to each of their student's success and go out of their way to make accommodations for those who need more/less challenging material. Del Mar Pines really teaches to the individual child and not the masses. Since my two daughters started at DMP, I am much more aware of what my daughters are learning and how well they are doing in school. There aren't anymore surprises come report card time! Del Mar Pines' Language Arts curriculum exceeds the standards that are set in public school. Other core subjects are equally challenging if not more than public school! Del Mar Pines exceeds my expectations daily!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Teaching kindergarten at Del Mar Pines is my passion and a joy every day! Our teaching staff is committed to creating a nurturing environment, to encouraging creativity, to instilling responsibility and to fostering life-long learning. The kindergarten class is a place where each child is celebrated for their unique qualities, and guided with patience and enthusiasm. Our small-group reading and math instruction allows each child to be challenged and to work at the highest potential. Every day is fun, whether we are discovering a stick bug with the video projector and looking up its characteristics on Wikipedia, or recording our voices on the iPad and exporting pictures about Martin Luther King Jr. The most rewarding experience is watching the children grow from kindergarten to sixth grade. It is a totally caring and supportive community involving the students, teachers, staff and parents. I have been teaching for over 30 years, and can t imagine teaching anywhere other than at Del Mar Pines School.
—Submitted by a teacher

I enrolled my child in kindergarten here. I can't say this school is worth paying tuition for. They simply follow the California state standards for curriculum and progress. The curriculum and grading is no different than public school. There was a dearth of afterschool activities compared to public school. The administration treats their employment as simply a day job, there is little ambition or vision to make the school the best it can be. The public schools nearby are better. Some parents switched to public and thought it was better. Good teacher:student ratio is a plus, however, due to low student population.
—Submitted by a parent

Enrolling at Del Mar Pines was the best decision our family made. Some reasons why Del Mar Pines is such a special place: (1) Many schools talk about differentiation but DMP was one of the few schools that has a systematic way in which they handle this. Kids are separated in groups by ability and then each of these groups works at a level that challenges them. (2) The school is completely child centered. It helps that there are less than 25 kids in the class with two teachers in every classroom. It also helps that when the kids are divided into small groups there are between 4-6 kids in each of these small groups and so the teachers can really get to know where your child is at, how your child learns and tailor their teaching to the child. Diane Wist, Head of Student Development, is amazing with the kids and she genuinely cares about each and every one of them. (3) Marci McCord, Head of School, does a fantastic job balancing actively listening to the parents and at the same time being very practical and pragmatic about issues/solutions. Del Mar Pines is a gem. I am thankful that my kids have this chance to belong to this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Del Mar Pines is a wonderful school. Our first child went to a "good" public school in the area and it pales in comparison to the level of teaching and attention to the children that DMP offers. It offers a small classroom environment with individualized instruction. Instead of focusing on high tests scores and attendance ratings, the schools' attention is on state ot the art technology and resources, effective curriculum and teaching, as well as academic and social success. The school has created a real community that my child (and our whole family) are proud to be a part of.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a phenomenal school, and is the most child-driven, child-centered program we have ever experienced. The curriculum is constantly being evaluated and updated to meet the students' needs. The directors and the teachers put an extraordinary amount of energy into figuring out what makes each individual student tick, and what will unlock his/her love of learning and social potential. The classrooms are joyous places, and the students are a real community. Parental input is encouraged. The school takes concrete steps to be responsive to any suggestions for improvement. The directors meet with parents at the beginning and end of every school year, survey them in between, and share their research material. They do an outstanding job of balancing conflicting interests and opinions, always with the best interests of the students first and foremost, and the children are flourishing under their leadership. The teachers meet with parents four times during the school year, and it is a true two-way exchange. They are a hard working group that is unfailingly generous with their time. The energy here, at all levels, is rare and very special.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

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

5 stars Teachers, students, parents and administrators all exceptional. Fabulous community and outstanding academic program
—Submitted by a parent

Less than we expected. Nice families and students, however academically not as challenging as we anticipated. Constructive criticism is not welcomed.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school in all respects! My children are engaged in their learning, they love going to school, have wonderful friends, and fabulous teachers. I can't say enough about this special school.
—Submitted by a parent

Del Mar Pines is an exceptional school. The campus and staff really have a family feel to it, and it's extremely supportive. Student's are not only bright and gifted, but are exposed to a well rounded education. DMP is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding, caring, nuturing, instills excellent values. Thank goodness for this wonderful school in which my daughter has excelled.
—Submitted by a parent

Del Mar Pines is an excellent school. The academics are very strong. The teachers and leaders of the school thoroughly understand that education is a process of learning, not just a number. The school is more than a 'number', and test score. Students truly nderstand the learning process. Reading, writing and math, and of course much, much more. I can't say enough about the families involved in this lovely school enviroment. The families really care about their kids and where they are in the learning process. The teacchers are excellent, warm and loving. I highly recommend this school to any parent considering private education. It's a wonderful school with excellent results.
—Submitted by na na, a parent

We had an excellent experience at DMP. The school encourages parental involvement and provides an excellent exposure to music and arts besides strong academics. There are no programs in sports but the YMCA and other organizations provide excellent alternatives. The environment encourages exellence, family orientation, and responsible citizenship. The campus is small and the class size is limited to 20 typically with multiple instructors who are very well qualified. An excellent consideration.
—Submitted by a parent