Santa Lucia School

In spite of the recent write-in campaign, I have to echo the parent who said: Santa Lucia '... tends to teach kids what to think rather than how to think, and trumpets acceptance and holistic education but within a rather narrow range. In short, you either love the sheltered approach or will find it constraining.'
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia School goes beyond education in helping children to become citizens of the world.
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia teaches its students how to think critically, how to care globally and how to act responsibly. Its holistic curriculum incorporates peace education, a love for nature as well as the arts, and a respect for all in the world. I love this school and its tight community!
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia School has been an important part of our family for 12 years. The teachers truly honor and love the students and encourage them to use critical thinking as well as how to treat others respectfully while maintaining their own sense of justice. The students are exposed to a wide variety of art forms and expressions of creativity, a love of nature and many cultural experiences. Most of all the students love to learn and have self confidence to be out in the world. We love Santa Lucia School.
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia School allows the needs of each child to be the foundation of their education experience. Through this focus on the child as an individual and a whole person, a love of learning is created. The emphasis on respect and peaceful interactions both for the environment and for others creates a community of children and educators that work in harmony to achieve their goals. I have watched my daughter learn to read when she was ready, rather than according to some arbitrary standard. Through my work in her classroom I have witnessed the success and joy of each and every student as they successfully complete their spelling tests from word lists that are unique to each individual child and their ability. Kids who feel successful enjoy learning and are connected to their peers without feeling competitive The school community extends to the parents, grandparents, siblings and beyond as we are all bonded by our respect and love for Santa Lucia and the gifts it provides our kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia School is special in every way. From the emphasis on respect for the individual to the awareness of the connectedness of the world, Santa Lucia takes the time to teach students how to live in community. The nurturing, holistic approach captures all that was special about the one-room schoolhouse - homemade snacks prepared and served daily, outdoor exploration on the property (including swims in the creek) and a close knit school family and yet this same nurturing, holistic approach reaches out into the world with community service projects, global fundraising and even an occasional international learning opportunity! I love Santa Lucia School because in addition to educating my son in all the traditional school subjects, the school has also modeled goodness and well being. Our family has been enriched through our association with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School for my Grandkids.Teaching all the qualities they need in the future. Education,respect for others,care for your fellow humans and for living creatures. how to continue learning and critical thinking.
—Submitted by a parent

lets the kids have time to play in the creek, and still learn to read and math facts and art
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia is a wonderful school. It is truly wholistic education encompassing nature, international cultures and history, relationships to all of life, excellent teachers, art, respect for self and others. It honors our children for who they genuinely are.
—Submitted by a parent

Pro's: Small class size, no school on Fridays, little homework, students can progress at own pace. Con's: Small size (= narrow range of friends), minimal sports and music, tends to teach kinds what to think rather than how to think, and trumpets acceptance and holistic education but within a rather narrow range. In short, you either love the sheltered approach or will find it constraining.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school I've ever seen! Each student treated as an individual, learning involves activities that gets each child involved! Wish I'd discovered this school before any public school touched any of my three children!
—Submitted by a parent