Private Schools

Noah's Ark Preschool is more like a daycare. The class sizes are large and if your child is up to common core standard for Pre K already they will be bored out of there mind which at this age is very dangerous. Very nice people and very safe environment, but if you are not careful your child can regress. Also, because of teacher burnout they have a high turnover. When I visited on my days off and the pedigogy seemed to be let the kids construct their own play in several groups around the playground (fake grass is weird) which is healthy as long as social training is happening and that is not the case here. Many opportunities to squelch bully behavior go unattended to. It has taken a huge amount of work to undo the bad social and classroom behaviors my son learned at Noah's Ark. And for the record he was fine before....

Best elementary school in Marin.

We’ve been at Leport Carlsbad for almost two academic years now and it is my children's home away from home. They are very happy to go to school each day, full of excitement for the day ahead of them, and just as happy about their day when I pick them up. The teachers and administrators at Leport have been the most caring, professional, kind-hearted and dedicated staff I've ever met at a school. There's never been a doubt in my mind that they care deeply for my children. The parents and students are also very supportive of each other and take pride in contributing to the school community. The academic program at Leport is strong and challenging, completely tailored to each child's level, interests and skill set. Although it's a small school, Leport Carlsbad lacks for nothing when it comes to materials or resources. They take regular field trips to cultural and historic sites. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in community service activities, theatrical performances and local events such as parades, fairs, etc. There are also many lovely creative outlets for the children, from drawing to finger knitting, musical instruments and singing, to cooking and gardening. The indoor and outdoors spaces at the school are all beautiful and encourage students to feel comfortable and independent. Maria Montessori would be proud to see her philosophy embodied so well at Leport Carlsbad.

After the birth of my first son, I had to return to work before I wanted to. The idea of leaving him to go to work left me heartbroken. I am so happy we choose MSO. My oldest son has been attending for almost 4 years now. He is now in Room 6 and our youngest is in Room 3. They both started in Room 1 and we have watched our boys develop, flourish and thrive in each classroom. I cannot say enough good things about this program. The relationships my children have developed with their teachers helps takes away some of the guilt I have of being a working mom. My sons love their teachers like family and their days are packed with fun and educational activities. They are always happy to go to school in the morning and they talk about their teachers and friends with us at home every night. I am grateful my children have so many people who love and care about them. It takes a village to raise a child and I couldn’t be happier that MSO is part of our village.

My children have attended rock rose for the last four years it has been the perfect place for them and meant so much to our family.

Global Village School is an excellent homeschool program. We are so grateful to have found it and become a part of this wonderful global community. The curriculum is supportive of nurturing young globally aware, mindful, respectful and unique young people. We love the flexibility of the program which allows spontaneous travel and allows us to incorporate our own unique teaching/learning styles, along with the experienced teacher support, and we really couldn't be happier. GVS fell exactly in line with our family's values and views points about education. My children are still in the younger grade levels (gr.1&2), and the freedom to allow them to guide their own learning while having a supportive well-rounded, flexibile curriculum has been amazing. We love GVS!

I like Ojai Valley School, though the curriculum could be a bit more welcoming of new material.

I attended 4 years of school here and while I found it academically challenging and fun. Many staff members were under qualified or I'll prepared. While it is to be expected as a Catholic school sometimes there are rare instances of people being looked down upon for not being Catholic.

This is a very unique and special school. My wife and I were both public school teachers for over a decade and had never considered sending our child to an independent school, until we found Oak Grove. Our daughter is now in her senior year at Oak Grove, having been there since Kindergarten. A constant refrain from all students is that at OGS, you can be who you really are -- and are encouraged to do so. Relationships and self awareness are not afterthoughts here, but integral parts of the curriculum.

My oldest son just graduated from 8th grade at MSO. He has been so nurtured by all the staff. His teachers have challenged him in just the right way. I will never forget the day he said, "I love school". He was 8 years old and had already been to three schools, he has had never said this before! Our youngest is in 2nd grade now and is thriving! We are so grateful for the Montessori School of Ojai.

It is a fire school.