2024 San Diego School Guide

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Selecting the right school for your children can be daunting, which is why we are thrilled to bring back our San Diego School Guide! 

This guide has been broken up by school category and location. You can click the buttons below to navigate to that section of the page.

Interested in adding your school to this comprehensive list? Email Alexis@sandiegomoms.com/.

Preschools

Preschools play a crucial role in a child’s development by fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. They often focus on promoting early literacy, numeracy, creativity, and problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities and curriculum.

Also known as nursery school, pre-kindergarten, or early childhood education center, is an educational establishment or program designed to provide early childhood education to children typically between the ages of three and five years old.

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Discovery Isle Preschool provides excellence in preschool, before and after school programs, and summer camp for families living in San Diego County. Our Links to Learning curriculum offers the perfect balance of learning and play to develop the skills children need to become confident learners. Every step in the Links to Learning journey builds on the last, preparing children for success in school and life!  You’ll find Discovery Isle preschools in San Diego, Poway, San Marcos, Carl […]
Founded in 1983, Carmel Mountain Preschool is a local family-owned and operated private preschool and Summer Camp Program located in Rancho Penasquitos. Carmel Mountain Preschool is a warm, caring and fun atmosphere where children of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Santaluz, 4S Ranch, and Scripps Ranch can develop a lifetime love of learning. Over three decades later, the preschool continues to produce Carmel Mountain Preschool graduates who […]
Wee Care Early Learning Center in the Clairemont area of San Diego specializes in providing high quality childcare at very reasonable rates. Tuition includes breakfast and lunch, along with two yummy and healthy snacks per day. The rates of our Clairemont San Diego Preschool is based on the number of days your child attends our program. We are proud to offer very competitive rates for such a high quality early childhood education program. Half-day Rate: You may bring your child as m […]
Northminster Preschool is a Christian and play-based Preschool that has been caring for children in the Clairemont and University City communities for over 50 years. We provide a safe, nurturing, learning environment for children ages 2 - 5. We believe that children learn best through hands on experiences. Through a variety of daily play based activities, your child will be offered creative expressions in arts and crafts, games, songs, math concepts, language, science activities as w […]

Private Schools

San Diego is home to a diverse array of private schools catering to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These educational institutions prioritize personalized learning experiences, maintaining smaller class sizes, and offering specialized programs tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Within this educational landscape, there is a rich variety of options available. Traditional private schools, religious institutions, boarding schools, private special education facilities, college preparatory institutions, university preparatory schools, and day schools all contribute to the educational tapestry of San Diego. Additionally, Montessori, Waldorf, and language immersion schools each carve out their own niche within the educational spectrum, providing unique approaches to learning for students and families seeking alternative educational pathways.

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We are a private, Christian K-8 school located in Oceanside, California dedicated to helping children develop a love for learning. Why Choose Us? Children love learning at OAE! At Oceanside Adventist Elementary, teachers, staff and parents work together to continually improve the service and positive impact that our school has on students and families in the North San Diego community.Our families love being a part of a Christian community that values families from all backgrounds. Th […]
Francis Parker School is an independent, coeducational day school for students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 from across San Diego County. Parker's mission is to inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world. Francis Parker School Mission Statement The Francis Parker School mission is to create and inspire a diverse communi […]
Reformation Lutheran School is committed to excellent Christian education beginning at age 2.5 years and continuing through 8th grade. Christian values are prominent throughout the student experience, which is led by caring faculty and staff. We are a school family of parents, students and teachers who support each other. Our fully accredited and licensed programs are a fit for families who are looking for a trusted school partner for their child's academic, physical, social and spiri […]

Montessori & Waldorf Schools

A Montessori school is an educational institution that follows the educational philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Montessori education is based on the principles of self-directed learning, individualized instruction, and fostering independence and creativity in children. Montessori education places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of the child, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

A Waldorf school is an educational institution that follows the principles of Waldorf education, based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. Waldorf schools focus on holistic development, nurturing the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of each child. They offer a balanced curriculum that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills, emphasizing experiential learning and creativity. In Waldorf schools, teachers stay with the same class for several years, fostering strong relationships and continuity in learning. The curriculum unfolds according to the developmental stages of children, with an emphasis on imagination, play, and hands-on experiences. Waldorf schools aim to cultivate lifelong learners who are creative, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals.

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We are a Kinetic Montessori school with AMI certified Montessori and an emphasis on active learning! A revolutionary flip on childcare where children can learn while being interactive with hands on materials and have a gym to learn and play when they need to get the wiggles out!
We are the school you wish you'd attended! At Maria Montessori School we are committed to providing a comprehensive Montessori program that nurtures the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development of the total child. Our mission is to create an environment where each child is recognized for their uniqueness, fostering a sense of security and academic excellence. We understand that every child has a natural love for learning, and our approach is designed to respect and e […]
Community Montessori (CM) is a tuition-free charter school authorized by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). Community Montessori currently serves approximately 750 students in grades TK-8. Students attend one of five learning centers located throughout San Diego County and are on a Montessori home study program. Learning Centers are located in: Carlsbad, Poway, Escondido, and Santee Community Montessori is committed to respecting the talents and interests of the individ […]

Language Immersion

A language immersion school immerses students in a target language for a significant portion of their academic day, fostering language acquisition and proficiency. Through this immersive approach, students engage with the language across various subjects, including mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Language immersion schools offer programs in languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and German, among others, catering to the linguistic diversity of communities.

Teachers, proficient in the target language, employ a range of instructional strategies to support language learning, including visual aids, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences. These schools not only aim to develop language skills but also provide students with cultural enrichment, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the language and its associated cultures, preparing them to thrive in a globalized world.

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Situated between San Diego’s College Area and Rolando neighborhoods, The Language Academy magnet school provides a unique opportunity to achieve literacy in English and a second language, either French or Spanish. Give your child the gift of a second language! These award-winning and free language immersion programs prepare students to receive the California State Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation. Each program contains an enriching world curriculum for students in Kinder […]
Empower Language Academy innovates in immersive dual language learning, fitness and technology to create global citizens. Our holistic approach to Spanish immersion empowers a generation of creative thinkers and effective communicators to lead healthy and fit lifestyles. Our tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-6 is a caring community; providing students from all backgrounds with an educational experience that honors multilingualism, critical thinking, and fitness. &nb […]

Charter Schools

Charter schools offer innovative and diverse educational opportunities within the realm of public schooling. These independently operated institutions are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy compared to traditional public schools. Within the charter school category, families can explore a wide range of educational philosophies, teaching methods, and academic focuses tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of students.

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Dimensions Collaborative School, a tuition-free charter school serving students from TK-12 across San Diego County, is authorized by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). With over two decades of experience, Dimensions specializes in supporting homeschool and independent study students, providing a tailored educational experience for both students and their families. We work closely with parents and students to craft personalized learning plans, fostering an environment th […]
In September 1999, the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District opened the Greater San Diego Academy and authorized it to serve students in grades TK-8.  Ninth grade was added the following year followed by 10th, 11th and 12th.  We now serve grades TK-12. The school was designed to improve services to existing independent study and home schooling students throughout San Diego County. It is not necessary to have an inter-district transfer from your current district. Admission to Greater S […]

College Prep, Tutoring & Academic Support

College Prep, Tutoring & Academic Support services empower kindergarten through 12th-grade students to achieve their academic goals and unlock their full potential. These services encompass offerings tailored to individual student needs, including one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, test preparation, homework assistance, and academic coaching.

Coming Soon!

Co-op & Academic Enrichment

Co-op & Academic Enrichment programs offer students opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative experiences, and intellectual growth outside of traditional classroom settings. These programs often involve partnerships between schools, community organizations, and businesses to provide students with real-world learning experiences and exposure to diverse fields of study.

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Hub 4 Homeschool offers a variety of enrichment classes that aim to enhance, support and supplement all homeschool curriculums. Classes are taught by a team of dynamic vendor instructors who have years of experience in their chosen area of study and a passion for inspiring students to become curious and enthusiastic lifelong learners. We offer K-6th grade classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9-2:30pm on our Encinitas Campus.  On Fridays, we provide students the opportun […]

Want to add your school? Email Alexis@sandiegomoms.com/