
The
Child's Primary School (TCPS)
near Balboa & Genesee, in Clairemont area -- Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School
Mission
Statement
The Child's Primary School, a private kindergarten through eighth
grade school, was founded in 1983 based on the principles of value
and respect for the individual uniqueness of each child.
We believe learning
is promoted in an environment that supports each child within a community
that includes family, school, and those who influence the life of
the child.
The educational
philosophy of The Child's Primary School is grounded in the richness
of the individual diversity and respect for all people. Learning is
understood to be an exciting and lifelong process and to include all
aspects of the whole child: physical, emotional, social, and intellectual.
We promote a safe environment where trying is valued over being right…
where positive self-esteem is fostered… and where the curiosity and
quest for learning of all persons-including children, family, faculty,
and staff-are encouraged, supported, and challenged.
Ms. Maggie Price
& Ms. Sherry Risch developed a distinct philosophy of education,
after years of training, that combined the best teaching methods and
principles of learning with their personal philosophies of family
and the needs of the whole child. In 1983, this vision became The
Child's Primary School.
The staff at TCPS
are very special and attentive indeed, attracting delightful families
to the school. Other wonderful features include a low student to teacher
ratio, a separate science lab -- a feature unique to this school, a modern computer lab, spanish classes,
music classes, physical education, after school enrichment programs,
a playground and adjacent park, morning care, and after care. Each
of these various classes are taught by separate specialized instructors.
More
San Diego Natural Parenting Resources
Preschool
CENTRAL
SAN DIEGO

Circle
of Friends Preschool is a delightful preschool in Clairemont
area for ages 2 through 5, offering a home-based enrichment in the
most natural and appropriate learning environment for young children.
Comes absolutely highly recommended by many of our AP and natural
families.
Kindergarten
through High School SOUTH BAY
Academy
of Exploration International
In the South Bay/Chula Vista area, for grades 1 through
12. Exploration International is located in a quiet and safe residential
area and offers a beautiful natural environment with plants, ponds,
animals, and a stimulating outside play area.
In order to ensure
the success of each child, the Academy accepts only 6 Students per
teacher! During school hours (9:30 to 2:30) each student receives
individual attention by the teacher on a daily basis and can progress
at his/her own pace. The academic subjects are taught by a credentialed,
multi-lingual teacher with 25 years of teaching experience in Europe,
Mexico, and the USA. The low teacher/student ratio of 1 to 6 enables
the teacher to monitor each student’s success and to remain on a subject
until all skills are mastered. Periodic testing/ evaluations provide
a reflection of each student’s academic achievement on a national/
international level. Currently, students study the following courses
daily: Reading, Writing, Math, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science,
Music, Arts/Crafts, Nutrition, Typing, & Computer Science.
"Our son,
has without a doubt, obtained more knowledge during this school year
than in any other educational environment he has been in. He has been
given the gift of learning, a true understanding of what absorbing
and digesting material feels like. He has been given the gift of seeing
himself as a competent, capable student. He has been given the gift
of having a teacher who values him and permits him to feel safe to
ask questions."
Preschool
from 2 months through First Grade NORTH COUNTY
Waldorf In North County Sanderling School
Bianca Lara (a
former organizer of North County Coastal AP Group) is the administrator
of Waldorf In North County Sanderling School. WINC Sanderling School
offers: Preschool through First Grade serving North
County families in their Cardiff-by-the-Sea location.
Mission Statement
Waldorf In North County Sanderling School is committed to a creative,
artistic approach to teaching educating the whole child from the inside
out.
The school brings
together a community of teachers dedicated to the spiritual, moral,
intellectual and physical development of children. The school's educational
aim is to provide an environment that consciously addresses the different
developmental stages of childhood and that meets these stages with
the appropriate curriculum and teaching style. The curriculum balances
thinking, artistic expression and practical work in order to develop
in the students the skills necessary to meet their tasks in life and
to foster in each student a high degree of self-reliance, a conscious
concern for nature and fellow human beings, and a desire to contribute
to the betterment of the world.
The school is
a non-profit organization that welcomes and is open to people of all
religions, creeds, races, and national origins. Its tuition adjustment
program for the grades, helps ensure that the school is financially
available to families of diverse economic situations.
Preschool
consists of forty
enthusiastic children that make up our parent-tot program called Humming
Bird. The Humming Bird parent tot alternative preschool is
the favorite choice of our North County Attachment Parenting and natural
families.We
have over 80 students in our two licensed mixed age nursery/kindergartens,
five parent tots and the first grade.
More classes: Expectant Parents class, 2 months old to crawling class, crawling to 18 months class and a transition class which includes an hour of parent education. There is also a study group for parents of young children: Parenting with Imagination.
Call 760-635-3747 for more information or visit www.waldorfinnorthcoastal.org for a list of open house & observation days.
Preschool
from 2 to 5 years NORTH COUNTY
Nature's Way Preschool
.....a natural and nurturing place for your child
We are a home based, morning preschool program, committed to providing families with a healthy and secure place for their children to blossom and unfold as they play, interact, discover and learn about who they are and the beauty they give to the world. We believe it is essential to nurture the whole child and to provide children with a model of compassion, gentleness, empathy and kindness.
We believe children learn best through playing, expression, and connecting with nature- we provide many opportunities for creative imaginative play, indoors and outdoors.
~6 children per day maximum, ages 2-5 years
~Waldorf inspired
~organic/whole foods served
~wood playthings and serene atmosphere
~recognizing each child's individual spirit and gifts
~child led and free environment
9-1pm daily ~
2, 3 and 5 day schedules
Contact via email for a tour and more information!
Teacher/owner Jessica Griffith
B.S. Child & Family Development-mother of one
JessicaRGriffith@yahoo.com
License # 376619502
Kindergarten through Third Grade (and growing)
NORTH COUNTY

Seaside
Wisdom for Life School In
North County. Through experiential learning
and Natural Law, lessons are learned by actual experience -- demonstratable
truths rather than abstract theories. Academics are taught holistically
and curriculum at WFLS is integrated, maximizing whole brain development
through the inclusion of art, dance, music and theater.
"I had to
switch from home schooling to a private school and I found the most
remarkable place; just in case you ever need to change from home schooling. Only 12
kids per one teacher and one aid!! 1st, 2nd and 3rd mixed. Older kids
teach younger kids. They get to think up their own ideas. It is in
a house and quite beautiful. There is a dog in the class, fish, bird,
snake, rat, and bugs of all kinds. They do organic gardening. Library
trips every week. Field trips every other Friday. Its a beautiful
place." --- Deanna L.
Call (760) 753-5786
or visit: www.wisdomforlifeschool.com
Kindergarten
& Preschool SOUTH EAST

Morning
Glory alternative Preschool & Kindergarten in SouthEast
San Diego is a favorite choice of our Attachment Parenting
and natural families. I've received many very flattering letters about
their program. Fifty enthusiastic children make up this parent-tot
program held at the Waldorf School of San Diego.
I am told that The
Waldorf School of San Diego is not entirely
AP oriented for elementary grades beyond their Preschool/Kindergarten
class, according to several of our AP families, although there is
still great interest among our families in this school and in Waldorf-style
education.
Preschool:
Also
join this Yahoo Chat Group
and get
in touch with other moms who are creating small cooperative teaching
groups for preschoolers -- likely growing into cooperative elementary
homeschooling: groups.YAHOO.com/group/SDNaturalLearning
Preschool and Elementary NEAR NORTH COUNTY

The
Rainbow Kids Integral Preschool in the Mira Mesa/Scripps Ranch area, serves children from ages 2 1/2 to 5. With low student/teacher ratios, individual learning plans for each child, and a focus on helping the children find a true joy in learning, the Rainbow Kids Integral Preschool is really all about the kids! Through unique programs such as daily meditation and yoga, and an emphasis on the creative arts, as well as learning their numbers and letters, not only do the children experience joy, but the faculty and families do too!
Integral education begins with the inborn qualities of each child: eyes big with wonder; boundless curiosity; small hands extended in trust to people and the world; and a profound interest in meaningful activity, self-expression, courage, laughter, and love. Integral education prizes these qualities. They are the first expression of the divine spark at the center of each child's being. Integral Education is a philosophy and practice of education for the whole child: mind, body, heart and soul."
Here's what one parent had to say:"Rainbow Kids Integral Preschool has been a great place for our son. He started at 2 years old and will be 5 shortly. He is more than ready for kindergarten! In that time he has developed not only in fundamental areas but he also great social skills. He has learned to be sensitive about the needs of others and makes friends with ease. It is a loving, caring school with good teachers. I would recommend it to anyone who values a well-rounded base for their children.
Visit website for more info: www.RainbowKidsSchool.com Sister school is Integral Elementary School in UTC/La Jolla (www.IntegralElementary.com) for K-6".

Integral Elementary School is a new and innovative alternative K-6 elementary school in San Diego. Boasting an approximate 11:1 student/teacher ratio, along with individual learning plans developed for each student, and utilizing authentic assessments, we help the children learn to think critically, and outside the box! Our mission is to inspire a true joy in learning, and to create lifelong learners. We consider the whole child - mind, body, heart and soul - through unique programs such as daily meditation and yoga, a cutting edge PE program called Awareness Through the Body, and an emphasis on the creative arts as well as academics.
"Integral Education is a philosophy and practice of education for the whole child. The modern practice of education for utility or for productivity is not enough for the children of the 21st century. It ignores the highest and truest parts of their being. Too often it ignores the physical and emotional development of the child as well. Integral Education unites the ancient educational goal of self-knowledge with the modern goal of world-knowledge. Both of these goals are admirable, and the two of them must go hand-in-hand in any educational system that is integral."
Here's what two parents had to say: Just off I-5 and I-52 near UCSD. Very good student/teacher ratio, enthusiastic teachers & administrators. Individualized reading, good science and community studies. Wonderful values lessons and a great PE/ Hatha Yoga/ "Awareness Through the Body" program. Our son won't miss a minute of school. The school has use of a beautiful auditorium; a high point for our son is the varied performances he gets to participate in on the big stage. And frequent field trips are a bonus too. We couldn't be happier with the environment and the experience for our family.
I'm thrilled to have this school where my daughter can grow - mind, body & soul. Not only does she learn the basics, in a very fun way, but they also teach character development skills, communication skills, and physical education, including yoga, lots of creative arts and the sciences too! We love it!
Visit website for more info: www.IntegralElementary.com. Sister school is Rainbow Kids Integral Preschool (www.RainbowKidsSchool.com)
San
Diego Christian Preschool
Little
Lamb Land Preschool is a San Diego Based preschool
providing loving, quality care for your precious little lamb. It's designed to provide children with many opportunities for balanced growth through activities and play. From these various experiences children begin to develop their individual modes of learning. Our staff is committed to providing opportunities for spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of your child. Our program includes: Christian living, language, art, music/movement, computers, math, science, and play.
Two
San Diego Charter Schools recommended
by many of our Attachment Parenting Families:
San
Diego Cooperative Charter School in Hillcrest. Constructivist
philosophy of teaching. They require the full participation of parents
in their program. Since they are right across from Balboa Park, they
include activities at the museums.
Explorer
Elementary Charter School in La Jolla has a Social
Emotional Literacy Program. Their goal is to teach children to cope
with their emotions and to express their feelings constructively.
They use the Second Step Curriculum to teach empathy, anger management,
and conflict resolution.
Home Schooling in San Diego

San
Diego Homeschool Resource Center has
a valuable curriculum library, classrooms for clubs and meetings,
and lots more.
Home
School San Diego Link
to Christian-based resources for San Diego home schoolers and those
considering home schooling.
Also
check-out these HomeSchooling Yahoo Chat Groups:
San
Diego Home Education
This is a very large, active, and supportive group, where you can
connect with other home educating families, find information on resources
available in the San Diego area, brainstorm ideas and activities,
ask questions, and find encouragement and positive attitudes! We welcome
people of all faiths - or none - all political persuasions - or none
- and all methods of homeschooling - or none.
San
Diego Holistic Homeschool Community This is a smaller
group which may be just right for you. Are you seeking to educate
and reach children on all levels, emotionally, intellectually, socially,
spiritually, and physically? They are described as eating healthy,
compassionate communication, respectful and supportive of all paths,
forgiving of ourselves when we "miss the mark", families
who are alive, awake and connected with life, seasons and outdoors,
low electronic media, and kindness to name a few. It is about wanting
a little more simplicity in life. Whatever your interest, you are
welcome. Some interests include community-based education, unschooling,
enki, waldorf, charlotte mason, montessori, free schools, and reggio
emilia.
Preschool:
Also
join this Yahoo Chat Group
and get
in touch with other moms who are creating small cooperative teaching
groups for preschoolers -- likely growing into cooperative elementary
homeschooling: groups.YAHOO.com/group/SDNaturalLearning
More
San Diego Natural Parenting Resources
This
resource page provided by:
Dr.
Linda Folden Palmer,
author of Baby
Matters What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You About Caring for Your Baby
With
the birth of Dr. Palmer's son in 1995, she was confronted with his
severe health complications and astounded by the extreme lack of accurate
or helpful information from doctors or books. Her usual passion for
research turned toward infant health and parenting. Her extensive
reviews of science and medical research revealed huge conflicts between
what is found scientifically and what is standard protocol in pediatric
offices. Her research in this area led to writing Baby Matters.

Baby
Matters
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
About Caring for Your Baby
Dr. Linda Palmer
Please let me know about
any changes or additions to the list. lfpalmer@babyreference.com