Crystal Cove

We moved from Rio Vista Elemetary in Anaheim to El Moro in Laguna Beach where my son has attended 3rd grade via virtual academy and now 4th grade in person. Standards were low at Rio Vista and my son fell behind, we thought he was doing well! El Moro raised the standards and, on their own, provided him with extra support to catch him up. With such a beautiful location, teachers are happy to be here and want every student to succeed. They are kind and patient, excited to teach bringing love and fun into their classrooms and are strong advocates against bullying. The principal is on top of it, kind, prompt, concerned for every students well being and success. Their school events are big! Wow! People really show up for their kids here, it's amazing to see a community that cares so much about education and emotional support. As a school that puts mental health over grades, the love and support they shower our kids with here is shown in their test scores.

My daughter has been to the school for TK and now is in kindergarten. She absolutely loves her school and enjoys waking up every day and going to learn. Mrs. Prough and Mrs Underdown are amazing teachers. I'm so grateful that my daughter gets to experience their teaching styles and remains excited to learn.

The school is safe and secure in a quiet neighborhood. Buildings are older but they keep it up okay. The student teacher ratio is unheard of. My son had a class last year with only 14 other kids. My friend’s youngest daughter went through the special needs class and there were half a dozen at most with extra aides. Where do you ever see that at a public school? Every Friday they have Flag Deck in the morning with all the grades where awards and announcements are made. Lots of parent participation. Parent groups always having events and fundraisers ($$$ too many) but I guess that’s why it’s a top school. Thru aren’t lacking in anything. Some of the 6th grade boys are a bit on the rambunctious side but that’s probably every school. Overall an excellent school. But my only suggestion is that if you need extra help with your kid, sit down with teacher/school early to get on a growth plan.

People who say this school is like a private school clearly have not been to a private school. Your experience at NCE will be luck of the draw depending on grade and teacher.Cons:1. Teacher to student ratio is too high (similar to all CA public schools) so teachers don't have capacity to focus on each child. 25-30 kids per class with one teacher. Problem children will get more attention given teacher is spread too thin. If your child is not a problem child, he/she will not get much attention or positive reinforcement. Let that sink in.2. School is mostly Persians and Asians so you will be a minority if you are neither of those two demographics, hence lacking sense of real community.3. Lots of spoiled kids whose parents are just as spoiled and don't reign their kids in. My kids became exposed to gaming, social media, material things from their peers at NCE. Parents driving $200K - $500K cars but sending their kids to public school? You can see where the priority lies in many families.4. Luck of the draw with quality of teachers. Most are mediocre at best. Some are mean to kids and yell. 5. Curriculum is in line with state standard but little or no time for arts, science, performance, second language, etc. Extra curricular teachers are very sub-par.Pros:1. Facilities are nice compared to other public schools in Newport.2. School does have a smaller feel relative to other public schools but still does not compare to most private schools.3. Good selection of after school programs that you can sign up for.Conclusion: We were told by many people that NCE is as close to private as you can get. It could not be more false. Don't assume all private schools are equal. Christian schools that cost $10K/year in tuition are different from independent private schools that cost $25-50K/year. This review is for those considering private vs. public.

When our family joined Harbor Day School four years ago, we hoped for a strong academic foundation for our children, but what we found has been so much more. Harbor Day has become an extension of our family, a place where our three children are not only challenged intellectually but also supported emotionally and socially in every way.The teachers here are extraordinary. They know each child deeply - their strengths, quirks, and potential, and they truly want every student to become their best self. What stands out most is how intentionally the school focuses on the whole child. Academic rigor is balanced with lessons in kindness, citizenship, and community. My sons have learned to think critically and act compassionately, skills that matter far beyond the classroom and that we see demonstrated when we travel and encounter different societies and cultures.The breadth of experiences offered continues to impress me. From science and technology to wood shop, Spanish/Latin/Mandarin, art, and beyond, the curriculum encourages curiosity and hands-on exploration. Every day, my children come home excited to share something new they’ve discovered or built.As a parent, I’ve also found a meaningful sense of belonging through volunteer opportunities and parent enrichment programs. Although we don’t live in the immediate neighborhood, I’ve found that volunteering and participating in parent enrichment opportunities have made me feel deeply connected to the school. The families and faculty are warm, welcoming, and united by a shared commitment to helping children thrive both academically and personally.We are so happy with our decision to have our children at Harbor Day School. It’s a place where children are seen, valued, and inspired, and where families feel truly at home.