The Children's School

When our first child was about to start school in 2009, we sought a school that would be a home away from home for her. We wanted a school that values and espouses community and connectedness. We were elated to have found The Children’s School. Today, 15 years and 4 children later, we are so blessed to still call The Children’s School our children’s second home. All four of our children began The Children’s School in the Toddler program at two years old. Thus far, two of them graduated at eighth grade and were primed and more than prepared to attend the high schools of their choose. We are so happy to have two more children still attending The Children’s School. Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, the Children's School embodies the essence of Reggio Emilia-inspired education, fostering a vibrant community where connectedness, creativity, and child-centered learning flourish. As a firm believer of progressive education, The Children’s School is dedicated to nurturing life-long learners through an innovative approach that prioritizes the holistic development of each child. At the Children's School, the Reggio Emilia philosophy serves as the cornerstone of its educational framework. Embracing the belief that children are competent, capable individuals, the school fosters an environment where curiosity and exploration are celebrated. Through a child-centered approach, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey, guided by passionate educators who serve as facilitators rather than lecturers. The school's commitment to progressive education is evident in its emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Students are encouraged to delve deeply into topics of interest, engaging in meaningful inquiries that spark creativity and critical thinking skills. The Children's School provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth and discovery.

We are in the preschool program and plan to continue here for elementary because of how wonderful the school and teachers are. My child is thriving thanks to TCS.

The Children's School is the MOST incredible school and community to be part of - my kids sprint into school every day because they are so excited to be there and it has honestly been like that since the first moment they stepped on campus. I have 2 children and we have been at TCS for three years and while it is hard to explain just how special this school is, I will try! ElectivesMy favorite part of the school's robust program is how many elective courses the kids participate in - every week they go to Spanish, Tech, PE, Music, Art, and Science. It is common for my kids to tell me how much fun they had cooking in Spanish class, learning the keyboard at music, and meeting newly-hatched baby chickens in Science, all within the same week. AcademicsThanks to the small class sizes and dedicated and creative teachers, a portion of learning at school is student lead. This is such an incredible way to infuse learning with real-world interests and experiences - the kids experience higher engagement because they are invested in the subject matter, all while learning the skills the teacher set out to teach them in the first place. The topics they get to dive into and the projects they collaborate with each other on are absolutely incredible, and the content is meaningful and relevant, not busy-work or arbitrary. Social and Emotional LearningI was most drawn to the social and emotional learning emphasis of the school. The school truly is a community - the kids constantly learn how to be kind to each other, how to coexist and appreciate their differences, and how to navigate conflict. They are not taught what to think, they are taught HOW to think. TCS fosters a love for learning, gives the students tools they can use to succeed in school and the real-world, and creates a safe space where each child can be their unique self. FamiliesLastly, as a parent I highly respect and appreciate the administration of the school. The head of the school answers any question I have, personally greets each family as they walk in each day, and makes me feel like I have a voice at the school. From the fun opportunities to get involved, to the detailed weekly e-mails the teachers send out going over the classroom experiences from that week, to the whole school Community Meetings every Friday morning, you are instantly welcomed into a community that values you and wants to partner with you as a parent.

Hosting a drive-in movie fundraiser this year was the most memorable moment I have had at TCS. The fact that my class was able to propose an idea to faculty, get it approved, and have support throughout the community is a part of this school that is truly amazing. I am looking forward to making new friends, trying out different classes, and challenging myself in high school next year.TCS has taught me to always challenge myself academically and to be generous towards others. I am extremely grateful that I have had the chance to go to The Children's School, not only has it prepared me for high school next year but it has also created an environment where I have learned to create and cherish bonds with my peers and teachers.

TCSLJ has devolved in the past five years. The ‘child-led’ curriculum lessens as children enter middle school. In fact, kids are given less autonomy, fewer choices and curriculum is less focused on social emotional education just when more social-emotional issues arise.Leadership is defensive, controlling, rejecting collaboration from students, teachers and parents. The head of school shapes the school and it has become less creative, provides fewer opportunities for individual expression. He sorely lacks knowledge of middle schoolers’ development and their respective challenges. Tween/teen mistakes are met with shaming; conversely, blatant cheating is ignored. Expectation, encouragement & warmth disappear in 6th grade. Look closely at the specialty teachers, teachers hired from outside agencies, and in particular, the so called social-emotional curriculum. Ask the older students what they’ve learned, actually learned, without parroting the school’s prescribed talking points. Ask about students’ relationship with teachers. Ask about teacher turn over. The school unravels at a certain point. Hindsight, I would have chosen another middle school experience for my teen.