The Child's Primary School (TCPS) near Balboa & Genesee, in Clairemont area -- Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School, drawing children from La Jolla and further North County, East County, beach areas, and even Chula Vista. The school body is very attachment parenting oriented because the school philosophy attracts these families.

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
&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".

 

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 Centerhas 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 CommunityThis 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 and The BABY BOND

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.

 

The Baby Bond
The New Science Beahind What's Really Important
When Caring for Your Baby
Dr. Linda Palmer

 

Please let me know about any changes or additions to the list. lfpalmer@thebabybond.com