Where to send kids to school is a big decision on every parent's mind right now. Our education directory features educational options in San Diego County with a variety of learning environments—public charter schools, private and Montessori schools. Contact each school directly for detailed program information and to schedule tours. Programs with the SN symbol have staff to care for children with special needs.
NORTH COUNTY
Del Mar Hills Nursery School
Del Mar, 858-755-8338
www.delmarhillsnurseryschool.com
2.5-6 years
Our program combines the philosophies of Froebel, Orff, Montessori and Reggio Emilia in an environment tailored to each child’s interests and ideas. Each day is balanced with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and multi-age exploration in our art studio, Froebel room and outdoor classroom. Daily Orff sessions introduce music and movement to students. Offering excellent programs since 1970.
Encinitas Country Day
Encinitas, 760-942-1111
https://encinitascountrydayschools.org/
Preschool-Grade 8
Encinitas Country Day School applies a unique blend of Montessori, traditional, and 21st-century instructional methods to develop
well-rounded students of scholarship, integrity and service.
LePort Montessori
Solana Beach, 858-299-2642
www.leport.com
An authentic, nurturing Montessori school, offering programs from infancy through elementary, as well as Spanish immersion. We would like to help your child gain what we call Knowledge for Life: the essential knowledge, thinking skills and strength of character needed to flourish as joyous children today and as successful adults tomorrow.
SAN DIEGO CENTRAL
Beth Montessori
La Jolla, 858-452-3030
www.bethmontessori.com
9 months-6 years
We offer an integrated secular and Judaic curriculum based on the Montessori philosophy. Children are guided by certified professionals. Our self-directed learning fosters independence, responsibility, respect and a love of learning. Bilingual program with fluency in English and Spanish.
Mission Bay Montessori Academy
University City, 858-457-5895
www.mbmacademy.com
Age 2-Grade 6
We are a Montessori school located in beautiful San Diego with programs for children in preschool through 6th grade. Our 10-month school year runs from August through June and we also offer a summer program. We have been in operation since 1968. Our goal is to help children reach their fullest potential. The Montessori Method is based on a child’s need to learn by doing and develops the whole personality of the child. In addition to their intellectual faculties, we also help children build their powers of deliberation, initiative and independent choice. Our elementary students also experience facets of traditional education (testing, textbooks and homework), which helps facilitate the transition to the next phase of their education. The academic accomplishments of our students are held in high regard by the private and middle schools in our area. We credit this reputation to our child-centered Montessori philosophy and curriculum.
Urban Discovery Schools
Downtown San Diego, 619-788-4668
www.urbansd.com
UTK-Grade 12
Urban Discovery Academy is an award-winning free public school in the heart of downtown San Diego. The community is an extension of our campus and the foundation for our rigorous, creative and immersive approach to learning. In partnership with UC San Diego and Reality Changers, we empower students to explore beyond the classroom, with enrichment programming for all ages that ignites curiosity and inspires them to make a difference.
EAST COUNTY
Literacy First Charter Schools
East County - 619-596-6176
www.LFCSInc.org
TK- Grade 12
Literacy First Charter Schools has been serving K-12 students since 2001, emphasizing personalized education to foster literate, life-long learners and responsible citizens. Celebrating over 20 years, LFCS proudly reports student performance well above state and local averages. We are LFCS, where every child is known and valued.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Compass Charter Schools
San Diego, Imperial and Orange Counties - 855-937-4227
www.compasscharters.org
TK-Grade 12
Compass is the Gold Standard in Personalized Virtual Learning. We always put our scholars first and believe in tailoring education to each specific child.
Discovery Isle Preschool
Multiple Locations- 877-659-6198
www.discoveryisle.com
Infant-PreK
Discovery Isle Preschool provides excellence in preschool, before and after school programs and summer camp for families living in San Diego County. Classes are led by dedicated, caring teachers who value open communication with parents.
Innovations Academy Charter School
Kearny Mesa - 858-271-1414
www.innovationsacademy.org
K-Grade 8
We are a K-8 inquiry project-based learning school with enrichment including art, performing arts, STEM, Spanish and Nature Studies. Our students enjoy field trips and collaboration with guest experts.
JCS LIVE TK-12 Virtual Academy
Virtual Charter School/Home Study - 760-765-5523
https://julian.jcs-inc.org
TK- Grade 12
JCS LIVE combines live classes with an online curriculum. Students and parents will work out a plan that is best for their schedule and needs. Some students may take more classes with teachers whereas others might take more online curricula and participate in fewer teacher-led courses. Independent study allows us to individualize each student’s path and create a program that is tailored to each student. We are also flexible and understand that sometimes the original plan may need to be adjusted from time to time. Please communicate regularly with your mentor teacher to talk about what is working or what might need to be adjusted. Our goal is to create an environment where students want to learn. We have developed many hands-on projects and activities to encourage students to develop a love for learning and show their mastery of subject area standards in multiple ways.
The Learning Choice Academy
Chula Vista: 619-656-4220
La Mesa: 619-463-8811
Clairemont: 858-536-8388
www.learningchoice.org
TK-Grade 12
Join us at The Learning Choice Academy, where we empower TK-12 grade students to thrive, parents to actively participate and teachers to inspire. Discover a new way of learning that puts your child's needs and interests at the forefront. Explore our programs, connect with our supportive community and embrace the freedom of educational choice.
Updated: July 2024
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