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.
Pacific View Charter School
Oceanside, 760-757-0161
www.pacificview.org
TK-Grade 12
Pacific View Charter is a tuition‑free, WASC‑accredited TK–12 public charter in Oceanside, CA (est. 1999). It offers hybrid and virtual education, personalized learning and strong family partnerships. With over 15,000 students served and therapy dogs on campus, it prepares students for college and careers.
San Diego Jewish Academy
Carmel Valley, 858-704-3700
www.sdja.com
18 mos.-5 years
For more than 40 years, SDJA has been a leader in preschool to 12th-grade education – inspiring and supporting students with personalized, innovative learning guided by Jewish values. At SDJA, students receive personalized attention, engage in innovative approaches to learning, and are a part of academics that challenge and inspire all in a supportive, welcoming Jewish community environment.
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
Our 10-month school year runs from August-June and we also offer a summer program. We have been in operation since 1968. 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
Liberty Charter High School
Alpine, 619-659-5131
www.libertychs.org
Grades 9-12
Liberty Charter High School (LCHS) maintains a safe environment where every student is known, develops strong character, grows academically, and graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college, career and life after college. Providing a traditional and comprehensive high school experience to a small student body, LCHS offers students a broad range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities within an intimate setting.
The Waldorf School
City Heights/Rolando, 619-280-8016
www.waldorfsandiego.org
Pre-K-Grade 12
Waldorf education nurtures students’ becoming, guiding them to grow as moral human beings with creative stamina, innovative minds and social maturity. With a strong sense of self and a moral compass, they lead with openness, kindness, and courage—transforming the world with purposeful action rooted in goodness, beauty and truth.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
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 2025