Our child just finished Kindergarten at Del Mar Pines (DMP). This school is everything a parent could wish for and more. We started the school year at a Blue Ribbon public school with very high test scores and great reviews. We were so unhappy with what we saw at the public school that we switched mid Fall to DMP. Marci McCord, the Director, is honest, caring and really has the best interest of the school and its students at heart. From the moment we toured the school, we immediately saw the difference and knew this was the place for our child. First, our child was not going to be part of the "masses". There are only 150 students K-6. There is no way your child will fall through the cracks. The school itself is small, clean and has a warm and loving environment. The Kindergarten teachers are superb. Exactly what you would expect. They are loving, warm, open to parental questions. Class size is small. Two teachers per 20 students. Technology is a huge part of the school. In Kinder, each of the students has their own iPad to be used during technology time. The curriculum is above average and challenging. There is plenty of individualized instruction. Our child transitioned very well and flourished. Art, Spanish and PE are part of the normal curriculum. The after-school care is wonderful. Enrichment programs available. Mandarin, Chess, Mad Science, Lego Building, Cheer etc. The older kids are so polished and polite. Many of the graduates go on to top tier schools such as Pacific Ridge, Francis Parker and Bishops. Each Kindergartener and 1st grade student have 6th and 5th grade "buddies". The bond that is formed with their Buddy is amazing to watch. The children look up to the Buddies and the Buddies look out for them. This program teaches the invaluable lesson of friendships and responsibility. Finally, the parental community is fantastic. You really get to know the other families well and the sense of community is such a positive. Since our child stared mid-year, we were a little apprehensive. The entire DMP community welcomed us with open arms. I highly recommend DMP to any parent searching for a school. We count our blessings daily that we found this school.

We have been so happy and impressed by this small, but mighty, school. We are confident that our children are going to receive the education that they deserve in an environment that is going nurture, stimulate and challenge them. Our daughter who currently attends has blossomed and loves going to school each day. Her enthusiasm and love of her school is contagious and we can't help but be excited for her. The atmosphere at the school is all inclusive and there is a sense that everyone is looking out for one another, while still maintaining high academic standards. We couldn't ask for more from a school.

Expensive private school