Parent Testimonials

"My son has been with TCPS since Kindergarten and is now in the 5th grade. I wanted a place where he could develop in a kind and responsive social environment and not get lost in the crowd --- and this is what we've found at TCPS. Their cross-age activities prove to be very valuable to social development as well. The curriculum is advanced, but allows each child to work within their level without being left behind or lacking stimulation. The teachers and staff are outstanding and really prove to make the school a special experience."

"The Child's Primary School is a remarkable place. It truly is the best thing going in San Diego for elementary and middle school education. Within these walls, students are challenged academically and socially. The academic curriculum is rigorous and engaging. However, the more important strength of the school is the way they teach the students to be people of character. Lots of schools have 'character posters' around the campus. At T.C.P.S., these words are not hollow. Students who struggle with socially accepted behaviors are guided and encouraged to learn better, more peaceful ways to manage themselves. The expectations of integrity and hard work are equally high. My children are thriving and flourishing in this emotionally safe, academically challenging school."

"The Child's Primary School is a fantastic school. Classes are small--only 12 children, so your child gets a lot of attention. The staff are very creative and find interesting innovative ways to teach and foster a strong sense of community. Kids interact in groups between the grades K - 8. There are special teachers for all grades in music, Spanish, science, math and PE (where they learn real sports). The true test: the kids love school! My son is thriving in 2nd grade. The philosophy is 'the child is primary'. There are wonderful special programs like The Big Event (an annual school-wide 'event'--sometimes a show but not always) and the Thanksgiving Feast that the children put on themselves and work together to complete. This school really strives to foster a sense of community and family. Children are nurtured and encouraged to explore education and grow to their fullest potential. We love it!"
- Schuyler

"My children have attended The Child's Primary School since Kindergarten. They tell me daily how much fun they have in school. They even want to stay after school for fun activities. The most positive aspect of TCPS is the relationships my children have made with the teachers. They know TCPS is a place of trust and love which helps them grow emotionally, as well as in their academics. In short, it is a very happy place!"

"TCPS, one of San Diego greatest kept secrets. My son came to this school speaking very little English, after a year now he is fluent and is even beginning to read. I have greatly enjoyed my year here at this school. The sense of community and caring is something so wonderful I don't have enough space here to describe. As I watched at the end of the year the children getting thier awards for regional and worldwide competitions, I thought how great is that, that could be my son up there someday with the help of a great education from this wonderful school. This school combines great values with a real hands-on way of learning that works! Here there really isn't anyone left behind, they are all achievers! I highly recommend this school as the best choice for any family."
- Kat McGhee

"Our daughter is just finishing her kindergarten year at TCPS. We chose TCPS because of it's commitment to teaching 1) respect for individual uniqueness; 2) principles, such as integrity and accountability; and 3) lifelong learning, meaning not just 'what' to learn, but 'how' and 'why.' The school has delivered on all of these promises. When friends are over for dinner we love asking our daughter, now 6, to define for them the meaning of 'integrity.' Ask an adult to do so some time. You'd be surprised at the answers you get. Oh yes, and our daughter is reading, writing, etc. well above grade level. We are proud of our daughter's accomplishments at TCPS. She will definitely be back at the school next year. One more note: Maggie Price, one of the two founders of TCPS, is also the Kindergarten teacher. I don't think you will find a more dedicated and focused teacher."
- Robert or Phyllis

"This year, as a fifth grader, has been one of many successes. Many multiplication algorithms were hard for me to understand. This year, I learned every method that was hard for me, and many other algorithms. I was always afraid to ask someone about multiplication methods. My self confidence was built up during this year benefiting almost every subject. When I started to read better, I was able to understand books better. I kept reading more and more books. When my teachers assigned us paragraphs, they kept improving after every assignment. Because of this, I write poems, stories, and fantasy letters as one of my hobbies, and sometimes post them online by anonymous on my favorite website. As I began writing more and more, my cursive neatened. The benefits of all these improvements will help me in middle school, high school, and college as I work for an education 'Step by Step'."

"We've been at TCPS for 3 years and it is a gem. They do an outstanding job of balancing high quality academics with all important life skills: curiosity, responsibility, integrity, community building. The school is small and operates on a shoe string, but this more than made up for by the richness of the interaction between students and teachers, across grades and between families. There's a great emphasis on kids' attaining knowledge first hand-- learning by doing. They begin doing basic research projects in kindergarten (really!). The teacher to student ratio is excellent and it's a good thing too because the place is packed with inquiring minds that are ready to learn."

"My daughter is thriving at this school in every way. She loves going to school and eagerly awaits the start of each week. The small class size can't be beat and the opportunities to work in cross-age groups on a variety of projects have been wonderful. I love the fact that an 8th grader is as likely to say hello to her as a Kindergarten student. Our family feels truly privileged to be a part of the TCPS community."

"My son LOVES this school! (How many 5th graders will tell you that?) And he is learning both academics AND how to study. He is involved in research projects, cross age projects, he has a specialized math, music, science, and Spanish teacher, and the school teaches values that I agree with (being inclusive, cooperative, letting failure lead to success, etc.) They value diversity among the students and parents. If you are looking for a school, you've GOT to check this one out. The campus is not much to look at, but remember what they say about books."

"The academics, or more the way they administer them, are incredible at this tiny school with a very small teacher-student ratio. When kids are educated in this school, they leave with a great education and sense of self."

"Our son has been here for grade 1-4, and he has really done well. He has been doing research reports for 2 years already, gets lots of really individualized instruction, and loves going to school! It's not perfect, after our experience with one of the other 'well respected' private schools that does not actually do individualized instruction, despite what they print in the promotional materials, I have been very happy with TCPS."
- Bill

My son is in the third grade this year (2005-2006) and has been at The Child's Primary School (TCPS) since the first grade. TCPS really does what it says...The Child is Primary! If you are looking for a school with small class size (12 per grade!), thoughtful teaching techniques, a loving, safe moral environment, and community involvement, then this is the school for your child. I have watched my son blossom into a self confident, curious learner. His creativity is encouraged and supported. The academic curriculum excels beyond public school. Each child is nurtured. Each classroom is a community. TCPS is the school experience you want your child to learn within. Call to set up a tour at (858) 576-2120. TCPS is the school you wish YOU went to as a child.
 --Maura

When people ask my kids about their school, the first thing they usually say is that "it's a fun school." A lot of their neighborhood friends complain about not wanting to go to school because it's not fun. My kids, Hunter (2nd grade) and Cheyenne (1st grade) get mad when I pick them up right after school -- they want to stay longer! The most important thing is that the environment is warm, and hugs are "handed out" regularly. It is definitely a happy place and that makes me a happy mom.  --Karen Weiss

While I am very pleased with my son's standardized test scores (above grade level in every subject and High School level in reading), what is insanely great about TCPS is that Max LOVES to go!!! We had a rough experience before coming here and I get choked up when I think about how much happier he is now. This is a school where the teachers really mean it when they say they individualize how they approach each student. TCPS also comes up with fabulous ways for Max to develop teamwork and social skills with both older and younger peers. These children seem to really care about each other over time, and that is valuable to us.  
--Bill James

At this age, school is Collin's life. At TCPS, Collins LOVES life. Each month, even as I'm writing out the tuition check, my heart is filled with joy and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing community where my child is valued, engaged and ultimately loved.
 --Mellissa Seaman