We love this school/community and wouldnt send our kids anywhere else! Our son went here and our daughter will start her third year here this fall. We started out this school year at another more conventional preschool for convenience sake, and came running back to SMPCW one month in! Here, kids can climb trees as high as they are comfortable, ride a zip line, play barefoot as they please, make recipes with parents and teachers, care for the beloved Guinea Pigs, create art freely (no arts and crafts where they mindlessly copy the teachers example project), participate in movement and music, and most importantly, develop those crucial social/emotional skills that are the FOUNDATION for success in every area of life! My daughter feels SAFE, SECURE, and LOVED here. Teachers use (and teach parents to use!) a Whole Brain Child approach. Positive Discipline is practiced. Boundaries and expectations are set and the children know what the expectation is for behavior. Children are never shamed for their behavior, but gently and firmly guided. Children thrive with this consistency! The school is quite diverse, with many International families from countries like China, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Iran, and more! The Director speaks several languages and the children learn songs in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, and more. Parents learn PRACTICAL ways to deal with behaviors and learn healthy parenting philosophy and so much more at the parent meetings. The Co-op becomes your village - once youre here, you dont have to do this parenting thing on your own anymore. I cannot recommend this school enough.

This Cooperative Preschool is literally the best school that has come into our families lives! I considered a cooperative preschool for my son and wish I would have gone on a tour of San Marcos years ago. The teachers are fantastic. So caring, loving and focus on the social-emotional growth of children. For example, working through conflicts in a healthy positive way, identifying feelings, speaking up for yourself and checking in with each other to increase awareness and empathy. I appreciate that teachers listen to my concerns and work with the children to solve social issues that may come up. Because this is a cooperative school, I know exactly what my childs day and routine is like and how the teachers interact with my child. As parents, we have really benefited from the education and open communication with the teachers/directors; seeking advice on family dynamics or situations. The parenting techniques we have learned has helped us with our older child as well! It has made us more conscious parents; being more deliberate and aware of our parenting choices. I have made great friends with many other families and my children have really benefitted from the social bonds she has made. I love their new location with a large outdoor space located in a very private neighborhood. San Marcos preschool community has been exactly what I didnt know my family needed. My only regret is not being apart of this supportive community sooner.

Ive participated in SB area preschool co-ops since my 16 yr old was in preschool. SMPCW has been the best experience by far. I appreciate the diversity and the focus on inclusion at this preschool. Ive met families from all over the world, we learn and sing songs in our native tongues, and we celebrate important cultural traditions. The leadership is always receptive to feedback and as parent participants, we have the ability and support to bring about change if needed to make the preschool even better. I also appreciate the school snack system, the preschools willingness to include working families through partial participation options, and the friendship and camaraderie we experience as part of a co-op community.

Our grand daughter attended for over two years . The staff is professional and personal, the cooperative school is great. Recommend wholeheartedly.

We have loved having our kids at SMPCW. What a great environment for both the children AND parents! My children have really blossomed in terms of creativity and observation skills since attending– they are more attuned to the beautiful and exciting things in nature. I mean, Im not exactly hunting down bugs, dirt, plants, and pets for them at home, but this is what they get at school. Theyre allowed to explore what interests them at their own pace, and they are nurtured along the way by a great community of staff and parents. The experience as a parent is equally nurturing. The staff and other parents share best practices and parenting techniques, with tips on setting boundaries, problem solving, turn taking, independence, and secure connection. My experience has dramatically influenced and enhanced the way that I parent. SMPCW is not just a school, its a community that benefits the entire family!

I adore SMPCW! My children have blossomed there and I feel so supported as a parent of young kids, since we also meet to talk about parenting techniques and to share challenges and frustrations. Its great to have such a low-cost option for such an incredible program.

Best little school ever!!!