- March 13 - The Big Event
- March 29 - April 5 Spring Break
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying about TCPS
"Our daughter attended what we thought was a top-notch private school K-6. Then we applied to several private schools for her 7th grade year. The Bishops School recommended TCPS as an alternate. Wow! The level of personal attention students receive at TCPS is unequalled. Each student is simultaneously supported & challenged. Our daughter progressed rapidly, she blossomed academically but more important: personally. She was not overworked or subjected to the intense pressure & peer competition inherent in other top-performing schools. Two years later she was accepted by some of the best & most exclusive high schools in the nation, and she has continued to excel thanks to TCPS. Our only regret is not having sent our daughter to TCPS from day one. It is a remarkable school that consistently achieves success in a truly caring & peaceful environment. We couldn't be more grateful to TCPS & we miss it greatly."
"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."
-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
"After an exhaustive search of private schools in San Diego, we feel so fortunate to have found The Child's Primary School for our Kindergartener. The building itself isn't much to look at, but we ignored our first impressions and decided to give it a try anyway. As soon as we met the school staff, we knew that we had found the perfect school for our son. Since joining the school, our son is thriving both academically and socially. The small class sizes have afforded him so many opportunities! He attends art and music classes, practices everything from tennis to tag in PE, visits the school library, and has 7 new best friends (his classmates). He is learning creative ways to solve conflicts with peers, how to take responsibility for his actions, and how to be part of a team/community. Maggie Price (the kindergarten teacher) is phenomenal! She does a wonderful job integrating the kids at the beginning of the school year, making students (and) parents) feel at ease. The school really feels like a big family! TCPS has far surpassed our academic expectations as well. It has been such a joy to watch our son's enthusiasm for learning as he reads us a bedtime story or pulls out our dusty globe to explain the geographical features of the continents. His teachers are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to spark his interest in learning. Their expertise and dedication to the children at the school is unlike anything we have ever seen!
Other pros of the school:
- Hot lunches available
- Affordable before/after school care (no reservations required)
- No pushy fundraising schemes
- Low tuition & monthly payment plans
- Lots of parent involvement (including opportunities for working parents to help
out) - Lots of community involvement
- Awesome library (and a hip librarian who never tires of helping the kids find
whatever books they like) - Park beside the school gives kids extra room to play
- Fun and creative place to learn!
Bottom line: Even in tough economic times, we feel that this is one of the best
investments we have made in our son's future. Tour the school and we think that you'll agree with us."
"I would like to share with you my first year of experience with Middle School at TCPS.
Our daughter has been at TCPS since Kindergarten 6 years ago, and I was very familiar with the elementary program. I truly had no idea what to expect with the middle school, and frankly had some reservations. I knew that many children moved to other schools at this time, and therefore suspected that perhaps a small school might not offer the same educational and social experiences as a larger middle school. However, my daughter was adamant that she wanted to attend middle school at TCPS, independent of which friends reenrolled or who her teachers would be. She must have been more aware than I of the strength of the middle school program.
We immediately found the Middle School to be different. The continuous rotating of classrooms and teachers, the lockers, the increased privileges both during school and daycare hours gave my daughter an increased feeling of independence, as well as acceptance of the associated responsibility. She has enjoyed the weekly PACT meetings, facilitated by a teacher, where subjects of social and emotional importance are discussed, group decisions and codes of behavior are set, and awareness of self and others is increased. We eagerly await the middle school trip, another fabulous experience, filled with opportunity for growth, bonding, tolerance, and study.
The education has been superior, challenging, relevant, and engaging at every level. I cannot stress this enough. Science this year has been marked by units that require study, understanding, and memorization, incorporating projects that put these concepts to practical use. Language Arts has incorporated the use of vocabulary that is rich in opportunity for writing and speaking. Math has been challenging, yet attainable. History and geography have been stimulating. As always, the teachers continue to work together to take themes of study across the subjects.
Homework has definitely increased significantly in middle school, both in time commitment and complexity. There are assignments in multiple subjects each night, short and long-term assignments, and quizzes and tests to prepare for. I have watched my daughter set goals, balance homework and extracurricular activities, and feel proud of her achievements. She has developed skills in time-management, problem solving, research, memorization, and prioritization. We have witnessed the advent of the study guide, a key tool for test preparation. Teachers in each subject prepare outlines of information that their students are expected to know, and the student is responsible for finding that information and preparing their study guide. The study guides are reviewed in class prior to test time.
Middle school has also been a growth experience for me as a parent. The hands-on involvement and communication in my child's education has shifted, with the focus now being between her and her teachers. I am less aware of her areas of study, projects, and progress. I understand and appreciate that this is by design; the students are taking responsibility for assignments, projects, and asking questions. The accessibility of the TCPS staff remains excellent, but the shift toward student responsibility spurs them to develop skills and habits necessary to future success in high school and college.
I am grateful that in these crucial, bridging years, TCPS provides boundless opportunities for teaching students how to work hard, to be a part of a team, to experience failure and success, to form strong and healthy relationships with peers and mentors, and to grow both academically and personally. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience with you, and I hope that you will evaluate and consider this very rich program for your child."
Well TCPS is such a breath of fresh air for us. We transfered our daughter from another private school to TCPS last year and the school has been such a blessing to her, our son and the whole family. We have so many great memories and many small ones each day. I think for me and my husband our biggest moment thus far was when we were meeting with Mrs. Barnes and she presented Greer’s state project to us in our parent teacher conference. The first thing I think I said was - who wrote this?? The detail, writing and drawings were just first rate and to think our 8-year old daughter did that in school, on her own with the loving guidance of her teacher. We were so impressed and grateful for the independence and creativity she expressed- what an accomplishment - what a school!
Although, we have two children who are are "lifers" and have blossemed beautifully at TCPS since kindergarden, I distinctly remember being profoundly touched at an 8th Grade Graduation. I heard and saw graduating 8th graders emotionally testify that the nurturing, positive and encouraging environment at TCPS helped them to positively grow up and experience a genuine feeling of "self like" and "confidence" in themselves. There were tears shed, including my own! Once, innerly confident, they can only move forward, despite the unknowns that await them. This confidence and appreciation of one's uniqueness in a young person is rare and priceless! Thank you all at TCPS!
I LOVED THIS SCHOOL!!! Its really small, only 12 kids in each grade, the teachers are amazing, you get so much one-on-one attention, the classes are challenging but fun and rewarding, I loved the two years I spent here, and it prepared me for high school, even though I went to a big public school! I would seriously recommend sending your kids here!
Sarah- Class of 2008
Just wanted to tell you guys that High School is great so far! I feel very prepared in all my classes (Adv. Geometry, Biology, Spanish 3-4, Art, English Adv., and Public Speaking) especially English. It has really made me appreciate the caliber of staff at TCPS. Today, my mom asked me if it was hard coming from such a small school, and I have felt so far that I was very lucky to go to such a great school before. Thanks for everything!
Will- Class of 2009
TCPS has prepared me very well both academically and socially for high school. When the teacher tells our class something we have to do, most of the time they all moan and say they don't know how to do it. Well, when they are moaning, I think "I am so glad TCPS was there for me! I know how to do this and it is really easy for me." I have also learned that it has helped me socially. At TCPS, I learned great manners and how to speak with the correct grammar. Every year at TCPS, they have a Thanksgiving feast. During and before the feast they teach you the correct manners to use at the table. I feel that the individualized attention you get at TCPS is great and what really is helping me succeed in school. TCPS is a great and welcoming environment. Every day before school I looked forward to going because I loved it sooooo much!- Courtney Class of 2009
TCPS is a community where I always felt safe. I got a nice broad education in all subjects as well as great developing a great moral structure. I had a lot of fun with the yearly projects such as the big events and I remember having a lot of freedom at the school. I had a lot of fun learning and leaving my mark on the school such as participating on creating one of the tiles seen in the entrance and painting/signing the wall-ball wall. I always knew that TCPS would be hard to beat. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. (Aaron-Class of 2008)
