Testimonials

“Our daughter is new at TCPS and is in the first grade. She has rave reviews! She’s been a little tired because she’s been getting up at 6 am out of pure excitement to go to school. I am so glad we found TCPS. I’m so impressed with every single staff member I interact with!”
-TCPS 1st grade parent, Fall 2025

“TCPS has built strong pillars within my children.  Big Events, 5th grade Coffee Cup marketing, reading buddies; the day-to-day interactions, challenges and experiences prepared them for life beyond TCPS.  What we TCPS alumni take for granted includes the kids’ ability to whip out presentations, leading others, giving of themselves to their community; these are skills they learned and practiced at TCPS.  They have completed complex projects - creating their own community, leading dozens of people and raising thousands of dollars for the nonprofits they have served.  They have built and designed things in high school that have won them praise and were selected as best in class.  We do not regret making the investment of education from TCPS for our daughters.
— TCPS Alumni Parent, Fall 2025
Class of 2021 & 2023

“We are so thankful we found The Child's Primary School and that it is so close to home in Clairemont. Our daughter started kindergarten there this year and it has been a wonderful experience. The staff are all so amazing, caring, excellent at what they do and adored by the kids. I'm amazed every day how excited our daughter is to go to school. The kindergarten curriculum is age appropriate, creative, fun and still challenging, with a big focus on reading, and helping students to learn to love reading and love learning overall, which I love.”
-TCPS Kindergarten parent, November 2023

“Our daughter recently started at TCPS and it's certainly a great fit for our family. The staff is awesome! I mean everyone from admissions to the head to the teachers to the front desk. I love how it feels like a little community / family. The campus is quaint but big enough for everyone to spread out into their respective spaces. It's also right next to a park/ playground which is nice if you're a few minutes early or if you need something to do right after school. The program at TCPS includes basic education and they also focus on social/emotional learning. In addition to the "regular" curriculum the kids have access to Spanish, coding (as early as Kinder), after-school programs etc. I can't wait to see how our child blossoms here!”
-TCPS Kindergarten parent, Winter 2022

“I wanted to thank our son’s teachers for rising to the occasion. Transitioning virtually overnight to an online teaching system that so closely emulated the students’ in-class experience was nothing short of remarkable. From what I’ve observed with our son, you guys succeeded in keeping him engaged and motivated, and he’s clearly continued to learn at a rate similar to before the quarantine. Hats off to you all and thank you.”
— TCPS 8th Grade Parent
May 2020

“We have four children, two of whom graduated from TCPS, two who are still there. This is not a fancy school but they get all the important things right.
At the youngest level, students explore a rich curriculum but learn to read when they are ready. By middle school, the work is rigorous enough that kids can make an easy transition to the most challenging high schools in the area.
There is ample outdoor playtime for all grades, PE every day for middle schoolers, and amazing teachers in every room.
Our whole family feels great about TCPS. In every decision the school makes, the child is primary. The adults have integrity and communicate well with families. It's a wonderful place. San Diego is lucky to have a school like this.”
— TCPS Parent
May 2019

“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.”
— TCPS Parent

“There are no words to describe how much we LOVE TCPS!! When we first began searching for schools for our daughter, we weren't sure what we were looking for. TCPS answered all of our questions that we didn't even know we had. There is a warm and nurturing presence from the moment you step onto campus. My daughter is thriving and loves going to school. The social emotional support she has received is turning her into the kindest human with a thirst for learning. I just wish we could stay at TCPS through high school!”
- TCPS Kindergarten parent, Summer 2025

“We began our 5th grade year last year at TCPS and it has been nothing short of amazing. Every child deserves a small, attentive, and warm school experience and TCPS is that place. Looking back, I wish we have joined sooner. We are lucky that we have this gem in our Clairemont neighborhood.”
-TCPS 6th grade parent, Fall 2025

“My son just completed his kindergarten year at The Child's Primary School (TCPS), and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Before starting TCPS, he attended a wonderful Montessori school that emphasized learning in small, focused classes. As we searched for an elementary school, we wanted a place that would continue nurturing his development in these formative years--with small class sizes and a warm, engaging environment. TCPS was the perfect fit.

His class had only 11 students, which meant he received plenty of personalized attention from a fantastic teacher. Every teacher and staff member we encountered was genuinely caring, supportive, and kind. The curriculum was strong, and under his teacher's guidance, my son grew tremendously both academically and socially during the year.

Best of all, I've never seen a school where the students were so genuinely happy to go each day. TCPS regularly organizes ambitious and exciting events that involve the entire student body, families, and staff. Every child I saw there seemed to be having a great time, and the joy was truly infectious. Parents were also actively involved, creating a sense of community that felt like an extended family.

We are so glad we chose TCPS for our son, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any family considering it for their child.
-TCPS Kindergarten parent, June 2025

“Wonderful School and Community. My oldest will be heading into her third year of school here and she loves it. They both do, we have two little's attending and have had the best experience. We are looking forward to many more years.”
-TCPS Grade 2 & K parent, May 2024

“Our daughter is currently finishing up her 6th year at TCPS, and we still could not be happier with the school. She is continually challenged academically, and she is so happy socially! The small class sizes are so unique to this school and benefit the students in amazing ways! Teachers are able to help each student at their individual level and meet their needs. The staff is friendly, understanding, and passionate about what they do! Our daughter is starting 6th grade next year, and we feel so lucky to be keeping her at the The Child's Primary School for her middle school years. We know she will be challenged, yet feel safe and comfortable at the school, especially during a time in a child's life that comes with a lot of changes.”
-TCPS 5th grade parent, May 2021

“We are extremely grateful for how quickly TCPS put the remote-learning program in place in mid-March, and the effectiveness of the teaching at a distance for our 4th and 6th graders. We see a surprisingly small drop off from the normal classroom experience, in terms of content and engagement. It is apparent that the teachers and administrative team have been working very hard to make this go so smoothly. We also appreciate that TCPS was part of the very early wave of schools moving to synchronous learning and had to put the pieces together at a time when it was still new. There are many advantages to TCPS’s very small class size, and its ability to move quickly during this crisis has turned out to be a major one. Thank you!”
— TCPS 4th & 6th Grade Parent
April 2020

“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…”
— TCPS Parent

“My daughter just graduated 8th grade from TCPS. She started here in 6th grade, so she was here for the full middle school experience. This small but mighty school gave my daughter the tools and skills she needed to attend one of the top private high schools in SD county. I understand as a parent that choosing a middle school with small class sizes limits options for friends, but the advantages and opportunities far outweigh the size. My daughter was valued, seen and respected by staff. My daughter had limited interactions with young children before this school but during her time here they integrated activities with young children and my daughter learned she actually enjoys spending time with younger children and she's really good with them, something we would never had known prior to attending TCPS. The activities, projects and discussions are well thought out and interesting. There are lots of opportunities to integrate art in the classroom. I can't say enough wonderful things about this school, I'm so grateful my daughter spent her middle school years here. She is leaving more confident, using her voice more and her leadership skills have improved tremendously. The 3 years spent at this school have given her lifelong skills that will improve her life and those around her. Thank you TCPS for a wonderful 3 years.”
— TCPS Alumni Parent, Class of 2025
Summer 2025

“We moved our child from an area public school following 6th grade to The Child's Primary School for 7th grade, with 8th grade to follow. What a world of difference! I'm not sure where to begin, but suffice it to say that the public school operated more like a poor babysitting service with classes full of disruptions making it difficult for our kid to focus and learn. The move to TCPS has been fantastic. Our child is challenged to do their best by teachers who care, and who can dedicate time to them because class sizes are so small. For example, there are (I believe) only ten 7th graders in the entire school. Consequently, TCPS is a place where every student matters. Our child has made a good number of friends as well, and their attitude towards homework (of which there is plenty) has done a 180 degree turn from hating it to embracing it as something which helps them get ahead and learn more. The very nature of TCPS is that they seek to be understanding of each student and that's reflected from the top administrators to the teachers. We couldn't ask for a better group of people or better results. Also, while no private school is inexpensive, TCPS costs a fraction of some of the well-known private schools in San Diego like Francis Parker and La Jolla Country Day. So it's a great value in addition to being a great school. As 7th grade winds down, we're looking forward to our child's 8th grade year at TCPS!”
— TCPS 7th Grade Parent
May 2025

“My two boys are on their 3rd year at TCPS. One is in 6th and one is in 8th. Now that we have been there 3 years I feel I can give a more comprehensive review of the school.

We moved from out of town and my kids had always gone to a small school and the smaller classroom sizes had really worked for them. I was excited to find the smaller class sizes in TCPS so we took a tour. When you first approach the school it doesn't compare to many of the fancy state of the art private schools throughout San Diego but don't let that discourage you.

What you will find walking through the halls are colorful pieces of artwork and creative displays brightening up the corridors between the happy kids walking past you. The energy is palpable in a good way.

What I have found in these past few years is that the teachers and staff actually like each other, have fun together and work as a team. They communicate very well to us parents and to the students. I have never sent out an email to where I didn't get a quick yet thoughtful response. If there is an issue, no matter how small, it is handled appropriatly and in a timely manner. I have no doubt that Donny Kim's (Head of School) leadership plays a big role in this. Besides being kind and funny, I truly beleive he makes decisions based on what is best for the students. In turn, the students respect and love him and so do us parents. You might see him in the yard playing wall ball with the students and breaking a sweat! I honestly can't think of a teacher or staff member that I don't love. From the front desk, to admissions, to accounting, to all the wonderful teachers; TCPS has a great thing going and we are grateful to be there.”
— TCPS Parent
May 2024

“Absolutely the best school in San Diego. Excellent academics coupled with outstanding social/emotional skills. All the kids know each other as well as the teachers and staff and vice-versa. People often tell me just how impressed they are with my son and I recently saw him sit in front of a group of my peers at a seminar and freely, comfortably communicate with 30+ adults articulately and easily – even I was impressed. I’ve heard from other parents about cliques, criticisms (bullying) at other private schools. At TCPS this is non-existent – everyone is not only respected but embraced for who they are. Our only regret is that this is a K-8 school only. I highly recommend this school to any parent who wants a fabulous education as well as a fabulous experience for their child.”
— TCPS Parent

“This is a small school in which each child is respected as an individual and respects, appreciates, and accepts their classmates, as well. The staff is inspiring and creative. The kids uniformly love going to school. Getting them to leave at the end of the day, however, can be more of a challenge. My daughter has been challenged, stimulated, and taught as much about creativity, caring, and compassion as academics.”
— TCPS Parent