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Testimonials

Our children are completely engaged in learning

This year we moved our 3 kids from public school into K , 2nd & 6th at DMP. We did this primarily because the education our children were receiving was substandard, our sixth grader was disengaged from academics, and due to the crowded chaotic unsafe situation our children were enduring every day. We are so grateful we made the change. Our children are quite literally filled with joy on a daily basis and completely engaged in learning. It's impossible to exaggerate how much better things are going from that environment to this small nurturing school with wonderful teachers and small class sizes. We can barely get our kids to leave at the end of the day and the first thing they do when they get home is work on their homework excitedly. They tell us daily about all their experiences and our 2nd grader has asked us why we didn't make the change sooner. For other parents weighing public vs private I can tell you that we regard this as one of the best decisions we have ever made.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Del Mar Pines fosters confidence

Del Mar Pines is a wonderful school that fosters confidence in the children who attend. The teachers are very involved in your child's education as evident in the continuous parent feedback and thorough trimester report cards that are detailed and personalized. End of year standardized tests indicated that the schools performance as a whole is above the average standard for the state. The school caters to both gifted children and children who need extra support. Their after school enrichment program and after care make the school desirable for working parents (pickup at 5:15pm). The hot lunch program is good and healthy (even picky eaters enjoy it). The parents at the school get along well making social time enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Safe and wonderful school

It is so refreshing to know that the end of year surveys are received, analyzed, discussed, and positive change happens based on those discussions. To let every parent and child know that they have a voice, however big or small, is something to celebrate. I have immense gratitude for DMP, you, your staff, the families and kids and appreciate the amount of effort you put into their academics but also their environments and their emotional wellbeing. Thanks for creating such a safe and wonderful school for the teachers and kids.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

DMP is a great choice!

Del Mar Pines is everything you would hope for in an elementary school. The class sizes are small, with math and reading taught in even smaller groups with an additional teacher. The curriculum is carefully thought out and follows a continuum from K-6. Art, music, Spanish and PE enrich the experience. The social environment is sweet, with gentle guidance toward being a kid of character. The teachers are terrifically experienced and often of significant tenure. Leadership: A+. My three left DMP with a very solid academic foundation, leading to confidence and success in middle school and beyond. DMP is a great choice!
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Del Mar Pines is an amazing place

Del Mar Pines is an amazing place for our daughter. She started kindergarten in Sept 2020 when most other schools were remote only. Mrs. McCord and the entire team ensured a safe and productive learning environment and allowed students to be in person. Since then, she has done well socially and has been challenged academically as she has moved up in the school. The environment is positive and fosters mentorship between younger and older students. Has been a great school for our family and look forward to our son starting kindergarten this fall.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Exceptional staff

I am thrilled to share my positive experiences as a teacher for the past 10 years at Del Mar Pines School, an institution that stands out for its exceptional staff, dedicated administration, and commitment to fostering a genuine love of learning.
Del Mar Pines Parent

Remarkable and loving staff

One of the countless incredible aspects of Del Mar Pines is its remarkable and loving staff. Each member of the team brings a unique set of skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of education. Their commitment to fostering a positive learning atmosphere is evident in every classroom and contributes significantly to the overall success of our students.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Nurturing and academically enriching environment

I wholeheartedly recommend Del Mar Pines School to any parent seeking a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. The combination of an amazing, loving staff and visionary leadership under Marci McCord ensures that Del Mar Pines continues to be a place where students not only learn but thrive, leaving with the skills and knowledge necessary for future success.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

You won’t regret sending your children here!

The teachers at DMP are extraordinary. They truly care about the kids and foster an environment not only for learning but also from developing great people. The school also keeps the parents informed at all times and proactively resolves any potential issues. Marci is the only principal I am aware of who knows each of the students at the school, on an individual basis.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Truly a great school!

I have seen the transformation in my child and her classmates as they moved from grade to grade strengthening their organization, research and self-reliance skills. She always reminds us that character matters and about the golden rule. I know that my child will be prepared for the next level in her education because of her years at Del Mar Pines.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Our son was so happy at school. It’s a Very special place.

Del Mar Pines is a real gem. The staff, the principal, the teachers and the environment is very happy and they really know how to capture child’s interest. My husband and I loved the fact that our son was so happy at school. He was challenged academically in a very nurturing environment. The teachers are extremely helpful and ready to answer every child’s need. They are very encouraging and loving. We loved every moment and our son loved it too! We recommend this school to all of our friends. It is a very special place for the kids to learn and grow.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

DMP made a tremendous impact on our children.

We write this testimonial for Del Mar Pines School to say a profound thank you to Marci, her faculty and staff for the tremendous and positive impact they made on our children from kindergarten through third grade. In fact, while we recently moved out of state, the hardest part about leaving San Diego was taking our kids out of DMP and into an unknown new school setting. DMP community, education, and overall program was exceptional in the development of our children, both academically, and personally. They loved their teachers and excellent special instructors, and felt completely safe, as we did, in the DMP environment. We could not more highly recommend a school than we could DMP; we absolutely miss our friends at DMP!
Del Mar Pines Parent

The teachers really focus on organization, responsibility and independence in learning.

The teachers and staff praise and encourage individuality, creative thinking, and artistic ability as well as academic success. This well-rounded environment provides students with an amazing foundation that will aid them in all future endeavors.Del Mar Pines’ small group instruction is a huge asset for its students. It allows for more individualized instruction and develops an appropriate pace for each student. The Art, Music, Science, P.E., and Spanish programs are phenomenal and give the students a very well-rounded curriculum. The teachers really focus on organization, responsibility, and independence in learning, which are the keys to students’ success for the rest of their academic lives. The teachers are very approachable and communicate with parents often about their students.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

The Teachers know how to engage and challenge every single child and are given the tools and freedom to do it.

Our son received a personalized education and is well prepared for middle school and beyond. The teachers know how to engage and challenge every single child and are given the tools and freedom to do it.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

The school has exceptional academics in a very warm and caring environment.

Our daughter recently completed the 6th Grade at Del Mar Pines. She transferred from another school and started in the 3rd Grade. I only wish we had known of this school earlier as we would have had her attend from kindergarten. She loved (loves) this school. As soon as she began in 3rd grade, we noticed that everything started improving – math, spelling, reading, writing, etc. The school has exceptional academics in a very warm and caring environment. It is a real community.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Our daughter learned the core values of friendship, respect, good character and moral integrity.

My daughter always felt cared for and protected at Del Mar Pines School. She learned core values of friendship, respect, good character, moral integrity. In addition, the art and music curriculum is first class. The teachers are all outstanding and very involved with their students. She was so sad to leave but we know she is very well prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in middle school. We will never forget our time at Del Mar Pines. I think she made many lifelong friends. I do recommend this school to everyone. If you get the chance, send your children there. You will not be disappointed.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Your child will receive an incredibly well rounded elementary education.

The small group instruction gives each child the attention and assistance they need to succeed as a student. It sounds simple but it sets DMP apart. Your child will also receive an incredibly well-rounded elementary education which is rare these days. Music, art, Spanish, hands-on science and technology are important parts of the curriculum. Also, the sense of community is second to none. Children feel safe and nurtured which allows them to focus on learning and truly want to go to school every day.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

We couldn’t ask for more from a 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 to nurture, stimulate and challenge them. 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.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

I am so happy we made this choice!

My son has had an amazing experience at Del Mar Pines! I was very apprehensive about our family starting kindergarten, as I had taught in public school for many years, and watched most things of value be cut out of budgets. I was so happy I found a school with rigorous and individualized curriculum that still provides excellent Art, Music, Spanish, and Science instruction. My son loves Del Mar Pines, and our family couldn’t be happier.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

We were astounded by the superb quality of work and accomplishments our daughter was able to achieve.

We transferred to DMP School because of dissatisfaction with our local public school. During the remaining semester at DMP, we saw an immediate change in our child from a previously apathetic second grader to a thriving student. The biggest difference was the commitment and support by DMP faculty to foster the academic and social growth of each child. DMP provides a solid, well-rounded education by utilizing traditional teaching methods while embracing current technological tools.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

This is the absolute best school in San Diego!

My child has had an amazing instruction at Del Mar Pines! He is a full grade level ahead in reading and writing, and two grade levels ahead in math. Del Mar Pines is the most successful school I have ever seen at individualizing instruction. I just can’t say enough how happy I am I put my child at Del Mar Pines. It has made a world of difference!
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Del Mar Pines School offers an excellent well balanced school environment for my two children.

We have been with the school for the past four years and I am pleased with the way the school adapts to changing needs of the community and individual children. What differentiates Del Mar Pines from other schools is a program that challenges each child to their individual potential without adding layers of unnecessary stress and pressure. It is a school that focuses on developing academically strong, well rounded, well-adjusted and HAPPY children who are prepared to succeed in middle school and beyond.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

We count our blessings daily that we found this school.

From the moment we toured the school, we immediately saw the difference and knew this was the place for our child. There are only 150 students K-6. The school itself is small, clean and has a warm and loving environment. Class size is small. The curriculum is above average and challenging. In Kinder, each of the students has their own iPad to be used during technology time.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

DMP was a great launching pad for my children.

DMP is a very special school where children develop a lifelong love of learning and leave 6th grade with study skills and independent work habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. The small group instruction with leveled groups affords each child the opportunity to flourish at their own pace. The teachers are caring and nurturing and make every effort to ensure the success of each child.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

My two children have blossomed into great people here.

They truly love going to school every day and never complain about homework. They are thriving because of the individualized attention they get from amazing teachers and staff and the well rounded curriculum with a lot of extras. At Del Mar Pines, children are challenged to reach their academic potential and encouraged to learn through hands on science, the best elementary school art and music program you can imagine, technology with iPads for every child, Spanish, PE and much more.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

DMP is a bit of a hidden gem and we are glad we discovered this school!

While we were definitely interested in a school that would address our child’s specific academic needs, we also wanted a program that prioritizes social/emotional development and that helps students develop into thoughtful and caring individuals who respect themselves and others. We have found this to be the case at DMP.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Enrolling at Del Mar Pines was the best decision our family made.

Some reasons why Del Mar Pines is such a special place: (1) Kids are separated in groups by ability and then each of these groups works at a level that challenges them. (2) The school is completely child centered. (3) Marci McCord, Head of School, does a fantastic job balancing actively listening to the parents and at the same time being very practical and pragmatic about issues/solutions. Del Mar Pines is a gem.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

The energy here, at all levels, is rare and very special.

This is a phenomenal school, and is the most child-driven, child-centered program we have ever experienced. The directors and the teachers put an extraordinary amount of energy into figuring out what makes each individual student tick, and what will unlock his/her love of learning and social potential. The teachers meet with parents four times during the school year, and it is a true two-way exchange.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

The daily emphasis on great character, responsibility and kindness is real.

That’s the other thing about DMP – both the girls and the boys are the nicest, most well-mannered students my family has ever encountered in a school setting. Lastly, I take my hat off and give a standing ovation to the teachers and to the director. They are each simply amazing.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

It is an amazing community to be a part of.

My daughter graduated from DMP two years ago and is currently attending another top private school in the area. She was incredibly well prepared for middle school both academically and socially. She has been in all the honors/accelerated classes. Del Mar Pines School gave my child the confidence and skills to be successful in whatever academic environment she is in. The teachers, administrators and families are all exceptional.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

The decision to change my son to DMP was one of the greatest I have made as a mother

We recently had to change schools from a local public school. We were experiencing some adversity issues, some name calling and bullying. And while the school was doing the necessary steps to try to "fix" the issues, I felt like we were in constant "fix it" mode. I had heard great things about DMP and finally decided to overcome my apprehension about exploring a private school. The decision to change my son to DMP was one of the greatest I have made as a mother. DMP has set the foundation for love, kindness, respect, acceptance and for celebrating each child uniquely. The children there exude an energy of confidence and joy. My son has not once faced the ridicule he was experiencing at his old school. Children from every grade are welcoming to him and are always saying "Hello." The teachers there are inspired and seem to authentically care about the children; you get the feeling that it isn't just a job for them. The teachers speak with the children rather than talking to them while they explore and learn. The classroom environment is engaging and the excitement of learning is palpable. My son has made leaps and bounds with his reading skills, it is a very exciting time. I just adore my son's teacher, Mrs Murphy; she is wonderful! She is transparent and excited to be with and teach these children. She greets each one every morning with the most sincere hello. She seems to have a "fun" way of presenting learning (which I think is invaluable for the teaching of kindergarten). The director, Marci, welcomed us and has helped us truly fit into the program to the point that it feels like we have been there from the beginning. She checks in with me frequently to make sure all is well even though she has 120 other families to care for. The entire staff is friendly and has made us feel welcome from the beginning as well. Lastly, this is an awesome community. Full of welcoming parents who care and want to be involved in their child's education. So so happy we made the switch. We finally found our home. ;0)
Del Mar Pines Parent

The school was amazing!

We transferred our daughter to Del Mar Pines from a public school to join the six grade. At the beginning, we hesitated and were even a little worried about her transition. But the school was amazing. They, the full staff, the 6th grade leading teacher Mrs Stoke, the math teacher Mr. Fortin, the director Mrs. Marci, the science teacher, technology teacher, music teacher, art teacher etc, etc. really care about the students. The transition turned out quick and smooth. Within two weeks, she made new friends. She loved the engaging and challenging curriculum. They created many interesting class projects which made her excited. They have a rigorous LA and math curriculum which well prepares her for her new middle school, and they also have a very good science, technology, music and art curriculum. Besides the academics, they also care about the well being of the students. During this school year, we noticed she changed. She became more self-disciplined and more confident. Watching the video of her graduation speech the other day, we felt really proud of her. We couldn't be more happy about her growth and feel lucky she was nurtured to her full potential at DMP.
Del Mar Pines Parent

We love that there are specialist teachers for ancillary classes

From arts, PE, and science. DMP provides flexibility, giving extra education to those who excel beyond grade level, but not being an overly competitive school. There are a variety of after school activities (enroll in advance like a camp), and the standard aftercare is available without scheduling in advance. The classes become very close-knit, and the parents often get to know each other well. There is only one class per grade. This allows the kids to really get to know each other well. But in some situations may not be right for everyone. If a child does not click with his or her classmates or teacher, there is no other class into which you can transfer. I would love if there were a middle school option up to eighth grade so our kids could complete their formative years in this environment before moving to a bigger high school. During the COVID-19 quarantine, the school switched from typical classroom activities to online learning over a long weekend. This was a quick transition and worked well.
Del Mar Pines Parent

Small and nice school

Because it is small(1 class per grade, 20 students per class), young kids have a lot of attention they need. Teachers are nice and patient and rich in experience. This year is tough due to the Covid19, but DMP acted very fast. They got on-line classes ready in the first week of closure! And did I mention they were daily zoom meeting classes that only 5-8 kids each time slot? They divided kids to small groups according to their academy levels, that means teachers work are doubled. Yet the teachers are working tirelessly to make kids feel like in school. The public school in my neighborhood is not bad, but I don’t regret to send my kid to this private school. Worth every penny I spent!
Del Mar Pines Parent

Sending our children to Del Mar Pines has been one of the best decisions we have made for them

The sixth-grade experience is such an important growth year for the children at Del Mar Pines, but also a time to cherish and solidify all of the small lessons that they have learned over the years. It has been a great year for our son to continue to work on achieving the potential that the teachers have seen in him, but also for him to have the confidence to serve as a role model and leader for the students in the classes below him. It has been a time for him to enjoy being the oldest on campus but also a time for him to understand the responsibilities that come with being a 6th grader. Our son may not have continued on his current developmental path if he attended a different school as a younger student in a bigger school. We feel fortunate to have Ms. Stoke and Mr. Fortin as teachers during this time as they have been stern and pushed the expectations which we expect will be more of the standard during middle school. They have shown extra attention to not only the curriculum during these difficult pandemic times, but have also provided the emotional guidance to prepare them for middle school and young adulthood. The last five years at Del Mar Pines have been such an eye-opening experience, we realized how important these elementary years are emotionally and psychologically in molding DMP students to become successful young adults. Sending our children to Del Mar Pines has been one of the best decisions we have made for them.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

We couldn't be happier to have our kids at DMP

Our son was in two top rated public schools before we made what at the time seemed the tough decision to move him to private school. It was not something that we had envisioned doing, but our son was struggling, unhappy and unmotivated, and no matter what we tried, things seemed to not be improving. Making the switch to DMP is one of the best decisions we have ever made for our children! Our son flourished at DMP and we were impressed by the high quality of the education, the remarkable leadership and dedication to learning of all teachers. When it was time to enroll our daughter in school a couple of years later there was no doubt in our minds that we had to enroll her in DMP. We have now been at the DMP for 4 years, and the school has become a second home to our children. We have been meaning to write a review for a long time. What prompted us to do this now, is the way that the school has been handling these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within two working days of schools shutting down, DMP started remote learning. The school is making every effort to assure the children and teachers have the resources they need for remote learning, and the learning format is flexible enough to try to accommodate the realities of the different families, and the needs of kids at different grade levels. Both my husband and I have continued to work remotely during the pandemic, with work being busier than it's ever been given the nature of our jobs. Somehow we have managed to juggle both school and work from home, and we are certain that much of our success in doing both has been the way that DMP has handled the remote learning. Most importantly, our kids have continued to be excited about learning and engaged. The ability of the school to quickly adapt to unforeseen and difficult circumstances is truly amazing. We thank the principal, Marci, and all the teachers for their dedication and passion for learning, and for going above-and-beyond always, and especially during these challenging times for all!
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

This school is a great stepping stone

Our two kids go to DMP (currently in 2nd and 6th grade) and we couldn't be happier. The academic, musical, science, art programs are great! The teachers are super nice, really work hard with the kids to make learning a super fun experience. The children are also ingrained with key values which are weaved into the curriculum and highlighted at various opportunities. Mrs. McCord is a great director and is really involved in every aspect of the children and the school. This school is a great stepping stone for middle school and beyond.
Del Mar Pines parent
Del Mar Pines Parent

Read More Reviews

We are so grateful for the many excellent reviews we have received. Listed below are sites where you can read more stellar DMP reviews.

Share Your DMP Experience

Current and former DMP parents as well as older alumni are encouraged to share how DMP influenced their educational experience also through these recommendation sites:
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