Business Details
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in San Diego, CA
Northminster Preschool is a private, Christian-based early childhood education provider serving families in Clairemont and University City communities for over five decades. Our play-based curriculum emphasizes individualized learning through creative arts, foundational academic concepts, and social-emotional development. With two qualified educators in every classroom and small class sizes, we prioritize personalized attention that exceeds public school standards. Our 2-acre campus features age-appropriate playgrounds fostering gross motor development, while our flexible scheduling options include half-day, full-day, and extended care programs.Accredited by the California Department of Social Services, we maintain alignment with San Diego Unified School District calendars while offering summer programming. Our dedicated staff partners with families to nurture children's spiritual, cognitive, and physical growth through developmentally appropriate activities.
Services
Half Day Preschool
Full Day Preschool
Summer Program
Child Enrichment
Extended Care
Highlights and features
- Serving San Diego families for over 50 years with proven educational expertise
- Small class sizes with two qualified teachers in every classroom
- Play-based curriculum integrating arts, academics, and social development
- 2-acre campus with dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds for motor skills
- Flexible scheduling options including summer programming and extended care
Associations and certifications
- California Department of Social Services
Services
Half Day Preschool
Structured morning sessions from 9:00am-12:00pm focusing on play-based learning. Includes arts and crafts, music, foundational math and language skills, and both large and small motor development activities. Ideal for children needing shorter daytime engagement while still receiving comprehensive early education.
Full Day Preschool
Comprehensive educational experience from 8:00am-4:30pm with extended learning opportunities. Combines core curriculum with lunch bunch socialization (12:00pm-1:00pm) and afternoon enrichment activities. Provides complete daily coverage for working families while maintaining developmental focus.
Summer Program
Six-week educational enrichment program operating June-July. Features themed learning units, outdoor play on our 2-acre campus, and continued social development. Maintains regular preschool staff ratios while offering seasonal activities that prevent learning loss during summer months.
Child Enrichment
Specialized programs enhancing cognitive, social, and physical growth through targeted play experiences. Includes art-based learning, science exploration stations, and structured social interaction scenarios. Designed to complement core curriculum while addressing individual developmental milestones.
Extended Care
Before and after school care available from 8:00am-9:00am and 1:00pm-4:30pm daily. Provides supervised play and transitional activities for families requiring schedule flexibility. Maintains consistent teacher presence and age-appropriate engagement throughout extended hours.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 18 months through kindergarten readiness, with age-appropriate programs and facilities for each developmental stage.
Is your preschool faith-based?
Yes, we incorporate Christian values into our curriculum while welcoming families of all backgrounds through our inclusive educational approach.
Do you follow the SDUSD calendar?
Our academic calendar aligns with San Diego Unified School District closures, starting the week after their opening and ending before their summer break.
What safety measures do you have?
We maintain California state licensing requirements with secure facilities, trained staff, and established emergency protocols for child safety.
How do you handle parent communication?
We use Brightwheel for daily updates and maintain open office hours for parent-teacher collaboration through our dedicated contact channels.
Are meals provided?
We offer healthy snacks following nutritional guidelines, while families provide lunches for children attending full-day programs.