Business Details
Play-Based Preschool & Kinder-Prep in San Diego
At Highland Preschool, we redefine success through the lens of well-being, offering a play-based, Reggio-inspired educational experience designed to nurture lifelong learners. Our approach centers on the belief that children are capable individuals who thrive when empowered to explore their own hypotheses and interests. We maintain small class sizes and utilize our lush 3/4-acre campus to create immersive learning environments that integrate nature, creativity, and community. Our educators bring over a decade of combined experience, with rigorous training in child development, CPR, First Aid, and background check clearances. For over seven years, we have served North County San Diego, evolving from a drop-in childcare center to a dedicated preschool and Kinder-prep institution.Our holistic philosophy emphasizes collaboration between children, families, educators, and the environment, fostering emotional intelligence and curiosity. We have impacted over 2,000 families, supporting children's growth from ages 2 through kindergarten readiness. Our programs include hands-on learning spaces like the Vegetable and Herb Garden, Mud Kitchen, and Atelier Art Studio, alongside a unique animal care program. We remain committed to providing a nurturing, innovative educational foundation that prepares children for lifelong learning and personal fulfillment.
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Kinder-Prep Program
Vegetable and Herb Garden
Mud Kitchen
Atelier Art Studio
Animal Care Program
Highlights and features
- Our educators have over 20 years of combined leadership experience in early childhood education.
- We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and engagement.
- Our holistic approach integrates children, families, educators, and the environment.
- We've positively impacted over 2,000 families in North County San Diego.
- Our campus features unique learning spaces like a vegetable garden and art studio.
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Our play-based preschool program fosters natural curiosity through hands-on exploration. Children engage in self-directed activities that build cognitive, social, and motor skills while educators provide guided support. The curriculum integrates sensory play, collaborative projects, and outdoor learning to create a dynamic educational foundation.
Kinder-Prep Program
Designed for children transitioning to kindergarten, this program develops academic and social-emotional skills through structured play and pre-literacy/math activities. Students participate in guided projects that enhance focus, cooperation, and critical thinking while maintaining the Reggio-inspired emphasis on creativity and self-expression.
Vegetable and Herb Garden
The garden serves as a living classroom where children learn about plant life cycles, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition. Students plant, tend, and harvest crops while exploring ecological concepts through direct sensory experiences that connect them to food sources and environmental stewardship practices.
Mud Kitchen
This imaginative space encourages dramatic play through mud-based culinary creations. Children develop fine motor skills and social cooperation while engaging in open-ended storytelling and sensory exploration. The kitchen is stocked weekly with natural materials to inspire creativity and collaborative play scenarios.
Atelier Art Studio
The Atelier provides daily opportunities for artistic expression through painting, sculpting, and mixed-media projects. Guided quarterly themes help children develop planning skills and patience while free exploration nurtures individual creativity. The studio emphasizes process over product in alignment with Reggio principles.
People
Rachel
Preschool Educator
Rachel highlights Highland's collaborative environment and supportive team culture. She values professional growth opportunities and emphasizes the joyful, connection-driven atmosphere that energizes her daily work with children.
Megan
TK Educator
Megan describes her transformative growth at Highland over three years. She emphasizes the leadership's supportive approach and the team's commitment to fostering kindness in children through their daily interactions and playful learning experiences.
Kizzy
Support Educator
Kizzy transitioned from substitute to full-time educator, citing Highland's positive work environment and exceptional teaching staff as key reasons for her continued commitment to the school community.
Mion
Director and Pedagogista
Mion identifies Highland as her dream job, overseeing educational philosophy implementation. She leads teacher development while maintaining direct engagement with students through specialized programs in the school's Reggio-inspired framework.
Questions
What age groups does Highland Preschool serve?
We serve children aged 2 through kindergarten readiness, with dedicated classrooms for toddlers, preschoolers, and Kinder-prep students.
What educational philosophy guides your programs?
Our Reggio-inspired, play-based approach emphasizes child-led exploration, creativity, and holistic development through nature and community engagement.
Are part-time schedules available?
Yes, we offer 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day weekly options with flexible enrollment and guaranteed spaces for the school year.
What safety certifications do your staff hold?
All educators have child development training, CPR and First Aid certifications, and cleared background checks.
How do you involve families in the learning process?
We host biannual parent-educator conferences and maintain open communication to ensure families feel confident in their child's care and development.
What unique learning spaces do you offer?
Our campus features a Vegetable and Herb Garden, Mud Kitchen, Atelier Art Studio, and an animal care program with critters like chinchillas and tortoises.
