Curriculum & Programs
Early lessons in behavior are natural at Sandy Hill, where respect for the child's own needs and the feelings of others are always valued.
If you could describe "childhood," what would it be? Our curriculum is filled with art, music, movement, drama and storytelling, cooking, science and nature, writing and math readiness activities. And just as important to a child's development we offer...mud, sand, water play, and lots of free play. We leave plenty of open spaces in our time together, so children may take the initiative to explore what interests them most, working individually, in small groups, and as part of a large group.
Our classrooms are nearly always open to the outdoors, thanks to our beautiful weather and mild climate, which encourages children to explore, play, and express themselves creatively.
Parents participate regularly in school activities, assisting in classrooms, working on committees, helping in friendraising and fundraising, and attending work parties. We all bring ideas, curriculum materials, homemade snacks, and creative energy to the classes.
Maximum class size is 12 and the adult-child ratio is 2:12.
Preschool
Our magical preschool program is from 9am to 12:30pm Monday through Friday. You may elect to attend a 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day preschool program.
A typical Sandy Hill preschool day looks like:
9:00 - 10:15 Project work and free play at interest centers
10:15 Clean-up and bathroom break
10:30 Snack
10:30 - 11:30 Free play at the big playground
11:30 Circle Time
11:50 Bathroom break
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch and Story Time
Extended day care is available until 2:30pm.
MWF Preschool is $720 per month
M-F Preschool is $1200 per month
Adventure Class
Held in a new location each week or two, Adventure class takes little explores that are 3-8 years old to exciting natural locations around San Diego county.
They are guided by extremely knowledgeable and caring Sandy Hill teachers who introduce them to different environments with all of their wondrous flora and fauna.
Adventure class is held at various sites and trails between Carlsbad and Del Mar. You will drop off and pick up at the Adventure class location. Class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to12:30pm. Families may enroll in one or both days.
1-Day Adventure is $240 per month
2-Day Adventure is $480 per month
Preschool Jr.
A little bit big for Parent-Tot, but a little bit little for a mixed age preschool class? Preschool Jr. is a fun program where the youngest preschool students of Sandy Hill can feel safe and secure in a class with similarly young students.
Preschool Jr. is held Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9am to 12:30pm.
Students may be recommended to attend Preschool Junior if they are young and a bit on the shy or sensitive side. If you're not sure if Preschool Jr. is right for your student, we can meet with you and your student and provide an assessment.
Preschool Jr. students must be potty trained.
MWF Preschool Jr. is $780 per month
Parent-Tot Class
Our Parent-Tot program offers an opportunity for children 18-36 months and their caregivers to experience a guided preview and introduction to preschool life at Sandy Hill.
Our time together is filled with art, stories, songs, free and sensory play and snack. Caregivers have the opportunity to discuss challenges, ask questions about their child’s development, acquire positive teaching tools, and problem solve specific challenges with the help of the group under the guidance of a caring and knowledgable instructor.
Class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15-10:45. Families may enroll in one or both days.
1-Day Parent-Tot is $100 per month
2-Day Parent-Tot is $200 per month
Enrichment
Sandy Hill offers various enrichment activities throughout the year. Examples include music & movement, science, art, makers & builders, yoga, language learning, kindergarten readiness, and more. Enrichment opportunities are available each month for an extra fee.
After the regular school day, children in the enrichment program are taken to the playground and then escorted to their enrichment class at 1pm. After the class ends, they are returned to the playground and can be picked up anytime between 2-2:30pm.
Enrichment classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Enrichment classes start at $20 per class.
Extended Day
If you'd like your student to stay at school for more than the regular school day, Sandy Hill offers Early Drop-off before the start of school, and EDC after the school day.
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Early Drop-off is anytime between 8:30 - 9 am.
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EDC is from 12:30-2:30pm.
The children generally spend these hours playing on Sandy HIll's large playground.
Extended Day starts at $20 per day.
...And So Much More
Sandy Hill Families can look forward to events like our annual campfire at Moonlight Beach, Art Night & Auction, and Spring Carnival Friendraiser, Mother's Day Tea, and Dads & Donuts.
Grown-ups are welcome on our field trips to locations like the Encinitas Botanic Gardens and Birch Aquarium.
We also experience campus visits from local organizations like the Solana Beach Fire Department and Wild Wonders, who provide interactive wildlife education on our campus.
