Happy Time Nursery School

We love this wonderful little gem of a school in Ranch Santa Fe! My husband and I took a tour of Happy Time just before our daughter turned 2 years old. We had visited a few other preschools that were nice enough, but once we toured Happy Time, we knew this was the right place for our daughter (we even wanted to sign up for preschool!) How could you not fall in love with a place that has no more than 26 kids and 4 teachers, activities such as pony rides, collecting fresh eggs from chickens, gymnastics, Spanish, music, a garden to grow vegetables in, and ending each day with ""High Tea"" (aka juice and cookies) where you celebrate each and every big and little accomplishment. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a happy childhood. ""Big Teacher"", John Paul, HyeSuk and all the other staff at Happy Time treat each child individually, bringing out the best in each child. The kids practice their manners, learn to be ""kind and loving"" towards everyone and the youngest to the oldest children in attendance all learn and grow together. My daughter has loved every single day of her 3 years at Happpy Time, and although she has been well prepared for kindergarten by all the individualized learning she has received while at Happy Time, we will be very sad to leave this wonderful school. Do not hesitate to go and see this lovely treasure for yourself - you and your child will be glad you did! more

Our 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 year old son adored Happy Time! He looked forward to school, loved being there and didn't want to leave. He became more independent, learned to share and play better with others, spent hours outside, rode horses, sang songs, enjoyed story time, brought home handmade art, along with fresh eggs from the Happy Time chickens, learned to say ""thank you"", ""please"", and more, received focused time with his letters and numbers - I could go on and on... Happy Time's teachers are experienced, loving, gentle and kind. Any child who has the chance to attend Happy Time will be magically touched forever and blessed with a strong foundation for life and school. We love Happy Time and highly recommend it! more

I have two graduates of Happy Time Nursery School. Both of my children started at the age of 2 1/2 and attended 3 years. They are now entering 1st grade and Kindergarten. Happy Time is truly that - a happy place to send your children. The environment bubbles over with the magical excitement of childhood. A love of learning is fostered through creative play, exploration, and the skilled guidance of Big Teacher (as we all lovingly call her) and her team of caring educators. My children benefitted from the small school size - just 26 kids with 4 amazing teachers, plus specialists who come in for Spanish, gymnastics, pony riding lessons, and music. In addition to the wonderful opportunities for play the children get one-on-one time to work on math, writing, and reading skills. My son entered Kindergarten extremely well prepared and had a very successful first year in elementary school. My daughter will be entering Kindergarten this Fall and I know she is going to have a great start because of Happy Time. In addition to all of the wonderful things above, the children get to help tend to the vegetable garden and occasionally have the opportunity to visit the chicken coop and bring home a prized egg. I loved seeing the preschoolers munching on garden fresh green beans and cucumbers on the car ride home! And, I cannot forget to mention ""Tea Time"". Imagine a very large oval dining table cut down to kid level with 26 tiny chairs all around. Insert the wee ones in the picture, one or two wearing a crown for doing something commendable that day (i.e. picking up toys with out being told, sharing with another, etc), and place a very Special Cup (real china tea cup/saucer) in front of another for doing a wonderful deed. Juice is poured and delightful little cookies are passed around. This sweet scene is the perfect time for a lesson in manners. We say, ""Please and Thank You"", ""Yes"" never yeah, ""Sharing is Caring"", ""Be Kind and Loving"". Manners and socialization are a wonderful part of Happy Time. My son (now almost 7) has received many compliments on his willingness to help an his patience with younger children. I give much of the credit to Happy Time because of the mixed age group and insistence that all children be kind and helpful to one another. Saying goodbye to the daily routine of Happy Time will be tough for our family. I am so grateful to Big Teacher, John Paul, Hyesuk, and others who have helped raise my children over the past 3 years. We love Happy Time and recommend it to everyone seeking a loving, encouraging, wonderful place to nurture their children and prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Call to set-up a tour. Don't be surprised if your search stops before you feel you have started - it really is that special. more

My son is just about to finish his three years at Happy Times Nursery School and head off to kindergarten, so I felt it was a good time to write a review and let others know what a wonderful place this little school is. My son first started there when he was 2 ? years old and after three years with the Happy Times family, he is a well-rounded, happy little boy who is very well prepared for the next step. Happy Times is a play-based nursery school, which has been very well suited to my active little boy. The open plan setup of the classroom and outside play area allows a lot of room for, and encourages, creative play more

if you decide to pull you kids out after march--- be prepared to pay for six months until the end of august!!! no matter how much notice you give. Pros: some of the teachers are very good with the kids. Cons: mary ann is con you out of every cent she can more

A real loving and caring environment with old school manners! My child has learnt so much and gets to rid a pony at school!!! What more can you ask for? more