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Review content:
I hesitate to write a review for this school for fear of letting out a well-kept secret, but... it's so good it shouldn't go unlauded. A former neighbor in Carmel Valley (who used to teach in Fairfax County, Virginia), told me about St. Dunstan's when my son was almost ready for preschool. He has been attending for 2 years now and he and we, his parents, could not be more satisfied with this wonderful school. The directress is a calm, loving, firm presence for all the children in the school, every single teacher and assistant is almost like a surrogate parent for them (lots of hugs and affection), and the parent community is active, committed, and involved. The children themselves are always happily engaged in play with stimulating toys and social games, as well as creative projects. They have a well-rounded curriculum that includes music, art, gymnastics, Spanish, and chapel (very low-key and doctrinal, revolving more around songs and storytelling), and lots of outdoor play in the glorious weather of Carmel Valley. The children are taught their "good manners" and respect for other people, and they are supervised attentively for snack and meal times. Parents receive detailed feedback on their child whenever they wish, something which is possible because the staff are so tuned in to each child. One of the things I appreciate most about the school's staff is the effort they put into creating family events -- from Easter Egg Hunts to Donut Time with Dads, to Mother's Day celebrations, etc. This school is like a home away from home, with the children being like siblings to each other (they interact in a small, stable and familiar group daily), under the watchful and caring eye of truly wonderful child educators. The utimate proof of this school's quality, though, is the children: They love being there, and on weekends, my son always asks to go to school. If you live in Carmel or Carmel Valley, look no further. (And keep the secret to yourself!)
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