Mariners Christian School

300 Fischer Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 23, 2023

Under the current leadership, a once thriving, innovative school is in decline. Parents questioning what the curriculum is and should be, an administration with no clear vision. A principal with no ability to lead and a Head of School who is so busy with preaching she can’t see that the school is failing children academically. While they were busy selling themselves as a National blue ribbon school, our children were falling behind. After leaving and having our kids take the ISEE, it became clear mathematics was simply not taught and their ability to cogently communicate in writing and critically think, severely compromised due to Mariners inability to effectively guide teaching and learning and implement standards and oversight of their teachers. Basically, they are in an identity crisis and the teaching was sub par at best. The Board needs to step in and take the necessary steps to build a new administration which will grow the academics before more children fall through the cracks.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2023

I was SO let down by this school. The tour is phenomenal as well as the building. Sadly, once we were in, we realized it was all smoke and mirrors. It seems I’m not the only one who believes this school to be all about appearances. The people who are talking about this place know absolutely nothing about education. I am an educator and I started to get a feeling that academics weren’t a top priority here. I ignored my gut instinct during the admissions process because there were so many hoops to jump through that I solely put my focus on whether or not we would “get in.” I became obsessed with just “getting in” because they made it seem like it would be nearly impossible. Once we were in, there was a level of excitement, but once our children started, the red flags started to go up. Our children were starting to lose basic skills that they had at their previous school such as spelling, grammar, handwriting, and basic writing components. We called a meeting with the principal to raise our concerns about what our children were lacking since moving over to this school. We also raised questions about the outdated curriculum that they were using. After meeting with the principal it was CLEAR that academics were not a top priority. They are using an outdated curriculum (google Lucy Calkin’s Units of Study for more information). Many districts have actually banned this curriculum. Some states are even paying districts not to use it, but the principal seemed very immature and insecure and dug in her heels about it. We decided to meet with the HOS to see where she aligned with the academics thinking that maybe she was working towards changing things. I couldn’t believe how much she bad mouthed her staff and administration. It was almost as if she was solely blaming them so she could avoid being held accountable. She mentioned that she only has middle school experience and laughed it off like it was no big deal. I struggled with that because the majority of the school is elementary students and she didn’t seem to have an interest in that. I was shocked after some of the things I heard in that HOS meeting and found myself questioning whether or not I was actually in a Christian school. After volunteering in the classrooms and seeing teachers with no classroom management, as well as watching my kids test scores drop, I decided we had had enough and pulled them out. Don’t be fooled by the outside appearances. Dig deep and that will tell you all you need to know!
Submitted by other on May 25, 2023

If you value a beautiful building that you can have as a background in your instagram feed, you have found the right school. If you want your child to get an exceptional education, they would be better served in your local public school. If you would like your child to develop a faith in God that they don’t have to recover from, they would be better served in your local church. I would avoid this toxic place at all costs.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2022

We are finishing our 11th year at MCS with multiple siblings having gone through MCS. Over that time period the school has undergone multiple new heads of school, but for the past couple years has been blessed by an amazing leader, both spiritually and academically. That turnover has resulted in some turmoil, particularly as it relates to the parent community as the previous head of school placed less emphasis on the spiritual maturity of the families and more on economic status (to some of the comments below). That combined with the “craziness” of COVID has certainly had an impact on “community”, which is where historically MCS has excelled. The new head of school has done yeoman’s work in rebuilding the admissions filter and rebuilding “community”. Despite the changes at the top, the one thing that has not changed during our time is the teachers, which are the heart and soul of this school. If you don’t want your child loved, prayed over, cared for and taught the Word of God, then this is probably not the school for you. MCS is a covenant Christian school and it takes that responsibility seriously and expects the same from the parent community, and that is clearly not for everyone. On the academic front, I would agree that historically math has been an issue, though via conversations with the current administration it is clear that much work has been made to improve the math curriculum. Having had a couple matriculate to local high schools already, I can say with a high level of confidence based on my experience and in conversations with the teachers and administration of the high schools, that MCS alumni perform well above average at the high school level, particularly in their ability to engage in conversation, debate and critical thinking. If you are a believer and a strong Christ centered education is important to you, there is no better K-8 Christian school in Orange County, CA.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2022

I can't say enough about MCS and its commitment to developing great children through academics and spiritual education. We have had two children there for years and they still wake up excited for school every day. The teachers are a dedicated group that go overboard to future each student and encourage growth. The community of families is incredible – many of my friends are the parents of kids that go to school with my kids. I believe that my children's success is my responsibility, and what I love about MCS is that it provides all the foundation and resources I need for that to happen. It's important to note that this is a faith based school – meaning that it's not for everyone. There are requirements for both the abilities of the child and the beliefs family to be a good fit. For us and many others, it's the perfect fit and environment for our kids to thrive.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2022

Mixed bag of emotions for MCS. Both kids went from K-8. Early years were amazing for both kids. Some great teachers and some so-so teachers and an admin staff that was really trying to make this a great school. Since 2018 it started slipping down. My 10th grader now calls it her "brain-washing" education. My 8th grader is about to graduate but I question her academic preparedness. She is apparently getting B+ in Algebra 1 but is completely failing all assessment tests. She's going to have to repeat Algebra 1 again in high school. I think MCS places more value on kids feeling good about themselves and Jesus, than actual learning. But mostly, the MCS parent community has been utterly toxic in recent years. It's the rich, privileged parents playing high school all over again with their popularity contest. Their attitude towards the COVID has been extremely disappointing. It was all about their comfort and "freedom" rather than any concern for the community or members who may be compromised. They claim Jesus but show very little sign of Him. Current admin seems helpless to control the culture of the school. If we had to do it all over, we probably wouldn't pick MCS in its current state.
Submitted by other on January 01, 2022

The academics weren’t great, definitely didn’t prepare us for high school, and weren’t really individualised for personal growth. The teachers were completely mixed, some amazing and some absolutely awful (at teaching and at working with children). The student body is made up of rich brats and is overall a toxic community. All I can say is, MCS is going downhill.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2020

Our family has been apart of this school for over 14 years. Our children have had not only a great education, but have also learned values and character. The care and compassion that every teacher has for each student is beyond compare. They also take the time to make new students feel included and loved, by peers and teachers. This really is an amazing example of teachers living out "being the hands and feet of Jesus" and teaching it to the students. In addition, two of my children went on to a Nationally ranked High School and were top in their class. This school is hands down what all Christ centered schools should model themselves after.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2019

We are disappointed in our experience at this school. Things look great from the outside but there are some serious internal problems and concerns with the leadership of the school.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2019

Couldn’t be happier with this school. Best educators and staff in the world!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2019

Exceptional experience. No other school in OC that combines the level of academics with character development like this school. This school is committed at every level to raising up the high quality, Godly individuals. The curriculum, character and leadership development, extracurricular options are all effective
Submitted by other on May 15, 2017

I have been a member of the school community for 10+ years and this is an outstanding institution. The already excellent academic program continues to improve year after year, a fact that was endorsed by last year's WASC/ACSI accreditation visiting committee. The school has built a strong reputation and partnership with local high schools and graduates from MCS continue to excel at the secondary level and beyond.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2017

Just a few years ago, this school had a very strong Algebra program with my older child. In the past two years, the quality in Grade 7 and Grade 8 Math has gone down, with weaker teachers joining the school with my younger child.The head of school for the past two years cares more about technology and cosmetic features, rather than, the quality of teachers, especially in the middle school he has hired since he has been the leader.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2017

Mixed bag of teachers: Strong 6th grade teachers. Weak 7th grade teachers (with the exception of math).
Submitted by teacher on April 20, 2016

MCS is an amazing school! Caring and professional teachers, a vision-driven admin team, and great families make this a special community to be a part of.
Submitted by teacher on April 18, 2016

If I could do childhood over again, I'd do it as a student at MCS. The academics are stellar, the teachers are full of passion and care, and the spiritual formation is life changing.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2016

So grateful for MCS, the teachers, administrators and staff. We have been at MCS for 8 years and love this school and all that it stands for in honoring God. Academics are challenging. Spiritual development a big part of the life of the school. And, we love the individual care that is given to our kids. Absolutely love this place!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2016

MCS exemplifies what is truly important in raising a child academically and socially. Great academics, amazing teachers, encouraging and loving environment, incredible spiritual development, the value of family and a ton of FUN! Just what God wants for all of us!
Submitted by teacher on April 10, 2016

I consider it a privilege to work with such a gifted group of educators who love the Lord, our school, and our families! Mariners Christian School seeks to afford each child to grow and develop within their passions, both in academics and extra-curricular activities. Mariners Christian School is truly a unique establishment with a perfect balance of academics and spiritual growth. We welcome you to come see for yourselves!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2016

As a parent in Orange County I have many wonderful options for my children's schooling. But, of the local public, charter and private schools around, no single institution checks all the boxes that Mariners does. From exemplary academics to the art, language and physical education programs, every need is met for my children. The Christ centered focus is a pleasant undertone that neither detracts or overshadows the rigorous curriculum, but instead enhances my children's daily experience. I can whole hardheartedly say that Mariners addresses the needs of the whole child- something I haven't been able to find at any other school in the county.