Sea Crest School

901 Arnold Way

Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 20, 2024

After 12 years with this school, we saw 3 different heads of school and experienced everything from kindergarten through 8th grade. First, the new head of school, Lauren Miller is significantly better than the previous head of school and seems to be making changes to go back to the original reasons why we chose the school - a music department, local teachers and a genuine care for the community. Hopefully she will change the school for the better. But the middle school program is abysmal. Teachers regularly shame the kids in class, openly comparing scores on tests between students and continually referring to the advanced classes as "the smart class." The same kids get awarded Super Seals over and over in assemblies and honor roll is only used as an opportunity to further shame kids. I saw both of my kids' confidence dwindle to the point where they were calling themselves stupid. The math curriculum is a joke. We tried to get help for math from the school starting from early middle school through 8th grade, asking for tutoring. The school claimed no help was needed. Yet their MAP scores showed 2 grades levels behind and their new high school required extra courses over the summer to catch up. It's infuriating that Sea Crest couldn't identify a problem and would not partner with us to help. Finally, there does not seem to be any discipline in place. Teachers would simply turn the other way in the face of racist and homophobic slurs allowing that behavior to just continue & worsen. Ultimately Sea Crest really let us down. What seemed like a lovely school in the beginning had a really negative impact on my kids and my family.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2023

The school is an amazing experience for children. The variety of extracurriculars is outstanding. Where they lack considerably is in their accounting, both in their staff and software. Both are unsophisticated and do not produce adequate reports so you can easily track spending. Very frustrating.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2023

Our two kids have attended and thrived. This Saturday our 7th grader attended his kinder buddies bday party. The wonderful experience reminded us how connecting sea crest is. We enjoyed meeting the buddies friends and family ... Sea Crest is a coastside gem for 250 ish kids each year. Perfect fit for our family ... #grateful #marinescience #SEL
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2023

I'll start by saying that my two kids attend Sea Crest and that we are lifelong members of the coastside community. Sea Crest is a wonderful school, my kids love their teachers and friends and I can see them thriving in a safe and inclusive environment. I am particularly thankful to the school and the principal Ms Miller for all the effort they put in during the pandemic to open the school for in-person learning quickly and safely. Recently the school has made wonderful efforts to update its campus with a new library and a Marine Science program. In my experience, the teachers and staff really care about the kids and foster a true community of families and friends. In HMB there is really no other school like Sea Crest and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2023

Starting this review by noting, we are still at this school. We have 2 kids at Sea Crest and when our oldest graduates, we will be moving our younger from the school. We have older children who have been at independent schools (not in HMB), so we are not new to the private school world. We started at Sea Crest with the former head of school (we loved Dr. Pernambuco-Wise and her commitment to holistic student learning, inclusivity, and DEI). But, the school has declined since Ms. Lauren Miller took over as head. Ms. Miller, with a bachelors in drama, brings her theatrical skills. And, this is a positive "voice" in many regards. However, there is little substance behind the voice. We have never experienced a school that makes such big promises but can't deliver. It's as if the school cannot decide between small community school vs. trying to keep up with "over the hill" independent schools. As such, programs fall short and funds are misallocated. Take for one, the new library, where the school threw out thousands of dollars of books or sent home with students only to build a new 100k library and 'loft" when classrooms are too full (more than the public schools ratios in Half Moon Bay!!) and there are "no funds" to support classroom teaching assistants. The school promises counseling, but two counselors have left the school abruptly in less than two years.... Even the shiny marine science program is sold as a major piece of the school, but students go weeks without participating and the "lab" (if we can call it that) is a very sad sight. There are concerns among families about the school falsely presenting itself. And, it is sad and misrepresenting why many families selected this school before Mrs. Miller. And, the teacher turnover: much of the MS teachers left in '22. Drama teacher left after a few months. Former head of upper school was pushed out after being with the school for several years... There is no acknowledgment of staff turnover. Students are upset and parents are left scratching their heads. This is confusing and a huge disappointment. The biggest concern families in the middle school is the relationship with the administration, which is dismissive to parents, accuses parents of "gossip," and shuts families down, blaming them for not being "mission aligned." The culture is one of exclusivity and "mean-girl" admin. It is not leading by example. And, we can't get behind that anymore. Covid is no longer an excuse for poor administration.
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2022

I can’t say enough about Sea Crest. They have struck a balance, and are able to give our children a solid education, space to grow emotionally and socially, ample playtime, and unconditional love and support. All of the teachers are amazing!
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2022

While there are few schools on the coast, there are other options aside from Sea Crest School, and we decided to take another option after four years at this school. We have seen this school pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and at the present time. We saw the school with the former Head of School, and the present one. We can reflect our personal opinion that the current head, Mrs. Miller, has not lived up to her predecessor and we have serious concerns about the administration and the impact on the teachers and wider community. While we cannot speak to other reviews here, it is interesting that a few negative reviews have gone "missing" and suddenly, several positive (in fact, glowing) reviews are in their place. Optics aside, what we observed at SC under the current leadership was disheartening and dissuaded us from staying at the school for our three children. One had not yet started, but we pulled our other two children at the end of this academic year. While we were quite fond of the teachers, we found they were not supported by administration and that led to things like, growing class sizes (with students joining regularly and frequently mid year; not at scheduled entry points); only a floating "aid" who went from class to class; and students with a vast degree of differences in their abilities. This adds stress to teachers and we felt this as parents. What we did not feel, however, was welcome to have a voice. Any indication of potential **perceived** criticism or ask to admin was reframed as "not aligned with the school mission." When in fact, we chose the school because of the mission, as did many other families. But, a program that is led by admin who are not inclusive, and admin who **GOSSIP** about parents and families ("community" members), does not practice what it preaches. We could not imagine paying to support this program we have grown saddened by. While my kids miss their friends, it is the coast, so we see them daily and regularly, and this transition has been much easier for my children than I would have thought. I encourage other families to speak to parents of the school - especially parents of color, families with students who have learning challenges, and those familiar with the school mission before the current head of school. Remember, there ARE options. Sea Crest has relied on the fact that other schools in the area are lower rated (aside from independent schools in the area, which are great). That's not a reason to go there..
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2022

We’ve had three kids at Sea Crest - one still attends - and we’ve found it to be a lovely coastal school where children are known and appreciated - and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. Childrens strengths are recognized beyond academics, though that is emphasized as well, characteristics like kindness and determination are also encouraged and rewarded. Sea crest has gone through some growing pains over the last few years but has come through it all for the better. If you’re looking for a small close knit community where your children will thrive you should definitely look at sea crest.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2022

Our family had three kids move through Sea Crest over the past several years. Our youngest two are still there. We will stay enrolled because they are comfortable there, have good friends, we like the teachers, and there are few other options for independent schools on the coast (very few). We have noticed a very significant change since the new principal came on a few years ago - this was not covid related. The culture has shifted in a way that we are not comfortable with. We do not recommend the school for new families, but understand why parents choose the school, because the public schools in the are are not very highly rated on niche and through the state, and there is really only one k-5 private alternative in town, and no other middle school private option. So, we understand. But, we want to add that the administration does not practice what it preaches, about inclusivity and kindness. There is a shift in the conversations among parents feeling unheard and disrespected and we agree. We do not recommend this school - but only because of the principal, Mrs. Miller, and how she has shifted the world at Sea Crest.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2022

As a long time parent of a Sea Crest student ( K through to upper school now ) I couldn't be happier. The school has undergone tremendous growth and progressed to add locally important topics to the curriculum which has only enhanced the experience of the students in a positive way. The recent pandemic created unprecedented challenges that the leadership team handled with decisiveness and courage, always keeping the safety of the students and faculty in mind. Some of the negative comments coming from parents who left Sea Crest are unfortunate - it's clear that Sea Crest isn't for everyone. If you want a school that puts safety first, makes decisions based on scientific evidence and professional guidance and offers great experiences for your child, you'll love it there. I understand there's a waiting list for younger children, definitely worth checking out. I'm looking forward to what our Sea Crest community can achieve in more normal times.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2022

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sea Crest School. The teachers, administration and head of school are all top notch. My son has attended SC for the past 5 years and has absolutely thrived! Sea Crest is an incredibly nurturing environment, where every child is cared for, challenged, celebrated and advocated for. The pandemic could have slowed things down educationally, but Lauren Miller, our head of school went above and beyond to ensure not only the safety of our entire school community, but to also make sure that distance, as well as classroom learning continued, without so much as a blip. She is a tireless advocate for the Sea Crest students, teachers and her admin team, and I am so grateful that she has been at the helm for the past 2 years!
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2022

The teachers are amazing. My son loved being there (1-5) until things got really bad administratively. I pulled him out mid trimester and left money on the table because I couldn’t send my son back to a school where the principal sent him into panic attacks.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2022

The teachers are phenomenal. The administration, specifically, the new head of school, is awful. Programs are being sold at surface level but without programmatic support to ensure their success. Students are accepted all year on rolling basis. Making it hard for other students and teachers. Classes are fuller than some of the public schools. If you were thinking of this school, dont. Save the $26,000, which is the tuition they refuse to post online (though most schools do).The school isn’t what it used to be. That’s because of Lauren Miller.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2020

We transferred in to Sea Crest from a different school and have been very impressed by the organization, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shown in incorporating us to our new school community. We feel included and informed, and our child is thriving in his new environment - both via distance learning and at school. The small classes allow for the teachers to really know my child and to understand his learning and emotional needs. We are thrilled to be a part of this community.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2020

Amazing! For 4 1/2 years we've been at Sea Crest and we are so happy here.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2020

Our first grader joined Sea Crest in kindergarten and has been thriving both academically and socially. There is a strong sense of community between parents, teachers and leadership to bring the very best curriculum and inclusive, fun and safe environment for students. The after school program (guaranteed enrollment) provides a variety of enrichment opportunities ranging from chess, bookclubs, tennis and other sports.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2020

Sometimes I cannot believe that this gem of a school is located in our tiny Coastside community. I feel so fortunate that our children have benefited from the small class sizes and nurturing environment. I have seen first-hand how beneficial a K-8 school educational environment has been for both the young and older children. I feel students graduate fully prepared for success in high school, both academically and as good global citizens.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2019

Overall the school is loving, cares about the students and is open to parent feedback. The character development in students is great and the opportunities to learn in a small environment creates students who feel safe and can become leaders. This is where the school excels. It it worth it: Yes. But it cannot have everything and definitely does not. Overall academics are pretty average. The teachers range from amazing to average depending on the year. Basically this school tries so hard but in an area with the most expensive cost of living the US they cannot keep teachers. There are only a handful of teachers at the school left hat have been there more than 2 years. This constant turnover keeps the school from having an historical memory which is really a bummer for the students and their families. We are glad we chose SC out of the options we had- public or driving over the hill but have had to make our peace with some of the major downfalls of the school.
Submitted by other on February 16, 2019

My daughter moved to Sea crest in 6 grade now is in 8th grade and loves it. We especially love the diversity of class offerings including band, chorus, technology, drama and art and the small class size. I highly recommend !Sea Crest school has been a wonderful educational experience for my daughter and she is now well prepared for high school.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2015

We as a family moved here tot he coast four years ago from Florida and when we saw the ratings of the local public schools were low we looked into Sea Crest-and I am so greafull we did. The school welcomed us and there has been constant improvement year-over-year in terms of academics, teacher professionalism, character building and innovation. The community is small and we have become good freinds with many families. Unfortunately we are moving yet again back east and leaving this school is unsettling as we were excited about the direction the school is headed.