January 2024 Archives - Monterey Bay Parent

Eight Fun Ways to Inspire Healthy Eating

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | December 27, 2023

We’ve all been there: despite our very best efforts – and cajoling – our kids simply won’t eat healthy, home-cooked food. How about trying a new strategy in 2024 and making healthy eating a fun activity? Here are some fun ways to sneak healthy foods into your child’s diet:
Dinner for breakfast. Everyone knows about “breakfast for dinner,” but have you ever considered “dinner for breakfast”? “Well, why not,” says Shannon Crocker, a dietician. “If it was a healthy, balanced meal last night, it’s still a healthy, balanced meal this morning.” If your kids’ favorite food is pizza, serve mini-pizzas with healthy filings like tomato sauce, ham, pineapple, and cheese.
Cooking club. Get some of your kids’ friends or classmates together and start a cooking club on afternoons or weekends. You could hire a local culinary student to teach basic cooking skills. “Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if the presentation is appetizing and if they have a hand in preparation,” says Patti Ghezzi of Greater Good Communication, a non-profit that focuses on nutrition.
Roll-ups. Have the kids “roll” their own food, sushi-style. They can roll whole wheat tortillas with ham and cheese or peanut butter and banana. They can also roll pizzas with shredded mozzarella and tomato sauce. The possibilities are endless. “Kids love these fun snacks, and they’re packed with protein, potassium, and filling fiber,” says Angelina Sickora, a dietician.
Funny faces. Take a bunch of vegetables and have the kids make the funniest faces possible on the kitchen counter. Hint: peas are good for eyes. “This is a great way to increase children’s sensory experiences (and then probably acceptance) with veggies in a fun and entertaining environment,” says Karina Savage, a dietician.
Healthy plates. Have the kids create a meal that includes items from all four food groups: fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. “Assembling a balanced plate is one of the most practical skills you can teach a child,” says Shannon Doleac, a nutritionist, “and creating plates can become fun nutrition activities for kids.”
Guess the fruit or vegetable. Put a bunch of fruits and vegetables in a bag, have the kids close their eyes, and ask them to choose one thing. The goal is to guess what it is based on how it feels and smells. “Exploring food with all of their senses moves them closer to trusting and eating that food,” says Ms. Savage.
Dessert as main course. Put a small portion of dessert on their plates, just enough to keep them hungry and eat the main course. “You’ll be surprised when your child suddenly takes a bite of dessert along with a bite of something else, instead of just gobbling up the dessert,” says Jennifer House, a nutritionist.
Guess the fruit. Have your kids guess which fruit you’re thinking of by describing its color, shape, texture, and taste. “It’s a great way to have fun while promoting healthy eating in kids,” says Ms. Savage.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Your Sleep Questions are Answered!

By Jessica Thibault | December 27, 2023

Please introduce yourself. How did you get into sleep consulting?

I’m Lexi Teska of Lullaby Lexi Sleep (baby and toddler sleep consultant, ages 0–5). I trained with The Cradle Coach Academy as a newborn care specialist and sleep consultant and am a certified Sweet Sleep Academy consultant and Association of Professional Sleep Consultants member. I got into this partially because I had three kids under three and had hired a pediatric sleep consultant as a sleep-deprived military spouse with a deployed husband.

What are some of the greatest misconceptions you notice? What is confusing parents and making it harder to encourage healthy sleep?

Often parents think being a sleep consultant means teaching “cry it out”—which couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many gentle and parent-responsive ways to set your child up with healthy sleep foundations.

A lot of the confusion out there stems from the abundance of online information thrown at parents. Most of the information is general and doesn’t take into consideration your child’s unique temperament. Children are all so different. It’s important to find what works best for each one.

Is there anything special to keep in mind while traveling or hosting? How about encountering different seasons?

While traveling, try to replicate your child’s regular sleep environment and routine. For example, if at home they sleep in a crib with their sleep sack, bring a travel crib and sleep sack on your trip. If you have a toddler who sleeps with their favorite stuffed animal, be sure to bring it along.

For changing seasons/temperatures, it’s important to consider what kind of pajamas your child should have. In colder climates, consider some thicker fleece pajamas, but in warmer climates, you might opt for a lighter onesie or bamboo pajamas.

If you use a sleep sack for your child, you can also look up the thermal overall grade (TOG) rating. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric: 0.5 TOG sleep sacks may be suitable for warm climates, but you may want one with a TOG rating of 2.0 or higher for a cold climate.

What should you do if your childcare facility does not provide an optimal sleep environment or schedule for your child (for example, a daycare with multiple kids in one room or a schedule that doesn’t align with their natural rhythms)?

I always tell parents to try not to stress about things that aren’t in their control. Children are so adaptable. Make the best of the situation and focus on what you can when your child is at home. An early bedtime—even as early as 6 p.m.—can work wonders on days where naps aren’t great.

Toddlers and preschoolers often deal with teething or getting sick. What are some ways to help adjust sleep practices and encourage them to bounce back to a great sleep routine after the teeth are in, for example?

Give extra comfort when needed, but try to stay consistent in the routine. It’s okay if things look different for a day or two, but always try to get right back to the normal routine to prevent new habits from forming.

How do you help a toddler sleep on the go (such as in a car seat, carrier, or stroller) or in a noisy or well-lit environment if they typically fall asleep in a quiet, dark environment?

All toddlers are different. Some do really well napping on the go, but so many struggle with this. It can help to have them in the car seat or stroller before their scheduled nap time so they aren’t already overtired before you head out. There are also great portable sound machines.

How late is too late for a toddler or preschooler to go to sleep?

This depends on what time they wake up and their overall schedule for the day. The ideal range for bedtime in line with natural circadian rhythms is 7–8 p.m.

How do you get preschoolers to not draw out bedtime (for example, to stop asking for lots of things before sleeping)?

Toddlers are natural boundary pushers, which is a healthy and normal part of development. I love to use a “bedtime pass.” It helps children get that sense of control that they crave. Essentially, they get a special ticket each night at bedtime, and they then can choose if and when to turn in that ticket for a chance to get out of bed for a specific reason.

Once the ticket has been used, it’s important for parents to practice holding the boundary and explain, “You have already used your bedtime pass tonight. You will get a new bedtime pass tomorrow night.”

Talk to me about “sleep training.” We know some babies are too young for sleep training. Is there a too-old-for-sleep-training age and/or do the methods change after a certain age?

The schedules and routines may change based on the child’s age, but the actual sleep training method that I use is the same despite age. I always use a gentle approach where the parent stays in the room with their child until the child is asleep.

There is no age limit to learning healthy sleep hygiene. I’m certified through age 5, but other sleep consultants work with older children.

When should parents/caregivers reach out for help?

Before you become overwhelmed—lack of sleep takes a toll on the whole family. I offer free 20-minute consultations for anyone who wants to discuss options for their specific situation.

For additional information: LullabyLexiSleep.com

Meet the Teachers: Three Preschool Teachers Share their Experience

By Denise Green | December 27, 2023

What better way to learn about the preschool experience than talking with classroom teachers? We chatted with three local teachers to learn why they chose teaching as a vocation and the joy of surrounding themselves with three- to five-year-olds daily. In the process, they offer valuable advice on choosing a preschool.

THE DECISION TO TEACH

Preschool is an exciting and important milestone for both parents and children. Preschool teachers are pretty magical, with seemingly unlimited patience and kindness. Why did these teachers go into the profession?

Carisa Abila of Serendipity Preschool always knew that she wanted to work with young children, and after graduating from college, working at a preschool allowed her to gain more experience in the field of child development. From there, she says, “I completely fell in love with the age group and became invested in the children, families, and school community.”

Elaine Fernandez spent several years teaching older grades. She eventually took the position of full-time prekindergarten teacher at Santa Catalina. The catalyst? According to Fernandez, it’s “their excitement and eagerness to learn, as well as the hilarious stories they tell.”

Brandy Morrow of The Parent Center took a child development class in high school and has “been working with kids and teaching in different levels and roles ever since.”

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Preschool families tend to form bonds that will last years for some. It’s not just a great way for the children to socialize but also for the parents, especially at co-op preschools.

At The Parent Center, the adults interact and get to know one another during their time in the classroom. It can also throw parents out of their comfort zone. During a recent music and movement class, Morrow had four parents waving silk scarves as they danced along to the music. The dads and kids got into it and had a blast.

The family of a student in Elaine’s class owned a farm and brought in a baby lamb to share with the class. This student was so proud to share how they were taking care of it, and it was a great experience for all the other students.

At Serendipity Preschool the teachers and administration frequently receive updates from families about former students which helps in creating a strong sense of community. In fact, a current teacher was once a student. Carisa says, “Serendipity is a big reason why I have come to love preschool so much because of how the Nuovo family has built a community, as well as a family, with their staff and clients.”

At Santa Catalina, a program called Projects of Passion allows the students to choose a service learning place to work with throughout the year. This year’s prekindergarten class adopted the Santa Cruz SPCA. The students took a field trip to the Santa Cruz SPCA to learn about what they do to help animals and which animals they help. The students also collected used towels for use within the animal shelter.

A TYPICAL DAY

Each of our preschool teachers has a routine that builds consistency for the children. They engage with parents as the child is dropped off and help the children settle into the morning, including one or more circle time sessions, outdoor play, crafts, reading, and other activity time.

At Serendipity Preschool, even the littlest learners get to take advantage of campus resources, including going to the gymnasium for PE, the dance studio to have creative dance lessons, and the library.

Music and movement are a big part of The Parent Center curriculum and Brandy’s favorite part of the day. She says that the children “get to explore different ways to move, and kids have to listen and follow directions and move their bodies in ways that might be more challenging but in a fun way. It’s fun to watch the parents be silly during that time, too.”

ADVICE ON CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL

Finding the right fit for your child is usually the top concern of parents when choosing a preschool. These teachers advised parents to visit the schools they’re considering, meet the teachers, and ask a lot of questions. Carisa advises parents to trust their intuition about the environment they want their children in.

The teachers shared that parents should look for an age-appropriate program that fits the needs of their child and family. Make sure it’s play-based, the staff is organized and friendly, and the teachers have an education in early childhood.

According to Elaine, “If you’re looking for a great head start for your child and something curriculum-based, asking questions about their program is a great place to start. It depends on your family needs and where you believe your child will thrive.”

SETTING YOUR CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS

If you’re almost ready to send your child off to preschool, there are some things you can do to make the transition as easy as possible. You’ve probably been playing letter games with your child, practicing cutting with child scissors, coloring, and reading to your child. This is an excellent time to double up on those activities so your child is comfortable and familiar with some of the basics of a preschool day. You’ll want to communicate with your child about the new experience. Carisa advises, “Talk to them about what’s going to happen, visit the school together, and talk about or even meet the teacher.”

She further advises parents of children who haven’t had experience with an outside caregiver to introduce them to activities or other caregivers before their first day of school.

Elaine reminds parents, “The first days of school can be scary, so telling your child what to expect and giving them extra love or their favorite snack can be helpful.”

These teachers agree on keeping the lines of communication open with your child’s new caregivers. Your child’s teachers are happy to help parents through this transition! Keep in touch, ask questions, and read your school’s email or online portal messages. Most importantly, talk to your child. Ask them questions about their day, listen to their stories, and assess how they are adapting.

The teachers included in this article share a dedication to their students. It’s easy to see that our little ones are in great hands for their first educational experience in any of their classrooms.

Monterey County Libraries for Littles

By Jessica Thibault | December 27, 2023

Make 2024 the year that you and your preschooler try out the abundant free events and resources curated by dedicated librarians from our local libraries!

Early exposure to words is fundamental for a child’s language skills as well as their cognitive and social–emotional development (per Pediatrics, Volume 142, Issue 4, October 2018, Early Language Exposure and Middle School Language and IQ: Implications for Primary Prevention). Libraries certainly have plenty of engaging books—and Monterey County offers many library branches—but libraries also offer a chance to play with cool toys, learn more about your community, and maybe even meet new friends. There are libraries from Big Sur to Salinas, Pacific Grove to King City, and San Lucas to Aromas, with well over 20 branches across Monterey County.

“You should really get a library card for all of them,” recommends Sarah Nolan, event programming librarian at the Monterey Public Library. Many of these libraries have dedicated children’s librarians working hard to help little ones learn and thrive.

Beyond traditional brick-and-mortar libraries, there are Little Free Libraries all across town: Try your luck at finding early reader books for your home library while you’re out for a walk. Many locations are listed at littlefreelibrary.org, but it’s always a sweet surprise to find a new one!

Bookmobiles provide library services in areas distant from branches or with other access barriers. Google “Monterey bookmobile” to ask questions or to suggest a new stop.

Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) and Monterey Public Library also operate bookmobiles that visit Moss Landing, Pebble Beach, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley Manor, the Pajaro Park, East Garrison, Las Lomas, Spreckels Memorial Park, Toro Park, and Ohlone/Royal Oaks as well as La Mesa Village, Montecito Park, Merrill Gardens, The Park Lane, Casanova Oak Knoll, New Monterey, and El Estero Center, respectively.

Here are just some of the Monterey County library offerings. Check the respective library websites for complete details.

SONG AND STORY TIMES

Salinas’s Cesar Chavez Library offers Toddler Tales on Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
The Marina branch hosts preschool storytime every Thursday from 10:15–10:45 a.m.
The Aromas branch has storytime on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
The Seaside branch offers Stay and Play with Story Time on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Salinas’s El Gabilan Library hosts Learn and Play Story Time on Tuesdays from 12:00–12:45 p.m.
Carmel’s Park Branch Children’s Library has storytime on Wednesdays (besides holidays) from 10:15–11:00 a.m. It features stories, rhymes, songs, and hands-on activities designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their parents and caregivers.
The Monterey Public Library hosts weekly toddler/preschool storytimes on Tuesday afternoons in the community room. All are welcome, especially ages 2 to 5. (Note: For preschool and younger programs or programs for all ages, parent participation is expected and younger siblings are allowed.)
The Pacific Grove Public Library offers Toddler Tales on Mondays from 11:00–11:30 a.m.
Salinas’s John Steinbeck Library offers Story Time Jamboree for ages 0 to 7 on Thursdays from 4–4:30 p.m.
The Carmel Valley branch offers a fun and interactive weekly preschool storytime program (designed for infants and kids up to age 4) with singing, movement, and engaging stories on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

PLAY TIMES

The Pacific Grove Public Library offers preschool stories on Tuesdays from 11:00–11:30 a.m. Miss Mary and Barnaby Bear read stories and sing songs developmentally tailored for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.
The Salinas Public Library hosts playgroups for those ages 1 to 4. These groups provide exploratory activities to help develop a child’s skills. Registration is required. Call 831-758-7355 for more information.
The Carmel Park Branch Children’s Library offers craft programs once a month on Fridays. They also host sessions of LEGO Lab and game times.
The Marina branch presents Build and Play! on Tuesdays from 4:00–6:45 p.m. They lay out toys in the kids’ area, from MAGNA-TILES, LEGO bricks, and KEVA planks to larger DUPLO blocks, and you bring your building creativity! Come with your little ones to play together and socialize with other families.
The Carmel Valley branch offers Stay and Play, with colorful toys that encourage motor and social development. For more information, call the branch at 831-647-7760 or email Ashley at griffithsa@co.monterey.ca.us.
The Pacific Grove Public Library hosts open playtime on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

PARENT AND CHILD-FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

As of January 2023, Monterey Public Library has new parent–child corrals available as workstations as well as a quiet space for nursing.

LOCAL RESOURCES:

The Marina branch offers monthly Dads Read events featuring storytimes led by area fathers, as well as clothes and toys swaps.
The Monterey Public Library, Carmel Harrison Public Library, and other local libraries offer California State Park passes to be checked out for three weeks at a time by cardholders. Take your little one to explore a new area or enjoy a walk.
Low-income families residing in Monterey County qualify for one free aquarium pass per season (September through April) via the Shelf-to-Shore program through the MCFL, Monterey, and Pacific Grove libraries. Call to check if passes are available and present your library card for a qualifying adult aged 18+.

DIGITAL RESOURCES:

MCFL has an extensive YouTube Channel that offers Rhymes and Songs videos in English and Spanish for preschoolers. Additional fun options include Little Chef, STEAM Time, Backyard Science, Make It Monday, and more.
Recorded songs, stories, and experiment tutorials are available anytime at Monterey.org’s kid’s page under the library tab.
MCFL offers a database called Tumble Book Library, accessible with an MCFL library card or a free trial: Tumblebooklibrary.com

BOOKS AND READING:

PBS Kids: Educational games and videos from Curious George, Wild Kratts, and other PBS Kids shows! (PBSKids.org)
Footsteps2Brilliance: Free access to a selection of 500 interactive, award-winning digital ebooks, songs, and activities (Footsteps2Brilliance.com)
Story Time from Space: A project of the Global Space Education Foundation, Story Time from Space sends children’s books to the International Space Station so astronauts can read them to you! (StorytimefromSpace.com)

ADDITIONAL MCFL-RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

1-2-3 Andrés: Interactive music for kids and families that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture (YouTube or 123Andres.com)
The Singing Walrus: Interactive, catchy songs designed to encourage children to engage with the music and learn new things in a playful way (YouTube)

MATH:

Funbrain: Hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy for prekindergarteners.

Monterey County Recommended Preschools

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | December 27, 2023

CITY OF SEASIDE TINY TOT UNIVERSITY

986 Hilby Avenue

Seaside California 93955

831-899-6823

Tiny Tot University is a preschool program for children three to five years of age. Our program is geared toward helping your child develop in a fun and creative way. The educators facilitate student led social and problem solving skills. The program includes STEAM activities, sports, sand and water play, singing and finger plays, stories, dramatic play, painting, drawing, unit block work, writing, small group activities, and opportunities for exploration.

MONTEREY BAY CHARTER SCHOOL

1004 David Avenue, Pacific Grove, 93950

831-655-4638

Monterey Bay Charter School offers a free TK program guided by the core principles for public Waldorf education.The unique program delivers the rigorous state-adopted standards through Waldorf pedagogy, placing an emphasis on the arts in daily learning and expression.

MONTEREY PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESCHOOL & TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN

Marina, Seaside, and DLAMP Monterey preschools: 831-392-3456

Preschool for ages 3 and 4, transitional kindergarten for children who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and June 5. Music, arts and crafts, language development, multicultural education, reading, mathematics and more. Preschool based on income eligibility.

MONTEREY RECREATION PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

El Estero Park Center, 831-646-3873

Hilltop Park Center, 831-646-3975

The City of Monterey Recreation Division has been offering popular and educational preschool programs for children ages 3-5, since 1963. We realize the importance of developing learning skills, and our program emphasizes that children learn best through play. The curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate activities that foster the creative, social, emotional, language and physical growth of each child. Daily activities include art, music, science, math, pre- reading and writing skills, movement and story-time. Thenprogram strives to develop acceptance and appreciation of the similarities and differences between people and cultures. We provide a safe and nurturing environment where your child’s need for discovery and development is recognized and encouraged.

PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

515 Junipero Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950

831-648-3135

The City of Pacific Grove Recreation Department offers a preschool program for children ages 3-5 years. Our program is built with the understanding that children learn best when they are provided with meaningful opportunities for play and interaction with their classmates in a supportive setting. The goal of our program is to meet the individual academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each child by providing a play-based curriculum and a safe and enriching learning environment. Developmentally appropriate activities include art, sensory, math, science, music and movement, and outdoor play. Our dedicated staff strive to foster your child’s natural curiosity for learning, exploration, and creative expression.

POTRERO CANYON SCHOOL

5716 Carmel Valley Road,

Carmel, 93923, 831-625-0545

Our dedicated team of teachers provide loving, respectful, and nurturing care for children ages 2-1/2 to 5, including a pre-k classroom, in a fun, safe, and positive learning environment. The mixed-age, low ratio activities foster creativity, confidence, kindness, independence, with an emphasis on developing each child’s social- emotional skills.

SACRED HEART PRESCHOOL

135 West Market Street, Salinas, 93901

831-240-0889

Sacred Heart Preschool’s curriculum focuses on creating a comfortable transition into the educational setting for children three to five years old. We emphasize building moral values, self- esteem, problem-solving, academic readiness, and lifelong skills. We offer a safe and loving environment in which children have the opportunity to explore and learn at a pace that is in line with their social and emotional development.

SAN CARLOS

450 Church Street, Monterey, 93940

(831) 375-1324

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at San Carlos is a two-year kindergarten program that blends socialization and play along with structured activities. The program is ideal for children who need more academic challenges than offered in a typical preschool setting but are not yet ready for a full-day Kindergarten. The TK program affords young learners a head start and provides them with opportunities to thrive in an environment that is tailored to meet students’ academic, social, and spiritual needs.

SANTA CATALINA LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

1500 Mark Thomas Drive,

Monterey, 93940, 831-655-9337

Santa Catalina offers a PreKindergarten program that is balanced and child-centered. The program offers children opportunities for free exploration, as well as plenty of exposure to guided instruction and learning. For children in Santa Catalina’s PreKindergarten class, school is a place where learning and fun go hand in hand.

SERENDIPITY PRESCHOOL

1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, 93940

831-375-9743

Serendipity Preschool was established in 1981 by a mother and daughter team who had a dream to educate and prepare young children in an environment rich in art, music, science and history. Serendipity offers a high quality program with age appropriate activities that develop good reading and math readiness skills and thematic units rich in music, art, science and history. Serendipity offers a stimulating learning environment that provides materials, experiences, guidance and encouragement that help children to become curious explorers of their world.

SHORELINE PRESCHOOL

2500 Garden Road, Monterey

831-641-0209

22732 Portola Drive, Salinas

831-484-5005

Shoreline Preschool is committed to giving your child a positive and successful first school experience. In keeping with a dedication to an excellent early learning experience, staff provide a high level of personal attention to each child by keeping class sizes and class ratios lower than mandated by state licensing. The programs provide a nurturing environment that develops the unique potential of each child by fostering social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth with an emphasis on Christian beliefs and values.

STEVENSON SCHOOL

24800 Dolores Street, Carmel, 93921

831-574-4604

In the Pre-Kindergarten (PK) classroom a trusting and caring relationship is developed between teacher and child by providing a safe, loving, and happy place to join the school community. The goal is to foster critical inquiry and discovery along with self- confidence and self-awareness. The child-centric program promotes a learning environment that encourages individuals to cultivate human connection and meet developmental and academic milestones. The curriculum prioritizes process over product, and play is valued as an important part of that process.

WELLSPRING PRESCHOOL

141 14th St. Pacific Grove, CA 93950

831-373-4705

At Wellspring, experienced educators set up playful inquiry for the mixed age classes taking inspiration from Reggio Emilia schools. Staff helps your potty trained children between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years old see the connections between ourselves, the community, and the world God created. The low student to teacher ratio ensures that every child gets the time they need to thrive. In the Wellspring community, play is key and learning is joyful.

Our Recommended Monterey County Catholic Schools

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | December 27, 2023

National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. From January 28 to February 3, 2024, communities across the country celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL 455 Palma Dr, Salinas | notredamesalinas.org | 831-751-1850

Notre Dame High School is an all girls Catholic, collegepreparatory school located in Salinas, California with grades 9-12. With a rigorous academic program, wide range of extracurricular activities and a faith-based environment, Notre Dame High School is proud to empower young women to lead extraordinary lives.

PALMA SCHOOL 919 Iverson St, Salinas | palmaschool.org | 831-422-6391

Founded in 1951, Palma is a private, college-preparatory Catholic school for boys grades seven through 12, owned and operated by the Christian Brothers Institute of California. With rigorous academics, award-winning music and art programs, championship athletics, meaningful service to others, and a campus culture that fosters brotherhood, Palma is where boys of promise become men of character. Palma graduates are leaders in college and beyond.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 123 W. Market St., Salinas | shschool.com | 831-240-0889

Sacred Heart School prides itself on providing a superior Catholic education for preschool to grade 8, offering a rigorous curriculum that fosters academic excellence and 21-century skills focused on collaboration, communion, creativity, and critical thinking. As a small school, students receive a personalized learning experience that allows students to excel in their academics and fulfill their potential. In addition to the academic curriculum, students receive instruction in art, spanish, music, and physical education.

SAN CARLOS SCHOOL 450 Church St, Monterey | sancarlosschool.org | 831-375-1324

San Carlos School, serving students in grades TK-8, has a curriculum that meets and exceeds the standards set by the State of California for elementary education in language arts, science, math, social studies and physical education. In addition, students receive instruction in technology, Spanish, art and religion. Children in kindergarten through the 5th grade enjoy formal music and library classes. San Carlos School also offers students fourteen extracurricular clubs and sports teams. Financial assistance is available.

SANTA CATALINA LOWER & MIDDLE SCHOOL 1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey, santacatalina.org | 831-655-9337

It’s true. Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School is many things. A coed school for students in PreKindergarten through eighth grade. An independent, Catholic school that welcomes students of all faiths. It’s a community that is fueled by passion, curiosity, and kindness. Our teachers have a truly inspired approach to unlocking a love of learning. And our students are fearless and adventurous learners, who leave truly prepared for success in high school, college, and beyond.

SANTA CATALINA SCHOOL 1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey, santacatalina.org | 831-655-9356

Set against the scenic California coast in Monterey, Santa Catalina School is where you can discover the true you. Our boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 is where inspired, powerful, active learning happens—in the classroom, on the field or the stage, and in the dorms. Catalina girls take ownership of their academics—including a marine ecology program that takes advantage of Monterey Bay—and they pursue their passions. True sisterhood creates a community that is fueled by curiosity, kindness, and confidence.