When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Sagebrush Children's Center
Why Sagebrush Children's Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sagebrush Children's Center, nestled in Del Cerro near San Diego State University, is an exceptional early education facility focused on nurturing children's creativity and curiosity in a nature-based environment. Catering to children aged two to five, this center embraces a child-led, Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum that fosters holistic development for the whole child. The school prioritizes strong relationships among children, parents, and staff, creating a welcoming and supportive community for families. Operating year-round with flexible hours from 7:30AM to 5:30PM on weekdays, Sagebrush provides convenience for busy parents while ensuring a consistent, enriching learning experience. With four classrooms staffed by dedicated teachers and assistants, individual attention and guided exploration are emphasized. The center values the creative process, encouraging children to engage fully in art and learning activities where the experience is as meaningful as the outcome. Parents and prospective families are invited to tours and play dates, making it easy to become acquainted with the environment and staff before enrollment. Discounts for military families and siblings further highlight the center’s commitment to accessibility and family support. Overall, Sagebrush Children's Center offers a warm, engaging, and developmentally rich setting perfect for early childhood education and social growth.
Here's what people think of Sagebrush Children's Center
As of recent, Sagebrush Children's Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 22 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise Sagebrush Children's Center for its nurturing environment and dedicated nurturing staff, which contributes to a strong sense of trust among families. Many parents note the child-focused, nature-inspired curriculum as a significant strength that supports their children's creativity, independence, and social skills. Positive reviews highlight the transparent communication from teachers and staff, the clean and safe facility, and the balanced approach that fosters both play and learning. Parents appreciate the school's openness to engaging families through events and updates, which enhances community connection. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions concerns about limited openings due to high demand, leading to waitlists that can frustrate families eager to enroll. A few reviewers also point out that the tuition fees might be considered high for some, despite the value offered. However, the availability of military and sibling discounts offsets this for some families. In conclusion, the reviews collectively underscore Sagebrush Children's Center as a highly regarded, thoughtfully managed early education center with a warm community focus, though prospective families should plan early for enrollment due to its popularity and limited spots.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Genevieve Johnson
Such an amazing preschool! Grateful that my son has been able to grow and develop at this wonderful place. Love how much they are outdoors having fun and exploring. The teachers make such a great effort to have new and different activities out each day to entertain the kids senses!
Victoria G
I visited Sagebrush Children's Center last month when I called and reached out to inquire about enrollment for my 4 year old son. I met with Meghan and she gave me a tour of the center and I was introduced to a few of the teachers. It looked like a place my son would thrive and enjoy being at. A few days after, I called and asked to get started and fill out proper paperwork and I was told I would get a call a week later to see if there was space in the 4 year old classroom for my son. I didn't hear from them so I called and Meghan said she forgot and would reach out to a family that was potentially leaving the center so that available spot would make room for my son. Two weeks have gone by and I called and left a message and still haven't heard back. If my son wasn't someone they wanted at their center, it would be great to at least know that or if their center is not accepting new children, that would still be nice to know but the lack of communication is a red flag and unprofessional. Being a parent and wanting to find a place where my children can be safe and wanted and learn and grow is all I want. Terrible communication but all the reviews here are from people who have had their children at this center. Please do better.
Kare M.
I don’t usually write recommendations/reviews but I realized that for so many parents looking for childcare for their children, there’s often very little guidance! So here’s my review for Sagebrush: Sagebrush used to be Canyon Rim…and when CR was going to be closed, a tsunami of CR parents and former parents came together to try to find a way to keep it open. Why? Because there is no other childcare center like this in our community. This place will welcome your child and your family just as they are and will provide your little one with the most ideal, loving, evidence-based education and place to thrive. I’ve worked at over a dozen preschools, and I’ve had my children in other preschools, and I can say resolutely that absolutely nothing compares to this place. The teachers are the very best. They are what makes this place so special. They’ve made early childhood development their career. They are experienced, skilled, and compassionate. I also love that my children are outdoors most of the time while at this school. This makes the world of difference. They are definitely healthier! They are supported in exploring their environment and learning through their creative play. It’s more expensive than other schools/daycares, but if you can swing it with your budget - you will not regret it. These early years are incredibly important and investing in your little one’s education is worth it.
Anjali Fox
Formerly Canyon Rim Children's Center, Sagebrush is truly a hidden gem, perched on Navajo Canyon with the most loving, qualified, and professional staff. Catering to the individual needs of each child, the kids are encouraged to explore, get dirty (literally) and develop their social & emotional skill sets in a supportive, facilitative, and safe environment. Both of my children have attended as well as many of our neighbor's children. The parent community is strong and supportive and the children do not want to go home at the end of the day!
Truska Bajalan
My daughter has been enrolled for more than a year, but I kept her home this week due to family matters. She expressed her desire to return to school, citing her longing for her close friends and caring teachers. This highlights the program's excellence and the strong sense of community it fosters.
How to reach Sagebrush Children's Center
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Why Sagebrush Children's Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sagebrush Children's Center with your friends?
Sagebrush Children's Center stands out as an ideal venue for gathering with friends and family because it combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with a strong community spirit and an enriching, nature-based environment. Unlike typical meeting spots, Sagebrush offers a unique blend of indoor comfort and expansive outdoor play areas that cater to children while still being comfortable and welcoming for adults. The center’s approach to early childhood education is deeply rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emphasizing creativity, exploration, and strong social connections — values that naturally extend to group interactions and meetups. Whether you’re planning a fun day out with families or a friendly gathering, the ample playground spaces, creative classrooms, and community-oriented events provide plenty of opportunities for meaningful connection and joyous play. The center’s stunning location by the canyon and its dedication to fostering community relationships make it not only a children’s haven but also a refreshing meeting place for anyone looking to enjoy nature, creative experiences, and a supportive environment with friends.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Sagebrush Children's Center?
At Sagebrush Children's Center, activities are thoughtfully structured to engage children in developmentally appropriate play and learning, but they equally serve as engaging reasons for families and friends to meet and bond. The center features four well-designed playgrounds that offer opportunities for children to explore nature, move their bodies actively, and experience multi-sensory learning — all under a canopy of safe, outdoor fun. These playgrounds serve as fantastic spaces where kids can freely explore while adults enjoy watching their children engage with nature and each other. Indoors, the classrooms are designed as cozy extensions of home, filled with child-created artwork and photos that celebrate the children’s creativity, making them welcoming and comforting for visitors. Additionally, the center's commitment to child-led, process-oriented art activities invites kids and adults alike to participate in creative exploration, where the joy of making is just as important as the finished piece. These dynamic, hands-on experiences foster both individual growth and community bonding, ideal for group meetups that involve families with young children.
Why is Sagebrush Children's Center perfect for a group meetup?
Sagebrush Children's Center is perfect for group meetups because of its inclusive, community-driven ethos paired with its versatile spaces designed to accommodate both active play and relaxed socializing. The center’s collaborative Parent Committee is constantly enhancing community engagement by organizing events such as year-round movie nights, teacher appreciation celebrations, and volunteer initiatives that nurture relationships beyond the school day. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities for families and friends to connect in a friendly, low-pressure environment. Furthermore, the safety-conscious design of the center—including structured yet flexible supervision and adherence to child readiness protocols like toilet learning support—ensures a comfortable experience for parents and caregivers. The staff's deep experience and warm dedication further create a supportive atmosphere conducive to community gathering. Coupled with plentiful shaded outdoor areas and inviting indoor environments, the center offers the perfect blend of activity, comfort, and connection, making it an exceptional choice for those looking to host meetups with children in mind.
How does Sagebrush support community and social connection?
Community and social connection lie at the heart of Sagebrush's mission. Rooted in a nearly 25-year history cherished by the Del Cerro community, the center exemplifies a grassroots commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships. After facing closure in 2023, the community’s determined efforts to sustain and reopen the center highlight its value beyond education — as a cherished gathering place. The center prioritizes strong relationships between children, parents, and staff, creating a supportive network that extends into social opportunities for families. The ongoing involvement of the Sagebrush Parent Committee, which includes parents serving as room representatives and event organizers, ensures that the community remains active and connected through regular scheduled activities. This nurturing social fabric builds trust and friendship among families, making Sagebrush more than just a learning center — it’s a vibrant community hub where gatherings, collaborations, and celebrations naturally flourish.
What educational philosophy shapes the experience at Sagebrush?
Sagebrush Children’s Center operates under the Reggio Emilia philosophy, a renowned approach to early childhood education focusing on child-led learning, creativity, and deep relationships. This philosophy treats the environment as the third teacher, meaning that both indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally crafted to encourage exploration, curiosity, and self-expression. The center’s classrooms feel like home, filled with visual reminders of children's work and learning journeys to foster community and belonging. Outdoor play is emphasized, with children spending four to five hours per day outside, engaging in multi-sensory, nature-based experiences that enhance physical and cognitive development. This approach extends to every aspect of the program, including toilet learning, which follows each child’s individual readiness and pace rather than strict mandates, demonstrating respect for each child’s unique growth. The highly qualified educators, many with decades of experience, implement this philosophy to prepare children for kindergarten while nurturing happiness and social-emotional skills.
What kind of staff expertise and care can you expect at Sagebrush?
Expect highly skilled, compassionate staff committed to fostering each child's growth and learning at Sagebrush. The team has a diverse background in child development, with many educators having multiple decades of experience supporting young children’s early educational journeys. Staff members — such as Sara Prough, with expertise in pre-kindergarten readiness and creative development, and Stefani Bogglen, who combines child development knowledge with a passion for capturing joyful moments — demonstrate the center’s exceptional blend of professionalism and warmth. Their commitment extends beyond academics to social-emotional nurturing and community building, which reflects in everyday interactions and parent partnerships. Teachers also maintain continuity, helping children form secure bonds essential to early learning success. This attentive, knowledgeable care assures families that their children are in supportive, enriched hands during meetups or educational sessions.
What facilities make Sagebrush an inviting place for families?
Sagebrush is situated in a picturesque location next to a canyon in Del Cerro near San Diego State University, providing a serene and natural setting for gatherings. The center has four diverse playgrounds designed to meet the needs of children at different developmental stages, offering safe spaces for active, creative play. Classrooms are intentionally cozy, decorated with children’s artwork, photos, and natural materials, creating a warm, home-like atmosphere conducive to group interaction. The center’s long operating hours, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and year-round availability, offer convenience and flexibility for families planning meetups. Added to this is the center’s commitment to inclusivity, such as supporting children not yet toilet independent at any stage, making it accessible to families of varying needs. This combination of thoughtful design, attractive natural surroundings, and family-friendly policies makes Sagebrush an excellent home base for social and educational gatherings.
How does Sagebrush foster creativity and play?
Creativity and play are paramount at Sagebrush Children’s Center, where children are encouraged to engage in “process art” — an approach that values the act of creating as much as the final artwork. This nurtures imagination, critical thinking, and a sense of accomplishment without the pressure of perfection. The center’s outdoor environments facilitate open-ended, exploratory play that allows children to connect with nature and develop motor skills and sensory awareness. Playgrounds are more than just spaces to run around; they serve as dynamic learning labs where children experiment, problem-solve, and interact socially. Indoor activities invite children to express themselves through various materials and media, promoting fine motor skills and emotional expression. This holistic focus on play and creativity extends to group meetups, where friends and families can participate in activities that spark joy and cultivate meaningful interactions among children and adults alike.
What events and community activities increase the appeal of Sagebrush?
Sagebrush Children's Center frequently hosts community-building events that extend the spirit of connection beyond school hours. In partnership with the active Parent Committee, events like Movie Nights are held throughout the year to maintain engagement and fun. These gatherings offer families a chance to relax, socialize, and strengthen community ties in a welcoming environment. Beyond entertainment, the committee organizes teacher appreciation days and volunteers to support the center’s mission, further fostering community pride and involvement. Such events encourage ongoing participation from families and create a consistent rhythm of social opportunities that enrich the group meetup experience by turning Sagebrush into a lively social hub. Whether you come for educational purposes or a casual get-together, the center’s calendar offers diverse ways to connect and celebrate with friends and neighbors.
In summary, Sagebrush Children's Center offers a unique, nature-infused, and creatively rich environment for hosting meetups with family and friends. Its combination of engaging playgrounds, home-like classrooms, experienced staff, community events, and a deeply supportive philosophy makes it an outstanding choice for meaningful gatherings that celebrate relationships and childhood curiosity. Whether you are seeking a safe place for children to explore while adults connect, or a lively community event space, Sagebrush provides the perfect setting to rally and enjoy togetherness.