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Southern California Real Estate > Orange County > Laguna Niguel > McDowell Private School

McDowell Private School

29028 Aloma Ave
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
School Phone: 949-495-5162
Principal: Unknown
Test Scores & Other Info

McDowell Private School is a private school located in Laguna Niguel, CA. It serves 154 students from preschool to 6th grade, and has an overall student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.

McDowell Private School has been reviewed 18 times, receiving an average rating of 4 out of 5

GreatSchools Ratings and Reviews for McDowell Private School

Overall Quality: Extracurricular Activities:
Principal Leadership: Parent Involvement:
Teacher Quality: Safety and Discipline:
we came from VA to CA .MY dauther had to go to public school for 2 years until we found Mcdowell school. I can not be happeir for my daugter, her math is stronger than than before in other school . Her teachers are all kind and helpful.I wish they had middle school too so l didnt have to move some where else for her.
posted by a parent on 2/19/13

This is my second experience with this school. My child was a previous student here. Although there have been many changes since our first child, we are happy that McDowell has continued with it's small class sizes and academic excellence. Having been here before, I know that when students leave McDowell for whatever the reason, they are more than prepared and most often end up in very high math, english, language, etc classes at other schools. As to the previous comments about it not being a family environment, I wholeheartedly disagree. McDowell's student body size makes that inevitable. For the money, you can't get a better education! We couldn't be happier here! If you considering McDowell, do yourself a favor and check it out.
posted by a parent on 12/30/12

Over the past year I have come to realize that this is not the same place we committed to in kindergarten. There is not the same kind of family atmosphere governing the school which made it the special place it once was. This appears to be due to the change in ownership and management of the school. Also beware that there are some very influencial parents who feel it is their perogative to dictate their childs grades. Hardly a fair and even situation to students who come by their grades honestly!
posted by a parent on 9/22/12

Avoid this school at all costs. It has turned from a wonderful family environment that is rich in learning to a cold, hard business. It has been bought by a corporation, has a new director and alot of the staff have left. Changes abound and many of the families that have been there for years have left. Think twice before putting your child at this school!
posted by a parent on 8/28/12

We are so happy with the quality of education at McDowell. The classes are small, and the level of hands on individualized education is high. The spanish, art, computer, music and athletic teachers are exceptional. Parents are very involved here. Very caring, family oriented school!
posted by a parent on 9/18/11

McDowell is amazing for anyone who wants an incredible academic and well-rounded educational experience for their child. The best teachers, staff and parents in town. The school has been there for 34 years and continues to grow with today's high standards of excellence. I have never been disappointed with anything there, and my boys love going to school each day.
posted by a parent on 4/13/10

This is a for-profit school now owned by the same people who own Sylvan. It is great for younger kids and the class size is small but there's only one class in most grades which isn't enough for older kids. The classrooms are very small and there are very few facilities; a small playground, PE in the parking lot and no science labs or art/music rooms. There are some great teachers but there's no ongoing teacher training so some are stuck in a rut. Unless your kids have been here since preschool it's very hard for them to break in socially. The school doesn't have a middle school, it has one very small 6th grade. If your kids are very young or if your older child has need of such a small environment then it is a good school but it's very much a niche school. Most kids need more.
posted by a parent on 4/7/10

I have been a parent at McDowell for eight years and I love this school! My children love to go to school everyday and I attribute that to an amazing staff of teachers who challenge my kids while making learning fun! The small class sizes allow every student to get one-on-one attention and help bring out the best in each of them. McDowell teaches kids confidence, high self-esteem, and great sportsmanship, along with above grade level academics. The teachers are amazing and really know how to inspire the kids. Parents are encouraged to be involved in daily school life and the result is a family environment that is one-of-a-kind! Everyone genuinely cares about each other and it shows! If you are looking to academically challenge your child while making sure they are being nurtured and guided into becoming well-rounded, confident, caring people then McDowell is for you.
posted by a parent on 2/7/10

McDowell Middle School has an individual approach to education. The class sizes are kept limited to ensure each student reaches his or her potential. The teachers are extraordinary and the level of learning is outstanding. There are a number of schools in this area with a good reputation for high academic standards, but McDowell goes beyond academics by encouraging leadership and personal growth. The principal is a great leader and has hired teachers who are commited to teaching and encouraging young people to reach their potential. The students feel at home here, which gives them a greaet deal of confidence and promotes high self esteem. This Middle School program continues to exceed my expecations.
posted by a parent on 2/6/10

I am in 6th grade, and I have been at McDowell for 8 years. The student government program at McDowell is very involved in fundraisers and activities. The teaching philosophy at McDowell is very exclusive. They make sure that every child gets the attention that they need to fully understand a subject. McDowell also has a belief that all students should have the opportunity to be involved in extra ciricular activities. I am glad I've chosen McDowell as my middle school because every teacher has their own, fun way of teaching. Also, class sizes are very convenient, because there is enough time to teach everyone what they need to know. Another convenience is the school size as a whole. It is nice to know that as I walk down the hall, teachers, staff, and students all know each other.
posted by a student on 2/6/10

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