Desert Dawn Private School

2 of my 3 kids have gone to Desert Dawn. My daughter 10 years ago and now my son who is turning 3 next week. There is so much to love about this school with the biggest positive being the teacher retention. Several teachers that taught my daughter 10 years ago, are still there which says a lot about a business. The staff is so loving and truly care about the kids. It’s more like sending my son to someone’s house instead of a daycare. I highly recommend.

I looked at multiple schools before choosing this one. Desert Dawn came highly recommended by 2 friends. And as soon as I walked in, I could see why. It was a no brainer. The classrooms are open, cheery; the outdoor play space is big and inviting; and the teachers and aides are incredible. They’re friendly, welcoming, very hands-​on and nurturing with the kids. They have lots of activities and art projects, and they teach the kids rather than just watch them play. My daughter started at 17 mos. and I was concerned about her transition. They were very comforting to her and within a week, she was fine and was waving goodbye me while running up to one of her teachers for her daily morning hug. They’re also really great at communicating regarding any issues or concerns you may have.

My daughter is two and loves this school! We are so blessed to have found Desert Dawn and feel like we have found a new home. Our daughter is learning so much and comes home every day with a smile on her face. Everyone at this school is so caring and have done an amazing job giving our daughter a positive experience when it comes to school. I am a teacher and know the importance to creating a positive first impression when it comes to school. Every morning she wants to go to school and is already learning her ABC’s and has really built her vocabulary. We are excited to continue our journey with Desert Dawn in the coming years.

My two sons attended Desert Dawn from 2008 — 2013. We moved from AZ to CT in mid-​year 2013 and my youngest went from his second year of preschool (because he missed the cut off to start Kindergarten in AZ), straight into the middle of Kindergarten in CT. It was rough for a week, being thrown suddenly into writing and reading aloud, but he quickly got up to speed, thanks to a rock solid foundation from the experienced teachers at Desert Dawn. They even bought special «chapter books» (for preschoolers) for him in his second preschool year, in order to keep challenging him.
This school was the best thing that happened to us. We tried everything from in-​home nannies to private daycare to franchised daycare, all to no avail. When someone recommended DD, I was blown away by the quality and care that goes into this wonderful school. Farm animals, Japanese and French lessons, arts & crafts, reading, social skills, and FUN. They regularly host weekend «parties» for parents to meet other parents while the kids play, which is how we met many new friends (with 2 kids under two, that’s how we rolled!) My kids were always happy to go to school, even if we sometimes had them there for very long hours (which we also appreciated!)
All of the teachers and helpers are what make this school so outstanding. Many of them have worked for the school since it opened (25+ years ago?) We still keep in touch with Mrs. B, who is legendary in this house. If you are looking for a caring, safe place for your child to learn and have fun, make sure you pay a visit to Desert Dawn. You’ll be shocked to learn that they are the best value out there — a steal for what you and your kids will get.

We started Desert Dawn 4 years ago and it was the most wonderful experience for my son, his now kindergarten teacher is impressed, now my 18 month old goes here, all the teachers and staff are amazing, loving and caring. They know every kid by name and the kids feel like they are part of a big family.
The kids love the huge playground, learn about gardening and caring for animals. They often have fun things for the kids, magic shows, balloon show, Halloween & Christmas parties with face painting and a lot more fun events.
I know some families who left and a few months later are back, others let their kids enjoy being kids one more year and stay at desert dawn.
Some teachers have been at desert dawn for years and you can tell they love what they do. Ask for a tour and you will want to be a kid again to have the same experience!

This school is amazing. My daughter loves it here & I recommend it to all my friends. They have the most loving staff & the curriculum even for the 2 year olds is great. It has such a warm family feel. The school has a huge outside area with jungle gym, etc that my daughter loves & a big garden where each of the children have their own area to plant. Not to mention goats for the kids to pet. This is a true school for learning where the kids get a lot of interaction. This is NOT a daycare. Desert Dawn & it’s staff are the best!

I have sent three kids to Desert Dawn and it is truly a special place! Caring teachers who have been there forever, great curriculum and fun activities. Plus I Iove the garden, goats and chickens!

My daughter went here for 2 years and loved every minute. TONS of activities and learning centers, experienced and caring director and teachers, and great families – exactly the types of people you would choose for your child to be around. We moved in February, and 6 months later, I still hear my daughter saying «at my school, we did (this)» on a daily basis. It’s also a great value for parents working full time, and the early drop off and late pick up hours give you lots of flexibility.