Seven years to become fully known.
From the first morning of kindergarten to the last day of sixth grade, here’s what your child’s time at Del Mar Pines actually looks like, known at every step of the way, for exactly who they already are.
Our VISION to empower students to create a better world, is brought to light through the active implementation of our MISSION to challenge minds, nurture character, and respect individuality in a supportive community.
At Del Mar Pines School our actions support our VALUES to be respectful, responsible, open-minded, and empathetic.
The same family has watched this journey since 1978.
Del Mar Pines was founded in 1978 by Judi Panton, on a simple belief: every child deserves to be known. Today her daughter, Marci McCord, leads the school as Director, and her son John, a DMP graduate himself, works in admissions. It’s still owned and run by the family that started it, and it’s never been sold to a corporation.
Known as the individuals they are.
With one class, two teachers, and a maximum of twenty-two students in kindergarten, every child receives personal attention from day one. Families become part of a close-knit school community where teachers build lasting relationships with each student over the next seven years.
I love DMP because everyone knows each other and the love the teachers have for the kids is undeniable.— Del Mar Pines Parent
Taught at their level. Challenged without the stress.
Language arts and math happen in small, leveled groups, so every child is met where they are. Children accelerate at their own pace when they’re ready, and get support when they need it. That foundation is rounded out with science, social studies, and weekly classes in art, music, Spanish, technology, hands-on science, PE, and library. Our standards are high, but the pressure is low. We know that children learn best when they are happy, not anxious.
DMP challenges each child to their individual potential without adding layers of unnecessary stress.— Del Mar Pines Parent
They start to know who they are.
We determine how each child learns best, nurturing their confidence, character, and sense of responsibility as they move toward independence as a student and a person.
Older students step up as buddies and leaders. The fifth grader who once needed a hand now offers one. Character isn’t a poster on the wall; it’s practiced daily, until self-awareness and confidence are just how your child moves through the world.
The opportunities for the older kids to step up and lead by becoming buddies is phenomenal. There are so many things to love about DMP!— Del Mar Pines Parent
A launch, not an ending.
Our graduates routinely place into honors and accelerated classes at the region’s top middle schools. They arrive with study habits, character, and a self-knowledge their peers are still building. Leaving isn’t the goal we measure. Who they’ve become is, and their readiness in sixth grade is the proof.
My child effortlessly transitioned into middle school with excellent study habits and strong character.— Del Mar Pines Parent
By the time they leave, this is who they are.
Every teacher knows my name, how I learn, and what I love.
I’m part of a community that looks out for me, and that I look out for too.
I’m challenged to reach my own best, not someone else’s bar.
I ask questions and chase the answers, not just the grade.
I’m building the habits and character to stand on my own.
Older kids look out for the younger ones. Soon, that’s me.
I’m learning to adapt, the one skill I will need in the future.
School makes me curious enough to take the leap.
We cultivate the development of resilient, thoughtful and confident individuals who are well prepared for a rapidly changing world.
A robust, well-rounded week.
Four core subjects anchor everything, with weekly instruction across the arts, sciences, language, and wellness. All aligned to support whole-child learning.