Sand n' Straw Community Farm — Attraction in Vista

This review is in regards to Sand n' Straw's All-outdoor Nature School. I don't take posting this review lightly and have given it a lot of thought. As a parent sending her two year old to "school" for the first time, I wish there had been reviews about the program for me to read. I will start off by saying I think the program was really enriching and the activities were engaging. There are some knowledgeable teachers there. My review is primarily based on my experience with the owner and the overall vibe. My family only met a couple of the teachers at orientation, as the owner and many of the other teachers/staff my child would be engaging with were not present. During my child's second week of school (ever), their homebase teacher who they were starting to feel comfortable with was out on vacation. Naturally, my child was hesitant to go to anyone else (but did). I politely mentioned to the owner that, in the future, communication about her absence would be appreciated so that I could prepare my child for going to a different homebase. That feedback was not well received and I was told that I should prepare my child for a day on the farm and not to go to any particular teacher (even though they have homebase teachers). Again, this was the second week. Drop off and pick up were stressful for our family. It is rushed. I understand they are pushing a lot of cars through a small driveway but staff wouldn't even say good morning to us most days. They would reach for my child who, naturally, pulled back. No crying, just wanted me to walk them over to their group which I did (it was 10 ft.). The owner was visibly annoyed by this a few times. Our pediatrician recommended our child be moved up to the next age group (which they were within) for a few different reasons. After speaking with two staff members the transition seemed to be approved. Then, the day before summer session started, the owner called me to tell me she didn't think my child was ready yet and they would move them when certain criteria were met. Not a single positive or gentle thing was said. It was, "here is my one reason for not moving your child." Not sharing details for privacy reasons. It was such an off-putting call. Not at all what I would expect from someone overseeing my child. It felt like someone not qualified to make decisions about my child's development was making those decisions. It is run like a business, very transactional. In conclusion, most days we didn't feel welcomed upon arrival. It wasn't the warm, comforting experience I expected for my child's first time attending "school." Drop off and pick up were stressful/unpleasant many times and feedback (no matter how politely delivered) was not well-received. However, my child's homebase teacher was very welcoming and thoughtful. It is important to note that. There are other similar programs in the area for anyone looking for a nature-based school. This was just...

Sand n Straw is one of my family’s favorite places. For starters, the farm stand has AMAZING produce. We’ve had our best cantaloupe, watermelon, and dragon fruit in our lives thanks to them. I let the kids pick out veggies, and they actually eat them (kale, cucumbers, carrots). My kids’ favorite thing about the farm is the animals. You can buy a bag of animal feed for a few bucks and feed the pigs, sheep, goats, and rabbits. There are chickens and two friendly dogs too. We adults like to sit in one of several shady spots and admire the beautiful view. AND April and Rich are two of the most genuine people I know. They’ll chat or answer questions, and I’ll realize I just took up a ton of their time. I am so grateful for the beautiful Community Farm they have created. My daughter’s Girl Scout troop is even doing a Take Action Project there next month (helping to prepare and put up owl...

We’ve had our kids at young Pioneers since its first session in January 2021. It’s been so fun to see it grow over these years and beautiful to see this farm respond to a need in this community. My daughter started at almost 3 and has always come home happy, a little dirty and with things to share about what she learned. They are outside all morning gaining valuable social, physical and nature skills and knowledge. Even in the last few months as she has been a little sad at drop off (because we’re expecting her little sibling any day) I don’t hesitate to leave her with April or her teacher, Jen, because I know she is in good, caring hands. What more could a mama want?? We’re sad to be leaving for kindergarten but will be back for camp! A huge thank you to all the staff...