Horizon Prep

Posted: October 10, 2025

We’ve been incredibly blessed by our experience at Horizon Prep. As a mother of a Pre-K student and a Middle Schooler, I can say that the staff really cares about each student. Our children are not only growing academically, but also growing in faith, character, and executive functioning. The small class sizes allow my kiddos to learn easier and get help where needed. Our school community feels like family. Chapel, Bible study, and daily prayer reinforce a Christ-centered worldview. Middle School sports are great and Horizon Prep offers a wide variety. We’re grateful for a school that truly partners with us in raising our kids.

Posted: October 10, 2025

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Posted: October 31, 2024

Great community & good teachers. I feel like there is very little drama in the middle school and high school despite some previous reviews. School very safe. Overall, very happy with the school and we have been here for 8 years!

Posted: October 31, 2024

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Posted: October 31, 2024

Horizon Prep has been an incredible experience for our family! The teachers here are amazing—they genuinely care about each student’s success and go above and beyond to create a supportive and engaging environment.

The classical curriculum is outstanding and truly sets Horizon Prep apart. It challenges students to think critically, fostering both academic and personal growth. The school’s mentoring environment matures children and equips them with the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom, preparing them for the real world with confidence and character.

We also love the strong sense of community. Horizon Prep feels like a big family, with plenty of opportunities for parent involvement and school events that bring everyone together. Communication is excellent, keeping us up to date on our child’s progress and all the happenings at school.

If you’re looking for a nurturing, inspiring place where your child can thrive, I can’t recommend Horizon Prep enough!

Posted: October 31, 2024

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Posted: June 3, 2024

This school is not what it purports to be. I attended Christian school for my whole life. I attended on the central coast at Valley Christian Academy and in Oceanside at Tri-City Christian. I loved my time at both of these schools and wanted the same experience for my girls. Unfortunately, Horizon Prep is a school based on pride, gossip and gaslighting. If you attend, make sure that you never bring up any concerns regarding safety or the bullying of your children. You will be patted on the head and sent away. My daughter was bullied by the same junior high girls for over a year before I pulled her out. If you dare speak up you will then be cut from the herd, and parents and faculty will shun you (due to rampant parent gossiping). You can be sweet as pie when you address these issues, but the response will be the same. They coddle big donors. They believe the toxic parents. They ignore the relational bullying and social aggression. I wanted my girls to have a Christian school

Posted: June 3, 2024

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Posted: April 10, 2024

Using an alias to disguise my identity, my experience at Horizon has been terrible. The students make many racist comments with no consequences. Some teachers don't teach the class and let YouTube videos teach instead. The school doesn't let kids be themselves; the principal specifically told me that I shouldn't be myself at school and not to express myself. Only positive is that some teachers are nice. I don't recommend anyone this school.

Posted: April 10, 2024

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Posted: November 4, 2023

Horizon Prep has blessed us abundantly in every aspect of our two kids' lives! Attending the high school now, both of our children began at HP in their 8th grade years. While the closing of public schools during covid led us to private school, now my only regret is not moving to Horizon Prep earlier in their school careers. The immediate academic rigor they experieced over public school was enhanced by thoughtful and engaging teachers. Every teacher offers office hours to either clarify or expand on what my kids are learning. In addition, if my child needs prayer or a caring adult to talk with, the teachers have usually noticed and already asked if something is on their minds. The parental involvement is incredible to me as the high school students invite and enjoy their parents participating in their school lives. The no cut athletics are ministered by incredibly talented coaches and volunteers and give the kids opportunities to grow with teams in competitive but loving and supportive groups. My talkative child has learned to lead discussions with focused and concise information. My quiet child has developed into a public speaker who confidently participates after years of quietly hiding among the crowd in the public school classrooms of 36 students. Horizon Prep is small but boisterous. The smaller numbers require students to really be involved in their learning and that ownership has dramatically effected my kids' personal effort, responsibilty, and care in their education. As a new parent, my prayer was to raise well-rounded, servant leaders who have the decision making skills and grit necessary to walk their path as adults. I will forever be grateful for the teachers, staff, and community of Horizon Prep who have played such a vital role in their journeys thus far.

Posted: November 4, 2023

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Posted: June 2, 2023

My son went to this school, the teacher could not get him to listen and kept complaining about him. The director said that he may need medical attention and was just not listening. Their policy is that after a few visits and so called episodes in class, you are directed to seek medical attention from a medical professional. I got him out of this school right away and now into another school where not only is he the best student in the class, but loves his teachers and is their fav student. If I would have listened to the teachers at Horizon Prep my son could have been IMPROPERLY diagnosed. VERY SCARY. All he needed was love, care, and good teaching skill.

Posted: June 2, 2023

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Posted: January 17, 2023

It really depends on what kind of teacher you have for your student. One teacher was so loving and amazing, whereas the next teacher was cold and unwelcoming. There can be a weird dynamic where the teachers may have a child that is unkind towards your child and if you voice your concerns you are outcasted. There are only a handful of students there, so if your child is a more confident child who won’t let others bully them, you’ll find yourself harassed by parents and faculty.

Posted: January 17, 2023

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Posted: June 20, 2019

Horizon Prep has been the best thing for my kids. My children have grown in their academics and faith. The teachers love the children and make it a fun and nurturing environment. We feel so blessed to be at this amazing school.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Both of my children have had an appropriate amount of homework and they have help if needed.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Teachers at this school love, encourage and are great teachers. My son transferred from public school and began to thrive. He excels now in math and reading. The fun way they encourage reading and good behavior by rewards systems have my daughter so excited to be at school.

Posted: June 20, 2019

This school teaches everything from a Christ centered perspective. The reason I appreciate the school the most is that they teach the whole child, not just academics.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Posted: March 26, 2019

Not great overall, My family hated our experience!

Posted: March 26, 2019

Teacher's put little to no effort in students homework.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

Our experience for the past 5 years has been okay. The early Ed director does an excellent job at the preschool. The grammar school has been average at best. We are hoping for new leadership, or we will probably be leaving the school.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

Teachers on the early Ed campus are wonderful. From K and above grades they seem average at best.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Posted: January 27, 2019

The new head of schools does not strike me as a strong leader. We are unimpressed with his leadership and overall attitude.

Posted: December 15, 2018

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Posted: December 15, 2018

The school is amazing. I'm not thrilled with the headmaster. He is an arrogant person and won't let anyone make suggestions. When I had a problem with the sports director, Chris, Eric told me he could care less what I thought or felt and I could take my child out of the school. This shocked me becuase the headmaster should try to get kids to stay at the school. The teachers are great and my child is doing well.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Reading one poor review here prompted me to comment. This school is amazing and so are the teachers! Thinking this campus was only beautiful was a huge mistake. The entire staff is so loving and goes beyond being just teachers to each student. Do not take any review, including mine, as a means to know this school. You must come see for yourself.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Homework load is average, but offered help by teachers before and after class is huge! Teachers make themselves available on their time.

Posted: April 12, 2018

More than teachers, each one pours into the students and cares a great deal. My children have much love and respect for theirs.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Going beyond getting good grades or winning a trophy, from the classroom to any sport, we've love the concern to build character in the student body. Our son's coaches spend just as much time with the players teaching respect of others and commitment than technique and skill.

Posted: April 12, 2018

They lead in humility and seek to honor the Lord. The parents here greatly appreciate the Administration for not seeking to please every parent, but please God.

Posted: April 12, 2018

The Arrowsmith program is why so many families challenged with children who have learning disabilities come to Horizon Prep.

Posted: April 12, 2018

I have only heard through my child when something has happened or came up. The teachers quick response including parents and school leadership were comforting. I am sure bullying is an issue every school is challenged with, but even the proactive approach in setting a behavioral standard that aligns with God's word not only helps to expose when something happens.

Posted: December 15, 2017

To be honest I have to say that Horizon Prep has room for much improvement. My daughter and son went to Prep for 3 years before they couldn't take it anymore. I moved all my kids to Santa Fe Christian and it was the best decision i have ever made. Before you settle on the appearance of the nice teachers and warm leadership and faculty I must warn you they will not treat your child the same. I would suggest touring Santa Fe Christian for a nice private school that has preschool to high school. Hope this helps!

Posted: December 15, 2017

My kids get at least 2 hours of homework every night and it doesn't matter if they have a test the next day.

Posted: December 15, 2017

The teachers have no mercy or grace and always are moody.

Posted: December 15, 2017

My little girl had been bullied for 3 years by the same group of people.

Posted: December 15, 2017

They get mad at the kids for the most ridiculous reasons.

Posted: December 15, 2017

If you want your child to feel left out then send them to this school.

Posted: December 15, 2017

My daughter struggled with this for years but nothing happened when she talked to her teacher I just had to move her.

Posted: November 7, 2016

Incredible, competent, and loving staff, awesome educational product, seasoned leadership… when you visit the campus we will see and experience a school full of JOY, PURPOSE and HOPE!… If you are looking for an affordable and exceptional educational experience for your child you must visit this school.

Posted: November 7, 2016

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Posted: December 14, 2015

This school CARES about students and families and has on MORE than one occasion displayed CHRISTIAN values and kindness and love toward our family. I love Mr. Davis and Ms. Ferrari for listening and giving our situation SOLUTIONS for my student. They are a MOST AWESOME team and deserve a HUGE mocha every morning and lovely presents under the CHRISTMAS TREE this year! God BLESS HPA and those two.... It's not just the administration, the teachers know your child and some REALLY LOVE your child as proof in their heart felt words and emotions; they are more than teachers, they are BLESSINGS!! This is over and ABOVE the rigorous, top notch education.

Posted: December 14, 2015

They not only instill solid Christian character in the students, they have this AWESOME "Business Week Expo" for the 7th graders where they come up with a business, write a business plan, decide on products, learn cost/price/profit, create a logo, advertisement and execute the selling of said business for two days. What a great practical life lesson project. They start the year learning about personal finances and end with their business. It's a great group of people. My daughter loves that she carries her technology with her to class and is able to use her tablet/laptop in class.

Posted: December 14, 2015

They are AWESOME and REALLY CARE!!! They make provisions for those that need more or different given special circumstances. The learning is challenging and the teachers help them accomplish all.

Posted: December 14, 2015

It's a bit much cause they are soooo far advanced in their grade so it's like jr hs reading college level history papers....but hey, it develops brain power and with the harkness discussions, the kids learn both sides of all issues and how to DEFEND RIGHT thinking.

Posted: October 21, 2015

Posted: October 21, 2015

Posted: October 21, 2015

Posted: October 21, 2015

We just joined Horizon Prep this year...what an amazing experience so far. All the teachers are so professional, they genuinely care and have shown they can win the hearts and minds of our little girls. We moved from a great public school in Seattle and our girls are in the grammar and logic school, in such a short period of time we have seen a big difference... they love going to school, they are challenged and come home and ask us " why" and "how" about so many things. They quickly made friends, the other children are so sweet and well mannered. We are truly blessed to be a part of this very amazing and special school. The facilities are off the charts and the new sports teacher is a superb role model and coach for children. Go Lions!

Posted: April 19, 2015

Horizon Prep has been the best thing to happen to our family! We transferred in from the public school system and have noticed a HUGE difference in the growth and development of our kids. Our oldest went from being a good student - meeting, even exceeding, averages - to excelling far beyond grade level. The teachers at Prep work with each student individually, making the learning experience both fun and challenging! The families and students at Prep have probably been the biggest surprise/delight! Admittedly my greatest concerns were not fitting in or connecting with the other families, or seeing my children struggle to fit in and make friends. As soon as I started to meet the parents and engage in conversation, I realized my fears were misplaced. My children too were warmly welcomed and made friends quickly. These are incredible families with genuine hearts for the Lord who believe in providing their children an education that is both strong in academics and Christian values. I would highly encourage anyone looking for a quality private education to consider Horizon Prep. It may just be the perfect place for your family too!

Posted: June 21, 2014

The teachers at Horizon Prep are like no where else! They love each child as their own pouring into them knowledge, love, and character!!! I wouldn't trust any other influence on my children.

Posted: April 30, 2014

Not good with food allergies...if you have food allergies you will be denied entrance . They won't admit it but my child was denied and they still continue to ask for money from us. They just don't want to get involved. It's sad as life threatening food allergies are a hidden disability and not the child's fault. Don't waste your time or money if you are different.

Posted: November 23, 2013

I can't say I have had any of the poor experiences reported by more recent reviewers. I understand how the school feels being in a business where you are frequently unfairly reviewed. I have two kids in fourth grade and they have been there since kindergarden. They love it, we love it, and they ARE NOT behind in any subject. Their IOWA testing is done more than six months before other schools so they can make up any gaps during the course of the year. Furthermore, all grades rank above 90th percentile nationally and competitively with other local private schools. The classroom sizes are small and each teacher has an assistant. It feels like a family, to me, and I am not a big donor or potential big donor. The school has made modifications to its math program to answer complaints lodged in other reviews. As for "bullying", these parents must have a pretty loose definition of the word because it would be next to impossible given the amount of supervision and the small class sizes (there are only about 50 students per grade level).

Posted: September 3, 2013

The christian center is great, and the teachers care about the students and love them. I graduated from prep a year ago, and now going into highschool, prep didn't prepare me or my classmates well enough. The math is good, and so is the rest of the classes.

Posted: April 2, 2013

Horizon Prep has been a wonderful, Christ centered and academically strong choice for both of our kids. We have been at the school for over 9 years, and it continues to improve each year. The teachers are all degreed (many have Masters) and they truly care about each student. The Headmaster, Dr. K, is a very capable leader and has a strong leadership team surrounding him. With the High School opening this next year we are looking forward to staying at HP through 12th grade. What you see is what you get, a community based around Scripture that loves, nurtures and develops our kids to reach their full potential.

Posted: December 8, 2012

We have an 8th Grader who has been here since Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st - 8th Grade. (11 wonderful years!) Every single day has been a blessing. The kids, the teachers, the staff, the families, the activities, the sports, the new campus, the loving environment, the Christian focus, and the education have all been outstanding. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is even remotely considering Horizon Prep. You will be thrilled with the growth and development of the most important person in your life. Confident that you did the very best you could to develop them academically, spiritually, emotionally, athletically and socially into a fine young person. I hear it all the time from families who are there how happy they are, and from those who graduate, how much they miss the special place that Horizon is. Don't take my word for it, ask my 8th Grader who is now 14 (and teenagers don't like anything...) I ask all the time: "How do you rate your school from 1 to 10?" The answer is always: "10 out of 10!"

Posted: November 22, 2012

Both of our kids graduated from Middle School from Horizon Prep Rancho Santa Fe. Our kids are exceling in High School and are well prepared for college as a result of the terrific education and mentoring they received. Reading the reviews I find it troubling that a small handful of dissatisfied parents have decided to vent their frustration by trying to damage the reputation of a terrific school and highly trained, capable on loving educators. I strongly recommend Horizon Prep to parents who want what is best for their children.

Posted: July 30, 2012

My kids have been at Horizon Prep since pre-school. One graduated a year ago and is now in High School, the other is entering Middle School at HP. One of my children is accelerated academically and the other has several learning disabilities. BOTH of my kid's learning needs have been met by the accomplished teaching staff at HP. Even more importantly, both of my children love to learn and feel successful as students. With Christ at the center of the school, the kids are taught moral foundations that are biblically based and encouraged to take these foundations out into the world. The Head Master at HP is a tremendous leader who cares about his students and their families. I have always found the Administration at HP to be accessible and open to feedback and discussion. They are truly invested in the academic success and happiness of each and every student. My husband and I have been exceedingly happy over the past 7 years with Horizon Prep.

Posted: July 23, 2012

Our children recently graduated from Horizon Prep and are now attending a local private high school. We are incredibly pleased with the way they were prepared to take on any class at the high school level with confidence and success. Horizon prepared them for the challenges of high school and we are thankful for the loving care both academically and spiritually the teachers provided. It was truly a wonderful experience!

Posted: July 4, 2012

We had our child here for pre-school and pre-k and had a good experience. However: BEWARE of the lower and middle schools as they are woefully behind in mathmatics, science and english studies. Further, there are regular incidents of bullying and spiritual denegration of younger/weaker students. They have a wonderful marketing program which promotes a classical Christian education, but from what we have seen, the students do not get a private school caliber education and are certainly not grounded in Christian kindness and love.

Posted: June 19, 2012

My family has been a part of Horizon Prep for several years. We love it! The academics are rigorous, but it has taught my children how to be organized and more focused. They have a great sports program, which all ages can enjoy. From 1st through 8th grade, there is a sport activity for anyone, no one is excluded. The teachers and coaches are great role models for the students with Christ-like character. My children love it and look forward to the years to come here at Horizon Prep!

Posted: June 18, 2012

We had several children at this school & hoped we had found the best Christian school possible. It is a beautiful school, located in a prestigious area, but the heart of this school is ugly - filled with arrogance, incompetence and unprofessionalism. It is not a loving, caring Christian school as we were led to believe. Parents and teachers are afraid to speak the truth. If you look past the pretty campus, expensive catering & massive marketing campaign, what you see is a school that is anything but Christian. Bullying is a major problem in many grades & neither the teachers or administration are prepared/willing to address the problem. There is constant preferential treatment of teacher/staff children. The school cares little, if at all, about the parents/families. They provide no avenue or opportunity for parent input (no PTA or otherwise). Anyone who does advocate on behalf of their child or any issue is immediately disparaged both by teachers and the administration staff. The head pastor is NEVER present - on the campus, at chapel or otherwise. And the school campuses are not secure. This school is nothing it purports to be - very disappointing.

Posted: May 2, 2012

My sons have been at Horizon Prep for 10 years - from Preschool to Middle School!! I can't say enough good things about HP. My children have had challenges - as all children do - and they have been nurtured and instructed with care and concern from all their teachers. Horizon Prep is more than just a "great school" - it's a great FAMILY to be a part of!!

Posted: April 2, 2012

This is our family's second year at Horizon Prep, and we are VERY happy with the academic, spiritual, emotional, social, and athletic growth in our boys. I strongly recommend the school. Both my sons demonstrate excellent Iowa test scores (very top percentiles) but there's much more to HP than great standardized test scores. Repeatedly, I've witnessed teachers showing one-on-one help with my boys and other students. A personal example: My younger son's writing was so-so when he arrived last year. Before 2010-11 school year ended, he became a phenomenal writer! That happened because his teacher last year went out of her way to continuously help him. Many of the lessons I hear about on the car ride home are dynamic and creative. We are thrilled that our boys are learning Latin, Spanish, hands-on science, to highlight a few subject areas, and all with Christ as the foundation. The administration is very responsive to parent input, with numerous venues of open communication and opinion seeking. Because God is the priority, excellence is the expectation.

Posted: January 29, 2012

We have had three children here from Preschool to Elementary School, for the last five years. The experience has been wonderful. Horizon is very rigorous academically, and our children routinely score in the top percentile on the Iowa Tests. They all read far above grade level and love learning. More importantly, they feel loved and valued and look forward to coming to school. The teachers show a genuine interest and love of each child and their individual learning styles and personalities. We have really enjoyed the open and welcoming community of parents too. Sometimes we have to wait for a turn to volunteer, because so many parents sign up for everything. I can't say enough about the love our whole family has experienced at Horizon Prep. They have created something very special.

Posted: September 21, 2011

My children have been at horizon for 4 years now. I am so saddened to see the majority of these negative comments are regarding the preschool not the elementary or middle school. My son went to the preschool and I feel it is a totally different environment then the elementary school. The elementary school is amazing and the academics are more difficult than any other school we interviewed. We have been so please with our experience here at Horizon, we will never go back to public school again. I had my daughter at public school for one year, we were so disappointed in the lack of discipline that we had no choice but to look for a school that was more nurturing and loving that also had amazing academics. Horizon met all of our expectations and more. I guess that is why they say that Horizon is "the love bubble". It truely is. Thank you Horizon

Posted: February 4, 2011

My daughters have gone to this school since they were in preschool. My youngest is now in 8th grade. Although the school had its share of growing pains in the beginning, the overall experience has been phenomenal. Both of my children test in the top 3% of national standardized tests and are proficient in Spanish and Latin. Beyond the academics, my children have learned to be edifying and accepting of all types of people. They are gracious, articulate and well-spoken.

Posted: November 11, 2010

We wanted to so badly to believe this school was all it sold itself to be. They do a wonderful sales job & really make you believe you are in a special place. The truth is it is not so special once you're on the inside. Bullying - even in the prescool - is rampant. There is an inner circle of teachers and their own children at the school that get preferential treatment - and families have left because of it. The rules don't apply equally to everyone. If you try to to advocate anything on behalf of your child because they appear to listen to your thoughts/ideas/concerns & then whisper behind your back - you become an outcast. There's lots of praise in worship which gives the sense that there's a lot of love in this school, but when you peel back the first layer, the teachers & staff talk the talk but dont walk the walk. It's appalling & sad that a Christian school would facilitate an environment that so easily excludes others - students and parents. They are not truly providing a Christian program where kids feel safe and loved - but they sure do a good job of selling that & a whole lot more.