City Tree Christian in San Diego | Military Town Advisor

Posted: July 31, 2026

Stay Away. This school was wonderful for a very long time until Sue Kennedy retired. The person in charge is a very self-righteous person and actively works to remove students that she doesn't feel "fit". The right fit seems to be white and not diverse in any way. The bullying at this school is out of hand and the school does nothing to address so as not to lose tuition paying parents. This school has financially struggled for years due to mismanagement. The experience my child had at this school landed her in therapy and was tremendously psychologically damaging. Sometimes people that call themselves "Christians" are the most judgmental and cruel people you'll ever meet.

Posted: July 31, 2026

Posted: January 8, 2026

My 3rd grade son is grappling with strong emotions this year, and I am so thankful for how caring and patient his teacher has been. So many of the faculty wear multiple "hats" and truly care for each and every student.

Posted: January 8, 2026

Posted: June 28, 2025

Hello,
This message reflects on my experience as a former preschool teacher at City Tree Christian School. During my two years there, I was consistently impressed by the strong sense of community. The school fosters a close-knit environment where teachers develop genuine relationships with all the students, regardless of their assigned grade level. This familial atmosphere extends beyond the classroom, the school rallies together to support students and families facing challenges, demonstrating a commitment to pastoral care.

The school's academic program provides a solid foundation, complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities encompassing art, science, gardening and music. Older students enjoy access to a nearby park, and the school organized two field trips annually. While other issues necessitated my departure. I retain fond memories of my colleagues and students. City tree is convenient downtown location makes it an attractive option for working parents. I recommend City Tree Christian School to families looking for an Elementary or Middle School for their child. Former Teacher - Marilyn

Posted: June 28, 2025

Posted: March 26, 2025

This is my childs second year at City Tree. We have loved seeing the incredible growth in her reading ability and I can confidently attribute that to her teacher. She has other teachers who also support her learning of technology, Spanish, and music. I love the parent involvement and close knit community the school offers. We certainly appreciate the values and foundation of Christianity and how it is incorporated into their academic and social well being.

Posted: March 26, 2025

Posted: February 17, 2025

I highly recommend City Tree. The school provides a quality education based on Christian values. One of the things we love most about City Tree is the community. All the teachers and staff know our kids and all the kids know each other no matter the grade. We chose City Tree because we wanted our kids to go to school in person during Covid. A co-worker recommended City Tree and when we visited the school, we felt so welcome and immediately knew it was the right place for our kids. At the time, our son was struggling and falling behind, but he has thrived at City Tree. Our daughter is so confident and willing to try new things, like running for student council. The school provides plenty of enrichment activities, like art, band, and Spanish. We love it here!

Posted: February 17, 2025

Posted: February 10, 2025

Where do I even begin? City Tree is truly an exceptional school in every way. From the moment you walk through the doors, you are met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere where kindness and care radiate from every staff member.

My son, Diontrae, started at City Tree when he was just two years old, and now, at nine, I can confidently say that this school has played a significant role in shaping the wonderful young boy he has become. He has grown into a mature, loving, and compassionate individual, and I wholeheartedly believe that City Tree has been instrumental in that journey.

Beyond providing an outstanding academic curriculum and a strong foundation in Christian education, City Tree goes above and beyond in teaching valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Their commitment to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child is truly commendable, giving parents peace of mind knowing their little ones are well cared for.

If you're searching for a school that offers not just a high-quality Christian-based education but also a loving and secure space where your child can thrive, I cannot recommend City Tree highly enough. It has been a blessing for our family, and I am forever grateful for the impact it has had on my son's life.

Parent Diondria Harrison

Posted: February 10, 2025

Posted: January 23, 2025

I love the warm, welcoming, inclusive school environment where its evident that values like diversity, community, mutual respect, compassion and communication are embraced. I love that City Tree is a Christian school, yet as a non-church-attending family, we still feel welcomed. We chose City Tree for the schools values, affordability, educational programs and location. I have seen my sons social emotional intelligence and language flourish since he began attending City Tree. I would tell anyone on the fence about sending their child to City Tree that doing so is the best choice they could make to start building the foundation for a kind, successful, well-rounded child.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Posted: December 14, 2024

Our child has attended this school for the last 3+ years, and we couldnt be happier with our experience. From the very beginning, weve been impressed by the schools ability to truly know and nurture each child as an individual. The teachers and faculty are incredibly dedicated, creating a warm and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported. Its clear that the kids at this school are not just taughtthey are truly known, encouraged, and guided to grow in all aspects of their lives.

The learning environment here is simply amazing. The small class sizes allow for meaningful interactions and personalized attention, which has made a huge difference for our son. The teachers are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do, creating a space where learning is exciting and engaging. Its no wonder our son loves going to school each day! He comes home eager to share what hes learned, and his enthusiasm for schoolwork and friendships has been a joy to see.

Academics are strong, but what really sets this school apart is the emphasis on character building and community. The students are diverse and kind, and the focus on cultivating good values and interpersonal skills is woven into everything the school does. Parents are also actively involved and supportive, which adds to the sense of connection and shared purpose.

The music program deserves special mention as wellits outstanding! It has provided a creative outlet and sparked a genuine love for music in our child. Watching him thrive in such a positive and enriching environment has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey with this school.

All in all, this school is a truly special place, and we are so grateful to be a part of this community. We couldnt ask for a better experience for our son, and we are excited to see him continue to grow and flourish here.

Posted: December 14, 2024

Posted: August 3, 2024

We first sent our child to City Tree during Covid, and have chosen to keep her there because she is happy and thriving in its wonderful community. We love that she is immersed in a sincerely Christian atmosphere with teachers and staff who truly know her and pour into her academically, emotionally and spiritually. We love that she has been able to make friends with all kinds of kids from many different backgrounds and ethnicities. We love that she has weekly classes in art, music and Spanish and has the opportunity to also take band as she enters 5th grade. Another daughter of ours finished Middle School at City Tree - I had been concerned she wouldn't like being in such a small class, but she absolutely loved the closeness she felt with her classmates. City Tree has been a real blessing to our family!

Posted: August 3, 2024

Posted: July 18, 2024

City Tree is a wonderful school. I first learned about it because many of my coworkers sent their kids there. I love the STEAM programming at City Tree, especially the music program. I also love the small class sizes and the fact my kids are known - and loved - throughout the school. My children have both discovered that they love going to school. They love the people, the activities, and most importantly - they love learning. City Tree offers more than many schools that are much larger. The community is wonderful for the whole family.

Posted: July 18, 2024

Posted: February 5, 2020

This school is a hidden gem. We are so grateful to have found such a nurturing academic environment for our child.

Posted: February 5, 2020

Homework is not excessive and is designed to reinforce classroom learning.

Posted: February 5, 2020

Teachers are respectful and nurturing. They do not "teach to the test" but rather teach to the child.

Posted: February 5, 2020

The staff easily put in place accommodations to help my child with dysgraphia. Our public school refused to even acknowledge a writing issue.

Posted: February 5, 2020

The faith-based nature of this school enforces respect for diversity of personalities, race, economic backgrounds. Very inclusive culture.

Posted: June 19, 2018

My son attended preschool at City Tree for 3 years and my daughter attended from the age of 3 all through way through 8th grade. I originally choose City Tree as a preschool because of its proximately to my work downtown, my familiarity with the church it is affiliated with, and the overall positive and warm feeling I felt while touring the school. My actual experience far surpassed my expectations. The preschool teachers (for both of my children) were so creative, loving and nurturing. Working downtown, I could easily attend the many activities they had both in the class and outside, which made it easier to be a working mother, yet still feel connected to my young children.
My daughter continued on with their K-8th program. The small class size, strong parent-teacher-student community and faith based program gave her the support she (and I) both needed during some particularly trying times. Throughout her time at City Tree, I saw her compassion towards others, ability to relate to people of all ages, and love and understanding of her faith grow and burgeon in the environment City Tree provided. One unique thing I particularly liked is that the school builds chapel families, pulling students from K-8 into groups that meet together weekly. Additionally, as 8th graders, students are assigned a preschool class to help out in for ~2 hours a week. These programs added to the rich community atmosphere the school thrives on.
In addition to an academic education, City Tree further enriches their program with special arts, music, history and science programs. In her time at this school, my daughter was able to sing in choir and chapel team, learn the flute, dance, play basketball and volleyball, visit Sacramento, stay on the Star of India, attend week long art programs at the art museum in Balboa Park, learn ceramics, take a culinary class, go on numerous field trips, be part of a cinematography club, perform music solos in school concerts, play the flute in the Coronado parade for 4 years, attend band workshops at Disneyland, and travel to Washington DC in 8th grade to learn about US History. She has made lifelong friends, and so has our family.

Posted: June 19, 2018

Both my sons attended City Tree. One attended from Kindergarten to 8th grade and the other Preschool to 8th grade. The Preschool, Elementary and Middle School all offer excellent academics, small class size, great teachers, a safe environment, strong Christian teaching, caring staff, field trips and so much more. Students graduating from the Middle School are well prepared for High School. City Tree has a strong sense of community and became a second family to us.

Posted: June 18, 2018

A wonderful school, high quality education, great staff that really cares about the kids.

Posted: June 17, 2018

I cannot say enough good things about the teachers at City Tree. They love their students, and are committed to the mission of the school.

Posted: June 17, 2018

One of the things I love about City Tree, is that students of different grade levels interact regularly. Not only do they do reading buddies, but they have "chapel families" that include a child or two from each grade and encourages conversation, learning and growing together. The students are encouraged to discover their gifts and challenged to use them to serve others.

Posted: June 17, 2018

The principal, Sue Kennedy, is passionate about excellent Christian education and developing the whole child.

Posted: June 17, 2018

My oldest daughter struggles a lot with failing or getting things wrong. At the beginning of the year, she would just crumble if she answered something incorrectly. But her teacher very patiently explained to her that getting things wrong is part of learning, and her teacher's job is to challenge her. By the end of the year, she's learned to make mistakes gracefully.

Posted: June 17, 2018

Because the class sizes are relatively small, the teachers and administration know each kid well. If a child misbehaves or is causing trouble with other students, it is dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Posted: June 17, 2018

Excellent. I'm thrilled that our family found City Tree Christian School to partner with us in raising our daughters to be smart and compassionate followers of Christ.

Posted: June 17, 2018

My daughter is in Kindergarten and the amount of homework is reasonable with an entire week to complete the packet at her own pace. It's much less stressful if we have an event one evening because she can do her homework on the other nights of the week.

Posted: April 9, 2018

This school becomes part of your extended family. The class sizes are small and all the teachers and staff get to know you, your child and your family. Located close to downtown, this school benefits from a very diverse student body since many parents work downtown yet live all over the county. My kids have been attending City Tree since they were 2 years old and plan to stay until the end of 8th Grade. The school also offers an amazing before and after school program which is very helpful for working parents.

Posted: April 9, 2018

Students get homework beginning in Kindergarten. I think homework is an important part of the learning process.

Posted: April 9, 2018

Most of the teachers have been there a long time and all are wonderful!

Posted: April 9, 2018

The principal and administrative staff are very involved in all aspects of your child's education and know all the kids by name.

Posted: April 9, 2018

The small class sizes allow the teachers to know all the students well and to see how the kids interact with each other. They can provide guidance when necessary.

Posted: March 18, 2018

City Tree has become like family and home. I trust that my children are getting a top-notch education academically, socially, and spiritually. They are challenged and supported by their teachers and the school offers many opportunities for parents to be involved.

Posted: March 18, 2018

The teachers at City Tree are highly qualified and incredibly dedicated to the learning experience of each child. My two children could not be more different and their needs are met with incredible attention to detail and care for their individual needs.

Posted: March 18, 2018

I love that my children are learning in a grace-filled environment to treat others the way they would want to be treated. Each week they learn lessons about integrity, compassion, and respect through Chapel lessons and character trait lessons.

Posted: August 16, 2016

I am a grandparent. I have watched the development of my grandsons at City Tree for the last 8 years. I have closely observed the school's commitment to honesty, integrity and fairness and their commitment to the development of these virtues in the students.

Posted: August 16, 2016

Excellent academics. Supportive atmosphere. Diverse student body. Staff and teachers committed to the growth and flourishing of each child.

Posted: January 7, 2016

City Tree Christian School has provided a family oriented, caring and spiritually enriched educational climate along with a thought provoking academic environment for my Granddaughter who has been in attendance for six years beginning with her Kindergarten year. The teacher/student ratio facilitates real time positive feedback and enduring encouragement for well-rounded growth and maturity. Extracurricular activities offered such as competitive sports, music (band and choir), and subject-matter relevant field trips (locally, state-wide, and Washington, DC) keep students physically and academically engaged. The institutionalized tangible and intangible features and benefits establishes City Tree as a spiritual and topnotch academic home away from home for students and families...consequently I have been a very happy Grandparent for six years.

Posted: January 7, 2016

it's up to our kids to learn how to classroom learning and see if they have paid attention and see it they can do the work on their own. I have 2 kids that went to public school before City Tree and it's all the same no matter where you go. teachers teach, kids learn and parents help at home.

Posted: January 7, 2016

Love this School ! There are not too many schools out there that have Band, Choir, Spanish and Art!
Nice and Secure and the school is active in the Community. They are great at giving kids that need extra help a hand and the staff is very helpful.

Posted: August 25, 2015

This school is losing students and it is not hard to work out why. The class sizes are small yes, bt some are so small especially in middle school and some of the elementary classes that the students know who are the teachers pets and how to get away with bullying while the victim is blamed. This also stunts the social growth of the children. The standard of work is not great and compared to other schools seems to be at a lower level than it should be. There are lots of students who are on scholarship and if they are closely associated with the church then they seem to be given more allowances than the kids who are not as closely associated with the church. Asking for help with your child either academically or behaviorally is a waste of time as the administration and staff do not help and access to these resources are limited. Not sure why.

Posted: August 25, 2015

Some of the teachers are great and others seem to be just marking time. Lesson plans are not clear and when the students are at vastly different levels the teachers struggle to cope.

Posted: August 25, 2015

Every year the teachers start by giving the children too much homework, maybe to make up for the lack of teaching in the classroom. The parents complain and the amount of homework goes down but not sure if the teaching in the class makes up the shortfall.

Posted: August 25, 2015

Due to the small class sizes (some less than12 students) the students learn who is an easy target to bully and try to get them blamed for things. They also have little active supervision on the playground and the students know where they cannot be seen easily if they want to bully or beat up another child.

Posted: June 15, 2015

This is a failing school. Small class size is something to look for, but this school's class size is so small that it's not a healthy environment for child development. Teachers quality is spotty, with some very good, and others just hanging in there for retirement. After attending for a number of years, it is often a matter of one step forward, two years back. They make a lot about 'certification' but there is little online literature recognizing the value of the certification program subscribed to. One of the cheaper private schools in the region, for a reason.

Posted: September 1, 2014

Found City Tree when looking for a preschool. After 2 years we liked it so much we decided to keep my kid here, not a public school as originally planned. In addition to the small class size, the variety of classes, and staff attention other reviewers have covered, I'll mention a few other things: 1) The after-school program is very flexible for busy working parents. I can call just hours ahead if my son has to stay later. 2) None of the kids would have stage fear after the 1st year because they're on the stage all the time (weekly chapel and multiple performances). 3) Long staff tenure but tenure is not the deterring reason when they have to make the tough decision to cut someone. 4) High student return rate. Many military families who moved away return to City Tree after moving back to SD. 5) Being someone not religious, I feel very comfortable here. I appreciate many of the good values they're still not afraid of instilling in the kids. 6) They have a summer camp program. It's the cheapest among all options I looked at AND it's fun. 7) You can have lunch with your kid any day as long as you come at the right time. Fun especially if you work nearby.

Posted: July 15, 2014

City Tree has provided a wonderful experience from preschool to their current years in elementary school. I am so thankful for the small class sizes, attentive teachers, and the amazing community of this school. My kids are thriving academically, socially, and emotionally and I give a ton of credit to their years at City Tree.

Posted: June 25, 2014

We have been going to City Tree for almost six months and are very happy and pleased with the school. Gabe (2 years old) loves all the teachers and has really flourished under their care. They have worked with him on potty training, numbers, letters, and lot of social skills. The school feels very safe and has a great down to earth feel. We loved his home day care center, but moved to City Tree to be closer to him during the day. I m able to have lunch with him once a week and their weekly newsletters keep me connected to what is happening at the school with photos and fun stories. I would recommend City Tree.

Posted: September 19, 2013

City Tree also has a preschool for ages 2-5. My son is in the Pre-K class and I'm amazed at the things he is learning already. He has music, Spanish, computer, Playball, library, chapel, etc. The location is great near downtown right off the 5 and they have daycare hours from 0645 to 1800 which is very convenient for a military family. The Christian atmosphere is excellent to foster well-disciplined and caring children to become productive citizens with a strong academic background to succeed in high school & college. This school is a hidden gem!

Posted: January 28, 2013

My children have been attending this school for 4 years. The personal attention that my children receive is outstanding. This environment has really afforded them the best learning opportunities and helped them thrive. I couldn't be happier with all of the staff at this school and the opportunities for learning arts, languages and to participate in extra curicuular activities is exceptional. I would definitely recommend this school. Mrs. Kennedy is a devoted and caring leader.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	0.3 mi
2	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	1.9 mi
3	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	2.8 mi
4	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	3.1 mi
5	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.3 mi
6	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	3.9 mi
7	Ocean Beach	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	5.6 mi
8	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.7 mi
9	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
10	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	0.8 mi
2	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	0.8 mi
3	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	1.2 mi
4	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	2.2 mi
5	North Park	San Diego	CA	2.3 mi
6	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	2.8 mi
7	Coronado	Coronado	CA	2.9 mi
8	Old Town	San Diego	CA	3 mi
9	Loma Portal	San Diego	CA	3.9 mi
10	Kensington	San Diego	CA	4.4 mi
11	Point Loma	San Diego	CA	5 mi
12	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	5.5 mi
13	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	7.1 mi
14	Eastlake of Chula Vista	Chula Vista	CA	7.2 mi
15	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	8.6 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Medical Center	1 mi.
MCRD San Diego	2.4 mi.
North Island NAS	3.1 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	3.4 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	3.6 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	5.3 mi.
Miramar MCAS	10.5 mi.
Camp Pendleton	45.7 mi.

City Tree Christian

San Diego, CA 92101

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City Tree Christian

San Diego, CA 92101

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