
News & Insights
Stay connected with the latest at Pacific Preparatory!
Explore thought-provoking blog posts, expert insights on education, and highlights from our community events. Whether you're looking for learning tips, school updates, or inspiring stories, this is your hub for staying informed and engaged.
Addressing the Top Three Virtual Learning Concerns: How PacPrep Reaches Through the Screen
PacPrep’s Curriculum Specialist, Erika Sneath, busts through the myths of virtual learning to highlight how it can work for every student.
Teacher of the Month | Introducing DJ R.
At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the most caring and energizing instructors, all who bring lessons to life with hands-on learning, customized to every student’s strengths. This month, we are pleased to celebrate DJ, an amazing elementary teacher who masterfully weaves content information into student’s interests and passions. Learn more about what makes DJ wonderful!
Interview with an Expert: Shelley Lawrence
The latest in our "Interview with an Expert" series features Shelley Lawrence, a family’s “educational quarterback” and trusted advisor and coach for schools.
Teacher of the Month | Introducing Hannah T.
At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the most engaging and interactive instructors, all who bring lessons to life with hands-on learning, customized to every student’s strengths. This month, we are pleased to celebrate Hannah, an amazing science teacher who sparks curiosity and joy in her students. Learn more about what makes Hannah great!
Early Literacy Tips For Learning At Home
Often parents wonder about the best time to start teaching their children reading and writing. The average child learns very basic writing skills around 3-4 years of age and knows how to read simple, age-appropriate books between 5-7. To get here, experts also say that the sooner parents start reading with their children, the better!
Fall Webinar Series
Our Fall Webinar Series has officially wrapped and we were so thrilled to welcome an engaging line-up of experts in child development, college counseling, and alternative education for traveling families. If you missed our events, please feel free to watch and share via the links below.
Curriculum Corner: Learning Differences
Our team and teachers believe in accepting each learner as a child-first and student-second. This mentality gives us space to honor each unique learner’s needs. Specifically, when supporting students with learning differences, we look at our personal approach that customizes the lesson according to student strengths and personal interests. Building on that, we then incorporate academics through ensuring state and federal standards are taught within a comfortable, collaborative environment.
Teacher Feature: Matt M.
Matt is one of our top teachers and we can’t recommend him enough! Parents have referred to him as a 10/10 and we couldn’t agree more. He has been working with students since 2008 and with Pacific Preparatory, Matt teaches English, history and government.
Leadership Team Feature: Erika Sneath
All of our Pacific Preparatory families have the privilege of collaborating with our curriculum specialist, Erika Sneath. Not only is Erika extremely knowledgeable in ways to make sure all of our students succeed academically, she is always there to be an active participant in each student’s education journey. She works with students, parents, and teachers to ensure lessons integrate student interests, development, and academic goals. She is passionate about ensuring that lessons are engaging, rigorous, and support the needs of all students.
Interview with an Expert: Nicole Connell
Our October issue of “Interview with an Expert” features Nicole Connell, a mentor and Educational Therapist who focuses on giving kids a voice and a say in their own journey.
Putting Students' Imagination to Work
One of the wonderful things about 1:1 education is that our teachers are able to design unique, thoughtful lessons that work for each student. We love giving our teachers autonomy to design engaging lessons that speak to their students’ (and their own!) strengths and interests. We are also proud to have a strong support staff leading our teachers in this process, offering consistent professional development and guidance.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which we learn about and develop key emotional and social skills. These include, but are not limited to: recognizing, responding to, and managing emotions and developing empathy to care for self, friends and family, & the greater community.
At PacPrep, we firmly believe in supporting the entire student. What this means is, we don’t just focus on academics in our session. Our teachers naturally integrate social and emotional learning within each class session. Each teacher works to get to know the student authentically so that they can fully support them to meet their goals.
Interview with an Expert: Joie Jager-Hyman
Our August issue of “Interview with an Expert” features Dr. Joie Jager-Hyman. She is an internationally acclaimed expert on the college admissions process and the Founder of College Prep 360, a boutique educational advising firm with an unrivaled track record of success.
Teacher Feature: Alina S.
Alina is detail oriented, but does not lose sight of the big picture. She is thoughtful, caring, and deeply invested in student growth and wellness.
What Does Summer Look Like at PacPrep?
We have found that children enrolled in summer courses have their love of learning reignited and are less likely to experience dreaded summer boredom. Our one-on-one model allows us to tailor each course to the wants and needs of each student and their family. By enrolling in PacPrep’s summer semester, your child can have the freedom to explore specific courses relating to their passions!
Interview with an Expert: Lisa Spengler
Our June issue of “Interview with an Expert” features Lisa Spengler, a stellar educational consultant with vast experience in all facets of education and a passion for supporting families.
Teacher Feature: Darla R.
Darla has a “kid at heart” personality that draws in her young students and keeps them engaged (which isn’t always easy with elementary-aged kids).
Teacher Feature: Belinda N.
Belinda’s excess of patience, care, and kindness help her math students feel supported and comfortable.
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week: We Appreciate You
Our leadership team is lucky enough to work with teachers on a daily basis and, behind the scenes, we’re constantly developing new ways to support their success in the classroom.
Interview with an Expert: Irena Smith
This month’s installment of “Interview with an Expert” features college admissions consultant extraordinaire, Irena Smith.