Small K-5 school in Laguna Niguel with 15-student classes. Specializes in personalized learning for ADD/ADHD students. Blue Ribbon honoree
McDowell School is a small, intimate K-5 community in Laguna Niguel, CA that provides individualized attention through its 15-student class sizes—ideal for children who thrive in close-knit learning environments. The school explicitly supports students with ADD/ADHD, offering structured academic programming designed to meet diverse learning needs while maintaining high academic standards.
With a child-centered approach and enriched, accelerated curriculum, McDowell creates an environment where students with different learning styles can succeed. The school's small size allows teachers to tailor instruction and closely monitor progress—particularly beneficial for students who benefit from personalized feedback and modified pacing. Extracurricular programs in arts, music, chess, and science provide additional outlets for engagement and skill-building.
McDowell serves preschool through 5th grade with rolling admissions and a 95% acceptance rate. Annual tuition for elementary is $1,764, with preschool tuition varying by age. The school is a Blue Ribbon honoree (2005) and holds membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Independent Private Schools Association. Contact Admissions Associate Wendi Pufahl at (949) 495-5162 to learn more about enrollment and support options for your child.
At a Glance
GradesNursery/Preschool-5
Students146
Class Size15:1 ratio
Tuition$1,764
Est.1976
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Independent Private Schools Association
School Information
| Year Founded | 1976 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $1,764 |
| Tuition Notes | Elementary tuition is $1764.00 Preschool tuition varies by age |
| Total Students | 146 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 20 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 25 |
| Average Class Size | 15 |
| Grades Offered | Nursery/Preschool-5 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Associate | Wendi Pufahl |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Acceptance Rate | 95 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 33 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
ADD/ADHD Support
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · Chess · Computer · Science · Arts and Music Programs: · Art · Dance |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
| School Memberships | National Association for the Education of Young Children · National Independent Private Schools Association |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| Summer Program Cost | $312 |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
| Awards | Blue Ribbon School · - Selected in 2005 |