McDowell Elementary, Laguna Niguel, California, Preschool-6th grade

The McDowell School was founded in 1976 as Children’s Choice Preschool. It was originally planned as a preschool; however, it quickly grew to include kindergarten and primary grades through upper elementary. The founder of the school, Sandra M. Klonsky (formerly Sandra M. Senn), envisioned a school where children would be instilled with a positive attitude toward learning that would last a lifetime. That continues to be the mission of McDowell and Children’s Choice Preschool.

Greg and Phyllis Cygan purchased McDowell and Children’s Choice Preschool in 2002. The same philosophy was continued and the school has grown steadily since. While classes remain small and intimate, Mr. and Mrs. Cygan have enhanced the campus with fully renovated playground that includes Astroturf along with the recent addition of a 3,000 sq. foot wing which provides a state-of-the-art computer lab, three new classrooms, and a new multipurpose room/library which houses international teleconferencing equipment. McDowell remains focused on retaining the “family” feel on the campus with a strong parent support organization and teachers and staff who average over 9 years with the school. A challenging, accelerated academic environment combined with a character education program that is focused on creating kind and thoughtful global citizens, is what sets McDowell apart from other schools.

McDowell is accredited by the National Independent Private School Association (NIPSA) and Children Choice Preschool is accredited by NAYEC. In 2005, McDowell was honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon of Education Award which is bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education. One year later, McDowell became a member of the Meritas International Family of Schools, an international family of exceptional college preparatory schools committed to maximizing student potential. In the fall of 2009, McDowell will open its middle school, and in June 2012, McDowell will present its first eighth grade graduating class.






			McDowell Brief History A BRIEF HISTORY OF MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY and CHILDREN’S CHOICE PRESCHOOL The McDowell School was founded in 1976 as Children’s Choice Preschool. It was originally planned as a preschool; however, it quickly grew to include kindergarten and primary grades through upper elementary. The founder of the school, Sandra M. Klonsky (formerly Sandra M. Senn), envisioned a school where children would be instilled with a positive attitude toward learning that would last a lifetime. That continues to be the mission of McDowell and Children’s Choice Preschool. Greg and Phyllis Cygan purchased McDowell and Children’s Choice Preschool in 2002. The same philosophy was continued and the school has grown steadily since. While classes remain small and intimate, Mr. and Mrs. Cygan have enhanced the campus with fully renovated playground that includes Astroturf along with the recent addition of a 3,000 sq. foot wing which provides a state-of-the-art computer lab, three new classrooms, and a new multipurpose room/library which houses international teleconferencing equipment. McDowell remains focused on retaining the “family” feel on the campus with a strong parent support organization and teachers and staff who average over 9 years with the school. A challenging, accelerated academic environment combined with a character education program that is focused on creating kind and thoughtful global citizens, is what sets McDowell apart from other schools. McDowell is accredited by the National Independent Private School Association (NIPSA) and Children Choice Preschool is accredited by NAYEC. In 2005, McDowell was honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon of Education Award which is bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education. One year later, McDowell became a member of the Meritas International Family of Schools, an international family of exceptional college preparatory schools committed to maximizing student potential. In the fall of 2009, McDowell will open its middle school, and in June 2012, McDowell will present its first eighth grade graduating class.