A family-owned, academic preschool in the heart of Mira Mesa
Our approach

More than daycare. We teach.

A real curriculum, built by professional educators, that nurtures the whole child and sends them to kindergarten curious, confident, and ready.

A teacher guiding a child through a learning activity
How we teach

Learning through play, with purpose.

At Magic Hours, we believe children learn best by doing. Our days are full of hands-on play, but every activity has a purpose behind it. We're a preschool, not just a daycare, with an intentional, age-appropriate program designed to grow the whole child.

Our System Four approach guides everything we do, developing children socially, emotionally, physically, and academically, all at once, because that's how young children actually learn and grow.

The System Four curriculum

Nurturing the whole child.

Four connected areas of growth, woven into everything we do, every single day.

Social

Cooperative play, listening, and smooth transitions between activities.

Emotional

Naming feelings, self-regulation, empathy, and real relationships.

Physical

Movement-based learning that builds body confidence and control.

Educational

Early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and a genuine love of learning, the foundation for kindergarten.

Eight areas of learning

What your child explores every day.

Every day at Magic Hours touches eight areas of learning that build a strong foundation for elementary school.

Language & Literacy

Stories, letters, vocabulary, and early reading.

Math & Early Numeracy

Counting, patterns, shapes, and problem-solving.

Science & Discovery

Curiosity, nature, and hands-on exploration.

Art & Creativity

Painting, crafts, and open-ended making.

Music & Movement

Songs, rhythm, dance, and joyful motion.

Social & Emotional

Sharing, friendship, and understanding feelings.

Physical & Motor

Fine and gross motor skills through active play.

Practical Life & Independence

Self-help skills and confident everyday independence.

A day at Magic Hours

What a day looks like.

A gentle, predictable rhythm that balances learning, play, rest, and plenty of fresh air.

Morning arrival
Warm welcomes, free choice play, and getting settled in.
Circle time
Songs, calendar, and a story together as a group.
Learning centers
Hands-on activities across our System Four learning areas.
Outdoor play
Playground time, movement, and fresh air.
Lunch & rest
A nutritious meal, followed by quiet time to recharge.
Afternoon enrichment
Art, music, and continued discovery.
Snack & outdoor play
One more chance to refuel and play before pickup.
Pickup
Hugs goodbye until tomorrow.

Every day looks a little different, since age groups sometimes combine and activities move around. This is a general feel for how the day flows.

In parents' words

Trusted by Mira Mesa families.

I love and trust the staff at Magic Hours. I worry more than the average person, and when I drop my daughter off for the day, I know she is in good hands. I highly recommend this place.

E
Edith S.Parent · via Google

Being in the education field made my choice for daycare very meticulous. My son has attended for almost 2 years and it's been an excellent experience. The teachers were patient and kind, and he's now fluent in English and loves Magic Hours.

S
Sivine H.Parent · via Google

Our family was with Magic Hours for three years. They offer a wonderful program and the Directors are very connected with the families and children. The site is small enough that each teacher knows your child when you walk in the door.

C
Carrie F.Parent · via Google
In the heart of Mira Mesa

See our approach in action.

The best way to understand how we teach is to visit. Tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and watch the learning happen.