Staff

Cara Day-McKellar began teaching school at the age of four, with her dolls and willing friends. By age ten, she had unlocked the mystery for several struggling readers! Parents in the neighborhood recognized her gift and compassion and began paying for her work. Starting college at 16, Cara knew she would have her own school one day, but wanted to add the science to her gift. She completed her credentials and master's degree at SDSU, and then taught in the La Mesa Spring Valley and Jamul-Dulzura School districts. In 1997, Cara developed a program for families that was adopted by the San Diego Council on Literacy, the third largest literacy organization in the world. For 11 years, Cara provided individual instruction, teacher training, and parent education through her own private practice. She is the referred reading specialist for doctors throughout San Diego. She speaks nationally to teacher and parent groups on best practices in teaching and parenting, based on her award-winning class titled Happy Kids. Cara's childhood dream of making a school was officially born in 2008 as she heeded the call of the many parents who asked her each year to "do the whole thing." The practices, curriculum, and philosophy of Day-McKellar Preparatory School are based on Cara's vast experiences in the field of education, her work with hundreds of families, and from motherhood of her own four children. Every detail reflects a piece of wisdom about what children and their families need to regain their once naturally profoundly curious state, so they can live with enthusiasm and delight. Day-McKellar Preparatory School is an inspiring educational community. At Day-McKellar Prep, families cultivate integrity, self-awareness and appreciation for all of life's wonders so they can create an inspired life spent realizing their dreams.