Parents Press September 2024 by Parenting Media

2024 -2025

East Bay

Private School

Listings pg. 24

Why Consider a Private School

Basic Timeline for applying to a private school

Financial Aid: Basic information you should know

Admissions Event Calendar pg. 17

Good to Know

2024 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Our Parents Press “Best Of” Winners are online and covers more than 100 different categories, including places to shop and dine, family fun, attractions, school and enrichment programs and health professionals. Available online at Parentspress.com — just click on “Best Of” in the Magazines tab.

Private School Online Open House Calendar

What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https://parentspress.com

East Bay Private School Guide

Coming Soon!

TSeptember is CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

If you aren’t already a fan of the genre, you may be surprised by some of its alleged benefits. Classical music has been shown to help treat insomnia in college students (if only it worked on toddlers!) and a study found that playing it softly while dining actually encouraged people to eat slower and therefore consume fewer calories.

Happy Harvest

While we don’t officially say goodbye to summer until September 22, this year’s Harvest Moon takes place on September 17. Before we had the artificial light that we have today, farmers used the light from the Harvest Moon to tend to their crops after sundown.

he 2024/25 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide is will be available in October and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www.ParentsPress. com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab. See a preview starting on page 20 of this issue.

Super Food of the Month

Apple picking season’s here! That old adage about keeping the doctor away is true, so take advantage of your rich-in-antioxidant harvest. Try apple marinade or apple salsa, in addition to the usual apple crisp, applesauce and pie. Apple butter made overnight in a crock pot is yummy, too. Y

5 Individual Sports for Kids

Parents want their kids to have an active and healthy lifestyle and many sign them up for team sports hoping to help them develop healthy lifelong habits and a love for physical activity. While there are many benefits to team sports, they aren’t always the best fit. Individual sports can be a great alternative to playing on a team especially for kids who have ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or struggle with socialization disorders. Individual sports help kids stay active while building self-esteem and focus. They also learn to set personal goals, and have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the coach. Here are some great individual sports to try and the benefits for your child can gain by participating in each of them.

TENNIS

Hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, gross and fine motor skills, and strong cardiovascular exercise makes tennis a great option for kids who like to keep moving, are quick on their feet, and want the individual attention that comes from one-on-one coaching.

MARTIAL ARTS

Kids who want to learn discipline, respect for others and themselves, balance and coordination, self-control, and work on their listening and focusing skills should consider trying martial arts. This can also become a family sport as all ages are welcome in this activity.

GYMNASTICS

Gymnasts are known for their strength, coordination, flexibility, and discipline. Your child may never become an Olympic gymnast but the confidence and agility they will learn from participating in gymnastics will stick with them.

By Sarah Lyons

SWIMMING

Swimming is a great source of cardiovascular exercise. It also promotes strength, stamina, balance, better posture, and teaches water safety. Swimming, like martial arts, is a sport for all ages. A love of a sport like swimming can turn into a lifetime source of exercise and enjoyment.

RUNNING

While running sports typically start in late elementary school or middle school, it is never too early or late to enjoy. Besides a great cardio workout, running helps develop physical, mental, and personal development as kids overcome challenges and set new goals in distance or time.

If none of the above sports are of interest, you may also want to research fencing, wrestling, cycling, dance, diving, or golf. Many of these sports allow kids to compete on an individual basis while contributing overall to a team. For example, kids competing in gymnastics will receive an individual score but the points go to an overall total for the team. This gives kids the support from teammates without the pressure of having to play on a team. Kids will learn to set and exceed their personal goals and also have the camaraderie that goes along with a team sport. If you notice your child is feeling pressure or frustration from participating in team sports, give an individual sport a try. Y

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six kids including triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

We Love It! NAPPA Awards

YMAGNA-TILES BUILDER XL

Back to School 2024

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

A world of construction fun at a super-size level with endless interchangeable pieces like colorful cabs, extending cranes and detachable plow pieces for truck fans to create their own construction vehicles. All pieces work together to create extra-large structures. $99.99, ages 3+, www.magnatiles.com

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2025

Open the next chapter of record breaking. Filled with thousands of facts and feats for the whole family, this new edition celebrates Guinness World Records’ 70th anniversary. Learn how record breaking has changed over the years. $29.95, ages 8+, www.guinnessworldrecords.com

RISE MOM AND BABY BOX

Each box includes items for both mom and baby to celebrate the parenthood journey. For mamas, find recovery and self-care items, along with resources created by perinatal and childhood therapists. For babies, receive developmental toys and books. Every box promises fun, learning, heartwarming moments and cute surprises. $120, ages birth-24 months, www.bloom-and-rise.com

TOSY FLYING DISC

An innovative fusion of technology and outdoor play. With 16.7 million color variations, it elevates disc play to new heights. $49.99, ages 6+, www.tosy.com

BAKIT BOX: POLLINATION EXPLORATION

BUNDLE

A unique subscription service blending education, STEM and culinary skills to spark creativity and curiosity. With three recipes and engaging activity kits included, explore the intricate lives of over 20,000 bee species. Learn how these social insects, with their complex roles from hive maintenance to food foraging, contribute to their communities across the globe. $74.99 per bundle, ages 3+, www.bakitbox.com

DROYD ZYPSTER

A mini electric go-kart providing a fun ride while featuring safety features, including automatic smooth-launch control pedal, electromechanical brake and builtin parental speed controls to lock in its speed at 3 or 6 mph. $209, ages 3-6, www.droyd.com Y

My daughter was nine years old when she had her first panic attack. She was trembling, out of breath and her heart pounded. These symptoms persisted for almost ten minutes and nothing I said or did could help her calm down. Because her symptoms occurred before her performance in a class play, though, I dismissed it as stage fright.

When she suffered the same symptoms a short time later, this time before a party at her school, I realized something was wrong. Especially when she told me what triggered her intense physical symptoms: she could not stop worrying that something bad would happen to me as I drove to her class party.

Some children feel worry or fear constantly. According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety disorders involve “intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.”

Having some anxiety is a normal part of life for most kids. After all, what child doesn’t feel anxious before taking a test or making a presentation in front of the class?

Some children, however, feel worry or fear constantly. According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety disorders involve “intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” Further, such feelings of anxiety and panic “interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time.”

The latest data from the CDC reports nearly 9.4% of children aged 3-17 had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019. That’s 5.8 million kids! And these numbers are projected to increase once data from the COVID-19 pandemic to today are analyzed.

My daughter was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder after we visited her pediatrician. Now she sees a therapist and takes medication to treat her anxiety. Through her experience, I have learned so much about anxiety disorders in children. I’m sharing what I’ve learned below in hopes of helping other parents and caregivers.

TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

There are several types of anxiety disorders, related to what the worries or fears are about, or how children handle them. According to WebMD, the most common anxiety disorders in kids include the following:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is constant worrying about a lot of different things out of proportion to the actual circumstance.

• Panic disorders are characterized by sudden, intense fear that leaves a child feeling physically overwhelmed and out of control, even when there is no danger.

• Separation anxiety is the fear that something bad will happen to a parent or loved one when the child is separated from them. Some separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase for babies and toddlers, but not necessarily for older children.

• Social anxiety is extreme anxiety and fear of being embarrassed in social situations, like talking with classmates or answering a question in class. It is more than simple shyness.

The CDC recommends talking to your healthcare provider as a first step. A primary care doctor or mental health specialist can evaluate your child and ensure that your child’s symptoms are caused by anxiety and not another condition, such as trauma.

SYMPTOMS

The most typical symptoms of anxiety disorders in children, per the CDC and WebMD, include:

• Showing anxiety or expressing worry or fear on most days, for weeks at a time.

• Trouble sleeping which may manifest in your child seeming sleepy or tired during the day.

• Difficulty concentrating or thinking about a problem over and over again.

• Unusually irritable and angry.

• Headaches.

• Stomachaches.

• Avoiding school or friends because worries are overwhelming.

• Trouble calming down after leaving a parent or loved one, or extreme homesickness.

HOW TO HELP

The CDC recommends talking to your healthcare provider as a first step. This is what we did in my daughter’s case when we visited her pediatrician. A primary care doctor or mental health specialist can evaluate your child and ensure that your child’s symptoms are caused by anxiety and not another condition, such as trauma.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are the most accepted treatments to help children overcome an anxiety disorder according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

CBT teaches your child skills and tools to help them feel less anxious and fearful. Through CBT, for instance, my daughter learned to utilize tools like a “worry box”. She’d write down her worry on a piece of paper, then stuff the paper in a box. It was a tangible way to release her fear.

Prescription medication may also help. Parents should work closely with a health care provider to manage the use of medication and monitor your child’s response.

As well, WebMD advocates that parents should let their children know they are available to listen whenever their children are ready to talk. Many kids with anxiety believe their parents won’t understand and thus try to hide their fears. That’s why being ready to listen is so important.

My daughter also joined an anxiety disorder support group at her school, allowing her to connect with peers that understand what she’s going through. As well, I have found support talking to other parents of children with anxiety disorders. So many have been supportive and understanding, making me feel less alone.

Anxiety is a treatable, manageable condition. As parents, we can help kids with anxiety disorders receive the tools, support and love they need to live their healthiest lives possible. Y

Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom

Gen Z: Are they too “good”?

By Alex Ellison

In 2019, I wrote a blog entitled How Latchkey Kids Became Snowplow Parents. I wanted to explore how a generation of kids that was largely left to its own devices in the 90s became a generation of parents raising kids addicted to smartphone devices and completely content staying home with their parents. By smoothing away all obstacles and protecting their kids from the world that exists outside of their phones, Gen X parents might simply be responding to what their kids want; or they may be decelerating a Generation whose internal time clock ticks a little slower. While their Gen X parents couldn’t wait to accelerate into young adult life (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, anyone?), Gen Z has pleaded with society to grow up more slowly. This “Peter Pan” generation may even be afraid of growing up.

Jean Twenge, the preeminent author and researcher on generational trends says Gen Z is driving later, drinking later, having sex later - and much less when they do - getting married later, and signs are pointing to postponing having kids. While their parents started having sex and drinking at a shockingly young age, teens today actually find that behavior disturbing. Generally, these are good trends. Less risky behavior means fewer accidents. They are a proof of the slow-life phenomenon that is a product of safer times (yes, despite what the news might have you think) and of a high-tech age that makes it possible to grow up at a slower pace (more can be done behind a screen and out of the elements). But this isolated generation isn’t necessarily safer. According to Twenge, “For Gen Z, the dangers of the in-person “meatworld” have faded, while the maladies of an indoor, less active, screen-filled life - both mental and physical - have accelerated.” Teens

today might say they feel unsafe and stressed out by the world “out there” but they are their own worst enemies.

The world around us, with the 24hour news cycle and rapid technological innovation, seems to be moving at a blindingly quick pace, yet the barrage of new technologies has also allowed us to grow up more slowly. It’s a strange juxtaposition: a slow-paced life in a fastpaced world.

It’s this contradiction that may be partly why teens are so anxious: they feel they have less agency in an uncertain world, and they don’t feel ready to address the complexities of life.

What’s the result?

A resource-motivated generation obsessed with safety, security, and predictability.

When I first started counseling, I thought I was on a mission to help free the American teenager from oppressive, boring, and antiquated education. I was

a fan of Seth Godin’s Stop Stealing Dreams, and Sir Ken Robinson’s The Element, and A.S. Neil’s Summerhill. I almost launched an alternative school for teens and I was a frequent visitor to the educationinnovation conference, SXSWedu (giving a talk there on the topic of Gen Z’s early signs of bizarre practicality). I thought this would be the generation that would challenge the rising cost of tuition, forge a new, more interesting path to higher ed, look for alternatives to outdated expectations, and question conventions. The reality has proven to be much different. With only 5 more years of Gen Z teens still to go (the youngest were born in 1995 and the oldest in 2012), trends have shown a generation that is decidedly risk-averse, money-motivated, and practical.

Continued on page 16 >>>

The trend has continued with Gen Z being perhaps the least fanciful generation in history. Their heads are out of the clouds and their feet are solidly on the ground. Humanities majors are down; business majors are up. Dreams are out; real life is in.

Before the late 70s, American teens went to college to “develop a more meaningful philosophy of life.” By 1980 this meaningful life nonsense was outpaced by another, more practical incentive: financial well-being. The trend has continued with Gen Z being perhaps the least fanciful generation in history. Their heads are out of the clouds and their feet are solidly on the ground. Humanities majors are down; business majors are up. Dreams are out; real life is in.

tax-paying citizens. Go ahead and turn that spare bedroom into a workout room because these kids won’t be back after college! Right?

If we’re living to 100, maybe we don’t need to get a job at 15, graduate college at 22, start a family at 25, and be retired by 65.

When I survey new students whom I counsel, What class do you wish you had in high school? I rarely see responses like sculpture, creative writing, video game design, extreme sports, or the life of Taylor Swift. Nope…. Personal finance is their top pick. That’s right. They want to learn how to balance a smart budget and do their taxes. These sound like the kids every parent hopes for: well-adjusted, independent,

Maybe not. Their slow-life strategy is causing them to put off adult life longer than previous generations. They may rely on their parents later into adulthood because it will take them longer to graduate (maybe with multiple degrees), get a job, buy a house, and get married. In fact, being in a committed relationship is less of a priority for Gen Z than it was for their parents, so they may very well stay attached to the families that raised them rather than raise their own.

So even though Gen Z talks about finance classes and adulting, sensing they need to know about these things, they feel underprepared for and stressed about the future, so they are clinging to what sound like safe plans. When a student tells me what they would love to do “just doesn’t pay well” it’s hard to

say how much parents, peers, and social media are influencing them, but it’s likely a combination of all of these. I can’t help but wonder if their bleak life goals are causing them to be less excited about the future. The class of 2024, heading to college this month, was the least excited to graduate and go off to university of any graduating class I’ve counseled. These are “good” kids. Instead of teens worrying about their parents catching them smoking pot or swearing, it seems to be parents who are worried about their teens catching them. But good isn’t the same as enthusiastic. Most of the high school students I work with are suffering from stress and anxiety, sometimes missing school for mental health reasons; they just want the world around them and the expectations put on them to slow down, to match their slow-life strategy. And maybe this isn’t such a bad thing; if we’re living to 100, maybe we don’t need to get a job at 15, graduate college at 22, start a family at 25, and be retired by 65.

After the initial scare of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, anxiety actually fell in the early days of summer that year. Everything slowed down; teens weren’t on the performance treadmill, trying to compete in what they perceived to be an increasingly competitive world. For a brief blip, the bar was lower, the pace was slower; they could just be for a minute. My most sincere hope is that we can give teens the gift of a slower pace and in doing so, grant them permission to dream again. Y

Reference: Twenge, Jean M., 1971- author. 2023. Generations: the real differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents--and what they mean for America’s future / Jean M. Twenge, PhD.

Alex Ellison runs a college and career guidance practice, Throughline Guidance, which serves clients around the globe. She writes and lectures extensively on the subject of careers and college readiness and has been a featured speaker at SXSWedu and TEDx. She is the author of Go Your Own Way: 7 Student-Centered Paths to the Best College Experience and the creator of the Go Your Own Way Student Archetype Quiz used in schools and by individuals to jump-start their college search. Her forthcoming book, Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Utilizing Your Innate Talents hits shelves in January 2025. She lives in Santa Cruz, California.

BERKELEY

School Admission Events

Bayhill High School 9-12

Open House

October 26, 2024 - RSVP

January 25, 2025 - RSVP 1940 Virginia Street www.bayhillhs.org

The Berkeley School PS - 8

Open House

October 2, 2024 - RSVP

November 6, 2024 - RSVP Virtual Open House

October 23, 2024 - RSVP

December 18, 2024 - RSVP 1310 University Ave www.theberkeleyschool.org

The Crowden School 3-8

Open House

October 20, 2024 @ 12:00pm Group Tours

October 16, 2024 @ 9:30am

October 29, 2024 @ 9:15am

November 11, 2024 @ 9:15am

December 4, 2024 @ 9:15am

December 13, 2024 @ 9:30am 1475 Rose Street www.crowden.org

Maybeck High School 9-12 Open House

November 2, 2024 @ 10:30 am 2727 College Ave www.maybeckhs.org

CASTRO VALLEY

Redwood Christian Schools

TK - 12

TK - 5th Info Night

September 26, 2024 @ 5:00 pm 4200 James Avenue www.rcs.edu

CONCORD

Orion Academy 9-12

Open House

November 2, 2024 @ 9:30 am 1868 Clayton Road www.orionacademy.org

DANVILLE

The Athenian School 6-12 Open House

October 27, 2024 - RSVP 2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd www.athenian.org

EMERYVILLE

East Bay German International School PS - 8

On Campus Open House

October 19, 2024 @ 10:00 am

January 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am

Online Info Session – Early Childhood

October 4, 2024 @ 9:00 am Online Info Session (K-5)

October 30, 2024 @ 9:00 am Online Info Session (6-8)

November 13, 2024 @ 7:00 pm

November 29, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 1070 41st Street www.ebgis.org

East Bay International High School 9-12

Online Information Session

September 16, 2024 @ 6:00 pm

In-Person Information Session

September 23, 2024 @ 9:40 am

Online Information Session

November 6, 2024 @ 6:00 pm 1070 41st Street www.ebgis.org

HAYWARD

Moreau Catholic High School 9-12

Open House

November 4, 2024 @ 9:00 am 27170 Mission Blvd www.moreaucatholic.org

LAFAYETTE

Bentley School 9-12

Upper School Open House

October 28, 2024 @ 12:00 pm 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road www.bentleyschool.org

The Springstone School 6-12 Open House

November 2, 2024 @ 10:00 am 1035 Carol Lane thespringstoneschool.org

MORAGA

The Saklan School - PS - 8

Virtual School Overview

September 17, 2024 @ 6:00 pm

Middle School In-Person Open House

October 4, 2024 @ 8:30 am

November 8, 2024 @ 8:30 am

Lower School Virtual Event

October 8, 2024 @ 12:00 pm

Early Childhood Virtual Event

November 19, 2024 @ 12:00 pm 1678 School St www.saklan.org

OAKLAND

Aurora School K-8 K-5 Tours

October 18, 2024 @ 8:45 am

November 8, 2024 @ 8:45 am

Middle School (6-8) Tours

October 17, 2024 @ 8:45 am

November 7, 2024 @ 8:45 am 40 Dulwich Road www.auroraschool.org

Bentley School K-8 K-8 Open House

November 2, 2024 @ 9:00 am

December 7, 2024 @ 9:00 am 1 Hiller Dr www.bentleyschool.org

Head-Royce K - 12

Lower School Open House

October 6, 2024 @ 1:00 pm

Middle School Open House

November 10, 2024 @ 1:00 pm

Upper School Open House

November 3, 2024 @ 1:00 pm 4315 Lincoln Ave www.headroyce.org

Holy Names High School 9-12

Open House

October 27, 2024 - RSVP 4660 Harbord Dr www.hnhsoakland.org

Redwood Day School K-8

Virtual Q&A

October 9, 2024 @ 9:00 am

October 23, 2024 @ 9:00 am

November 6, 2024 @ 9:00 am 3245 Sheffield Avenue www.rdschool.org

PIEDMONT

Corpus Christi School (K-8) Open House

October 8, 2024 @ 8:15 am

November 2, 2024 @ 8:15 am

December 3, 2024 @ 8:15 am

1 Estates Dr www.corpuschristischool.com

RICHMOND

Salesian College Prep. 9-12

Open House

October 20, 2024 @ 1:00 pm

Admissions Info Session

November 6, 2024 @ 6:30 pm 2851 Salesian Ave www.salesian.com

SAN FRANCISCO

The International School of San Francisco PK-12

PreK-K Open House

November 2, 2024 @ 10:00 am

High School Open House

September 15, 2024 @ 10:00 am

October 20, 2024 @ 10:00 am 150 Oak Street 1155 Page Avenue www.internationalsf.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 9-12

Parent Visits

September 4, 2024 @ 12:00 pm

Open House

October 26, 2024 @ 9:00 am 1055 Ellis St www.shcp.edu

WALNUT CREEK

Berean Christian HS 9-12

Open House

November 9, 2024 @ 10:00 am 245 El Divisadero Ave www.bereanchristian.org

The Seven Hills School PS - 8 Admissions Campus Tour K-8

September 24, 2024 @ 8:30 am

October 22, 2024 @ 8:30am 975 North San Carlos Drive www.sevenhillsschool.org

Check out more school open house events online at www.ParentsPress.comSelect School Open Houses

Don’t see your school’s event? You can post it online at the URL above.

Fearless, We COMMUNITY

2024 -2025

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child

Take the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish. The following articles are excerpts from the 2024/25 Annual Private School Guide produced by Parents’ Press, covering Why Consider a Private School, Private School Search and Information on Financial Assistance. Coming in October, the complete Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing tips, required testing information, and essay writing tips as well as the ins-and-outs of financial aid. There are school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools sorted by city. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler! Access the Annual Private School Guide for free at ParentsPress.com and tap the Our Magazines tab to view.

Why Consider a Private School?

Many parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. And while public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.

Private schools can also point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, STEM resources and

art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Private schools are often well-equipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.

There are two primary sorts of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools

August

(of the year before you want your child to attend)

• Define your ideal school

• Find schools that match your child’s needs

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

September

• Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies

• Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools

• Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online

• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying

• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments

• Register for any standardized tests required for admission

• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books

• Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available

Basic Timeline FOR APPLYING TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL

While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.

October

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply

• Take required standardized admission tests

November

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school

• Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays

December

• Continue to watch for any open house or school events of interest

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester

• Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays

• Note application deadlines. Some schools have December deadlines.

January

• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms

February

• Don’t miss deadlines: Many schools’ applications are due in February at the latest

• Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a student shadow day

March

• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

• Watch for financial aid decisions

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend

April

• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

• Notify schools that you applied to but decided not to attend

May to September

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students

East Bay Private Schools

Alameda

The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus

2226 Encinal Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus

2212 Pacific Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595

www.thechildunique.org

Coastline Christian Schools

1801 North Loop Road

Alameda • 510-522-0200

www.coastlinechristian.org

EnCompass Four Corners School 1828 Park St.

Alameda • 510-735-1501 www.encompass4corners.org

Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595

www.montessorielementaryalameda.org

Albany

Tilden Preparatory School

1231 Solano Ave.

Albany • 510-525-5506 www.tildenprep.com

Berkeley

The Berkeley School (K-8 Campus) 1310 University Ave

Berkeley • 510-665-8800 www.theberkeleyschool.org

Bayhill High School 1940 Virginia St

Berkeley • 510-984-0599 www.bayhillhs.org

Black Pine Circle School 2027 Seventh St

Berkeley • 510-845-0876 www.blackpinecircle.org

The Crowden School 1475 Rose St.

Berkeley • 510-559-6910 crowdenschool.org

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley 1009 Heinz Ave.

Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org

Maybeck High School

2727 College Ave.

Berkeley • 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org

Saint Mary’s College High School 1294 Albina Ave

Berkeley • 510-526-9242 www.saintmaryschs.org

as private, lumping them in with parochial and for-profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise, the application procedures are similar to independent schools.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits as outlined by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (www.issfba.org):

High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.

Small classes and individual attention. Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students.

Excellent teachers. Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.

Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal/ social growth and civic purpose. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.

Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family.

A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school for which the philosophy, values, and teaching style resonate with both you and your child. And most important: An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Y <<< Continued from

East Bay Private Schools

School of the Madeleine 1225 Milvia St Berkeley • 510-526-4744

www.themadeleine.com

Shu Ren International School - Berkeley Campus

2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899

www.shurenschool.com

Shu Ren International School - Berkeley Campus 1422 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley • 510-833-7789

www.shurenschool.com

Step One School 499 Spruce St. Berkeley • 510-527-9021

www.steponeschool.org

Castro Valley

Redwood Christian Schools Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526

www.rcs.edu

Concord

De La Salle High School 1130 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-288-8100 www.dlshs.org

East Bay Private Schools

Orion Academy

1868 Clayton Rd. Concord • 925-377-0789 www.orionacademy.org

Danville

Athenian School

2100 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Danville • 925-837-5375 www.athenian.org 6-12

Dublin

Quarry Lane School 6363 Tassajara Rd. Dublin • 925-829-8000 www.QuarryLane.org

El Cerrito

East Bay Montessori

7075 Cutting Blvd.

El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.eastbaymontessori.org

Prospect Sierra School 960 Avis Drive 2060 Tapscott Ave. El Cerrito • 510-809-9000 www.prospectsierra.org TK-8 All Gender 9:1 470

Emeryville

East Bay German International School 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org/

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional Grades 2-8

4550 San Pablo Ave. • Emeryville

PK - Grade 1 - See Oakland 510-652-7094 www.ebi.school

Hayward

California Crosspoint Academy 25500 Industrial Blvd

Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org

Lafayette

Bentley School

1000 Upper Happy Valley Road

Lafayette • 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org

The Springstone School 1035 Carol Lane

Lafayette • 925-962-9660 www.thespringstoneschool.org

Livermore

Valley Montessori School 1273 N Livermore Ave. Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.vmschool.org

8:1 K-3 11:1

K-8

Independent Special Needs Latin

Independent French, Spanish, Chinese Summer Programs

$46,500 - $54,000 FA Available WASC

$0-57,270 for day students $0-87,760 for boarding students CAIS, NAIS, WASC

$23,774-$47,065 WASC, NCPSA, NIPSA

Spanish, Mandarin

$27,900-$31,500 FA Available AMS, BAMA, ISSFBA, NAIS

Spanish TK: $27,710 ES: $34,300 MS: $38,865 FA Available

NAIS, POCIS, Green Ribbon School, Ashoka Change-maker School

IB World School, WASC, PASCH, WDA

CAIS, WASC, IBO

Montessori Curriculum

$38,700 6-8: $42,300 9-12: $55,800 FA Available

WASC, ISSFBA

$6,000 - $22,000 FA Available

CAIS, WASC, CA Green Business Cert.

East Bay Private Schools

Moraga

The Saklan School

1678 School St.

Moraga • 925-376-7900

www.saklan.org

Newark

Challenger School - Ardenwood

35487 Dumbarton Court

Newark • 510-739-0300

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark/ardenwood

Challenger School

39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark

Oakland

Aurora School

40 Dulwich Road

Oakland • 510-428-2606

www.auroraschool.org

Bentley School

1 Hiller Dr.

Oakland • 510-843-2512

www.bentleyschool.org

College Preparatory School

6100 Broadway

Oakland • 510-652-4364

www.college-prep.org

9-12 All Gender 8:1 650

English, Spanish, French, Mandarin,

East Bay Private Schools

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional

PK - Grade 1

410 Alcatraz Ave. • Oakland Grades 2-8 - See Emeryville 510-653-3324

www.ebi.school

Head-Royce School

4315 Lincoln Ave.

Oakland • 510-531-1300

www.headroyce.org

Holy Names High School

4660 Harbord Dr.

Oakland • 510-450-1110

www.hnhsoakland.org

Julia Morgan School for Girls

5000 MacArthur Blvd.

Oakland • 510-632-6000 www.juliamorganschool.org

Pacific Boychoir Academy 215 Ridgeway Ave.

Oakland • 510-652-4722

www.pacificboychoir.org

Park Day School 360 42nd St.

Oakland • 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org

Redwood Day 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland • 510-534-0800 rdschool.org

Pine Circle School

East Bay Private Schools

St. Paul’s Episcopal School 116 Montecito Ave. Oakland • 510-285-9617 www.spes.org

St. Theresa School

4850 Clarewood Drive Oakland • 510-547-3146 www.sttheresaschool.org

Piedmont

Corpus Christi School

1 Estates Drive

Piedmont • 510-530-4056 www.corpuschristischool.com

Pinole

St. Joseph School 1961 Plum St. Pinole • 510-724-0242 www.stjosephpinole.org

Richmond

Salesian College Preparatory

2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com

San Lorenzo

PRINT.pdf 1 8/7/24 4:32 PM

Mind & Heart

our Reggio-inspired Preschool and develop mental Kindergarten to our adventurous Lower School and hands-on Middle School, Seven Hills students are on a journey of curiosity and exploration, success and setbacks, awareness of self, and contribution to others. Join us for a tour to experience our community!

94598 (925) 933-0666 • sevenhillsschool.org

The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) offers exceptional academics and German immersion from preschool through grade 8. Our East Bay International High School (EBIHS) is a college preparatory high school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the gold standard in high school education, the IB is highly regarded by universities in the United States and worldwide.

We provide a dynamic learning environment and a truly global perspective, anchored by our European educational approach. Our small size and low student-teacher ratio (7:1) enable our highly trained international faculty to provide an individualized educational experience to each student.

Our International High School is open to all students in grades 9-12. EBIHS offers multiple language tracks with beginner to native-speaker-level language and literature courses in German, French, and Spanish as well as introductory Mandarin. All other EBIHS instruction is in English.

No knowledge of German is required for students entering our preschool or kindergarten, nor for our high school. Talk with us about individualized language support for elementary and middle school students.

East Bay Private Schools

Walnut Creek

Berean Christian High School

245 El Divisadero Avenue

Walnut Creek • 925-945-6464 www.bereanchristian.com

Contra Costa Christian Schools

2721 Larkey Lane

Walnut Creek • 925-934-4964 contracostachristianschools.org

Seven Hills School

975 N. San Carlos Drive

Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org

Sonder Creek Academy

860 Bancroft Road

Walnut Creek • 925-440-1244 sondercreekacademy.org

Tilden Preparatory School

1475 N. Broadway

Walnut Creek • 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com

San Francisco Private Schools

Alta Vista School

450 Somerset St. San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. For 85 years, we have delivered a high-quality, values-based education. Our school follows the four Dominican Pillars of Faith, Study, Community, and Service

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We are dedicated to the education of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our leadership is committed to academic excellence, spiritual development, and social justice.

We believe that every student is exceptional, and in the tradition of Catholic education, our mission is to help them become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens who care for one another. We welcome every family with open arms and invite you to learn more about our community.

In addition to our strong academic program, we offer music, band, Spanish, art, 1:1 iPads, tech lab, partner teachers, learning support, and after-care program.

Come see what we are all about! www.themadeleine.com

East Bay Private Schools

Cathedral School for Boys

1275 Sacramento St

San Francisco • 415-771-6600

www.cathedralschool.net

Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco

2222 Broadway and 1715 Octavia St

San Francisco • (415) 563-2900 www.sacredsf.org

The International School of San Francisco

150 Oak Street

San Francisco • 415-558-2022 www.frenchamericansf.org

KFS School

3140 Balboa Street

San Francisco • 415-525-4035

www.kfsschool.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 1055 Ellis St.

San Francisco • 415-772-6626

www.shcp.edu

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception 299 Precita Avenue San Francisco • 415-628-2008 www.saicsf.org

Principal: Barbara Moodie

A COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHER

Financial Aid:

BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

Every private school has its own policies about who receives financial aid, what types of aid are awarded, and how much aid a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.

HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

will receive a financial aid decision shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.

To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.

Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.

WHEN TO APPLY

Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.

Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.

Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the

school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org. Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.

Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.

Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.

Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you.

Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.

Reprinted with the permission from National Association of Independent Schools, nais.org.

Open House

October 19, 2024

January 25, 2025 10 am - 2 pm

High School Campus Visit

September 23, 2024 9:40 am

Online Info Sessions for all programs. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/ admissions/visit-us 1070 41st Street

Emeryville, CA 94608 (510) 380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org