East Bay Private School Guide 2021

EAST BAY GUIDE TO

PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2021/2022

Finding the Right School for Your Child From the publishers of

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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PS JOY Parents’ Press

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BEST OF WINNER

Prospect Sierra students engage in deep academic work, practice skills to hone greater self-knowledge, and demonstrate compassion and care for others. Immersed in a joyful school community, they develop a lifelong love of learning.

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Regional Guide to Private Schools Parents’ Press takes the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish.

contents 6

Why Consider Private School?

28 Tips for a

Great Essay

10 The Private 30 Interview School Search: Where to Start?

14 Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

A month-by-month guide to the application process

16 What to Expect

When Applying

18 Too Late

to Apply?

20 Shadow Days 22 Make the Most

of Your Campus Visit

26 Entrance

4

Exam 101

Preparation

32 Acceptance

and Decision

34 Financial Aid:

Basics You Need to Know

36 Myths About Financial Aid

42 Private School Profiles

70

Private School Listings

Designed and Published by

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Digital Content Editor | Katie McKean

Accreditation Mean?

Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com

79 Affiliation Key

Regional Guide to Private Schools is published annually by Parents’ Press. ©2021

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Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

5

Why Consider Private School?

M

any 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 studentteacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. 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 as private, lumping them in with parochial

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

Private schools can also point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. 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. >>>

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K-8 progressive education in Oakland‘s Temescal.

Parents’ Press

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parkdayschool.org (510) 653-0317

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Why Consider Private School? cont’d.

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 schools.

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

The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2019–2020 was 8.5 students to 1 teacher.

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 individually.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s or graduate degree education.

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.

Inclusiveness Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2019–20, students of color were 33 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally.

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 whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child. 

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Where You Belong!

VISIT. APPLY. CONNECT. Register Online Today | Salesian.com | 510.234.4433

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The Private School Search: Where to Start?

W

ith every private school brochure flashing standards imposed on public schools. photos of smiling students thriving in A simple way to begin thinking about which private science labs and onstage, it can be hard to school may be right for your child is to look at how the tell schools apart.Though on closer look, each school school is structured. For example, some schools do not has its own personality, spanning a wider range of assign homework and others group different grades educational styles and often offering smaller classes together in one classroom. By doing this step, it is easy than public schools. to rule out schools that are not of interest.

Some schools follow distinct It’s time to start thinking about An easy, simple way educational philosophies like fall of 2022 if your child is about to to begin thinking Waldorf or Montessori. Others begin her last year of preschool or focus on music, offer a girlsis in fifth or eighth grade. Starting about which private only student body, a year-round a year before you actually need to school may be right for can help relieve anxiety as well as schedule, or teach their curriculum your child is to look exclusively in French. There give you time to do your research. are schools with impressive The timeline for what can be a at how the school is art, sports, drama, and science rigorous search for private schools structured. programs. Some are K–5 or K–8, begins with open house events and others only grades 6–8, and still others are K–12. All tours starting in September; applications in December of these schools have the luxury of complete freedom and January; and acceptance or rejection letters in in designing curriculum to fit the school’s philisophy early March. The sooner you can start checking out because they are not subject to the state testing schools that interest you, the better, whether those schools are independent or parochial. >>> 10

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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Educating Global Citizens The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is a dual-language immersion school offering preschool through high school programs. Our integrated curriculum combines bilingual German and English instruction with project-based learning and a cross-cultural experience. We offer exceptional academics, a diverse international perspective, and a vibrant community of students, parents and teachers.

No prior knowledge of German is needed to join our Preschool and Kindergarten programs.

Students need not be fluent in German to join our Elementary and Middle Schools. Talk to us about individualized language support.

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We prioritize in-person instruction with rigorous health and safety measures.

Open House October 30, 2021 January 22, 2022 10 am - 3 pm Online Info Sessions are offered for all programs.

Register at: https://www.ebgis.org/ admissions/visit-us 1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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The Private School Search: Where to Start? cont’d.

Parents who have been through the process before recommend the following combination of first steps: • Look hard at your finances to see what kind of tuition your household is willing to handle. Find out if there are extra costs for books, computers, or after-school care, and if the school offers financial aid.

• Weed out schools that won’t work because of things like location or early start times.

• Learn basic facts like the number of students enrolled and student-teacher ratio.

• Consider your child’s particular learning style by consulting with current teachers (from preschool or day care, for example).

• Think about your family’s educational philosophy.

Ask how students are tested, and how teachers convey expectations, teach classes and administer grades.

• Make a list of what matters most to you and your child. Perhaps it’s that the school is diverse, emphasizes the arts, has a grassy play area or a dance studio. It could also be that your child needs before-school care, elementary grades only, or an alternative learning environment.

• Talk to families whose children already attend those schools. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask 12

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

other families what unique programs their children have benefitted from.

• If your child is entering kindergarten and has a fall birthday, research schools’ age cutoffs. Private schools usually prefer that children turn five before entering kindergarten. Some use cutoff dates as early as June 1st.

• Once you’ve got a list of schools to check out, create a list of admission event dates, application and financial assistance registration deadlines.

As parents move through this lengthy process, they should reflect on the desires, needs, and learning styles of their child. This process is different depending on the child’s age. There are things that are clear about a fifth-grader (like how they handle homework and social conflict, whether they favor sports or the arts) that aren’t evident yet with a preschooler. Parents of eighthgraders have the easiest and the hardest time with this.

While it’s easier for the parents of a middle-schooler to pinpoint the social tendencies and learning style of their 13-year-old, that teenager often has thoughts of her own about which school to attend.

The school search process can be a stressful one.

However, with some advance preparation and clear goals, it doesn’t have to be onerous. You might even gain some new insight into yourself and your child along the way.  www.ParentsPress.com

Be curious. Be inspired. Be yourself.

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A month-by-month guide to the application process.

Basic Timeline

Although not every school follows the exact schedule, many follow similar timetables for admission. The following is a timeline to help you in the admissions process.

Many schools are offering both virtual and in-person admissions events.

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, look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies. ❑ Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online. ❑ Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assitance 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 testpreparation books.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

❑ Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”.

OCTOBER

❑ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests. ❑ Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open houses, information sessions, and 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. ❑ Continue to watch for admission events you may want to attend. ❑ Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school. ❑ Start working on applications, financial assitance forms, student questionnaires, and essays.

www.ParentsPress.com

for Applying

to a Private School

DECEMBER

MARCH

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

❑ Watch for financial assitance decisions about this same time.

❑ Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc.

Some application materials are due as early as December.

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

❑ Continue to watch for any admission or school events of interest.

JANUARY

❑ Pay attention to deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in January or February, along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial assitance forms. ❑ Financial assitance applications are normally due in January or February.

FEBRUARY

❑ For schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications. ❑ Re-visit schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already.

❑ Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March.

APRIL

❑ Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits.

MAY TO SEPTEMBER

❑ Attend events and activities for new parents and students during spring and summer. ❑ Get to know other families in the school. ❑ Sign up for fall sports and clubs.

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

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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What to Expect When Applying to Private School

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our first step is to research and visit schools, ideally starting the search at least a year before you plan to submit the application for your child.

It takes time to determine which school is the best fit for your child. Navigating the application process can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting. Here are tips on how to get your child into the right school.

• After creating your short list of schools, call or email the school’s admissions office to find out about open house events, school tours, private visits, or other events that will allow you to get to know the school as best as possible.

The school’s admissions office will also tell you about application requirements, including deadlines and costs.

While each school has its own criteria for admitting students, the typical application package involves: • A completed application form, usually available from the school’s website, and application fee.

• Parent or guardian statements.

• A transcript of your child’s grades from her current school.

• Results from standardized tests or a schooladministered test. For middle school grades and above, the most common tests are: The Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE; the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT; the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools.

Depending on the grade to which you are applying, some schools might also ask for: • Student writing samples.

• Student portfolios.

• A formal interview, though for elementary school students, the interview more often consists of a teacher observation or individual or group-administered diagnostic tests.

School admissions officers are there to help you complete your applications in a timely manner. They also want to make sure that the process is a positive >>>

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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BENTLEY SCHOOL

WE CHALLENGE STUDENTS To Think Beyond Themselves

At Bentley, students develop deep intellectual curiosity and profound awareness of their responsibilities as citizens. Though each will embark on a unique path, every graduate shares the knowledge that they can make a difference in the world of tomorrow.

LEARN MORE AT:

bentleyschool.org/admissions K-8 Campus, Oakland 510-843-2512 www.ParentsPress.com

9-12 Campus, Lafayette 925-900-4038 Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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What to Expect When Applying cont’d. experience for you and your child and that there is a good match between your child and the school.

Try to avoid:

• Don’t miss application deadlines. But if you do, some schools have rolling admissions and admit students throughout the school year. 

• While admissions officers want to be helpful, don’t call too often, overload them with additional information about your child, or try to impress them with your business or social contacts.

• Don’t jump on the bandwagon of applying to a school just because your child’s peers are applying.

Similarly, don’t just apply to a school because it is one of the “top” schools in the area and boasts of its graduates who go to the Ivies. Be realistic about your child’s strengths, interests, and personality.

Apply to schools which are a good fit for your child.

• Don’t shy away from disclosing vital information about your child or family—notably about any special academic needs your child has or about your family’s financial need for tuition help.

While most private schools cannot afford to meet the academic and financial needs of all students they would like to admit, you won’t increase your child’s chances of acceptance by failing to be upfront about certain information. And, if the school turns your child down for any special issues, it’s likely the school was not a good fit.

Too Late to Apply?

Don’t give up on a school if you’ve missed the admissions deadline.

“F

inding a school that will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done,” says Private School Review, an online site, www.privateschoolreview. com, that profiles private schools. “ You suddenly decide in late winter or early spring that you want to get your child into a private school for fall. Or a job transfer makes finding a private school in a hurry an absolute necessity. So, are you indeed too late? It depends.”

First, contact the school’s admissions office, state your case, and see how school officials respond. Some schools have flexible or rolling admissions and accept students as long as the school enrollment roster has room, and some schools create waitlists when full. There is a chance that an accepted student may withdraw or cancel, creating an available spot at the last minute.

The bottom line? “Ask anyway. You never know, and it never hurts to ask,” Private School Review advises. 

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CCA now offers Preschool to 12th grade

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19

Shadow Days

A

fter all the open house events, information nights, school tours, and interviews, the best way for kids to evaluate a school is to spend a day on campus. This year schools aree being ceative to allow for safe shadow experiences. Prospective students are matched up with a current student for an individual tour.

If school is in session, they go to classes, share time during breaks and lunch, and get an insider’s tour of the campus, experiencing firsthand what it feels like to be a student at that school.

Things to know: • Typically, shadow days can be scheduled anytime from October to May. • Visitors are often required to respect the school dress code.

• Visiting students are usually allowed to shadow a current student they already know, as long as the request is made in advance.

• If prospective students do not know any current students, the school will assign one based on interests in academics, extracurricular activities, etc.

• Shadow days are just for students; no parents allowed. 

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Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Y

ou’ve looked at the websites, glanced through the glossy brochures, and even heard friends talk glowingly—or not—about the private schools on your short list. Now it’s time to actually set foot on campus. More than anything else, visiting the school— seeing the classrooms, walking around the grounds, and talking to faculty and students—will give you and your child the best sense of whether this is the best environment for your child to learn and thrive.

Because the visit is so crucial to deciding on your child’s school, you should make the most of the opportunity. Private school experts offer these suggestions for what to ask about, look for, and consider before, during, and after the visit.

• Do some pre-visit research. Read up on the school’s history, educational philosophy, and accomplishments. Ask for information about student-teacher ratios, teacher experience, arts classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities, special programs for students needing academic support, and expectations for parental involvement. Decide ahead of time if there are specific classrooms, facilities, or departments that you or your child want to visit.

• If possible, visit on a regular school day, arrange to observe a classroom, and stay to sample a school lunch.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

• General impressions count, but so do the details.

Take note of what the grounds and classrooms are like, but also pay attention to specifics: are the bathrooms clean; do staff seemed organized and ready for your visit; what library, science, and technology resources does the school offer?

• In the classrooms or on the playground, notice if the students look engaged and well-behaved, including when they transition from one activity or classroom to another. How do students interact with their teachers? Do the teachers seem cheerful and knowledgeable? How do the teachers manage the classrooms or handle discipline?

• Talk to as many teachers and students as possible.

Find out about homework policies and workloads, the social environment, and opportunities to do arts, sports, and other nonacademic activities.

• If the school offers shadow-a-student day for interested students, your child has the opportunity to ask questions of potential schoolmates more freely than if you’re around.

• After you and your child finish the visit, jot down your general impressions before leaving.Try to imagine your child in one of the classrooms, or walking the halls. How does that idea look and feel?

Remember gut feelings can be important, too. 

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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.

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!

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Alameda, CA (510) 995-9458 WWW.SJND.ORG

When you're here, you're home www.ParentsPress.com

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Entrance Exam 101

M

ost private schools require students entering middle and high school to take an entrance exam to gain admission to their institutions.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, the most commonly accepted standardized tests are the Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE, and the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools. Another often recognized and accepted test is the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT. The ISEE and SSAT tests are to middle and high school what the SAT or ACT is to college. They are administered independently at a set time at a specific location with results sent to designated schools.

Often schools schedule these tests on their own campuses, and individual entrance requirements usually specify which test to take. The HSPT, however, does not coordinate national testing days, and test administration is the responsibility of individual schools or dioceses, which determine when to offer the HSPT. Now, all three tests offer at home options. These organizations provide students a secure computerbased testing option to be taken at home when group testing isn’t available.

On these exams, students can expect multiplechoice questions that test verbal, math, and reading comprehension skills and a portion that assesses writing ability (though not part of the HSPT). Policies vary according by test on taking practice tests and repeated test attempts. The test results often determine course placement, so more schools have begun to offer preparation test programs to better equip entering students for the real thing. Schools may have 26

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

additional or different requirements for international students.

ISEE

Source: www.iseetest.org LOWER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades five and six.

MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades seven and eight (Middle); candidates for grades nine through 12 (Upper).

HSPT

Source: www.ststesting.com FOR Students in grade eight for placement in ninth grade.

SSAT

Source: www.ssat.org

The SSAT is a multiple-choice test designed for students in grades three through 11 and is administered on three levels: elementary, middle, and upper.

ELEMENTARY LEVEL SSAT FOR Students in grades three and four.

MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT Standard Test (group administered on eight Saturdays), Flex Test (group or individual administered on a different date), Regional Flex Test or Open Flex Test (regional consortia administered).

FOR Students in grades 5–7 (Middle) and grades 8–11 (Upper). 

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27

Tips for a Great Essay

A

pplication essays provide ways for private school admissions officers to get to know students beyond their grades, test scores, and basic biographical information. They provide insight into a student’s personality and interests—to help determine if the school is the right fit for your child and vice versa.

Aside from the interview, writing the essay can be one of the most stress-producing steps in the application process. These suggestions from private school organizations can break the task of writing the essay into manageable steps that guide your child to crafting a work that makes him stand out to admissions officers.

READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY Don’t write a two-sentence essay if the school asks for one page, but don’t write more than one page. And, don’t turn in a typed essay if the school wants it handwritten.

TELL THE SCHOOL WHAT IT WANTS TO KNOW Schools often provide an essay prompt, so you need to respond to it. That said, the prompts—such as “recount some activity or event that challenged you in a positive way”—usually allow the applicant lots of leeway to write about a range of topics.

START EARLY Do not wait until the night before the application is due to begin writing. Brainstorm and work out ideas with teachers, parents, or others early and give yourself time for revisions.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

TELL A STORY While the essay should have correct spelling and grammar and be legible, it doesn’t have to follow the academic essay formula. A good strategy is to tell a story—even filled with dialogue or vivid description— to get your point across.

BE REAL Don’t write what you think an admissions officer wants to hear—because you really have no idea. Write about what you know and what excites you.

GET CREATIVE If you are an aspiring writer, for example, ask the school if you can write in verse, instead of the usual narrative.

BE CONCRETE Stay away from generalizations, such as “singing by myself in front of my school was challenging.” Instead, provide details or an example of how and why you were scared before that solo singing performance and felt triumphant afterwards.

PARENTS, THIS MUST BE YOUR CHILD’S WORK While, as parents, you can provide feedback and help with editing, let your child do all the writing. If you can’t help but get overly involved, consider asking a neutral third party—a teacher, another relative, or a professional consultant—to help your child edit her essay.  www.ParentsPress.com

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29

Interview Preparation When students are old enough to be the key subject of interviews, they should be prepared to answer typical questions, such as: • Tell me about yourself: Help your child come up with an answer that doesn’t recite biographical facts but describes his interests and strengths in certain academic areas or extracurricular activities and allows him to talk up his accomplishments.

• Why do you want to come to this school? The school wants to find out if the child understands what makes the school unique and whether he sees it as a match for his own personality, academic strengths, interests, and aspirations. So, hopefully, during visits, or in talking to students and faculty, your child has encountered programs or a learning environment that excites him.

T

he idea of your child having to interview to gain admission to a private school sounds downright terrifying. But private school experts say you shouldn’t think of the interview as a high-stakes interrogation. Rather, think of the interview as a two-way conversation that helps everyone involved— school staff, parents, and child—determine if the school is the right fit for your child.

The structure of the interview also depends on the school and your child’s age. Typically, the applicant and her family come to the school to look around and talk with an admissions officer or other school staff.

The staff might focus on talking with the parents, but with older children and high school students, an admissions officer might speak privately with the child in a formal or more casual situation.

Given that the interview is an important part of the application process, and in determining if this school is the best place to educate your child, here are some things you and your child should prepare for so the interview will go well, according to the National Association of Independent Schools and other private school organizations.

With younger kids, the school staff will mostly talk to the parents, asking them to describe their child and what they hope their child will gain by attending this school.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

• Talk about subjects or teachers you like: Help your child figure out certain coursework that has recently engaged him, such as a certain book in English class or a social studies field trip to see Egyptian mummies at a museum.

Given that the interview is also a chance for you and your child to learn more about the school, help your child prepare to ask questions. Look at the school’s website or think back to visits and help him come up with a list of questions that reflects how the school might nurture his interests. “Will I be able to do dissections in sixth-grade biology?”“Can I audition for school plays in ninth grade?”“What about your study trips overseas?”“What are different ways I can fulfill my community service requirements?” The admissions officers will likely see your child’s curiosity as evidence of his interest in coming to the school.

Parents and students should always be honest, experts say. But that doesn’t mean you should accentuate your child’s weaknesses, provide too much information about family challenges, or bad-mouth your child’s current school, even if this current school environment is mostly negative and the reason he’s trying to change schools.

Instead, accentuate the positive: A child’s weakness or a family’s challenges are things he is working to overcome; or his current school simply isn’t the right fit for his unique needs and interests.  www.ParentsPress.com

Where students are engaged, respected, and empowered.

The mission of Redwood Christian Schools is to equip students for daily living and eternal life.

www.rcs.edu/admissions/visit-us

www.ParentsPress.com

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The Acceptance and Decision

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he application is completed, interviews and shadow • Ask to talk to some teachers. days all done—all that’s left is waiting for the • Talk to graduates or current families of the acceptance letter (or email) and then the big school—especially any who have come from your decision. Usually, acceptance (or rejection or waitlist) child’s current school. notifications go out on a Friday in mid-March, and • Encourage your child to talk to other students. families then have seven days to decide where their child will attend. So how to make the decision?

ONCE YOU DECIDE When you learn about your child’s acceptance, you • Be sure to contact the school you choose by the will also learn about financial assistance awards. If the reply deadline. grant you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are • Let all schools where you were admitted know not awarded any financial assitance, contact the school’s of your final decision so they can contact other financial assitance officer to learn about other options. families on their wait list.

The following are tips on choosing a school from the • Return your signed enrollment contract and National Association of Independent Schools. tuition deposit.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE ACCEPTED IF YOU’RE WAITLISTED • If you’re certain about the school, say yes—but feel free to take the full seven days to sit with the decision • Call the school right away and let admissions to make sure it feels right. officials know that you are very interested. Stay in touch with them throughout the summer. SomeDECIDING ON A SCHOOL times children can be accepted off the waitlist just • Discuss the options as a family. days before school begins.

• Make a pro and con list for each possible school.

IF YOU’RE REJECTED • Revisit your notes from tours and open houses. Follow • Consider other schools. your heart. Revisit your wish list to make sure you’ve fulfilled your priorities. Be sure that your child will thrive • Ask the school for feedback about what factors in the school community you choose. made the difference. Try to approach the issue in a nonjudgmental way; tell the admissions staff you IF YOU ARE NOT SURE want to get information that can help your child • Consider a second visit to the school; have your child do better in the future.  do a shadow day if she hasn’t already.

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Financial Assistance: Basics You Need to Know WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? Monetary assistance that schools provide to reduce educational costs to families. Most financial aid takes the form of grants that do not need to be paid back.

WHERE DOES FINANCIAL AID COME FROM? Most aid is provided directly from the school and distributed on the basis of financial need.

WHAT DOES “FINANCIAL NEED” MEAN? Need is the difference between educational expenses—especially tuition and fees—and your family’s ability to pay those expenses.

HOW DO SCHOOLS DETERMINE FINANCIAL NEED? They ask you to fill out financial statements that give them a picture of how much you can afford to contribute toward education. After calculating the difference between your resources and their tuition and fees, they weigh the resulting financial need against their available financial aid funds and their policies.

WHAT IS THE INCOME LEVEL AT WHICH A FAMILY IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR AID? There is no specific income limit. If you feel you 34

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

cannot pay all the costs yourself, it’s worth the effort to ask whether aid is available.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE USUALLY LIKE? Be sure to ask each school for its unique deadlines. For schools that do not have rolling admissions, here are some approximate dates that many schools tend to follow: • Sept. or Oct. in the year before you want to start in the new school: Begin your school search.

• Nov. or Dec.: Begin the financial aid application process.

• Jan. or early Feb.: Your admission applications are due.

• Jan. or Feb.: Your financial aid applications are due.

• Late Feb. or early March: Schools send out admission decisions.

• March or April: Schools send out financial aid decisions.

(Bay Area schools often include this information with the acceptance letter.)

Again: Contact individual schools for exact deadlines.

Each school’s deadlines may be different.  Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org. www.ParentsPress.com

Open House October 16 and November 6, 2021

A learning environment that fosters:

Agency • Belonging • Competencies To learn more, please call 510-430-2053 or visit https://www.millscollegechildrensschool.org/ 5000 Macarthur Blvd • Oakland www.ParentsPress.com

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Myths About Financial Assistance MYTH: An independent school education is out of reach for all but wealthy families.

REALITY: Tuition can be expensive. But hundreds of private schools offer financial assistance to make sure that the students they’ve admitted have a realistic chance to enroll, no matter what their families’ financial status.

MYTH: All schools our child applies to will offer our family the same financial aid package.

REALITY: How much assistance you receive may vary a lot from school to school. The amount a school can offer depends on factors such as the size of its endowment, its tuition costs, and its philosophy about providing aid. If your decision to send your child to an independent school depends on getting some financial help, it pays to apply for aid at more than one school.

MYTH: The deadlines for admission and financial aid are the same.

REALITY: Often the deadlines are not the same. Check with each school (the deadlines are usually on the school’s website), and be sure to keep track of what you must do when. Do not wait to begin the financial aid process until after you receive an admission decision. It pays to complete both admission and financial aid applications at the same time, even if they’re due on different dates; plus many schools require that they be done at the same time.

MYTH: The financial aid application process is complicated.

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REALITY: There’s some truth to this one, but schools’ financial aid offices are working hard to make the process as clear and convenient as possible. More than 2,100 schools use SSS, School and Student Services by NAIS, to help them make financial aid decisions. This means you may only have to fill out one form to apply for financial aid at several schools. The form and instructions are available online. In addition, many schools offer financial aid workshops, and staffers welcome your calls any time you have questions.

MYTH: If we tell the school our family needs financial aid, this might hurt our child’s chances of being admitted.

REALITY: The typical school will not reject a qualified student’s admission application because the child is applying for financial aid. That said: Admission is not a guarantee that the student’s family will receive financial aid. The amount of aid depends on the family’s eligibility and the funds the school has available.

MYTH: It’s too intimidating to talk to the school about our private financial matters.

REALITY: The school is your very best source of realistic information about the procedures and timelines for getting aid and of advice about the types of financial assistance available. The members of the financial aid staff want you to turn to them for help. Really.  Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org. www.ParentsPress.com

Start Early. Start Right.

Visit ChallengerSchool.com to learn more.

10 Bay Area locations © 2020, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

Serving Preschool Through 8th Grade in the East Bay Since 1962 A Seven Hills education is based on the whole child philosophy, as we educate not just the mind but the heart, and attend to the entirety of the student experience. From our Reggioinspired Preschool and developmental Kindergarten, to our adventurous Lower School classes and hands-on Middle School program, Seven Hills students are on a journey of curiosity and exploration, success and setbacks, awareness of self and contribution to others.

Sign up for a tour on our website and see our community in action! www.sevenhillsschool.org | 925-933-0666 975 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek At the edge of Heather Farm Park

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Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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Inspiring students through fearless learning, service, and diversity.

St. K-8 school school located locatedsteps stepsfrom fromLake LakeMerritt.

Merritt.

St.Paul’s Paul’sin is an an independent independent K-8 Info sessions weekly • 510-285-9617 • www.spes.org Tours weekly • 510-285-9617 • www.spes.org

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www.ParentsPress.com

An Athenian education prepares students for a life of purpose and personal fulfillment 75-acre campus of rolling, oak-covered hills lies at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA just 32 miles East of San Francisco. Athenian buses transport students to and from many East Bay communities.

Join us at an Open House: Middle – Nov 13 or Jan 8 | Upper – Nov 14 or Jan 9

Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

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

Every person is unique. Our Mission is to provide for each student, the most effective, personalized, vibrant, human, compelling and engaging learning environment possible.

Engaging students in grades 8 -12

5951-B College Ave | Oakland, CA 94618 | 510-345-3000 www.MentoringAcademy.org www.ParentsPress.com

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Fearless, W

EXCEL

Find out more a 40

Guide to Private Schools

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at shcp.edu/visit

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SCHOOL PROFILES

The Renaissance International School

The Renaissance International School: Beyond the Expected Founded in 1992, The Renaissance International School (TRIS) is a Montessori School with campuses in Oakland and Piedmont for students age two years old through middle school.

An International Community Our faculty and student body are a diverse, international community consisting of numerous countries, ethnic groups, and religions. We teach students to be independent thinkers who conduct their own research, and are proficient in written and spoken communication. Our students learn to think, not simply to memorize, feedback, and forget.

We know there are many ways that each student learns best, and we are flexible and creative in addressing students’ individual learning styles.

Global Citizens We aspire to produce the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and lifelong learners by providing an environment where children become responsible, capable, creative, confident, and compassionate.

Successful Graduates Graduates attend The College Preparatory School, Bishop O’Dowd, Bentley School, Lick-Wilmerding, Oakland Tech, Head Royce, and other excellent Bay Area schools.

Contact us to schedule a tour: Tours@therenaissanceschool.org, or visit our website to register.

Music, Art, Tri-Lingual Immersion In addition to the full substance of a traditional curriculum, our program includes exceptional visual arts and music programs as well as outdoor education and international travel.

In our language immersion program students become fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English, French, and Spanish under the guidance of native speakers.

Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Avenue | 510-531-8566 Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Boulevard | 510-328-1127 www.therenaissanceschool.org 42

Guide to Private Schools

Lic# 010214382

Prospect Sierra gives students the tools to build a better world, by integrating rigorous academics with a deep understanding of human emotions.

Everyday our talented teachers help students connect academic experiences with ideals like ethics and empathy. The result is deeper intellectual engagement, greater self-knowledge, and compassionate relationships. Prospect Sierra students emerge with the courage to be great people, not just great students.

At Prospect Sierra we are leading the conversation about the link between intellectual and emotional learning. Prospect Sierra faculty regularly present at national conferences on best practices in education, equity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and more.

Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences, critical thinking, and creative collaboration. Our project-based curriculum combines academics and arts with social-emotional learning, service, innovative technology, and an emphasis on equity and inclusion. This integrated approach encourages students to make connections between their learning at school and their growing awareness with the outside world.

SCHOOL PROFILES

Prospect Sierra School

Prospect Sierra is an independent TK-8 school of 470 students. Our two spacious campuses are located in El Cerrito, with shuttle transportation to Berkeley and Oakland.

Contact the admissions office at admissions@ prospectsierra.org to learn more!

Elementary School (TK-4) 2060 Tapscott Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 510.809.9018 Middle School (5-8) 960 Avis Drive, El Cerrito, CA 94530 510.809.9025

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF WINNER

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) offers a PK-8 multilingual, international education that inspires students to engage with a changing global world with both character and empathy.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) certified school in the heart of the East Bay, EBI's program is designed to prepare students to actively engage with a changing world.

At EBI, pre-kinder to grade 8 students learn in an immersive Spanish language environment, where they begin their journey of cultural awareness and develop fluency in a language other than English. With the addition of Mandarin in 3rd grade, students expand their cultural and linguistic competencies. Bilingual graduates of EBI have basic conversational skills in Mandarin and are fully literate in both Spanish and English.

EBI’s new Spanish Language Acquisition Track in the Middle School allows students with little to no Spanish also engage in an immersive Spanish language environment through accelerated Spanish language classes and attending physical education and art as an immersion experience in Spanish.

examiner. "EBI is one of four independent schools in the United States that provides a PK-8 IB education in a Spanish-English immersion program and the only one in the Bay Area,” said Dr. Clark. “We often hear that the world is becoming a smaller place as a result of globalization. I firmly believe that as the world continues to become smaller, EBI becomes bigger, stronger, and more relevant because of its mission and core values.”

We invite you to join us virtually on an upcoming tour, Information Session and a Diversity Reception.

We also welcome families to virtually join our free Spanish Story time (Cuenta cuentos) every second Saturday of the month, one of our many enrichment courses or participate in one of our school year or summer camps.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Sara Varela-Acevedo admissions@ebinternacional.org

Equally important, EBI students have an awareness of their role as a member of the global community. From that awareness, our students are positioned to transform the world. EBI develops students with a lifelong love of learning, which translates to a lifetime of opportunity.

Dr. Paola Clark, EBI’s Head of School, understands the value of language immersion education and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, as an alumna, educator, administrator and IB 410 Alcatraz Ave • Oakland • CA • 94609 • 510-653-3324 www.ebi.school 44

Guide to Private Schools

Bentley School is a vibrant, intellectually curious community where students are taught how to think rather than what to think. Our motto, Scire Desidero: “I desire to know”, is evidenced throughout our Kindergarten through Grade 12 experience. Students seek to understand the world, others, and themselves through a dynamic program that ignites learning through inquiry.

During their time at Bentley, students are challenged and supported by their peers, administration and faculty, all of whom value and respect diverse perspectives. While each will embark on a unique path, every graduate is prepared and committed to make a positive contribution wherever their interests and skills may lead.

Lower School (Grades K-5): “I desire to know the world.”

In a nurturing, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate program, the foundation for academic and personal success is set by helping students develop both a deep knowledge base and healthy social and emotional growth. Faculty individualize teaching, using a combination of direct instruction, independent practice, hands-on learning, and cooperative group work to ensure each student's intellectual growth and reasoning. In addition to establishing an important academic foundation for our youngest learners, we are committed to providing students with wide exposure to art, fitness, music, and world languages.

SCHOOL PROFILES

Bentley School

grade year confident and well prepared to meet the challenges of the strong academic program at the Upper School.

Upper School (Grades 9-12): “I desire to know myself.”

Students work with their advisors to choose from academically challenging courses and co-curricular opportunities to comprise an individually tailored program of study that hones their ability to collaborate, problem solve, adapt, initiate, analyze, and imagine. The Upper School curriculum and graduation requirements align with and exceed recommendations of the University of California's A-G requirements.

Academically enthusiastic, personally principled, and intellectually vibrant, Bentley School graduates bring their love of learning and personal integrity to college, professional and graduate schools, their workplaces, and beyond. To learn more, visit www.bentleyschool. org.

Join us for an upcoming Open House!

October 2, 2021 November 6, 2021 December 4, 2021 Visit bentleyschool.org/admissions to learn more.

Middle School (Grades 6-8): “I desire to know others.”

Students move from a single-teacher classroom structure to a multi-classroom, multi-teacher model.

As students grow into early adolescence, they learn skills to progress from concrete to analytical thinkers.

Teachers encourage students to think abstractly and develop excellent communication skills with handson projects, open-ended questions, and challenging problems. Students learn to think mathematically, scientifically, and creatively and leave their 8th-

K-8 Campus in Oakland 510-843-2512 | 9-12 Campus in Lafayette 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

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acred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a Lasallian Vincentian Catholic, college preparatory high school located in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural center. We are dedicated to the intellectual and academic excellence of our students, and we strive to develop the unique talents and passions of each individual. Our devotion is illustrated in our enthusiastic and highly educated teachers, commitment to service and social justice, innovative curriculum and cutting-edge classroom technology. SHC Alumni are accepted into hundreds of colleges across the country, including all of US News & World Report’s Top 10 National Universities.

At SHC, academic excellence is not only measured in the range and quality of our courses, but in our students’ curiosity, drive and desire to learn. We challenge our students to stretch themselves, to experience and learn as much as they can, to honor their passions and develop their talents, to generously share those talents, to become their best selves.

Students and their families choose SHC for the strength of our academics, our diverse array of cocurricular opportunities, and for the warmth of our inclusive and nurturing community.

To schedule a tour, contact Director of Admissions Tim Burke ’70 at tburke@shcp.edu or 415.775.6626 ext. 729.

We believe that academic, intellectual, emotional, personal and creative development invigorates the whole student. Our cocurricular programs are essential, not extra, elements to the student experience at SHC. Our students excel on the field, onstage and as leaders in our community, just as they do in the classroom. Our state-ofthe-art facilities allow students to engage in a collaborative learning experience, and our successful Bring Your Own Device program gives students the autonomy to use the tools most relevant to them in a digitally diverse and everchanging world.

1055 Ellis St. | San Francisco, CA 94109 | 415.775.6626 shcp.edu 46

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Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF WINNER

Park Day School provides a strong academic foundation where students learn by doing and are encouraged to follow their own curiosity. With a focus on developing intrinsic motivation, Park Day’s robust interdisciplinary academic program includes an emphasis on social justice and social emotional learning. Classes are designed to prepare students to be informed, courageous, and compassionate people who shape a more equitable and sustainable world while nurturing a love of learning.

Language Arts at Park Day focuses on empowering students to read, write, listen, speak, and defend their ideas. We strive to foster intellectually curious, independent thinkers who use literacy to make sense of the world.

Mathematics at Park Day cultivates a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, instills proficiency with key core skills, and develops student ability to solve complex and novel problems. Students are encouraged to find multiple ways to solve problems and build more flexible and efficient ways to solve increasingly complex problems.

Spanish, the innovation workshop, art, music, learning garden, and physical education are all key parts of the Park Day program. As a progressive school, Park Day strives to create an environment where students can dream big, take risks, and innovate. Teachers measure and document student growth on an ongoing basis across subject areas. Embedded within a social and emotional framework, assessments ensure each student gets the support and guidance needed to build on past successes.

Take a virtual tour of campus or sign up to visit Park Day School in person parkdayschool.org

Science at Park Day explores biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, and engineering. Specific study areas are assessed and selected using personal relevance to students’ daily lives, local and global events, the availability of local resources and field trip opportunities.

Social Studies at Park Day revolves around two core standing inquiries: “What do we think we know?” and “what can we learn from history and different cultures?” Teachers integrate significant world events to inform Social Studies content, being mindful of age appropriate stages of development across the grades.

360 42nd St. | Oakland, CA 94609 | 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org Guide to Private Schools

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Park Day School

SCHOOL PROFILES

Salesian College Preparatory

Educational Model The Salesian College Preparatory (SCP) educational model serves to create a caring, loving, and nurturing environment where the young of all faiths can learn (school), grow in faith (church), feel a sense of belonging (home), and ultimately be happy (playground). The students are always at the center of all we do at Salesian, as “Education is a matter of the heart.” St. John Bosco Robust Transportation Program Our transportation program plays an important role in getting many of our students to and from school. Salesian offers van service throughout the East Bay including Berkeley, Oakland, Fairfield, Benicia, Vallejo, Hercules, Pinole, Concord, Antioch, and Pittsburg with new routes added annually as needed.

Diverse Student Body and Curriculum Offering Salesian believes that understanding the past is imperative to our ability to live in the present and shape a more stable future. We strive to offer our students a comprehensive window into the past through connecting historically relevant issues with contemporary events while exploring our shared and individual experiences. Salesian has the pleasure and privilege of instructing a racially, ethnically, ideologically, and intellectually diverse collection of students, which provides opportunities to think more critically of the world around them and encourages them to build a more just society.

County offering Project Lead the Way's Biomedical Science pathway designed for students who excel in mathematics and natural sciences and are interested in the fields of biology or medicine. This program provides a transformative learning experience.

Students who complete the four year program graduate with transportable skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and ethical reasoning and mindset.

College Preparatory with Top Tier Acceptances Students who enjoy an environment of discovery thrive at Salesian. Salesian should be the college preparatory high school of choice for families who seek a rigorous and challenging academic environment that mirrors the diversity of the East Bay and our world. It is a real life experience that nurtures the whole student, preparing them for college and life beyond. Salesian graduates have been accepted to California’s top tier UCs, CSUs, and many prestigious colleges including Stanford, Howard and Georgetown.

Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Pathway Salesian is the only private co-educational college preparatory school in Contra Costa 2851 Salesian Ave • Richmond • CA • 94804 • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com 48

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

More Schools at www.ParentsPress.com

SCHOOL PROFILES

East Bay German International School

The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is a dual-language immersion school offering preschool through ninth-grade programs.

The highly trained and experienced international faculty implements a rigorous, project-based bilingual program based on proven German curricula, as well as literature-rich English Language Arts instruction. EBGIS students develop their strengths across academic disciplines as well as their critical thinking skills, social-emotional competencies, artistic expression, and motor skills. Small class sizes allow EBGIS teachers to support each student based on their unique needs.

EBGIS students continue their education at toptier high schools and universities in the US and abroad. Starting with its inaugural ninth-grade class in 2021/22 EBGIS will grow year upon year, graduating its first International Baccalaureate high school class in 2025.

A key feature is the early introduction of advanced topics such as chemistry, biology, physics and ethics, which EBGIS students begin taking as early as the fifth grade. The curriculum also employs a unique spiral sequence in which recurring topics are presented in ever-increasing detail and complexity. This powerful approach allows students to grasp connections between topics as they deepen their understanding with each iteration. EBGIS is also among the first schools anywhere to include coursework in Global

Citizenship based on the UNESCO global education standards.

The spacious and centrally located campus features large classrooms, dedicated spaces for music, art and science, a bilingual library, an auditorium, athletic fields, and ample indoor and outdoor play space.

EBGIS prioritizes in-person instruction with rigorous health and safety measures. Touchless check-in/check-out, regular handwashing at newly installed touchless sinks, and frequent access to an array of outdoor play spaces are just some of the adaptations maximizing the safety of students, staff and families.

Register for an Open House or Online Information Session at https://www.ebgis.org/admissions/visit-us.

Private tours are also available upon request.

Contact admissions@ebgis.org

1070 41st Street | Emeryville, CA 94608 | 510-380-0300 www.ebgis.org Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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Holy Names High School

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Holy Names High School (HNHS) graduates leave our campus with the confidence, skills, and motivation they need to be successful in the world on their next chosen path.

Founded by the Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary over 150 years ago, we promote the full development of our students through a rigorous college prep education that includes a breadth of science and arts courses — while integrating the values of social solidarity, the promotion of justice and human rights, and protection of the environment. At Holy Names, girls thrive in a single gender environment committed to positive reinforcement, support, and leadership opportunities. Here, every young woman can find her voice and use it to positively impact her community.

What students and their families can expect at Holy Names: • Academic rigor: We meet students where they are. From tutoring and AP courses to independent study, we ensure that every girl is challenged and guided towards academic success.

• Project Lead the Way courses: Girls explore the possibilities of STEM futures through Introduction to Engineering, Computer Design Principles, Human Body Systems, and Environmental Sustainability classes.

all-girls school in the Bay Area, we ensure that students see themselves and their experiences reflected in the curriculum, faculty, and staff.

• Leadership opportunities: With student council, ASB, Ambassadors, and countless clubs, girls find multiple ways to build their leadership skills and amplify their voices while discovering their areas of passion and interest.

• Athletics: Over half of the student body participates in a sport, with the majority of our varsity athletes maintaining a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Our inclusive approach means students who want to try a sport can.

• College Access: Our successful College Access Program pairs each student with a certified college advisor for all four years of high school.

College advisors work individually with each student and her family to find the right fit academically, socially, and financially in order to continue her education.

Open House: November 7, 2021 Learn more, schedule a visit, & apply today at hnhsoakland.org

• Service learning: Each class develops a student-driven social justice theme and selects a service opportunity grounded in the students’ interests.

• Diversity and inclusion: As the most diverse

4660 Harbord Drive | Oakland, CA 94618 | 510-450-1110 www.hnhsoakland.org 50

Guide to Private Schools

Maybeck High School has been educating students in the East Bay since 1972. Over the past 50 years we have challenged young people to push, explore, and stretch their imagination. In the science lab, the art room, around a seminar table, or hiking in the woods, we know that when teachers and students see themselves as collaborators the relationship is strong and the learning is rich.

Maybeck is a small school of 110 students and 25 educators. We were founded by teachers who created a school where questions are just as important as answers, where time and space is created to sit with inspired topics, where laughter is frequent, and learning is celebrated.

SCHOOL PROFILES

Maybeck High School

Open House Dates: • Saturday, September 25 @ 10:30 am • Saturday, October 16 @ 10:30 am.

To register for events and apply for the 20222023 school year, please go to maybeckhs.org/ admissions Please go to our website for more information about our students and school: maybeckhs.org

Maybeck is a place to keep ideas, students, and teachers safe. It is a place without hostility between ideas, students, and teachers. It is a school dedicated to helping students reach their potential.

– Stan Cardinet, Founder & Director Emeritus.

2727 College Avenue | Berkeley, CA 94705 | 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Head-Royce School

Head-Royce is a grades K-12, coed, independent, day school situation in the Oakland hills. Total enrollment is 900 students.

The mission of the Head-Royce School is to inspire in our students a lifelong love of learning and pursuit of academic excellence, to promote understanding of and respect for the diversity that makes our society strong, and to encourage constructive and responsible global citizenship.

The remarkable and innovative thinking launched by Anna Head over 130 years ago, remains a source of pride and is the core of Head-Royce School today. We transformed into an independent, co-educational, K-12 school in the 1970s, and that spirit of inquiry and innovation remains infused in our culture. If you visit our campus you will see this dynamic and vibrant learning center in action. From innovation centers, internships, and integrated technology, to life skills classes, service learning, crossdivisional buddies, and small advising groups, we are equally dedicated to educational excellence and social-emotional learning.

We enroll a diverse student body of approximately 900 talented and ambitious learners. Our admissions are open to all students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.

We invite you to explore how Head-Royce uniquely serves Bay Area families seeking a rigorous and inspired academic experience in a diverse and inclusive setting. Nestled in a wooded canyon in the Oakland hills, our campus environment is a safe and inviting space well-suited for intellectual adventure and self-discovery.

At our heart, we are a community of passionate educators and learners, all sharing a deep commitment to creating lifelong learners who will be prepared to lead with joy and compassion.

Our faculty is world-class, bringing unique perspectives from a wide range of experiences.

Their diversity of thought, coupled with their subject-matter mastery, positions them to provide transformative experiences to every student across our K-12 setting. Our families come to us from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and we are proud to reflect the fabric of the Bay Area.

4315 Lincoln Ave • Oakland • CA • 94602 • 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org 52

Guide to Private Schools

We are a Catholic college preparatory community that emboldens our graduates to create a more just, joyful and sustainable world.

At O’Dowd, we nurture the whole student. Our faculty and staff partner with families to support students in discovering their best selves and unlocking their potential and aspirations.

Our holistic academic program challenges students to explore and take risks, uncovering their interests and passions to chart a rewarding scholastic path that prepares them to make a difference in the world.

Our celebrated co-curricular opportunities spanning athletics, visual and performing arts, environmental programs, a diverse array of clubs, advanced leadership teams and more - create dynamic, life-changing experiences for students to find their strengths and embrace the power they have to make an impact within the O’Dowd community and beyond.

Our religious education, service learning, community Masses, peer retreats, and opportunities for faith, reflection, and personal development guide our students to connect with enduring values and take action for the common good.

SCHOOL PROFILES

Bishop O'Dowd High School

We welcome you to find your place at O’Dowd. You belong here. ___________ Visit us to learn more about O’Dowd’s culture and teaching philosophy, tour campus and classrooms, and get details on the admissions process.

Open House • Saturday November 6 from 12:00-2:30pm.

Admissions Mornings • September 23, 9:30am-11:00am • September 28, 9:30am-11:00am • October 25, 9:30am-11:00am • December 3, 9:30am-11:00am • January 20, 9:30am-11:00am ___________ Register at bishopodowd.org/admissions

Above all, we are guided by our Charism - spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit - to find God in all things.

We embrace our diverse community. We honor strength of character. We rise to academic excellence. We cherish the earth and all living things. We stand for social justice. We seek and hold onto joy.

9500 Stearns Ave • Oakland • CA • 94605 • 510-553-8631 www.bishopodowd.org/admissions Guide to Private Schools

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Mentoring Academy

By any measure, students at Mentoring Academy are very, very successful.

Nothing — not even Covid — can stop them.

Why? 1. Mentoring encourages students to develop more than academic excellence, but also essential social and emotional skills, which are pivotal not just in high school but throughout life.

2. The mentors constantly engage each student to support their strengths and to improve necessary skills.

3. Classes are small (2-5 students), fostering strong, safe connections among classmates and mentors. There are no cracks to fall through.

4. The curriculum is carefully designed to engage 21st century students in pursuit of invention, creativity, cultural awareness and academic rigor.

5. Relationships among students and mentors flourish in one-on-one meetings, small class discussions, local events and on the Extraordinary Program — the all-school international discovery experience .

6. Mentoring Academy celebrates each student’s unique personal contributions and growing success, which are, in turn, recognized, nurtured, and valued.

Mentoring Academy is committed to providing the opportunity for students grade levels 9-12 to learn at their own pace in a community committed to the wellbeing of all its members, while also accommodating and fostering each student’s distinct passions and interests.

Mentoring Academy meets the unique needs of each student. It is an independent, progressive, college preparatory high school community that fosters dramatic student success. Each individual student engages committed mentor-teachers in their own tailored program.

Students master academic and social skills, leading to wide-ranging student success and a lifelong love of learning.

Our goals are to: • provide the most effective and engaging learning environment possible; • support individual students as they explore human achievements and relate them to their own interests; • facilitate development of each student as a successful young person.

Successfully providing personalized Instruction in difficult times.

Rolling admissions. Accepting applications for current year and for fall.

Mentoring Academy’s students have demonstrated remarkable success in individual projects, awards, college admissions, national test results, and measures of self-valuation, and perceived happiness.

We’re excited to engage students in that same growth again this coming year, in person, and we have room for a few others to join us for the journey.

5951-B College Ave | Oakland, CA 94618 | 510-345-3000 www.MentoringAcademy.org 54

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SCHOOL PROFILES

California Crosspoint Academy

CALIFORNIA CROSSPOINT ACADEMY Pre-school to 12th Grade

CCA takes learning very seriously, and our academic record speaks for itself. 100% of our grads go on to college or the military. Founded in 1979, our academics rank among the very best in the nation with graduates accepted by UC Berkeley, UCLA, Yale, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and West Point.

Our small high school classes, 20 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and 6:1 student to faculty ratio make for an intimate, creative, and collaborative learning environment. With “Access to Opportunities” for all students, individuals are encouraged and challenged to try a new sport, participate in performing arts for the first time, run for student government, and start a new club that matches their passion.

Our formative grades provide a multi-faceted experience preparing our students to enter our high school programs seamlessly. Middle school students are introduced to high school level academics, foreign language acquisition and extracurricular activities. Elementary and preschool students learn character development as well as academics in a well-rounded and welcoming setting. Creative and technology resources motivate all our students through hands-on classroom activities, outdoor education, and field trips.

eight team sports for boys and girls, student led clubs, and class trips both domestic and abroad.

Walk through the halls, talk to our people, and you will quickly realize there is something special here.

We seek to minister to the entire student and develop young people to be academically strong as well as spiritually and emotionally healthy. Our motto “Transforming Lives for the Glory of God” and our mission to fully equip students to discover God’s will and purpose for their individual life create this foundation.

Stats for the CCA University Preparatory Program: • 100% of our grads go on to college or the military • 90% accepted into 4 year colleges • Average class size 15-18 • Scholarship program available To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact us at www.crosspointacademy.org

Our highly qualified faculty, 60% of whom have Master’s or Ph.D.’s, are not simply instructors, but tutors and mentors for our student body.

California Crosspoint Academy is often described as family. We care about and care for one another.

Life-long student relationships develop through 25500 Industrial Blvd • Hayward • CA • 94545 • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org Guide to Private Schools

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Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School

O

O

A small school that opens a world of possibility.

“SJND was the most friendly, the most uplifting, the most optimistic environment that I visited when I was visiting high schools and I knew right away that I was going to love it here... It was the best choice I could've made for high school.”

- Adam Campos 2019 Adam Campos shares a sentiment common among our alumni, the shared sense of belonging and community they felt walking onto Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School’s (SJND) campus. Beyond our warm, welcoming community you’ll find a diverse student body coupled with a rigorous academic environment. Nestled on a beautiful, treelined street in the heart of Alameda, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School has been educating the leaders of tomorrow since 1881.

Our parents describe the school as a safe, nurturing, yet challenging environment, where their children are encouraged to grow into compassionate, wellrounded, and, most of all, happy young adults.

Highlights include: • Lauded Biomedical program that packs 6.5 years of Project Lead the Way and SJND’s science coursework into just four years.

• Engineering Pathway and STEAM Society.

• 40 sports teams and 70% participation in athletics across the student body.

• Ranked as the most diverse school in the Bay Area by Niche.com.

• Award-winning visual and performing arts program.

• Dynamic student life offerings including over 30 clubs.

• Campus ministry & retreat program that develops a lifelong spiritual foundation.

Schedule a visit at www.sjnd.org/admission or admissions@sjnd.org

“BioMed at SJND is a great STEM program and has led my son, a newly-minted EMT, UCSD Biology major, and future MD/surgeon towards his goals as well! This while the high morals and civic-mindedness of the school at large has led him to a life in service to his fellow human. Highly recommended!”

- Jeff Annis parent of Zavier Annis '20

1011 Chestnut Street | Alameda, CA 94501 | 510- 523-1526 www.sjnd.org 56

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Shu Ren International School

• •

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2125 Jefferson Avenue • Berkeley • CA • 94703 • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.org Guide to Private Schools

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Redwood Christian Schools

The mission of Redwood Christian Schools is to provide a Christ-centered education which is able to equip students for daily living and eternal life and inspire students to reach their full potential.

Redwood Christian Schools is a private learning community serving the children in the East Bay Area as well as international students from around the world. We are located 25 miles southeast of San Francisco and currently equip homeschool students and students on two campuses: one in Castro Valley for children in transitional Kindergarten (TK) to grade five, and the second in San Lorenzo for children in grade six to grade twelve.

Redwood Christian Schools is committed to maintain our legacy as an interdenominational Christcentered school serving families from more than 130 churches representing more than 30 Christian denominations. While academics and faith are the top priority, we also offer competitive athletics and comprehensive programs in fine arts. The objectives of the school are centered around establishing Christian Truth as a guide for life, maintaining a high academic standard, instilling pure morals, generating a spirit of patriotism, and living a disciplined life.

"Inspire Application" giving students opportunities to apply learning in different ways. RCS is committed to being excellent educators, spiritual mentors, and responsible stewards. Furthermore, RCS has a rich history of inspiring students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the future – children should blossom as unique individuals created in the image of God as they discover their calling.

One of the good works that God has set before us is the “Rebuilding of RCS.” RCS is going to be different going forward. In a sense we are like Nehemiah. Just as Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in order to provide safety and security to the residents of the city, everyone at RCS is called to metaphorically “rebuild” our campuses in an effort to minimize, as much as possible, the risk of COVID-19 infection for students, staff, faculty, and administration while continuing to fulfill our mission to inspire students to achieve their greatest potential.

We look forward to welcoming you on campus!

RCS seeks to not just take care of students, but inspire them to reach their full potential. In grades TK and Kindergarten, teachers are "Inspiring Fun," giving students a full day, hands-on, stimulating first experience to school. In grades 1st-3rd, teachers are "Inspiring Adventure," instilling a growth mindset and showing students how to exceed amidst challenges. In grades 4th-5th, teachers "Inspire Motivation," helping upper elementary students become more independent and responsible learners.

In middle school, teachers "Inspire Innovation," challenging grades 6th-8th to become creative problem solvers. Finally, in high school, teachers

4200 James Ave • Castro Valley • CA • 94546 • 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu 58

Guide to Private Schools

SCHOOL PROFILES

MEISA - Montessori

Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda

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ontessori education has expanded in Alameda with the addition of MEISA—Montessori Intermediate Elementary School of Alameda.

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 5

OUR MISSION is to create a warm, supportive environment, that fosters creativity, curiosity, self-confidence and independence within a diverse community. We empower students to become compassionate models of peace and advocates for social justice.

We are seeking parents with a commitment to create the safest school community possible.

Our school has created a nationally sought after Covid-19 precaution protocol to create the safest way to interact with our children and families.

Take a virtual tour and see what we have done.

1400 Sixth St. Alameda, CA 94501 510-521-0595 x1 www.thechildunique.org

Join us!

TK - 6th Grade

The College Preparatory School

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he College Preparatory School is a vibrant day school for grades 9-12 in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood. At College Prep we believe in the foundational importance of scholarship, the value of dialogue, and the need for academically curious young people to belong to a kind, creative, diverse, and joyful community. We challenge our students to engage deeply in learning, appreciate one another, and grow into adults who are intellectually adventurous, ethically sure-footed, and generous of heart and spirit.

6100 Broadway Oakland, CA 94618 510-652-4364 www.college-prep.org

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 10

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The Athenian School Athenian believes that the best way to master academic subjects is to experience their application first hand. In our rigorous academic program, you and other talented students from the East Bay and around the world will immerse yourselves in coursework, inspiring each other to think critically, problem solve, and collaborate as global citizens. As an Athenian graduate, you will thrive in any of the nation's best colleges and be poised for a life of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

525 students (160 in grades 6-8, 365 in grades 9-12) enjoy a beautiful 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo. Distinctive programs include middle school focus days, learning by doing in studentfocused projects, engineering design, international exchange, and a signature grade 11 wilderness 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. experience. Graduates attend many colleges, Danville, CA 94506 carefully matched for each student's learning style 925-837-5375 and goals. One of our graduates said, "Athenian is www.athenian.org school as it should be."

Join us at an Open House: Middle – Nov 13 or Jan 8 | Upper – Nov 14 or Jan 9

The Crowden School

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hildren who love music have a home at The Crowden School in Berkeley!

A third-through-eighth-grade day school with chamber music at its heart, The Crowden School is unlike any other school in the country. Since 1983, Crowden’s ensemble-based curriculum has instilled in our students the collaborative, creative, and critical-thinking skills to succeed in life. The study of chamber music alongside a rigorous academic curriculum offers our students a unique educational experience with transformative results. The joy in playing music fuels their passion to create, explore, discuss, brainstorm, act, and grow into themselves at this important juncture in their young lives.

At The Crowden School, music changes everything.

1475 Rose Street Berkeley, CA 94702 510-559-6910 www.crowden.org/the-crowden-school 60

Guide to Private Schools

At Redwood Day, everything we do is designed to keep every child engaged and growing.

Academically, that means a world-class curriculum, the best teachers, and a focus on the individual student. Our teachers are at the forefront of cutting edge educational practices. They connect our curriculum to each child, helping students gain the skills they need to reach for the next academic challenge.

Socially and emotionally, we teach students to work through challenges, respect each other’s differences, and honor their diverse community. We provide students with tools to solve conflicts, take risks, make ethical decisions, and lead with courage and integrity. As a diverse community, we find great strength in multiple perspectives and embrace every opportunity to weave diversity in thought and action into our social, emotional, and academic lives.

3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland, CA 94602 510.534.0800 rdschool.org

Since 1963, Redwood Day has been committed to shaping the lives of young people in Oakland and its surrounding communities. Today, our K-8 program includes close to 400 students all learning together on our 4-acre campus in the heart of Oakland.

St. Paul's Episcopal School

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t. Paul’s is an independent K-8 day school located steps north of Lake Merritt that welcomes families of all faiths.

Our philosophy: • Supporting students as fearless learners is the best path to academic rigor.

We create a supportive community where students approach challenges with confidence and courage.

• We make service and learning interdependent Students apply what they learn while doing long-term service projects.

116 Montecito Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Admissions Office 510-285-9617 www.spes.org

• Deeper learning can be achieved by harnessing the power of diversity Research shows that diverse student bodies like ours fuel critical thinking and academic excellence.

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Redwood Day

SCHOOL PROFILES

Saint Philip Neri Catholic School

D Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF WINNER

iscover why families have been returning for generations: • Top-ranked, rigorous academics • Strong community • Faith-based character education • Low student-to-teacher ratio • Enrichment classes: Spanish, garden science, music, art, PE • Service learning • 21st century electives: broadcasting, web design, art, drama, music, programming, public speaking, LEGO® robotics • Project-based learning

Connected Community, Diversified learning

1335 High Street Alameda, CA 94501 510-521-0787 www.school.spnalameda.org facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool

Virtual School Tours Available INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 2, Jan 12 RSVP: spnadmissions@csdo.org

Bayhill High School

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ayhill High School’s unique approach, individualized instruction and specialized services build the skills and confidence students need to become successful lifelong learners.

Multimodal teaching techniques and built-in accommodations make our rich curriculum accessible to students with learning differences and students who flourish in a small caring community.

Our highly experienced teachers focus on each student’s individual learning style with the goal of maximizing their inherent strengths and their potential to succeed. At Bayhill, we make sure that students with learning differences thrive.

1940 Virginia St Berkeley, CA 94709 510-984-0599 www.bayhillhs.org 62

Guide to Private Schools

Visit us today and see what Bayhill is all about. We offer each family an individualized meeting with the director of admissions, focusing on your child and how our school can empower them to thrive in high school and beyond.

S

ince 1969, The Academy's mission has been to develop thoughtful, ambitious and deep learners. We honor each student's individuality, develop their sense of personal responsibility, respect for others, integrity, commitment to service and citizenship in a global society. Kindergarten to eighth grade, our small classes and interactive instruction methods allow our passionate and experienced teachers to inspire and challenge each student every day.

THE

ACADEMY 2722 Benvenue Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705 510-549-0605 www.theacademyschool.org

Why The Academy?

• Commitment to small class sizes • Highly-interactive instruction • Challenging curriculum that prepares students exceptionally well for their studies beyond 8th grade • Specialist teachers in art, French, Latin, music, physical education, and science • A strong and diverse community Contact us at admissions@theacademyschool.org

The Seven Hills School Serving preschool through 8th grade in the East Bay since 1962

A

Seven Hills education is based on the whole child philosophy, as we educate not just the mind but the heart, and attend to the entirety of the student experience. From our Reggio-inspired Preschool and developmental Kindergarten, to our adventurous Lower School classes and handson Middle School program, Seven Hills students are on a journey of curiosity and exploration, success and setbacks, awareness of self and contribution to others.

975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94598 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org

Sign up for a tour on our website and see our community in action!

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The Academy

SCHOOL PROFILES

Challenger School

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ince 1963, Challenger School has helped children excel by employing proven, effective methods in a fun and structured environment that inspires them to achieve. The Challenger difference is evident from the moment you set foot on campus. Students bubble with enthusiasm as they make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts.

In order to facilitate setting crucial learning patterns, Challenger accepts students as young as 2 years, 9 months. Yet in all grades, the school’s acclaimed, intellectually stimulating programs establish a foundation of achievement with clear results.

On 2019 national standardized tests, Challenger K-8 students averaged well above the 90th percentile.

Come for a tour! Find a campus near you at ChallengerSchool.com

10 Bay Area Locations www.ChallengerSchool.com

Tilden Preparatory School Tilden Prep is a unique, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12 that teaches Mastery Learning of U.C.-approved courses. We teach students one-to-one and in small groups inperson and online. Our approach allows us to individualize the pace and teaching method to address a wide range of learning needs ensuring student success. “...Some kids simply need one-on-one instruction to learn...Tilden has the academic curriculum both for the students who are struggling or are looking for something far more challenging than public schools.” - Tilden Parent

1231 Solano Ave | Albany | 510-525-5506 1475 N. Broadway, Suite 200 Walnut Creek | 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com 64

Guide to Private Schools

Call us at 510.525.5506 (Albany) or 925.933.5506 (Walnut Creek) to learn more about our full-time, part-time, and tutoring programs and how we can help your student boost their self-confidence and excel in school and beyond.

When you provide a safe environment to learn, the extraordinary happens.

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Multiple Locations Throughout the Bay Area www.stratfordschools.com

t Stratford, high expectations yield extraordinary results. We start early with an intentionally balanced curriculum that challenges students and accelerates achievement. Our ever-evolving, STEAMbased (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum ensures students develop the diverse set of problem-solving skills and creative talents they’ll need in today’s world. Our passionate teachers cultivate a nurturing and fun classroom environment, where children feel safe and eager to try new things. Beyond the classroom, we help students discover and define their passions through a variety of extracurricular activities, personal development, and enrichment. This carefully orchestrated approach prepares students to become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident, insightful leaders. Learn more by visiting www.stratfordschools.com!

Orinda Academy

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ur bright and creative students thrive in our nurturing, small class environment. Through a combination of academic support, executive functioning skill development, and social/ emotional balance, every student reaches their full potential. Students learn in many different ways. We accommodate mild to moderate learning differences and work hard to make sure no one slips through the cracks. From our UC compliant graduation requirements to numerous honors and AP classes, your time at OA will prepare you for college and life beyond.

19 Altarinda Road Orinda, CA 94563 925-254-7553 www.orindaacademy.org

At Orinda Academy we have a diverse student body with a multitude of talents and abilities.

We foster connection, collaboration, and communication among parents, students, and teachers to achieve a successful academic experience.

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Discover Stratford School

SCHOOL PROFILES

The Saklan School

O Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 5

ur mission at The Saklan School is to challenge students to think creatively, act compassionately, and live courageously. We understand how to create an atmosphere that incorporates hands-on learning opportunities with academic rigor. Moreover, our low studentteacher ratio fosters an environment that pays close attention to the social-emotional needs of each child. This approach helps us create a school culture that is both challenging and nurturing.

Our well-rounded academic program includes Spanish, Performing Arts, Visual Art, Music, Physical Education, Science, Technology, Public Speaking, and Leadership.

1678 School St. Moraga, CA 94556 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Valley Montessori School

V

alley Montessori School is the largest notfor-profit, and only triple accredited school in California. Established in Livermore in 1976, it is a nationally recognized, model Montessori school for children 18 months through 8th grade.

Accreditations include: the American Montessori Society (AMS), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). VMS is a certified California Green Business making it the only school in the Tri-Valley and just one of four Montessori schools in the state of California with this distinguished honor.

1273 N. Livermore Avenue Livermore, CA 94551 925-455-8021 www.valleymontessorischool.com 66

Guide to Private Schools

The six acre hilltop campus boasts an Edible Schoolyard, complete with a vegetable garden, sustainable chicken coop and fruit orchard providing endless practical life opportunities, plus snacks for the classrooms. Montessori education and experiences open the world to children developing engaged, responsible, respectful and empowered citizens with an appreciation that learning is for life.

SCHOOL PROFILES

Crestmont School Crestmont School was founded in 1969 on the values of social justice, community, and academic excellence. Our founding vision of a strong, diverse community now feels more relevant than ever and our school provides connection and strength for our families.

Crestmont children think critically and creatively, developing excellent problem-solving skills. Our vibrant social justice curriculum gives them the tools to be changemakers. Our small class sizes support differentiated teaching to meet each child’s needs.

6226 Arlington Blvd Richmond, CA 94805 510-237-4164 www.crestmontschool.org

Crestmont is located in the Richmond hills near Wildcat Canyon. We recruit and affirm children, families, and faculty who reflect the diversity of the Bay Area.

East Bay School for Boys The East Bay School for Boys empowers middle school boys to cultivate their intellectual, physical, and emotional selves to become the engaged, thoughtful, and courageous adults of tomorrow.

EBSB focuses on how boys learn best and believes boys engage more and learn more in a challenging and active learning environment that combines hard work with discovery, creativity, fun, and purpose. Whether using the forge and designing furniture in our 21st Century workshop or mummifying hens and learning cuneiform in our irresistible classrooms; at EBSB, we teach and do.

We provide opportunities for boys to design, build, nurture, and grow their world, empowering boys to affect, connect, reflect, and most importantly, love to learn.

2340 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 510-621-3272 www.ebsfb.org

Virtual Information Nights - Oct 13, Nov 17, Dec 8 and Jan 5 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Admissions Tours - Offered weekly.

RSVP at ebsfb.org Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley

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cole Bilingue de Berkeley is a preschool to 8th grade international school located in Berkeley, California. The school's immersion model means students are exposed to a foreign language, French, for the majority of the day. Students learn different subject matters in both French and English and are able to draw parallels and points of similarities learning in two languages. Students benefit from an incredibly diverse community and evolve into respectful and caring individuals.

At Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, we believe that when students see the world without borders or barriers, they can confidently and capably seize any opportunity.

1009 Heinz Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710 510-549-3867 www.eb.org/visit

To schedule a tour, register online at www.eb.org/ visit For more information, please contact Manon Johnson, Director of Admissions, at admissions@eb.org or (510) 549-3867 NEW: An opportunity to join our Grade 6 international track in Middle School where no prior experience with french language is required!

School of the Madeleine The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We believe every student is exceptional, and it is our goal to help them become lifelong learners and compassionate leaders.

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.

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.

1225 Milvia Street Berkeley, CA 94709 510-526-4744 www.themadeleine.com 68

Guide to Private Schools

School Motto: "Let's Be Good To One Another and...Pass It On! Come see what we are all about! www.themadeleine.com

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Mills College campus, our laboratory school offers: — HIGHLY-QUALIFIED HEAD TEACHERS and dedicated student teachers — SOCIAL EMOTIONAL PRACTICES supporting a sense of belonging and emotional safety for all children — THEMATIC, PROJECT-BASED LEARNING that fosters a sense of autonomy and competence — INTEGRATED UNITS OF STUDY that connect language arts, service learning, design thinking, science, and social studies,with an embedded social justice component focused on "changemakers" and the development of a sense of agency and an Antiracist stance.

5000 Macarthur Blvd Oakland, CA 94613 510-430-2056 www.millscollegechildrensschool.org/

— SPECIALIST CLASSES including Visual arts, Spanish/ music, and physical education that round out our dynamic curriculum.

Coastline Christian Schools Coastline Christian Schools was established in 1979 and provides a comprehensive K-8 Christian education along with a K-8 Mandarin language program. Coastline Christian Schools is fully accredited by the WASC and ACSI.

1801 North Loop Road Alameda, CA 94502 510. 522.0200 www.coastlinechristian.org

​ ne​size​does​not​fit​all,​and​one​teaching​method​ O does not suit every lesson or student. Our teachers pay close attention and develop caring relationships with​our​students,​allowing​for​the​adaptation​ of​curricula​to​meet​the​social,​emotional,​and​ educational needs of everyone. Students at Coastline Christian​are​enriched​by​athletics,​volunteer​ opportunities,​class​trips,​and​other​extracurricular​ activities. While our school is known for its academic focus,​our​desire​is​to​help​students​from​varied​ cultural backgrounds grow in a positive and caring community.​CCS​equips​its​students​spiritually,​ academically,​emotionally,​socially,​and​physically​ so​they​can​serve​God,​their​families,​and​their​ community​with​compassion,​resilience,​innovation,​ and leadership.

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Mills College Children's School

SCHOOL PROFILES

Moreau Catholic High School Moreau Catholic High School is a co-educational, Catholic, college-preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. We emphasize academic excellence focused on the informative, formative, and transformative needs of each student.

Moreau Catholic is an environment that celebrates individual achievement, where students find their voice while developing their ability to appreciate and understand the perspectives of others.

Our students thrive because they are both challenged and supported by a faculty whose mission is to cultivate talent, curiosity, and the ambition of each and every one of our students. We offer more than 40 Honors and Advanced Placement courses, an extensive list of co-curricular activities and a full athletic program with 21 sports.

Our inclusive, innovative and personalized approach encourages our students to act with their mind, lead with their heart, and confidently take on college and the world.

27170 Mission Blvd.

Hayward, CA 94544 510-881-4300 www.moreaucatholic.org

East Bay Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Alameda The Child Unique Montessori School Encinal Campus, p. 59 2226 Encinal Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School Pacific Campus, p. 59 2212 Pacific Ave. Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School Taylor Campus, p. 59 1400 Sixth St. Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.thechildunique.org

Coastline Christian Schools, p. 20, 69 1801 North Loop Road Alameda • 510-522-0200 www.coastlinechristian.org

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PK-1 Co-Ed 6:1 30

Nondenominational Japanese instruction/ Mandarin instruction

$622 $1,933 FA Available

AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC

18mos - 3yrs Co-Ed 4:1 and 5:1 20

Nondenominational Spanish and Thai instruction

$622 $1,933 FA Available

AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC

PK-1 Co-Ed 6:1 44

Nondenominational Tagalog and Spanish immersion

$622 $1,933 FA Available

AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC

K-8 Co-Ed 8:1 315

Christian English, Mandarin

$12,000 $14,000 FA Available

WASC, ACSI

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda, p. 59

PK-8 Co-Ed 6:1 25

Nondenominational Arabic and Spanish instruction

$1,625$1,933 FA Available

AMS, IMC, CQEL, NAEYC

9-12 Co-Ed 14:1 420

Catholic English

$19,660

WASC, WCEA

PS-8 Co-Ed 15:1

Catholic English

$7,680 $8,990

WASC, WCEA

6-12 Co-Ed 1:1 200

Independent English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 105

Nondenominational French, Latin

$26,750 - LS $29,750 - US FA Available

ISSFBA

9-12 Co-Ed 6:1 80

Nondenominational English, Spanish, ASL

$38,000 $40,000 50%

WASC, Certified NPS, UC Approved

3-8 Co-Ed 3:1 60

Nondenominational English French (6-8)

$26,910 Grades 3-5 $29,410 Grades 6-8

ISSFBA

6-8 Boys Only 8:1 75

Non Denominational English, Spanish

$32,500 FA Available

BADA, POCIS, NAIS, CAIS

PS-8 Co-Ed 15:1 400

Independent French, Spanish, Mandarin

$30,625 $34,925

French Ministry of Education, CAIS, WASC, NAIS, AEFE

9-12 Co-Ed 5:1

Independent English, Spanish, French

$40,500 FA Available

POCIS , WASC, ISSFBA

PK-8 Co-Ed 10:1 130

Independent English, Spanish

$18,920 $25,900 FA Available

AMS, ISSFBA, POCis, NAIS

1400 Sixth St. Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.montessorielementaryalameda.org

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, p. 25, 56 1011 Chestnut St. Alameda • 510-995-9458 www.sjnd.org

St. Philip Neri Catholic School, p. 62 1335 High St. Alameda • 510-521-0787 www.spnalameda.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Albany Tilden Preparatory School, p. 64 1231 Solano Ave. Albany • 510-525-5506 www.tildenprep.com

WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved

Berkeley The Academy, p. 33, 63 2722 Benvenue Ave. Berkeley • 510-549-0605 www.theacademyschool.org

Bayhill High School, p. 35, 62 1940 Virginia St Berkeley • 510-984-0599 www.bayhillhs.org

The Crowden School, p. 60 1475 Rose St. Berkeley • 510-559-6910 www.crowden.org

East Bay School for Boys, p. 38, 67 2340 Durant Ave. Berkeley • 510-621-3272 www.ebsfb.org

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, p. 68 1009 Heinz Ave. Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org

Maybeck High School, p. 13, 51 2727 College Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org

Montessori Family Preschool 1850 Scenic Ave. Berkeley • 510-848-2322 www.montessorifamily.com

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Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

School of the Madeleine, p. 24, 68

K-8 Co-Ed 11:1 300

Catholic English, Spanish

$10,600 $11,900 FA Available

NCEA, WCEA, WASC

PK-5 Co-Ed PreK 6:1 K-5 11:1 140

Independent English, Mandarin

PK $25,000 - $26,000 K-5 $24,000 - $32,000 FA Available

IB World School

TK-12 Co-Ed 15:1 700

Christian English, Spanish, Mandarin

$12,000 $14,000 FA Available

WASC, ACSI

K-12 Co-Ed 11:1

Christian English

K-8 Co-Ed

Christian English

K-8 Co-Ed 16:1

Catholic English

Call

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 18:1 315

Catholic English, Spanish

Call

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 18:1

Nondenominational Spanish

Call

WASC, ACSI

6-12 Co-Ed 10:1 540

Independent English, French, Spanish, Chinese

6-8: $38,200 9: $49,000 10-12: $47,700

CAIS, NAIS, TABS, WASC

PS-K Co-Ed 12:1(PS) 15:1(K)

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by Program

WASC, CPSTEME

PK-8 Co-Ed 10:1 130

Independent English, Spanish

$18,920 $25,900 FA Available

AMS, ISSFBA, POCis, NAIS

1225 Milvia St Berkeley • 510-526-4744 www.themadeleine.com

Shu Ren International School, p. 27, 57 2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Castro Valley Redwood Christian Schools, p. 31, 58 Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

Shepherd’s Heart Christian School 19835 Lake Chabot Road Castro Valley • 510-581-8086 www.ashcscv.com

Concord Calvary Temple Christian School 4725 Evora Road Concord • 925-458-9870 www.ctcs1.org

Queen of All Saints School 2391 Grant St. Concord • 925-685-8700 www.qasconcord.org

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School 866 Oak Grove Road Concord • 925-682-5414 www.sfaconcord.org

Tabernacle School 4380 Concord Blvd.

Concord • 925-685-9169 www.tbs.org

ACSI, WASC

Danville Athenian School, p. 39, 60 2100 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Danville • 925-837-5375 www.athenian.org

Stratford School, p. 5, 65 3201 Camino Tassajara Danville • 925-648-4900 www.stratforddanville.com

El Cerrito Montessori Family School 7075 Cutting Blvd.

El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.montessorifamily.com 72

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Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Prospect Sierra School, p. 3, 43

TK-8 Co-Ed 9:1 470

960 Avis Drive 2060 Tapscott Ave. El Cerrito • 510-809-9000 www.prospectsierra.org

Golestan School 320 San Carlos Ave. El Cerrito • 917-601-3452 www.golestankids.com

St. John the Baptist School 11156 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito • 510-234-2244 www.stjohnec.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Independent English, Spanish

TK: $25,135 ES: $29,635 MS: $33,575 FA Available

CAIS, NAIS, POCIS, Green Ribbon School, Ashoka Changemaker School

PK-5 Co-Ed 12:2 70

Independent English, Persian, Arabic, Hebrew

$23,927 $28,512

Ashoka Changemaker School

K-8 Co-Ed 21:1

Catholic English

Call

WASC

7-12 Co-Ed 16:1 285

Christian English

$7,800

ACSI, WASC

PS-9 Co-Ed 6:1 205

Independent German, English, Spanish

$20,990$25,990 FA Needs based

WASC, WDA, IB Candidate School

PK-8 Co-Ed PK 8:1 K-3 11:1 4-8 18:1 392

Nondenominational Spanish Immersion, Mandarin Instruction

PK $26,575 K-5 $30,795 6-8 $32,995 FA Available

NAIS, CAIS, WASC, IBO, Green Business

TK-5 Co-Ed 20:1 470

Non Sectarian Mandarin

$27,900 $28,700

NAIS

6-12 Co-Ed 25:1 180

Non Sectarian Mandarin, French, Latin, Spanish

$28,700

NAIS

PK-8 Co-Ed 18:1 270

Catholic English, Spanish

$8,775 FA Available

WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 22:1 160

Islamic English, Spanish

$450 - $550

El Sobrante El Sobrante Christian Junior/Senior High School 5070 Appian Way El Sobrante • 510-223-1966 www.escseagles.com

Emeryville East Bay German International School, p. 11, 49 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0300 www.ebgis.org/

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, p. 21, 44 Grades 2-8 4550 San Pablo Ave. • Emeryville Pre-kinder - Grade 1 - See Oakland 510-652-7094 www.ebi.school

Fremont BASIS Independent Fremont 3300 Kearney Street Fremont • 510-573-3435 www.fremont.basisindependent.com

BASIS Independent Fremont - Upper 39706 Mission Blvd Fremont • 510-738-6003 www.fremont.basisindependent.com

Holy Spirit School 3930 Parish Ave. Fremont • 510-793-3553

Ilm Academy 42412 Albrae St. Fremont • 510-936-1572

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Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

73

SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

New Horizons School

PK-8 Co-Ed 20:1 250

Nondenominational

Call

PS-8 Co-Ed 22:1

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by program

WASC, CPSTEME

PS to K Co-Ed 12:1

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by program

WASC, CPSTEME

K-8 Co-Ed

Catholic English

Call

PS-12 Co-Ed 6:1 396

Christian English, Mandarin, Spanish

HS $16,950 MS $14,900 ES $13,125 FA Available

WASC, ACSI, CAIS

9-12 Co-Ed 13:1 784

Catholic English, Spanish, French, Mandarin

$21,660

WCEA, WASC

PK-4 Co-Ed 10:1

Nondenominational English

Call

K-8 Co-Ed

Catholic English

Call

TK-8 Co-Ed 17:1 290

Catholic English, Spanish

Call

K-12 (Oakland K-8; Lafayette 9-12) Coed 7:1 700

Nondenominational English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin

$48,510 FA Available

CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

TK-8 Co-Ed 16:1

Catholic English

$7,800 up to 50%

WCEA, WASC

2550 Peralta Blvd.

Fremont • 510-791-5683 www.newhorizonsschool.com

Stratford School, p. 5, 65 43077 Osgood Rd. Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordfremontosgood.com

Stratford School, p. 5, 65 38495 Fremont Bl. Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordfremontblvd.com

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Hayward All Saints Catholic School 22870 Second St. Hayward • 510-582-1910 www.allsaintshayward.org/school

California Crosspoint Academy, p. 19, 55 25500 Industrial Blvd Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org

Moreau Catholic High School, p. 70 27170 Mission Blvd.

Hayward • 510-881-4320 www.moreaucatholic.org

Lea’s Christian School 26236 Adrian Ave. Hayward • 510-785-0334 www.leaschristianschool.org

St. Bede School 26910 Patrick Ave. Hayward • 510-782-3444 www.mystbede.org

St. Clement Catholic School 790 Calhoun St. Hayward • 510-538-5885 www.sclementschool.org

WASC

WASC

Lafayette Bentley School, p. 17, 45 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road Lafayette • 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org

St. Perpetua Catholic School 3445 Hamlin Road Lafayette • 925-284-1640 www.stperpetua.org

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Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Livermore St. Michael School 345 Church St. Livermore • 925-447-1888 www.smsliv.org

Valley Montessori School, p. 66 1273 N Livermore Ave. Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.valleymontessorischool.com

K-8 Co-Ed 26:1

Catholic English

Call

Toddler-8 Co-Ed G1-8 12:1 400

Non Denominational English, Spanish

$5,500 $18,000 FA Available

AMS, CAIS, WASC

9-12 Co-Ed 8:1 64

Nondenominational Special Needs Latin

$40,950 $45,570 FA Available

WASC

PK-8 Co-Ed 10:1 140

Independent Spanish

$16,000$30,900 FA Available

NAIS, CAIS, WASC

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational English

$4,520 $21,690

PS-K Co-Ed

Non Denominational English

$4,520 $21,690

K-12 (Oakland K-8; Lafayette 9-12) Coed 7:1 700

Nondenominational English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin

$33,645 K-5 $36,755 6-8 FA Available

9-12 Co-Ed 14:1 1,250

Catholic English, French, Mandarin, Spanish

$21,300 FA Available

9-12 Co-Ed 10:1 370

Nondenominational English, Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish

$49,990 25%

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

PK-8 Co-Ed PK 8:1 K-3 11:1 4-8 18:1 392

Nondenominational Spanish Immersion, Mandarin Instruction

PK $26,575 K-5 $30,795 6-8 $32,995 FA Available

NAIS, CAIS, WASC, IBO, Green Business

Moraga Orion Academy 350 Rheem Blvd.

Moraga • 925-377-0789 www.orionacademy.org

The Saklan School, p. 66 1678 School St. Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Newark Challenger School - Ardenwood, p. 37, 64 35487 Dumbarton Court Newark • 510-739-0300 www.challengerschool.com

Challenger School, p. 37, 64 39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771 www.challengerschool.com

Oakland Bentley School, p. 17, 45 1 Hiller Dr. Oakland • 510-843-2512 www.bentleyschool.org

Bishop O’Dowd High School, p. 29, 53 9500 Stearns Ave. Oakland • 510-553-8631 www.bishopodowd.org/admissions

College Preparatory School, p. 59 6100 Broadway Oakland • 510-652-4364 www.college-prep.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, p. 21, 44 Pre-kinder - Grade 1 410 Alcatraz Ave. • Oakland Grades 2-8 - See Emeryville 510-653-3324 www.ebi.school

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CAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Head-Royce School, p. 23, 52

K-12 Co-Ed 8:1 900

Nondenominational Chinese, French Latin, Spanish

$34,100 $48,700

FA Available

BADA

9-12 Girls Only 7.5:1 150

Catholic French, Spanish, ASL

$19,500 FA Available

NCGS, WCEA

9-12 Co-Ed 3:1

Independent English

$32,000 FA Available

WASC

Infant-5th grade Co-Ed 18:1 100

Independent English

K-5: $20,894 FA Available

K-8 Co-Ed 9:1 315

Nondenominational English, Spanish

K-5 $30,900 6-8 $33,400 FA Available

CAIS, AISAP,

K-8 Co-Ed 8:1 412

Nondenominational Spanish, Mandarin

$30,275 $33,610 FA Available

CAIS, WASC, NAIS, POCIS

Toddler-6 years old and 7th-9th Grades Co-Ed 8:1 90

Montessori, Independent, Music, Art, Language Immersion Spanish, French

$26,400 $38,200 FA Available

AMI, IMC, ISSFBA

K-8 Co-Ed 10:1 370

Independent Episcopal (non religious) Spanish

$30,050 $34,230 FA Available

NAIS, CAIS, WASC, POCIS

9-12 Co-Ed 7:1 75

Independent Spanish, ASL

$43,809 FA Available

WASC, NAIS, CAIS, POCIS

K-8 Co-Ed 15:1 254

Catholic Spanish

$8,700 $9,500 FA Available

WASC, WCEA

4315 Lincoln Ave. Oakland • 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org

Holy Names High School, 50, Back Cover 4660 Harbord Dr. Oakland • 510-450-1110 www.hnhsoakland.org

Mentoring Academy, p. 39, 54 5951 College Ave. Oakland • 510-345-3000 www.mentoringacademy.org

Mills College Children’s School, p. 35, 69 5000 Macarthur Blvd.

Oakland • 510-430-2056 www.millscollegechildrensschool.org/

Park Day School, p. 7, 47 360 42nd St. Oakland • 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org

Redwood Day, p. 33, 61 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland • 510-534-0800 rdschool.org

The Renaissance International School, p. 2, 42 3650 Dimond Ave. Oakland • 510-531-8566 www.therenaissanceschool.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal School, p. 38, 61 116 Montecito Ave. Oakland • 510-285-9600 www.spes.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA,

POCIS, ISBOA, ISSFBA, NAIS, NBOA, PEN

Orinda Orinda Academy, p. 34, 65 19 Altarinda Rd. Orinda • 925-254-7553 www.orindaacademy.org

Piedmont Corpus Christi School, p. 24 1 Estates Drive Piedmont • 510-530-4056 www.corpuschristischool.com

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Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

The Renaissance International School, p. 2, 42

Grades 1-6 Co-Ed 8:1 50

Montessori, Independent, Music, Art, Language Immersion Spanish, French

$26,400 $38,200 FA Available

AMI, IMC, ISSFBA

K-12 Co-Ed 17:1

Seventh-Day Adventist English

$6,570 $10,470 FA Available

WASC

PS-5 Co-Ed 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K) 22:1 (1-5)

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by program

WASC, CPSTEME

6-8 Co-Ed 22:1

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by program

WASC, CPSTEME

K-8 Co-Ed 4:1 85

Independent English, Spanish

$19,794 FA Available

ISSFBA

9-12 Co-Ed 15:1 400

Catholic English, French, Spanish

$18,900 FA Available

WASC, WCEA

PK-8 Co-Ed 24:1

Catholic Spanish

$6,500 $7,100 Varies

WASC

K-8 Co-Ed

Lutheran English

Call

TK-12 Co-Ed 15:1 700

Christian English, Spanish, Mandarin

$12,000 $14,000 FA Available

5201 Park Blvd.

Piedmont • 510-531-8566 www.therenaissanceschool.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy 796 Grayson Road Pleasant Hill • 925-934-9261 www.pleasanthilladventistacademy.com

Pleasanton Stratford School, p. 5, 65 4576 Willow Road Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com

Stratford School, p. 5, 65 3800 Stoneridge Drive Pleasanton • 925-621-8908 www.stratfordpleasantonms.com

Richmond Crestmont School, p. 67 6226 Arlington Blvd.

Richmond • 510-237-4164 www.crestmontschool.org

Salesian College Preparatory, p. 9, 48 2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com

San Leandro St. Leander School 451 Davis St. San Leandro • 510-351-4144 www.stleanderschool.org

San Lorenzo Calvary Lutheran School 17200 Via Magdalena San Lorenzo • 510-278-2598 www.calvaryslz.org/school

Redwood Christian Schools, p. 31, 58 Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

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NLSA, WASC

WASC, ACSI

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

East Bay / SF Private Schools Walnut Creek

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Berean Christian High School

9-12 Co-Ed 12:1 425

Baptist English, Spanish, ASL

$11,990 FA Available

WASC, ACSI, CollegeBoard

PS-8 Co-Ed 8:1 424

Nondenomational English, Spanish, French

$17,095 $32,440

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA

6-12 Co-Ed 200

Independent English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

9-12 Co-Ed 15:1

Independent English, French, Spanish, Mandarin

$35,996

WASC, NAIS, NACAC, ISSFBA

9-12 Co-Ed 12:1 1,350

Catholic English, Spanish French, Japanese, Mandarin, ASL

$23,250 $5M in FA. Over 330 students receive aid

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 20:1 180

Roman Catholic English

$6,100 $7,800

WASC, WCEA

K - Grade 5 Co-Ed K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS-6 Co-Ed 12:1(PS) 15:1(K-6)

Independent English, Mandarin

Varies by Program

WASC, CPSTEME

6-8 Co-Ed 15:1

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by Program

WASC, CPSTEME

PS-K Co-Ed 12:1(PS) 15:1(K)

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by Program

WASC, CPSTEME

245 El Divisadero Avenue Walnut Creek • 925-945-6464 www.bereanchristian.com

Seven Hills School, p. 37, 63 975 N. San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org

Tilden Preparatory School, p. 64 1475 N. Broadway Walnut Creek • 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved

San Francisco Private Schools Lick-Wilmerding High School 755 Ocean Ave. San Francisco • 415-333-4021 www.lwhs.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, p. 40-41, 46 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

Stratford School, p. 5, 65 301 DeMontfort Avenue San Francisco • 415-333-3134 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School - 14th Avenue, p. 5, 65 645 14th Ave. San Francisco • 415-742-4254 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford Middle School, p. 5, 65 75 St. Francis Street San Francisco • 415-715-8648 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School - Parkside, p. 5, 65 2425 19th Ave. San Francisco • 415-564-6250 www.stratfordschools.com

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What Does Accreditation Mean?

A

ccreditation and professional affiliations and associations indicate a private school has been evaluated by and met or exceeded specific criteria set forth by a designated and agreed-upon accrediting- or affiliation-granting body.

These accreditations, affiliations, and associations can be national, regional, or local, covering religious beliefs, educational philosophies, or special interests and last for a specific number of years, often with prescribed steps in the interim to assure compliance.

What they have in common is that they serve as a sort of stamp of approval, signifying to colleges and universities that their members operate schools with meaningful education standards.

“Accrediting is done by a variety of accrediting organizations,” points out the California Department of Education online (www.cde.ca.gov), citing the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or

WASC, as an example of an established organization that accredits both private and public K–12 schools.

“WASC accreditation generally ensures that the credits and diploma awarded by the schools it accredits will be accepted by colleges and prospective employers,” says the CDE, which does not accredit schools.

WASC is one of five regional accrediting associations for schools and colleges, and its territory includes schools operating in California.

“School accreditation is a peer-review process that fosters excellence in education and encourages school improvement through discovery, dialogue, compliance, and commitment. Accreditation enables a member school to develop clearly defined goals and objectives based on its mission and philosophy,” says the California Association of Independent Schools (www.caisca.org). 

A Key to Private School Accreditations, Affiliations, and Associations Here is a list of some of the accrediting, affiliation, and association bodies that schools list in our Regional Guide to Private Schools.

ACSI — Association of Christian Schools International www.acsi.org AEFE — Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Etranger www.aefe.fr AMI — American Montessori Internationale www.montessori-ami.org AMS — American Montessori Society www.amshq.org AWSNA — Association of Waldorf Schools of North America www.whywaldorfworks.org BADA — Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area www.issfba.org BAMA — Bay Area Montessori Association www.bayareamontessoriassociation.com CAIS — California Association of Independent Schools www.caisca.org CAPSES — California Association of Private Special Education Schools. www.capses.com CAWS — California Association of IB World Schools www.c-aws.org CPSTEME — Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/ IB, IBO — International Baccalaureate www.ibo.org ISSFBA — Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area www.issfba.org MEN — Ministère de l’Education Nationale www.education.gouv.fr

www.ParentsPress.com

NAEYC — National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org NAIS — National Association of Independent Schools www.nais.org NAREA — North American Reggio Emilia Alliance www.reggioalliance.org NCEA — National Catholic Educational Association www.ncea.org NCPSA — National Council for Private School Accreditation www.ncpsa.org NIPSA — National Independent Private Schools Association www.nipsa.org PACE — Professional Association for Childhood Education www.pacenet.org PEN — Progressive Education Network www.progressiveeducationnetwork.org POCIS — People of Color in Independent Schools of Northern California, www.nocapocis.org RULER — The RULER approach to social and emotional learning www.therulerapproach.org SSS — School & Student Services by NAIS www.sss.nais.org WASC — Western Association of Schools and Colleges www.wascweb.org WCEA — Western Catholic Education Association www.westwcea.org WDA — Weltverband Deutscher Auslandsschulen www.auslandsschulnetz.de

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