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Featured School Preschool Profiles Profiles 46 What Does Accreditation Mean?
Featured Profiles
Headlands Preparatory School
Headlands Preparatory School is an award winning, WASC-accredited, college preparatory school for grades 6 through 12 with a long history of helping students succeed through individualized learning. Headlands’ unique oneto- one and small group teaching model allows us to tailor instruction to each student, ensuring that students master the material and achieve success in their courses and increased confidence for future learning.
Founded on the principle that all students can grow as individuals and learners within a supportive environment, Headlands Preparatory School provides an individualized program aimed at empowering students to develop through learning and engagement. From highly gifted students who find a traditional classroom setting too limiting, to students with learning differences who need a specialized teaching approach to shine academically, Headlands Prep meets students where they are to maximize both their learning and their self-confidence. Headlands Prep has established itself as a thriving independent school in the Marin community, offering a quality program responsive to the needs of its students.
Building on its four pillars of individualized learning, academic mastery, personal growth, and community engagement, Headlands Prep works with each student to identify their strengths and unique learning needs. Headlands Prep currently offers 152 UC-approved courses, including 34 AP and 26 Honors courses. Most courses are taught 1:1, while some electives are meet in small groups. The individualized teaching approach utilized in classes allows students numerous opportunities to develop and articulate their own thoughts, interests, and opinions. At Headlands, parents, teachers, and administrators partner together to create a supportive, positive, and respectful environment to set the stage for students to flourish in a nurturing and uplifting learning community. Students engage in a transformative educational experience that helps build academic self-esteem, develop self-awareness, and contribute responsibly to the global community. Students experience both personal and academic growth as both are nurtured and challenged side by side to develop 21st-century individuals prepared for any path they choose upon leaving Headlands Prep.
FEATURED SCHOOL & PRESCHOOL PROFILES Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Sacred 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.
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. 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.
The Athenian School believes 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 deeply in coursework, inspiring each other to think critically and collaborate as global citizens. As an Athenian graduate, you’ll thrive in any of the nation’s best colleges and be poised for a life of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.
At Athenian 535 students (170 day in grades 6-8, 365 in grades 9-12) enjoy a beautiful 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo. Students attend from many East Bay communities and 60 boarding students in grades 9-12 from beyond the local area and a dozen countries. The campus residential community also includes 20 faculty families, for a total of over 120 people living at Athenian. No other East Bay School offers this kind of community.
Our curriculum and learning approach is distinctive, focused on learning by doing in engaging student-focused and project-based classrooms. Beyond the classroom, Middle School, focus days engage students to apply their learning in experiential activities. Engineering design activities in the Carter Innovation Studio, athletics, and the arts are vital parts of the student experience. In the Upper School many students take part in international programs (exchange, service, and conferences), and all complete the grade 11 Athenian Wilderness experience. Athenian graduates attend an array of outstanding colleges, carefully selected with the support of expert college counselors for each student and their goals. Athenian goes far beyond preparing students for college by equipping them for lives of meaning and purpose--and encouraging them to make the world a better place for all.
As one student explained, "At Athenian, I’m taught to live actively, not passively. I critically inquire about the information I’m presented, I do not take claims at face value, and I work to become a global citizen who is informed about issues both local and global. I do not allow the world to push me along; I work to shape it for the better."
Join us at an Open House: Middle – Nov 5 & Jan 7 Upper – Nov 12 & Jan 8
FEATURED SCHOOL & PRESCHOOL PROFILES Fusion Academy
Since 1989, Fusion has provided a revolutionary educational experience that has allowed thousands of students reach emotional well-being and intellectual achievement.
Fusion Academy is an accredited, private academy and learning center that offers class sizes as small as they come: just one student and one teacher per classroom. Personalization and customization are key elements of the Fusion school model. The curriculum meets state standards, and classes are self-paced and taught in a way that considers each student’s individual interests, strengths, and learning style. Students can sign up for tutoring, classes for credit, or full-time academy enrollment. Flexible scheduling and year-round, open enrollment is an advantage for students who have active lives outside of school.
Student life is much like larger schools with clubs, dances, field trips, and international excursions. Additionally, Fusion Academy has a “no homework at home” policy, so students complete their homework before they leave for the day with teacher supervision in the Homework Café®. Fusion Academy fosters strong, positive relationships between students, teachers, and parents. From remedial classes to honors, Fusion fully adapts to each student where they are and helps them unlock their academic potential and achieve personal growth. Fusion also partners with outside therapeutic professionals and programs to support students’ emotional health and create a balance between learning and life. Each campus is equipped with a state-of-the-art recording studio and a full mixed-media art studio to provide students with opportunities for creative expression. Fusion campuses are open in San Francisco, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, Los Gatos, Marin, and Palo Alto.
For the most personalized schedule, register early! For more information go to www.fusionacademy. com.
Los Gatos Marin 408.354.0743 415.472.1421
San Francisco San Mateo 415.765.9078 650.312.8305
Walnut Creek Palo Alto 925.296.0053 650.857.0634
Serendipity: n. The gift of discovering valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for Serendipity School: A setting for unexpected and exciting learning experiences that are sparked by discovery, guided by individuality, and supported by community Serendipity School is a rare and remarkable place: an encouraging, engaging, and empowering learning community where academic and personal discovery is prized, where the path to excellence is an individual adventure. A unique educational institution dedicated to progressive education, active and hands-on learning, differentiated instruction, and teaching to the whole child, Serendipity School is committed to the process and journey of learning. The result is a community of students who grow to be lifelong, joyful, and invested learners.
INDIVIDUALITY
Serendipity School’s rich and multifaceted programs promote each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development in positive ways designed to further curiosity and creativity. Our programs encompass each child’s participation, interest, enthusiasm, and ideas. All Serendipity students are encouraged to meet challenges and strive for excellence. DISCOVERY
Serendipity School believes in providing an educational experience that treats children as individuals and engages students throughout the learning process. Our highly skilled and trained educators teach to the whole child, and implement a differentiated curriculum that is both diverse and dynamic. COMMUNITY
Serendipity School supports effort and achievement by empowering students and giving them tools for academic success. Serendipity helps students to grow and learn with confidence and enthusiasm. Serendipity School students are empowered to experiment, assume academic risk, and take an interest in and responsibility for the world around them.
“Serendipity finds the little thing that makes each child unique and expounds upon that. It creates children who are confident, self-aware, and ready to face the world.” Serendipity School Parent
San Mateo and Belmont • CA 650-574-7400 (Preschool) 650-596-9100 (Kindergarten and Elementary) www.serendipityschool.com/
Live Oak School is an all gender K - 8 school in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. At Live Oak School we understand that the best learning happens when students are actively engaged in the process—thinking deeply, exploring ideas, and solving problems. Our approach is deeply rooted in the progressive tradition, centered on supporting our students in knowing themselves well. Understanding their own identities fosters an appreciation for the diversity they see in others, building the foundation to be changemakers in the world. Our students provide a daily reminder of our mission to support their potential and promise. We believe that the teacher’s role is to cultivate a stimulating and supportive learning environment in which students can construct their own knowledge. Each member of our school community brings a wealth of experiences, backgrounds, talents, abilities, and interests to school each day. Embracing this diversity, our faculty designs a rich and challenging academic program that is relevant and responsive to each student.
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) inspires students from preschool - high school to become global citizens. We provide a multicultural dual-language environment that promotes responsibility, critical thinking and academic excellence. Our programs culminate in U.S. and German diplomas, preparing our graduates for worldwide opportunities. Our two campuses feature a German/English immersion program with a well-balanced educational approach, fostering interests across all academic disciplines, socialemotional competency, artistic expression and physical motor skills. We are a recognized STEM school. Our curriculum is enhanced by comprehensive technology resources.
Our San Francisco Campus is centrally located in the Castro within walking distance to beautiful parks and adjacent to Eureka Valley Rec Center featuring sports fields, and open space. It serves a PS-9 program. Our class sizes are small, which allows us to create a very personal atmosphere and fuels a strong community.
KFS SCHOOL was founded by Kahlon Family Services LLC in January of 2016, our school’s mission every day is working as hard as we can to bring quality education toall Children who are bright and have been called Twice Exceptional (2E). Our educational inspiration stems from believing in the potential and strength of each child. We actively guide every aspect of each child’s individuality, character and well-being on a personal level and in a group setting. We provide each child with a comprehensive environment to nurture his/her learning style through their own curiosity, passion for learning, and social interaction. We strive to create opportunities for learning, exploration, creativity and selfexpression. Flexible seating and movement desks. We are a year-round school! WASC Accreditation in process!
Academy of Thought and Industry
We are a modern Montessori-inspired school with campuses in Fort Mason and in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, delivering a powerful education for independence, to develop curious, self-motivated adolescents who thrive in school and in life.
Welcome to the future of education! ATI Fort Mason's middle school program and ATI San Francisco's high school program are unique: a deliberately planned and charted curriculum of foundational skills that open a greater and greater number of possible paths. We serve ambitious teens who are looking for a smaller, more personalized learning environment and an alternative to public high school.
Middle School: 3741 Buchanan Street | San Francisco, CA 94123 | 415-429-2008 High School: 2690 Jackson Street | San Francisco, CA 94115 | 415-683-5459 www.thoughtandindustry.com/
St. Thomas the Apostle School & Preschool
A fully accredited K-8 school and preschool located in the Outer Richmond District of San Francisco
Each child at St. Thomas the Apostle is valued as a unique person with individual gifts and needs. The staff encourages each student to develop strong self-esteem, and to make an active contribution to the school and community. Our challenging academic program provides an opportunity to discover the joy of learning and the pleasure of intellectual, cultural, and physical activities. We appreciate and respect the religious, racial, economic, social, and cultural diversity within our student community. St. Thomas the Apostle School believes parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, we seek a partnership, based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication, with each child’s family.
Guidepost Montessori Fort Mason
Guidepost Montessori in Fort Mason is one of the most trusted Montessori schools in San Francisco, California. Indoors, rooms are spacious, bright, and light-filled, creating a warm and calm space for children to work. Our school is conveniently located in the heart of Fort Mason off of Beach St. and Buchanan St. Our goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential, and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime. We are a school where children find the joy in learning — and thus make it possible for them to continue learning for the rest of their lives.
Children’s House: For children ages 4 to 6 years old. Students direct their own activities, building knowledge, confidence and social skills along the way. Elementary: Designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old, this program combines classical academic subjects with student-led project-based work, allowing each child to work at their own pace and reach their full potential.
150 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 415-339-9336 www.themarinschool.org
Personalized High School Education at its Best College Prep Since 1981 TMS provides a collaborative learning community that inspires confidence, creativity, integrity, and academic excellence through a deep belief in each student’s potential. Welcoming inclusive community: At TMS, each student is seen and celebrated for who they are, as they are. Beyond the classroom: By teaching students how to think, reason, interpret, analyze, and improvise, TMS graduates leave with the future-ready skills needed to embark on life's journey as thoughtful, confident, contributing members of the global community. Creative approach to everything we do: TMS teachers are empowered to teach, and students are free to learn in surprising, unorthodox, yet thoroughly effective ways. Small school by design: Our low-student-to-teacher ratio (8-to-1 average) allows for personalized and experiential learning. Individual learning styles: TMS embraces neurodiversity and supports a variety of learning strengths.
1 Saint Vincents Drive San Rafael, CA 94903 415-993-5533 www.winstonprep.edu
Winston Preparatory
School – A Place to be Understood
Finding the right school for your child with a learning difference is fundamental. The Winston Prep Marin County Campus – a part of Winston Preparatory School national network – is a leading school for students grades 4-12 with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disorders. What makes Winston Prep unique is its commitment to an in-depth understanding of each individual student. Winston Prep accomplishes this through the Continuous Feedback process, designed to gain a deeper understanding of the students, facilitating constant assessment, remediation, and analysis of each student's response to their individualized program – while building a strong community. This process is accompanied by Winston Prep's Focus Program, where students receive daily one-to-one instruction geared towards their individual needs. Winston Prep is the only educational institution for learning differences that provides a Focus Program in the nation. If you are interested in the Marin County, California campus, please contact Kristen Atkins, Head of School, katkins@ winstonprep.edu or call (415) 993-5533, extension 28001. Visit https://www.winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/marincounty.
We are expanding! Learn more about our full-day, year round program in our new beautiful building in the Presidio.
Cow Hollow School, a full-day, full year school for children 2-5 years old, supports the belief that children learn through play, exploration and discovery within the context of nurturing and reciprocal influences of children, parents and teachers. Cow Hollow School's curriculum is based on the constructivist philosophy in which children construct knowledge and understanding from authentic experiences— they are encouraged to explore possibilities, invent solutions, collaborate with others, and try out ideas in the context of meaningful experiences. These reallife experiences make connections that inspire and provoke, and foster inquiry and critical thinking. Cow Hollow is a community of families and teachers from a broad range of cultures, nationalities, family structures, languages, and economic backgrounds. We strive to be a community where each child and family is included, valued, and represented, and where each participant is actively invited to voice and contribute ideas, opinions, questions, and values.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation 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).
