Our TK student is having a great experience! We have been impressed with the instruction, the…read moreentire community, and the amount of parent involvement. They do weekly walks to various parks, garden class, sensory motor class, regular library visits, and more. The afterschool program (CASA) is incredible and well staffed (it's seems like a 2 to 1 student teacher ratio). Our child also does foreign language class 2x per a week on-site after school. We also appreciate the later start (with option for earlier drop off) and that it is K-8 (they switch to other campus down the street). We looked at a lot of SFUSD and private options and have been very impressed with Rooftop thus far!

Middle school students poorly behaved and the head of the school has a hair trigger and very…read morespiteful individual.

With 9 years of time at the school, I have noticed a decline in quality. As a student, I felt…read morereally connected and loved the school, but it has been going down, catering for parents over kids, and sometimes neglecting what is really needed. There were also many incidents where the school didn't take the proper actions and steps or punishments for inappropriate actions that happened at the school. (Multiple times) Overall though it is still a pretty good school, just not one I would necessarily pick again.

I transfered to SFDS after spending four years at another all boys, independent school in San…read moreFrancisco. The academics, particularly the technology curriculum, were top notch; I learned how to build websites as a 6th grader in the mid-90's! Compared to other private schools in the city, students at SFDS seemed much less pressured to succeed academically, but at the same time we all were accepted into excellent high schools and were in many cases much better prepared for the workload than students from surrounding elementary schools. As with any school, some teachers will always be better than others, and it's impossible to have an entire staff of all-stars. That being said, the great majority of the teachers and staff of the school during my five years there were excellent educators who made great efforts to teach to all levels of comprehension and speed. Socially, moving from an all-boys school to a co-ed institution was an adjust for me, but a welcome one. Compared to other independent schools in San Francisco, I felt my class was extremely diverse both culturally and socio-economically, and there certainly was never any preferable treatment for those on financial aid. Overall, SFDS is an excellent institution and one that I would not hesitate to recommend to any parent considering private schools in San Francisco.

Kittredge is a small, established school located in a corner three-story house in a scenic…read moreneighborhood nearby Rochambeau Park. The tuition is comparatively attainable for an independent school with impressive academic outcomes (high school acceptances). The school has a strong athletic component with daily P.E. and students can participate in traditional school sports (cross country, volleyball, futsal, etc.) or after-school electives (theater, science club, fencing, etc.). A year ago, my child joined Kittredge in 6th grade from SFUSD. We were looking for an environment where students are interested in learning and support each other. Going in, my main concerns were how my kid would adjust to a much smaller school with rigorous academic expectations in math, science, and composition, and whether my child would fit in quickly with others who have been at Kittredge for years. It took my child about one quarter to adjust to the high academic standards, and the transition was a lot easier due to the nurturing environment. At the start of school, students were thoughtfully provided with calendar planners and shown how to schedule due dates. The students have group projects such as a bridge construction challenge and presentations as well as individual assignments like making an everyday invention and writing a history thesis. In 7th grade, students will be matched to multiple levels of math classes. My child made friends with classmates in the same year and across different grades. His cohort is an even mix of kids who joined from SFUSD and other private schools over the years or who attended the school since kinder. Kittridge is not only about academics. The school holds an annual talent show, school dance, and field day. The students attend field trips and hike to the beach and Land's End, and 7th/8th graders attend camp in Yosemite. The dedicated parent association also enlivens the environment with parties, picnics, lion dances, Diwali celebrations, etc.

We could not be happier with Kittredge, a truly special home away from home. It has been amazing to…read moresee our son thrive after transitioning from a larger school to a small family-like atmosphere. Individualized approach - Kittredge is designed as a small community to meet each child's specific needs and empower each child to flourish. Whether a student is struggling or wants to be challenged in a particular area, not only does Kittredge differentiate learning for varying skills levels, teachers customize their approach to support each individual. This applies not only for academics, but also social emotional issues. I was impressed that our teacher was open to incorporating behavior strategies that work well at home. Small knit community - The faculty often wear multiple hats and get to know the students well from different contexts. For example, the reading teacher assistant can also be the extended care teacher. By interacting with the students in different settings, they gain various perspectives and find approaches that resonate. It is valuable that students of all ages have the chance to interact closely and learn from each other. In his mixed age class, the teacher told me that my son acts as big brother, proudly explaining math concepts to the younger kids. After hearing the 8th grade student council election speeches, voting, and discussing school issues, my young son is now inspired to run for student council president one day. Personal attention -The extended care teachers are not merely babysitters ensuring his safety. I am impressed that they are loving and actively engaged whether it's playing hangman, chess, or board games. It is no wonder he does not want to leave even after a long day! When my child transferred to Kittredge, I was quite nervous for him in his new environment. On his first day of school, the principal arrived at school on a hectic morning and from a distance I saw that she made the effort to stop, and kneel down to his eye level to give him a warm welcome. These small gestures of kindness make a big impact. I appreciate that Kittredge focuses on the development of the whole person - academically, socially, and emotionally. Their curriculum includes teaching "Habits of Mind", cognitive skills which foster personal success. Every month, the theme is integrated through stories, discussions, and projects. I was filled with pride when my young son taught me "When you fail, you just try again". Once a child has a healthy mindset, and feels seen and heard, I believe he or she is set up for academic success. It is not a surprise that Kittredge graduates get accepted into San Francisco's top high schools. I met a lady who has worked in pediatrics in San Francisco for many years. When I mentioned that my son attends Kittredge, her eyes widened with excitement, "Ooooh that is a good school! All the kids I've met there are well rounded!" We feel extremely fortunate to have found a gem at Kittredge - a well balanced, warm and nurturing environment with solid academics.

My daughter has been liking the school. If you u ever have problems I suggest ms Vida she helps…read morewith problem and she handles with it good. There is no bully's to worry for your kids

I wish I could still color in class and sing songs about alligators…read more Thank you for teaching me to color in the lines, to do book reports, how to use the dewey decimal system and to share. Thank you for teaching me to read and hold my pencil correctly (actually NO i still hold it wrong and I'd like to thank Ms. Sullivan for trying to scare me into doing it the right way. NO SUCH LUCK ha!) Thank you for giving me ice packs when I fell off the monkey bars.. band aids when i tripped on the gravel around that freaky power electric box in the corner of the yard, and for teaching me to count. Sadly, i still failed algebra for 2 year in middle school, all 4 years of high school, and 2 years in college. oops. Thanks to Mrs. Hom for teaching us all that origami. Mrs. Wong for having that bomb ass classroom with the treehouse thing inside. Mrs. Golden for letting us make our own books, and especially Mrs. Ames, my all time favorite teacher (besides Mr.Avery @SFSU) who taught me to appreciate classical music, art, and READING BUDDIES! and most of all, thank you for teaching me to "be a friend" the school motto that has stayed with me for YEARS.

You'll wish you could be a kid again and go here!…read more This school is incredible - the teachers, staff, and students alike! The ethos of the school focuses on children as changemakers, the idea that each student has the ability to change the world. Within this framework, they center the child, and focus on "knowing the child well" and the child "knowing themselves well". The kids learn from a young age what makes them thrive (what environment, what tools, what topics interest them, what their growth areas are), giving them self-reflection and self-understanding skills which they will take with them for their whole lives. The school also focuses on instilling a growth mindset with the power of "yet", the idea that anyone can learn to do something new at any age. My absolute favorite school saying by far is "mistakes are magic"... Can you imagine growing up thinking that mistakes are just a part of learning and nothing to be ashamed or feel guilty about? I wish I could go back in time and attend this school!

We're in our second year as parents at Live Oak School, and we've been very pleased with the…read moreexperience. Our daughter loves going to school and really has enjoyed the teachers and staff, the lunch program, and the the experience to date. Things We Really Liked: * Weekly Field Trips in Kindergarten, which helps the students get to know the community / city and get comfortable with public transportation and exploring. Several also involve parents driving, which is a great opportunity to meet a lot of kids and other parents. * AnjiPlay, which helps promote exploration and team work, while also introducing a hint of "risky play". * Camp Live Oak, every year the entire school community goes to camp in May for 3 days, two nights. It's a wonderful and unique community building experience. * School lunch (included with tuition) program is great * Facilities are great - fairly light-filled former Hillsbro building in Potrero Hill, most classrooms have great natural light, Jackson Park is across the street. One of the few schools with a climbing wall (and will now have climbing as a middle school class). Small gym on sight, with UCSF nearby to support sports. * Very thoughtful and intelligent curriculum that they continue to respond to feedback on. They are expanding the Spanish program (currently starts in 4th) to encompass K-8. They are trying a new 8th grade capstone trip this year (traditionally DC) to be Civil Rights movement focused -- Memphis - Alabama - Atlanta. Things to Consider / Areas Could improve * The school doesn't come out of the gate hard in academics in kindergarten, ie they stay pretty light on reading, writing, and math the first year. This ramps up - for some kids very quickly - in first grade. This is probably ok, but parents should be prepared / aligned with it. Know that Live Oak 8th Graders place very well at the more academic high schools in San Francisco. They know themselves well, and they are prepared academically. * Extended Day Program. There are great hours of coverage (730 - 6pm, and holiday care on many of the days there is school off) available for working families. The enrichment programs leave a bit to be desired -- particularly the sign-up process. they seen to have way too few slots and getting a slot is like getting a Yosemite campsite. Soccer program is good. Be prepared to augment this outside of school if you have strong desires.

This is a great private school. My kids love it here. The teachers are wonderful and the academics…read moreprogram is great. I believe that children are truly happy here. God bless this school

St Monica's is a Catholic School but you do not have to be Catholic to attend. I say this because…read morethere are many families that enroll their children there and although there is an occasional mass and religious event it certainly isn't like when I was a student in K- 12. There is faith formation but there also is respect for other faiths and the bottom line is that the administration respects each student and their religious preference. I have a special place in my heart for St Monica's not only bc I am a coach there but I truly appreciate the Community. Every parent goes above and beyond to have a positive impact for their child during the school year. There are also a few local businesses that promote special events for the St. Monica's community. There are many open houses to attend along with special events that one is welcome to enjoy. Please feel free to contact me for more information. We do have an Octoberfest Event next month. Please let me know if you want more information!!!

My daughter loves her school. She is in fifth grade now and began at Kindergarten. Art being her…read morefavorite subject. They have ceramics, painting and all kinds of creative projects. They go into the Presidio one-two times per week and value being outdoors and learning about nature. We have felt supported as a family with educational classes for parents, teachers and a counseling group with other kids when she needed it. The community of families share in volunteering for events and class outings, which brings together a close network. The teachers and staff have been wonderful and I can't say enough about how well they fostered her education, projects and time here. I'm so proud of who she has become and it's due to Presidio Hill's values and academics. I highly recommend Presidio Hill.

Presidio Hill is a gem of a school that makes excellent use of the nearby national park and has…read morethoughtful and caring teachers. It is absolutely worth visiting first-hand. Two of my children transferred in midway through 3rd and 6th grade; the older graduated and is now at University High School, and the other is still at PHS, entering 7th grade. As an educator myself, I am aligned with progressive, humanist, and constructivist movements, and the ways those teaching philosophies prioritize internal motivation over external motivation aligned with more behaviorist philosophies. That's not for everyone, of course! Again, worth just visiting first-hand to have a look.

We feel incredibly grateful to be part of this school community. The school is small -- truly like…read morea family -- and that has made all the difference for our child. For students who thrive in a small setting with individualized attention, this school is a wonderful fit. There is a strong sense of belonging, and every child is truly known by their teachers and by students across grade levels. The school places strong emphasis on academics, while also recognizing that each child progresses at their own pace. They really practice individualized learning and meet students where they are. When our child first joined, they were shy, socially awkward, and often anxious. Over time, we have watched them transform into a confident and happy child who feels completely at home in this "school family." They interact comfortably with teachers and students from different grades, and they genuinely enjoy going to school every day. Communication with parents is excellent. Teachers provide regular updates and address any concerns promptly and thoughtfully. Problems are never left unattended -- they are handled with care and collaboration. Another huge plus is that the school is very low-stress for families. There are no fundraising pressures, drop-off and pick-up are smooth (no long lines!), tuition is very affordable, and there is free after-school care. The school even provides freshly prepared hot lunches, included in the tuition, so parents don't have to worry about packing meals. In addition, there is a two-month summer school program, which is incredibly helpful for working families. Most importantly, our child is happy, feels secure, and is making strong academic progress. We highly recommend this school to families looking for a nurturing, small, personalized learning environment where children can truly grow and flourish.

Absolutely don't recommend this school! Both Eric and Gayle are rude and unprofessional. They have…read morean outdated and non-inclusive way of handling things. My 5-year old was bullied in the school every day. Someone would use a pair of scissors to cut a penny-size hole on the knitted leggings/pants (on right knee) every single day for 2-week. My kid was terrified and scared. We initially thought maybe they are just having fun. We observed it that the kiddo was coming home with a hole on pants (same spot every day) and raised it to Gayle. Gayle didn't like it and "escalated" to her husband, Eric. The day after I spoke to Gayle we tried to have a conversation with Eric during drop off next morning. He literally took us outside the door and closed the door and told me "you are over the top" and "we don't have scissors freely available in the school." I tried to show him the pictures and the pants that I carried with me for proof so he can understand what is going on. I was hoping that he would hear us out and do something about it but instead he got in the defensive mode. Eric returned our tution check on the spot and said this is not working out and they can't accept our kid in the school anymore from the next day and dismissed any concerns about bullying. We were dumbfounded as the kid had no fault and was doing extremely well academically under Teacher Anna (great teacher). The last day we intentionally decided to do an early pick up after our morning conversation and surprisingly that's the only day she came home without any hole. Later we learned a boy named David was behind this. However, we are not sure if the name is accurate as she is still super scared. How many little kiddos need to go through bullying before adults accept that bullying is problematic and is a personality disorder. Stay away from this school!