The Athenian school is a special place. My son plays sports and I have travelled to many Bay Area…read moreprivate schools for matches. No schools have campuses as beautiful as Athenian, not College Prep, Bentley, or even Nueva. Athenian's 75-acre campus is at the foothill of Mt. Diablo, it is a bit remote but the beautiful campus rivals some small colleges. Campus aside, I feel the teachers really try to make learning fun, and the kids are all happy going to school there. The academics are pretty rigorous, but the kids don't feel stress out. In a small class of 12-15 students, my son can't hide or cruise. I see improvement in his communication skill and work ethnics in just a few months. Sports are a big deal in Athenian and get a lot of supports from parents. My son made a lot of friends from joining different teams. I have run into many talented Athenian kids in arts, musics and sports. Some get recruited into top universities in their junior years. The school puts out a lot of events for parents to participate, mingle with the kids, and get to know each other. There are parents bookclub, coffee / hikes, Student plays, Jazz night, culture nights, and homecoming night. Some of the performances are opened to the public, I encourage you to come and see for yourself. One review talked about director of admission. Chris has left Athenian a couple years ago. All the staffs I interacted with are nice and receptive to new ideas. Another reviewer highlighted guest speakers and domestic/international trips. I couldn't agree more. There are so many learning opportunities that made me jealous (I went to UC). Every semester, alumni would come back to share their college experience. One common theme is how well Athenian has prepared them and they are thriving in top 20 universities. If Athenian kids can survive 3 weeks camping in the Death Valley and the Sierra, other adversities will seem easy to them. If you want your kid to be well-rounded, resilient and have a diverse group of lifelong friends, Athenian is the perfect school. https://www.athenian.org/athenian-blog-and-news

After years at The Athenian School, the pattern is hard to miss and it's not a positive one…read more Academically, there are visible coverage gaps. Teachers are reassigned across subjects in ways that feel reactive, not intentional, and it shows in uneven rigor and depth. Oversight appears inconsistent, with little indication of sustained evaluation or development to ensure instructional quality. Staffing stability is also a concern, midstream departures and changes have impacted continuity in the classroom or elective, which matters from a student and parent perspective. The rubric/grading shift, framed as "equity," ends up compressing outcomes. In practice, it reduces differentiation between students and lowers the ceiling rather than raising the floor. Strong students aren't pushed; weaker outcomes are normalized. It can also reward students who closely match what a given teacher is looking for, rather than those demonstrating deeper or more independent mastery, narrowing, rather than expanding, meaningful academic rigor. Communication is another friction point. Parents receive a high volume of emails from multiple sources, with information spread across messages and platforms. Important details can be difficult to track, especially for those already managing full schedules and inboxes. School climate is also worth examining. In our experience, our teen encountered peer interactions that raised concerns around inclusivity and respect for differences. We did not see clear communication or follow-through addressing those situations or, at best, limited transparency or parent dialogue when problems arise. More broadly, the student body and staff do not reflect a high level of diversity, which may matter to families. Programs like AWE are positioned as unique and distinguishing. There are committed people involved, but the program carries additional cost and execution issues (recurring when talking with previous parents). At the institutional level, the school feels adrift. We've learned of the loss of the boarding program this year, ongoing turnover, and shifting priorities all which suggest a lack of clear direction and raise a straightforward question: what, exactly, are you paying for? College counseling reinforced that concern. Guidance leaned heavily toward "safe" schools, with little appetite for thoughtful risk. We chose to override it and our teen was admitted to a school labeled "unlikely." Bottom line: our teen succeeded, but not because of the school's systems. It was largely in spite of, with limited added value from the institution. For families considering this school, go in with eyes open. Ask direct questions about staffing stability, grading philosophy, program execution, and how information is communicated to families. The answers matter, look for clear, concrete answers, not just polished or well-rehearsed responses.

My daughter started school in the summer of 2024 and she could not be happier. All of the teachers…read morehere are caring, nurturing, and very happy to be working with kids. Her TK teacher, Ms. Swarnali, has really created an environment geared towards fostering a joy of learning. The kids do science experiments, arts, writing, reading and so much more. My daughter is leaps above other kids her age due to her TK with Ms. Swarnali!

I started my daughter in Preschool at Harper at 3.5. She had not been to school before, and I was…read moresuper nervous about this transition for her. She started with Ms Mamta, who was amazing with the transition. She was so patient and accommodating to all of her big feelings. She very quickly started loving school. She is currently in Ms Swarnali's class, and she has truly blossomed, she is truly exceptional! From the very beginning, Ms. Swarnali has created a warm, nurturing environment where she has felt safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. Ms. Swarnali consistently uses positive reinforcement to guide and motivate her students. Her approach has helped my daughter grow not only academically, but also emotionally. I've seen tremendous improvements in her confidence and the way she interacts with others -- changes that I credit directly to Ms. Swarnali's support and teaching style. It is clear that Ms. Swarnali is deeply committed to the well-being and development of her students. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had her as part of my daughters early learning journey.

So much ridiculous entitlement. We cannot get into our residental complex at the corner of El Cerro…read moreBlvd at times as the parents block the entry and speed up to cut us off when there is the slightest opening. Yes, they speed up to stop at the red light on El Cerro. Such blatant rudeness. Catholic hypocrisy to its fullest! We tap the horn and they either smugly smile or stare straight ahead and don't acknowledge at all. During their drop off and pickup times, look out as they clearly think their time is more important than anyone else's. Their kids play doorbell ditch throughout the neighborhood after school, disturbing residents. Are these the kind of people you want your kids going to school with? Entitlement, rudeness, lack of parenting at its finest!

St Isidore school teaches kids lessons each day with amazing teachers too! And, this community is…read morevery safe with great kids and a very clean campus.

Had a frustrating experience during after-school pickup. My husband and I were waiting in the…read moredrive-up lane to pick up our son from chess. I was in front of a crosswalk with multiple parked cars ahead of me, so there was nowhere to go. A lady pulls up behind me, upset, demanding I move so she can get her child from daycare. Even if I could move, where was she going with cars parked in front of me? Then the car behind her starts telling me to go park somewhere else, to leave and that I need to be nice? Then she runs to the office. What? Next thing I know, Lor (I believe) from the office comes out yelling at me instead of actually looking at the situation. I told her to ask the cars in front of me to scoot up, so then maybe I can move...moved maybe 20 feet if that hahaha, accomplishing nothing since those cars were still in front of me. Meanwhile, the lady who demanded I moved (and no one else to move) causing all this drama got her karma and ended up hitting the divider as she drove away. The whole situation was ridiculous. Instead of handling it fairly, Lor sided with entitled parents who think the rules don't apply to them. Also office stop asking if I have moved. If I did, I would have informed you.

It's been a long road to Danville but a well worn path by many other families in our situation…read more That road beginning in downtown San Francisco and that path refers to: 1. A couple dating 2. With no children 3. Who get married 4. Have kids 5. Send them to pre-school 6. and Now what? And also....some of those path items may not have happened in that exact order if you know what I'm saying......you know what I'm saying right? Oh wait - This is Danville. You really don't know what I'm saying because everything here is perfect and goes according to planned. Please know I'm not trying to be sarcastic - everything in Danville is in fact PERFECT. Case in point Greenbrook Elementary School. It's no secret that the Danville public school system is absolutely phenomenal when compared to almost the entire State of California. In addition the two high schools are ranked nationally by US News and World Report each year. Of course the price of admission to this educational wonderland is your left kidney, your child's first born, and a bottle filled with unicorn tears. But after the unicorn tears are handed over your child is ushered into an incredible learning experience. I distinctly remember my first report card from Kindergarten. I was sufficient in skills like cutting with scissors and not eating glue. This was the standard I was held to 38 some odd years ago. My son comes home with science experiments for kindergarten homework. He has to read a new book each week and then write his understanding of the material. I fear that next month I'm going to have to put him in time out for building a crystal meth lab in the play room rather than just forgetting to flush the toilet. Is it safe to give children this much knowledge so early? The folks at Greenbrook Elementary certainly think so, I just worry I won't be able to help out once he hits the third grade. I'll be looking at his advanced algebra textbook while I nervously lick a sticky substance off my fingers hoping nobody notices I'm on the paste again. Just to let my son know that his parents are still in charge of this house before he takes over the world my wife and I joined him at the Greenbrook PTA Bingo fund raiser night. We got there about 5 minutes before the Bingo was about to start and the place was packed, probably about 200 maybe 300 people there. We found a couple of seats still open near a garbage can and grabbed our bingo cards just in time for the first game. The game progressed slowly but quietly I was picking up steam until there it was .... N42. Almost involuntarily I shot up out of my seat holding my card and scream "BINGO!". The other parents looked at me with their jealous bingo eyes, my son started to cry because he does not like to lose at anything, and my wife was furious because she was only one square away from Bingo Glory. So when I responded to these hateful stares with...."And that's how you play BINGO people!" well....in that moment I realized Danville needs a guy from an under performing school district in New Jersey to talk a little trash from time to time. It would be almost statistically impossible for our family to win again on Bingo night given the amount of people in the room but guess what? Two games later my wife nails it, bursts out of her seat with a hearty cry of "Bingo Baby!" My son began to sob as he lost again and we are handed our second gift card of the night. I gave my wife a high five and started to imagine our free evening on the town that would include frozen yogurt and a movie. We leave the multi-purpose room triumphant in our victory because we know our son is going to retire to his room and begin working on an algorithm that unlocks the secrets of bingo forever. They may be 6 years old at Greenbrook Elementary but don't turn your backs on them for a second parents or you'll find yourself asking these munchkins to unlock your ipad so you can go on yelp before bedtime.

This school dream come true less then a month already seeing results Great results With my…read morechild. I see a difference in her growing and she has the best teacher Ms faraday. Secure and safe environment, and a prime example for a great school.

My home school for my daughter. Love the office ladies. I also love being part of my daughters…read moreschool experience and being hands on. This is such a wonderful school and I'm super lucky to live in such a wonderful area and my daughter attend such an awesome school.

The marching band is really good there Excellent programs…read moreThere was a Spanish teacher who got on my nerves but they were chill

One son graduated and i have a senior at MVHS. MVHS…read moreprepares students for college. They offer challenging classes and many options for students to choose from. Not just academically but a lot of extracurricular activities for students to get involved Dance, Theater, award winning music programs, competitive sports. the counseling team is amazing. They are there for the students. Always available to help and guide. The Principal, Dr. Ahern is constantly on campus and keeps us parents on the loop on what is happening at the school. He does monthly coffees and parents are always welcome, our ideas and input are heard. Parents have plenty of opportunities to volunteer, something we never got a change with middle school. The school is on top of bulling and any issues that arise, i am sure there are drugs like any other High School, it depends on the parents being aware and involved with their children. The school wants students to succeed. During Covid the school and the school district have been on top of testing and safety protocols. Parents and students are involved and opinions matter. Glad the students had the option to go back to school, i wish it was done sooner. Lastly, it is locate on the beautiful foothills of Mt Diablo! And it is a beautiful campus!

My som has been in this school for 3 years, amazing Staff and Principle…read moreGreat to be in here

Decent school but staff (i.e., principle) has no authority or guts to deal with sub par teachers…read more Beware of Sheila Kaufman (somehow still employed and teaching second grade. Our kindergarten year was horrible with her in charge. My daughter is one of those rare children that didn't enjoy her first year of school. We discovered learning disabilities with our daughter soon after her nightmare year which has now been properly dealt with. Unfortunately we first had to endure a BULLY of a teacher that demonstrated no patience or care whatsoever. When confronted with concerns by us, she stormed out of the meeting in a temper tantrum fashion with no repercussion from the principal. Reports from her teacher's assistant made it clear she had real issues. We thank God that her next series of teachers have been great. Will never forget this unqualified, impatient, unprofessional bully. Sad to see tenure keeping this individual employed. If you get her, I can't urge you enough to request a change. You'll thank me later.

This school was horrible, they hired a predator without doing the right background checks and a lot…read moreof the teachers are rude to students or just don't teach them what they need to teach (one teacher specifically taught they're class what they weren't supposed to learn and that stunted the students knowledge for the next year) . This school is bad at hiring good teachers and the students being forced inside the cafeteria during lunch is cramped and uncomfortable

The teachers aren't that nice and the school is in poor condition and dirty as heck they need to…read morefire most of these horrible teachers

It has taken me over a year to gather the courage to write this review, and my motivation is not…read moreborn out of anger alone, but from a place of profound disappointment and a broken heart. My journey with this school, which spanned nearly five years, was full of moments that initially filled us with hope but ultimately left us deeply disillusioned. When my daughter and I were first accepted, we were elated. I remember the tears of joy as we shared the news with family, and we even brought a cake to the staff to express our appreciation. We believed we had found a safe, nurturing Christian environment where my daughter could thrive academically and spiritually, and where she would form lasting, meaningful relationships under the guidance of a Christian curriculum and staff. Unfortunately, as the years went by, our experience was consistently marred by disappointments, particularly with the behavior of some of the teachers. What was even more troubling, however, was the principal's response--or lack thereof. Time after time, when issues were brought to her attention, Miss Westgate, the principal, would dismiss concerns or, worse, turn the situation around, making the staff out to be the victims despite undeniable evidence to the contrary. This lack of accountability was heartbreaking, but I continued to hope that my daughter was still receiving a good education. One of the more distressing events during our time at the school involved a teacher who submitted a letter to CPS, claiming that I was unsafe with my daughter because she sat in the front seat of the car. The car in question was a two-seater, and the airbag had been turned off--perfectly legal. CPS, when contacted, dismissed the claim as frivolous, noting they often receive baseless reports from this school. This was just one example of many, where the school staff overstepped, and yet no action was taken to address the behavior. Another shocking incident involved the leaking of private information from a live scan to parents who were not authorized to see it. Despite my attempts to bring this to Miss Westgate's attention, there was no explanation, just a shrug and an admission of ignorance. I had nothing to hide, but the idea that such sensitive information was handled so carelessly was inexcusable. As time passed, my daughter's emotional well-being became a growing concern. She was bullied by a former close friend, and after repeatedly addressing the situation with the staff, I was forced to take matters into my own hands. I spoke politely with the child involved, reminding her of their past friendship and encouraging her to reconcile. I even communicated this to the child's father and Miss Westgate, who assured me she would look into it. The following day, however, Miss Westgate informed me that I was no longer allowed on school property, that my behavior was deemed inappropriate. I was barred from participating in school activities I had been a part of for years, including chapel and father-daughter events. Despite my efforts to resolve the matter amicably, the school took an aggressive stance, forcing me to withdraw my daughter. When I made the decision to pull my daughter from the school, it wasn't out of spite but out of necessity. I needed to protect her, and unfortunately, staying at this school was no longer in her best interest. The final blow came when we enrolled her in a local public school, only to discover that she was a year behind academically, despite having been told that private education would provide a better foundation. This gap in her education, combined with the emotional toll of her experience at this school, has been incredibly difficult to navigate. We've had to hire a tutor to catch her up, a process that has added more stress to an already challenging situation. As I reflect on this experience, it is clear to me that the principal, Miss Westgate, failed to hold her staff accountable for their actions. Despite providing her with ample evidence of their misconduct, she chose to defend them and, in the end, made it impossible for us to continue our relationship with the school. It's with a heavy heart that I share this review, but I feel compelled to speak out. My daughter's experience, our family's experience, was far from the Christian, nurturing environment we had hoped for. I would caution any parent considering this school to carefully weigh these factors and consider whether this is the right place for their child.

I'd give this school no stars if I could. If you don't live in Danville or Alamo, find another…read moreschool. I reside in Walnut Creek, and everyone looked at me like I was poor or would question why I'd consider going there (even though my house in Walnut Creek is upwards of 3m and theirs in 1.5-2). My daughter went to the preschool for two years. Poor communication with teachers (they only communicate at pick up in front of other parents, while other schools have apps for communication. No focus on whole child, sit, read, write mentality. If you question anything they will slowly push you out. Was told after testing that she wouldn't do well at the school (she was four). They tested her multiple times without communicating that. There was no communication all year that she had been struggling (shows they don't care about how the kids are doing until testing). Ms. Kalina is awful. Very fake (most of the staff and other moms are). Shows favoritism and said "we will see how this baby turns out" while I was pregnant. Wasn't a good fit. Don't waste your time and send your child to Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church or Contra Costa Christian (some of the teachers at SRVCA said they heard great things about it). My kids now go to those two schools, are thriving and so happy. My daughter told me "I like my new school because they don't put me in time out" (a which we knew nothing of-go figure). Older facilities but genuine and loving community-everything you want for your baby and at least they have real grass. Oh yeah, we donated over 1k to have a buck with our name put on it for their upgraded outdoor area.