We are a new Waldorf family and my son's a 9th grader. What an amazing experience WaldorfHS has…read morebeen for us. When we visited last year, I felt the curriculum and opportunities(foreign exchange, class trips) sounded wonderful but still wasn't sure how my son would fit in- as the school is smaller. However- the school's been fantastic on all fronts- including the social aspect. Though smaller, there's a welcoming & friendly vibe between all students. I think my kid has MORE friends than he would at a much larger school where he'd hang with the same 2 or 3 kids daily. Teachers care about the kids and "see" my kid for who he is. The academics are amazing & yet the workload isn't overwhelming. Meaningful project assignments & plenty of available support from teachers when needed. HW load comparable to most privates- but not excessive. He has plenty of downtime & isn't staying up until 11pm doing HW. I'd absolutely recommend this school & SF Waldorf HS school has surpassed expectations.

I don't know if the word negro is a joke within books being produced out loudly. If this is about a…read morebook, teaching or not, the word negro shouldn't be replaced with anything else or misused. This truly misguides student who are not Black and encourages them even more to think that word is okay while being used in school books and teaching context.

My wife and I transferred our children to New School when red flags from their previous school…read morebegan not only affecting their academic performance but also their emotional. We invested a lot of time and effort to find a school that could rekindle my eldest's natural curiosity and love of reading and math. My only regret is not enrolling my kids here in New School earlier. New School is everything what learning should be. The staff is genuinely enthusiastic, professional and committed to the philosophy of the CORE values of the district. The energy the staff at New School brings was the needed vibe to negate all the toxic experiences my children had to endure from their previous school. I inquire with my children each day as to how their day goes at New School. As a parent who only wants the best for my children, I am grateful for them to have been gained so much in the short time they have been enrolled. Recently, my son told me, "Dad! I understand Algebra now!" The excitement in his voice could had never been heard from during his time in his old school. I asked him, "What do you like about your new school?" He replied, "My teacher is very clear in explaining the material. They just don't give out work and tell us to figure it out without teaching us. Also, the lessons (his teacher) hands to us gives me the chance to be creative, And, I don't have to be afraid anymore when I ask a question. My old school would yell at me a lot." I truly believe the early experiences children gain influence not only their ability to learn, but also how they value themselves and others which are key components in creating that lifelong relationship with higher education. I cannot speak enough of how great New School is. I wish all schools could model their program.

Our child is in 7th grade at New School SF, and it's going very well. He's had excellent teachers…read more (A special thank you to Ms. Heather in 6th grade, so talented!) The school is high-performing. The curriculum is rigorous and thoughtful. Many of the field trips have been service projects, like serving a meal at Glide or removing invasive plants from Chrissy Field, which is wonderful for building character. They do a one-night camping trip in 7th grade. They hold all-school events that celebrate different cultures. There's an annual middle-school dance and class parties. They walk to Joe DiMaggio Park for PE three times a week. They have middle school sports teams. Conflict among the kids seems minimal. There's a good emphasis on equity. Downsides: The electives are limited because the school is small. They have a cafeteria that can be used as a community space, but no separate gym, and the yard is small. The commute from across town is tough, but we have a good carpool going. These downsides are outweighed by the fact that our child gets an excellent academic education in a friendly, safe, and professional environment. Public middle school in SF is tough, and we're very happy to be here.

We love AVS! This gem of a school has been amazing for my two boys. The teachers are top notch -…read morethey are incredibly skilled at providing customized, differentiated instruction that engages students. From the music department to math, our kids have been provided with enriching learning experiences. Teachers meet their students where they're at - my boys have each received some extra guidance in areas where they required practice (spelling! writing) and have also had the opportunity to advance beyond the traditional grade level curriculum in areas where they excelled (e.g., math). We've been super impressed with the school's response to COVID - administration has juggled the priorities and needs of families who wanted their children to return to in-person instruction, and re-opened the campus as soon as the city permitted it - as well as the needs of families who have chosen to keep their kids in virtual instruction.

My son is thriving at Alta Vista School and I can't wait to send my second son there. Moving from…read morea preschool environment where he didn't have clear focus and seemed distracted, my son transformed almost upon entry to Alta Vista. The small class sizes and nurturing attention of his teachers have been invaluable. Even the head of school attends to each child -- he knows them well and they love him. He also teaches science to the children of all grades. It's amazing to have a head of school in the classroom like that! At AVS, my son has learned about the world in an integrated way, using math, science, art, history, reading, music and play in innovative ways that help the children to really understand the projects they work on. The AVS teachers are amazing! They develop their own curriculum, meet in grade level teams for collaboration, attend creative professional development education and spend each day engaged, caring, and earning the much deserved respect of their students who love them. I know AVS is new, but there is no other school in the city where I would rather have my children.

SF Schoolhouse has been an amazing find for our family…read more Last Spring my daughter's public charter was struggling with pandemic-related academic and behavioral problems. We switched to SFSH and everything changed 180 degrees. My daughter went from being afraid and withdrawn to being engaged and excited about school. She now has a set of friends she can connect with. Thus we have been psyched to find an affordable, excellent family-participatory school that we can walk to. #DreamComeTrue. Also, SFSH is one of the few independent schools with a San Francisco vibe. When leaving the SFUSD I was afraid we would have to be in a community with wealthy Families who had no awareness of their privilege. Instead, we are in a community of engaged parents who are each willing to put in several hours a month to help make the school work for everyone. SFSH is progressive, inclusive, personal education, small classes, with a focus on creativity and social equity. Also, the school is inclusive and queer-friendly for both students and families.

We have been so grateful to have found this unique school and to have made it our community for our…read moreson's middle school experience. Schoolhouse is a small school by design and hence classes are quite small and often organized by ability, not grade level. It is also a progressive school and led by a conscientious and thoughtful team. Most importantly to our family is that they were not daunted by neuro-divergent learners. They always aim to support and make accommodations when there is a need.

If you want your child to be taught holistically, and if your kid's overall development is more…read moreimportant to you than only achieving high test scores, then the Waldorf School is for you. The academics are excellent. It is amazing to see and hear 3 year olds tell coherent stories, thanks to the way that arts and literature are integrated into the curriculum. My daughter has been going to the pre-school program, kindergarten, and is now in first grade. I'm delighted to see how she and her school mates are developing intellectually and artistically. It is also reassuring to see Waldorf School 8th graders that are smart, well adjusted, and do community work. The school doesn't feel or look like a factory, but is a pleasant, inviting place of learning and playing. If you see the interiors of the kindergartens alone, you'll be in awe. Feel free to sign up for a tour. The school is a strong community that supports each family that is part of it. I work full-time and feel very connected to the other families and the faculty. I also love the fact that my child will have the same class teacher from first through at least fifth grade (There are also other subject teachers throughout those years.) The teacher will really get to know the students and can guide their development tailored to their individual needs. I wish I was in first grade again at that school!

This school played a very large part in destroying my life…read more I attended the waldorf grades school from k1-8th grade and transitioned to the waldorf high school after (all while paying full tuition). Due to some unfortunate events based on false allegations I was asked to leave the waldorf high school during my sophomore year. I lost all of my friends, everyone i had known for the past 15 years where ripped away from me. I remember crying in the principles office not being able to accept the words she uttered.. I remember my mom driving me home, it was silent in the car except for the sound of my tears dropping onto my northface. Since that day I was an outcast to the community I once called home. The waldorf school ruined my life, but everyday, I am healing from the wounds it left me.

Small, adorable public elementary in Cole Valley. The teachers seem highly engaged and a visit to…read morethe morning circle demonstrates what a small, tight-knit community has formed around Grattan. We were very lucky to have had a choice, transferring in a few weeks into school. We chose Grattan over Alvarado and McKinley, as well as a few private schools at which we had reserved a spot (Sacred Heart, Katherine Michiels). We decided that a small public school experience in a cozy neighborhood would be best and haven't regretted it once. Highlights include parent volunteerism, which is highly encouraged--volunteers are made to feel an integral part of the school. A small student body means everyone knows your child's name and there are fun activities throughout the year for Grattan kids and their families. There is also an emphasis on exploring nature and cultivating kindness, which I found charming. I was happy with the K instruction offered and found the teacher to be kind but firm, and very experienced. The classroom environment was comfortable, inviting, with clearly-established routines softened by freedom to explore. In terms of school leadership, I think Mr. Reedy is doing a great job (I understand his predecessor was a principal of formidable talent). Mr. Reedy connects with both kids and parents, is passionate about what he does and obviously loves his job. The only drawback at Grattan is what I perceive as an overall lack of diversity. With the exception of Asian-americans, people "of color" seem under-represented. The result is a very homogenous feel, and less laughter and warmth than I observed at some of the Spanish-immersion schools, for ex (those from "warmer" cultures would know what I mean, so take that fwiw. And it's not as though you have a guaranteed spot at one of those highly over-subscribed immersion programs anyway.) Grattan parents are very friendly, however, and the school does go to some lengths to introduce multicultural elements in the coursework and field trips. And if you are passionate about diversity, the Boys and Girls club located 5 blocks away is an excellent option although most Grattan parents seem to choose the GASP or CDC after-school programs. Having experienced it for a year, I can understand why Grattan is a highly sought-after San Francisco public elementary. If you can overlook the lack of diversity, I'd put it on my top 10 list: it is a charming school offering a solid education in a tight-knit community.

I go to this school and it is the best school in San Francisco!!!!! My 3rd grade teacher took my…read moreclass to a GIANTS GAME!!!!!! Grattan is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Grattan!!!!!!!!!!

If the whole world was a large Presidio Hill School, what a wonderful world it would be! It is a…read morekind, inclusive, community oriented progressive school. And where I first learned about non-violent communication. My granddaughters love going to school. I wish I had had the same experience when I was in school. They definitely instill the love of learning. The community of staff, teachers, students and guardians (parents and others) is strong, warm, and welcoming. At the beginning of the COVID confusion the school reached out, even to me as just a grandmother, to check in. They offered help if needed, in any form, and encouraged me to reach out at any time. The teachers and staff are all engaged, dedicated, communicative and tire-less. PHS "walks it's talk". My eldest granddaughter has been at PHS for 5 years. I've found myself loving this community more every year.

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.

For more information about the benefits of a late start school - New Traditions starts at 9:30! -…read morecheck out this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/school-start-times-sleep_n_6715142.html?ir=Parents&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

Before first round applications are due in two weeks, make a point to tour New Traditions, a truly…read moreexceptional elementary school (K-5) within the SFUSD. We just won a spot in the spring lottery and transferred into New Traditions, my original first choice among the District's elementary schools. Prior, I had toured Miraloma, West Portal, Creative Arts Charter School, Grattan, Sherman, Rooftop and Claire Lilienthal. With bright and stimulating classrooms and hallways filled with children's artwork created under the tutelage of Meg, New Traditions' fabulous art teacher (the arts program funded by New Traditions' very strong PTA), New Traditions is led by an award-winning Principal and as of May 2012, awarded the prestigious "California Distinguished School" designation. With reciprocal programs with San Francisco's major art institutions including the DeYoung, New Traditions has a traditional curriculum with a strong arts slant. New Traditions is a nice, smaller size elementary school (student population around 250), with beautiful classrooms and grounds that include butterfly and vegetable gardens and a welcoming staff that makes you feel included in their community: I ***highly recommend.