Best teachers and staff from Administrators to Counselors to coaches and best of all really…read morecommitted and dedicated teachers. Great experience for my kid so far.

girl this school is messy and the drama is crazyyyyy... the teachers are okay but the food is nasty…read moreasf

I had went to John Muir elementary for 6 years and I will say it was a amazing experience nice staf…read morenice teachers and everything I love the campus and like I always said slay baddie queen

Caring staff and awesome grounds. Great place to work at if the current principal personally likes…read moreyou and your opinion matches hers. I was there this past year and quickly noticed how true this was. I had a very challenging class and was only given negative feedback, and then just ignored. So I thought, "Okay, maybe I'm not all that great of a teacher." Then after getting to know the staff better, I learned that many staff members were unhappy with her. There was one teacher there who taught 1st grade for many, many years To try to get her to quit, she moved her to 5th grade. That position could of been filled by anyone who actually wanted it. She also suggested to a staff member that she should retire. When she said she wasn't ready, the principal immediately got her transferred to another school. After being on medical leave for most of the school year, the secretary returned. Before she returned, the principal announced that she was coming back. By her announcement, it was clear that she didn't want her back. After getting to know the secretary, I learned that she wasn't liked by the principal. The principal interactions with her are all negative and now the union is involved. One day a student in my class was pissed off and yelled, "Fuck you! " the student didn't know the principal was standing right behind him. The principal took him out of class and he returned in less than 5 min. Apparently the principal told him that she understood that he must be having a difficult day, but we must choose different words when expressing anger. I was dumbfounded and thought the student would be suspended and not given a 5 min therapy session. What a horrible school year it turned out to be. It's sad because this principal isn't at all the leader who I thought she was going to be. There's more but I've said enough. Getting rid of her would definitely move my star rating to a 5.

I just have to do this school justice because the previous reviews really slander the image of the…read moreschool. Harding since four years ago has been a diverse, supportive, caring environment! With many dedicated teachers and staff. They will say hi to your kids even at the grocery store! I have nothing but positive feedbacks for this school and it takes the community/village to raise young people. This is a dedicated community of parents who are constantly volunteering and giving back to the school. This community keeps the students safe by prioritizing safety, and investing in teachers ongoing development!

First of all, my child said that a special Ed student tried to light a kids computer on fire. They…read moreshould have better watch on the special ed students and actually try to teach them. Second off they have also let me in on that their friend has been mentally abused and scarred by their third grade teacher. For privacy reasons, is called Ms B. In other events, I was also alerted that a suicide note was inside of the boy's lavatory and was most likely from this school and school caused it. The new change in authority was nice though because the old principal was pretty rude. As previously told, there is a janitor currently in charge in the cafeteria. What baffles me is that this janitor isn't even letting the new lunch monitor do her job because the janitor thinks she has more power than she already has. Don't really recommend, 1.5 stars.

We moved from the city to the east bay once we knew we would be in a a family way. We chose the…read morelower rockridge area in part because of the restaurants on college avenue, but also because of Peralta Elementary school. You know how a good dessert can make you feel great? We'll a step onto the campus at Peralta Elementary in Oakland does the same thing. it's not just parent involvement everyone loves the place and it shows ... --l (peraltaschool.org). http://www.peraltaschool.org

We highly recommend Bentley Upper School. Our son just finished his senior year, and the growth…read morewe've seen in him is hard to overstate. A few things that stood out to us: - Teachers truly see their students. Not just academically, but as whole people. -Creativity and rigor live side by side. Kids are pushed and trusted at the same time. - The culture encourages kids to show up as themselves. Our son found his voice here. - He's felt held, seen, supported, challenged, and loved. He arrived still figuring out his relationship to learning. He's leaving curious, confident, proud of who he's become, and headed to Harvard in the fall. That outcome is a credit to the teachers and culture here, and to what this school does for kids when they're given the space to find themselves.

This review is based solely on the tennis courts…read more This is our 2nd tennis tournament at Bentley and I love the nice and clean lay out. It's conveniently located off the freeway and very easy to find. After all, it is only 3 exits away from our house. I love that there are lots of trees surrounding the area, with beautiful blossoms. Early morning air is nice and refreshing. Might even convince myself to come out and take a nice stroll someday, which I rarely do. So good luck to me on that thought... Parking lot can get a little crowded when there are a lot of parents here to watch their kids play, but there is also street parking available. The people in charge of the tennis tournaments are good and fair. Unfortunately, seating arrangements aren't as comfortable as one would like, but it's a kids' tournament...we're not expecting pro tennis treatment.

As a current senior student at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, I can say that this school is an…read moreexcellent institution. It is truly something special. It's not just about obtaining good grades; it is about growing as a person and growing in your relationship with Christ. The class sizes are small, which allows for more one-on-one time between teachers and students. The teachers here are caring, loving, supportive, and they encourage a Christ-centered environment. They are extremely invested in student success, both academically and personally. The community here is one of the strongest parts of PHAA. There is a genuine sense of support! Students encourage one another, and faculty creates an environment where you feel seen and valued. It's not one of those schools where everyone competes in a toxic way. Here, everyone celebrates each other's successes and accomplishments. Whether it's academics or extracurriculars, there are so many opportunities to get involved and grow, and people will actually show up and support you. Academically, PHAA does an amazing job of preparing you for the future. The teachers push you to think critically, stay disciplined, take ownership of your work, and grow hand-in-hand with God. At the same time, they're approachable and willing to step up and help whenever you need it. It is obvious they are passionate about what they do, and that makes a huge difference in how engaged students are in class. This is a place where you'll definitely feel comfortable on a daily basis. We hope to see you soon!

Considering I've been going for 14 years, it's been an experience. Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy…read morehas had its ups and downs throughout the year. When the staff announces that "we are all one family," believe them. Students are welcoming of new friends. Out of my 14 years of attending, Bullying cases are never seen. Everyone is extremely kind, including teachers. Teachers are willing to sit with you to help you raise your grades. Something about PHAA is that the homework has never been overwhelming. Classrooms are filled with laughter, no matter the grade. From projects to essays, students have a sense of unity to make their learning experience fun. Aside from academics, the sports program is the cherry on top of PHAA. The boys' and girls' volleyball teams are undefeated. Boys and Girls basketball put in the work. The school showcases its accomplishments in the upstairs trophy case! Students go on away games for all sports, bringing back win after win. The music program is more than amazing. Singing in different churches and occasionally traveling to praise God. The school is faith-based. Every Friday, students host a chapel where they sing and praise God. Students are able to speak a few words or have special speakers as well. The best thing about PHAA is traveling. Students have been able to go to Washington, D.C., and recently went to New York! Students are able to expand their minds and have a flexible schedule. Not just putting their heads in a book, but also traveling! There are so many leadership opportunities to prepare you for college. Starting from SA positions, the National Honor Society, and the class government. On campus, we have a beautiful field and a great playground for elementary school. The campus is filled with trees, flowers, and a wonderful structure in front of the high school. Halls aren't just filled with lockers, but with artwork and the laughter of students. The gym is big in size and a great place to enjoy sports. Tuition could be intimidating, however its worth it! Pleasant Hill is very welcoming to all. Not just the school, but the church as well.

We came here to pick up our niece. This was my first time picking her up. The pick up line of cars…read moreis an experience. There is even a line just getting off the freeway. Luckily we saw her as soon as we pulled up. I was worried we wouldn't be able to find her in the crowd. Picking up isn't for the lighthearted.

I had two children attend here. If your child is interested in a career in the sciences this school…read moredoes not prepare them for the way classes are taught at a top tier university. The way in which they test (multiple corrections opportunities) and teach (use of calculators) is the opposite of what they do in university. O'Dowd is focused on the appearance of grades but the grades aren't real. They worry about what they can say about college acceptance rates and types of institutions students are accepted to but they don't actually prepare them for how to study for or take exams properly. It's not worth the cost for the outcome. Maybe if your child is interested in the liberal arts or some general finance degree it's fine. If their focus is to just play sports this might also be your spot. If your child is not a minority likely also fine. If you want them to go to one of the top schools in the nation and survive - this is not for your child. Counseling staff have outdated ideas and a relic leading them all. The school does not offer anything that supports essay writing at school or as part of an assignment as many other high schools of a similar position do. They do nothing that provides value. They provide a place for students to submit their college options (for their tracking nothing more) and provide zero coaching on applying. They do not offer support to those that are paying their wages and keeping the lights on. Look elsewhere. This is not worth the financial investment given the lack of genuine college preparation experienced here. Huge disappointment.

I have two kids who attend this school and it has surpassed our expectations. We live in Orinda,…read morewhich has a very good school district. Our girls chose St. Mary's for the faculty, community feel, diversity, rigor, and e-week experience-among other things. It has not disappointed. The Vice Principal, Ms. Molinelli, goes above and beyond, talking to me outside of school hours despite me saying that I am happy to adjust to her schedule as I am also in education and know the challenges. She is knowledgable, up-to-date with current research (she mentioned articles from The Atlantic and other publications/books that I had also read), and is clearly passionate about education. There are other notable faculty who are just so pleasant, so warm, so willing to sit with an anxious parent and walk them through making these difficult choices for your child: Dr. Troyani, the new principal, is also wonderful as is Mr. Filson, Ms. Esposito, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Mosby and so on. We love that the adults in St. Mary's have high expectations for the students. They hold them to a dress code (no torn clothing). They have days where professional dress is required (as someone who has interviewed people in cargo shorts and open toed Teva sandals for a job in education, I appreciate that my children are learning that there are still appropriate ways to dress for more formal events/presentations, and that they implemented a cell phone ban. As a practicing Catholic, I also appreciate St. Mary's focus on LaSallian virtues and SERVICE, and that it is so incredibly inclusive, which is what I believe true Catholicism should always stand for. We could not imagine a better place for our girls, who both love going to school (which was NOT my high school experience) and who now have such a wonderfully diverse group of friends. As a mother of two Asian American girls, one of whom is darker skinned, I have deeply appreciated that my children have been in an environment that is nurturing and supportive; that celebrates who they are, allowing them to be comfortable in their own skin. St. Mary's is a special place and we are so grateful to be part of this school community!

Saint Mary's College High School came into being as part of St. Mary's College in Moraga, It was…read morefounded in 1863 by the Catholic Church, and put under the auspices of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1868. Saint Mary's is Albany's other High School, although the main entrance is on the other side of Codonices Creek in Berkeley. None of my kids went to school here, although I have been on their pretty, green, and 7 building campus several times. My most notable experience involved Leo, a now departed orange tabby cat that decided to run away from home, and take up residence at St. Mary's. In fact, when I found him, he was hanging out under a tree and holding court with a few students. After I took him back home, the school called to make sure that he was OK and to tell me that the kids really missed him! He was a great cat.