Orinda Academy has been a great fit for our family. The teachers and staff really get to know each…read morekid, and the students are kind and supportive of each other. It is college prep and the work is tailored to each students academic ability, so they are always being challenged to learn. It's a calm environment with great staff.

We moved to the East Bay from NYC during the pandemic to be close to grandparents. It was…read morechallenging for everyone, particularly our children, 16 and 12. We found Orinda Academy, the lovely and healing environment we needed. Our 16-year-old entered in 11th grade, made friends, and excelled academically. OA's combination of nurture and rigor was just what we needed! The parent community is open and supportive. We also value an environment where teachers, administrators, and the entire school community know and care about our children. Our daughter is now 18 and in college and our younger one, now 14, just entered 9th grade at OA. So far so good! They are making friends and love their teachers. Our second time around and we could not be happier!

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.

This school is the best kept secret in town! The campus is ridiculously…read more beautiful, the teachers and staff are very supportive and committed, and the student body is diverse and kind. Some of the coaches are the best I've ever seen and there is a real sense of pride in the school. Not to mention that kids get into all sorts of elite colleges from Skyline. A great experience overall. Go Titans!

I went to this High School. The Administration alone is blind. I went for help numerous times and…read morewas dismissed. My father continued to beat me and I asked for help. To no avail had to turn to other means. This school will not protect their students even from the harassment of other students.

We love it at JMSG! Our sixth grader is thriving. She receives so much personal attention and help…read moreto become a confident student. She struggles in math and is becoming a confident math learner. She absolutely loves the emphasis on women's empowerment. This is helping her grow into the kind of woman we want her to be. She participates in musical theater after school and is looking forward to playing basketball next season. What a gorgeous campus, dedicated teachers, and unparalleled curriculum! I'm so glad we found JMSG for our girl!

My 6th grader loves JMSG because "all the classes are really fun and engaging. It is a forest…read morelearning environment with positive teachers and nice friends." The Head of School and the school counselor / wellness teacher welcomes every student at the curb as they arrive every morning! They ask them how they're doing and they answer parent questions. All the teachers are incredibly kind, generous with their time, enthusiastic about their subjects and about teaching middle school girls, engaging, and well qualified. They arrive an hour before school starts in the morning for "cornerstone" when the students can come in and get extra help From them, ask questions, and look over homework. Every week they have special guests and special events, like a whole day dedicated to "words" last Friday, where 3 different authors came in and spoke to the students, and then students got to pick from a variety of literacy-themed electives to attend for the rest of the day. Pi Day was also very fun, with many activities centered around understanding pi and eating homemade pies. At the end of the year, the whole 6th grade class produces a musical. And this year the musical is an original score written by the school's very talented music teacher and a Berkeley Playhouse Children's theater educator and director! We feel very lucky that our daughter was accepted into JMSG and gets to have such a magical middle school experience. She is enjoying learning and is enthusiastic about all subjects. She is excited to go to school every day and takes pride in being completely independent and confident about all her homework assignments.

Sport L.'s experience doesn't reflect the Redwood Day School that I send my kids to. Redwood Day is…read moregreat in so many ways, from the teachers, administration, the beautiful campus, and a true sense of community. I have two kids at the school, and I am grateful that I made the decision to send them here for these very important years of their education. For math, the school uses a hybrid form of Singapore Math, which for most parents seems very different from what we learned, but it works (and has success metrics - students in Singapore have one of the highest math mastery in the world). They use a different model in the Middle School for the 6-8th span that equally prepares students for higher level math in High School. Redwood Day has ways for kids who need or seek more in math - my kids are always challenged. They also have a Math Olympiad program and programs/staff to help students who may need additional support. I have never found Redwood Day to be lacking in helping my kids learn, grow, and master math. Culture and celebrations are also very integrated at the school - which celebrates everything from Latin, African American, Asian American, and Jewish Heritage months to Women's History. The school is having something for Ramadan, and I know they have also hosted a Shabbat dinner in addition to other cultural celebrations. All to say, Redwood Day is super inclusive, and my kids come home learning a lot about their friends' cultural traditions - just a couple weeks ago, they did a Holi event. No school is perfect, but I believe that Redwood Day is always evolving, changing, and listening to the parent community. For discipline, I'm thankful for the social and emotional learning that starts in K and goes through 8th. Even as 5 year olds, kids learn about choices, options for dealing with conflict, and what and how to make different (and better) choices when there is conflict. I don't know what the prior post means about authoritative discipline, but long gone are the days of that type of discipline model. My kids (and these next generations) need to learn self-awareness, self-regulation, critical thinking, and agency in working out their own differences - with the guidance and oversight of teachers, coaches, mentors, and role models. Personally, I much prefer that my children talk through issues with their friends, take accountability, practice humility, and have the support of trusted adults to help them navigate challenges. Not everyone is the right fit for any school - and as a parent, it is absolutely on us to ensure that we find mutual synergy with the school, teachers, faculty, and community. For me, Redwood Day was the absolute right choice for my kids - and I know they are more because of it.

I don't usually participate in online discussions, but I'm speaking up here again. Redwood Day has…read morea history of downplaying negative experiences that don't fit their narrative, and their response here is no exception. 1. Singapore Math is an excellent way to teach math. However, its execution at Redwood Day falls short tremendously; pacing is inconsistent, and children move between levels without achieving mastery first. 2. I'm glad the parent in the previous review had a positive experience with inclusivity. Listing cultural months and one-off events, however, is not the same as demonstrating that all children feel equally seen and heard. Inclusivity is not a calendar; it has to be embedded in the ethos of the school and in day-to-day practice. When the classroom consistently centers the voices and experiences of some communities over others, children from less represented backgrounds are left on the margins. It's worth asking whose experience is reflected in a positive inclusivity review and whose isn't. 3. Authoritative discipline is well-defined in child development research, and it's worth understanding before dismissing it. All the qualities that the parent wants their kids and the next generation to learn are in fact core to the authoritative discipline model, which calls for: administering fair and consistent discipline when rules are broken; allowing children to express opinions; encouraging children to discuss options; expressing warmth and nurturing; fostering independence and reasoning; listening to their children; and placing limits, consequences, and expectations on behavior. Redwood Day's approach to discipline lacks clear boundaries and consistent follow-through. If teachers struggle with conflict resolution, how are they going to model it for children? It's worth understanding a concept fully before using it to invalidate someone else's experience. Redwood Day is teaching children that it's acceptable to be whoever they are without consideration for the world around them. Teaching history, social justice, and displaying cultural symbols is not enough; all of this is superficial when there is no expectation from children to be upstanding citizens of the world. It makes for a good brochure, but does little for the social-emotional development of children. Every family deserves a school that genuinely aligns with their values. For those considering Redwood Day, I'd encourage you to look beyond the marketing and beyond the parent advocates who echo it. Ask hard questions about whether what's promised is what's actually delivered.

The most brilliant staff in the bay, led by an incredible admin team supports some of the brightest…read moreminds in this Oakland haven.

CPS is the pre-eminent high school in northern California and competes with Harvard Westlake as the…read moretop secondary school on the west coast. At last check, something like 3/4 of graduating seniors were National Merit semifinalists, finalists, or winners. Historically strong programs include English (world class), forensics (world class), foreign languages, arts, history, and math. Historically under-resourced programs include advanced sciences. Secluded from the freeway in a gully, the campus looks like an idyllic, architecturally balanced ski village, a fantasy of rolling floral slopes and cascading, homey classroom buildings. Like Yelp, CPS has succeeded in cultivating the delicate balance of social norms and incentives whereby the overwhelming behavioral tendency is a joyous contribution to the common good, both within the campus and without. You can't put that in a bottle -- but you can put it in a gully.

Great school! Amazing programs, academics, and sports. Most teachers really care. Good principal.read more

Review #095 - 2020…read more My son attended Miramonte HS for all four years so I'm sure he has no way of comparing it to other high schools since all his cousins make fun of him for being "privileged". I went to Richmond High School for four years--so as a mother, I'd never want to send my child to anywhere that I felt uncomfortable with. My son has mentioned that he liked most of his teachers, minus a few that he wished he never had to be in their classes. Academic-wise, Orinda is known for having some of the best schools; but I have to admit that most parents that send their kids to Orinda schools are a little pretentious. They believe that their kids are "privileged" so they try to be accepting of "under privileged" kids and allow them into the schools even when they don't live in our neighborhood. I appreciate their so called "kindness", but I worked my butt off as a parent to get out of Richmond (one of the worse neighborhoods in California) just so I can own a home in Orinda--not so someone can feel sorry for me for being from the hood, but I digress. My son's social distancing graduation on June 1st, 2020, definitely had me in tears because all the staff members did a wonderful job of putting everything together even though it wasn't easy going through the pandemic. Overall, I'm still undecided as to whether I want my 4-year old to attend Orinda schools.

I have worked at Montera Middle School for over four years now. I am an Intervention Specialist in…read morean Inclusion program for students with special needs. Since it is inclusion, I am in 5 general education classes a day including a workshop class with the special education teacher. I have to say that a majority of the teachers are amazing. Of course there are a few which are less than perfect, but the Montera community and family is one that has always been welcoming and warm. I have seen two principals come through, but Montera's morale has stayed strong. It is in a beautiful neighborhood with lots of trees and great students. It is open enrollment, so after the kids of the neighborhood get first pick, students from all over Oakland have the opportunity to come to Montera. They have the support of AC transit with over 10 buses from all over Oakland both pick up and drop students off, ensuring safe transportation. I love Montera and hope to teach there some day after completing my credential program! I do wish OUSD would pay teachers better, but alas things are not as great for teachers in Oakland as other neighboring cities...

Montera is a really good school, the teachers and staff and principals might not always be good but…read morethey make it fun to be there and learn most times. I think that it is the people and friends that I made who made it fun to be at Montera.

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.

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.

Piedmont High tends to really only benefit those who are incredibly academically gifted, and in…read moreturns puts any student who's "average" or "below average" at a disadvantage. If your child is incredibly smart, this is the school for them. This school is their ticket to any top tier UC or Ivy League school. However if they're just a low B or C/D student, this school will only hinder them when it comes time to find a college. I was one of these students, and I often wonder if I had been able to attend a "not as good" school like Berkeley or El Cerrito High, where I wouldn't have had to constantly feel like I was just barley keeping my head above water,(academically speaking) if I could've had the grades to get into a better college. So my best advice to perspective parents is... JUST BECAUSE A SCHOOL IS CONSIDERED "GOOD" DOESN'T MEAN IT'S "GOOD" FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CHILD.

Awesome track . My go to spot for running . Unfortunately under construction now until 11/2023. So…read moreit's out of use atm.