As a parent of a child with learning disabilities and anxiety, finding the right middle school was one of the most important decisions our family made. Looking back on the past three years, I can honestly say that this school exceeded our expectations in every way. From day one, the teachers and staff created an environment where my child felt accepted, understood, and valued. Their patience, compassion, and willingness to meet students where they are made an incredible difference. Rather than focusing on challenges, they recognized my child's strengths and worked tirelessly to build confidence while providing the support needed to succeed. What stood out most was the school's commitment to inclusivity. My child never felt singled out for needing accommodations or extra support. The teachers fostered a culture of kindness, respect, and understanding that allowed all students to feel like they belonged. Whenever anxiety became overwhelming, there was always someone willing to listen, encourage, and help navigate difficult moments. The growth we witnessed over these three years has been remarkable. Academically, my child developed stronger skills, greater independence, and a genuine belief in their ability to succeed. Socially, they formed meaningful friendships and became much more comfortable participating in class and school activities. Emotionally, they gained resilience, self-confidence, and coping skills that will benefit them far beyond middle school. We are deeply grateful to the teachers, counselors, and staff who invested so much time, care, and dedication into helping our child thrive. Their support helped transform middle school from something we feared into an experience that prepared our child for the future. I cannot recommend this school highly enough to families seeking a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for their children. read more

Our family has had our share of different schools and learning approaches over the years, including public school, private school, and homeschooling. We know what a big difference the right environment makes. NLA is a fantastic place that manages to combine a lot of fun with good discipline--something that is usually hard to imagine for middle schoolers, but they do it perfectly.  The teaching team is incredibly dedicated, and the school is backed by an amazing principal, Ms. Cassie. She is full of energy and charm and is the school's true driving force. Ms. Cassie knows absolutely everything that is going on and keeps a close eye on every detail. She has a wonderful way with the kids, balancing a warm connection with being strict when she needs to be. Communication with parents is incredibly fast; whenever you reach out with a question, you hear back right away, which is something I have never experienced at any other school. We also love how flexible the school is in the best ways. If a student cannot attend in person because they don't feel well or need to travel, there is always an option to join the class online rather than missing it completely. This is incredibly helpful for families. Also, with math, they evaluate each student's level and will place kids in a higher class if they are ready for a bigger challenge, which is a big plus in my book. The students here are a truly great group of kids, and the school environment is very welcoming. One of the great things about the school is how all three grades hang out together. During breaks, school events, and field trips, the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders all mingle naturally. You see mixed groups of friends everywhere, which makes it much easier for kids to fit in and make friends quickly.  My child comes home from school happy and chatty - what more can I ask for? We love the community and structure of this school and highly recommend it to any family looking for a great middle school experience. read more

We cannot recommend Noble Learning Academy enough! It is an absolutely fantastic school where middle schoolers can be themselves and feel welcome. Ms. Cassie is a gifted and passionate leader who meets the students where they are. The incredible teachers and small class sizes make NLA an inclusive and engaging place to learn and share ideas. Outside the classroom, NLA has daily opportunities for play and enrichment, along with regular outings and field trips. NLA has an excellent balance of hard work and fun. The students are able to thrive because they are well-supported academically, socially, and emotionally. NLA is a special community and we are forever grateful to be a part of it! read more

We are so grateful for the positive experience our daughter has had at Noble Learning Academy this year. She transferred from a large public middle school where she often felt lost socially and overwhelmed by the large class sizes and disruptive environment. Looking back, we only wish we had made the move sooner. At Noble, she has found a nurturing and supportive community where she truly feels seen and valued. The small class sizes have made such a difference, both academically and emotionally. She has made meaningful friendships and has really been embraced by both the students and staff. One of the things we appreciate most is the hands-on learning and enriching field trip opportunities that simply were not possible at her previous big public school. We have also been so impressed with Principal Cassie and how involved and hands-on she is with the students and families. Her leadership creates a warm, welcoming environment where the children genuinely feel supported and cared for. The change has been incredibly positive for our daughter. We now plan to send our son to NLA when he enters middle school. read more

Our family found Noble Learning Academy after years of struggling to get our child's needs met through the public school system. I heard of NLA through a desperate search one night from a friend. I heard about small class sizes and hands on learning with true differentiated instruction. After reaching out and talking to Mrs. Hull I was full of emotion. This was the place for my son. I just felt it. Visiting multiple times solidified this. The school was willing to work with my son's adhd, dyslexia, and apraxia. It wasn't about specializing in a disability but specializing in children and molding the curriculum and environment to support them. During a trial day my son fell playing outside and I could see it hurt. I stood back and watched as the kids stopped the game and made sure he was ok and waited to resume until he could. There was no teasing but rather camaraderie and support. This is NLA. They sit and have hard conversations with the kids and teach them to be good humans. They teach executive functioning skills helping my son to learn to work independently and be responsible. They adjust as needed with academics to help kids soar and gain confidence. We no longer needed an IEP longer than anyone wanted to read, because they learned about my son. My son has never been rushed to speak. From field trips to daily class they intently listen to him and his stories with true interest. After years of many people pretending, he finally feels heard. They got to know him and what he needed. They saw him for who he was. He no longer had to fit in a box that didn't work. He presented an at home science electrical project in class instead of at the talent show because it's what worked. Again, he found success. We made the logistics that seemed difficult to be able to attend NLA work, and we are so glad we did. He has grown academically, socially, and emotionally. I highly recommend NLA for a new box for your child that fits just right. read more

My daughter really enjoyed her time at NLA. She worked on imaginative projects that she learned quite a bit from. She would often talk about interesting discussions she had in class or assignments she was working on. We found the teachers very supportive and went out of their way to help our family. My son is there now and likes his classes and the other children there a lot. We really appreciate being part of NLA's warm and inclusive community. read more

We knew we made the right choice switching our son from a private school that he attended since sixth grade to Noble learning Academy in eighth grade when he wrote the principal an end of year note that coming toNLA "changed his life." At NLA he made friends, was engaged in the learning because of the fantastic teachers, and found a community of friends and teachers, where he thrived in his eighth grade year. Our regret is not sending him to NLA from the beginning. The teachers at NLA truly care about the students, both their academic success and their well-being. Everyone at NLA 'saw' my son, celebrated his strengths, and helped him be his best self. Our family will be forever grateful for NLA. read more

Noble learning academy is a exceptional middle school for my children. The student/teacher ratio is small and very personal. The teachers know their students well and truly care. They accept their students how they are and give them maximum support to be successfull later in highschool. The students are academically challenged according to their individual needs. read more

We could not be happier with our decision to send our son to Noble Learning Academy (NLA). He is well-regulated and learning more than ever. We looked outside of our highly regarded public school system because, despite his high grades, it was evident to us that he needed a kinder and gentler environment. Throughout elementary school, our son did not have much of a social life and struggled with larger classroom sizes. Despite his difficulties in public school, he did not want to leave the system where his classmates were continuing to matriculate. He didn't want to be different and he didn't want to go to a new school. NLA showed my son what he was missing. He tells me that he feels so much better and does not feel on guard at school anymore. He used to come home from school looking uptight and miserable. Now his mood is lighter when I pick him up from school and he has more friends than he has ever had in his life. He has benefitted immeasurably from the Cassie's (the head of school), careful cultivation of a culture of inclusion with rules and boundaries. In areas where he still struggles, the staff is always offering ideas and enthusiastic to work with us on how we can all better support him. At one point, my son was unexpectedly sick for a few months and NLA was incredibly supportive. NLA was flexible and able to include him remotely when he was not able to attend in person. The support continued when he came back to school and was gently brought back up to speed. while still being challenged to do his best. Cassie is a truly special, talented school leader who works her magic with middle school students. The staff is loving, professional, and dedicated. They all have excellent social-emotional skills with the kids. If your child needs a smaller but still academically strong middle school, you should explore NLA. read more

So fortunate to have found Noble Learning Academy! Our daughter attended a well-reputed public middle school for sixth grade and while she earned good grades and had friends, it was not a good fit for her. She visited Noble Learning Academy and was excited to share that the students actually listened to the teachers and stayed on task. She said she learned more in that morning than she did in a week at her public school. It was an easy decision to transfer her to NLA. The director and staff are truly caring and invested in each of the students' success--academically as well as socially and emotionally. They challenge and support the students while being approachable, fun and humorous. That's not an easy task in middle school, and yet they do it with such grace and apparent ease it's remarkable. Our daughter's NLA experience has enabled her to build a strong foundation of her sense of identity before heading off to high school. We highly recommend NLA. read more

We wanted a smaller school population (small teacher to student ratio), more tailored education, and personable experience for our child's middle school years. We were so lucky to have a fellow parent tell us about NLA. Our daughter is so happy to be at the school and is sad to only have one year left before high school. It has been an exceptional school and the teachers and the principal are just wonderful. We see joy in all of the children when we pick up our daughter at the end of the school day. Quite an accomplishment for middle school! read more

Noble Learning Academy - Private Schools Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

NLA is truly a godsend for middle school. It is a small (~15 kids per grade), safe, beautiful, nurturing learning environment for what is undoubtedly the toughest period of childhood. After being bullied for being different, NLA was the absolute best thing that could have happened for our son at that critical time in his development. The teachers and administration are very closely involved, care deeply about the students education and overall wellbeing, and address the inevitable teen shenanigans immediately. They have a zero bullying policy and it keeps it a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. They do tons of hands on learning, incredible electives, experiences and field trips. They also have hybrid options available for students who are out sick, traveling, etc. which prevented our son with an autoimmune disease from missing 30+ school days. Rather than falling behind, my son was able to stay on track by attending school virtually when needed -- and with a lot of support, flexibility and checking in by teachers :) The school did a great job of preparing him for high school! I really cannot imagine a better middle school environment than NLA. My only complaint is that I wish they had a high school too:) read more

Noble Learning Academy is a hidden gem among schools in that area. It's a place where children truly blossom, feel accepted, loved and nurtured by experienced and caring professionals. Some schools do a great deal of talk and very few actually do the work. If you have a child that needs extra support, either academic, social emotional or simply needs "more" you should definitely request a tour to see this community. It's very much like a learning pod where each individual student gets targeted support. If your child has experienced trauma from bullying Nobel Learning will help them feel like they belong, they are special and they are enough. I assure you after being a part of numerous schools, there is no other place that will provide students with the level of attention they provide. read more

This school has it all! A challenging academic curriculum with supportive, and warm teachers. I love the block scheduling, which allows my kid to get a deeper understanding of the subject with activities and by putting concepts into context (the big picture showing how everything fits together). This is a safe space where the kids can be themselves and have fun together. My kid loves getting to school a little early to play corn hole/badminton/ping pong or other games with friends. The head of school has been a middle school teacher for many years, and brings a constant spark of creativity, positivity, and exudes love and warmth. Somehow she is able to be both the kids' biggest fans, and also a strict disciplinarian. I love all of the teachers who combine patience with rigor and have re-ignited my kid's curiosity/love of learning (so important after so much time in virtual learning during the pandemic). It's hard to believe a place like this is for real. I recommend talking to Mrs. Cassie and existing families to see if this is the right place for your child. Our family has been so happy. My kid has felt at home from day one. read more

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Both of my children have attended Noble Learning Academy. We found this gem of a school during COVID-19, and we couldn't have been more impressed with the care and dedication all of the teachers have for their students at this school. Cassie and Mr. Hull took a personal interest and relatable approach to our children, which have been paramount to our family's educational and emotional growth through middle school. The small class sizes and the individual care they placed on each student gave them the tools to advance academically. Noble also gave them the confidence and organizational skills to be successful in high school. read more

Noble Learning Academy has been such an amazing experience for my daughter. She started there in 7th grade and immediately fell in love with the school and the teachers. The teachers are really special and they work super hard to make everyone feel comfortable and happy. I feel so at ease dropping her off, knowing that she is getting a great education, emotional stability and fun friendships. The director, Cassie Hull is so funny, supportive, understanding, compassionate and also strict in all the right ways. Very happy here! read more

This school has made such a tremendous positive impact in my daughter's life. My daughter had suffered from debilitating anxiety/depression since the start of the pandemic, exacerbated by the school closures, the subsequent disjointed virtual/zoom learning, social isolation, etc. She started the 6th grade at a larger public middle school, her first experience with in-person learning since the 4th grade, and it was just not a good experience for her. She started developing an extreme school phobia/ school avoidance. It was an extremely challenging and stressful time for all of us. I started searching for private schools that specialize in social emotional learning and the whole child and came upon Noble Learning Academy. I wanted to make sure that these schools understood my daughter's extreme situation. When I first met with Miss Cassie, I just got this good, warm vibe. I felt like she completely understood what my daughter was going through. We decided to give it a test run, first having my daughter visit the school on a Saturday morning when there were no kids there (she could barely get her foot in the door, but she made it in), a short visit during school to see how it's like in action (again, my daughter was being very timid). We decided to have her start attending just for a couple of days, no pressure, just to see what it was like. After her first day there, she came running out, beaming, smiling, telling me about her day and the kids that she met. I literally cried with happiness and relief. She wanted to go for the rest of the week and has not missed a day since. To hear your child say that they like school, that they look forward to going every day, having previously had a severe school phobia, is amazing. My daughter is happier now in general. This school has literally changed our lives. Ms. Cassie and the teachers are extremely caring and take the time to address each child's specific needs. I am so impressed with the level of attention that has been given to my child, and their help in addressing certain gaps in her learning. I cannot say enough about how amazing this school is. read more

Noble Learning Academy is the best decision we made for our kids. Middle school is a tumultuous time in life. Ms. Cassie, Mr. Hull and the staff at NLA demonstrate daily, not only how to expertly teach academic content, but that they understand and relate to the unique individuals who are middle schoolers. After having a great experience with public elementary school, we tried public middle school and quickly learned that it is not the right environment for everybody. As soon as we switched to Noble, the difference in my kid's confidence and over all demeanor appeared almost instantaneously. They went from being withdrawn and anxious to feeling comfortable, letting their guard down more, and trying new things that previously seemed too scary. This is because the staff at Noble genuinely care about each student's overall well being. The school is small and this allows teachers to invest in everyone individually. The kids are not just a number, each student is an individual and a priority. The small class sizes allow all the students, regardless of grade, to engage with each other as a true community. The students here are allowed, and encouraged, to try and figure out their true authentic selves, in a safe and nurturing environment. The staff understand that middle school is still a time of learning social skills, just as much as learning to adjust to a new level of academic rigor and classroom expectations. As a public school teacher myself, I can confidently say that my kids are in the best of hands. I am often in awe of the things they are learning and the way the teachers are able to engage them in projects and assignments. If you are looking for a safe, loving, welcoming, supportive learning environment for your middle schooler, NLA is a unicorn. read more