My experience with Northern Light School was extremely disappointing. After removing my child and enrolling them in another private school, I could clearly see how academically behind my child was. The difference in curriculum, expectations, homework, and preparation was obvious. For a private school, the product does NOT match the price tag. The curriculum did not compare to what my child receives now. Homework was poor, and I often felt like I had to teach my own child at home. Parents should not pay private-school tuition and still have to teach the curriculum themselves. There is a serious lack of transparency. Parents should be able to see student work, testing scores, academic progress, and meaningful statistics. Conferences and Back to School Night provided very little substance. Parents should not have to guess where their child stands academically or be discouraged from seeing what is happening in classrooms. I also had concerns about teachers being mean or treating children poorly behind closed doors. When concerns were raised, I felt administrators made excuses, defended the behavior, and ignored the concerns. Constructive criticism was not welcomed, and I felt administration and teachers became defensive instead of working with me and became very unprofessional, to the point not speaking and other administrators acting in same rude manner! There were also inconsistent school-wide rules and expectations. I strongly disagreed with the school's approach to ADHD and neurodivergence. From my experience, there was too much emphasis on pushing the idea of neurodivergence and encouraging children to question whether they were neurodivergent. Children should be supported without being pushed toward a label or agenda. I also felt Northern Light had moved away from the professional-family environment I originally associated with the school and was accepting families who did not seem aligned with the professional, academic, and behavioral culture I expected. The facilities are old, staff appeared burnt out, and the school needs fresh leadership, including more male leaders. There needs to be accountability above administration and a place for parents to be heard. After transferring my child to another private school, the academic difference became undeniable. My child is now receiving stronger curriculum, expectations, and preparation. Moving my child was the right decision. Northern Light needs more transparency, accountability, stronger academics, consistent rules, better leadership, and a serious evaluation of whether the education actually justifies the price. read more

I am an alum of NLS from a single parent home in East Oakland. From there I went to Marin Academy for high school, received a bachelor's degree in economics from UC Berkeley, last year I received my MBA from Stanford University, and I currently work at Google. I would not have achieved any of those things without NLS. I split my elementary school years between public school and private school, so I'll speak to what makes NLS special. From my perspective, many schools (public and private) can provide a strong academic foundation. NLS was just as good as my strong public school in that regard. What I gained from NLS is belief in myself that anything is possible. It came from the dreams fulfilled that line the walls, the stories told at morning circle, and from teachers and administrators truly caring about what I wanted to be when I grew up. And in a practical sense, the school provided access, access to the most elite prep high schools in the U.S. Before NLS, I had not even heard of the majority of them. NLS represents a turning point in my life in terms of building confidence, ambition, and knowledge of opportunities that were previously unknown to me. read more

It's so sad that I have to give this school such a low rating, but it is very well deserved when it comes to how they nurture 5 year old children. I am writing this review not to bash this school, but to make prospective parents and current parents aware of the principle and the kindergarten teacher Ms. Jennifer and Mr. Peter; the director of student affairs. These three people at this school support yelling and snatching from children. Now this school promotes anti -bullying and respect, however do not display this toward the children. I will give a brief on my particular experience. Ms. Jennifer is one of the kindergarten teachers at this school. She is an emotional wreck and has expressed that she gets very frustrated with the children when they aren't orderly and she admitted to snatching from my child and others. Her reasoning for this was because and I quote "It's the end of the day and I'm dealing with 15 5 year old's and your child has told me multiple times that snatching isn't nice". On this particular day, my child walked out of the classroom at the end of the day crying hysterically. Ms. Jennifer didn't tell me the whole story when I asked why my child was crying, she just told me that she told my child "no" and that made her cry. But the real story of why my child was crying at the end of the day, was because this lady yelled at her and snatched something out of her hand in front of the entire class. When I asked Ms. Jennifer about the incident again she said, " No I didn't yell at her, I just spoke to her in a really mean way and in a really loud voice, honestly I just got really frustrated and yes I did snatch from her". Now when is it ever appropriate as a kindergarten teacher to behave this way? That was rhetorical..... Not ever. I appreciate the honesty, but it's never OK to yell and scream at a 5 year old or snatch. I tried to have an additional meeting with this lady, to try and see if we could move past the situation. She walked out of the meeting like a 5 year old and her supervisor Peter is an enabler because he coddled her like a 5 year old. I guess she can dish it to a 5 year old, but can't take it from an adult. I reached out to the principle about the incident, she sent me some 5 paragraph reply which 3 of the paragraphs was a copy and paste. Non the less, she said she didn't think that the teacher acted inappropriate. She's a joke! Collecting money from the state, acting like she cares about our black babies, but really what their doing behind closed doors, is not what they're advertising. Just be aware!!! Their fraudulent and after 25 years, you would think this Michelle lady would be way more professional and know the difference between appropriate behavior and egregious behavior from her faculty. I definitely reached out to the organization that they are members of and filed a complaint and took my child out of this school. You get what you pay for. I'll take my $1,000.00 somewhere else. My child is so amazing and a blessing to me and so may other people that meet her. I will not let anybody dim her light or steal her sunshine. read more

I love Northern Lights! I have 3 kids attended this school! They are organized and this is a great school for any child! The teachers are very nice, all the ones I have met! Oakland public schools arent no where near like Northern Lights! Give this school a try you wont be disappointed! read more

Northern Light School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

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When I was first looking into pre-school programs for my daughter to be involved in it was a bit overwhelming! We tried two other schools before but my daughter did no enjoy them. There was even one she begged and cried never to go back to. We found Northern Lights School thru a family friend and she absolutely loves it! There are morning she doesn't want to get out of bed like so many kids! But the moment I say "it's okay, you can just stay home with mommy", She jumps out of bed and starts getting ready. My child has flourished over the last year that she has attended and I plan to stick with them as long as they continue to instill the confidence and happiness that is present in my daughter about learning. read more

My son attended here in 2011-2012. Hopefully they have made major improvement because if it's the same principal. She is unfriendly, unprofessional, and should not be working with children. In addition to them completely shaming my child they managed to teach him very little. There were also always having bake sales selling sugary and unhealthy sweets which they would freely sell endlessly to a 6 year old and then wonder why he couldn't focus in class. But they do have fun parties and fundraisers but is that really why you pay for private school? read more

I've had the great pleasure of being associated with Northern Light School for the past 10 years. I have spent time with administrators, teachers, students, and parents at both the school in Oakland and at many of the amazing off campus events. It is my choice to participate and support this outstanding community of people. Student achievement with integrity and kindness is a priority goal. Educating the whole person goes beyond academics. Life skills are key to teaching young people values so they can be productive members of society. The degree of attention given to an individual student in terms of their personal needs is always of paramount consideration. The leadership and faculty are completely committed 24/7 to each and every student no matter their background. The results speak for themselves. Most of these 8th graders are completing their education at NLS and then granted 4-year full ride scholarships at private high schools. Beyond high school, college acceptance and graduation rates are equally impressive. In the end, it's about the kids. If you've ever had the wonderful experience of attending a Friday circle at NLS you would never underestimate the intent and sensibility of this institution. read more

I am a current NLS parent and I am very happy with the academic curriculum of the school and the extracurricular activities. I believe some of these posts are reposts from a couple of old parents that have not been with Northern Light for some years because some of the issues stated did not apply to 2013-2014 school year. NLS does have music now and sports. NLS is a small school but has been incorporating some of the programs bigger schools have. I am very happy with my son's academic progress. I do not only look at test scores. Test scores only show one has the ability to take tests. I measure on intellect. During family time we have conversations about topics that our entire world is being affected by and he knows of things that are important that we haven't covered yet. This is the measure of intelligence to me. We have not had one teacher that he has not enjoyed. And he does not want to leave. Another positive! The only benefit I get from this post is yet another year at NLS. I want to see NLS continue to thrive and provide the loving, nurturing, educational environment were kids love school and learn to be continuous learners. I really hope some of the reviews are genuine and not of malice intent. I would hate to see the current NLS students who love their school being negatively impacted by a review. read more

Last year I made the difficult decision to move my kids to NLS after their 2nd and 4th grade years in Oakland Public School. We loved their school and our family had been at the school for 8 years, however, the class sizes continued to grow. My 2nd grader was having difficulties in math and reading. My 4th grader was having a tough time socially trying to establish his place in such a large class room of 30 kids. The transition was not easy but I'll have to say the support, encouragement and teamwork at NLS has been amazing. My kids are both doing outstanding. My 3rd grader had an incredible year and raised her math and reading levels dramatically. My 5th grader found his place and his math and reading levels are off the charts. I am very involved with the Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) and if I had to highlight a challenge for the school, it's that the parent participation is weak. I read some of the other comments and I must say until you become a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem. If we all did our part in being involved in our kids' school, NLS would be hands down a 5 Star school. You can't argue with the results, the 8th grade class continued to excel and gain acceptance into some of the most esteemed high schools in the Bay Area. I love NLS and I highly recommend it. read more

My child has been attending Northern Light for the past three years. He started at NLS after we left a quality Oakland Public School, that my family had been at for 12 years. It was not an easy decision, but now realize that it was the best thing for us. NLS has been a great fit for my child. He participates in extra-curricular activities such as Model UN and sports. We have seen his self-confidence grow over the past few years and are happy to know that he is passionate about learning. He really likes his teachers and the staff at the school. The opportunities he has had over the last three years have been amazing. He has met many people and learned so much about the world around him during the monthly Impossible is Nothing series. He is truly inspired and I believe he is being well prepared to be a citizen of the world. It thrills me to listen to him talk about his plans for the future - for him impossible is nothing. We came from a school that had a very strong parent participation component. That is one of the areas that can develop at NLS. It is good to see that parent involvement and engagement is starting to grow, but it definitely need more momentum. We must remember that as parents WE must also engage and partner with the school to educate our children. NLS administration has been open to suggestions and our desire to be involved. This has been important to me. i believe that i have a partner in educating my child. They have taken time to understand my child as a whole person, what we want for him as parents, and also support my desire to be involved in the school. Over the past couple of years there have been some transitions at the school. The school lost some staff members and teachers that had strong connections with some of the families. Unfortunately, the departure felt quite divisive and put a dark cloud over our school. Change can be difficult, but we have to move past it look at the opportunities that follow. Attending private school is a choice. We should keep our children at a school because it is in the best interest for our children not because we feel we have to and continue to post hateful messages. This past year we had a group of excellent teachers, the students are being pushed academically and being held to higher standards. We need to continue to support these types of changes so that all of our students can excel and thrive. Reviews can be biased (good or bad). I suggest that you visit the school for yourself and decide if it is the right fit for your student and your family. read more

My daughter has been attending this school for two years and it has truly been a pleasure seeing her grow and develop in an environment that provides her with the greatest opportunity to excel academically, socially, and in her character. My daughter chose this school over the fluffier schools with the new playground and facility because of the warm and nurturing environment that she felt when she visited the school. In the two years I have seen her blossom into a dynamic individual. She is currently an elite student that has been invited to the White House. read more

As a parent you want your child to have the best educational opportunity possible and Northern Light School gives that to my daughter. I really entered the school not having a clear idea about their educational philosophy and was not so sure about this school, but as time went on I am very pleased with this school. Not only have I seen an educational improvement with my daughter who attends their preschool, but I see how excited and happy she gets when she knows it's time to go to school. This school is not very big and I love that about it because it allows a close community among the parents, students, and staff. Coming from the unified school district to private school I see the difference in the teachers excitement to teach and educate. They provide a great amount of different learning experiences that keep my daughter engage. I would recommend this school to parents looking for another alternative for their child's education besides public school. read more

Northern Light School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

I am a current parent at Northern Light School and never think twice about the choice my husband and I made to send out oldest and now our youngest. Our oldest has been there since Preschool and has loved it from day one. Because he wasn't a fan and big changes, I was extremely nervous about him entering school, especially coming from a small home daycare. The moment we walked in, he was greeted with love and it's been that way ever since. Every morning, as I drop my son off in his classroom, his teachers greet him with an overwhelming sense of love. I've never seen anything like it. The staff is just as warm and inviting. Everyone knows everyone, it's one big family. To see how the teachers encourage and motivate the children is pretty awesome and to see is how respectful the children are is beyond words. Everyday I walk through the halls, there's a sense of pride and everyone it. Not only is the curriculum up to par and competitive, the teachers go beyond the books and instruct the students that anything is possible. This is exactly what I want for my children. Thank you Northern Light for all that you do! :) read more

I'm really blessed to have my three children attend such a cool school. My eldest has just graduated, and is on his way to attending a really prestigious boarding school. This would not have happened without Northern Light School and the time spent preparing him to spread his wings and not fly, but soar above the rest. Oh yeah, let me add he's receiving a full scholarship, worth over $57,000.00 annually. My other two, who are still attending NLS are growing, learning and developing wonderfully academically, emotionally, socially, as well as learning an important life skill of staying fit, and eating healthy foods that taste great. My children are very happy with the school. I know that they are developing into wonderful human beings who care about others, are respectful of other people and their views and opinions. Yet, they are encouraged to be strong and speak out against what they believe is right and/or wrong. I have an open relationship with the teachers and staff. I'm quite comfortable voicing any concern I may have about issues concerning anything about my children and the direction the school is going. All three of my children have attended since preschool and are extremely happy. So happy that they want me or my husband to pick them up as late as possible. The class sizes are small, so the teachers really have the opportunity to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each child. The children are taught to embrace everyone and respect others who may be different from them. The opportunities the school have presented my children with are amazing. What excites me most now is all the exposure our children have to different sports. Even though the focus is more on academics, all children are encouraged to try a sport, regardless of their level, beginners strongly encouraged. NLS has also incorporated art and music into their curriculum. I'm happy with my children's growth and development in and outside the class. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, my children are safe and nurtured. If you believe in the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," then you too will embrace the Northern Concept, "Impossible Is Nonething!" read more