My teacher is awesome and their chicken nuggets are so yummy they have movie nights and more…read moreawesome school 5 star.

The school had barely any security!!! I drove by the school one day and see teenagers climbing the…read morefence I and out just to play!!! They only had fences and they are so short that I'm almost as tall as it and I'm a pretty short person! I can almost say that there are no real gates around the school and most of them were "climbable" and the other ones I wouldn't consider it as a gate.the lunch lady are nice when they feel like it and if not...

St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland is AMAZING! A strong academic program paired with real…read moreworld skills and an inclusive environment make for an amazing learning experience. The community and education at St. Paul's are top notch!

St. Paul's Episcopal School (SPES) in Oakland has been an incredible experience for our family as…read moreLGBTQ+ parents with two kids attending. From the moment we joined the school community, we've felt welcomed, valued, and supported in a way that's truly meaningful to us. SPES is not just a school--it's a place where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and every family is embraced. The teachers at SPES are extraordinary. They are kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in each student's success, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our kids feel seen, respected, and encouraged to thrive. The school also provides ample resources, from state-of-the-art technology to classroom supplies, making learning accessible, engaging, and exciting for every child. What stands out most about SPES is its unwavering commitment to diversity. The student body reflects a wide range of backgrounds, and this rich diversity is woven into the fabric of the school's culture. Weekly Friday chapel gatherings are a highlight, bringing the community together to reflect on shared values and showcase the unique voices and perspectives of different grades. These gatherings create a strong sense of belonging and unity, making every family feel like an integral part of the school. At SPES, diversity and inclusion are not "marketing taglines" or a box to check--they are fundamental to who we are. The school was founded 50 years ago in response to the civil rights movement, and these values and principles are deeply embedded in our DNA. They guide everything we do, from the way we teach to how we build community. SPES also excels in social-emotional learning through its "People Power Skills" framework. This program equips students with the tools to navigate relationships, practice kindness, and build empathy. It's inspiring to see our kids not only learning these skills but also applying them in their daily interactions. The framework helps create a respectful, supportive environment that prioritizes emotional growth alongside academic success. As LGBTQ+ parents, we deeply appreciate how SPES fosters an inclusive atmosphere where all families are welcomed and celebrated. Our kids are growing up in an environment that values compassion, diversity, and acceptance--qualities we hold dear. It's a school where they feel safe and proud of their family, and that means the world to us. St. Paul's is a place where academics, culture, and emotional well-being come together seamlessly. For LGBTQ+ families--or any family looking for a school that truly embodies inclusion and excellence--SPES is an outstanding choice. It's been a wonderful home for our kids and our family, and we couldn't recommend it more highly.

When we moved our family from San Francisco to Oakland, we searched for a school that would reflect…read moreour values, some of the things that came to mind were: K-8 to minimize transitions, prioritization on diversity, school rooted in its community, strong leadership and a great support system for our kids, collaboration with educations not a us at home vs. them at school approach. Luckily, we found them at Park Day. Here are other things that I love about the school in detail. Integrated Curriculum: I love how the curriculum takes a central topic and weaves it through multiple subjects across math, science, english, and writing- they interconnect rather than exist in silos. My kindergartener recently completed a project-based learning showcase on living things, creating a forest ecosystem with a stream and his own animal (created from his art class using boxes) in the classroom. What struck me was how my kid was able to articulate a connection--explaining that their environment was inspired by Greta and the Giants, a book about environmental awareness and how human activities contribute to climate change.  Commitment to Economic Diversity: An indexed tuition program paired with deliberate outreach to families in surrounding zip codes. The admissions team emphasized that sliding scale participation is normalized and fully supported. It is not viewed as a "special accommodation" but part of the school's values and makeup. It feels great to be part of the school and see my kids thrive. I only wish that school models overall were set up this way for all. If you have the opportunity to choose Park Day, I'd recommend it.

Our time at Park Day has been so refreshing, our child LOVES the school, and we are so happy to…read morehave found such a wonderful place for our child to learn & grow. The community has been wonderful & welcoming (so many play dates, camping trips and more!); the school leadership/staff is fantastic & communicative; the teachers are deeply invested in their students. Here are a few key things we've loved about Park Day: * Community that is authentic and actually does what they say in terms of inclusion & equity. It's a school with heart, soul and character. * Learning environments that are whole-child learning, from time outdoors on campus to academic differentiation without burning kids out or forcing them into a mold. Our child adores the diverse curriculum including learning garden, music, art, innovation lab. * Strong & consistent leadership to guide the school and its goals. There is so much top-notch communication, energy, engagement, approachability and the understanding of children is simply astounding.

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.

Sometimes I get parents who reach out and ask me more about redwood day school to them I say we…read moreleft here and went to Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley where my daughter thrived. We made it though covid with an amazing pivot to outdoor classrooms and my child didn't miss a beat. She's now in a public middle school: wise, self assured, kind. confident and getting straight A's. I believe her courage and strong sense of self come from the education she received at Berkwood Hedge School. If you're looking for a truly inspiring progressive independent education check them out. Not as many Bells and whistles but what matters is there the heart and the academics.

As school tours and enrollment season rolls around, I just wanted to take the time to post a review…read morefor International Community School (ICS) in OUSD. Last year, around this time, I was researching Spanish dual immersion schools with no idea which to pick. After attending all of the school tours for each of them in the district, I was so enamored with ICS. I am SO glad that our son got into ICS! The principal, Principal Raquel, is a gift. She is the most accessible principal I've ever come across, having been a teacher at the school, a parent to a former student, and now principal. She hosts monthly meetings with parents to hear their concerns and acts on them immediately. The parent community is unmatched; I've never felt so welcome anywhere. There are numerous opportunities to meet other families, and people often come over to introduce themselves. There are many opportunities to celebrate the various cultures at the school, and English speaking families are welcomed into the community too. Kids all seem to know each other, and they are genuinely happy to see each other every day. My son went from speaking very little Spanish to willingly speaking it at home with his dad, who is fluent. His TK teacher, Ms. Micaela, a former reading specialist, is absolutely phenomenal, as are the paras Ms. Judith and Ms. Garcia. Our son is learning so much and is genuinely excited to share it all with us when he comes home. I couldn't have dreamt of a better experience for our son and family.

I like ICS. I started and finished my high school education with them in 1995. I started and…read morefinished in the same year. When I called for help, they were there. The customer service is great there. The school itself is great. The only thing that I didn't get was my class ring from them. If I could, I would go back to them to learn more. I don't know what other courses they offer at this time. It was a good learning experience, and during test time, you could research the answer in the book.

I rarely leave reviews, but my experience at Encinal has been frustrating enough to deserve one…read more Honestly, this school has been a huge letdown. Most of the teachers come across as rude or just completely uninterested in actually helping students. Instead of encouraging learning, they seem more focused on enforcing pointless rules and making school feel like a punishment. Communication is poor, support is nearly nonexistent, and it feels like no one really listens to students or takes their concerns seriously. It's hard to feel motivated in an environment where you're constantly talked down to or ignored. If you're looking for a positive, respectful, or even just functional school experience -- I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

I just recently went to my 30th high school reunion. What can I say about ENCINAL HIGH?…read more Well....not much. I went back for a school tour, and the school needs a paint job. But I did get a diploma there. I did meet alot of odd characters there. And for those who remember '' The Logs'' .....I sat there and never smoked a cigarette. For one day, with my buddies.....I was cool. Steve D. .....CLASS OF 77

Our child attended this school for one year before we decided to transfer them elsewhere. While…read moretheir classroom teacher was absolutely wonderful and couldn't have been better, the administration's handling of a serious incident was deeply concerning and ultimately led to our decision to leave. Our child was attacked by another student during morning hours, but we weren't notified until well after the regular school day had ended. Even worse, during aftercare, they were placed in the same group as their attacker, which made them extremely uncomfortable. As parents, we should have been called immediately, and our child should have been given options for support and comfort - including the choice to come home early if they wished. When we reached out to the principal and staff for follow-up on how this incident was being addressed, we received no communication in return. For a shy, non-confrontational child, the school's response was inadequate and frankly disappointing. I won't go into detail how difficult it was to even retrieve your child in aftercare at times. It could sometimes take upwards of 10 minutes to get the attention of faculty. Their system of "alerting" faculty is just ringing the doorbell enough times until frustration. The classroom teacher truly was exceptional, but the administrative staff need to do much better when it comes to student safety, parent communication, and crisis management. We're glad to have found a better fit for our child elsewhere.

ANTS summer camp for my son was held here. A great school with nice large yard. Pavement could use…read morea little improvement but that's ok.

My son has been going to PEL for over a year now and it's definitely positively supplemented his…read moreregular school learning. We felt like he was starting to fall a bit behind and school work/assignments alone weren't giving him enough practice/rigor. He's been doing both English/language arts and math programs. The extra attention and practice/repetition caught him up and then some. PEL also has some fun incentives for kids to help support their motivation: they earn "money" for work completed successfully and can "buy" prizes. This also helps teach value and rewards/incentivizes saving for bigger prizes. If your kid could benefit from some extra practice/structure, it's worth at least doing the free consultation to see if PEL would be a good fit for their learning style.

PEL stands for "Pre-Eminent Learning" and is the new Kumon with the Singaporean math trend focus on…read morecommon core math that us millennial parents didn't grow up with. There aren't any Russian math options around Alameda yet so we decided to sign up for the free consult/testing for PEL for our then five year old at the end of TK to see where he was at and he's been enjoying it ever since. We go twice a week for one hour and with the daily homework, our kindergartner is enjoying math drills and writing practice/phonics/reading. It takes a second to make it a habit but now he enjoys it and timing himself on the homework (cue childhood trauma from Kumon where my mom had a stopwatch!). I stopped correcting the homework for my sanity (more trauma - my mom corrected all our Kumon with the borrowed answer books and yelled if we got too many wrong). At this young age, they have Junior PEL which is with a teacher in a small group (versus the older kids who independently work and then raise hands for help). Our son's favorite teacher is Teacher Anna. For the waiting parents, this place has better parking, location and amenities than Mathnasium or Kumon with the Southshore shopping center. You can go grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and Safeway, pickup dinner, get a foot massage at W Spa, go for a run/walk by Crown Beach, return Amazon purchases at Kohl's, go to the bank, charge your car, etc. It's a carve-out time for errands that makes PEL seamless into our hectic family life with two young children. You can also just veg on the phone or work while waiting in the lobby (they have a super clean bathroom and it's quiet). The couple that owns this location also has a sister location in San Leandro and they run it efficiently and smoothly bc Alameda is their second location. Director Lawrence and Ms Kiwi are caring and kind and they also conduct regular parent teacher conferences, which is helpful at projecting and quantifying the hours invested into PEL. The icing on the cake is the annual honor roll ceremony in October. They did a great in putting the event together with the kids and parents in mind and our son is so proud of his honor roll trophy and shows everyone that comes over. Highly recommend PEL (especially those in public school in alameda bc K doesn't have homework!)