Absolutely , we highly recommend this organization. We sent both our kids there and they had a…read morewonderful experience. Classes were small and healthy lunches, which was very important to us. The education was outstanding as both our children got into top rated Bay Area high schools, and graduated in the top of their class. My son got his degree in aviation, and my daughter got his degree in nursing. Because of an excellent foundation, they had a successful academic career and now have a successful occupational career.

We feel incredibly grateful to be part of this school community. The school is small -- truly like…read morea family -- and that has made all the difference for our child. For students who thrive in a small setting with individualized attention, this school is a wonderful fit. There is a strong sense of belonging, and every child is truly known by their teachers and by students across grade levels. The school places strong emphasis on academics, while also recognizing that each child progresses at their own pace. They really practice individualized learning and meet students where they are. When our child first joined, they were shy, socially awkward, and often anxious. Over time, we have watched them transform into a confident and happy child who feels completely at home in this "school family." They interact comfortably with teachers and students from different grades, and they genuinely enjoy going to school every day. Communication with parents is excellent. Teachers provide regular updates and address any concerns promptly and thoughtfully. Problems are never left unattended -- they are handled with care and collaboration. Another huge plus is that the school is very low-stress for families. There are no fundraising pressures, drop-off and pick-up are smooth (no long lines!), tuition is very affordable, and there is free after-school care. The school even provides freshly prepared hot lunches, included in the tuition, so parents don't have to worry about packing meals. In addition, there is a two-month summer school program, which is incredibly helpful for working families. Most importantly, our child is happy, feels secure, and is making strong academic progress. We highly recommend this school to families looking for a nurturing, small, personalized learning environment where children can truly grow and flourish.

We're in our second year as parents at Live Oak School, and we've been very pleased with the…read moreexperience. Our daughter loves going to school and really has enjoyed the teachers and staff, the lunch program, and the the experience to date. Things We Really Liked: * Weekly Field Trips in Kindergarten, which helps the students get to know the community / city and get comfortable with public transportation and exploring. Several also involve parents driving, which is a great opportunity to meet a lot of kids and other parents. * AnjiPlay, which helps promote exploration and team work, while also introducing a hint of "risky play". * Camp Live Oak, every year the entire school community goes to camp in May for 3 days, two nights. It's a wonderful and unique community building experience. * School lunch (included with tuition) program is great * Facilities are great - fairly light-filled former Hillsbro building in Potrero Hill, most classrooms have great natural light, Jackson Park is across the street. One of the few schools with a climbing wall (and will now have climbing as a middle school class). Small gym on sight, with UCSF nearby to support sports. * Very thoughtful and intelligent curriculum that they continue to respond to feedback on. They are expanding the Spanish program (currently starts in 4th) to encompass K-8. They are trying a new 8th grade capstone trip this year (traditionally DC) to be Civil Rights movement focused -- Memphis - Alabama - Atlanta. Things to Consider / Areas Could improve * The school doesn't come out of the gate hard in academics in kindergarten, ie they stay pretty light on reading, writing, and math the first year. This ramps up - for some kids very quickly - in first grade. This is probably ok, but parents should be prepared / aligned with it. Know that Live Oak 8th Graders place very well at the more academic high schools in San Francisco. They know themselves well, and they are prepared academically. * Extended Day Program. There are great hours of coverage (730 - 6pm, and holiday care on many of the days there is school off) available for working families. The enrichment programs leave a bit to be desired -- particularly the sign-up process. they seen to have way too few slots and getting a slot is like getting a Yosemite campsite. Soccer program is good. Be prepared to augment this outside of school if you have strong desires.

You'll wish you could be a kid again and go here!…read more This school is incredible - the teachers, staff, and students alike! The ethos of the school focuses on children as changemakers, the idea that each student has the ability to change the world. Within this framework, they center the child, and focus on "knowing the child well" and the child "knowing themselves well". The kids learn from a young age what makes them thrive (what environment, what tools, what topics interest them, what their growth areas are), giving them self-reflection and self-understanding skills which they will take with them for their whole lives. The school also focuses on instilling a growth mindset with the power of "yet", the idea that anyone can learn to do something new at any age. My absolute favorite school saying by far is "mistakes are magic"... Can you imagine growing up thinking that mistakes are just a part of learning and nothing to be ashamed or feel guilty about? I wish I could go back in time and attend this school!

In a sea full of choices and endless tours, I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for when I was…read morenavigating the SF Bay Area schools, but I had enough experiences to know what I didn't want. My experience at Stratford has been nothing short of exceptional! Ms. Rachel and the entire administration are impressive --- well-run school, great communication with parents (never had an email I had to follow-up on), thoughtful answers to tough questions, robust education, exciting and fun events that are inclusive and bring together the community. Our teachers, Ms. Irene and Ms. Irina, make the experience. They truly love our children and are invested in their success, which I feel would translate across schools, whether your child rides out their entire education with Stratford (post elem/middle) or transfers elsewhere. As an example, my daughter used to cry at drop off transitioning to a new school (for months) and also when having to perform in front of strangers. It took a week for her say she loved her teachers and not cry. The teachers and PE coach worked out different approaches to build her confidence and spirit, and over time, she cried less and less at spirit day performances until she actually started looking forward to it! Outside of this, the school does a great job of supporting two working parents. Personally, I know it can be difficult to navigate the guilt that comes from motherhood and working; wanting to be involved, but also balancing high-pressure jobs, and trying not to burn out. They know it, they plan for it, they communicate things in advance. This enables parents to be involved for enjoyment rather than obligation, which actually makes me want to be more involved. We feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful community! Highly recommend for any family looking for the right balance of a high-quality education that translates to any future, and teachers/staff that are loving, patient, and invested in the growth and happiness of your child.

This school is owned by a foreign corporation interested in profits only. Your children will not be…read moreprioritized here, the management and upper management are dull, impossible to talk to and your voices as parents will be suppressed. Stay away from this outfit, find a school that cares about your children.

We have had an amazing experience at Adda Clevenger. Our daughter is entering her third year here…read more We were coming from the public school system, which had served our daughter exceptionally well in elementary school. However, when she started middle school she was missing several teachers due to staffing issues and we made the decision to explore private options. Adda Clevenger was able to offer our daughter a spot in their 6th grade class several weeks in to the school year and has served our family exceptionally well ever since. Our daughter has very full days filled with instruction in the core curriculum which includes math, science and English as well as dance, theater and visual arts. The classroom size is small and allows her to really bond with her classmates in an environment that fosters creativity and freedom of expression. The kids have very full days but all to the good-- our daughter always come home tired but also excited about what's been happening in school. The community has been welcoming and offers many events over the course of the year in the form of dance, choir and theater performances that exhibit the progress the kids are making and provides us the opportunity to connect with other parents. This is a much more engaging and enriching middle school experience than I ever had as a child. The school is vibrant. Music binds the entire operation together. Truly a beautiful, well-oiled education institution. Our family is very grateful to have found Adda Clevenger.

Adda is really such a special school. The teachers are lovely and really seem to care about each…read morestudent, the curriculum is thoughtful, the class sizes are small, and the arts program is phenomenal. I hadn't thought that arts portion would matter so much to me, but let me tell you, 3 year olds singing Paul McCartney at the winter concert is really a sight to behold. Memorizing material and getting on stage to perform at such a young age is really a wonderful gift to give to kids. I'm also continually impressed with the art teacher and what my kids bring home. The community is also a really nice group of families. There's no big fundraising campaigns which is so refreshing in a private school environment. So glad we found this school.

Kittredge is a small, established school located in a corner three-story house in a scenic…read moreneighborhood nearby Rochambeau Park. The tuition is comparatively attainable for an independent school with impressive academic outcomes (high school acceptances). The school has a strong athletic component with daily P.E. and students can participate in traditional school sports (cross country, volleyball, futsal, etc.) or after-school electives (theater, science club, fencing, etc.). A year ago, my child joined Kittredge in 6th grade from SFUSD. We were looking for an environment where students are interested in learning and support each other. Going in, my main concerns were how my kid would adjust to a much smaller school with rigorous academic expectations in math, science, and composition, and whether my child would fit in quickly with others who have been at Kittredge for years. It took my child about one quarter to adjust to the high academic standards, and the transition was a lot easier due to the nurturing environment. At the start of school, students were thoughtfully provided with calendar planners and shown how to schedule due dates. The students have group projects such as a bridge construction challenge and presentations as well as individual assignments like making an everyday invention and writing a history thesis. In 7th grade, students will be matched to multiple levels of math classes. My child made friends with classmates in the same year and across different grades. His cohort is an even mix of kids who joined from SFUSD and other private schools over the years or who attended the school since kinder. Kittridge is not only about academics. The school holds an annual talent show, school dance, and field day. The students attend field trips and hike to the beach and Land's End, and 7th/8th graders attend camp in Yosemite. The dedicated parent association also enlivens the environment with parties, picnics, lion dances, Diwali celebrations, etc.

We could not be happier with Kittredge, a truly special home away from home. It has been amazing to…read moresee our son thrive after transitioning from a larger school to a small family-like atmosphere. Individualized approach - Kittredge is designed as a small community to meet each child's specific needs and empower each child to flourish. Whether a student is struggling or wants to be challenged in a particular area, not only does Kittredge differentiate learning for varying skills levels, teachers customize their approach to support each individual. This applies not only for academics, but also social emotional issues. I was impressed that our teacher was open to incorporating behavior strategies that work well at home. Small knit community - The faculty often wear multiple hats and get to know the students well from different contexts. For example, the reading teacher assistant can also be the extended care teacher. By interacting with the students in different settings, they gain various perspectives and find approaches that resonate. It is valuable that students of all ages have the chance to interact closely and learn from each other. In his mixed age class, the teacher told me that my son acts as big brother, proudly explaining math concepts to the younger kids. After hearing the 8th grade student council election speeches, voting, and discussing school issues, my young son is now inspired to run for student council president one day. Personal attention -The extended care teachers are not merely babysitters ensuring his safety. I am impressed that they are loving and actively engaged whether it's playing hangman, chess, or board games. It is no wonder he does not want to leave even after a long day! When my child transferred to Kittredge, I was quite nervous for him in his new environment. On his first day of school, the principal arrived at school on a hectic morning and from a distance I saw that she made the effort to stop, and kneel down to his eye level to give him a warm welcome. These small gestures of kindness make a big impact. I appreciate that Kittredge focuses on the development of the whole person - academically, socially, and emotionally. Their curriculum includes teaching "Habits of Mind", cognitive skills which foster personal success. Every month, the theme is integrated through stories, discussions, and projects. I was filled with pride when my young son taught me "When you fail, you just try again". Once a child has a healthy mindset, and feels seen and heard, I believe he or she is set up for academic success. It is not a surprise that Kittredge graduates get accepted into San Francisco's top high schools. I met a lady who has worked in pediatrics in San Francisco for many years. When I mentioned that my son attends Kittredge, her eyes widened with excitement, "Ooooh that is a good school! All the kids I've met there are well rounded!" We feel extremely fortunate to have found a gem at Kittredge - a well balanced, warm and nurturing environment with solid academics.

I go to this school and it is the best school in San Francisco!!!!! My 3rd grade teacher took my…read moreclass to a GIANTS GAME!!!!!! Grattan is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Grattan!!!!!!!!!!

I've been really impressed with this school so far. The teachers and staff are so attentive and…read moreengaged with the children and practice creative problem solving (and include the parents in the process!) to meet each individual child's unique needs. My son is learning so much and is always so excited to share it all with me every day. The school is also just beautiful. It has a gorgeous mural, a large garden that the children get to be a part of caring for, plenty of shade and spaces to play, and sits in a peaceful part of the neighborhood surrounded by great parks and playgrounds in every direction. My only complaint is that we're stuck on the waitlist for their after-school program.

My daughter loves her school. She is in fifth grade now and began at Kindergarten. Art being her…read morefavorite subject. They have ceramics, painting and all kinds of creative projects. They go into the Presidio one-two times per week and value being outdoors and learning about nature. We have felt supported as a family with educational classes for parents, teachers and a counseling group with other kids when she needed it. The community of families share in volunteering for events and class outings, which brings together a close network. The teachers and staff have been wonderful and I can't say enough about how well they fostered her education, projects and time here. I'm so proud of who she has become and it's due to Presidio Hill's values and academics. I highly recommend Presidio Hill.

Presidio Hill is a gem of a school that makes excellent use of the nearby national park and has…read morethoughtful and caring teachers. It is absolutely worth visiting first-hand. Two of my children transferred in midway through 3rd and 6th grade; the older graduated and is now at University High School, and the other is still at PHS, entering 7th grade. As an educator myself, I am aligned with progressive, humanist, and constructivist movements, and the ways those teaching philosophies prioritize internal motivation over external motivation aligned with more behaviorist philosophies. That's not for everyone, of course! Again, worth just visiting first-hand to have a look.

My wife and I transferred our children to New School when red flags from their previous school…read morebegan not only affecting their academic performance but also their emotional. We invested a lot of time and effort to find a school that could rekindle my eldest's natural curiosity and love of reading and math. My only regret is not enrolling my kids here in New School earlier. New School is everything what learning should be. The staff is genuinely enthusiastic, professional and committed to the philosophy of the CORE values of the district. The energy the staff at New School brings was the needed vibe to negate all the toxic experiences my children had to endure from their previous school. I inquire with my children each day as to how their day goes at New School. As a parent who only wants the best for my children, I am grateful for them to have been gained so much in the short time they have been enrolled. Recently, my son told me, "Dad! I understand Algebra now!" The excitement in his voice could had never been heard from during his time in his old school. I asked him, "What do you like about your new school?" He replied, "My teacher is very clear in explaining the material. They just don't give out work and tell us to figure it out without teaching us. Also, the lessons (his teacher) hands to us gives me the chance to be creative, And, I don't have to be afraid anymore when I ask a question. My old school would yell at me a lot." I truly believe the early experiences children gain influence not only their ability to learn, but also how they value themselves and others which are key components in creating that lifelong relationship with higher education. I cannot speak enough of how great New School is. I wish all schools could model their program.

Our child is in 7th grade at New School SF, and it's going very well. He's had excellent teachers…read more (A special thank you to Ms. Heather in 6th grade, so talented!) The school is high-performing. The curriculum is rigorous and thoughtful. Many of the field trips have been service projects, like serving a meal at Glide or removing invasive plants from Chrissy Field, which is wonderful for building character. They do a one-night camping trip in 7th grade. They hold all-school events that celebrate different cultures. There's an annual middle-school dance and class parties. They walk to Joe DiMaggio Park for PE three times a week. They have middle school sports teams. Conflict among the kids seems minimal. There's a good emphasis on equity. Downsides: The electives are limited because the school is small. They have a cafeteria that can be used as a community space, but no separate gym, and the yard is small. The commute from across town is tough, but we have a good carpool going. These downsides are outweighed by the fact that our child gets an excellent academic education in a friendly, safe, and professional environment. Public middle school in SF is tough, and we're very happy to be here.