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

St. Paul's Episcopal School (SPES) in Oakland has been an incredible experience for our family as LGBTQ+ 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. read more

St. Paul's Episcopal School - This year's Halloween Parade - 5th Graders! - Elementary Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

I moved my kids from public school to St. Paul's (4th and 7th grade) and it exceeded all of my expectations. The academics are rigorous and beyond that they are really helping the kids develop real world skills like executive functioning (staying on top of deadlines, planning for long term projects, scheduling your week), public speaking, working in groups, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. The curriculum is really engaging and interactive, my kids talk about what they are learning in school a lot more than they used to and teachers get really creative in their lessons to keep things interesting. Teachers are genuinely guiding the learning and not just following a textbook. They seem energized and excited to be at the school which is a breath of fresh air as the teaching profession has really been a tough place to be in the last decade! I sometimes worry about how AI is eroding critical thinking and replacing a lot of jobs in our society and I feel like the kids who go to St. Paul's will have a highly desired skillset that isn't easily replaced by LLM and will be confident in navigating the future no matter what it looks like. The school culture really stands out to me as well. Almost every school I toured will talk about antibullying efforts but at St. Paul's there is really an ethos of kindness and inclusivity that is in everything that they do at the school. It comes from a place of authenticity, is felt by every staff person (and even all the parents!) that I've encountered and to me it's more powerful than a disciplinary protocol. The school really builds a community within the classroom and across the whole school! For my middle schooler I was concerned that it might be too small coming from a big public school environment but I've noticed that it has actually allowed my kid to be themselves instead of trying to fit into a certain clique. My kid looks forward to going to school now and it has been so so cool to see him pursue academic excellence with pleasure and pride instead of just complying with weekly homework. I was on the fence about leaving public school, especially because I didn't want my kids to be sequestered in an environment where all their peers were privileged but the opposite has been true! I have been delighted with the socioeconomic and demographic diversity at St. Paul's. I also was hesitant because of the financial commitment but I have zero regrets. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made for my kids. read more

There's no other school like St. Paul's in Oakland. Full disclosure: I am neither an alum nor a parent of a student (or former) at the school. However, I have worked closely with St. Paul's staff and parents and can attest to the work and the wonders that happen within these walls. Administrators and teachers are passionate about shaping the lives and minds of students in ways that grow their intellectual curiosity and confidence. Parents rave about the significant development that they have seen in their children not just as critical thinkers, but also as caring, compassionate, and confident individuals. No school integrates academic excellence with social justice, diversity, inclusion, and compassion like St. Paul's. If you want your children to be exposed to top academics along with an amazing social emotional learning experience, look no further. Inquire, take a tour, come get to know St. Paul's and what makes it such a special place. read more

St. Paul's is an exceptional school. A true hidden gem, though I wish it weren't so hidden and that other schools emulated what St. Paul's does so well. I went to St. Paul's. Not only did it prepare me well academically - so well, in fact, that when I transferred to an elite private school I was a grade level ahead in math - but, more importantly, it prepared me to be a good citizen of the world. At St. Paul's I learned how to be a part of and live within a broader community of people from all types of backgrounds; how to benefit from and take part in the stewardship of a city; and how to stand up and fight (respectfully) for what I believed in as well as for others who may not otherwise be able to fight for themselves. St. Paul's gave me the foundation of my character that I have carried with me for the rest of my life. Is any school perfect? No. But I'd argue that, for developing future leaders, dreamers, and innovators, St. Paul's comes pretty close to the mark. read more

This is a review for the middle school. Not the best school for neurodivergent kids, artsy kids, generally "different" kids that need extra support. There are artsy kids but there aren't many. They try to downplay the religious aspect but religion is there. Every Friday, kids go to chapel at the church. They don't "pray" but the chapel is structured like a church service and God is mentioned. Unsafe environment with everything that happens at Lake Merritt. School does its best and to be fair kids have not been harmed directly. School does a good job of keeping kids safe. But kids are exposed to everything that happens (shootings, trash, drug use, homeless and mentally unstable people, etc.) Kids have to eat lunch outside on the grounds of Lake Merritt. It sounds nice but it is not. Performing arts are weak. No theater program and the music program does not teach kids how to play instruments. Kids learn drumming and singing which is cool. SPES is academically more traditional than schools like Park Day or Aurora. Many classrooms are dark and crammed and don't have windows. We have asked many teachers for help with our struggling child. While they were responsive, we weren't really helped. The message we got was "try harder" instead of "here is how we can help you". Neurodivergent kids need to be shown how to do things in a variety of ways instead of just being told to try harder. For such an expensive school, I am disappointed at the lack of support. We feel this is not the best place for neurodivergent kids. read more

My older son is now a 6th grader at St. Paul's Middle School. After he attended St. Paul's Lower School, I assumed that the transition to Middle School would be perfectly smooth (despite repeated warnings from the school's faculty and staff that the transition is always a big one). News flash - they were right and I was wrong. The combination of a new routine + an influx of new kids + amped up academics + 11 year old angst could have made for an INCREDIBLY bumpy start of the year. Instead, the faculty REALLY made the on-ramp for my son as smooth as possible and he got into a comfortable groove. They were so intentional with everything they did. The first 2-3 months were focused on grounding the kids in new routines and new people vs an excessive focus on academics. That focus on their social-emotional well-being has made all the difference as the school work dial turned up in the 2nd trimester. His close friend group now includes a mix of new + Lower School kids. The approach to academics is multi-disciplinary, which feels very 'real-world' - and there is always a lead teacher and a support teacher for each academic subject. The communication with the teachers has been excellent - both what they push out to parents and 1:1 conversations when needed - related to both school work and non-school work issues. The afterschool programs have also been terrific - my kid's participation in the afterschool band performance will be hard to beat as a highlight this year. As the faculty and staff warned, middle school is going to have its share of drama and we feel great that our son is at a place that will help him (and us) manage through it all, while getting him ready for future academic challenges. read more

My son is a new second grader there and it has been such a joy to see how much he loves going there. The environment is diverse, welcoming, positive, nurturing and encouraging. Seeing and know that my son is happy, safe, and enjoying the learning experience there is all a parent can ask for. Thank you to SPES and their wonderful staff. read more

This review is for the middle school (we adored our lower school experience and reviewed it independently). My daughter is in 6th grade, a year known for its emotional ups and downs and yet she has been so solidly shepherded into the middle school experience. From academic success camp to the advisor relationship to the overnight to the overall thoughtfulness and care that the faculty and staff have applied to helping her navigate friendships and the ramping up of academic expectations---my wife and I have been blown away. I would be remiss in not mentioning the fact that most of the parents in my daughter's class have signed a pledge to not enable social media use among the students. This means that they can have phones/watches for communication but not for broader digital use, which we've found to be wonderful for their social development. We're so grateful for the kind, confident, and welcoming community that is my daughter's 6th grade class. This is the type of village you'd be finding at this school, one that situates academics within a supportive and nurturing environment so students are able to focus on their work, and so they can fully access the confidence they need to excel. read more

During his time at St Paul's Episcopal School (4th through 8th grade), our son blossomed beyond what we could have possibly ever imagined. During his first year at the school, we noticed a dramatic increase in his self-awareness, self-assuredness, and expressiveness. Our son needed a more structured curriculum but also the opportunity to express his unique perspective; SPES emboldened him by striking just the right balance: pursuing progressive values while retaining some traditional academic frameworks. The curriculum throughout had been thoughtfully developed to provide just the right amount of scaffolding to encourage our son's social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We liked how SPES wove in social-emotional and social-justice learning in ways that felt organic, creative, and age-appropriate. The Kindergarten teachers internally developed the K curriculum for social-emotional development. Fifth-graders create a children's book based on their favorite Civil Rights era hero, then read it to their Kindergarten buddies. The teachers are solid, dedicated people who reflect the diversity of the student body and clearly like working together. He trusted, admired, and enjoyed his teachers -- in fact, he bonded with them to such an extent that the entire 6th- and 7th-grade teams attended his Zoom [during Covid lockdown] bar mitzvah! The weekly Friday morning chapels highlight what a tight and inclusive community -- with broad horizons and a good groove (provided by student and faculty musical accompaniment!) -- SPES is. Each week a different grade presents a topic (ranging from climate change, civil rights, and recycling to, often, the upcoming holiday of various world cultures and religions, such as Dia de Los Muertos, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah, etc.) before an engrossed and wildly supportive crowd of students and families. It's a great opportunity to see other SPES parents, who are an interesting, fun, down-to-earth bunch we're delighted to know. Our son is now in high school, but it's still his St.Paul's friends with whom he's liable to have an hour-long phone call. SPES kept our son engaged and enthused about school throughout his time there. It admirably "walks the walk" (with a majority of students and faculty of color, and far greater tuition assistance than its peer institutions not just locally but nationally) and only continues to improve under Head of School Cheryl Ting. We will be eternally grateful for how much it gave him! read more

I'm writing as parent of three St Paul's graduates. All of our sons, now ages 18, 20, and 23, attended the school and loved it. We are very satisfied customers and parents, and we continue to support the school however we can. St Paul's does place a great emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusion while also providing strong academic preparation. It's not just their motto - they mean it. Those commitments were reflected throughout my sons' time attending the school, and I believe they have made a meaningful difference in each of their lives. Our boys truly cherished their time at St Paul's and look back on it with great fondness. They also have continued to contribute to the school, with each of them working at St Paul's summer programs for several years after they graduated. My youngest even worked there this past summer (2024) as a teaching assistant at the Academic Success summer program for rising 6th graders. Each of our sons have their own personalities, needs, and interests. One-size-fits-all would not have been a fit for them. St Paul's was responsive to their individual needs and created a comfortable "home away from home" for each of them. Moreover, the faculty and administration were attentive and did a great job teaching about academic subjects and non-academic matters. We feel like our sons learned a lot about how to be responsible, contributing citizens and community members while also getting a great education. I know that some families have questions about the school's location in the center of Oakland. While it does create some logistical issues from time to time, we very much liked the location and the contribution that the city of Oakland made as a sort of external classroom. Indeed, my sons all learned from the experience about how to live in a city and appreciate its rhythms and realities. It was one of the factors that drew us to the school originally, and we have always felt that it was a net positive for the school and the student experience. read more

We joined St Paul's in the fall of 2023 for our 2nd and 4th graders and we could not be happier with our decision. Our whole family has been embraced by the SPES community and our children are thriving. We have been impressed by the integrated academic program, the diverse community and the way that the staff members embrace, encourage and love our children. We are a Jewish family and we love that the school is spiritual but does not prescribe to any one religion. All faiths are welcome and celebrated equally. My children love seeing the representation and participating in Jewish rituals and holidays with their peers as well as having the opportunity to truly celebrate the traditions of their friends and classmates. We love that since SPES is an urban school, the city is a part of their campus. The younger grades have weekly swimming lessons at the downtown YMCA, older grades participate in the community by doing a year long bird census at Lake Merritt, working in the botanical gardens, reading with their senior neighbors in the St. Paul's towers and spending PE and recess enjoying the green space at the Lake. The middle school held a climate march and all of the grades participated and learned about the importance of protecting our planet and how everyone can make a difference. They also have two awesome playgrounds and one is even on the roof! The social emotional learning and growth focus that is weaved through everything at St. Paul's is an area where we have seen a positive impact on our kids. They talk about the people power skills that they learn and apply them to their lives both inside and outside of school, they learn to think critically about the world and not be afraid to challenge and question things that don't seem right to them. The staff at the school truly want the children to feel safe, heard, seen and cared for so that they can do their best learning and growth. The school is truly magic! read more

Sending my children to St. Paul's has been one of the best decisions my husband and I have made as parents. The academic program is stellar; the community is diverse and celebrates ALL religious and cultural backgrounds; and our children have gained a level of self-confidence and a way of relating to others that will equip them to be citizens of the world for the rest of their lives. St. Paul's offers a truly exceptional education; just visit the school, and you will experience the magic for yourself. read more

My partner and I didn't initially consider St. Paul's because we saw the "St." in the name and assumed it was a parochial school. On the recommendation of a trusted preschool educator, we looked into it and found that there was no religious component to instruction - and that it is potentially the most inclusive, diverse independent school in the Bay Area, if not the nation. We entered the school in kindergarten and now have a 5th- and 7th-grader. It is a school - and an entire community - dedicated to critical thinking, evidence-based learning, individualized instruction, and social justice. It also uses all of Oakland as its campus. From science instruction at Lake Merritt, to partnerships with Children's Fairyland, to swimming classes at the Broadway YMCA, it is a school in the heart of Oakland, with Oakland in its heart. It is a truly unique community that walks the walk and does "the work" to develop sharp, aware, engaged students who emerge as genuine global citizens. read more

Both of my children have gone through St. Paul's since Kindergarten (my youngest is in 6th grade and my oldest has graduated). St. Paul's gave them a diverse, inclusive environment in which to grow into compassionate, motivated members of a close community. Every adult at the school embodies this idea--they really walk the walk. The academics are very strong, but their education has been so much more than academics--my daughters owe so much of their understanding of what it means to be a good citizen to their St. Paul's teachers. The music program is inspiring, the commitment to service and integration of service into the academic curriculum is a model. The parent and student community are so strong and supportive; it has been a wonderful place to send my children for the past 12 years. read more

St. Paul's is the best of Oakland in all its vibrancy and diversity. We toured 13 schools - a mix of public and independent - as we considered kindergarten for our oldest. St. Paul's quicky became #1 on our list. We wanted our children to have a top academic experience AND a robust socio-emotional experience, diverse environment, and culture/curriculum that reflected the above. We just didn't see that combination in any other school. The teachers are engaging, committed, attuned to my children's socio-emotional and academic needs, and ready to provide a challenge or support. My children complete cool STEAM projects that integrate concepts learned in class with real world application. In performing arts students learn about and perform powerful music from all over the world. Our weekly chapel features a thoughtful message for community reflection, grade-level presentations so students get used to public speaking, and lively whole school cultural celebrations featuring students and families that educate and foster community, including: Lunar New Year, Day of the Dead, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. The parent community is warm and welcoming with many opportunities to connect by and across grade levels. We now have two children at the school and they love it. My children are truly learning how to be citizens of the world in an incredible community that is a home away from home for all of us. read more

There is NO other school in the world like St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland! Yes, of course I'm biased, I went there :) But seriously, I work in education and have worked at and with many schools of all types. St. Paul's is unique in its long track record of integrating diversity and academic excellence into its core values--and making the financial decisions to back that up. While many schools strive for and value diversity, St. Paul's puts its money where its mouth is by investing heavily in the tuition assistance program, which allow. It's curriculum has been rooted in love and respect for world cultures, service, empathy and community. As a graduate, I was able to thrive at an an academically rigorous high school. When I found myself in graduate school decades later, I always appreciated how many conversations around equity in education reminded me of what I actually got to experience as an elementary school student. To this day, my St. Paul's family is intact--I feel lucky to be a part of the SPES community! read more

Wow. I am so glad we found this school. When we were researching schools eight years ago, we stumbled upon this one. My husband went in for a tour of the school and informed me that he literally teared up several times during the tour. The diverse group of kids were being taught peacekeeping skills in kindergarten, non-violent communication, doing cross-grade projects, and loving learning. In short, we found a place we can call a home away from home for our child. Our son began kindergarten at St. Paul's and continues to go there now he's in sixth grade. We intend to keep him there through eighth grade. St. Paul's is a place my son consistently loves to go to. He has made lifelong friends there, feels stimulated and challenged throughout the year, and has blossomed throughout his time there. read more

After 3 largely disappointing years in Oakland public school, I applied for my daughter to attend SPES. I knew my daughter's ability to thrive was impacted by the lack of resources and crowded classrooms in public school, but had reservations about sending her to private school (most of which were personal). Despite my reservation, I toured SPES and was immediately struck by the strong and unique community. The questions I was asked about my daughter were all targeted to determine how well she would fit in the SPES community. The students I observed were engaged and excited about learning, something I hadn't seen much of in my daughter's public school classrooms. I became increasingly excited about SPES after touring and I continue to be impressed with SPES since my daughter began this Fall. For the first time in years, my daughter says school was "great" when I pick her up and she LOVES her teacher! I wish I''d made the decision to start SPES when my daughter was in kindergarten and I look forward to watching my daughter thrive as a fearless learner for years to come at SPES! - read more

We just enrolled our daughter in K at St. Paul's. After looking at a number of independent schools, a couple of things stood out to us at SPES. First, their acknowledgement and commitment to their local community - whether that be through their integrated campus/ use of Oakland local facilities and their service learning programs. They also seem to be walking the walk more than most around diversity - which was really important to us. We have found the faculty / staff to be very caring, wonderfully intentional around children, and the teachers to be excellent so far. Very happy with our choice so far! read more

As the 5 Star rating says "WooHoo! It's as good as it gets!" St. Paul's is definitely THE BEST School in Oakland! Ok, it might be because they have great teachers, strong academics, the most amazing diverse community and the most fantastic kids! Do I sound a little too happy about this school? Well, I am. When I looked for a school for my son 4 years ago, it was quite the job. There are so many great schools, public and private. My son actually got accepted into many schools and St. Paul's wasn't his choice. He wanted to go to another school, but my hubby really loved this school. So when I called to give our acceptance, I told the Admissions Director my problem. She had me bring my son in for his own private tour. During the tour, he still wasn't too excited, but by the end something happened. We ended up at the computer lab, where a class of 7th graders were. My tiny son stood at the door of the room and two tall 7th graders greeted him. Asked him if he was coming to St. Paul's and hoped that they would be his 8th grade buddies. Then they gave him a "high five". No one told them to do that. They just did what was natural to them. That small gesture made my son's day and after that he was sold on St. Paul's. So was I! read more

St. Paul's is a wonderful independent school nestled in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the Bay Area. My son is in his second year at St. Paul's and loves going to school every day. The school has a true community feel and they are building future leaders. The cool thing about St. Paul's is the many offerings outside of school. From the After School Program to other onsite enrichment programs, St. Paul's gives students wonderful resources to set each of them up for success. One of the highlights for my son is attending camp during the summer. The Summer Camp helps kids stay ahead with academic and fun offerings! I'd recommend checking out Fun in the Sun and Readers in Writers in the Garden. read more

When we were looking at schools for my oldest child the quality of the education was non negotiable. It was not until we visited St. Paul's that we began to believe that other factors could be just as important. Specifically, diversity and community service...and these were two areas in which St. Paul's distinguish itself from the rest. Now in our sixth year at St. Paul's I can see the positive effect that diversity and community service have had on my children(and all St. Paul's students for that matter). Because they interact with a diverse student body(and staff) in classrooms and in the broad campus environment they are prepared to participate in a heterogeneous and complex society. Additionally, their community service(they call it service learning) work has given them a good sense of community and empathy... probably more than they would have had otherwise. St. Paul's is a warm, nurturing environment that stresses academic excellence and personal character development. I cannot recommend it highly enough. read more

After an extensive search process we enrolled our child in kindergarten at St. Paul's this year. We couldn't be happier with that decision! The school is truly the only one that practices and reflects what it preaches. For our family, it offers the right combination of inclusion, academic rigor, enrichment programs, play, arts, and diversity--not just amongst the student body but also amongst its staff, administration, and leadership. Class sizes are small (compared to OUSD) and offer space for each child to develop the foundation for a love of life-long learning. It's only been a couple of months, but we feel part of a strong community and best of all--our son came home and proclaimed, "I thought kindergarten was going to be boring, but I love school!" What more could we ask for? read more

My child began attending St. Paul's (known as SPES) in 4th grade and is now in 8th grade. Highlights of 4th and 5th grade from my observation were that she learned how to learn math (which enabled her to see herself as a math person) and the social studies and English content and teaching was so engaging and helped her not only to write but to better understand herself and connect to others and the world. Middle school has been even better and the school has encouraged her to grow in empathy, independence and confidence. SPES has also figured out online school - my daughter likes it! And SPES has a safe approach to getting the kids back around each other while we shelter-in-place. I did not intend to have my daughter at an independent school vs. a public school but am glad I did. At St. Paul's she is thriving, being challenged and doing all this in a caring, thoughtful community. We will miss SPES and I anticipate the school will be even strong in the coming years. read more

I am a student at St.Paul's and my time here has not been pleasant. I have spent 9 years in the school paying an intense amount of money for little education. In the elementary school, I can not remember learning anything expect for what a redwood tree's are. I do have to say the kids do learn true diversity and how to understand different cultures and races. However, the middle school environment is painfully ignored by the teachers. I have to say my experience was not enjoyable in any way. read more

Personally, I had attended this school for many years and I'm just not impressed. It's ok until 7th grade. However, from 7th-8 the social/emotional teaching falls short. I would like anyone considering this school to know that generally the middle school teacher dont care for the students. :( read more

Our son enrolled in St. Paul's when he was entering 6th grade and was immediately welcomed into the community. SPES is much more academically rigorous than his elementary school was and the staff and administrators provide a great deal of support both to him and to us as parents. The integrated project based learning is engaging. We love the fact that St. Paul's is truly *in* Oakland, the kids are out and about daily, and do service learning with Lake Merritt and then local charities. We love that St. Paul's is a diverse community. I cannot recommend St. Paul's more highly. I wish he had gone there since kindergarten! read more

I was very disappointed their teacher . i had been going to swimming volunteer for almost two years ,a PE teacher H never remember my name and called me "Hey" . I asked her if she could call my name then she said I am not supposed to remember your name you should think how many parents I am seeing every day . if you don't want me to call you hey you should go home now .i have been spending so much their tuition and had been called HEY and Go Home to me . read more

We have a first grader at SPES and couldn't be happier with our experience. The academics are excellent, with a lot of attention to kids' individual levels (in reading, writing, math, science, etc.). The school community reflects and embraces the diversity of the Bay Area, and has been very warm and welcoming to our family. SPES also emphasizes character development, in a completely non-religious/non-denominational way, which we really appreciate. And we've found the arts and PE/swimming program to exceed our expectations, too -- the new gym, playground, and library are just bonus. Definitely worth a visit and conversation with the Admissions Director if you're at all interested to learn more. read more

My family appreciates St. Paul's for serving as a community-based school committed to diversity, service learning and academic excellence. As life-long Oakland residents, our lives have been shaped and enriched by the city's diversity. As a result, my husband and I are not willing to sacrifice diversity in our 1st grade daughter's school environment. In order for her to thrive, she must be in an environment like St. Paul's that is not only academically challenging but diverse and reflective of her family culture. Our family loves Oakland and wants to help revitalize and construct a healthy, sustainable community through service and active participation in community institutions. We love that St. Paul's views Oakland as its campus and establishes a variety of partners for authentic service learning. Providing these types of active learning experiences instills essential values and ways of living that last a life-time as I have seen with my younger sister who attended St. Paul's in the early 1990s. St. Paul's curriculum and instruction ensures all students' needs are consistently addressed via differentiated teaching practices. My daughter's reading, writing, vocabulary and math activities are tailored to be "just right" for her level. In addition, St. Paul's academic program develops high order thinking skills essential for college and career success. Our family is thrilled and honored to be apart of the St. Paul's community. We are so happy that our daughter is receiving a holistic, high quality education. read more

When we were looking for schools for our 1st grader last year, we toured many Bay Area schools. Many of the Independent\Private schools we toured may have had strong academics, but the vibe was cold. None of them felt as warm and welcoming as St. Paul's Episcopal. We immediately loved the feel of overwhelming "Diversity and Inclusion" that St. Paul's brings from the administrators, the staff and the children attending the school. Since we enrolled our child, we have met other St. Paul's families from all walks of life, ethnicities and sexual orientation and love the fact that St. Paul's embraces this diversity so wholeheartedly. We were a bit concerned about our child coming from a Montessori school as to how she would fit in and handle the new style of learning but she has fit in beautifully so far! We love her teachers who are down to earth, supportive and very concerned about the well being of our child. We feel that they are setting her up to become a successful leader of tomorrow. The academics are strong and the teaching style is very engaging for the students. The true test though, is the fact that our 1st grader LOVES her new school and is eager and very happy to go to school every day. We feel as though we made the right choice so far, and hope to be a part of the St. Paul's community for years to come! read more

We have a fifth grade boy at St. Paul's, and we are very happy. He is very strong academically and is thriving in the challenging but supportive curriculum. The teachers are fantastic--creative, smart, engaged, focused and kind. I am impressed with how they have been able to teach across different learning abilities and styles with grace. As a college professor myself, I am delighted with the variety of successful ways they approach teaching critical thinking, quantitative skills, and aesthetic and creative expression without scanting any of these essential pieces of kids' education. In addition to the strong academics, St. Paul's has really amazing music and art programs. Finally, the school teaches empathy and compassion and embodies the values of diversity and service rather than just approaching these as gestural ideals or marketing add ons. We feel super lucky to be part of this great community! read more

Our daughter is in first grade at St. Paul's, and it has been a wonderful experience for our entire family. We are very pleased with the teacher commitment and student engagement we've observed and experienced in our daughter's classrooms. We've had the opportunity to volunteer in the classroom and are impressed by how the teachers apply the principles of differentiated instruction (they really meet the kids where they are!) and how the students interact with one another and the content. By way of example, in a session last year in kindergarten on storytelling, my daughter's teacher broke them up into pairs and offered them guiding questions to answer so they could build their stories; in the process, the kids worked on their listening, collaboration and oral communication skills and had greater clarity as they worked on their stories. This year, her first grade teacher connected with us early on to ensure that our daughter was being challenged academically by providing the types of books and language arts modules that would meet her needs. We also have an appreciation for St. Paul's approach to educating the whole child. Our daughter's sense of community has deepened, and she has a keener sense of how her actions and words impact others; this year, the focus shifts to who she is in the larger system: she has a 5th grade service learning buddy and together they've visited a homeless shelter in Berkeley and made sandwiches for the shelter residents. As pleased as we are with St. Paul's academic curriculum, we are even more pleased with St. Paul's commitment to developing community oriented and civic-minded people. read more