My now third grader has been at Parkside since preschool and we've had a wonderful experience. He…read morehas loved his teachers and we have loved watching him learn independence and self direction. The staff and the community are kind, caring and engaged. I love that he will be with his same small community through 8th grade too. The fact that this is a public school is icing on the cake! Parkside is a gem of a school and worth serious consideration if you are a believer in montessori education.

We were thrilled to find my son a small, Montessori-based PUBLIC school in the San Mateo Foster…read moreCity school district when he graduated from a local K-5 private school. We were concerned about him transitioning from a small private school to a large comprehensive middle school and were so relieved to learn than Parkside was adding 6-8th grades over the next few years. Parkside Montessori is enrolling TK-7th grade for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. They will add eighth grade the following year and be a true K-8! If you are looking for an alternative to the three comprehensive middle schools in the SMFCSD area, I invite you to attend a campus school tour and learn more. We have only been Parkside community members for the last 4 months, but have been incredibly impressed so far!

My daughter's second year at Audubon. I love the school and the teachers. They've done such a great…read morejob with the kids. The PTA is strong and usually covers all the supplies as well. Definitely recommend.

What, no reviews yet? Well I guess I'll be the first to review. :)…read more I absolutely LOVE this school (though I'm no longer there, due to moving out of the area). I've taught at 4-5 different school districts in my teaching profession due to moving a lot and this school is the one that stands out the most in my mind. Every time I think about my time at this school, I get a little dreamy and misty-eyed. First off, I had the most amazing coworkers. Not to say that my coworkers at my other schools weren't amazing too, but the teachers I met at this particular school are people I really enjoyed spending time with and getting to know. They're people you could see being lifelong friends with, and hanging out outside of the work day. I remember seeing everyone at the staff meetings and just thinking, what a great group of people. They even have a full-fledged vegetable garden out there! Secondly, the students are amazing. Or maybe it just happened to be my groups of students. They were SO CUTE and so intelligent. Their parents would spend so much time packing them cute little lunches and healthy snacks. Thirdly, the parents are fabulous too. When I first moved to this school, the parents were so friendly and welcoming me to the area, and I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. What a wonderful community. The PTA/PTC rocks too. The admin/principal and office staff are phenomenal as well. I love being at a school where you have a supportive principal who trusts that you will do your best for your class, instead of micromanaging and making excessive demands (as evidenced in other schools I've taught at). Plus what amazing weather they have in Foster City. I've never been to a school where the weather is so mild that students can eat lunch pretty much every day outdoors. I know we don't really come on Yelp to see school reviews (try greatschools.org) but I figured I'd come here and be the first reviewer to rave about this school. I truly had the best teaching experience when I taught at this school. Like one coworker once said to me, "Teaching at Audubon is like winning the lottery." It truly is unlike any other.

I am a member of the Saints Squad. The parent welcoming committee. I understand the importance of…read moreonline reviews, researching and looking at schools to assess whether or not it is the right fit for you and your child, so here is a more updated review. Many of the reviews that you will find online are outdated, and comments about those administrative personnel are no longer with the school. I also know that each individual family will have their own experience and perspective, but here is ours. We have one child that graduated two years ago (at Serra now) and have two more still at the school. More recently one who started kindergarten. We are the largest of the catholic elementary schools in the San Francisco Archdiocese. We like the academics and structure and I will say... it's challenging. But there's no other way to prepare these kids than to give them this structure and chance to learn boundaries and how to succeed themselves. Personally, my kids are thriving here. My two boys like that the school offers sports as early as 4th grade as a way to introduce them to baseball, basketball and track and field. They also have volleyball for the girls. Like with any school, you have to find a balance. We try not to get too looped into the politics, as all schools will have them. If you can have a small filter to block out some noise, you'll be fine. We find that we like the structure and the rigor of the academics and find that the kids are well prepared going into high school. St. Matthews feeds many kids mainly to Serra, SI, Notre Dame, or Mercy when they graduate. Then there is a mix of the public schools like Hillsdale, Aragon, Burlingame, and San Mateo. The parent community is second to none. Everyone that goes here says that it is the BEST! There are so many ways and opportunities for the parents to get involved and interact. This is what makes us different and I would agree. Many different parent committees to plan events for the school. Carnival, auction, etc. The school is closely tied with the parish. There is a school and parish committee that try to align together on events and religious education. This year, 2024, Saint Matthews Catholic School has adopted a new administrative team approach to providing leadership to the school and it has worked really well. So well that the Archdiocese is looking to this as a model for all schools based on its success so far. We don't have a set "Principal" or "Dean" in terms of title, seeing that a Leadership team that works together can leverage each other's strengths to get things accomplished in order to meet the needs of the school and students and not have to rely on one person to do a "job description" or part of it when it is not their strength. It's a team approach to success. The community here is great. The 40 volunteer hours per family is so easy to do. And that's what helps to create the community that we have. People say that Saint Matthew's Catholic school is large with over 600 students. However, my family preferred this when deciding on a school to start our oldest child. Thinking about our own experience growing up, there were two classes per grade and just didn't realize that maybe that is more the norm. My wife and I preferred that there were two classes per grade because each year they will mix up the students. We felt that this would better prepare the students socially to adapt to larger sized schools when they go on to high school. We felt it also helps them to learn how to adapt to different people and personalities, of which is a very real world life skill. So, we actually do not mind that there are two classes per grade. The lower classes also have a full time aid in the class to help with the teacher, so it is not a 1:32 ratio. One classes per grade will have our kids be stuck with the same 30 people for the entire nine years. Which can be very challenging. But for some families, that is what you are looking for, so I understand. There are many activities for the students to get involved with. Sports, Drama, Journalism, tech, Student Government, Music. They learn Spanish at an early age. And have volunteer hour opportunities. The school does integrate religion into the curriculum. There are many families and students that are not Catholic that attend this school. We are hitting the re-start button with our family as our five year old has entered kindergarten this fall. However, we do not regret going here even though with all the changes that have been going on. We were impressed with how they had handled the COVID situation and learning. They kept the students' best interest in mind in terms of continuing with their academics and making sure that they were not missing classroom instruction. The gym is by far the nicest gym for the kids! It's bright, lots of natural sunlight. The side doors roll up, so during hot evenings, can open them up and the siblings or parents can watch from the courtyard by the tree. According to my

We've been part of the St. Matthew community since our child started kindergarten last year, and we…read morecouldn't be happier. Our child continues to grow academically, socially, and spiritually in ways that have truly exceeded our expectations. What really sets this school apart is the strong sense of community. From day one, we've felt welcomed and supported--not just by the faculty and administration, but by fellow parents and the parish community as well. There's a real partnership between home and school, and parents are encouraged to take an active role in campus life. Whether it's volunteering for traffic duty, participating in fundraising events, or coaching sports, there are many opportunities to get involved--and so many parents who genuinely want to pitch in. The staff and teachers are warm, approachable, and passionate about what they do. The values-based education and emphasis on faith development have been a wonderful foundation for our child.

I have 2 kids attending UP Academy and they love the school!…read more My older son used to struggle in a public school with math and writing. 3 years ago, at 2nd grade, we transferred him to UP Academy, and, within a few months, he has become a lil writer. He fell in love with writing. He wrote one full-page of very a fun story. I can't thank you enough to all the educators there. Since then until now, he always happy every morning that he gets to go to school. He loves the community there and the small-sized class makes him feel like a part of the community. My younger one started last year as a kindergartner. He loves his teachers and his friends. He learned a lot academically and socially. We love how UP academy teaches kids by their own paces. Thus, our kids get challenged throughout the year. If you are looking for a project-based learning, a place where you child can build confidence and empathy, small class sized, great community, and personalized learning, UP Academy is the place for your kids.

We love UP Academy!…read more My older one went to the school since 2nd grade (now 3rd grader), and my younger one since TK (K now). The school is relatively new (2.5 years old) but our kids attended since 2 years ago. We are happy with the school in the full two years. ***Strength** We love the super low teacher-student ratio, the differentiation of learning. We also love the mixed-age classes, that allow kids to grow and thrive not limited by grade but by the their own levels. The school focused on growth mindset and recognize the efforts and progress. We also love the focus on project-based learning and social-emotion learning. The school also offers foreign languages classes, Chinese/Mandarin and Spanish. This might be a good plus for some families. We love that. We also appreciate the schools offer afterschool extension to 6pm as well. This is very helpful for parents who are both working. The school builds a great community. Teachers that we experienced - which means all teachers since we have two kids there for two years - are all very caring. Kids love each of them. The founder has an amazing vision inspired by a strong why. We love the philosophy, the vision & mission of the school. ***Potential concerns some families may have*** - Small school space: As a micro school, the school space is small - basically an office building only. But with various field trips and outdoor learning opportunities, especially during the pre-pandemic era, we don't have any concern at all. There's indoor facility for exercise, and kids love it. - Small class size For some parents, the small class size might be another concern for social issues. However, I appreciate this a lot since it also means great individual attention from teachers. Every kid can develop his/her own learning plan, academically and socially. We particularly appreciate the small size of the school during the pandemic time. A small class makes us feel safe to send kids to school in person during pandemic, knowing that the school is small and our kids could still learn and socialize safely in person with the COVID precautions that bigger schools may not be able to offer. The school remains open in 2020-2021 school year with the waiver. I believe it's heathier for kids to interact in person than virtually on Zoom anyways. - New school This is a progressive lab elementary school, and yes it's pretty new. We've seen the school evolving in the past two years, and overall towards a even better direction. I do encourage families to experience the school themselves during the trial-out days. We did so before we transferred our kids from a good public school in the following school year. Kids loved Up Academy so much that we made the decision right after they experienced the school. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we've ever made. Overall, we love the school and highly recommend the school to other families.

Baywood Elementary is an outstanding school. It is a wonderful, clean, safe and exciting place to…read morelearn. Great administration and wonderful teaching staff that supports learning in a very exciting way. Great community support with maximum involvement on the part of parents. A perfect example of what an elementary school should be. Parents line up starting at 4am in the morning to register their children. Baywood lives up to their reputation as the perfect example of what an elementary school should look like. My grandchildren love to go to school and learn because of the staff at Baywood. Lawrence Dauch

I wish I could give 0 star here. This is the 2nd time I have had a bad experience talking to the…read moreadmin at the school. I am in the process of getting the tour dates of all the schools I may be interested in sending my little one next academic year. So I called and the admin who I spoke with was super rude, she ended up saying if you need any registration info please contact the district, and that she doesn't have time as She needed to do things for the current students and she hung up on me. I don't think it's fair to the parents who need information for their kids who may go to this school in the future. I had a similar experience a few months ago when I called to ask qs about the TK program they offer. I am so nervous about this school now, I just hope the kids are not treated so badly.

To quote Jesper Johansen from the movie "Klaus"…read more "That's it! This place is the worst! It's cold and icky, and the people are mean to me and I miss my silk sheets!" staff was pretty good except for the English teacher. Curriculum was unnecessary. Entire place was absolutely filthy except for the teacher's lounge. The people there were truly some of the worst I have met. Thank you.

It's a school behind a school, it's kinda in the cuts. The people seem really nice here. The place…read moreseems really cool for a place that has kids. The parking lot is pretty packed but I found a spot.

I strongly advise against this school based on our experience…read more The administration is more interested in controlling and punishing students rather than fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking, love of learning and a feeling of safety. The culture is antiquated as is the curriculum. Teachers are underwhelming. There is a stark lack of innovation and limited use of technology. A revolving door of teachers. With those who remained, issues loomed. The administration had no interest in hearing from parents. The science program is a disgrace. It lacks instruction and labs. I have attached a photo that is telling. The Spanish program is a joke. Social Studies was inconsistent. A new, inexperienced English teacher had no accountability. She humiliated more than one child by timing them when going to the restroom in front of the class. She demonstrated questionable rationality and a tenuous relationship with reality. At some point, we hired tutors to advance our child in certain areas which we likely would have done at any school, just as many students take math at RSM. We do that as well. The vice principal reprimanded my child when she heard this, claiming it was unfair. This was outrageous, but not out of character. Every opportunity they had to tear down a child, they took--and that treatment extended to parents. Additionally, the school actively discouraged transparency and honesty, instructing my child and myself to conceal a learning accommodation from other students and parents. We were told, "Do not tell anyone, and if it gets out, we will know it was you." This culture of fear, intimidation, and dishonesty are toxic. Stapled your paper incorrectly? That will be 10% off. Did not include your last name? Turn in the next day at penalty. Why not simply speak to the student and offer support if needed? Is this about learning or control? It is 100% about control and you control through fear. The anxiety our family experienced during our time at NDE was profound. If you're looking for a forward looking school that fosters critical thinking and helps develop confidence with supportive adults rooting for them, this is absolutely not the place. For some, this culture may be acceptable, but others, including myself, may consider it a form of emotional abuse on top of an antiquated mode of teaching and curriculum. This school has the potential to be a positive neighborhood institution, but it requires significant leadership change to transform.

It's very unfortunate for the community to have Dr. Jeremiassen as the principal of the school. Her…read moreonly conflict resolution methods are 1) sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened, and 2) get rid of the people involved, be it students, teachers, or volunteers. (Yes! MANY times!) There is a typical oppressed atmosphere at the school: People are unhappy, but dare not say anything. Students jeer at the "fake smile" of the principal behind her back. How ironical it is for a Catholic/Christian school, and how unfortunate for everybody who had to go through this "educational experience". To be fair, Dr. Jeremiassen may have done some good things like modernizing the school's IT system, so she might be an Ok administrator, but lacks empathy, the basic nuance to handle problems appropriately, and the drive to try to fix problems at their root. She should never be a leader in any position.

Excellent school and highly recommend if you want your children to be respectful, be disciplined,…read morelearn strong Catholic values and be far away from people and schools who will push woke and LGBTQ agenda on your kids. Special shoutout to Sister Corinna, 2nd grade teacher, who is absolutely amazing. She teaches from the heart and teaches the love of Jesus in all subjects. Students are prepared and excel after graduating from this school and attend top high schools. Other things: I find this school to be the only Catholic school in the area with an actual indoor atrium (cafeteria) where students eat their lunch. Classrooms are also roomier (other schools we saw, students' desks were crammed-in and stuck together to fit more students.

My kids go here and it is such a good school and perish! Excellent teachers and staff!read more