Brightworks is a truly magical school! It has been a place of complete transformation for my child…read more As a seasoned educator who has taught in public and private schools in both the U.S. and internationally, I can confidently say that the Brightworks ethos and pedagogy embody what children need to thrive and succeed in our ever-changing world. We came to Brightworks when my older daughter was in 4th grade (also known as the Quartz band). She had previously attended another wonderful school--where my younger daughter continues to thrive--but it simply wasn't the right fit for her. By 3rd grade, she was taking three half-hour "bathroom breaks" each day, essentially the equivalent of cutting elementary school. She was being bullied by peers, had grown to hate the process of learning, and was beginning to believe that she was "dumb." She was also nearly two grade levels behind in reading. After exploring many schools, we discovered Brightworks. It wasn't flashy, but it immediately felt like the right place for her. Our first day was challenging. Although she had struggled at her previous school, she also found change difficult and was resistant to starting somewhere new. She refused to enter the classroom and instead ran up a tree in tears. The teacher (collaborator), Shirvan, responded with remarkable patience and warmth, reassuring me that my daughter could join the group whenever she felt ready. The administrators were equally phenomenal, offering compassion and support when they could see how embarrassed and overwhelmed I felt with my "spirited" child. About four hours later, she finally joined the class. Within just a few days, she loved school so much that she was sad when the day ended and disappointed when holidays approached. After each winter, spring, and summer break, she was thrilled to return. Within a year, she progressed from reading at a 2nd-grade level (e.g., Dog Man) to devouring upper elementary and middle school novels such as the Wings of Fire and Warriors series. She came to love school, the process of learning, her teachers, and her peers. She transformed from a wilted flower into a blossoming tree. The ethos of Brightworks is to meet children where they are and to approach learning through real-world contexts that spark their interests. Science and math are taught through hands-on exploration and authentic problem-solving, while reading and writing are developed through both personal interests and guided learning around social justice topics. Students gain genuine critical thinking skills alongside practical experience using shop tools. The multi-age, schoolhouse model allows older students to care for younger ones, fostering responsibility, empathy, and meaningful mentorship. Every collaborator is dedicated to guiding each child to become the best version of themselves. I only wish that all teaching and learning could be approached in the way Brightworks does.

Our son is 8 and in the middle of his 3rd year at Brightworks…read more We couldn't be happier about how the school has supported his learning, both socio-emotional (he is high energy and we were worried he'd be seen as a 'bad' kid at a traditional school) and academic (particularly reading, where he's been a bit slow, but now is right on track and loving reading). Brightworks' approach is project based. Not just doing projects *in* classes--like the science class doing a science project about earthquakes--but doing interdisciplinary projects *instead of* classes, with a greater degree of fluidity and flexibility in time and approach. The school has a strong maker and tinkering culture. We also don't have things that more traditional schools have, such as tests or grades, though we do have parent conferences and documentation of progress in several key areas (like a swim school report card). The kids do NOT sit at individual desks. A lot more time is spent outdoors, and we're in the Presidio, so there's tons of nature to explore. The kids aren't organized into typical grade levels, like K, 1, 2, 3. Instead they're in "bands" of up to a dozen kids each, giving the school more flexibility in placing kids in the group that they'd most benefit from being in each year, with less stigma if a child is "skips" a grade or is held back. The school's approach is naturally well-suited for kids with different needs. E.g. the focus on meeting every kid where they're at, individual learning trajectories, and being able to take the time that the kids need rather than being tied to a fixed daily or weekly schedule with lists of specific learning objectives. We've gotten great and entirely non-judgemental support for our son. That said, as a small school and as a private school, not every need or circumstance can be accommodated and we have seen a couple classmates over the years with, e.g. dyslexia or autism, move on to more specialized schools. (If your kid has special needs, I would ask about it; we do have many neurodiverse and other kids with particular needs that are doing great and seem well supported.) One thing that exemplifies the school is our annual Maker Marketplace where anyone in the community can sell things-like crafts, food items, gifts, or even carnival games or other experiences. It's entrepreneurial and community-forward, and there's a fair amount of open-endedness in what is possible. Maker Marketplace is a bit chaotic and a lot of fun and learning, and to me that really is the Brightworks way.

I came to Ruth as an adult (28) after a lifetime of not being able to pronounce my R's. Within a…read morefew months of working with her, that issue was pretty much completely gone. I'm writing this a little while later, and my speech keeps getting smoother. Ruth is warm, patient, and genuinely cares. She's great at breaking things down in a way that makes sense, and she made the whole process feel encouraging instead of intimidating. I'm really grateful for the progress I've made and for how much lighter I feel about speaking now. I'd absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a speech therapist.

My boyfriend doesn't have a yelp account so he is using mine for this review…read more I recently began using RDW Speech Pathology services and she is great. She is generous with her time and knows great methods/ techniques for helping adults with their speech issues. She is flexible with scheduling and can schedule sessions through Skype. She also works with youth and has many years of experience working in both public and private schools.

Review is for their summer program - my highly functioning child spent the summers here and it's a…read morelovely experience. We do the whole day program. The small size classroom setting really helped. It is more on the expensive side as a summer camp but I do think it's worth it! Sara does a great job to make sure new parents are familiar with the school and the staffs helping out during the summer camp. Although they don't do field trips during the summer camp, they go to the local library and the playground a couple blocks away from the school each day. That worked out for my child during the summer. It is sad that we outgrow the age - but I love the amazing work that Sara has put into the Sequoia Village Schoolhouse. I do wish we have more offerings like Sequoia Village Schoolhouse throughout the city/area. So many highly functioning autistic children are often overlooked, especially during the summer time.

Very nice owner, safe space for kids who need more support than public schools can offer. Most…read morekids have serious needs and it's frequently a temporary placement, it's sad that our system is so broken and that many privates discriminate but it's wonderful that schools like this assist when there is a gap in education. This is a home based school, great for kids who need low stimuli, not a fit for us but wonderful nonetheless.

Before first round applications are due in two weeks, make a point to tour New Traditions, a truly…read moreexceptional elementary school (K-5) within the SFUSD. We just won a spot in the spring lottery and transferred into New Traditions, my original first choice among the District's elementary schools. Prior, I had toured Miraloma, West Portal, Creative Arts Charter School, Grattan, Sherman, Rooftop and Claire Lilienthal. With bright and stimulating classrooms and hallways filled with children's artwork created under the tutelage of Meg, New Traditions' fabulous art teacher (the arts program funded by New Traditions' very strong PTA), New Traditions is led by an award-winning Principal and as of May 2012, awarded the prestigious "California Distinguished School" designation. With reciprocal programs with San Francisco's major art institutions including the DeYoung, New Traditions has a traditional curriculum with a strong arts slant. New Traditions is a nice, smaller size elementary school (student population around 250), with beautiful classrooms and grounds that include butterfly and vegetable gardens and a welcoming staff that makes you feel included in their community: I ***highly recommend.

I went there K-5th grade as a kid, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The relatively small…read moresize of the school contributed to me forming good bonds with classmates, and all-in-all it's a wonderful school that encourages arts. Strongly strongly recommended to set your child off on a brilliant path. Also, a 1st grade teacher who's still there, Gary, is far and away my favorite teacher of all time.

As a new parent, we did not realize how much time you lose with you little ones, once they start…read moreschool. It really shows how important it is to trust where you send them, and we could not have picked a better place than The Serra Preschool. Marybeth and the whole staff are the most wonderful teachers, caring about our kids' growth and education more than I could have ever hoped. Not only do they care, they are amazingly good at what they do, too. Not a day goes by where I am not amazed by how much our kids have learned, and we owe a lot of that to the education they received at this school. Truly understanding the needs of every family, the staff identifies ares of strengths, and ones that need work, so that they can best prepare the students for the next steps of life. This is not just a school for your child, it's an opportunity!

We have had the most wonderful, loving, and inspiring experience at the Serra Preschool for our 3…read morelittle ones. We first arrived to Serra in 2020, having looked at a half-dozen schools in SF for our daughter. We were immediately drawn to the school's individualized, play-centered approach to help children to develop a love of learning. Since then, our focus on social emotional has proven to be a real differentiator when compared to other schools. The loving and approachable teachers not only teach our children with such care and empathy but also teach us parents how to navigate the stages (and challenges!) of early childhood. It is the happiest feeling when you find a preschool that is a real partner in helping to set the foundation for your child to be confident, resilient, problem-solvers in these critical first 5 years of life! Serra also introduces the kids to the Catholic faith in an age-appropriate, sweet, and non-overbearing way- which we have found to be so grounding in today's fast-moving, secular world. Not to mention, the parent community is incredibly warm, involved, and such a FUN group of SF families that have become some of our best friends in the city. Our oldest is now heading to our first choice school for Kindergarten, and Serra has been an instrumental part of her journey. Serra is just the best, and you couldn't pay us to send our kids anywhere else!

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.

I've seen people say great things about this place but I did not have that great of an experience…read more Note also I never participated in their services or activities. I brought my daughter who is two to visit and check things out and being a two year old she was acting unruly and noisy (yes, immaturity is the definition of being a toddler). One of the ladies there gave me a very unpleasant expression and outright told me that my daughter needed better manners and discipline. In my head I'm thinking, who are you to define what a two year old needs? Should I be complaining about your urinary incontinence and constipation problems when you have them, you old hag? Go take your osteoporosis medications. I left immediately and I've never looked back. I expected much better in a city of acceptance such as SF. My review is just a population of 1, so I'm sure that many reviews here hold true and am happy others have found a good experience because as parents, all we want is a good environment for our children to be in.

I used to take my son to the wednesday morning drop-in play group with Jenni Clancy, and we both…read moreloved it! Jenni and the other parents/nannies were were all really friendly and welcoming. The play group has unstructured play time for the kids for about one hour, and then a short circle time with songs, puppets, and bubbles. We haven't been for about 6 months due to a conflict in our schedule, but my son still sings and loves the songs he learned from Jenni's circle time. The play room is small, but I never felt like it was too crowded, and they have plenty of toys and activities for the kids to play with. I would say that the ideal age range is from 6 months to about 2.5 years. This is a great place to bring a crawling child because of the size and layout of the play space. It is also a bit cheaper than many of the drop-in play groups when you get the 5 time punch card.

Mathnasium really has an ideal set up for kids and parents. It does run close to 2x Kumon and RSM…read morein price, but for the right kid it truly is a better option. My son is just starting out and the 30min foundations class is terrific for him. As a 4 year old, he's able to walk in, find his binder, grab it and set it up in front of a teacher to go through basic counting and shapes. Mathnasium has free snacks so it's never a distraction to "earn" or "get" snacks. It just becomes a part of the fun environment. I like the multi-sensory approach. And the camps are really fun for my 6yr old - she learned all the coins and built robots. Her friends loved it so much they signed up immediately.

We've had a great experience at Mathnasium. The instructors are patient, supportive, and make math…read morefeel less intimidating. It has helped my daughter build confidence and strengthen her math skills in a positive way.

Ms. Jay is absolutely amazing! I wish I could have kept my son with her for forever. She is patient…read moreand so kind! He absolutely adores her. Very neat and clean space and well structured daily schedule. She got him prepared for Tk and he is thriving! I would recommend sending your babies here! It's amazing

My three year old son has been with Miss J since January of this year. She has played a major role…read morein his potty training, speech, academics, social skills and the list truly goes on. Miss J is extremely nurturing with the children! When I was searching for a daycare for my son and we spoke over the phone, you can actually HEAR the love she has for the babies. I have never once had to be concerned about the safety of my child since he's been in her care! Thank you Miss J for all that you have done and continue to do!

Our child was a late talker, so we did our research and found East Bay Child Development Center…read more(formerly PLTA). From intake to our final class, the staff made sure that the scheduling process was a breeze, and that visits did not fall short of expectations. They have an excellent staff dedicated to your child's development, and the office is pristine. Not just clean; very well kept. I noticed that there wasn't one tear on a book or broken toys. They put lots of effort into upkeep, knowing well that toys and books can take a beating with younger kids. East Bay Child Development Center has terrific speech therapists and therapists specialized in helping in all other types of child development, including but not limited to physical therapy, etc. We went through 2 different speech therapists and 1 or 2 therapy students which was a little harder for our son to grow accustomed to because it would take him awhile to warm up (which I've learned isn't unusual for any development therapy center), but each therapist tried their absolute best to ensure they were giving him the utmost care and attention.

They failed my son after 3 session. Excuses that he doesn't listen, he runs fast that worried about…read moreyounger children there. That speech is not a good fit for him, that his sister runs around the hallways exploring toys and opened doors of offices, about me get a phone call so they discharged him from services. This is racism and discrimination by the way ladies I want to give you suggestions, your office needs a new administration, organisation and functionality. Everybody there seems to go everywhere, I don't know if these people work here are they clients. The back door to the outside was open, this is called dysfunctional. The office receptionist was like his first day to work, confused and looked around like a lost boy. There four people by office were speaking loud and chatting. They failed my son years ago when he was younger because they said he was not ready for speech when I just changed my insurance to get accepted to come here. Now he's 12 years old saying he's not a good fit. Shame on you to say that to me. You can't discharge him that's illegal. My son is trying with his speech and he has rights in California to receive speech therapy any age. Discrimination by the ability, then age, what's next because his sister running around the office and also I was on the phone? For that lady who spoke with me today over the phone couldn't wait on me. And making me feel like I was being fired from the job, she sounded rude and said my daughter was running around the room and I was speaking loud on the phone so the excuse to fail my son. Then changed her words saying he's not a good fit and he runs fast and wants to push the kids. She needs to find more excuses for her to dismiss him. You don't know how hard and challenging to be a mother of autistic kid. I finally thought I have him his speech going and then you locked me up like shutting my mouth. Go see if your speech therapist is the one who has the problem. She too lazy to give speech therapy or has a lack of skills. This is Shameless and discrimination.