My experience with Northern Light School was extremely disappointing. After removing my child and…read moreenrolling them in another private school, I could clearly see how academically behind my child was. The difference in curriculum, expectations, homework, and preparation was obvious. For a private school, the product does NOT match the price tag. The curriculum did not compare to what my child receives now. Homework was poor, and I often felt like I had to teach my own child at home. Parents should not pay private-school tuition and still have to teach the curriculum themselves. There is a serious lack of transparency. Parents should be able to see student work, testing scores, academic progress, and meaningful statistics. Conferences and Back to School Night provided very little substance. Parents should not have to guess where their child stands academically or be discouraged from seeing what is happening in classrooms. I also had concerns about teachers being mean or treating children poorly behind closed doors. When concerns were raised, I felt administrators made excuses, defended the behavior, and ignored the concerns. Constructive criticism was not welcomed, and I felt administration and teachers became defensive instead of working with me and became very unprofessional, to the point not speaking and other administrators acting in same rude manner! There were also inconsistent school-wide rules and expectations. I strongly disagreed with the school's approach to ADHD and neurodivergence. From my experience, there was too much emphasis on pushing the idea of neurodivergence and encouraging children to question whether they were neurodivergent. Children should be supported without being pushed toward a label or agenda. I also felt Northern Light had moved away from the professional-family environment I originally associated with the school and was accepting families who did not seem aligned with the professional, academic, and behavioral culture I expected. The facilities are old, staff appeared burnt out, and the school needs fresh leadership, including more male leaders. There needs to be accountability above administration and a place for parents to be heard. After transferring my child to another private school, the academic difference became undeniable. My child is now receiving stronger curriculum, expectations, and preparation. Moving my child was the right decision. Northern Light needs more transparency, accountability, stronger academics, consistent rules, better leadership, and a serious evaluation of whether the education actually justifies the price.

I am an alum of NLS from a single parent home in East Oakland. From there I went to Marin Academy…read morefor high school, received a bachelor's degree in economics from UC Berkeley, last year I received my MBA from Stanford University, and I currently work at Google. I would not have achieved any of those things without NLS. I split my elementary school years between public school and private school, so I'll speak to what makes NLS special. From my perspective, many schools (public and private) can provide a strong academic foundation. NLS was just as good as my strong public school in that regard. What I gained from NLS is belief in myself that anything is possible. It came from the dreams fulfilled that line the walls, the stories told at morning circle, and from teachers and administrators truly caring about what I wanted to be when I grew up. And in a practical sense, the school provided access, access to the most elite prep high schools in the U.S. Before NLS, I had not even heard of the majority of them. NLS represents a turning point in my life in terms of building confidence, ambition, and knowledge of opportunities that were previously unknown to me.

Catholic private school located in East Oakland, near Oakland Zoo. I am not an alumnus of Bishop…read moreO'Dowd but I came here for my LMU Extension classes for the last two years. The campus is small but beautiful. Money really does make a significant difference in the type of education any student receives. All the facilities and grounds are well-maintained and are up-to-date. Classrooms have a maximum of 25 desks and include an electronic panel for projector, sound, and lights. This school also has as a separate center for environmental studies and are now raising money (upward of $1 million) for another brand new building. It's crazy that a school could accomplish this.

We came here to pick up our niece. This was my first time picking her up. The pick up line of cars…read moreis an experience. There is even a line just getting off the freeway. Luckily we saw her as soon as we pulled up. I was worried we wouldn't be able to find her in the crowd. Picking up isn't for the lighthearted.

The last time I went to a private school for little kids was when mine was a little one. But what…read moreI found visiting this school, during their Fall event was a bunch of kids who had manners, something rarely seen, even with parental supervision. There was no drama, and they seemed to enjoy themselves, including the older ones. They played nicely together at the various amusements. Those kids communicated with the teachers and staff themselves. They felt safe there and I could feel that. As for the negative reviews I read about the school, having once had a child in two, parents always have the option to pull a child out if the school lacks the alleged ability to control unruly kids, or, as I read in another review, where any semblance of racism or maltreatment because of race would also be cause to pull a child out instead of using social media to bad mouth a school which the 'Great Schools' website rates as one of the best private schools in Oakland. Some kids are just not suited for private school. I learned about differences when I enrolled my kid in Montessori School years ago, then later put him in a private school where the teachers were loving but didn't play games with kids who thought they could act out. Parents always have the option to remove a child out of school not suitable for them. I'm hoping my grandkids attend there. I was impressed with what I experienced during my visit.

Sport L.'s experience doesn't reflect the Redwood Day School that I send my kids to. Redwood Day is…read moregreat in so many ways, from the teachers, administration, the beautiful campus, and a true sense of community. I have two kids at the school, and I am grateful that I made the decision to send them here for these very important years of their education. For math, the school uses a hybrid form of Singapore Math, which for most parents seems very different from what we learned, but it works (and has success metrics - students in Singapore have one of the highest math mastery in the world). They use a different model in the Middle School for the 6-8th span that equally prepares students for higher level math in High School. Redwood Day has ways for kids who need or seek more in math - my kids are always challenged. They also have a Math Olympiad program and programs/staff to help students who may need additional support. I have never found Redwood Day to be lacking in helping my kids learn, grow, and master math. Culture and celebrations are also very integrated at the school - which celebrates everything from Latin, African American, Asian American, and Jewish Heritage months to Women's History. The school is having something for Ramadan, and I know they have also hosted a Shabbat dinner in addition to other cultural celebrations. All to say, Redwood Day is super inclusive, and my kids come home learning a lot about their friends' cultural traditions - just a couple weeks ago, they did a Holi event. No school is perfect, but I believe that Redwood Day is always evolving, changing, and listening to the parent community. For discipline, I'm thankful for the social and emotional learning that starts in K and goes through 8th. Even as 5 year olds, kids learn about choices, options for dealing with conflict, and what and how to make different (and better) choices when there is conflict. I don't know what the prior post means about authoritative discipline, but long gone are the days of that type of discipline model. My kids (and these next generations) need to learn self-awareness, self-regulation, critical thinking, and agency in working out their own differences - with the guidance and oversight of teachers, coaches, mentors, and role models. Personally, I much prefer that my children talk through issues with their friends, take accountability, practice humility, and have the support of trusted adults to help them navigate challenges. Not everyone is the right fit for any school - and as a parent, it is absolutely on us to ensure that we find mutual synergy with the school, teachers, faculty, and community. For me, Redwood Day was the absolute right choice for my kids - and I know they are more because of it.

My son joined assumption in August of this year and I couldn't have asked for a better school…read more There is a sense of community which makes me feel at ease that my son is in great hands. I love the curriculum have seen tremendous learning and development in my son and he's only been in the school for 3 months. The sky is the limit. Oh By the way they also have a lot of fun. Great events are planned year round that brings parents, children and the community together. All these joined together with a strong faith based environment which I admire.

Our son has been attending Kindergarten since fall 2021. From the interview last Spring we as a…read morefamily have adored the Vice Principal and Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Scherer. She has been amazing! My husband and I are very pleased with our son's growth socially, emotionally, and academically. The Principal, Mrs. Rocheford shows outstanding leadership through being available weekly for virtual coffee and chatting. She is also very responsive to community concerns, and makes herself available as needed. Everyone is very approachable and welcoming. The sense of community we feel at Assumption is unmatched and as a family we are thrilled to be a part of the parish and school.

Mills College Children's School is an absolute gem and a truly transformative environment for…read morechildren and families alike. The teachers and staff are incredibly supportive, creating an inclusive and diverse community where every child and family feels welcomed and valued. Their ability to meet each child where they are--both in terms of needs and abilities--is unmatched. The educators here are first-rate, highly educated, and deeply dedicated to their craft. They foster an environment where children can blossom socially, emotionally, and academically. Every child is seen, supported, and celebrated, which allows them to build confidence and thrive in all aspects of their development. The care and thoughtfulness that go into every interaction and every element of the program are evident. I feel so privileged to have my child--and myself--be part of this extraordinary community. Mills College Children's School is a place where children and families grow together, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

My child is in their first year here and we are blown away by the thoughtfulness the teachers put…read moreinto every detail of the students' surroundings and the variety of creative activities my kid gets to choose from in following their interests to see where it leads. This school really does feel like a community that's aligned with our values as a family. I also appreciate that parents at MCCS are encouraged to participate in making learning fun and helping in different ways. I've guest read books to the children and am planning to lead a craft activity in a few weeks. My kiddo looks forward to those moments together. I also really appreciate how I can tap my kid's teacher for advice on how to handle different challenging behaviors when they arise (as a fairly newbie parent). I'd recommend the school again and again.

Mission Hills School is definitely a hidden gem for private schools. We have two daughters going…read moreto the school and they definitely seem to be ahead of their peers of similar age. Not only do they emphasize academic progress, they also balance the curriculum out with fun, play, music, foreign language (Spanish) and teach to make sure the students become well rounded citizens of the Earth. The student body is already very well diversified! The school is very well organized under the school principal Ms. Kaya. Staff of whom we have interacted with are extremely nice and responsive to any concerns. Tuition is one of the most reasonable you can find in the whole Bay Area, the value each student get is tremendous! The tuition even includes extended care which in already pays for itself! Especially for busy family with both full time working parents. Public schools usually ends around 2:30, but your tuition includes extended care until 6:00! I think my husband and I are both in awe, every month, on how little we are paying for a "private school" education. In fact the tuition is very similar to our local public schools after school program, and that program was suppose to already run by a registered non profit organization! Our family is extremely grateful that we have found this school. And grateful for all the teachers and staff our children have had so far. Big shout out to Ms. Mary (which my children talk about everyday, even if they have already moved on from her class), Ms Divine, and Ms. Contreras. Special thanks to all the administrative staff: Ms. Maria, Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Hawkins, Ms. Mary-Ann and countless others! I am surprised that not more people know about this hidden gem! Maybe the parents of students going to the school wants it to stay that way! The way we found out about this school was a referral by our friend. I heard that the Union City campus is already at full capacity every grade and is baffled why the CV campus is not yet. But don't take my word for it! Contact the school and take a tour yourself. You don't know what your kids are missing!

MHS in Castro Valley is a small private school that opened in 2015 and is the second campus of MHMS…read morein Union City. This school started with 22 students and has grown to over 100. I am beyond pleased with the teachers and administrators at this campus as they help students build a strong foundation in vital subjects and enforce proper classroom rules to aid behavioral issues. This staff here is first-class and always goes above and beyond. Never had I had a question go unanswered.

I currently have two children at this school. One in seventh grade, and one in fourth grade. Both…read morekids started here in Pre-K. I am giving St. Leander five stars because it has been a great school. My childrens' teachers have always been available when I had a question or a concern. They care whether or not my children succeed in school. The school is also small enough that it is easy to get to know the faculty, staff, and the other families. This creates a real sense of community at the school. Finally, I am happy that my kids, along with math and science, are learning about charity and caring for their fellow students.

St. Leander School has been a second home for my children for many years. I currently have a 14…read moreyear old in 8th grade and a 10 year old in 5th grade. The teachers are great, especially the middle school teachers and 5th grade teacher who is also the VP. The teachers are responsive and address any questions I have. My 8th grader recently took the HSPT and interviewed with the Catholic HS of her choice. During the interview, the principal from the HS said she loves Saint Leander and all the kids that come from Saint Leander. It really is a close knit community full of diversity and respect for everyone. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, my kids finished the school year virtually. All teachers did a great job keeping them engaged. I took them out for the following year and enrolled them in public school. Both kids were much more advanced in reading, writing, math and science than their peers in public school. Once in person school was available both kids begged to return to Saint Leander. They are much happier to be back!

St Felicitas is a great school with features of a close knit community and an academically…read morechallenging environment. The teachers and Principal really care about providing children with a well rounded education. Our daughter just graduated from St. Felicitas School and I now find she is really well prepared for her high school curriculum. Her education at St. Felicitas provided her with the tools necessary for social adjustent in the new High School as well as for dealing with the stresses of the new environment. Teachers at St. Felicitas are well prepared in the subject matter and have imparted to my child a love of learning. The Principal is very involved with all classes and makes every effort to find immediate solutions to probelms that students or families face at every grade level. I would encourage any parent to try this school if they are looking for a solid foundation for their child.

St. Felicitas Catholic School is a wonderful place to work. Rooted in God's love, we are able to…read morepractice our faith in a safe environment. I have truly enjoyed knowing the many wonderful families in the community. We are all like family! The students are treasurers I am so blessed to teach!

Is a great school, recommended people should go to this school and is good. Is the best to prep for…read morehigh school

This school is an absolutely gem. My child transferred here from a public school at the beginning…read moreof this year. After having two extremely difficult years in a public school system, where my child went from happy and thirsty to learn, to nearly hating school, we knew we needed a change. From the first conversation with Mel, to watching their open house video and hearing their viewpoint on learning, we instantly felt this could be the environment that our child needed. As a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist, I am consistently reminded the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment for the overall well-being of a child. The Saklan School understand the importance of children feeling safe and connected in order to learn and grow. Today's parent-teacher conference confirmed everything that we had thought this school would be. My child is absolutely thriving. His teacher doesn't just tolerate his "all in" nature, she encourages and celebrates it, while pushing him to be his best self. The small class sizes allow for each kiddo to feel seen and be known, and project-based learning gets them excited. We absolutely adore this school. Yes, it is a big financial investment, but we are already seeing the return in his growth and joy, and it is also having a huge impact on our entire family's quality of life. We're so thankful for The Saklan School.

My son attended Oak Grove from just before he was 3 to almost 5. We've had such a wonderful…read moreexperience with this preschool. The teachers are caring and supportive and the curriculum is fantastic. We feel our son is well prepared for TK after all the preparation he has had with Oak Grove. He is beginning to read sounds, knows sight words, has developing math skills, and can understand pattern solving/recognition. This preschool also offers benefits that were near impossible to find at other preschools, such as including meals (breakfast, lunch and two snacks in between), and flexibility in nap time. Once our son was old enough to no longer need a daily nap (napping was making bedtime difficult), Oak Grove easily accommodated the switch. They also helped reinforce potty training, and our son is now almost potty independent.

Our son & daughter both had a wonderful experience at Oak Grove. The teachers care deeply for all…read morethe kids, who also connect so well with one another that we're still arranging playdates with each other on weekends. The different cohorts (Sprouts, Roots, Blossoms) are well structured, but also mix well with one another at certain points of the day and outside. The graduation ceremony was particularly moving, and we feel our little ones have been well prepared for K and beyond.