This school has been a blessing to our family! We discovered the school when my daughter was…read moreentering fifth grade. We were both unhappy with the public school and looking for an alternative. I still remember the day we pulled up to the school. My daughter saw the sign...pre-school to high school...and she said, "That's it. I'm staying here until I graduate from high school." So while we were talking to the principal about fifth grade I also asked about the high school (I plan ahead). Here we are, years later, and I am the parent of a high school senior. She loves the teachers at the school. They are trusted adults. She feels she can talk with them and ask for their advice. The teachers have a wide mix of backgrounds, so there are lots of points of views. This is so important as young adults start to pull away from the family and look for external role models. There is a feeling of trust between students and teachers. Parents are involved in the school. You will feel as if you have an extended family at this school (especially important as a single mom...many willing hands during an emergency!).

Our pre school daughter goes here and she loves it. She's grown in all aspects including her faith,…read morewhich has been a joy to see. It's a loving environment and we are very happy to have here at CCCS.

Mt. Diablo elementary & high schools range from great to terrible. Middle schools, Sequoia is the…read moreonly good one. Sequoia gets students from the elementary school next door and from Monte Gardens. So the girl kept the friends she made at Monte Gardens, and made new friends. Academics is not as high as Monte Gardens. The girl was struggling with math. Now she's nearly at grade level, and her vocabulary and ability to communicate verbally has increased, thanks to her time at Sequoia. Teachers include those who want the students to learn a lot and are effective, to those who are holding down a long-time job, to those who, let's just say they have this '60s mindset of wanting to change the world. Administration invites parents to be involved; a group of us met with the principal once a month, and these were valuable times. A full range of programs were available: scholastic, music, languages, theater arts. I wrote "were available" on purpose. Things changed a lot when the girl was halfway through, and not for the better. Remember 2020, when the govt goons shut down society, using an easily-treated bug as an excuse? Schools were hit harder than most. And while private schools worked to get back to normal, Mt. Diablo school kids were not in a classroom for13 full months. And when they could go back, it was for only 4 hours/week, they were required to wear oxygen blockers, and they were ordered to stay away from their classmates. No wonder depression is so high among kids in this area. The girl did learn things, but the normal well-rounded school experience teaches life lessons that staring at a computer screen cannot teach. From all I can see, the school district's social experiments will continue for years and years, and I expect more shutdowns. Sequoia's strengths were shut down for 1-1/2 years, and I don't see them coming back any time soon. One result is that the girl will be going to a different high school. I'm writing this during our move to a different state. California in general, and specifically the Bay Area, has become an unacceptable place to raise kids. It's not that I don't recommend Sequoia; I can't recommend *any* schools in the Land of Fruits and Nuts. If it wasn't for the collapse of the school system, Sequoia would be a good school, as long as you're involved in your kid's education. Not anymore.

It's not really that good the teachers got worse and there's a lot of violence and nobody follows…read morethe rules. The teachers can be hypocritical sometimes.

As a current senior student at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, I can say that this school is an…read moreexcellent institution. It is truly something special. It's not just about obtaining good grades; it is about growing as a person and growing in your relationship with Christ. The class sizes are small, which allows for more one-on-one time between teachers and students. The teachers here are caring, loving, supportive, and they encourage a Christ-centered environment. They are extremely invested in student success, both academically and personally. The community here is one of the strongest parts of PHAA. There is a genuine sense of support! Students encourage one another, and faculty creates an environment where you feel seen and valued. It's not one of those schools where everyone competes in a toxic way. Here, everyone celebrates each other's successes and accomplishments. Whether it's academics or extracurriculars, there are so many opportunities to get involved and grow, and people will actually show up and support you. Academically, PHAA does an amazing job of preparing you for the future. The teachers push you to think critically, stay disciplined, take ownership of your work, and grow hand-in-hand with God. At the same time, they're approachable and willing to step up and help whenever you need it. It is obvious they are passionate about what they do, and that makes a huge difference in how engaged students are in class. This is a place where you'll definitely feel comfortable on a daily basis. We hope to see you soon!

Considering I've been going for 14 years, it's been an experience. Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy…read morehas had its ups and downs throughout the year. When the staff announces that "we are all one family," believe them. Students are welcoming of new friends. Out of my 14 years of attending, Bullying cases are never seen. Everyone is extremely kind, including teachers. Teachers are willing to sit with you to help you raise your grades. Something about PHAA is that the homework has never been overwhelming. Classrooms are filled with laughter, no matter the grade. From projects to essays, students have a sense of unity to make their learning experience fun. Aside from academics, the sports program is the cherry on top of PHAA. The boys' and girls' volleyball teams are undefeated. Boys and Girls basketball put in the work. The school showcases its accomplishments in the upstairs trophy case! Students go on away games for all sports, bringing back win after win. The music program is more than amazing. Singing in different churches and occasionally traveling to praise God. The school is faith-based. Every Friday, students host a chapel where they sing and praise God. Students are able to speak a few words or have special speakers as well. The best thing about PHAA is traveling. Students have been able to go to Washington, D.C., and recently went to New York! Students are able to expand their minds and have a flexible schedule. Not just putting their heads in a book, but also traveling! There are so many leadership opportunities to prepare you for college. Starting from SA positions, the National Honor Society, and the class government. On campus, we have a beautiful field and a great playground for elementary school. The campus is filled with trees, flowers, and a wonderful structure in front of the high school. Halls aren't just filled with lockers, but with artwork and the laughter of students. The gym is big in size and a great place to enjoy sports. Tuition could be intimidating, however its worth it! Pleasant Hill is very welcoming to all. Not just the school, but the church as well.

My son attended the preschool, 3s and then pre-k. I cannot day enough about this preschool. I can…read moretell the teachers love my son and are eager to discuss his progress and behavior. They are kind and gentle and patient. Esther is a wonderful director and we have been blessed to know these people. My son was on the younger side in his class, but thrived in the classical Christian education setting. The classrooms are well organized, large, and very clean. We are so sad that we won't be able to send our kids for the 20-21 year, but thankful that we were able to call this preschool 'home' for a little while.

We had high hopes for North Creek Academy, but the TK assessment process was incredibly…read morefrustrating. Expecting 4-year-olds to already be writing and recognizing letters feels academically misplaced for a Transitional Kindergarten level. What's worse is the inconsistency--it's clear the "rules" don't apply to everyone, as kids who can't yet write their names are accepted while the process remains a "black box" for everyone else. It feels more like a biased "who you know" system than a transparent evaluation of a child's readiness. We also noticed during our tour that the school's diversity is very low. In today's world, we want our children to learn in an environment that reflects the broader community, and we didn't see that here. Definitely something to consider if transparency and inclusion are priorities for your family.

We've been a Seven Hills family for over five years, and I truly can't speak highly enough of this…read moreincredible school. Our daughter started in 4th grade and is now thriving in 8th; our son began in Kindergarten and is currently in 4th, and both of them have grown in such distinct, beautiful ways thanks to this school's Whole Child approach. What stands out most is how deeply seen and known my kids are. Teachers and faculty don't just know their names, they know their learning styles, personalities, quirks, and strengths. There's a genuine warmth and intentionality that permeates every interaction, from the classroom to the carline. Our daughter was always more cautious and slow to warm up (nothing wrong with that!), but over time, Seven Hills helped her find her voice. She's now confidently volunteering for public speaking opportunities and participating in leadership roles like the Student Ambassador program. The Middle School program has been phenomenal and it's given her a strong academic foundation and the confidence to advocate for herself. One of her favorite subjects has been science, thanks to their incredible Middle School lab and interactive curriculum. She'll often tell us about the experiments they're doing, and it's clear she's not just learning science, she's experiencing it. One of our favorite traditions is the Buddies Program, where older and younger students are paired up for the year (think: 4th graders with Kindergartners). Watching my kids grow into both the mentee and the mentor role has been incredibly touching. They read together, do projects, and genuinely form bonds that span grades and years. We also love the family-friendly events that bring everyone together, from community dinners to beginning-of-year teacher phone calls. These touch points make us, as parents, feel like we're part of something bigger, not just dropping our kids off, but truly participating in their educational journey. The curriculum is rich and thoughtfully designed. My daughter learned about World War II in history class -- and then walked through the beaches of Normandy during the school's immersive Europe trip. It's the kind of education that sticks for a lifetime. The arts are equally valued: my son is learning ukulele in 4th grade, and my daughter is playing guitar in 8th. The annual plays, music programs, and outdoor educational trips -- it's all there. My only complaint? I just wish Seven Hills went through 12th grade. The transition out is going to be tough, not because she isn't ready, but because the bar has been set so high. After five years of academic growth, rich leadership experiences, and meaningful social-emotional development, my daughter is heading into high school capable, and deeply grounded. Honestly, I'd keep my kids here forever if I could, but alas, even magical places like this have to end at 8th grade!

Paid three years to realize that they don't have any learning program for kids. Reading the review…read moreI can only agree with the bad one. Presentation very well. But it's like you pay to let your kids out of your home just for playing. There is not focus of learning for kids, not a follow up to what they should achieve and what can be done. Looks like there are teachers they're just nannies over there. Make sure to know what's the school year plan before you realize it's too late for you kiddo. I understand who was disgusted to be proposed to be a teacher that actually wasn't. That's a shame somebody has to regulate all the private schools. Federal government should do something. It's everyone right to have the chance to learn in a Proper way especially when you give to them your Moneys.

Our child began attending Concordia in kindergarten and four years later, they are thriving!…read moreConcordia is everything we could hope for in a school and a community. The teachers are caring and invested. The Montessori curriculum gives the child ownership and responsibility for their own learning with guidance from the teachers, while allowing room for playful curiosity. The school also places a focus on social responsibility, so my child isn't just getting an academic education but a social education as well: learning personal responsibility, learning to interact with mixed age groups, to problem-solve through conflict resolution, and to contribute through acts of kindness at school and at home. The school is delightfully "dumb" in that devices and online learning are not a part of the lower grade levels. The kids are taught cursive and write out most of their works. Homework is not introduced until the third grade level. And I love that kids have the option to work in the way that suits them best, whether that's on the floor, sitting at a desk, or standing at a table. They can work with a friend, or work alone in the quiet room to aid focus. The school understands that every kid's learning process is a little different and helps set the kids up for success. We feel so fortunate to have found this school that is so caring and inclusive of families of all races, ethnicities, gender identity, family structure, and/or socioeconomic status. In addition to feeling like the right learning environment for our child, we are so grateful to have found this community and be welcomed into it. We will be so sorry to leave after 6th grade!

My kids have been attending this school since 2017 and I can honestly say that Concordia is a…read morespecial place. We looked at many preschools before deciding to enroll at Concordia and we haven't looked back. From preschool all the way to sixth grade, this is a special place where the teachers and staff care about each and every child's academic and social development. It really feels like being part of a big family. The school just celebrated their 50th anniversary - they have been around so long that my husband went to the school when he was a kid! Its great to be a part of a long-standing community. Who knows, maybe my grandkids will go here some day!

Both my boys went to Kid Time over the past 4 years, and I could not recommend it more…read more We loved the inclusive and loving community -- every child is welcomed and celebrated for who they are. They offer a play-based approach to learning, and the teachers embrace messy, hands-on exploration, letting kids follow their curiosity while building real social and emotional skills along the way. It's clear the staff genuinely care about each child's growth, not just academically but as whole little people. Both of our sons thrived here, and we always felt supported as parents too!

Our son attended KidTime and we are so happy we found this school! I have chatted with so many…read moreparents and left so many rave reviews for the school online when parents shared they are looking for a preschool or a better fit for their child. We left a previous school and were looking for an environment where our son could thrive, and after touring with the director, Sydney, we knew we had found just the right fit. Our old preschool, a Montessori-style school, didn't do any TK curriculum, so we were worried he wouldn't be as prepared for Kindergarten. Our son missed the cutoff for public TK, so we knew we needed to find a better fit for him. Plus, our previous school wasn't accommodating for our active little dude. KidTime wasn't concerned at all when I mentioned our son wouldn't sit for circle time or stay focused during 'work time'. Instead of concern, we were met with open arms! The school meets the children where they're at! There's no need to hide any problems your child may be having. The school will not only work with you, but they will take the time and care to help your child and your family with any issues. There are no expectations for a child to meet a cookie-cutter mold. Your child will be embraced! The school is very inclusive! I was told, he sounds perfectly at his age level. This is truly refreshing to hear when you're leaving a school that isn't welcoming. The school has a massive backyard with a garden, chickens, and the biggest sandbox you've ever seen, with a water play area as well. There's plenty of shade and trees as well. The school will also apply sunscreen (they supply it, or you are welcome to bring your own). The school prepares fresh meals for the children, which after sending our son to school that didn't; this is such an amazing aspect! It saved our family so much time and hassle. Our son is a great eater, but for children who arent; it's so helpful to have the children all eating the same meal together. A lot of parents have said this helped their picky eaters embrace new foods. Plus, there's onsite water fountains, so we didn't even need to bring a water bottle. Again, you really appreciate this when you realize you don't need to wash a water bottle daily. The staff are so kind and warm! They do really fun activities with the children. Each week they cover a new theme and do activities related to the theme including STEM, art, math, etc. Our son learned about the earth's rotation and how time worked, learned his phonics, etc. Their teaching style is all play-based; at first, I didn't really know what that meant. I thought it was just open play, but it's not. They play a lot of games and do a lot of hands on learning, so they learn through play. It's truly wonderful! They also have a lot of community events, like a Thanksgiving meal where the children prepare all of the dishes, and families are welcome to come and eat together. Plus, they host Trick or Treating, a very lively Cinco de Mayo party, a family camping trip, and many more! Families are also welcome to come at pick up and play with their kids in the backyard! This is so different from a lot of other schools. This is so fun because you can see your child at play! You can join in and meet other families. We're happy our baby will go here as well, and this time for the full experience, as our son joined only joined for one year. They even welcome back alumni for their fun Cinco de Mayo party! Only downside, that they will openly tell you during your tour, children are allowed to be children...meaning they are allowed to get very messy! When I first toured with my baby, I didn't think this would be a good fit for him because he didn't like to be messy; but when he joined later, it wasn't a problem. Some kids do get wildly messy, but our child never did. Just know, that they use all washable materials, so any stain, I was easily able to get out. However, it's very possible, your child might be covered head to toe blue when you go to pick them up! I've seen a mini Smurf there at pickup!

We have been really happy with our experience at St. Catherine of Siena School. The sense of…read morecommunity is strong and welcoming, and the teachers truly care about their students. Both of our children have thrived under their guidance and instruction academically, socially, and emotionally. It's clear that the staff is dedicated to helping each child grow and feel supported. Our kids are happy going to school here and that's what is most important. We're very grateful to be part of this school and would absolutely recommend St. Catherine of Siena to families looking for a nurturing, high-quality education.

St. Catherine of Siena School truly feels like home. Our family has met so many wonderful people,…read moreand we've become part of a warm, uplifting community of supportive parents and teachers. The teachers and staff are incredibly welcoming and deeply committed to every student's growth and well being. Having our child attend St. Catherine of Siena has been a blessing for our entire family We couldn't imagine a better place for their education and development.