Kittredge is a small, established school located in a corner three-story house in a scenic neighborhood nearby Rochambeau Park. The tuition is comparatively attainable for an independent school with impressive academic outcomes (high school acceptances). The school has a strong athletic component with daily P.E. and students can participate in traditional school sports (cross country, volleyball, futsal, etc.) or after-school electives (theater, science club, fencing, etc.). A year ago, my child joined Kittredge in 6th grade from SFUSD. We were looking for an environment where students are interested in learning and support each other. Going in, my main concerns were how my kid would adjust to a much smaller school with rigorous academic expectations in math, science, and composition, and whether my child would fit in quickly with others who have been at Kittredge for years. It took my child about one quarter to adjust to the high academic standards, and the transition was a lot easier due to the nurturing environment. At the start of school, students were thoughtfully provided with calendar planners and shown how to schedule due dates. The students have group projects such as a bridge construction challenge and presentations as well as individual assignments like making an everyday invention and writing a history thesis. In 7th grade, students will be matched to multiple levels of math classes. My child made friends with classmates in the same year and across different grades. His cohort is an even mix of kids who joined from SFUSD and other private schools over the years or who attended the school since kinder. Kittridge is not only about academics. The school holds an annual talent show, school dance, and field day. The students attend field trips and hike to the beach and Land's End, and 7th/8th graders attend camp in Yosemite. The dedicated parent association also enlivens the environment with parties, picnics, lion dances, Diwali celebrations, etc. read more

We could not be happier with Kittredge, a truly special home away from home. It has been amazing to see our son thrive after transitioning from a larger school to a small family-like atmosphere. Individualized approach - Kittredge is designed as a small community to meet each child's specific needs and empower each child to flourish. Whether a student is struggling or wants to be challenged in a particular area, not only does Kittredge differentiate learning for varying skills levels, teachers customize their approach to support each individual. This applies not only for academics, but also social emotional issues. I was impressed that our teacher was open to incorporating behavior strategies that work well at home. Small knit community - The faculty often wear multiple hats and get to know the students well from different contexts. For example, the reading teacher assistant can also be the extended care teacher. By interacting with the students in different settings, they gain various perspectives and find approaches that resonate. It is valuable that students of all ages have the chance to interact closely and learn from each other. In his mixed age class, the teacher told me that my son acts as big brother, proudly explaining math concepts to the younger kids. After hearing the 8th grade student council election speeches, voting, and discussing school issues, my young son is now inspired to run for student council president one day. Personal attention -The extended care teachers are not merely babysitters ensuring his safety. I am impressed that they are loving and actively engaged whether it's playing hangman, chess, or board games. It is no wonder he does not want to leave even after a long day! When my child transferred to Kittredge, I was quite nervous for him in his new environment. On his first day of school, the principal arrived at school on a hectic morning and from a distance I saw that she made the effort to stop, and kneel down to his eye level to give him a warm welcome. These small gestures of kindness make a big impact. I appreciate that Kittredge focuses on the development of the whole person - academically, socially, and emotionally. Their curriculum includes teaching "Habits of Mind", cognitive skills which foster personal success. Every month, the theme is integrated through stories, discussions, and projects. I was filled with pride when my young son taught me "When you fail, you just try again". Once a child has a healthy mindset, and feels seen and heard, I believe he or she is set up for academic success. It is not a surprise that Kittredge graduates get accepted into San Francisco's top high schools. I met a lady who has worked in pediatrics in San Francisco for many years. When I mentioned that my son attends Kittredge, her eyes widened with excitement, "Ooooh that is a good school! All the kids I've met there are well rounded!" We feel extremely fortunate to have found a gem at Kittredge - a well balanced, warm and nurturing environment with solid academics. read more

Kittredge School - Kittredge school - Elementary Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

Kittredge is an amazing school in the heart of San Francisco. It is co-ed private school and I would sum it up as the best of private and the best of public school with none of the downsides from either. The best parts of private school include small class size, excellent teachers/faculty, ability to tailor the curriculum to your child, focus on character building & kindness through monthly modules. The best parts of public school are diversity that is representative of San Francisco, traditional academic structure (math, science, reading) with less focus on educational zeitgeist , many families from the local community etc. As a practical example, if your child is very advanced in math, they can progress to a higher grade but if they are struggling in reading, the teachers will work to improve it. Finally, the kids seem genuinely kind to one another across grades and interact frequently. I have observed graduates returning from high school to tutor 1st graders. Amazing ! read more

Impressed with the graduates! Our family went through the Kindergarten application process last year and glad we went with Kittredge School. We were first impressed that all of the graduates entered prestigious high schools. And then at school events, I was blown away at how polite and respectful the older students were. We have found that the school is caring and nurturing. And the proof is in their 8th graders! read more

Our son is in his third year at Kittredge, and we couldn't be happier. From the warm and engaged parent community to the top-notch and skilled educators to the responsive and professional administrators, Kittredge is one of a kind. My greatest wish for my son was that he would love learning and enjoy school, so when he asks to be dropped off early and says that he "loves everything about 2nd grade", I think the dream has been realized! read more

Tremendously Safe, Absolutely Loving Environment, Highly Professional Principle, Educators, and Staff, an excellent balance between learning and still being a kid! Our first son luckily was accepted last year, and this year our daughter will be joining as well- I'm so glad she was also admitted. The sense of community, creativity, the truly dedicated families- who share a similar understanding for high quality education, and the serious standards that continuously raise the bar for the kids thirst for knowledge, all make this a highly desirable place to be in... A parents dream! read more

Kittredge School - Kittredge Talent Show @ the JCCSF 2019 - Elementary Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went here for elementary and middle school. No, it wasn't a religious private school where you have to wear a uniform. It's a small/quaint private school where they are more concerned with the quality of the education over the number of kids paying tuition. I wasn't immersed in a throng a Asian kids at a public school, so you can bet going to one for high school was a shocker. All in all, I like to think I turned out alright! ha read more

We found Kittredge when we moved back to the city last fall. Affordable compared to other private schools in the city. Definitely nurturing and warm, with good academics. Imagine your best & favorite teachers running a school- that's what Kittredge is! The most important part is that my outgoing 6th grader likes the environment of the school just as well as my very shy 3rd grader does. They both love it, and even want to stay in the afterschool program just to hang out more. Unheard of from my kids! read more

Amazing teachers and community. They really know how to find your child's strengths and enhance them. Because of the small classes they can focus both on strengths and your child's challenges and are able to work one on one to help them. It's a very nurturing environment, which keeps the atmosphere, relaxing which helps children focus and learn more than they would in a larger class size read more

Kittredge is a gem of a school--they are everything that they say they are--caring and nurturing--with challenging academics. Our daughter is an 8th grader this year and has spent the last 9 years there--she has been a very happy camper. Best of all, she is well-prepared for the next step, and has had a strong foundation of caring and nurturing teachers who have truly inspired her and valued her for who she is. Kittredge, I can't thank you enough! Anne M. read more

BEST BEST BEST K-8th grade school in the city, in my opinion. The teachers are AMAZING.. Mr. L is a GREAT principal and Mr. Young is the bestttttttttt 8th grade teacher in the whole wide world.. Shame on you if you never had him :) Started there in 4th grade and stayed until 8th.. I wish I started there from kindergarden.. It is the best school in the world.. very small amount of students in the school, which gives a better student to teacher ratio, so you can bet the academics is something that they are very serious about. My little sister is 5 going on 6 next year so, I am crossing my fingers that she ends up there too.. The school is very homey because of the size and it is nice to know everyone in the student body.. Have a lot of friends from that school TO THIS DAY, including my best friend today.. and it is a school that I will never forget.. Got a lot of trophies from all of the sports that I used to play that are still standing in my room on display and it was nice to have such a good variety of sports available. My graduating class was 12 people and I really liked how small it was.. It was definitely hard to leave. CLASS OF '05... WOOOHHOOOO! read more

My daughter has been attending Kittredge for the past few years and she has really thrived in it's nurturing environment.  The small student to teacher ratio allows the teachers to provide strong academics and truly differentiate instruction for each student.  I can't speak highly enough of the exceptional teachers, wonderful principal, and dedicated staff and administrators.  Although Kittredge doesn't have a fancy campus they focus on producing well-rounded kids as they educate the whole child.  The Habits of Mind philosophy is infused into their curriculum and it has positively affected how our daughter views the world.  The parent community is very close-knit and supportive and you really get to know everyone.  My daughter has really blossomed during her time at Kittredge, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to send her there.  We are looking forward to sending our son there next year for kindergarten.  I highly recommend Kittredge to anyone who is looking for a well rounded education for their children.  We love Kittredge! read more

I attended Kittredge School from the early-mid '90s, leaving after 5th Grade. Although my experience there only lasted two years, my second year there ended up being a life-defining experience! The same 5th Grade teacher I had 20 years ago, Mr. Wayne Riddle, is still teaching the same grade level([s], including 4th) in the same classroom where I once sat and learned excitedly as a student all those years ago. That innovative, well-learned man became my most favorite teacher of all-time, and he has not lost his touch as an educator or person in all this time! The current Principal, Mr. L, and 8th Grade teacher, Mr. Young, were there during my time, and are still at Kittredge now, keeping the community as strong and long-lasting as ever! The location of the school (off 25th Avenue & Lake Street in San Francisco's Outer Richmond neighborhood, up the hill from Baker Beach) sets the perfect tone for the learning experience your child will get from attending any grade level at Kittredge--nurturing, calm, soothing, refreshing, uplifting, every positive adjective imaginable!!!!! With Mr. Riddle having inspired me to the utmost degree--to the point where I elected to go to college and major to become an elementary school teacher myself, I will forever highly recommend Kittredge to all my students (I currently work as a full-time private tutor, and on-call substitute teacher at various San Francisco private schools), and it tickled my heart when one of the families whose sons I tutored over the last two years applied-, became admitted to-, and selected Kittredge as their school of choice for their incoming 6th Grader. Long live Kittredge, which celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2014! read more

What a hidden gem! Smaller than the other private schools in SF, Kittredge therefore isn't as well known, and doesn't have the fancy campuses that many of the other schools have. BUT, it has phenomenal teachers, leadership, students, and parents. My child is excited to go to school every morning, and happy at the end of day. The environment is nurturing, but the work is challenging. There are lots of extras, too (Spanish, PE, tennis, yoga, chess, etc.) We absolutely love Kittredge. read more