Best school ever! Students are very nice and no bullying. I love the service My kids love itread more

teachers are too strict and made me write a lot i like it very much but some classes are boring.read more

St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland is AMAZING! A strong academic program paired with real…read moreworld skills and an inclusive environment make for an amazing learning experience. The community and education at St. Paul's are top notch!

St. Paul's Episcopal School (SPES) in Oakland has been an incredible experience for our family as…read moreLGBTQ+ parents with two kids attending. From the moment we joined the school community, we've felt welcomed, valued, and supported in a way that's truly meaningful to us. SPES is not just a school--it's a place where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and every family is embraced. The teachers at SPES are extraordinary. They are kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in each student's success, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our kids feel seen, respected, and encouraged to thrive. The school also provides ample resources, from state-of-the-art technology to classroom supplies, making learning accessible, engaging, and exciting for every child. What stands out most about SPES is its unwavering commitment to diversity. The student body reflects a wide range of backgrounds, and this rich diversity is woven into the fabric of the school's culture. Weekly Friday chapel gatherings are a highlight, bringing the community together to reflect on shared values and showcase the unique voices and perspectives of different grades. These gatherings create a strong sense of belonging and unity, making every family feel like an integral part of the school. At SPES, diversity and inclusion are not "marketing taglines" or a box to check--they are fundamental to who we are. The school was founded 50 years ago in response to the civil rights movement, and these values and principles are deeply embedded in our DNA. They guide everything we do, from the way we teach to how we build community. SPES also excels in social-emotional learning through its "People Power Skills" framework. This program equips students with the tools to navigate relationships, practice kindness, and build empathy. It's inspiring to see our kids not only learning these skills but also applying them in their daily interactions. The framework helps create a respectful, supportive environment that prioritizes emotional growth alongside academic success. As LGBTQ+ parents, we deeply appreciate how SPES fosters an inclusive atmosphere where all families are welcomed and celebrated. Our kids are growing up in an environment that values compassion, diversity, and acceptance--qualities we hold dear. It's a school where they feel safe and proud of their family, and that means the world to us. St. Paul's is a place where academics, culture, and emotional well-being come together seamlessly. For LGBTQ+ families--or any family looking for a school that truly embodies inclusion and excellence--SPES is an outstanding choice. It's been a wonderful home for our kids and our family, and we couldn't recommend it more highly.

I rarely leave reviews, but my experience at Encinal has been frustrating enough to deserve one…read more Honestly, this school has been a huge letdown. Most of the teachers come across as rude or just completely uninterested in actually helping students. Instead of encouraging learning, they seem more focused on enforcing pointless rules and making school feel like a punishment. Communication is poor, support is nearly nonexistent, and it feels like no one really listens to students or takes their concerns seriously. It's hard to feel motivated in an environment where you're constantly talked down to or ignored. If you're looking for a positive, respectful, or even just functional school experience -- I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

I just recently went to my 30th high school reunion. What can I say about ENCINAL HIGH?…read more Well....not much. I went back for a school tour, and the school needs a paint job. But I did get a diploma there. I did meet alot of odd characters there. And for those who remember '' The Logs'' .....I sat there and never smoked a cigarette. For one day, with my buddies.....I was cool. Steve D. .....CLASS OF 77

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.

Sometimes I get parents who reach out and ask me more about redwood day school to them I say we…read moreleft here and went to Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley where my daughter thrived. We made it though covid with an amazing pivot to outdoor classrooms and my child didn't miss a beat. She's now in a public middle school: wise, self assured, kind. confident and getting straight A's. I believe her courage and strong sense of self come from the education she received at Berkwood Hedge School. If you're looking for a truly inspiring progressive independent education check them out. Not as many Bells and whistles but what matters is there the heart and the academics.

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.

Great school my nephew goes there and he loves it and my brother aslo went when we were younger…read moreit's a great school

There is an abuse of power currently happening at this school. The principal and their vice…read moreprincipal are trigger happy with handing out suspensions. When I first signed my child up for this school the principal told me that they practiced restorative justice with students. My student has attended there for over a year and I have yet to hear back how restorative justice practices have served them and their fellow schoolmates.

Our time at Park Day has been so refreshing, our child LOVES the school, and we are so happy to…read morehave found such a wonderful place for our child to learn & grow. The community has been wonderful & welcoming (so many play dates, camping trips and more!); the school leadership/staff is fantastic & communicative; the teachers are deeply invested in their students. Here are a few key things we've loved about Park Day: * Community that is authentic and actually does what they say in terms of inclusion & equity. It's a school with heart, soul and character. * Learning environments that are whole-child learning, from time outdoors on campus to academic differentiation without burning kids out or forcing them into a mold. Our child adores the diverse curriculum including learning garden, music, art, innovation lab. * Strong & consistent leadership to guide the school and its goals. There is so much top-notch communication, energy, engagement, approachability and the understanding of children is simply astounding.

Our first-grader started at Park Day this year, and we couldn't be happier. They're a kid with…read morestrong feelings and for whom transitions can be hard, but from our very first open house at the school, they felt more comfortable than at any other school we visited. By two months in, their teachers said they seemed just as integrated into the community as the kids who started in kindergarten, and I know that's because of how the school designs the beginning of the year. My kid seems comfortable to be themself at Park Day and has made sweet friends. The academics have been outstanding too. Our kid's teachers are phenomenal, expertly differentiating the class for math and literacy so every kid feels challenged. They do have some apps they use for math and literacy but screen time seems minimal compared to my friends' schools. There is a ton of project-based learning, integrating different disciplines through sustained group and individual projects. And the after-school enrichment activities are amazing: "coding," chess, jewelry design, Mandarin, movement, you name it. I was nervous that sending our kid to a private school would develop a sense of entitlement and disconnection from the rest of Oakland. While it's not like our neighborhood public school, the school does the best it can to openly address its position as a private school and build connections with neighboring schools. Each first-grader has a buddy at Oakland International High School, and they take turns visiting each other's schools and getting to know what the little ones and teens have in common. The school actually has a person whose job it is to cultivate community partnerships and service learning opportunities. We have been most impressed by the transparent and frequent communication, from the head of school to the teachers to the classroom parents. (Get ready to spend lots of time reading all the updates and reminders on Parent Square and WhatsApp.) You can even book mid-semester conferences with the PE, Art, music, and Spanish teachers, not just the homeroom teachers. The parent community is full of cool and welcoming folks, with lots of identity-based affinity groups. Also, Park Day allots the most funding to indexed tuition (financial aid) per kid of any independent school in California. So before you let the sticker price turn you away, check it out. There's so much more I could share, but this is already too long! In short, we *love* this diverse, beautiful, and thoughtful school.

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.

Assumption is a wonderful environment for education and community involvement. As a parent of a…read morestudent(s) for the last 6 years and few more to go, I can't recommend this safe, supportive and structured school enough. #assumptionschoolsl #togetherwesoar