This is my daughters school and so far we are loving it. She is finishing up second grade and was…read morenew to the school this year. The education is very solid and the music program is fantastic. They have small class sizes and two teachers per class. I feel that they really know my child here and that is worth every penny. Amelie's review: I really like my school,teachers,music and science. I love sitting near the class room at snack and hanging on the high bar.

Our daughter has completed two years at Black Pine Circle and every morning she is in a hurry to…read moreget to school. I'm writing this review because she has flourished at BPC, both academically and socially, and without a doubt the school can take a lot of credit for it. The headmaster John Carlstroem knows what he is doing, and runs a very happy ship. A school is a complex environment with many personalities and expectations that need to be managed. John works with a reservoir of deep intellect and excellent management skills and has managed to set a harmonious tone for the whole school. He thinks deeply about education and pedagogy, and he spends the school's money wisely. John's passion for the school is reflected in extraordinary commitment by the teachers, who are superb. In the lower school the kids learn english and math well, and the school's emphasis on music permeates lessons and activities and is wonderful to behold. In a review such as this it is not possible to describe the full extent of the curriculum, but I have been continually amazed by what my daughter is learning. Most importantly, her teachers have taught her self-respect, self-confidence, and have instilled in her a love of learning. I have spoken to many parents around the Bay Area, and I know there are many good schools. Still, I may be biased, but I feel that BPC is special, in a very good way. P.S. The math club is among the best in California.

Not the best, but Mentoring Academy started to give me a lot of believe again. I wish I could do a…read morelot better but over time, I started to have hope once again.

Like other recent reviews, I am also a student that attended Mentoring Academy…read more I feel like I should address these reviews. I cannot speak to several of the things mentioned: teachers making inappropriate jokes, students making homophobic quotes masked as jokes, mental health being thrown out the window in Guatemala, and the school catering to male students are things that I simply have no knowledge about. (I will say that I am somewhat skeptical of them) Some of the other small complaints I do know to be true. Yes, the pizza in Italy was disappointing. Yes, the school wasn't very decisive about how to respond to the pandemic (the government wasn't either). However, these really aren't major problems to me. I do agree with some of the larger issues that the reviewers raised. 1. The cost. There isn't much to say here, the school is pretty expensive. 2. The atmosphere. The school does have a more laissez-faire culture, which does mean that things are more casual, sometimes even unprofessional. Sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes it is a bad thing. Parent-teacher meetings will take place next to science experiments, tests will be taken in the kitchen, and sometimes employees will be paid late. It's simply the culture. Generally the school is fairly relaxed on grading, and that combined with the casual atmosphere means many students don't give assignments their all. 3. The schedule. The school has very long hours, going from 9:00 to 5:30 four out of five days of the week. This comes with the caveat that work is done at school, not at home. This is only sometimes true. Teachers will often assign work that they expect to be done at home, which can make the long hours even more arduous. This long time commitment means that there aren't many opportunities for extracurricular opportunities, jobs, volunteering. 4. The size. This is once again both a positive and a negative. The small size means that the school is more intimate, and that classes have plenty of time for each student. However, it also means the school can't really include clubs, sports, or many classes. It also means that there just aren't that many people to meet. If you're an extroverted student, this can be a real problem, and is probably the most important thing to consider about going to the school. If you're an introverted student, I could see the small size being a pro, not a con. 5. The diversity. Mentoring is not very diverse. In particular there are very few female students. I wouldn't say that this is the fault of the school, but it's worth noting. Mentoring IS very welcoming of all people. Overall I agree with some of these points, but I don't really feel they warrant a 1/5 review, or the negativity that these other reviewers raise. Some other points: I have had negative experiences with some of the school's teachers, however they are all no longer members of the faculty. On the other hand, some of the teachers are quite excellent. In particular, the science teacher, Garret, is fantastic. He has a real joy for science and teaching. The school has a lot of "teacher cycling", but luckily most of them are pretty good. I personally went on two extraordinary adventures. One of them was a bit of a mixed bag, but the other was a fun experience. There are problems with them, but I certainly don't think they "straight up suck". The food options around the school are great, and are much better than cafeteria food. The headmaster, John, has a real passion for education, and a real love for every student. While sometimes he can be a bit unorganized, he truly does care about every student and wants them to succeed. I don't think that is true (at least not on the level it is with John) for most principals/headmasters at other schools. John's enthusiasm for teaching and young people (there's no way to type that sentence without it sounding weird) bleeds into the school's culture as well. It's a very welcoming, encouraging place. At the risk of sounding sappy: some of my fondest memories at Mentoring include the school-wide student presentations, lunches spent talking with teachers, and otherwise grueling layover flights. I suspect that most high school students can't say that! While Mentoring has its flaws, it's worth noting that every high school is too. I think for certain students Mentoring is an excellent fit, and for other ones it isn't. It simply depends.

We decided to withdraw our children from The Academy after ongoing concerns about bullying, lack of…read moreaccountability, and weak leadership. Our son faced repeated exclusion and inappropriate comments from classmates, including remarks that he was disliked "because he is Turkish." Despite our repeated reports and requests for support, the school minimized the situation and stated that "there was no bullying." Yet even during classroom assignments, our son expressed in writing and drawings his deepest wish for a world without bullying -- something no child should have to feel so strongly about in the first place. We tried for months to collaborate with the school, to have meaningful conversations, and to trust that the situation would improve. Unfortunately, it did not. Two students -- one acting as the leader and another following his lead -- consistently targeted him, and there were no real consequences. The administration's responses were consistently dismissive, suggesting a lack of understanding of the emotional impact such behavior can have on a child. Our son's sense of safety was completely eroded. Leadership at the school often acts in denial rather than taking responsibility. Communication is reactive and defensive. We also learned later that the administration offered us a $6,000 refund in exchange for signing a non-disparagement contract -- essentially asking us not to talk about our experience. We declined. Families deserve honesty, not silence. Academically, the school claims to be "one year ahead" and to follow a rigorous curriculum. After transferring to another school, we learned this was not true. Many concepts were skipped or taught superficially, creating learning gaps. Teachers are inconsistent -- some are good, while others frequently absent or disengaged. The third-grade environment in particular suffered from poor classroom management, inappropriate peer interactions, and a lack of supervision during recess and lunch. Conversations among students included inappropriate topics such as smoking and alcohol, even at this young age. This reflects serious gaps in oversight. The school also advertises a French program, but in reality, students only learn a few isolated words throughout the year -- far from the language exposure and learning that parents are led to expect. This is one example of how the school's marketing and actual classroom experience do not align. The only staff member who genuinely helped us and consistently supported our child was the inclusion and belonging teacher. She truly cared, followed up, and tried to make a difference when others didn't. To our shock, after leaving the school, we learned that she had been laid off. It's hard to understand how a school that claims to value inclusion could let go of one of the few people who actually embodied it. Adding to the concern, we later found that in the 2024-2025 school year, the administration encouraged families to post positive reviews online to boost enrollment numbers, as the kindergarten class had only six students enrolled. That context makes recent glowing reviews highly misleading. I would advise anyone considering this school not to rely on those reviews, as many were written under pressure to improve the school's public image. When The Academy was founded years ago, it had a strong reputation. Sadly, under the current leadership, it has lost its integrity, its sense of community, and its educational quality. For us, both the financial cost and the emotional toll were high. We are writing this review not out of bitterness, but out of responsibility -- so that other families can make informed decisions. Our new school has shown us how dramatically things can change when children feel truly safe, respected, and supported. Every child deserves that.

In credible school and incredible community. We've been at the school for 5 years and have two…read morechildren at the school. Both children have grown and thrived. We highly recommend The Academy.

When we moved our family from San Francisco to Oakland, we searched for a school that would reflect…read moreour values, some of the things that came to mind were: K-8 to minimize transitions, prioritization on diversity, school rooted in its community, strong leadership and a great support system for our kids, collaboration with educations not a us at home vs. them at school approach. Luckily, we found them at Park Day. Here are other things that I love about the school in detail. Integrated Curriculum: I love how the curriculum takes a central topic and weaves it through multiple subjects across math, science, english, and writing- they interconnect rather than exist in silos. My kindergartener recently completed a project-based learning showcase on living things, creating a forest ecosystem with a stream and his own animal (created from his art class using boxes) in the classroom. What struck me was how my kid was able to articulate a connection--explaining that their environment was inspired by Greta and the Giants, a book about environmental awareness and how human activities contribute to climate change.  Commitment to Economic Diversity: An indexed tuition program paired with deliberate outreach to families in surrounding zip codes. The admissions team emphasized that sliding scale participation is normalized and fully supported. It is not viewed as a "special accommodation" but part of the school's values and makeup. It feels great to be part of the school and see my kids thrive. I only wish that school models overall were set up this way for all. If you have the opportunity to choose Park Day, I'd recommend it.

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.

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.

We love it at JMSG! Our sixth grader is thriving. She receives so much personal attention and help…read moreto become a confident student. She struggles in math and is becoming a confident math learner. She absolutely loves the emphasis on women's empowerment. This is helping her grow into the kind of woman we want her to be. She participates in musical theater after school and is looking forward to playing basketball next season. What a gorgeous campus, dedicated teachers, and unparalleled curriculum! I'm so glad we found JMSG for our girl!

My 6th grader loves JMSG because "all the classes are really fun and engaging. It is a forest…read morelearning environment with positive teachers and nice friends." The Head of School and the school counselor / wellness teacher welcomes every student at the curb as they arrive every morning! They ask them how they're doing and they answer parent questions. All the teachers are incredibly kind, generous with their time, enthusiastic about their subjects and about teaching middle school girls, engaging, and well qualified. They arrive an hour before school starts in the morning for "cornerstone" when the students can come in and get extra help From them, ask questions, and look over homework. Every week they have special guests and special events, like a whole day dedicated to "words" last Friday, where 3 different authors came in and spoke to the students, and then students got to pick from a variety of literacy-themed electives to attend for the rest of the day. Pi Day was also very fun, with many activities centered around understanding pi and eating homemade pies. At the end of the year, the whole 6th grade class produces a musical. And this year the musical is an original score written by the school's very talented music teacher and a Berkeley Playhouse Children's theater educator and director! We feel very lucky that our daughter was accepted into JMSG and gets to have such a magical middle school experience. She is enjoying learning and is enthusiastic about all subjects. She is excited to go to school every day and takes pride in being completely independent and confident about all her homework assignments.

Grade 3 update: our daughter continues to thrive and excel at NOCCS. She adores the community and…read morestaff. As she is both a creative and analytical mind, we are thrilled there is an art program in addition to core curriculum. Big shout out to the most recent principle Mr.Brown, his leadership over the last two years has brought a lot of improvements across the board along with an amazing board of directors and FTO (our version of PTO).

My daughter absolutely loves going to school every day--that's worth the 5 stars by itself. But…read moreNOCCS is also impressive in plenty of other ways: it's super inclusive, progressive, intimate, and really, really warm to all the kids and their parents. The art programming especially is extremely diverse and thoughtful so the kids learn a ton about different cultures while expressing themselves. Overall going to school here has made my kid a better human more in tune with the world around her.

My daughter has been at RLS Broadway for the past year, since she turned 2, and I am so glad I…read morechose to send her here, in particular because of the wonderful teachers. They quickly became a core part of our caregiving family, and it's so comforting to drop off my daughter and know that she feels comfortable, loved, and safe. Even if we're having a hard morning, I know I'm leaving her in great hands. Over the year, I watched as my daughter made her first friends and navigated new challenges with such great support from the school. The teachers were so helpful with her potty training -- I definitely don't think it would have gone so smoothly and quickly if I wasn't able to rely on their calm, nonjudgemental handling of accidents :) Alexandra, the director, is a wonderful leader, and has given me helpful advice that has really made a difference in my parenting. And I am always so inspired by the breadth of creative projects the teachers think up. I look forward each day to the update and pics, and to picking up a very happy girl at the end of the day!

We send our son, who started at 2 and is now 3, to Rockridge Little School, and we love the school…read more The teachers are nurturing, creative, and kind. They've helped our son potty train, give us advice on many things, and most importantly give him a fun, safe, enriching environment during the day. We love the projects and activities they set up daily, and it's fun to see him come home with new songs he's learned or stories he's read. Highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a flexible environment full of all kinds of learning.