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.

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.

A disappointing step backward for inclusion and belonging…read more Deciding to ban or prohibit the display of Pride flags at Bishop O'Dowd High School is a deeply regressive move that flies in the face of the school's core values. For years, O'Dowd has prided itself on fostering a culture of equity, compassion, and community. Erasing symbols of visibility for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff actively damages that mission.  Sends a harmful message: High school is already a vulnerable time for teenagers. Stripping away visible markers of support tells LGBTQ+ youth that they are unwelcome, unseen, or that their identities must be hidden to fit an institutional mold.  Undermines community trust: Decisions made behind closed doors--seemingly under pressure from outside leadership--without meaningful input from parents, teachers, and students show a profound lack of transparency and respect for the school community.  Contradicts a progressive spirit: Oakland has a rich, proud history of diversity and advocacy. For a local institution to yield to exclusionary policies is embarrassing and alienating to the very families who choose O'Dowd for its supposed openness.  Inclusion isn't just a buzzword to put on a brochure; it requires actual visibility and protection for marginalized groups. By yielding to this policy, the administration is failing its students. Do better.

Reeks of expired mayonnaise and tomato vapes(the cool, sly new fad). Also there are a lot of emo…read morepeople wich i dont lik

Excellent teachers and challenging AP classes that ready the kids for college. Located downtown…read moreAlameda in a beautiful historical building

Oakland Tech started their Centennial Celebration last year with a kick off of a presentation in…read moreits library on October 18, 2014. There were many people on hand, listening to the speeches and appreciating the history of the school. I could not stay long to enjoy the company of my fellow alumni. However, I purchased a copy of the Centennial Book, 1915 to 2015. The book is filled with memories and photos of many alumni who received their education at this fine school. When I did the initial review of Oakland Tech (hereafter Tech), I gave the school a 3 star rating due to something tragic happening on the campus during the school year 1972/1973. A student named Rita King (Class of 1974) was killed during a fight in the cafeteria. This incident had an impact on the school the following school year; to wit, that the majority of the white and Asian students transferred out and enrolled in other high schools (Skyline or Oakland); thus, resulting in a school that was no longer diverse or lacking diversity. Tech had to set up their campus at another location (the old Merritt College on Grove Street) in the late 70's due to the building not being up to earthquake standards. It wasn't until the fall of 1982 that the newly renovated Tech had its dedication. It was great for the students to be back on a campus in classrooms where there were no big puddles of water on the pavement and no leaky roofs when it was raining hard. I cannot say for sure when Tech was gradually becoming diverse again, but I would like to believe it was during the 1980/1981 school year. Even though the seniors of that year were known as the Apollo Class, still there needed to be more improvement in race relations. I know the graduating seniors of the Class of '81 had good intentions in having speeches delivered in different languages - English, Spanish and Chinese. The sing-song mimicking and clowning displayed by some of the adults sitting near me proved that the process of improved race relations still had a way to go. Several months ago, I was on the campus for a meeting on a Saturday. I did not meet up with two gentlemen and a committee for all these upcoming events. I liked what I saw in the trophy cases, the Tech memorabilias and pink breast cancer items in the glass cases by the library. The rating was upped to four stars. I had the intention of doing an update after another kick off celebration in front of the school on November 1, 2014, but I had other things occurring and the holiday season was a busy one. The Centennial Celebration Talent Show held two days ago in the school auditorium for the cost of $10 was more than enough to give my alma mater five stars for outstanding performances by the alumni, teachers and current students in singing, dancing, drama and oral speeches. Kudos to the principal, PTSA and all who were involved in organizing this event. All hail to Technical I sing. Finally, I can still say it loud, I'm from Tech and I'm proud.

The school is very nice and vintage. the first day there…read moreduring summer school I got lost inside. I like the hallways, they're like little alleys and the windows are very nice. i thought they were going to open all the way up. I went here for the 2010 summer school so i did not really experience the whole thing. The cafeteria is very interesting..don't know why but yea. during summer school I missed my regular school Skyline High School! Tech is an okay school but not for the whole year for me.

We are Grandparents to 3 children at this wonderful school. We have attended many great events here…read moreand volunteered in the classrooms. We have witnessed first hand the beautiful community and Catholic education that is fostered at this super school. Our Grandchildren are thriving. We also educated our grown 3 children with Catholic education and are Blessed today with healthy wonderful happy families. The sacrifice is totally worth it. John and Jill Brunold

Please note: Many positive reviews on yelp were written under previous school and parish…read moreleadership. Our children attended this school for 11 years, and there is now new administration and church leadership. Our experience with the current leadership has been dramatically different. We considered this school and parish our second home. We volunteered, supported school events, raised our children here, and trusted the community to reflect the Catholic values of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and human dignity. That trust was shattered when our family faced its first and only significant disciplinary issue. We expected accountability, guidance, and an opportunity for our child to learn from a mistake. Instead, we experienced exclusion, fear-driven decision-making, and we felt increasingly unwelcome by the school and church leadership. It became clear that the current leadership lacked the experience to handle the situation and, more importantly, the humility to recognize its shortcomings. We believe their actions fell short of standard education requirements and practices and caused significant and lasting harm to our children and family. Catholic education should emphasize mercy, redemption, reconciliation, and the belief that a child is more than a single mistake. Instead, we experienced what felt like judgment, exclusion and institutional self-protection. The decisions felt punitive and disproportionate, with little meaningful dialogue, transparency, or compassion. Despite many families advocating on our behalf for a different approach, leadership ultimately turned its back on our family. What remains most painful is the disconnect between how we were treated and the values this school and parish claim to teach.

It's movie night at Los Perales Elementary School tonight. It's a big night with all the students…read moreof all ages participating. First big event of the school year. Last year was Despicable Me. Tonight, looking forward to what it is this year. It's a wonderful tradition for students annually, the kickoff to many events ahead in the new school year, including field trip to Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley Botanical Gardens, and more.

Lisa B. The Moraga…read moreSchool District is proud of its schools, staff, parents and especially of our students. The District strives to create a positive learning environment for its students - and we've had great success over the years - especially with our Character Education program. We also recognize the importance of feedback and constructive criticism. I invite you to contact me so that I may understand your concerns in our on-going efforts to improve our schools. I can be reached at 376-5943. Please ask for Bruce.

If you are still at BHS or just graduated you will be shocked to learn that my class is having…read moretheir 65th reunion next week. Yes, we graduated in 1960. It was one of the top schools in the US in those days. we won the Bellamy award in 1959. It saddens me to read these reviews with one star. Most of the content of the poor reviews seems to center around lack of organization and social problems. I hope the academic aspect of the school is still high.

This school has gone completely down hill. There is absolutely no safety or control in that school…read more The staff are only there for the paycheck! The dean of students is completely useless, they swear they are here for the students but they don't care at all. SAVE YOUR KIDS!!! DON'T SEND THEM TO THIS HORRIBLE SCHOOL