The school has so much going for it, and mainly was a great place when my kid attended more than…read moreten years ago. However, an excellent and beloved aftercare, Adventure Time, was forced out under false pretenses in 2014. Their contract was broken so another aftercare could slide right in. It made me wonder back then. Makes me wonder even more now.

A few years ago, my husband and I first visited Joaquin Miller on a parent volunteer led tour of…read morethe school. We were pretty happy with the private school our then-preschooler was attending and were considering keeping him there through elementary school. Our primary concerns about public school were mostly about class size and colored by negative stories then in the news about the financial woes and generally poor performance of schools in the OUSD -- concerns that were quickly dispelled upon learning more about Joaquin Miller and enrolling our kids there. Right off the bat, we were immediately struck not only by the bright hallways and cheery classrooms decorated with student art projects, but also by the intelligence and passion shared by the teacher and parent guide we met that day. We saw parent volunteers and aides helping out in the classrooms, and kids who looked happy and engaged. Lessons were creatively approached and students' individual talents and needs were respected and addressed. We saw that this was a place where everyone involved was working together to create a vibrant, supportive community where kids learn and thrive -- and that our whole family might benefit from getting to know our neighbors better (not always an easy trick in the hills). Now, we have two kids doing great at Joaquin Miller, and we continue to be impressed by the staff and the dedication of the parents to contribute the success of the school. JM has an impressive library and computer lab, Khadra and African dance, after-school enrichment programs, and phys-ed and music classes, supported by the PTA. The multicultural education though the Living history program is especially terrific. We love this school and would recommend it to anyone in the neighborhood. The JM website has more info on academics, parent involvement, and school performance. Yelp! has the wrong school office phone number listed: it is (510) 531-6688.

We were initially drawn to TRIS for its Montessori-inspired, self-directed learning style and what…read moreseemed like a knowledgeable and nurturing teaching staff. Our children attended from 2021 to 2023, starting in Pre-Primary and Primary. While our neurotypical daughter did okay, our son--who has learning differences--was not supported in the way we expected from a school that emphasizes individualized education. After his teacher and the head of the elementary program raised concerns, we pursued a comprehensive private assessment based on their recommendation. When we shared the results--which showed he was severely academically behind (below the 5th percentile in reading skills)--we received no response for two weeks. When they did reach out, the response was dismissive and lacked urgency. Even though they had asked for the assessment, they questioned the accuracy of the results and brushed off the findings by saying, "everyone learns at their own pace." His significant learning gaps were not treated as an educational concern. The burden of support was placed entirely on us as parents--recommendations focused on hiring outside specialists, while the school offered no internal interventions or accommodations. At the parent-teacher conference, we were blindsided when the Head of School abruptly informed us, with no opportunity for discussion, that our son would not be offered a spot in the Elementary program because there were "too many special needs kids" already enrolled. While our daughter didn't face academic challenges, even she--and her brother--commented on how much more engaging and enjoyable public school was after leaving TRIS. Leadership has since changed, but the current team still includes the former Head of School's daughters and son-in-law. TRIS may look progressive on the surface, but families of children with learning differences should ask careful questions before enrolling. In our experience, it was not an inclusive or responsive environment. One final note: our daughter once suffered a deep gash on her finger--apparently from one of the school's cots--and needed stitches. When her teacher called to notify us, it was made to sound minor, and we were told there was no need to pick her up. When I arrived, I saw how serious the cut was and took her to the doctor immediately. That experience reinforced our concerns about how the school handled safety and communication.

Our journey at TRIS was an experience that our family will always appreciate and treasure. The…read morestaff and teachers are dedicated to helping the students grow and discover possibilities from within. Their holistic approach for academic and personal development is what stands out most for us. As parents, TRIS was a valued partner in helping us uphold and reinforce our desire to nurture responsibility and accountability in our children. It wasn't enough for our children to be "smart.," although it is evident that our children and other TRIS children are among the smartest in their respective environments. Our goal was to instill behaviors that help them to lead, to participate in and to consider the world around them. Overall, Montessori education has made an incredible impact on how my children tackle challenges and conflict in their lives. As a result, they embrace opportunities to meet new people and try difficult things even when they are nervous or afraid. This is even the case for one of our children who exhibited shyness and introversion from a young age. TRIS and Montessori education helped us to realize that our children have innate capabilities and interests that will enable them to pursue things that have purpose and value to them now and in the future. There aren't enough words to describe the foundation TRIS helped to build in our children. Completely worth the investment and sacrifice.

We are on our second year (4th if you count toddler play time. *Hi teacher Nick!) at MCPC with my…read moreson and 1st (2nd?) year with my daughter. Pros: Phenomenal parent support, wonderful community, great skill building, socialization models for the kids. Inclusivity, diversity and cultural exposure, nature and mental/physical enrichment are all here, disability support physical and neurodivergent. Cons? This is a true co-op Parent involvement is required. The parents are running the school under the guidance and tenure of a past parent turned director. At least 25% of your life is this school once you join. You will work once a week per child.(Two child cap*) The kids will be here three hours a day so when you leave it will feel like you are coming right back. Second year you get a board job, more work! So, is it worth it? For our family, yes!!!! The memories, the involvement put you right in the front seat of your child's development and education. I feel like I am attending the school and relearning how to problem solve and function on my own. The experiences here are priceless. We don't want to leave!

This is our third year entering MCPC. We absolutely love the community...our kids are loved by the…read moreteachers, we're able to make friends with the other parents, and one of the best perks - we are all involved in parenting the children from a similar socioemotionally grounded approach which makes playdates so fun and easy. Any parent can step in at anytime and the messages our kids receive are loving and consistent. And the Director Jolie as well as Teachers Jamie and Nick are just rockstars. I feel a lot of confidence when I'm out at the playground, I feel that I can work things out with my child and ask about his plans and intentions and come up with safety guidelines together. It's helped so that he's able to re-engage with children and meet new friends rather than just decide they're done playing. I could go on an on about what I've learned alongside my kid at MCPC. Highly suggest attending their Toddler Playtime classes that run year round in the afternoon (18-36 months) and/or the annual Info Night in January if you're interested in preschool.

Good school recomen the school my son love school thanks so much…read more‍‍‍‍really good and teacher is really nice

Thomas Edison school has been around forever. Good school faithful teachers. Great curriculum…read more Children are required to wear school uniforms which is a plus because you know if a child does not belong is not wearing the right attire.

We sent our 5 year old to Laurel for kinder mainly just because it was the local school, but it has…read moreturned out to be a great experience. The teachers and staff and principal all seem to genuinely care and be good at their jobs, and it shows in the happiness of the kids. As an example, my kid for some reason we may never know was scared to go into the lunch line at the cafeteria, and therefor wasn't eating lunch. I mentioned this to the principal who happened to be outside before school and he took us right at that moment to go meet the lunch lady and practice going through the line, and then when we got to class I told the teacher why we were a couple minutes late the teacher said he would walk with my son into the lunch line that day. He's been eating school lunch every day since. He plays better with other kids than he ever did in preschool. Oh, he also reads at a 2nd grade level (but I get part of the credit for that!). They have a pretty awesome brand new playground, a garden, fieldtrips, music class, (optional) parent meetings and volunteer opportunities, and a pretty good budget for a public school. We'll be sending our second kid here in a few years once she's old enough

I think that the new principle has definitely changed things for the better. I'm excited to see…read morewhat else he comes up with that is new and creative. The parents and community have been really reacting well to him....very good thing. I went here, my middle sister went here, my best friends went here, my youngest sister goes here, my younger cousin as well. Its just a really good place to raise your kids. Not just because of the school, but the community around as well. Laurel district ROCKS

We live in Berkeley and both our daughters attend St. T. We are so grateful to St. T for helping…read moreour daughters be their best. We are especially impressed with the St. Theresa's teaching staff, their high academic standards, and the St. T community.

Our daughter attends TK at St. Theresa, and while we've been part of the school community for less…read morethan a full school year, I've been nothing but impressed by the teachers, staff, and fellow parents. I haven't met anyone who isn't nice, kind, considerate, and invested in the school and the children's education. Our TK teacher is wonderful and we can see our daughter developing academically as well as socially. The school is situated in the peaceful Oakland neighborhood of Upper Rockridge and pretty easy to get to (and close to the Terrace Cafe, another perk). I"ll add that while I'm not a Catholic (my wife and children are), that has never been an issue. There are other non-Catholics who send their children there because they know they will be in a safe and nuturing environment. Lastly, I'm impressed with the students themselves. They are polite and considerate when I've interacted with them as a parent volunteer. I remember my Jr. High experience as pretty excruciating. When I look at the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, I see well-adjusted and responsible young people by all outward appearances. I certainly don't see my Lord of the Flies experience. It's an special cadre of people and culture at St. Theresa.

Supportive, knowledgeable, nurturing staff and teachers. Community supplemental classes-art,…read moredrumming, voice, ecoliteracy (soup day, red hen day; garden to table theory and practice) in addition to basic state mandated basic curriculum.

This school teaches Diversity, Inclusiveness, Responsibility. All lies. This school publicly…read morepunishes kids about their opinions for certain subjects concerning "pronouns". Pronouns have become too important instead of actual academic excellence. They publicly shame and isolate kids that have an opinion about how confusing and nonsensical pronouns are in an academic environment. and I find this hypocritical since they teach inclusiveness and instead they force that kid to apologize instead of understanding why the opinion. I find this attitude unacceptable for a school.

I have found this school to be full of staff that are very thoughtful, intentional, and loving of…read morethe larger community that they serve. The founder/head Michelle is a passionate leader who is in her purpose and it jumps right off of her when you meet her. I strongly recommend Pear Tree as they really do an exceptional job of wrapping around the youth. They promote and build a strong sense of community and ownership of the youth's educational advancement here. My plan is to bring others to this environment. Our son loves it here. Fred Tatum

Our daughter has been enrolled in Pear Tree as a preschooler and is now a 4th grader. We loved the…read morepreschool so much that we were ecstatic that director, Michele Hamilton, decided to grow the preschool into a separate elementary school. We've watched the school grow from just a handful of students to its current enrollment and its new location in Montclair. What we love: Montessori curriculum - we have had a rethinking of the state of education in the United States. It is not set up in any capacity to create critical thinkers and dynamic creators which is what the future economy will require. Montessori in the way that Pear Tree implements it allowed our daughter to consistently test 2 grades above her level, while allowing her the opportunity to become an awesome drummer with Pear Tree's musical enrichment. With a no homework policy, she has ample time to explore her love of reading and is an avid bibliophile. This love of reading usually starts to wane around the upper grades as kids struggle with the rigors of grades-based academic performance. Social Justice emphasis - the kids are being exposed to history and sociology from the context of social justice. Focus has been on pre-colonial history and ancient civilizations in the primary grades. Project based learning, group and individual research papers have allowed our daughter to put context in her history lessons. This year, climate resilience as the number one social justice cause, has given our daughter the ability to look at our current situation and actually come up with solutions with her class. This has been done through in-house video and audio content creation. Small class sizes - with no more than 16 students in a class along with a teacher and an aide, our daughter has always felt supported. She came into the preschool shy and timid and is now a vocal leader at school and outside. We don't think she would have found her voice in a class of 30 or more. When it comes to raising kids, no parent's decision-making is perfect. But our decision to be at Pear Tree was perfect for our daughter.

The asphalt playground offers 3 play structures for my daughter's enjoyment. Except for the older…read morekids playing freeze-tag around the taller slides, it was a great place for my almost 2 year old to explore. When she is bike-age, we will likely bring her here to skin her knees.

Every teacher here is awesome. The PTA and students have year round fund raisers to support the…read morewonderful art, music, and computer programs.