Families by the Bay Private School Guide

FAMILIES BY THE BAY GUIDE TO

PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2019/2020

Finding the Right School for Your Child San Francisco–San Mateo–Santa Clara

Unmatched Academic Results

Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Almaden (408) 927-5771 19950 McKean Rd., San Jose Shawnee (408) 365-9298 500 Shawnee Ln., San Jose Harwood (408) 723-0111 4949 Harwood Rd., San Jose Strawberry Park (408) 213-0083 730 Camina Escuela, San Jose Berryessa (408) 998-2860 711 East Gish Rd., San Jose

Saratoga (408) 378-0444 18811 Cox Ave., Saratoga Sunnyvale (408) 245-7170 1185 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale Middlefield (650) 213-8245 3880 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto Newark (510) 770-1771 39600 Cedar Blvd., Newark Ardenwood (510) 739-0300 35487 Dumbarton Ct., Newark

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade 2

Š 2019, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Licenses: 434400459, 434408058, 434408059, 434404888, 434400467, 430700130, 430710539, 434403575, 010212301, 013412399

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

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“Building a Strong Foundation for the Future” – Founded in 1948 –

Visit our website to schedule a tour and learn more about our school We deliver a balanced curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence and social emotional development while striving to create a lifelong love of learning

OPEN HOUSE

Sat Nov 16 10am-12pm

www.mmboa.org • (650) 593-6175 2200 Carlmont Drive • Belmont, CA 94002

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Regional Guide to Private Schools Families by the Bay takes the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish.

contents 6

Why Consider a Private School?

22 Entrance

Exam 101

10 The Private 23 Tips for a School Search: Where to Start?

14 Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

16 Making the Most of Your Campus Visit

18 Applying to

a Private School

20 Too Late

to Apply?

Great Essay

24 The Acceptance

and Decision

25 Financial Aid:

Basics You Need to Know

28 Myths About Financial Aid

by Families the Bay

510-748-9122 tel www.parentspress.com

29 Private School Profiles

40

Private School Directory

20 Shadow Days 47 Affiliation Key 21 Preparing for the Interview

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Designed and Published by

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

Publishers | Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Regional Guide to Private Schools is published annually by Families by the Bay. Š2019/20

www.ParentsPress.com

An Unwavering Commitment to Excellence.

Since Harker’s founding in 1893 we have offered unrivaled academic programs and extracurricular offerings for students to explore their interests, discover their passions, and develop the skills to succeed in an ever-changing world. We are honored to have educated the students of the valley for over a century and will proudly continue our unwavering commitment to excellence for generations to come.

then&now

We invite you to learn more about our history, programs and public events, such as the Harker Concert Series and Harker Speaker Series, by visiting our website.

The Harker School | San Jose, CA | K-12 College Prep | www.harker.org

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Why Consider Private School?

M

any parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. And while public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.

Private schools can also point to low studentteacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.

There are two primary sorts of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.

Independent schools are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees.

While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private, lumping them in with parochial and for profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

Private schools can also point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools.

Parochial schools, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise the application procedures are similar to independent schools.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits as outlined by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (www.issfba.org): >>> www.ParentsPress.com

Providing Over 50 Years of Transformational Education.

Charles Armstrong School is renowned in the Bay Area for serving students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia.

Armstrong’s comprehensive learning program empowers our 250 students in Grades 2 through 8 to thrive as learners in school and life.

Start Exploring Armstrong Today!

Attend a Visitor Information Night 5-6:30pm at our beautiful Belmont campus: October 22 November 12 December 10 January 14 RSVP at admissions@charlesarmstrong.org or visit www.charlesarmstrong.org Click on: Admissions, Visit Armstrong

Questions? Email or call at admissions@charlesarmstrong.org (650)592-7570 x1264

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Why Consider Private School? cont’d.

High academic standards Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.

Small classes and individual attention Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2014–2015 was 8.6 students to 1 teacher (meaning that half have a higher ratio and half have a lower ratio).

Excellent teachers They usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what interests and motivates each individually.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree education for the whole child

Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.

Inclusiveness Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2014–2015, students of color were 29 percent (up 6 percent since 2008–2009) of total independent school enrollment nationally.

A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

The opportunity to choose a school with a mission You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child. 

CHRIST-CENTERED COLLEGE PREPARATORY • GRADES 6-12

the king’s aca dem y

Academic excellence, servant leadership, & enduring relationships

MANY SCHOOLS EDUCATE FEW CHANGE LIVES

Schedule a School Tour or Student Shadow Today!

Contact Grace Marandino, Admissions Assistant at 408.481.9900 x4248 or admissions@tka.org

www.tka.org

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Oct. 19 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7 11:00 a.m.

562 N. Britton Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (Near Fair Oaks Ave. & Hwy 101) ACSI & WASC Accreditation

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I matter.

I can.

I care.

I am Serendipity serendipityschool.com

A progressive hands-on education www.serendipityschool.com for Preschool through Grade Five. www.ParentsPress.com

Elementary: Belmont, CA 650.596.9100 Regional to Private Schools Preschool: San Mateo, CA Guide650.574.7400

| Families by the Bay

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The Private School Search Where to Start?

W

ith every private school brochure flashing An easy, simple way to begin thinking about which photos of smiling students thriving in science private school may be right for your child is to look at labs and onstage, it can be hard to tell how the school is structured. For example, some schools schools apart. But on closer look, each school has its do not assign homework and others group different own personality, spanning a wider range of educational grades together in one classroom. styles and often offering smaller classes than public It’s not too soon to start thinking about fall of 2018 schools. if your child is about to begin her Some have distinct educational An easy, simple way to last year of preschool or is in fifth philosophies like Waldorf or or eighth grade. And starting a year begin thinking about Montessori. Others focus on music, before you actually need to—that which private school offer a girls-only student body, a is, a full two years before your child year-round schedule, or teach their would start at a new school—can may be right for your curriculum exclusively in French. child is to look at how also help relieve anxiety.

There are schools with impressive The timeline for what can be a the school is structured. rigorous search for private schools art, sports, drama, and science programs. Some are K–5 or K–8, begins with open houses and tours others only grades 6–8, and still others are K–12. starting in September; applications in January; and All of these schools have the luxury of complete acceptance or rejection letters in early March. The freedom in designing curriculum because they are not sooner you can start checking out schools that interest subject to the state testing standards imposed you, the better, whether those schools are independent on public schools. or parochial. >>>

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Visit us and discover why our students love school! www.ParentsPress.com

Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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The Private School Search Where to Start? cont’d.

Parents who have been through the process before recommend the following combination of first steps: • Look hard at your finances to see what kind of tuition your household can, or is willing, to handle. Find out if there are extra costs for books, computers, or afterschool care, and if the school offers financial aid.

• Weed out schools that won’t work because of things like location or early start times.

• Learn basic facts like the number of students and student-teacher ratio.

• Consider your child’s particular learning style by consulting with current teachers (from preschool or day care, for example).

• Think about your family’s educational philosophy.

Ask how students are tested, and how teachers convey expectations and teach classes.

• Make a list of what matters most. Perhaps it’s that the school is diverse, emphasizes the arts, or has a grassy play area. It could also be that your child needs before-school care, elementary grades only, or a dance studio.

• Talk to families whose children already attend those schools and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions.

• If your child is entering kindergarten and has a fall birthday, research schools’ age cutoffs. Private 12

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

schools usually prefer that children turn 5 before entering kindergarten.

• Once you’ve got a list of schools to check out, create a list of open house dates and other application or registration deadlines.

• Above all, ignore the neighborhood and cocktail party chatter and pay attention to your own instincts and observations.

And always, as parents move through this lengthy process, they should reflect on the desires, needs, and learning styles of their child, a different process depending on the child’s age. There are things that are clear about a fifth-grader (like how they handle homework and social conflict, whether they favor sports or the arts) that aren’t evident yet with a preschooler.

Parents of eighth-graders have the easiest and the hardest time with this. While it’s easier for the parents of a middle-schooler to pinpoint the social tendencies and learning style of their 13-year-old, that teenager often has thoughts of her own about which school to attend.

The school search process is a stressful one, but with some advance preparation and a cool head, it doesn’t have to be onerous. And you might even gain some new insight into yourself and your child along the way.  www.ParentsPress.com

An Athenian education prepares students for a life of purpose and personal fulfillment 75-acre campus of rolling, oak-covered hills lies at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA just 32 miles East of San Francisco. Athenian buses transport students to and from many East Bay communities.

Join us at an Open House: Middle – Nov 9 or Jan 11 | Upper – Nov 10 or Jan 12

Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd • Danville • 925-837-5375 • www.athenian.org

A nationally recognized K-12 independent school situated in the hills of Oakland. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning with a focus on scholarship, diversity, and citizenship.

Head-Royce enrolls a diverse student body of approximately 875 talented and ambitious learners.

Close to $5 million in financial aid is granted annually. With small class sizes, we can focus on educational excellence and social-emotional learning. Our curriculum reflects the diversity, globalism, environmental awareness and innovation of the Bay Area.

www.headroyce.org

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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A month-by-month guide to the application process.

Basic Timeline

Although not every school follows the exact schedule, many follow similar timetables for admission. The following is a timeline to help you in the admissions process.

AUGUST

(of the year before you want your child to attend)

❑ Define your ideal school. ❑ Find schools that match your child’s needs. ❑ Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list.

SEPTEMBER

❑ Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools. ❑ Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies.

❑ Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”.

OCTOBER

❑ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests ❑ Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours. ❑ Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply.

❑ Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online.

❑ Take required standardized admission tests, if applicable.

❑ Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying.

NOVEMBER

❑ Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments. ❑ Register for any standardized tests required for admission.

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❑ Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books.

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

❑ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests ❑ Continue to watch for open houses you may want to attend.

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

for Applying

to a Private School

❑ Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school. ❑ Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays.

DECEMBER

❑ Continue to watch for any open houses or school events of interest. ❑ Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester. ❑ Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc.

Most application materials are due as early as December or as late as February.

JANUARY

❑ Pay attention to deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in January or February, along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms.

FEBRUARY

❑ Don’t miss the deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in February at the latest. ❑ Visit schools or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already.

MARCH

❑ Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March. ❑ Watch for financial aid decisions about this same time. ❑ If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend

APRIL

❑ Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits.

MAY TO SEPTEMBER

❑ Attend events and activities for new parents and students during spring and summer.

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Making the Most of Your Campus Visit

Y

ou’ve looked at the websites, glanced through the glossy brochures, and even heard friends talk glowingly—or not—about the private schools on your short list. Now it’s time to actually set foot on campus. More than anything else, visiting the school— seeing the classrooms, walking around the grounds, and talking to faculty and students—will give you and your child the best sense of whether this is the best environment for your child to learn and thrive.

Because the visit is so crucial to deciding on your child’s school, you should make the most of the opportunity. Private school experts offer these suggestions for what to ask about, look for, and consider before, during, and after the visit.

• Do some pre-visit research. Read up on the school’s history, educational philosophy, and accomplishments. Ask for information about student-teacher ratios, teacher experience, arts classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities, special programs for students needing academic support, and expectations for parental involvement. Decide ahead of time if there are specific classrooms, facilities, or departments that you or your child want to visit.

• If possible, visit on a regular school day, arrange to observe a classroom, and stay to sample a school lunch.

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

• General impressions count, but so do the details.

Take note of what the grounds and classrooms are like, but also pay attention to specifics: are the bathrooms clean; do staff seemed organized and ready for your visit; what library, science, and technology resources does the school offer?

• In the classrooms or on the playground, notice if the students look engaged and well-behaved, including when they transition from one activity or classroom to another. How do students interact with their teachers? Do the teachers seem cheerful and knowledgeable? How do the teachers manage the classrooms or handle discipline?

• Talk to as many teachers and students as possible.

Find out about homework policies and workloads, the social environment, and opportunities to do arts, sports, and other nonacademic activities.

• If the school offers shadow-a-student day for interested students, your child has the opportunity to ask questions of potential schoolmates more freely than if you’re around.

• After you and your child finish the visit, jot down your general impressions before leaving. Try to imagine your child in one of the classrooms, or walking the halls. How does that idea look and feel?

Remember gut feelings can be important, too.  www.ParentsPress.com

Emerson School NURTURING TOMORROW’S LEADERS • • • • •

Year-round, full-day program for grades 1-8 Individualized, self-paced Montessori curriculum Foreign languages (Chinese, Spanish) Art, music, physical education, and personal development Cultivation of thinking skills and ethical values

Linda Paz, Director (650) 424-1267 Affiliated Program: Hacienda School, Pleasanton JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE

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Where today’s students become tomorrow’s global thinkers.

AltoSchool.org

Offering a globally minded, progressive education in Menlo Park, serving grades PS-12

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Applying to a Private School

Y

our first step is to research and visit schools, ideally starting the search at least a year before you plan to submit the application for your child.

It takes time to determine which school is the best fit for your child. Navigating the application process can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting, too. Here are tips, from the National Association of Independent Schools, on how to get you and your child into the right school.

• After creating your short list of schools, call or email the school’s admissions office to find out about open houses, school tours, private visits, or other events that will allow you to get to know the school as best as possible.

The school’s admissions office will also tell you about application requirements—including deadlines and costs.

While each school has its own criteria for admitting students, the typical application package involves: • A completed application form, usually available from the school’s website, and application fee.

• Parent or guardian statements.

• A transcript of your child’s grades from her current school.

• Results from standardized tests or a schooladministered test. For middle school grades and above, the most common tests are: the Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE; the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT; the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools.

Depending on the grade to which you are applying, some schools might also ask for: • Student writing samples.

• Student portfolios.

• A formal interview, though for elementary school students, the interview more often consists of a teacher observation or individual or group-administered diagnostic tests.

Remember, school admissions officers are there to help you complete your applications in a timely manner. They also want to make sure that the process is a positive experience for you and your child 18

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

and that there is a good match between your child and the school.

Try to avoid: • While admissions officers want to be helpful, don’t call too often, overload them with additional information about your child, or try to impress them with your business or social contacts.

• Don’t jump on the bandwagon of applying to a school just because your child’s peers are applying.

Similarly, don’t just apply to a school because it is one of the “top” schools in the area and boasts of its graduates who go to the Ivies. Be realistic about your child’s strengths, interests, and personality; she may not be an Ivy League kind of kid.

• Don’t shy away from disclosing vital information about your child or family—notably about any special academic needs your child has or about your family’s financial need for tuition help. >>>

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WHEN YOU INSPIRE A PASSION FOR LEARNING

THE EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENS At Stratford, students accomplish extraordinary things. Discover a school that inspires children to become creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident leaders.

Schedule a campus tour today!

StratfordSchools.com/tours

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Now EnroG rade Preschool-8th

*

ASSOCIAT I

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Accrediting Commission for Schools

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*Grades offered vary by location. Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 073406680, 013420588, 013423042, 434404890, 434413440, 434410816, 434408056, 013420939, 414004014, 384001837, 384004006, 434407977, 434408877, 434410807, 434404336, 434406722. Copyright © 2019 Stratford Schools, Inc.

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CAMPUSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY AREA AND CO

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Prayer, Study...

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School 299 Precita Ave San Francisco, CA 94110 415-648-2008

www.saicsf.org

...Community, Service www.ParentsPress.com

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Applying to a Private School cont’d.

While most private schools cannot afford to meet the academic and financial needs of all students they would like to admit, you won’t increase your child’s chances of acceptance by failing to be upfront about certain information. And if the school turns

your child down for any special issues, it’s likely the school was not a good fit.

• Don’t miss application deadlines. But if you do, some schools have rolling admissions and admit students throughout the school year. 

Too Late to Apply?

Don’t give up on a school if you’ve missed the admissions deadline.

“F

inding a school [that] will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done,” says Private School Review, an online site, www.privateschoolreview. com, that profiles private schools. “It’s a nagging question many parents ask themselves. You suddenly decide in late winter or early spring that you want to get your child into a private school for fall.

Or perhaps a job transfer makes finding a private school in a hurry an absolute necessity. So, are you indeed too late? It depends.”

First, contact the school’s admissions office, state your case, and see how school officials respond. Some schools have flexible or rolling admissions and in essence accept students as long as the school enrollment roster has room, and some schools create waitlists when full. There is a chance, too, that an accepted student may withdraw or cancel, creating an available spot at the last minute.

The bottom line? “Ask anyway. You never know, and it never hurts to ask,” Private School Review advises. 

Shadow Days

A

fter all the open houses, information nights, school tours, and interviews, the best way for kids to evaluate a school is to spend a day on campus. Luckily, most schools offer shadow days for older students (usually those entering middle school or high school). Prospective students are matched up with a current student for an entire school day. They go to classes, share time during breaks and lunch, and get an insider’s tour of the campus—experiencing firsthand what it feels like to be a student at that school.

Things to know: • Typically, shadow days can be scheduled anytime from October to May. • Visitors are often required to respect the school dress code.

• Visiting students are usually allowed to shadow a current student they already know, as long as the request is made in advance.

• If prospective students do not know any current students, the school will assign one based on interests in academics, extracurricular activities, etc.

• Shadow days are just for students; no parents allowed.

• Don’t worry if your student goes to a P.E. class.

Your kid will be OK. 

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

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Preparing for the Interview When students are old enough to be the key subject of interviews, they should be prepared to answer typical questions, such as: • Tell me about yourself: Help your child come up with an answer that doesn’t recite biographical facts but describes his interests and strengths in certain academic areas or extracurricular activities and allows him to talk up his accomplishments.

• Why do you want to come to this school? The school wants to find out if the child understands what makes the school unique and whether he sees it as a match for his own personality, academic strengths, interests, and aspirations. So, hopefully, during visits, or in talking to students and faculty, your child has encountered programs or a learning environment that excites him.

T

he idea of your child having to interview to gain admission to a private school sounds downright terrifying. But private school experts say you shouldn’t think of the interview as a high-stakes interrogation. Rather, think of the interview as a two-way conversation that helps everyone involved— school staff, parents, and child—determine if the school is the right fit for your child.

The structure of the interview also depends on the school and your child’s age. Typically, the applicant and her family come to the school to look around and talk with an admissions officer or other school staff.

The staff might focus on talking with the parents, but with older children and high school students, an admissions officer might speak privately with the child in a formal or more casual situation.

Given that the interview is an important part of the application process, and in determining if this school is the best place to educate your child, here are some things you and your child should prepare for so the interview will go well, according to the National Association of Independent Schools and other private school organizations.

With younger kids, the school staff will mostly talk to the parents, asking them to describe their child and what they hope their child will gain by attending this school. www.ParentsPress.com

• Talk about subjects or teachers you like: Help your child figure out certain coursework that has recently engaged him, such as a certain book in English class or a social studies field trip to see Egyptian mummies at a museum.

Given that the interview is also a chance for you and your child to learn more about the school, help your child prepare to ask questions. Look at the school’s website or think back to visits and help him come up with a list of questions that reflects how the school might nurture his interests. “Will I be able to do dissections in sixth-grade biology?”

“Can I audition for school plays in ninth grade?”

“What about your study trips overseas?”“What are different ways I can fulfill my community service requirements?” The admissions officers will likely see your child’s curiosity as evidence of his interest in coming to the school.

Parents and students should always be honest, experts say. But that doesn’t mean you should accentuate your child’s weaknesses, provide too much information about family challenges, or badmouth your child’s current school, even if this current school environment is mostly negative and the reason he’s trying to change schools.

Instead, accentuate the positive: A child’s weakness or a family’s challenges are things he is working to overcome; or his current school simply isn’t the right fit for his unique needs and interests.  Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Entrance Exam 101

M

ost private schools require students entering middle and high school to take an entrance exam to gain admission to their institutions.

In the San Francisco Bay area, the most commonly accepted standardized tests are the Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE, and the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools. Another often recognized and accepted test is the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT. The ISEE and SSAT tests, basically, are to middle and high school what the SAT or ACT is to college.

They are administered independently at a set time at a specific location with results sent to designated schools. Often schools schedule these tests on their own campuses, and individual entrance requirements usually specify which test to take. The HSPT, however, does not coordinate national testing days, and test administration is the responsibility of individual schools or dioceses, which determine when to offer the HSPT. On these exams, students can expect multiplechoice questions that test verbal, math, and reading comprehension skills and a portion that assesses writing ability (though not part of the HSPT).

Policies vary according by test on taking practice tests and repeated test attempts. The test results often determine course placement, so more schools have begun to offer prep test programs to better equip entering students for the real thing. Schools may have additional or different requirements for international students.

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

ISEE Source: www.iseetest.org LOWER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades five and six.

MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades seven and eight (Middle); candidates for grades nine through 12 (Upper).

HSPT

Source: www.ststesting.com FOR Students in grade eight for placement in ninth grade.

SSAT

Source: www.ssat.org

The SSAT is a multiple-choice test designed for students in grades three through 11 and is administered on three levels: elementary, middle, and upper.

ELEMENTARY LEVEL SSAT FOR Students in grades three and four.

MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT Standard Test (group administered on eight Saturdays), Flex Test (group or individual administered on a different date), Regional Flex Test (or Open Flex Test) (regional consortia administered).

FOR Students in grades 5–7 (Middle) and grades 8–11 (Upper). 

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Tips for a Great Essay

A

pplication essays provide ways for private school admissions officers to get to know students beyond their grades, test scores, and basic biographical information. They provide insight into a student’s personality and interests—to help determine if the school is the right fit for your child and vice versa.

Aside from the interview, writing the essay can be one of the most stress-producing steps in the application process. But these suggestions from private school organizations can break the task of writing the essay into manageable steps and guide your child to crafting a work that makes him stand out to admissions officers.

START EARLY Do not wait until the night before the application is due to begin writing. Brainstorm and work out ideas with teachers, parents, or others early and give yourself time for revisions, if necessary, and copyediting.

READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY Don’t write a two-sentence essay if the school asks for one page, but don’t write more than one page. And, don’t turn in a typed essay if the school wants it handwritten.

GET CREATIVE If you are an aspiring writer, for example, ask the school if you can write in verse, instead of the usual narrative.

TELL THE SCHOOL WHAT IT WANTS TO KNOW Schools often provide an essay prompt, so you need to respond to it. That said, the prompts—such as “recount some activity or event that challenged you in a positive way”—usually allow the applicant lots of leeway to write about a range of topics.

BE REAL Don’t write what you think an admissions officer wants to hear—because you really have no idea. Write about what you know and what excites you.

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TELL A STORY While the essay should have correct spelling and grammar and be legible, it doesn’t have to follow the academic essay formula. A good strategy is to tell a story—even filled with dialogue or vivid description— to get your point across.

BE CONCRETE Stay away from generalizations, such as “singing by myself in front of my school was challenging.” Instead, provide details or an example of how and why you were scared before that solo singing performance and felt triumphant afterwards.

PARENTS, THIS MUST BE YOUR CHILD’S WORK While, as parents, you can provide feedback and help with copyediting, let your child do all the writing. And if you can’t help but get overly involved, consider asking a neutral third party—a teacher, another relative, or a professional consultant—to help your child edit her essay.  Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Fearless, W

EXCELL “At SHC I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. I am lucky to have had a community of peers and teachers that were always willing to support me.”

Kristin Faith Avenis ’18, Valedictorian American University

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

Find out more a www.ParentsPress.com

We Pursue

LENCE “What you put in is what you get out.

SHC’s resources are boundless, and I made sure to take advantage of them.”

Katherine Pan ’18 UC Berkeley

at shcp.edu/visit www.ParentsPress.com

Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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The Acceptance and Decision

T

he application is completed, interviews and shadow • Ask to talk to some teachers. days all done—all that’s left is waiting for the • Talk to graduates or current families of the acceptance letter (or email) and then the big school—especially any who have come from your decision. Usually, acceptance (or rejection or waitlist) child’s current school. notifications go out on a Friday in mid-March, and • Encourage your child to talk to other students. families then have seven days to decide where their child will attend. So how to make the decision?

ONCE YOU DECIDE When you learn about your child’s acceptance, you • Be sure to contact the school you choose by the will also learn about financial aid awards. If the grant reply deadline. you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are not • Let all schools where you were admitted know awarded any aid, contact the school’s financial aid officer of your final decision so they can contact other to learn about other options. families on their waiting list.

The following are tips on choosing a school from the • Return your signed enrollment contract and National Association of Independent Schools. tuition deposit.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE ACCEPTED IF YOU’RE WAITLISTED • If you’re certain about the school, say yes—but feel free to take the full seven days to sit with the decision • Call the school right away and let admissions officials know that you are very interested. Stay in to make sure it feels right. touch with them throughout the summer. SomeDECIDING ON A SCHOOL times children can be accepted off the waitlist just • Discuss the options as a family. days before school begins.

• Make a pro and con list for each possible school.

IF YOU’RE REJECTED • Revisit your notes from tours and open houses. Follow your heart. Revisit your wish list to make sure you’ve fulfilled your priorities. Be sure that your child will thrive in the independent school community you choose.

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE • Consider a second visit to the school; have your child do a shadow day if she hasn’t already.

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

• Consider other schools.

• Ask the school for feedback about what factors made the difference. Try to approach the issue in a nonjudgmental way; tell the admissions staff you want to get information that can help your child do better in the future. 

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Financial Aid: Basics You Need to Know WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? Monetary assistance that schools provide to reduce educational costs to families. Most financial aid takes the form of grants that do not need to be paid back.

WHERE DOES FINANCIAL AID COME FROM? Most aid is provided directly from the school and distributed on the basis of financial need.

WHAT DOES “FINANCIAL NEED” MEAN? Need is the difference between educational expenses—especially tuition and fees—and your family’s ability to pay those expenses.

HOW DO SCHOOLS DETERMINE FINANCIAL NEED? They ask you to fill out financial statements that give them a picture of how much you can afford to contribute toward education. After calculating the difference between your resources and their tuition and fees, they weigh the resulting financial need against their available financial aid funds and their policies.

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.

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WHAT IS THE INCOME LEVEL AT WHICH A FAMILY IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR AID? There is no specific income limit. If you feel you cannot pay all the costs yourself, it’s worth the effort to ask whether aid is available.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE USUALLY LIKE? Be sure to ask each school for its unique deadlines. For schools that do not have rolling admissions, here are some approximate dates that many schools tend to follow: • Sept. or Oct. in the year before you want to start in the new school: Begin your school search.

• Nov. or Dec.: Begin the financial aid application process.

• Jan. or early Feb.: Your admission applications are due.

• Jan. or Feb.: Your financial aid applications are due.

• Late Feb. or early March: Schools send out admission decisions.

• March or April: Schools send out financial aid decisions.

(Bay Area schools often include this information with the acceptance letter.)

Again: Contact individual schools for exact deadlines.

Each school’s deadlines may be different.  Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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Myths About Financial Aid MYTH: An independent school education is out of reach for all but wealthy families.

REALITY: Tuition can be expensive. But hundreds of private schools offer financial assistance to make sure that the students they’ve admitted have a realistic chance to enroll, no matter what their families’ financial status.

MYTH: All schools our child applies to will offer our family the same financial aid package.

REALITY: How much aid you receive may vary— a lot—from school to school. The amount a school can offer depends on factors such as the size of its endowment, its tuition costs, and its philosophy about providing aid. If your decision to send your child to an independent school depends on getting some financial help, it pays to apply for aid at more than one school.

MYTH: The deadlines for admission and financial aid are the same.

REALITY: Often the deadlines are not the same. Check with each school (the deadlines are usually on the school’s website), and be sure to keep track of what you must do when. Do not wait to begin the financial aid process until after you receive an admission decision.

It pays to complete both admission and financial aid applications at the same time, even if they’re due on different dates; plus many schools require that they be done at the same time.

MYTH: The financial aid application process is complicated.

REALITY: There’s some truth to this one, but schools’ 28

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

financial aid offices are working hard to make the process as clear and convenient as possible. More than 2,100 schools use SSS, School and Student Services

by NAIS, to help them make financial aid decisions.

This means you may only have to fill out one form to apply for financial aid at several schools. The form and instructions are available online. In addition, many schools offer financial aid workshops, and staffers welcome your calls any time you have questions.

MYTH: If we tell the school our family needs financial aid, this might hurt our child’s chances of being admitted.

REALITY: The typical school will not reject a qualified student’s admission application because the child is applying for financial aid. That said: Admission is not a guarantee that the student’s family will receive financial aid. The amount of aid depends on the family’s eligibility and the funds the school has available.

MYTH: It’s too intimidating to talk to the school about our private financial matters.

REALITY: The school is your very best source of realistic information about the procedures and timelines for getting aid and of advice about the types of financial assistance available. The members of the financial aid staff want you to turn to them for help.

Really.  Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org. www.ParentsPress.com

SCHOOL PROFILES

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

S

acred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a Lasallian Vincentian Catholic, college preparatory high school located in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural center. We are dedicated to the intellectual and academic excellence of our students, and we strive to develop the unique talents and passions of each individual. Our devotion is illustrated in our enthusiastic and highly educated teachers, commitment to service and social justice, innovative curriculum and cutting-edge classroom technology. SHC Alumni are accepted into hundreds of colleges across the country, including all of US News & World Report’s Top 10 National Universities.

At SHC, academic excellence is not only measured in the range and quality of our courses, but in our students’ curiosity, drive and desire to learn. We challenge our students to stretch themselves, to experience and learn as much as they can, to honor their passions and develop their talents, to generously share those talents, to become their best selves.

Students and their families choose SHC for the strength of our academics, our diverse array of cocurricular opportunities, and for the warmth of our inclusive and nurturing community.

To schedule a tour, contact Director of Admissions Tim Burke ’70 at tburke@shcp.edu or 415.775.6626 ext. 729.

We believe that academic, intellectual, emotional, personal and creative development invigorates the whole student. Our cocurricular programs are essential, not extra, elements to the student experience at SHC. Our students excel on the field, onstage and as leaders in our community, just as they do in the classroom. Our state-ofthe-art facilities allow students to engage in a collaborative learning experience, and our successful Bring Your Own Device program gives students the autonomy to use the tools most relevant to them in a digitally diverse and everchanging world.

1055 Ellis St. | San Francisco, CA 94109 | 415.775.6626 shcp.edu www.ParentsPress.com

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Peninsula School

W

ATCHING CHILDREN RUN THROUGH THE WOODED CAMPUS in a game of capture the flag, bound into the Victorian mansion for an arts class, or express their opinions during a class meeting, it’s easy to see why students from nursery through 8th grade are excited to attend Peninsula School each day.

Several aspects make Peninsula unique among independent schools. Student to teacher ratio is low. Students have a great deal of voice in decisions and in their education. The democratic process is used with students for collaboration and decision making. An intellectually vigorous curriculum is steeped in inquiry, critical thinking, analysis, hands on experiences and the arts.

Peninsula believes that every child is born with natural curiosity and a desire to be part of a supportive community. And that providing children with a joyful and diverse environment with opportunities to make choices, to be active participants in their learning and to collaborate with others, allows intellectual curiosity to flourish, social skills to develop naturally, and confidence to grow.

Teachers tailor dynamic learning experiences to each class that focus on developing cognitive flexibility, social and cultural fluency, collaborative inquiry, precision of thought and persistence.

The 5-8 program is designed to take advantage of the adolescent needs for a voice in decisions, autonomy, intellectual inquiry and social interactions. The nongraded and non-competitive program focuses on selfevaluation and self-improvement, on taking authorship of one’s learning and on gaining the confidence to take academic risks. Camping trips are an essential component of the curriculum.

Peninsula School began as an innovative idea in 1925 and has had a profound influence on children throughout its history. At Peninsula learning at every stage is joyful and students contribute to the world as confident and creative learners, ethical citizens and compassionate leaders.

Peninsula begins with children as young as 3 years old in a play-based Nursery program. Students in K-4 are grouped in classrooms to enhance their social, emotional and cognitive development.

920 Peninsula Way | Menlo Park | 650-325-1584 www.peninsulaschool.org

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Sand Hill School at Children's Health Council

W

e know how to get K-8 kids with dyslexia to believe in themselves and love school again.

When families come to Sand Hill, they begin to breathe again. Why? Because Sand Hill School is a caring, joyful place where kids who’ve been frustrated in other learning environments feel understood. When they feel understood, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they’re more willing to take risks and rediscover their strengths…and once that happens, they never look back again.

As one of our students said, “My teacher gets me.”

At Sand Hill, your child will connect with a specially-trained team of caring teachers and child development experts who know the most effective methods for teaching children with dyslexia and other learning differences—professionals who really want to understand your child. They find out about your child’s special interests and they use those interests to keep your child motivated. Then the team creates a personalized program that will restore your child’s love of learning, encourage curiosity and build academic and social skills.

Small classes integrate social emotional learning, executive functioning and academics.

Sand Hill staff work together to assure Sand Hill students get all the support they need to be successful.

Here is a recent comment from a parent: “Our daughter has attended Sand Hill School for the past year. She entered the school a depressed and stressed child but her self-esteem has been transformed. No longer does she immediately respond to each school problem by crumbling. She now says, ‘I may not get it yet, but I will get it soon.’

She advocates for her needs now too. We have also received amazing OT services. We feel like Sand Hill School has given our child a second chance at a happy school experience.”

Please visit us if you think Sand Hill could be a fit for your child or for a child you know. We are happy to arrange a tour of the school and our beautiful and inviting campus. Call us at 650.688.3605. We’d love to meet you

The result? Your child will become more confident, more resilient and more self-aware.

Head of School Cindy Lopez, Assistant Head of School Heather Whitlock, Director of Clinical Services Dr. Ramsey Khasho and the entire

650 Clark Way | Palo Alto, CA 94304 | 650-688-3605 www.sandhillschool.org

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Challenger School

I

N 1960, WHILE TEACHING In a public school, Challenger School founder and CEO Barbara Baker became alarmed that her first grade students had received no academics in kindergarten, wasting the best years for establishing a foundation for learning. Barbara decided to leave the comfort of the public schools and started her own preschool where she could teach phonics to children before they went to public school. “I figured that if they learned phonics in preschool, no one could take that away from them.”

In Barbara’s first class, there were only six paying students. Two years later the tiny preschool had grown to 100 half-day preschool students with 100 students waiting for admission. Today, Challenger School educates more than 10,000 students annually.

THINKING SKILLS Challenger School teaches students early on that they are responsible for their own learning and for their successes. Challenger’s emphasis on independent reasoning skills–so rarely practiced in today’s world–results in their students’ extraordinary academic performance.

BREATHTAKING RESULTS Challenger students achieve scores on average well above the 90th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). This means that Challenger’s average student outperforms nine out of ten students who take that test.

Challenger School offers preschool through eighth grade and operates a total of 26 campuses in five western states. For a location near you, visit ChallengerSchool.com.

Our mission is to prepare children to become selfreliant, productive individuals; to teach them to think, speak, and write with clarity, precision, and independence; to lead them to recognize and value their individuality and unalienable rights; and to inspire them to embrace challenge and find joy and self-worth through achievement.

POISE AND CONFIDENCE Challenger students regularly speak and perform before their peers, teachers, and parents from preschool on. Challenger graduates often point to these experiences as the basis for success in college and the workplace.

Ten Bay Area Locations www.challengerschool.com/

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The Harker School

SCHOOL PROFILES

Founded in 1893, The Harker School is a Pre-12, college preparatory school in San Jose that has earned international recognition for its top academics, quality teachers and students’ achievements.

New! Peninsula Shuttle Service For the convenience of our many families on the Peninsula we have added a bus service to Harker from Portola Valley and Los Altos.

The Harker School | San Jose, CA | K-12 I Preschool | Summer | www.harker.org

F

ounded in 1893 The Harker School is one of the nation’s top college-prep schools. A Harker education features inspiring and challenging academics, comprehensive extracurricular programs and electives, and leading-edge facilities and resources.

Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity and personal accountability have been in the school’s DNA since its founding. Community service, character development curriculum, and our Honor Code all encourage, develop and reinforce these important qualities. Harker evaluates the course placement that will best challenge and inspire each student to academic excellence, ensuring a motivating and exciting learning environment.

In Harker’s athletic program, teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication and leadership are cornerstones, and emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence and a sense of fair play.

Harker is a supportive, safe, fun and nurturing place where kids make friends for life with their peers, their teachers and the staff. Our students leave Harker uncommonly prepared for college and ready to make a difference in the world.

Outstanding faculty and small class sizes are paramount at Harker. Teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees in their subject areas, are selected for their academic expertise, positive role modeling and passion for teaching.

After-school offerings – most of which are included in tuition – encourage students to explore and discover their passions outside the classroom. A multidisciplinary program of performance, art and music are part of the curriculum beginning in kindergarten.

500 Saratoga Avenue | San Jose | 408-249-2510 www.harker.org

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Stratford School When you inspire the joy of learning the extraordinary happens.

A

Multiple Locations Throughout the Bay Area www.stratfordschools.com

t Stratford, high expectations yield extraordinary results. We start early with an intentionally balanced curriculum that challenges students and accelerates achievement. Our ever-evolving, STEAMbased (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) curriculum ensures students develop the diverse set of problem-solving skills and creative talents they’ll need in today’s world. Our passionate teachers cultivate a nurturing and fun classroom environment, where children feel safe and eager to try new things. Beyond the classroom, we help students discover and define their passions through a variety of extracurricular activities, personal development, and enrichment. This carefully orchestrated approach prepares students to become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident leaders. Learn more by visiting www.stratfordschools.com!

Old Orchard School Small School. Big Education

W

e ask a lot of our students. Academic subjects, including daily Spanish classes, are accelerated, but never rushed. We emphasize comprehension and critical thinking, asking students to work toward thoughtful solutions to challenging questions. Digital, visual and performing arts programs offer balance, providing students with creative outlets that also strengthen their academic work. Our faculty and staff have the time to work closely with individual students, whether it be guiding them through tough math problems or coaching them through life lessons.

400 W. Campbell Avenue Campbell, CA 95008 408-378-5935 www.oldorchardschool.com

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Schedule a school-day tour with our Admission Office: admission@oldorchardschool.com or (408) 378-5935

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Belmont Oaks Academy

“Building a Strong Foundation for the Future” – Founded in 1948 –

A

t Belmont Oaks Academy and Merry Moppet Preschool, we believe in the importance of building a strong foundation for each child's future success. We strive to provide a safe and challenging learning environment that engages creative development with independent thinking, while promoting self-discipline, self-esteem, consideration and respect for others.

Preschool Program – Merry Moppet Preschool has developed a proven readiness curriculum for children ages two through five, which prepares children for a successful elementary experience.

Our approach to teaching emphasizes social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth and provides each child with the right balance of challenge, support, encouragement and stimulation.

Lower Elementary (K-2nd) – At the heart of our lower elementary program, are the essential skills needed for developing readers, writers and mathematicians. Our well-balanced program places an emphasis on educating the whole child during these formative years.

Upper Elementary (3rd-5th) – As students leave the lower elementary school with a strong foundation, our program shifts to a more student driven focus where students can express themselves and their ideas as they explore the larger world in depth.

Cornerstones of the Learning Process: · Thought-provoking learning environment · Creative Opportunities · Problem Solving · Critical Thinking · Integration of Technology · Risk Taking in a nurturing and supportive environment Contact us today to arrange a tour!

Cornerstones of the learning process: · Nurturing & loving environment · Engaging and challenging curriculum · Development of self-esteem and confidence · Compassion and care for others · Freedom to make mistakes

2200 Carlmont Drive | Belmont | 650-593-6175 www.mmboa.org

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Emerson School

... is different!

Emerson School shapes strong, competent, self-confident individuals, not students who would rather “follow the crowd.”

2800 West Bayshore Road Palo Alto, Ca 94303 Linda Paz, Director (650) 424-1267 www.EmersonPaloAlto.com

Its diverse curriculum includes all traditional subjects, and also art, music, languages (Chinese, Spanish), economics, and expository and creative writing. Montessori pedagogy ensures that students progress to the next step only after mastering earlier steps.

Its flexible, full-day, full-year calendar allows students to complete their work on campus, so evenings are family time, while vacations are taken when convenient for working parents. Its emphasis on respect means that disagreements are settled immediately and students help each other attain excellence.

To understand the difference, please visit.

The King's Academy

T

KA inspires academic excellence, servant leadership, and enduring relationships.

At TKA, students graduate with a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and a sense of significance.

With a low teacher:student ratio, students receive individual attention and encouragement to do their best. Our 1:1 technology program and collaborative classroom environment ensures students are responsible digital and global citizens with 21st century literacy skills. Through TKA’s Spiritual Life program and Service Trips, students grow in their faith and make a difference to others. TKA offers a stellar Visual and Performing Arts program known throughout the Bay Area and fields 65 competitive athletic teams.

CHRIST-CENTERED COLLEGE PREPARATORY Junior and Senior High School, Grades 6-12

562 N. Britton Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 408-481-9900 www.tka.org

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Attend TKA’s Open Houses: Saturday, October 19 & December 7 at 11:00 a.m. in our Theater, followed by tours and complimentary lunch.

Learn how TKA is preparing students for college, life, service and eternity.

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Charles Armstrong School Providing Over 50 Years of Transformational Education.

Our Mission: Charles Armstrong School unlocks the unique potential of students with dyslexia and related learning differences, changing the trajectory of their lives.

Our Values:

We are student-centered.  Our instructional approach embraces neuro-diversity.  We nurture and celebrate individual strengths and talents.  We cultivate self-confidence and the joy of learning.

We grow together.  Our highly-trained faculty foster continuous student growth within a supportive environment.  We educate and actively partner with families.

We honor community.  Our students’ shared experience cultivates a sense of belonging.  Our families, faculty, and staff develop meaningful, lasting relationships.

We meet students where they are and provide: • • • • •

A rich academic curriculum A safe learning environment Structured and systematic instructions Appropriately paced lessons Multi-sensory and mult-model learning methods • Movement, mindfulness and brain boosts throughout the day • Integrated social emotional learning • And believe in a positive, collaborative partnership with families

Visit Armstrong: Register on our website (Admissions, Visit Armstrong) to attend a Visitor Information Night or schedule a tour.

Armstrong At A Glance:

Number of Students: 240 Student to Teacher Ratio: 4.5 to 1 Students per Classroom: Lower School 12-18; Middle School 17-19 Grade Levels: 2nd - 8th Founded in 1968, with families attending from across the Bay area Accreditations: WASC accreditation and CAIS provisional accreditation Leader in the field of dyslexia education, with a proven and long-standing track record of teaching students with language-based learning differences in ways they learn best.

1405 Solana Drive | Belmont | CA | 94002 650-592-7570 www.charlesarmstrong.org

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Alto International School

A

lto is an International Baccalaureate World School in the heart of Silicon Valley. Every day we create a stimulating learning environment for our students who come from all over the world. Students of all ages are exposed to an international mindset and an inquiry-based learning approach.

Our internationally focused middle and high school offers students a unique preparatory, multilingual education providing them with the necessary skills for university and life beyond. Students are taught in a multilingual environment, graduating with literacy skills in at least two languages. For younger students, we offer a Germanimmersion focused preschool and elementary program, educating engaged, independent, and balanced learners.

475 Pope Street Menlo Park, CA 94025 650.324.8617 www.altoschool.org

At Alto, we believe that the world needs young people eager to take on today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Alto International School equips students with the skills and confidence to contribute to making our world a better place.

Learn more at AltoSchool.org

Notre Dame Elementary & Preschool

N

otre Dame Elementary & Preschool is a Preschool-Grade 8, Co-Educational private, Catholic School.

At NDE we...

Develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.

Educate for an act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.

Create faith-based community ad commit ourselves to the service of others.

ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE Thursday, October 17 - 6:00 pm

1200 Notre Dame Avenue Belmont, CA 94002 650-591-2209 www.nde.org 38

Saturday, January 25, 2020 – 9:30 am SCHEDULE A TOUR All Tours begin at 9:00 am - Schedule one at nde.org

Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

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SCHOOL PROFILES

Serendipity School

S

erendipity: n. The gift of discovering valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for

individuals and engages students throughout the learning process. Our highly skilled and trained educators teach to the whole child, and implement a differentiated curriculum that is both diverse and dynamic.

erendipity School: A setting for unexpected and exciting learning experiences that are sparked by discovery, guided by individuality, and supported by community

EMPOWERING

Serendipity School is a rare and remarkable place: an encouraging, engaging, and empowering learning community where academic and personal discovery is prized, where the path to excellence is an individual adventure. A unique educational institution dedicated to progressive education, active and hands-on learning, differentiated instruction, and teaching to the whole child, Serendipity School is committed to the process and journey of learning. The result is a community of students who grow to be lifelong, joyful, and invested learners.

ENCOURAGING Serendipity School’s rich and multifaceted programs promote each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development in positive ways designed to further curiosity and creativity. Our programs encompass each child’s participation, interest, enthusiasm, and ideas.

All Serendipity students are encouraged to meet challenges and strive for excellence.

Serendipity School supports effort and achievement by empowering students and giving them tools for academic success. Serendipity helps students to grow and learn with confidence and enthusiasm. Serendipity School students are empowered to experiment, assume academic risk, and take an interest in and responsibility for the world around them.

“Serendipity finds the little thing that makes each child unique and expounds upon that. It creates children who are confident, self-aware, and ready to face the world.” Serendipity School Parent Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School Education

ENGAGING Serendipity School believes in providing an educational experience that treats children as San Mateo and Belmont • CA 650-574-7400 (Preschool) 650-596-9100 (Kindergarten and Elementary) www.serendipityschool.com/

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SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private East BaySchools Private Schools

Grades Gender Student-Faculty Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment Ratio

Affiliation Affiliation//Notes Notes Languages Languages

Tuition TuitionRange Range Tuition Tuition Assistance Assistance

Accreditation/ Accreditation/ Associations Associations

Belmont Belmont Oaks Academy (see pgs. 3, 35) 2200 Carlmont Drive Belmont • 650-593-6175 www.mmboa.org

Charles Armstrong School (see pgs. 7, 37) 1405 Solana Drive Belmont • 650-592-7570 www.charlesarmstrong.org

Immaculate Heart of Mary School 1000 Alameda De Las Pulgas Belmont • 650-593-4265

Notre Dame Elementary School (see p. 38) 1200 Notre Dame Avenue Belmont • 650-591-2209 www.nde.org

Serendipity School (see pgs. 9, 39) 2820 Ponce Avenue Belmont • 650-596-9100 www.serendipityschool.com

PS - 5 Co-Ed 12:1 365

Independent

$16,350 $17,250; PS $1,690 $1,980 per mo

WASC, NIPSA, PACE, CCLD

2-8 Co-Ed LS 13-16; US 9 240

Non Denominational Learning Difference: Dyslexia

Please Call FA Available

WASC, CAIS Provisional

K-8 Co-Ed 266

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

PS-8 Co-Ed 15:1 150

Independent English, Spanish

Please Call

WASC, WCEA

TK-5 Co-Ed 12:1 110

Non Denominational English, Spanish and Mandarin; Progressive, HandsOn Learning

$22,470 FA Available

WASC, PACE, ASCD

PK-8 Co-Ed 10:1 250

Catholic English, Spanish

$5,000 $12,000

WASC, WCEA

K-12 Co-Ed 136

Non Denominational

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 311

Catholic

Please Call

PK - 8 Co-Ed 15:1 110

Non Denominational English, Spanish

$15,000 25%

PS-8 Co-Ed 23:1 366

Catholic

Please Call Varies

K-5 Co-Ed 20:1 200

Non Denominational Spanish in grades 2-5

Please Call

Campbell Canyon Heights Academy 775 Waldo Road Campbell • 408-370-6727 www.canyonheightsacademy.com

Pioneer Family Academy 1799 South Winchester Boulevard Campbell • 408-313-5113

St. Lucy Parish School 76 Kennedy Avenue Campbell • 408-871-8023

WASC

Daly City Hilldale School 79 Florence St. Daly City • 650-756-4737 Hilldaleschool.org

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 7 Elmwood Drive Daly City • 650-756-3395 www.olmbulldogs.com

WCEA, WASC NCEA

Foster City Kids Connection Elementary School 1998 Beach Park Blvd.

Foster City • 650-578-6691 kidsconnectionschools.com

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www.ParentsPress.com

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

PS - Middle Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 ES-MS 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

6-12 Co-Ed 6:1 366

Non Denominational French Spanish Mandarin

Please Call

K-9 Co-Ed 480

Non Denominational

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 135

Seventh-day Adventist

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 297

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS-12 Co-Ed 6:1 260

International Baccalaureate German, Spanish, French

Please Call

WASC, IBO

K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 170

Non Denominational

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 272

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

3yrs-8th Gr Co-Ed 6:1 252

Non Denominational Spanish

Nursery $17,230 K-8 $22,640 FA Available

PEN

Fremont Stratford Schools, (see pgs 19, 34) 5301 Curtis St. Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordschools.com

Hillsborough Crystal Springs Uplands School 400 Uplands Dr. Hillsborough • 650-342-4175 www.csus.org

The Nueva School 6565 Skyline Boulevard Hillsborough • 650-350-4600

WASC

Los Altos Miramonte Elementary 1175 Altamead Drive Los Altos • 650-967-2783

Los Gatos St. Mary’s School 30 Lyndon Avenue Los Gatos • 408-354-3944

Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 220 Kensington Way Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordschools.com

Menlo Park Alto School, (see pgs. 17, 38) 475 Pope Street Menlo Park • 650-324-8617 www.altoschool.org

Beechwood School 50 Terminal Avenue Menlo Park • 650-327-5052 www.beechwoodschool.org

Nativity Catholic School 1250 Laurel Street Menlo Park • 650-325-7304

Peninsula School, (see pgs. 11, 30) 920 Peninsula Way Menlo Park • 650-325-1584 www.peninsulaschool.org

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Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

41

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

PS - Middle Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 ES-MS 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

9-12 Co-Ed 1753

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

K-8 Co-Ed 200

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

K-5 Co-Ed 108

Non Denominational

Please Call

WASC

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-K Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

1-6 Co-Ed 12:1 18

Montessori Mandarin Spanish Hindi

$20,040 $22,140 Inquire

Milpitas Stratford School, (see pgs 19, 34) 341 Great Mall Pkwy Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordschools.com

Morgan Hill Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 410 Llagas Road Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801 www.stratfordschools.com

Mountain View St. Francis High School 1885 Miramonte Avenue Mountain View • 650-968-1213

St. Joseph School 1120 Miramonte Avenue Mountain View • 650-967-1839

Yew Chung International School 310 Easy Street Mountain View • 650-903-0986 www.sv.ycef.com

Newark Challenger School - Ardenwood (see pgs 2, 32) 35487 Dumbarton Court Newark • 510-739-0300 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark/ardenwood

Challenger School - Newark (see pgs 2, 32) 39600 Cedar Boulevard Newark • 510-770-1771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark

Palo Alto Challenger School - Middlefield (see pgs 2, 32) 3880 Middlefield Road Palo Alto • 650-213-8245 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ palo-alto/middlefield

Emerson School (see pgs. 17, 36) 2800 West Bayshore Road Palo Alto • 650-424-1267 www.emersonpaloalto.com

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Families by the Bay | Regional Guide to Private Schools

AMS

www.ParentsPress.com

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Sand Hill School at Children’s Health Council (see pgs 31, Back Cover)

K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 and 8:1 59

Independent

$39,000 FA Available

K-8 Co-Ed 255

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

6-8 Girls Only 1:8 199

Independent Spanish

$28,000 20%

WASC CAIS

K-8 Co-Ed 300

Catholic

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 24:1 215

Lutheran Spanish

$8,470 Needs Based

WASC NLSA

K-8 Co-Ed 317

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

18 months - 8 Co-Ed 24:1

Non Denominational Spanish Mandarin

varies by grade level (see website)

ACSI WASC

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

K-8 Co-Ed 4:1 50

Non Denominational English, Spanish

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 306

Catholic

Please Call

650 Clark Way Palo Alto • 650-688-3605 www.sandhillschool.org

St. Elizabeth Seton 1095 Channing Avenue Palo Alto • 650-326-9004

Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 870 North California Avenue Palo Alto • 650-493-1151 www.stratfordschools.com

The Girls’ Middle School 3400 West Bayshore Rd Palo Alto • 650-968-8338 www.girlsms.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

Accreditation/ Associations

Redwood City Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 301 Grand Street Redwood City • 650-366-6127

Redeemer Lutheran School 468 Grand Street Redwood City • 650-366-3466 www.redeemer-school.org

St. Pius Elementary 1100 Woodside Road Redwood City • 650-368-8327

San Bruno Highlands Christian Schools 1900 Monterey Drive San Bruno • 650-873-4090 www.HighlandsChristianSchools.com

Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 2322 Crestmoor Drive San Bruno • 650-837-9222 www.stratfordschools.com

San Carlos Arbor Bay School 1017 Cedar Street San Carlos • 650-631-9999 www.arborbayschool.org

St. Charles Elementary 850 Tamarack Avenue San Carlos • 650-593-1629

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WASC

Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

43

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

West Bay High School

9-12 Co-Ed 4:1 14

Non Denominational English

Please Call

WASC

9-12 Boys Only 10:1 700

Catholic Spanish ASL Russian Chinese

$17,410 Varies

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 449

Non Denominational

Please Call

WASC

K-12 Co-Ed 958

Non Denominational French

Please Call

WASC

9-12 Co-Ed 12:1 1,320

Catholic English Spanish French Japanese Mandarin ASL

$19,100 $4.2 million in FA - over 300 students received

WASC WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 15:1 145

Roman Catholic English

$5,920

WASC WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 604

Non Denominational

Please Call

WASC

K-8 Co-Ed 164

Non Denominational

Please Call

WASC

9-12 Co-Ed 1,468

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

K-8 Co-Ed 14:1 207

Catholic Spanish

$6,850 FA Available

WASC

K - Elem Co-Ed K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

1561 Laurel Street San Carlos • 650-595-5022 www.westbayhigh.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

San Francisco Archbishop Riordan High School 175 Phelan Avenue San Francisco • 415-586-8200 www.riordanhs.org

Chinese American International School 150 Oak Street San Francisco • 415-865-6000

French American International School 150 Oak Street San Francisco • 415-558-2022 www.frenchamericansf.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (see pgs 24-25, 29) 1055 Ellis Street San Francisco • 415-772-6626 www.shcp.edu

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception (see p. 19) 299 Precita Avenue San Francisco • 415-628-2008 Principal: Barbara Moodie www.saicsf.org

St. Cecilia Elementary 660 Vicente Street San Francisco • 415-731-8400

St. Charles Elementary 3250 18th Street San Francisco • 415-861-7652

St. Ignatius College Preparatory 2001 37th Avenue San Francisco • 415-731-7500

St. Paul’s School 1690 Church Street San Francisco • 415-713-7818 www.stpaulschoolsf.org

Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 301 DeMontfort Avenue San Francisco • 415-333-3134 www.stratfordschools.com

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Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

Accreditation/ Associations

San Jose Challenger School - Almaden, (see pgs 2, 32)

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

P-12 Co-Ed 10:1 2,045

Independent

$29,561 $45,877

K-8 Co-Ed 528

Catholic

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 25:1 470

Catholic English, Spanish grades K-4

$5,740 $6,220 Need Based

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 286

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

K-8 Co-Ed 323

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

K-12 Co-Ed 260

Catholic

Please Call

WASC

19950 McKean Road San Jose • 408-927-5771 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ san-jose/almaden

Challenger School - Berryessa, (see pgs 2, 32) 711 East Gish Road San Jose • 408-998-2860 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ san-jose/berryessa

Challenger School - Harwood, (see pgs 2, 32) 4949 Harwood Road San Jose • 408-723-0111 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ san-jose/harwood

Challenger School - Shawnee, (see pgs 2, 32) 500 Shawnee Lane San Jose • 408-365-9298 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ san-jose/shawnee

Challenger School - Strawberry Park, (see pgs 2, 32) 730 Camina Escuela San Jose • 408-213-0083 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ san-jose/strawberry-park

The Harker School, (see pgs. 5, 33) 500 Saratoga Ave San Jose • 408-249-2510 www.harker.org

Holy Spirit 1198 Redmond Avenue San Jose • 408-268-0794 www. holyspirit-school.org

St. John Vianney 4601 Hyland Avenue San Jose • 408-258-7677

St. Leo the Great School 1051 West San Fernando Street San Jose • 408-293-4846

St. Martin of Tours School 300 O’Connor Drive San Jose • 408-287-3631

St. Patrick Elementary 51 North Ninth Street San Jose • 408-283-5858

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CAIS, NAIS WASC

Regional Guide to Private Schools | Families by the Bay

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SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Stratford Middle School (see pgs 19, 34) 1718 Andover Lane San Jose • 408-626-0001 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School (see pgs 19, 34) 6670 San Anselmo Way San Jose • 408-363-2130 www.stratfordschools.com

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

6-8 Co-Ed 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS Co-Ed 120

Non Denominational Education Based Center Developmentally Appropriate

Please Call

K-8 Co-Ed 336

Non Denominational

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

6-8 Co-Ed Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS - K Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

PS-8 Co-Ed

Non Denominational

$3,740 $18,850

San Mateo Serendipity Preschool (see pgs. 9, 39) 3172 Clearview Way San Mateo • 650-574-7400 www.serendipityschool.com

Santa Clara Monticello Academy 3345 Lochinvar Avenue Santa Clara • 408-615-9416

Stratford School Pomeroy (see pgs 19, 34) 890 Pomeroy Avenue Santa Clara • 408-244-4073 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School Middle (see pgs 19, 34) 890 Pomeroy Avenue Santa Clara • 408-247-4400 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School Winchester (see pgs 19, 34) 400 N. Winchester Boulevard Santa Clara • 408-244-2121 www.stratfordschools.com

WASC

Saratoga Challenger School - Saratoga, (see pgs 2, 32) 18811 Cox Avenue Saratoga • 408-378-0444 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ saratoga

Sunnyvale Challenger School - Sunnyvale, (see pgs 2, 32) 1185 Hollenbeck Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ sunnyvale

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Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Stratford School Washington Park (see pgs 19, 34) 820 West McKinley Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School De Anza Park (see pgs 19, 34) 1196 Lime Drive Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424 www.stratfordschools.com

Stratford School Middle (see pgs 19, 34) 1500 Partridge Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-247-4400 www.stratfordschools.com

The King’s Academy (see p. 8, 36) 562 N. Britton Avenue Sunnyvale • 408-481-9900 www.tka.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

PS - Elem Co-Ed PS 12:1, K 15:1 Elem 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

6-8 Co-Ed 22:1 Varies

Non Denominational Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CSSES

6-12 Co-Ed 12:1 950

Non Denominational Christ-centered College Preparatory

$18,400 $20,400 22% of Families

ACSI, WASC

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Private Schools

A Key to Private School Accreditations, Affiliations, and Associations Here is a list of the accrediting, affiliation, and association bodies that schools list in our Regional Guide to Private Schools.

ACSI — Association of Christian Schools International, www.acsi.org AEFE — Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Etranger, www.aefe.fr AMS — American Montessori Society, www.amshq.org AWSNA — Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, www.whywaldorfworks.org CAIS — California Association of Independent Schools, www.caisca.org CSEE — The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, www.csee.org CSSES — Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEAM, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org ISLA — Islamic Schools League of America. www.theisla.org ISSFBA — Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area. www.issfba.org NAEYC — National Association for the Education of Young Children. www.naeyc.org NAIS — National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org NCEA — National Catholic Educational Association, www.ncea.org NIPSA — National Independent Private Schools Association, www.nipsa.org NLSA — National Lutheran School Accreditation, www.lcms.org POCIS — People of Color in Independent Schools of Northern California, www.nocapocis.org RAVSAK — Jewish Community Day School Network, www.ravsak.org SMART — Schools, Mentoring and Resource Team, www.thesmartprogram.org WASC — Western Association of Schools and Colleges, www.wascweb.org WCEA — Western Catholic Education Association, www.westwcea.org

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For bright students with dyslexia or other learning differences. Grades 1-8.

Kids at Sand Hill learn to believe in themselves and love school again so they can acquire the academic and social emotional skills they need for lifelong success.

Sand Hill School Apply today or schedule a visit at www.sandhillschool.org 650-688-3605 info@sandhillschool.org 650 Clark Way, Palo Alto, CA www.ParentsPress.com