North Bay Private School Guide 2017

NORTH BAY GUIDE TO

PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2017/2018

Finding the Right School for Your Child From the publishers of

SCHOOL PROFILES

Fearless, W

EXCEL “Choosing SHC was the best decision I ever made. The teachers and peers I’ve gotten to know over the past four years have helped me grow academically and as a person.”

Joe Bialous ’17 University of Notre Dame

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

Find out more a More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

SCHOOL PROFILES

We Pursue

LENCE “I took full advantage of SHC’s AP program to push myself academically.

In addition, the theater arts and music programs opened my eyes to the importance of an arts education.”

Isadora Banyai ’17 New York University

at shcp.edu/visit More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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Regional Guide to Private Schools Parents’ Press takes the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish.

contents 6

Why Consider Private School?

24 Entrance Exams

10 The Private 28 Tips for a School Search: Where to Start?

14 Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

A month-by-month guide to the application process

16 Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

18 Apply to

a Private School

20 Too Late

to Apply?

20 Shadow Days 22 Prepare for the Interview

4

Great Essay

30 Acceptance

and Decision

32 Financial Aid:

Basics You Need to Know

34 Myths About Financial Aid

37 Private School Profiles

63

Private School Directory

77 What Does

Accreditation Mean?

78 Affiliation Key

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

Designed and Published by

875-A Island Dr., Ste. 421 Alameda, CA 94502

www.parentspress.com Publishers | Robert & Tracy McKean Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Regional Guide to Private Schools is published annually by Parents’ Press. ©2017

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

California Crosspoint Academy Grades 6-12

Stats for the California Crosspoint University Preparatory Program: • 100% of our graduates go on to college or the military • 90% accepted into 4 year colleges • 18 Advanced Placement and Honors Courses • Average class size of 15-18 • Student to Faculty Ratio: 5 to 1

Accreditations and Awards

WASC | ACSI | 2016 National Blue Ribbon School

Campus Tours available at YOUR convenience!

California Crosspoint Academy 25500 Industrial Blvd | Hayward | 510.995.5333 www.crosspointacademy.org www.SchoolsBayArea.com

More info: debbieleong@crosspointacademy.org

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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

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Parents’ Press | 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. and for profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

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.

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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Why Consider Private School? cont’d.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits as outlined by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (www.issfba.org): 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 2015–2016 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.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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. 

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Education is a lifelong commitment At Quarry Lane, we are passionate about instilling an authentic love for learning in our students. We offer a rigorous, balanced, college preparatory academic program to students entering Jr. Kindergarten through grade 12, with a distinct emphasis on the disciplines of science, engineering and technology.

ÂŽ

Experience the Quarry Lane difference.

Our graduates have been accepted at these and other top universities: Columbia, Princeton, U.C. Berkeley, Duke, Cornell, Dartmouth, N.Y.U., Georgetown, Stanford, Purdue, Drexel, Rice, U.C.L.A., Northwestern, Georgia Tech, University of Chicago, U.S.C. and more.

The

NOW ENROLLING Inquire online or call to schedule a tour today!

Quarry Lane School

6363 Tassajara Rd. Dublin 925.829.8000 QuarryLane.org

A Private Jr. K - 12 College Preparatory School

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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 may be right for your year-round schedule, or teach their would start at a new school—can 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. art, sports, drama, and science rigorous search for private schools 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 December and All of these schools have the luxury of complete January; and acceptance or rejection letters in early freedom in designing curriculum because they are not March. The sooner you can start checking out schools subject to the state testing standards imposed that interest you, the better, whether those schools are on public schools. independent or parochial. >>>

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Prayer, Study...

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

www.saicsf.org

...Community, Service www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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

Parents’ Press | 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.SchoolsBayArea.com

Love learning.

An independent school in Oakland, California serving Kindergarten-8th grade.

PARKDAYSCHOOL.ORG | 360 42ND STREET OAKLAND CA 94609 | 510-653-0317 www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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.

❑ Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase testpreparation books. ❑ 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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Parents’ Press | 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

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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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Parents’ Press | 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.SchoolsBayArea.com

HACIENDA SCHOOL

Cultivating Astonishing Potential!

• Individualized, self-paced, Montessori curriculum • Emphasis on personal goal setting and time management • Foreign languages, art, and music included for all students • Cultivation of thinking skills and personal values • Year-round, full-day program for grades 1-8 CALL FOR A PRIVATE TOUR (925) 485-5750 www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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 East Bay Independent Schools Association and 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 18

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

process is a positive experience for you and your child 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. >>> www.SchoolsBayArea.com

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE SALESIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Join us for free food, campus tours, live entertainment & fun!

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017 1:00-3:00PM

2851 Salesian Ave | Richmond, CA www.salesian.com www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

FAITH • ACADEMICS • CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Let your child grow with us.

St. Isidore Catholic School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic TK-8 elementary school — dedicated to an educational experience that cultivates knowledge, leadership, and service in the Catholic tradition.

Our school nurtures the development of great minds and creative thinkers by valuing STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) as well as developing our student's faith, strength of character and sense of social responsibility. Schedule a tour today!

435 LA GONDA WAY, DANVILLE • WWW.STISIDORE.ORG • 925.837.2977

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

• 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.  www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Inspiring students through fearless learning, service, and diversity.

St. Paul’s is an independent K-8 school located steps from Lake Merritt.

Tours weekly • 510-285-9617 • www.spes.org

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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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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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

ISEE Source: www.iseetest.org.

LOWER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades five and six.

TYPE Multiple-choice test in four sections plus an essay, specifically: verbal reasoning—34 items, 20 minutes; quantitative reasoning—38 items, 35 minutes; reading comprehension—25 items, 25 minutes; mathematics achievement—30 items, 30 minutes; 30-minute essay (unscored).

TOTAL TESTING TIME 2 hours, 20 minutes.

FEE $100–$185.

FREQUENCY Practice administrations of the ISEE are not allowed. You may test only when making a formal application to a school. You may be tested only once within a six-month period. If you test a second time during that six-month period, results of the second administration cannot be reported, and the test fee will not be returned.

SCORING If necessary, make an educated guess from the remaining choices, since there is no penalty for incorrect responses.

DATES Schools choose their own testing dates.

Registration for the 2017–18 test dates open in August.

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

TYPE Multiple choice in four sections plus an essay, specifically: verbal reasoning—40 items, 20 minutes; >>> www.SchoolsBayArea.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 11 or Jan 6 | Upper – Nov 12 or Jan 7

Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

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

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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Entrance Exam 101 cont’d. quantitative reasoning—37 items, 35 minutes; reading comprehension—36 items, 35 minutes; mathematics achievement—47 items, 40 minutes; 30-minute essay (unscored).

TOTAL TESTING TIME 2 hours, 40 minutes.

FEE $110–$210.

FREQUENCY Practice administrations of the ISEE are not allowed. You may test only when making a formal application to a school. You may be tested only once within a six-month period. If you test a second time during that six-month period, results of the second administration cannot be reported, and the test fee will not be returned.

SCORING Please select the best choice for each question.

On this test, there is no penalty for an incorrect answer.

DATES Schools choose their own testing dates. Registration for the 2017–18 test dates opens in August.

HSPT Source: www.ststesting.com.

FOR Students in grade eight for placement in ninth grade.

TYPE Multiple-choice test in five areas, specifically verbal, quantitative skills, reading comprehension, mathematics, and language; no essay; optional tests in science (25 minutes), mechanical aptitude (15 minutes), and Catholic religion (20 minutes) available but are not included in scoring.

TOTAL TESTING TIME 2 hours, 30 minutes.

FEE Included in application fee at school.

FREQUENCY Once, unless extenuating circumstances prevail and a school, on a case-by-case basis, allows a retest. If the test is taken more than once, the lower score is considered.

SCORING The number of questions that you answered correctly is added up for each subtest. Points are not subtracted for incorrect answers. (There is no penalty for guessing.)

DATES The HSPT is ordered and administered by individual schools or dioceses. Contact the school where you’d like to take the test for details regarding their registration process. The HSPT is unlike college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, in that STS does not coordinate national testing days. All details of test administration are handled by individual schools or dioceses and they determine which day/s they will offer the HSPT. Contact the school directly to find out its testing date.

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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.

TYPE Multiple choice in four sections and a writing exercise, specifically: quantitative (math)—30 questions, 30 minutes; verbal—30 questions, 20 minutes; 15-minute break; reading—28 questions (seven short passages, each with four questions), 30 minutes; writing sample—one prompt, 15 minutes (ungraded).

TOTAL TESTING TIME 110 minutes.

FEE $80 and up.

FREQUENCY May take test twice during the testing year Aug. 1–July 31.

SCORING Encourage your child to try to answer every question, making his/her best guesses about the questions of which he/she is unsure. There are no penalties for wrong answers.

DATES 2017: Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9; 2018: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 21, June 9.

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).

TYPE Multiple choice in four sections and a writing exercise, more specifically: verbal—one 30-minute section; quantitative—two 30-minute sections; reading— one 40-minute section; 25-minute writing portion.

TOTAL TESTING TIME Usually 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

FEE $132.

FREQUENCY Standard Test up to eight times a year; Flex Test or Regional/Open Flex one time a year SCORING You receive one point for every correct answer and lose one-quarter point for each wrong answer on a question with a five-choice response. You do not lose points by skipping a question. If you can’t eliminate at least one or two of the answer choices and take an ‘educated guess,’ it is better to leave the question unanswered.

DATES 2017: Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9; 2018: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 21, June 9.  www.SchoolsBayArea.com

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

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

27

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.

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.

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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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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.

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.

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

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.  www.SchoolsBayArea.com

College Prep for Grades 8 - 12

Want your child to find success in school next year?

Now is the time to make a change.

Limited openings available in most grades.

Call to schedule a tour.

925-254-7553 • www.OrindaAcademy.org 19 Altarinda Rd., Orinda, CA 94563 Embracing Differences, Inspiring Success, Fulfilling Potential www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

29

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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Parents’ Press | 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.  www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Art: Fifth Grade Self-Portraits

Now Accepting Applications Limited Space Available for 2017-2018 For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.berkwood.org

EST. 1969

THE ACADEMY SCHOOL Kindergarten - 8th Grade Elmwood Neighborhood, Berkeley Rich and Rigorous Academics Small Class Sizes Warm and Nurturing Environment Experienced Master Teachers Diverse and Inclusive Community

Now Accepting Applications www.theacademyschool.org 510.549.0605 www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

31

What will you bring to the global community?

Shu Ren International School now offering the IB Primary and Middle Years Programs (Grades K-8) Mandarin Immersion in the heart of Berkley 510-423-0278 * Admissions@shurenschool.org * www.shurenschool.org

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.

WHAT IS THE INCOME LEVEL AT WHICH A FAMILY IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR AID? 32

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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

Stratford School nurtures the joy of learning in children.

TE

ASSOCIAT I

O

O

LS

GE

SCH

Accrediting Commission for Schools

S

OF

WE S

RN

ON

Schedule a tour today!

StratfordSchools.com/tours

LE

Now Enrolling

Discover a school that inspires children from Preschool through 8th Grade to become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, innovators, and confident leaders.

AND CO

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Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 013417816, 073406680, 013420588. © 2017 Stratford Schools, Inc.

Preschool State License: 198018949, 198018875. © 2017 Stratford Schools, Inc.

I always knew I could.

Because of Bayhill...

Join us for an

I did!

Visit us today!

Akabar Studying Performing Arts Fall 2017

OPEN HOUSE We’d love to show you our school!

Saturday, October 7 Saturday, November 4 1 – 4:00 p.m.

1940 Virginia Street Berkeley, CA 94709 510-984-0599 l bayhillhs.org facebook.com/bayhillhs

Bayhill High School educates students with learning differences, helping them to achieve their full potential in high school, college and beyond.

www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

33

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’ 34

Parents’ Press | 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.SchoolsBayArea.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.

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.

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

1055 Ellis St. | San Francisco, CA 94109 | 415-775-6626 shcp.edu More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

35

SCHOOL PROFILES

Berkwood Hedge School

W

e partner with families to create a strong foundation upon which our children build an understanding of themselves, their community, and the world.

Our small vibrant K-5 learning community is unique. Our mission is clear. Our program is powerful!

Our students engage in a rich and relevant Thematic Project-Based Learning program that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and solving real-world problems.

Our teachers are passionate and responsive. Our curriculum is relevant and is supplemented by a dynamic enrichment program.

1809 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94703 510-883-6990 www.berkwood.org

Visit our classrooms and you will see and feel the difference.

Now Accepting Applications!

Limited Space Available for 2017 - 2018

Head-Royce School

H

4315 Lincoln Ave. Oakland, CA 94602 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org 36

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

ead-Royce School is a nationally recognized K-12 independent school in Oakland. The school nurtures imagination, creativity, and love of learning through teaching a college preparatory curriculum aligned with its mission: scholarship, diversity, and citizenship. The welcoming diverse community includes approximately 875 talented and ambitious learners. Close to $5 million in financial aid is granted annually. The curriculum promotes leadership, compassion, respect, and ethical behavior to develop good citizens. Highquality teachers and small class sizes ensure a focus on educational excellence and socialemotional learning. Our curriculum reflects the diversity, globalism, environmental awareness and innovation of the Bay Area. www.headroyce.org

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

SCHOOL PROFILES

Salesian College Preparatory

S

alesian College Preparatory is a fully accredited, coeducational college preparatory high school in the Catholic tradition with an extensive Honors and Advanced Placement program. The school was founded in 1927 and is located on a beautiful secluded campus in Richmond, California. Voted “Best Faith-Based High School” in Contra Costa County by Parents' Press magazine for the last three years. Salesian’s tranquil, gated-campus spans 21 acres with scenic views of redwoods.

Through its mission, Salesian is a diverse and welcoming community that develops healthy young people by providing them opportunities to explore and pursue personal, academic, extracurricular and spiritual interests. The Salesian student community represents the multicultural and socio-economically diverse population of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The present enrollment is 430. The ethnic composition of the student body is: 22% AfricanAmerican, 29% Asian/Pacific Islander, 12% Euro-American, 25% Latino, 10% Multi Racial, and 2% Native American. More than half of Salesian students receive a total of $1,800,000 in tuition assistance annually.

Approximately 70% of students participate in extracurricular activities including 34 competitive teams across 13 interscholastic sports, more than 30 student-led clubs, a band, a renowned Story and Song chorale group, and a comprehensive performing arts program. Additionally, students participate in a Service Learning Program encompassing three required service projects. Every student must complete a Senior Synthesis Portfolio and Presentation with a focus on service learning at the end of their senior year. Many students are also involved in Student Leadership and Ministry (SLAM), a unique program combining leadership training and community service involvement.

100% of the 2017 Class enrolled in college.

Student success and personal development are core values of Salesian College Preparatory. We offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum including an expansive elective course catalog.

2851 Salesian Ave • Richmond • CA • 94804 • 510-234-1413 www.salesian.com More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

37

SCHOOL PROFILES

Stratford School

A

t Stratford, high expectations yield extraordinary results. We start early with an advanced and intentionally balanced curriculum that challenges students and accelerates achievement.

Our ever-evolving, STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teaching methods ensure 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 and fail forward. Beyond the classroom, we help students discover and define their passions through a variety of extracurricular activities, personal development and enrichment.

Multiple Locations Throughout the Bay Area www.stratfordschools.com

This carefully designed approach prepares students to excel at the next level and become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, innovators, and confident leaders. Find out more at www.stratfordschools.com

Marin Preparatory School

M

arin Preparatory School offers families with children in TK/Kindergarten through grade 8 an educational community based on integrity and academic excellence. We provide an experiential, integrated curriculum emphasizing cross-cultural learning framed around a Spanish Infusion Program.

117 Diamond St. San Francisco, CA 94114 415-865-0899 www.marinpreparatory.org 38

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

We seek families to partner with us for the elementary school years and look forward to welcoming you to MPS soon. As you seek to determine the correct match between school and family, I share with you – “It is not a parent’s responsibility to pave the way for their children, but to provide a road map.” We believe that Marin Preparatory School is that road map. Enjoy the journey!

Jeff Escabar, Head of School Contact us to schedule a visit.

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

T

ilden Prep is a unique, WASC-accredited, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12 that teaches U.C.-approved courses one-to-one and in small groups. We also use mastery learning, teaching students to 80 percent (B) or higher level of mastery before moving forward. This allows us to individualize the pace and teaching method to address a wide range of learning needs.

From highly gifted students who find a regular classroom setting too limiting to students with learning differences who need a specialized teaching approach to shine academically, we are working with students to maximize both their learning and their self-confidence.

1231 Solano Ave | Albany | 510-525-5506 1475 N. Broadway, Suite 200 Walnut Creek | 925-933-5506

We offer full-time enrollment, individual courses, and tutoring services.

1050 Bridgeway | Sausalito | 415-944-2254 www.tildenprep.com

The Marin School SMALL SCHOOL, BIG IMPACT College Prep High School Since 1980

T

he Marin School is a small, independent high school that is redefining the “college prep” experience. Our small class sizes (an average class size of 8) and low student-to-teacher ratio allow our teachers to truly connect with and understand their students – who they are, how they think, and what motivates them to learn. TMS offers an experiential education that goes beyond the classroom with interactive classes, creative projects that promote collaboration, and curriculum-related field trips. We offer a UC-approved, thought-provoking curriculum with a creative approach to everything we do.

150 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 415-339-9336 www.themarinschool.org More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

The Marin School is truly a unique place, with exceptional teachers, classes with no “back row,” and students who are encouraged to be independent thinkers and pursue their passions. Are you looking for an innovative, small-school experience?

Schedule your visit and make YOUR impact today!

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

39

SCHOOL PROFILES

Tilden Preparatory School

SCHOOL PROFILES

Marin Waldorf School Why Waldorf Education Today?

Waldorf education’s highest aim is to support students in fully developing their unique capacities.

As mainstream education continues to veer toward rote memorization and test preparedness, Waldorf education stands in stark contrast.

A Developmental Curriculum

755 Idylberry Road San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-8190 www.marinwaldorf.org

The genius of the Waldorf curriculum is that it provides age appropriate experiences and concepts by introducing material when the students are most ready to receive and comprehend the meaning.

Stories are central to this approach. The scope spans from the fairy tales and myth in the early years, to history and biography as the children develop.

At the culmination of the educational journey, our 8th Graders have a narrative framework, rich in meaning, through which to vigorously take up the intellectual challenges of high school and beyond.

School Open Houses

Open House Information at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Marin County Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Marin County Private Schools Corte Madera Marin County Day School 5221 Paradise Drive Corte Madera • 415-927-5900 www.mcds.org

K-8 Co-Ed 10:1 590

Nondenominational English, Spanish, Mandarin

$750$32,800 20%

NAIS, CAIS

PK-8 Co-Ed 7:1

Independent English

K-8 Co-Ed 10:1, 15:1

Catholic Spanish

PK-8 Co-Ed 9:1

Independent English

K-8 Co-Ed 5:1 50

Nondenominational Multiple Languages

9-12 Co-Ed 9:1

Independent English

9-12 Co-Ed 8:1 95

Nondenominational English, Spanish, ASL

upon request

CalWest, NAIS, WASC

PK-8 Co-Ed 24:1

Waldorf English, Spanish

$5,200$17,950

AWSNA, NCPSA

K-8 Co-Ed 7:1

Independent English

Larkspur Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Ave. Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org

St. Patrick School 120 King St. Larkspur • 415-924-0501 www.stpatricksmarin.org

CAIS

$8,200 $9,500 7%

WCEA

Mill Valley Marin Horizon School 305 Montford Ave. Mill Valley • 415-388-8408 www.marinhorizon.org

NAIS, CAIS

San Rafael GATE Academy 1 St. Vincent Dr. San Rafael • 415-914-4700 www.gateacademy.org

Marin Academy 1600 Mission Ave. San Rafael • 415-453-4550 www.ma.org

Marin School, The, p. 39 150 N San Pedro Rd San Rafael • 415-339-9336 www.themarinschool.org

Marin Waldorf School, p. 40 755 Idylberry Road San Rafael • 415-479-8190 www.marinwaldorf.org

St. Mark’s School 39 Trellis Drive San Rafael • 415-472-8000 www.saintmarksschool.org

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

$19,850

NAIS, CAIS, WASC

NAIS, CAIS

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

41

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Regional Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

Marin County / San Francisco Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Saint Raphael School

K-8 Co-Ed 20:1 165

Catholic English, Spanish

$7,460 FA Available

WCEA

PK-5 Co-Ed 7:1 1,020

French immersion

$15,580 $25,690

WASC, NAIS, CAIS, AEFE

6-12 Co-Ed

Independent English

K-8 Co-Ed 13:1 280

Catholic Open to all denominations English, Spanish

$11,000

WASC, WCEA

9-12 Co-Ed 8:1 320

Independent English, Spanish, Mandarin

$41,800 30%

WASC, NAIS, CASE, NACAC, SSATB

K-12 Co-Ed 10:1

Nondenominational English

$4,500 $12,000 50%

9-12 Co-Ed 8:1

Independent English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, ASL

$36,400

PK-12 Co-Ed 8:1

Independent English, French

9-12 Girls Only 24:1

Catholic Spanish

$2,900 65%

WASC

PK2-8 Co-Ed 10:1 200

Nondenominational Italian Immersion English in K and up

$10,000 $26,000 FA Available

BADA , BATDC, CAWS, ITP, NAEYC, NAIS, NAREA, WASC

9-12 Co-Ed 15:1

Independent English, French, Spanish, Mandarin

$35,996

WASC, NAIS, NACAC

1100 5th Ave. San Rafael • 415-454-4455 www.straphaelschool.com

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Sausalito Lycée Francais de San Francisco 610 Coloma St., Ste. 300 Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Tilden Preparatory School, p. 39 1050 Bridgeway Sausalito • 415-944-2254 www.tildenprep.com

WASC

Tiburon Saint Hilary School 765 Hilary Drive Tiburon • 415-937-5501 www.sainthilaryschool.org

San Francisco Private Schools Bay School of San Francisco 30 Keyes Ave. The Presidio San Francisco • 415-684-8949 www.admission.bayschoolsf.org

Discovery Center School 1442 Fulton St. Upstairs San Francisco • 415-724-7458 www.dcssf.com

Drew School of San Francisco 2901 California St. San Francisco • 415-409-3739 www.drewschool.org

French American International School 150 Oak St. San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org

Immaculate Conception Academy 3625 24th St. San Francisco • 415-824-2052 www.icacademy.org

La Scuola International School K-8 : 735 Fell Street Preschool : 728 20th Street San Francisco • 415-551-0000 www.lascuolasf.org

Lick-Wilmerding High School 755 Ocean Ave. San Francisco • 415-333-4021 www.lwhs.org

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

CAIS, WASC, NAIS

NAIS

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Lycée Francais de San Francisco PK-5

PK-5 Co-Ed 7:1 1,020

French immersion French, English

$19,580 $25,690

CASE, NAIS, AEFE, WASC

6-12 Co-Ed 7:1 1,020

French immersion French, English, Mandarin, German, Spanish

$19,580 $25,690

CASE, NAIS, AEFE, WASC

TK-8 Co-Ed 10:1 200

Nondenominational English, Spanish

$26,020$27,835 FA Available

TK-8 Co-Ed 7:1

Nondenominational Spanish

$23,900 $24,950 22%

PK-8 Co-Ed 10:1

Mandarin Immersion Mandarin

$17,000 $22,400 Varies

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

Catholic English, Spanish French, Japanese, Mandarin, ASL

$19,100 $4.2M in FA. Over 330 students receive aid

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 400

Independent Spanish, Latin

$29,710 FA Available

CAIS, NAIS

K-8 Co-Ed 12:1 88

Nondenominational English, Russian, Spanish

K-8 Co-Ed 13:1 100

Roman Catholic English

$5,800

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 16:1

Catholic English

$5,810 $6,387 Varies

WASC, WCEA

K-8 Co-Ed 20:1 225

Catholic English, Spanish

$7,000

WASC

PS-8 Co-Ed 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K) 22:1 (1-8)

Independent English, Spanish

Varies by age

WASC, CPSTEME

755 Ashbury St. San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Lycée Francais de San Francisco 6-12 1201 Ortega St. San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Marin Preparatory School, p. 25, 28 117 Diamond St. San Francisco • 415-865-0899 www.marinpreparatory.org

Presidio Hill School 3839 Washington St. San Francisco • 415-751-9318 www.presidiohill.org

Presidio Knolls School 250 10th St. San Francisco • 415-202-0770 www.presidioknolls.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, p. 2-3, 35 1055 Ellis St. San Francisco • 415-772-6626 www.shcp.edu

San Francisco Day School 350 Masonic Ave. San Francisco • 415-568-3610 www.sfds.net

San Francisco Pacific Academy 3301 Balboa St San Francisco • 415-800-0730 www.sanfranciscoacademy.org

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception, p. 11 299 Precita Avenue San Francisco • 415-628-2008 www.saicsf.org Principal: Barbara Moodie

St. James School 321 Fair Oaks St. San Francisco • 415-647-8972 www.saintjamessf.org

St. Paul’s School 1690 Church St. San Francisco • 415-648-2055 www.stpaulsf.net

Stratford Schools, p. 33, 38 301 De Montfort Ave. San Francisco • 415-333-3134 www.stratfordschools.com

More Schools at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

CAIS, NAIS, PEN

ACS, WASC

Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

43

SCHOOL LISTINGS

San Francisco Private Schools

SCHOOL LISTINGS

San Francisco Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Synergy School

K-8 Co-Ed 13:1 (K-3) 21:1 (4-8)

Independent English

$16,500 (K-5) $17,200 (6-8)

9-12 Co-Ed 10:1 375

Independent English, French, Spanish, Mandarin

$38,720 30%

1387 Valencia St. San Francisco • 415-567-6177 www.synergyschool.org

Urban School of San Francisco 1563 Page St. San Francisco • 415-626-2919 www.urbanschool.org

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

WASC, NAIS, CAIS, CASE, NACAC

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Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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What Does Accreditation Mean?

A

ccreditation and professional affiliations and associations indicate a private school has been evaluated by and met or exceeded specific criteria set forth by a designated and agreed-upon accrediting- or affiliation-granting body.

These accreditations, affiliations, and associations can be national, regional, or local, covering religious beliefs, educational philosophies, or special interests and last for a specific number of years, often with prescribed steps in the interim to assure compliance.

What they have in common is that they serve as a sort of stamp of approval, signifying to colleges and universities that their members operate schools with meaningful education standards.

“Accrediting is done by a variety of accrediting organizations,” points out the California Department of Education online (www.cde.ca.gov), citing the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or

WASC, as an example of an established organization that accredits both private and public K–12 schools.

“WASC accreditation generally ensures that the credits and diploma awarded by the schools it accredits will be accepted by colleges and prospective employers,” says the CDE, which does not accredit schools.

WASC is one of six regional accrediting associations for schools and colleges, and its territory includes schools operating in California.

“School accreditation is a peer-review process that fosters excellence in education and encourages school improvement through discovery, dialogue, compliance, and commitment. Accreditation enables a member school to develop clearly defined goals and objectives based on its mission and philosophy,” says the California Association of Independent Schools (www.caisca.org). 

School Open Houses

Open House Information at www.SchoolsBayArea.com

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Guide to Private Schools | Parents’ Press

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San Francisco and Marin campuses | Preschool to Grade 12 We offer a unique opportunity for young children to learn about and share cultural and linguistic perspectives; to grow as curious, motivated learners; to become fluent French speakers and scholars; to thrive as tomorrow’s global citizens. lelycee.org 46

Parents’ Press | Guide to Private Schools

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