Welcome to Pinewood!
Dear Future Pinewood Family,
Welcome to Pinewood School! As the President and Head of Pinewood, I oversee our three campuses of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Having worked here since 1996, as a Pinewood alum, and as the father of three Pinewood graduates, this school is my community.
Pinewood’s strength lies not just in educational outcomes but in the journey students take to achieve them. Our close-knit atmosphere, small class sizes, personalized attention, and deep care for each student define our culture.
In the 1950s, my grandmother, Gwen, began an after-school program in her home, focusing on the performing arts. As students improved their communication skills and gained confidence, parents noticed them improving in academics, sports, and overall resilience. This success story laid the foundation for Pinewood. My grandmother’s legacy of nurturing confidence and communication skills remains central to our approach, preparing students to contribute and lead — now and in the future.
Our graduates are well-prepared for higher education and beyond. They confidently engage with professors, lead among peers, serve their communities, and embrace new opportunities. Pinewood instills these values and skills, fostering both academic excellence and personal development.
Thank you for considering Pinewood School. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Ad
astra,
Scott Riches President and Head of Pinewood School
Our Mission
Pinewood students seek knowledge, demonstrate character, build confidence, and experience joy in an uplifting community.
Our mission comes to life through our WISCRs, the core qualities our students develop throughout their K-12 journey.
Pinewood Students Are...
WELL-ROUNDED
Pinewood graduates never stop learning and participating as they honor their passions while embracing new challenges.
INSIGHTFUL & CRITICAL THINKERS
Pinewood graduates develop solutions to complex problems through thoughtful exploration, critical analysis, and the effective application of knowledge.
SELF-MOTIVATED
Pinewood graduates lead by example with confidence and tenacity, embracing responsibility as an opportunity to grow and improve.
CLEAR COMMUNICATORS
Pinewood graduates employ their exceptional listening and observation skills to deeply connect with others through a variety of media – written, spoken, and visual.
RESPECTFUL INDIVIDUALS OF CHARACTER
Pinewood graduates demonstrate integrity while honoring the differences of each individual and seeking to resolve conflicts through kindness and compassion.
The Pinewood Student Experience
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PINEWOOD STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The Arts at Pinewood
Since Pinewood’s beginnings in the 1950s, the arts have been instrumental in helping our students build confidence. As they perform, create, and express themselves, Pinewood students develop a sense of self-assurance that supports their academic achievements, athletic endeavors, and social growth.
PERFORMING ARTS
All students from kindergarten through 7th grade take part in a full-scale theatrical production annually. As they progress into high school, they have options to further explore the performing arts through drama, singing groups, and musicals. These opportunities foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth, helping students become confident communicators.
VISUAL ART & DESIGN
Pinewood’s visual art & design program encourages creativity and experimentation with various media. From early exposure to studio and digital art in junior high to advanced exploration in high school, students are given the tools to express their unique perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world through art.
EXPLORING OUR ART-FILLED WORLD
Each year, Pinewood’s arts students have the opportunity to travel to artist communities, where they engage in workshops and visit studios and exhibitions. Past trips have taken students to places like New York, Paris, and San Francisco, enriching their creative experiences and contributing to their personal development.
Pinewood Athletics
We believe athletics play a crucial role in developing each student’s character. Our mission is to provide competitive opportunities that emphasize lifelong values such as sportsmanship, individual effort, teamwork, dedication, and integrity.
The Pinewood Athlete isn’t content with being defined by athletic ability alone. Our athletes want to lead, explore their interests beyond the field, and take full advantage of the high school experience. Whether stepping into leadership roles, diving into the arts, or challenging themselves in the classroom, they’re driven to break out of the "athlete box” and pursue a well-rounded path that reflects all their passions.
GRADES 7-12
A Pinewood Education: Empowering Leaders
Pinewood’s academic program inspires students to challenge their intellect and grow into self-motivated, well-rounded leaders. Students are prepared for the future through engaging academics, meaningful relationships, and diverse extracurriculars. Guided by deeply knowledgeable teachers and mentors, they develop critical thinking and communication skills, becoming confident individuals ready to positively impact their communities.
EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM FLOWCHART
“Pinewood has given our child a love for learning. This is a place where a student has the space and opportunities to grow into a leader—a confident, kind, clear communicator, and motivated young person.”
Paola Lloyd Pinewood Parent
Pinewood Educators Are...
Our teachers are not only knowledgeable and passionate, but also deeply committed to their students’ well-being and growth. They are the key to the everyday magic of Pinewood, fostering a nurturing environment where students are empowered to reach their fullest potential.
WELCOMING
Pinewood educators value everyone’s unique experiences and perspectives, promoting an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves
INSPIRING
Pinewood educators foster a culture of learning by sharing their specialized knowledge and passion, sparking curiosity in students and encouraging them to embrace new challenges
STUDENT-CENTERED
Pinewood educators prioritize each individual student’s growth, believing strongly in their unlimited potential.
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED
Pinewood educators build meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, and families, creating a supportive community
ROLE MODELS
Pinewood educators live by our values— compassion, joy, purpose, belonging, upliftment, respect—acting as role models as they guide students to become confident individuals of character.
Our Strength is Our Community
Community is at the core of our school. Students, families, and educators come together in an environment that values relationships and shared experiences. Our community extends beyond the classroom, creating a network of support where everyone—students, parents, and staff—grows together. Through our traditions, diverse celebrations, and active parent involvement, Pinewood is a place where everyone has a role and contributes to our school’s spirit.
I feel as if I’m walking into my second home every morning because of the genuine relationships I have here.
Mailey W. ‘25 Pinewood Student
College Counseling & Academic Advising at Pinewood
Pinewood School provides a comprehensive college counseling and academic advising program tailored to each student’s unique interests and goals. By providing personalized support, we help students navigate their individual paths, empowering them to seize opportunities and proactively shape their future. Our students often seek colleges that mirror what they love about Pinewood: close relationships with faculty, challenging academics, and a vibrant community.
PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
Individual meetings with college counselors to tailor the application process to each student’s interests and goals.
We empower students to take charge of the college application process with confidence.
COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC PLANNING
Guidance on academic choices and career exploration to align high school experiences with college goals.
COLLEGE REP VISITS AND CONNECTIONS
Opportunities to meet with representatives from various colleges and universities on campus.
ESSAY WRITING SUPPORT
Workshops and individual feedback sessions for college application and essay writing support.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COLLEGE COUNSELING AND ACADEMIC ADVISING
I was once the student who was scared to be part of a community.
Now, with more passion and experience, I’m the student trying to bring people into it.
Arjun A. ‘25 Culture & Community Representative 2024-25 ASB
Student Leadership at Pinewood: Making an Impact
Leadership at Pinewood is about more than holding a title—it’s about stepping up and making an impact. Whether in an elected student leadership role or through everyday actions. we encourage our students to lead with integrity, creativity, and a sense of community. By organizing school events, guiding clubs, collaborating in the classroom, or supporting their peers, Pinewood students are empowered to take initiative and shape their school experience.
Leadership here is an opportunity to develop the character, experience, and skills needed to inspire others.
www.pinewood.edu
@ourpinewood
LOWER CAMPUS
477 Fremont Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024
MIDDLE CAMPUS
327 Fremont Avenue Los Altos, CA 94024
UPPER CAMPUS
26800 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
ACTIVITIES CENTER
3750 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303
Pinewood gave me comfort and stability, but also the audacity to believe that my classmates and I were capable of ANYTHING.
Now, as a Pinewood parent, I am grateful knowing my children are carving out their own dreams here.
Jessica Negrette Class of 2002 & Pinewood Parent