Family Spotlight

The Alberts-Siegel Family

Seven Hills parents since 2016, Katie Alberts and Lori Siegel first stepped foot on campus on a fall day in November before their son Max’s kindergarten year. As they had begun to explore options for Max’s education, parents from Max’s preschool tee ball team with older children attending Seven Hills spoke highly of its holistic educational experience and strong sense of community. As Katie and Lori traversed the campus hills on their tour, they were quickly drawn to Seven Hills’ philosophy and mission to provide students with a toolbox of skills that would serve them throughout their lives. “We were looking for more than the public schools could offer, not academically, but for the whole child with social-emotional learning, smaller classes, and where students are met where they are and known for who they are,” said Lori. Seven Hills’ beautiful setting was another major draw for the Alberts-Siegel family. Brimming with wildlife and boasting views of Mount Diablo, they appreciated an environment where learning and nature were woven together to create an immersive curriculum and unique educational opportunities. Katie and Lori knew they made the right decision as soon as Max started Kindergarten, which Lori deemed a “magical” year in his education and personal growth. She recalled his teacher, Mrs. Levie, kneeling down to Max’s level before his first day to greet him and ease his first-day jitters (“She got him,” said Lori). Their daughter, Sarah, started Seven Hills in Red Barn when Max was in 2nd grade. That year, his teacher, Mrs. Lane, built a strong connection with Max, and then three years later with Sarah, possessing what Lori called the “secret sauce” that helps students grow in their education while feeling warm and welcome in the classroom. Each year Max and Sarah developed special relationships with their teachers that continue to the present day. As Max and Sarah progressed through their educational journeys, Katie and Lori witnessed the magic of the Seven Hills philosophy materializing in their children. “While academics are important, it is equally, if not more important, to help kids develop socially and emotionally—learning to overcome difficulties, getting to know different people, working with others, listening and having empathy, and being responsible to the world. These are skills that will prepare them most for whatever the future holds,” said Katie. With Sarah in 3rd grade at Seven Hills this year and Max continuing his educational journey at a different school, Katie and Lori strive to make a positive impact within the Seven Hills community, or “village,” by being engaged and involved. Lori is serving as PIA co-president this year, while Katie is a Seven Hills trustee and has served as the Annual Fund parent chair. Both are motivated by the desire to cultivate a bright future for tomorrow’s Seven Hills families and students. “Helping shape what the future is going to look like at Seven Hills is important to me and is meaningful work,” said Katie. “I don’t have a lot of extra free time, but I wanted to give back to a school that has given my kids a lot.” The Alberts-Siegels reflect back on their “Super 7” years at Seven Hills with satisfaction, gratitude, and excitement for what’s to come. Lori and Katie are eager for Sarah to experience some of the defining aspects of the Seven Hills experience, including the Japanese exchange program and 7th grade Europe trip. “It’s a big part of how Seven Hills learns. Books and movies are great, but seeing [places in person] is amazing,” said Katie. “To go there at such a young age just takes it to another level.” As the Seven Hills community reconnects and navigates its way to the “next normal,” their family is eager to live out this year’s PIA theme: Better, Stronger, Together.