7 Ways to Start the School Year Right
Tips to Help Your Child Gain Confidence in the Classroom
Homework Habits: How to Motivate Kids
Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
Our Parents Press “Best Of” Winners are online and covers more than 100 different categories, including places to shop and dine, family fun, attractions, school and enrichment programs and health professionals. Available online at Parentspress.com — just click on “Best Of” in the Magazines tab.
What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https://parentspress.com
If you aren’t already a fan of the genre, you may be surprised by some of its alleged benefits. Classical music has been shown to help treat insomnia in college students (if only it worked on toddlers!) and a study found that playing it softly while dining actually encouraged people to eat slower and therefore consume fewer calories.
While we don’t officially say goodbye to summer until September 22, this year’s Harvest Moon takes place on September 29. Before we had the artificial light that we have today, farmers used the light from the Harvest Moon to tend to their crops after sundown.
The 2023/24 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide is will be available in October and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www. ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab. See a preview starting on page 20 of this issue.
Apple picking season’s here! That old adage about keeping the doctor away is true, so take advantage of your rich-in-antioxidant harvest. Try apple marinade or apple salsa, in addition to the usual apple crisp, applesauce and pie. Apple butter made overnight in a crock pot is yummy, too.
More Events Online at www.ParentsPress.com
ALAMEDA
Saint Philip Neri Catholic
School Information Night
November 8, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
1335 High Street
www.spnalameda.org
BERKELEY
Bayhill High School
Open House
October 14, 2023 - RSVP
January 20, 2024 - RSVP
1940 Virginia Street
www.bayhillhs.org
The Crowden School
Open House
October 22, 2023
Lower School (3-5) @ 10:00 am
Upper School (6-8) @ 12:30 pm
Open House/Family Day
November 10, 2023
Virtual Q&A Admission Events
November 1, 2023 @ 10:00 am
November 15, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
1475 Rose Street
www.crowden.org
Maybeck High School
Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am
November 4, 2023 @ 10:30 am
2727 College Ave
www.maybeckhs.org
CASTRO VALLEY
Redwood Chirstian Schools
TK - 5th Info Night
September 28, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
4200 James Avenue www.rcs.edu
CONCORD
Orion Academy
Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 9:30 am
1868 Clayton Road
www.orionacademy.org
DANVILLE
The Athenian School
Middle School Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Upper School Open House:
November 12, 2023 @ 10:00 am
2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd
www.athenian.org
EMERYVILLE
East Bay German International School
On Campus Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Online Info Session – Early Childhood
October 4, 2023 @ 9:00 am
November 15, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Online Info Session – (K-5)
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
December 6, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Online Info Session (6-8)
November 29, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Online Info Session (9-12)
October 25, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
1070 41st Street www.ebgis.org
HAYWARD
Moreau Catholic High School
Family Admissions Tours
September 19, 2023 @ 8:30 am
September 21, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
October 25, 2023 @ 8:30 am
October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 9:00 am
27170 Mission Blvd www.moreaucatholic.org
LAFAYETTE
Bentley School (Grades 9-12)
Upper School Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 am
Upper School Phoenix Days
November 10, 2023 - RSVP
December 9, 2023 - RSVP
1000 Upper Happy Valley Road www.bentleyschool.org
OAKLAND
Aurora School
K-5 Tours
October 13, 2023 @ 8:45 am
October 27, 2023 @ 8:45 am
Middle School (6-8) Tours
October 26, 2023 @ 8:45 am
November 2, 2023 @ 8:45 am
40 Dulwich Road www.auroraschool.org
Bentley School
K-8 Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 9:30 am
December 6, 2023 @ 9:30 am
1 Hiller Dr www.bentleyschool.org
Head-Royce
Lower School Open House
October 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Middle School Open House
November 5, 2023@ 1:00 pm
Upper School Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 am
4315 Lincoln Ave
www.headroyce.org
Holy Names High School
Open House
November 5, 2023 - RSVP 4660 Harbord Dr www.hnhsoakland.org
Park Day School
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
December 9, 2023 @ 10:00 am
360 42nd Street www.parkdayschool.org
ORINDA
Orinda Academy (Grades 8-12)
Virtual Info Sessions
September 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
October 10, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
November 14, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
December 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 am
December 10, 2023 @ 10:00 am
19 Altarinda Road
www.orindaacademy.org
PIEDMONT
Corpus Christi School
Virtual Open House
September 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Open House
October 10, 2023 @ 8:15 am
November 14, 2023 @ 8:15am
Open House Morning with Michael
November 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am
1 Estates Dr
www.corpuschristischool.com
RICHMOND
Salesian College Preparatory
Open House
October 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Admissions Info Session
November 8, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
2851 Salesian Ave
www.salesian.com
SAN FRANCISCO
French American International School
PreK-K Open House - Page Ave
October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 am
High School Open House - Oak St
September 24, 2023 @ 10:00 am
October 22, 2023 @ 10:00 am
150 Oak Street
1155 Page Avenue
www.internationalsf.org
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Preparatory Parent Visits
September 6, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 9:00 am
1055 Ellis St
www.shcp.edu
WALNUT CREEK
Berean Christian High School
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
245 El Divisadero Ave
www.bereanchristian.org
The Seven Hills School Admissions Campus Tour K-8
October 10, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 14, 2023 @ 8:30am
November 28, 2023 @ 8:30 am
Admissions Campus Tour
Preschool/Pre-K
October 24, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 16, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 29, 2023 @ 8:30 am
975 North San Carlos Drive
www.sevenhillsschool.org
Check out more school open house events online at www.ParentsPress.comSelect School Open Houses
Don’t see your school’s event? You can post it online at the URL above.
There are many warning signs that indicate when someone is being bullied. It is important to notice these signs because the bullied may be dealing with other underlying issues and may not always ask for help.
Some common signs that someone is being bullied can include: unexplainable injuries, valuable items are suddenly broken or have disappeared, frequent illness on school days, change in eating habits (children may skip lunch at school to avoid their bully), avoidance of social situations, feeling selfconscious, difficulty sleeping accompanied by nightmares, decline in school interest, and poor school performance. Bullying can make someone feel helpless; more often than not, the victim remains silent out of fear, as they are worried about backlash from telling someone. If you or someone you know is being bullied here are some helpful hints on how to handle the bully:
• If you feel safe, confront the person who is bullying you. If you do not feel safe confronting your bully then avoid them; do not avoid them to the point of misses your classes, but try to take a different route to class avoiding any confrontation.
Annually the first Sunday after Labor Day is celebrated as Grandparents Day. The tradition started in 1978 while President Jimmy Carter was in office and has carried through to today because, well, who doesn’t love to honor Grandma and Grandpa? So whether your child can see theirs in person to offer a hug or have to settle for a phone call, make sure to let ’em know they’re loved.
• Grab a friend; walking with a friend is less nerve racking than walking by yourself, and the bully may be intimidated if there is more than one of you.
• Be a friend yourself; if you have a friend who is also being bullied offer to walk with them to class.
Remember, do not be silent: 45% of those bullied never report their experience, so make sure to let someone like a teacher, parent, or supervisor know about what is going on because they will be better equipped to handle the situation. If the bullying has surpassed the point of intervention and has led to physical or sexual attacks, racist or homophobic slurs, or sharing private information online, then you must report these incidents to the police, as these are criminal acts that should not go unnoticed. Most importantly, take care of yourself. Being bullied is difficult to deal with and might make one want to isolate themselves from others. Don’t let this happen; surround yourself with support and do activities that can reduce your stress like eating healthy, exercising, and meditating.
As we’re packing our kids’ lunch boxes this school year, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) have a few things they’d like parents to keep in mind. For example, make sure you use an insulated container for meals you hope to keep warm. They suggest first filling the container with boiling water, allowing it to stand for a few minutes before emptying. Then add the hot food. This will help keep bacterial contamination and growth to a minimum. And those soft lunch boxes? Rinse them with water or spray with a chlorine sanitizer to keep them clean. Y
By Janeen Lewis
School bells will soon be ringing, and while that means no more sleeping in or lazy days at the pool, welcoming structure and routine back into family life helps get kids who are reluctant to return to school more motivated to go. With a positive attitude and a few back-to-school motivators, even reluctant school goers can start the school year off right. And getting off on the right foot paves the way for school success for the entire year.
It’s easy to get off schedule during the summer when longer days beckon kids outside late and sleeping in is easy to do. Introduce routines for going to bed and waking up before school starts because it may take children a few days to adjust. Read a book together as a family to simulate academic routine before daily homework starts. If you have tweens or teens that have been staying up late, take their bed time back 15 minutes every night until you get to the desired bedtime so it isn’t too much of a shock to kids’ sleep cycles.
Organize those areas that you will use for school preparations. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the refrigerator and pantry so they will be ready to go when making lunches or breakfast. Restock home desk supplies and prep study areas. Organize your laundry room with baskets for school uniforms, sports uniforms, and individual kid’s clothes. Don’t overlook your vehicle. Keep a basket with all the things you might need for those busy hectic drives between school, work and after-school activities.
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Go through backpacks and closets and get rid of anything that is outgrown or worn out. Sell the nicest items at consignment stores or a yard sale, and save what you make to put toward new items this school year.
If your child has a hard time letting go of items even though they are worn out or don›t fit, try putting them in storage for a month or two, then bring them back out. I›ve done this with my own kids, and usually they are willing to give up the items when they realize they haven›t missed them.
After you have purged your home of old items, it is fun to replace them. Sometimes kids get excited about returning to school because they get new clothes and supplies.
Check out all the sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Make a shopping list of needed school supplies, clothing items and any organizing tools you might need for closets.
If your school has already sent a supply list, you can shop early and avoid the crowds and out-of-stock items. Sometimes I even shop late in the evening for school supplies when the aisles are less crowded so I can look carefully for what my kids need. The more you plan, the more you can do in one trip. You might even make it a special day out with kids.
Sneak-a-peek. Back-to-School Night. Readyfest. They are called a variety of names, but back-to-school orientations are another way to create a desire to go back to school. Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.
Help your child set a goal for the school year, or set a family goal together. Maybe your child wants to ace pre-algebra, start a kid blog or read more books than they read last year. Or maybe he or she wants to kick more goals in soccer this year or nail that back handspring they have been working on in gymnastics. As a family, maybe you want to volunteer together at school or raise money for a worthy cause in the community. Setting goals can motivate kids and families to have an amazing school year.
It can be simple, like snapping a morning photo shoot before the first day of school, or elaborate, like hosting a neighborhood back-toschool bash at your house. Have a family meal at your favorite restaurant after the first day or plan a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events kick in. Whatever you choose, model an upbeat attitude about the start of a new school year, and chances are your child will too. Y
Janeen Lewis is a writer, elementary teacher and mom. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales.
After you have purged your home of old items, it is fun to replace them. Sometimes kids get excited about returning to school because they get new clothes and supplies.
By Sarah Lyons
When it comes to homework, it can seem impossible to get kids motivated to start or stay on task. It can be especially frustrating when you know your child is smart and capable but they aren’t willing to put in the time and effort it takes to get the grades you know they can. As parents, we want our kids to put their best effort into their schoolwork without having to pester them and have the situation affect our relationship in a negative way. Here are some tips to help motivate your kids to stay on task.
One way to avoid a constant battle is to communicate in advance what your expectations are. When will homework be completed? Will it start immediately after school or after dinner? Let your child know where it is appropriate to work. Some kids are able to stay on task if they are alone in their bedroom while others may find toys or electronics distracting. Other kids may prefer to work at the kitchen table while others may find this to be too distracting because of other family activities around them. Other kids need to be reminded that sitting in front of the TV while working on homework is not a good idea.
Once you have established when and where they will work, make sure they have easy access to the supplies they need. It is also a good idea to let your child know what your expectations are for homework. Instead of focusing on the grade itself, let them know you expect their best work, that homework will be turned in on time, and that you are available to help if needed.
Another way you can motivate your child is by letting them know that they can do something they enjoy after their homework is completed. For example - “When you finish your reading, you can go outside and play.” or “When you are done with your math homework you can watch a TV show.” This communicates the importance of homework over leisure time and gives them a motivation to complete it.
One of the biggest motivators for kids is to have their parents support them in the challenges they face on a daily basis. This does not mean that you do your child’s homework for them or that you bribe or reward them every time they do their homework. A high five or a “I knew you could do it!” are usually enough to put a smile on your child’s face. Parents can also show their support by setting an example. If your child is sitting down at the table to work on homework,
Parents can help their kids with their school projects and homework but when it comes down to it, the kids themselves are responsible for their own homework and grades.
it may be a perfect time to sit down and work on writing a grocery list, sorting mail, or adding things to your calendar. You will set an example and create a quiet environment for your child to work while getting a few things off your own to do list.
Parents can help their kids with their school projects and homework but when it comes down to it, the kids themselves are responsible for their own homework and grades. It can be tough for parents to do but allowing kids to face the natural consequences of their work (or lack thereof) will help them learn responsibility. If your child puts in minimal effort, rushing through the work, or forgets to turn it in, their grades will be affected. If they put in their best work, take their time, and complete assignments in a timely manner their grades will probably see a boost. You can also give your kids extra responsibility by letting them choose when they will work on homework, how they will break up larger projects, and what organizational tools work best for them.
Homework can seem like a constant battle but setting good habits early on in the school year is usually the best way to manage school work. Parents should keep in touch with teachers and their child to make sure all three parties are a team and are working towards helping your child succeed. Y
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including seven year old triplets.
By Jan Pierce
Our children have had a rough several years of learning due to the pandemic and now it’s time to re-focus on classroom interactions. Some younger children haven’t had time to experience the way a classroom normally works. How do they behave in a large group? What if they need help? What if they make a mistake? How responsive will the teacher be to individual needs? Parents can help children take optimal advantage of their learning environment by teaching some basic learning skills. Your child doesn’t have to be top of the class to enjoy learning and be a thriving, healthy part of his or her classroom.
Teachers notice when children come to school prepared to learn. They have the right supplies; they’ve eaten breakfast and have had enough sleep. They brought back the permission slip for the field trip and they have their lunch money.
Yes, it’s a lot of work for parents to keep up with all the activities at school. And at some point children need to take responsibility for those things themselves, but not yet. Not when they’re in grade school and are just learning how to manage responsibilities. Be the parent who takes care of business and put your child in the best position to receive approval from the folks at school.
The best student in the world can’t be on high listening alert all day long. But successful students know when to listen carefully and that is one of the most important skills a student can learn. You can explain to your child that it’s vital to listen carefully when a teacher is giving exit directions before independent work times. These times
usually come when the entire class is gathered and a new subject is introduced. Just before the children move to work independently the explicit directions are given. Good teachers usually leave written directions where students can refer to them as they work.
Practice listening skills with your children. When are the times you need them to listen and remember? Help them see the difference between casual listening and focused listening when they need to act on the directions given.
It may seem easy to adults, but children often don’t know how to follow directions. Most directions are sequential: “Get your paper, write your name at the top, then do problems one through ten.” For some children all the words get jumbled up and they fail to do the first thing correctly. You can practice following directions at home and teach coping skills if the child forgets. Listening and following directions are key skills in learning and the earlier children can perform in these areas, the better they’ll do on classroom assignments.
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Play a game in which you give two directions: “Go to the door and tap on it three times, then stand by the coffee table.” When the child can do two directions correctly try for three. Keep adding until a mistake is made. Children can become quite adept at following directions using this method.
Here is a typical conversation in a first grade classroom: Teacher: Does anyone have any questions before we start our work? Student: “My hamster had babies last night.” This little interchange may bring smiles to adult’s faces, but it highlights the fact that many children don’t know the difference between statements and questions. And, they don’t understand the difference between appropriate questions and those that are off-task. Asking questions at the appropriate time and about the topic at hand is absolutely one of the most important skills a learner can master. It’s good to ask questions when we need information or clarification. It’s smart to ask good questions. But a child who hasn’t really mastered the art of asking will be lost, and without the information they need to do a good job. Practice asking clear, concise questions. “I understand how to write complete sentences using these words, but I don’t understand how you want me to change the action words. Vague questions like “How do I do this?” or statements like “I don’t get it.” leave the teacher wondering where to begin. Say to your child, “What, exactly do you need? And then prompt until the question is clear.
Not every child will earn straight A’s. Yes, there are average students in every classroom. And that’s okay if the child is working to his or her potential. But some children seem more adept at building relationships and maintaining friendships than others. This is the child who notices when a friend is sad or needs to borrow a pencil. This is the child who shares with others and takes turns. He plays fair. She notices when a friend needs encouragement.
Don’t underestimate the value of social skills when it comes to success in the classroom. Your child may not solve every math problem correctly, but if he is a good friend and a kind, caring person, you’ve got a lot to be proud of and the classroom is enriched. Help your child notice when others seem sad. Guide them to ways to help or share or show they care.
Practice: “Did you notice that Katie seemed sad today? I wonder if we could do something to cheer her up?” Or, “I like the way you shared your Legos with your friends. Being a good friend is really important in our family.”
Success in the classroom is more than achieving high marks on assignments. Just as in all of life, being a responsible, kind and caring person is just as important as being the best at what we do. Give your kids a boost by teaching them to master good classroom skills and watch them soar. Y
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www. janpierce.net
Take the guesswork out of finding the right private school for your child, from start to finish. The following articles are excerpts from the 2023/24 Annual Private School Guide produced by Parents’ Press, covering Why Consider a Private School, Private School Search and Information on Financial Assistance. Coming in October, the complete 2023/24 Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing tips, required testing information, and essay writing tips as well as the ins-and-outs of financial aid. There are school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools sorted by city. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler! Access the Annual Private School Guide for free at ParentsPress.com and tap the Our Magazines tab to view.
Many 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 student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, STEM resources and
art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Private schools are often well-equipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. 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
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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
• Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies
• Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools
• Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online
• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit
• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying
• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments
• Register for any standardized tests required for admission
• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books
• Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available
While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.
• 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
• Take required standardized admission tests
November
• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests
• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours
• 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 house or school events of interest
• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester
• Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays
• Note application deadlines. Some schools have December deadlines.
January
• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms
February
• Don’t miss deadlines: Many schools’ applications are due in February at the latest
• Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a student shadow day
March
• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March
• Watch for financial aid decisions
• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend
April
• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits
• Notify schools that you applied to but decided not to attend
• Attend events and activities for new parents and students
Aurora School’s mission is to nurture children’s love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement.
At Aurora School, we believe that academic excellence is best achieved in an environment where students feel con dent and supported. We employ social-emotional learning throughout our curriculum to cultivate self-awareness, relationship skills, problem-solving abilities, and responsible decision-making.
Aurora students learn in multi-grade classrooms. where grades K/1, 2/3, 4/5, and 6-8 share learning spaces. Older students serve as mentors to their younger classmates, who become mentors the following year.
Our optimal student:teacher ratio ensures that everyone has a voice. We foster strong relationships between students and teachers, which can dramatically enhance students' motivation and promote learning.
Academic excellence, joy of learning, inclusivity, and a commitment to social justice are at the heart of our school culture.
If you’d like to learn more, visit our website or contact us to schedule an information session or a tour of our lovely campus in Upper Rockridge.
Grades 6 - 8
www.juliamorganschool.org
as private, lumping them in with parochial 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.
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.
Excellent teachers. Educators 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 motivates and inspires each child.
Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. 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.
Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal/ social growth and civic purpose. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.
Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family.
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 for which the philosophy, values, and teaching style resonate with both you and your child.
And most important: An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Y
Our Mission & Vision
At Acton, we believe every child who walks into our school is a genius with the potential to change the world. We believe students should be in control of their learning and advancement, in a community that closely resembles the real world. We believe students can, and should, teach one another and work collaboratively to grow.
What sets us apart: Small Class Sizes
• Mixed-age Classroom
• Focus on Independent and Critical Thinking
Self-Paced Learning
• No homework
• Hands on Project based learning
Come take a tour to find out why thousands of families across the globe entrust Acton Academy with their learners education.
3110 Constitution Drive | Livermore, CA 94551 | 925-264-9477
www.actoneastbay.org
A Seven Hills education is based on the whole child philosophy, as we educate not just the mind but the heart, and attend to the entirety of the student experience From our Reggioinspired Preschool and developmental Kindergarten, to our adventurous Lower School classes and hands-on Middle School program, Seven Hills students are on a journey of curiosity and exploration, success and setbacks, awareness of self and contribution to others
Sign up for a tour on our website and see our community in action!
www.sevenhillsschool.org | 925-933-0666
Drive,
A COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHER
We pair the challenge of a college preparatory curriculum with a supportive environment and faculty relationships that ensure student success, connection, and confidence. In our intimate and open-minded community, students develop strong voices, deep compassion, and the skills and confidence they need to have a powerful impact on the world.
AT HOLY NAMES HIGH SCHOOL, STUDENTS THRIVE.
Inquire for more information, schedule a shadow visit or request a private tour.
hnhsoakland.org
very private school has its own policies about who receives financial aid, what types of aid are awarded, and how much aid a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.
To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.
Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.
Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You
will receive a financial aid decision shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.
Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.
Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.
Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the
school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org. Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.
Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.
Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.
Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you.
Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is a dual-language immersion IB World School offering preschool through high school programs. Our integrated curriculum combines bilingual German and English instruction with project-based learning and a cross-cultural experience. We offer exceptional academics, a diverse international perspective, and a vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers.
EBGIS is an accredited IB World School. All EBGIS eleventh and twelfth graders will enter the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the “gold standard” in high school education. The EBGIS IB Diploma Programme is open to students who do not speak German. Students may transfer to EBGIS to reap the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme offered in the eleventh and twelfth grades, choosing a second language other than German.
No prior knowledge of German is needed to join our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Students need not be fluent in German to join our Elementary and Middle Schools. Talk to us about individualized language support.
Open House
October 21, 2023
January 27, 2024
10 am - 2 pm
Online Info Sessions are offered for all. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/
admissions/visit-us
1070 41st Street
Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302
admissions@ebgis.org
