San Francisco Marin North Bay Private School Guide 2023

PRIVATE SCHOOLS BOARDING •

DAY SCHOOLS

Families have a choice when it comes to finding the RIGHT school, and choices have grown over the last 20 years. As you make these important choices, know that there is a school for every child. We hope and know that you will find this resource a tremendous help as you explore the regions amazing private school options.

INSIDE:

• Read about the types of private schools and how to start you search

• Use our timeline to plan, month by month, your search and execution of getting accepted at your school of choice

• Learn what exams are needed, how to nail the school interview and tips for writing a remarkable entrance essay.

• Explore tuition assistance opportunities

And, discover the private schools and preschools who are inviting you to consider them as the right program for your child and your family.

• Middle school & high school

• Individualized Learning (1:1 & small group)

• Strong Community Connections

• One-to-one individualized instruction

• Flexible Scheduling & Pacing

• Master material at your own pace

• Full Time and Part Time Enrollment: Grade 6-12

• Full-time school or single courses

Headlands’ unique one-to-one and small group teaching model allows us to tailor instruction to each individual student, ensuring that students master the material and experience real success in their courses and increased confidence for future learning.

Our one-to-one model and flexible scheduling allow students to learn at their own pace and design a schedule that supports their academic needs and personal interests. While the individual is the focal point of our learning process, we have built a strong sense of community among our students and faculty.

Explore our wide range of over 150 UC-approved courses, including 34 AP and 26 honors classes.

Why Consider Private School?

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 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

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.

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. >>>

Begin your bilingual journey at one of our Open Houses!

Guided by the principles of academic rigor and diversity, French American and International offers programs of study in French and English to prepare its graduates for a world in which the ability to think critically and to communicate across cultures is of paramount importance.

PreK-Kindergarten Open Houses

Saturday, October 28  10 am–3 pm, 1155 Page Street

Wednesday, November 15  6 pm–7 pm, 150 Oak Street

High School Open Houses

Sunday, September 24  10 am–1 pm, 150 Oak Street

Sunday, October 22  10 am–1 pm, 150 Oak Street

Wednesday, December 6  6 pm–8 pm, 150 Oak Street

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 schools.

Small classes and individual attention

Independent schools have low studentteacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2021–2022 was 8.4 students to 1 teacher.

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 individually.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a

bachelor’s or graduate degree education

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 2021–2022, students of color were 32 percent 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. •

The Admissions Process: Plan Ahead

You and your family have decided to apply to one or more private schools for the next school year. Hopefully, you have given yourself and your child plenty of time to prepare for the steps and items required for the process. The steps and requirements in this process can vary depending on the grade your child will enter and the selectiveness of the schools you’re targeting. As parents, understanding your role in this endeavor is crucial. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to navigate the admissions process smoothly and effectively.

To ensure a successful admissions process, it’s essential to take proactive steps and be wellorganized from the outset. Here are some key considerations for parents:

Highly Selective Preschools and Elementary Schools

1. Begin by identifying a shortlist of preschools or elementary schools that align with your preferences. Research their acceptance rates, and if they are highly competitive, consider expanding your options.

2. Maintain a detailed calendar of admission-

related events and deadlines. Typically, admissions portals open in late August or September, so register early to engage with the schools early.

3. Network with parents of children already enrolled in your top choices. Inquire about the teachers, parent involvement, flexibility and disciplinary procedures.

4. Attend “get to know you” events organized by prospective schools to familiarize yourself with their culture and values.

5. Understand your financial limitations for tuition and fundraising and what the school will ask of its families.

6. Inquire on required parent participation during the school year. Explore opportunities to contribute through connections or ongoing projects.

7. Prepare a photo collage of your child for the application to provide a more comprehensive perspective of your family.

8. Understand what the preschool will be

A complete Montessori education for independenceat school and beyond

From 2.5 years to 12th grade

Two locations in San Francisco

Guidepost Montessori empowers children to understand the world and choose their place within it. For children 2.5 years to 12 years.

The Academy of Thought and Industry is a Montessoriinspired middle and high school delivering a powerful education to develop curious, independent, and selfmotivated adolescents who thrive in school and in life.

Book a tour today!

Guidepost Montessori and ATI at Fort Mason

Programs offered:

• Children's House (2.5 years to 6 years)

• Elementary (6 years to 12 years)

• Middle School (12 years to 14 years)

In Fort Mason: 3741 Buchanan St. San Francisco, CA 94123 US

Tel: 415-429-2008

guidepostmontessori.com

Academy of Thought and Industry at San Francisco

Program offered:

•High School (grades 9 -12)

In Pacific Heights: 2690 Jackson St. San Francisco, CA 94115

Tel: 415-683-5459

thoughtandindustry.com/san-francisco

looking for during the interview from your child and you. Work with your child to ensure they have the needed skills.

Private Middle and High Schools

Private school admissions season typically opens in August or September the preceding year. In addition to basic demographic information, the educational history of the student and standardized test scores, the application may consist of supplemental components such as:

• Responses to student essay prompts.

• Parent essays.

• Graded writing samples.

• Letters of recommendation, typically from English and math teachers.

• An extracurricular profile of the student on what they do outside of class.

In addition to the prior items listed for preschools and elementary schools, organize and prepare for the following:

1. Maintain a calendar to track registration openings, admission events, application deadlines, and financial assistance deadlines.

2. Compile records of your child’s achievements in academics, sports, and community service to illustrate their positive impact.

3. Assess the impression your family will make on the school’s administration and determine how you will demonstrate your long-term commitment and support.

4. Begin working on your parent statement early, aligning it with the school’s philosophies to showcase your family’s suitability.

5. Collaborate with your child on their admissions essay, researching prompts as soon as possible.

6. Identify required tests, register and prepare your child accordingly.

7. Assist your child in selecting teachers, coaches, or mentors for compelling letters of recommendation.

8. Assemble graded writing samples and any other requested materials.

9. Attend non-admission events at the school, such as fundraisers and competitions, to display your family’s interest and involvement and learn more.

10. Help your child craft a first-choice letter for their top school preference.

The most challenging years to get into a preschool or private school are Pre-K 3, kindergarten, grade 6 and grade 9. So much of this process relies upon the parent. Stay on top of deadlines, ensure your child remains engaged, and maintains strong grades throughout this process.

Applying to highly selective schools can be as demanding as the college application process. Some families choose to hire an educational consultant to assist with the process and keep them on track. Do you need to hire a consultant? This depends upon how selective the school your child is applying to, if you are able to handle the extra burden during the admissions time or if you want to give your child a leg up in the application process. Schools come in all shapes and sizes with different requirements. You know your child better than anyone out there. You will be there to assist your child choose the school that is the best fit. •

Define Your Ideal School

Every school provides a unique educational experience, so how do you decide which schools will be a good fit for your child?

Think about:

• SCHOOL TYPE - Do you want a day school or boarding school? Coeducational or singlesex? If you’re not sure, search for articles and opinions or talk to an educational consultant about which environment might be best for your student.

• GRADE RANGE - Do you want a school that focuses on your child’s age range, or one that can serve your child through elementary, middle, and high school?

• LOCATION - Convenience matters, especially if you want your child to take part in school activities. Time the commute before and after school just to be sure.

• STUDENT BODY - Consider both average class size and total enrollment. A smaller population may mean fewer social opportunities, but more chances for your student to shine. Also consider the diversity of the student body.

• EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY - Most independent schools fall along a continuum between traditional and progressive, but what does that mean? How are classes taught? How are expectations conveyed? How are students tested? Ask to sit in on a few classes to see how the philosophy plays out.

• CURRICULUM - What courses are offered? Which are required and which are elective? In what order are math, science, and humanities courses taught? Is there an interdisciplinary emphasis, so that what students study in English meshes with what they’re learning in history? Does the curriculum fit your student’s learning needs?

• FACULTY - Examine the faculty list (online or in recruitment materials). Where did teachers go to college? How long have they been teaching? Do their degrees match with what they teach? Is there much turnover? In primary grades, how many teachers are in the classroom? Watch a class to see how teachers interact with students and engage them in the learning process.

• FACILITIES - In addition to the overall condition of the school, look at the facilities your child may use. Is the art department well-stocked? Are sports facilities wellequipped? Are computers up to date? How extensive is the library/language lab?

• SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EXTRACURRICULARS - Does the school provide programs that fit your student’s needs and interests? Consider academic support, language programs, arts, athletics, leadership opportunities, travel oppportunties and service programs. Is the school a place where your child can blossom? •

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

Basic Timeline

Not every school follows the same schedule, but many follow similar timetables for admission. The below timeline is designed to help you in the admissions process. Many schools will not need all of the materials presented here. It depends on how competitive and selective the school’s admission team is.

AUGUST

❑ Create an Admissions Journal

❑ Define your ideal school

❑ Find schools that match your child’s needs

❑ Talk to your network of friends to gather insights on schools

❑ Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

SEPTEMBER

❑ Browse schools’ websites & look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies

❑ Register at each school of interest and request admissions and financial aid material

❑ Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assistance deadlines for the schools of interest

❑ Ask schools about their test requirements and register for needed tests

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

❑ Contact schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and shadow days

❑ Begin crafting parent statements and brainstorming essay ideas

❑ Round up graded writing samples and other items, i.e., art, prospective schools will need to evaluate your child

❑ Assemble an extracurricular profile

❑ Work with your child to practice answering interview questions

❑ Arrange to get needed letters of recommendations

OCTOBER

❑ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests.

❑ Visit schools during open houses, information sessions, and tours.

❑ Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply.

❑ Take required standardized admission tests.

❑ Keep working on parent statements, essays and practice interviewing

NOVEMBER

❑ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests.

❑ Continue to watch for admission events you may want to attend.

for Applying to a Private School

❑ Follow up on teacher recommendations from your child’s current school.

❑ Start working on applications, financial assistance forms, continue working on essays, interviews & statements

DECEMBER

❑ Continue to watch for any admission or school events of interest.

❑ Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester.

❑ Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. Some application materials are due as early as December.

JANUARY

❑ Deadlines time: Most applications are due in January or February, along with the accompanying required materials.

❑ Financial assistance applications are normally due soon after applications

FEBRUARY

❑ For schools with February admissions deadline, turn in applications

❑ Re-visit schools applied to again if unsure of top choice

MARCH

❑ Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

❑ Watch for financial assistance decisions about this same time

❑ If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend & let other schools know of your choice

❑ If wait listed, contact school to find out details and options

APRIL

❑ Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits

MAY TO SEPTEMBER

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

❑ Get to know other families in the school

❑ Sign up for fall sports and clubs

Why Consider a Boarding School?

Boarding schools are a perfect option for many families, providing a home away from home that allows children to focus on their education as well as extra-curricular activities such as sports or arts. Education may not be the main reason parents choose to send their kids to boarding school. Some want their children to have a religious base to their education. Others find sports academies which allow their child the ability to train and develop athletic skills while providing a strong college prep education. Some parents favor a specific educational philosophy that can only be found in a boarding school setting. Plus, as was experienced with how education has been affected by situations such as Covid-19, boarding schools can create a stability for students and parents.

High-quality and Unique Education Possibilities

• With class sizes at most boarding schools averaging around 10-12 students, there is an opportunity to explore more subjects and attend classes not normally offered in conventional schools. Boarding schools may offer exciting travel opportunities to study ecology, history, political science, or art to give students the advantage of seeing and living their studies. Boarding schools have high standards when it comes to selecting teachers. Teachers are expected to create a classroom environment to stimulate discussion and promote student interest.

Strong Connections

• Boarding Schools create a strong community of students, staff and teachers. With children socializing with a limited number of children their own age, around the clock, a strong sense of community is developed as well as lifelong

friends. Peers encourage each other to try new sports, art, music and awaken interests not available at home. Students build strong connections to their roommates and teachers which builds learning behavior and students’ motivation. These connections often lead to a strong network of motivated people for the rest of their lives.

Build Independence, Discipline and Maturity

• Boarding schools teach children to take care of themselves which turns them into an independent individual for life. Students at boarding schools learn to be self-reliant and responsible at an earlier age than conventional students. These students learn to follow and maintain a schedule, how to follow school rules and take responsibility for their actions, as well as, learn to make decisions and be better prepared for making difficult choices as they grow into adults.

Innovative Teaching Techniques

• Boarding schools are also known to be quite innovative and to provide students with the latest technologies in order to improve the learning experience. This may translate into boarders’ higher acceptance by leading universities and better job opportunities later on.

Weekends at Home

• If not seeing your child for weeks at a time sounds a bit daunting, look for boarding schools which offer a five day a week program to allow for students to spend weekends with their families. •

We prepare students for a life of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

Athenian is a 6-12 all-gender day and boarding school with 535+ students. We invite you to learn more and join us for an upcoming admission event!

A campus like no other: Athenian is located on 75 beautiful acres at the foot of Mt. Diablo in Danville. We use our natural environment as a classroom--a perfect setting for our hands-on approach to teaching and learning.

Athenian buses transport students to and from East Bay communities.

Scan to learn more!

When Your Child Has Special Needs

Many students have diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety, learning delays, physical disabilities, special medical needs or behavioral issues. Other children have special talents they want to nurture or learning styles that require additional time or resources in the classroom. Whatever your child’s special needs, it’s best to talk about them honestly and early in the process.

Consider asking the school the below questions related to your child:

• How does the school endeavor to meet your child’s needs?

• If your child has a 504 or IEP from a public school, will this school work with your child to set up a similar program?

• How does this school handle absences due to issues related to my child’s special needs?

• How will the school communicate if there is a problem?

• What do you see as the school’s strengths and weaknesses with working with special needs students?

• Will my child have a counselor to work with my child’s unique needs?

If your child is not admitted, it may mean the school doesn’t have the facilities or expertise to meet your child’s needs. Available, state mandated, programs available public schools may not translate to a private school setting.

If the school seems like a good fit, ask to speak to 2-3 parents who have children with similar situations at the school. Ask these families what their experience has been like, what challenges they have encountered and if the school worked with them to find a quality solution. Would the parents recommend the school?

Keep notes on every conversation you have, and look for consistency in the answers. This information should help you narrow your list of possible schools. •

At San Francisco Waldorf School, you’ll find a forward-thinking education that honors the stages of childhood, teachers that encourage the unique spark in each student, and a community that values personal connection.

We serve families from birth through high school.

Parent-Child Classes ages 0 to 3

Preschool ages 2 to 4

Kindergarten ages 4 to 6

Grades 1-8 Lower Pacific Heights High School West Portal

Explore

difference Inquire

Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

You’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.

• 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. •

8 Tips for Navigating an Open House

Open House events are one of the best opportunities to experience many aspects of a school. At the event you will get the feel of the staff, students and administrators. You will have the opportunity to walk the halls, experience the classrooms and unique features. While the format of these events may differ across institutions, most will introduce you to the faculty, offer tours of the premises, and spotlight clubs and other extracurricular activities. With the rise of technology, many schools now opt for virtual Open House events. While these can be informative, it’s essential to visit the campus at some point during the admissions process. Whether you’re attending virtually or in person, here are eight tips to make the most of your Open House experience:

1.

Register in Advance

Let schools know you are coming as soon as you can. You will be rewarded by a better prepared school. It is not unusual for these events to fill up so don’t wait to reserve your space. Plus, schools will most likely send you an agenda of the event and important admissions information. And, if you can’t make it for some reason let the school know ahead of time.

2.

Do Your Homework

By this stage, you should have reviewed the school’s websites, look books, social media and YouTube channels. Conduct a thorough online search for any relevant news on the school. Talk to your child about the school and what is of particular interest.

3.

Pay Attention to Arrival Time

While some schools have flexible drop-in events, others have specific check in times. Consider arriving early to mix with staff and current students. If time doesn’t allow you to go early, be on time so you are not rushed.

4. Familiarize Yourself and Child with the Agenda

Hopefully, since you registered the school has provided an agenda ahead of time. Otherwise, check the school’s website or email the admissions team ahead of time. An Open House can be an overwhelming experience for your child due to unfamiliar surroundings and faces. Familiarizing them with the event’s flow can alleviate anxiety. Some events might have separate schedules for parents and prospective

students, so discuss logistics and potential rendezvous points.

5. Take Notes

Most likely you will be visiting more than one schools events. After a few events, keeping track of information can be tough. Take good notes of teacher and student engagement, important dates and opportunities to further engage with the school. Write down a teacher or student that has similar interests as your child or of programs and new projects of interest. Also, after the event, write down your overall impression of the school and how your child reacts, new questions and next steps.

6. Ask Questions

Talk to as many students and teachers as possible. Ask why they chose this school and what they like most about it. Find out what life is like day-to-day, what are the important school wide events, favorite teachers or classes. Evaluate the level of excitement of the students.

7. Evaluate if this School a Good Fit

Do you see your child flourishing academically, socially and physically here? Is school staff welcoming and approachable? Are students engaging with other students. What does the school do to help integrate new students?

8. Evaluate Communication Efficacy

Effective school communication is a reflection of its administrative efficiency. Assess if the provided information facilitated a smooth open house experience. Were there areas where more clarity would have been beneficial? Ensure you comprehend the school’s expectations of students and their families.

Use

Open House events to help

understand the school and determine its compatibility. The school should educate you on what they are looking for in a student and what they promise to provide. If you made a good connection with a staff member, or they took extra time with you, drop them a quick note of appreciation. Also, consider sending the admissions a thank-you note, accompanied by a positive observation. •

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

Tips for a Great Essay

Application 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. These suggestions from private school organizations can break the task of writing the essay into manageable steps that 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.

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.

Tell a story

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

Be 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.

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 editing, let your child do all the writing. 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. •

Interview Preparation

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.

The 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.

• 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 bad-mouth 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. •

Get Noticed in a Virtual Admissions Interview

presence, and practice projecting a clear voice. If possible, record these practice sessions for feedback. It’s crucial to advise your child against nervous habits like fidgeting or excessive gesturing, which can be distracting in a virtual setting.

Just as with a face-to-face interview, attire matters. Ensure your child dresses in a manner that’s both comfortable and in line with the school’s dress code. The goal is to convey respect and leave a lasting impression.

There may come a time when an in-person interview isn’t feasible. Perhaps your family is relocating to the area of the school or you’re considering a distant boarding school. How can you, or more importantly, your child, ensure a successful virtual interview? The following tips offer guidance.

In recent years, virtual calls, classes, interviews, and presentations have become commonplace. If you haven’t established a virtual office at home, start by setting up a tidy space with ample lighting and a non-distracting background. To prevent shadowy visuals, consider using a ring light and avoiding direct backlighting from windows. Position the camera at your child’s eye level — placing your laptop on boxes can help achieve this. If your child wants to showcase a hobby, consider a custom background with relevant imagery, be it their artwork, a beloved sports figure, a memorable travel destination, or a pet. This personal touch can be a great conversation starter. Choose a location that minimizes interruptions from pets, deliveries, landscaping noise, or siblings.

If you’re unfamiliar with virtual meetings, determine the platform the school will use and practice with a friend. Adjust camera angles, teach your child to maintain their on-screen

Arrange a mock interview with an adult unfamiliar to your child. This allows them to acclimatize to the digital format and refine their virtual etiquette, such as logging in early to account for technical issues, avoiding phone distractions, and keeping snacks out of sight. It’s acceptable to have a glass of water nearby, but leave it at that. Ensure your child attends to any personal needs before the call starts.

Establish whether parents should remain present during the interview. While it’s advisable for a parent to be available for initial tech troubleshooting, it’s best to give your child space once the interview commences.

Encourage your child to jot down notes, especially if they encounter challenging questions. Ahead of time, prepare a list of 5-6 questions they can refer to if asked. During the conversation, prompt them to note down intriguing points or further questions, ensuring they’re engaged and proactive throughout.

As the session concludes, remind your child to express gratitude. If something piqued their interest, they should ask the interviewer for more resources or insights on that topic.

Lastly, always follow up. A handwritten thankyou note, referencing a personal tidbit from the interview, leaves a lasting impression. If the admissions officer works remotely, a thoughtful video message or email is a suitable alternative.

Financial Assistance Basics

Every private school has its own policies about who receives financial assistance, what types of assistance are awarded, and how much assistance 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.

HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

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.

WHEN TO APPLY

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.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

• 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. •

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

What to Include in a Parent Statement

Most preschools and private schools use the Parent Statement as a tool to gain insights into your child and family support. Particularly for preschool and early elementary grades, the Parent Statement may be the primary written lens through which the admissions team views your child’s personality, assessing if they are a good fit. Additionally, the statement should offer a glimpse into your family dynamics, primarily addressing whether education is important, supported, and valued. The part of the admission’s process aims to understand your family values to see if they resonate with the school’s ethos.

The criteria for Parent Statements differ from one school to another. While some institutions offer specific prompts, others adopt a broader approach. Regardless, these statements should be succinct, ideally no longer than the stipulated limit or a single page. Consider the perspective of an admissions officer faced with reading hundreds of Parent Statements. Being concise is crucial. To effectively convey your child’s personality and your family’s educational values, every word must be impactful. It’s advisable to allocate ample time for drafting and refining your statement, ensuring relevant details are provided and unnecessary adjectives are eliminated.

Your task, in a nutshell, is to encapsulate your child’s personality and your family’s stance on education in 650 words or less. In addition, indicate what the school can anticipate from you as parents if your child is admitted. This might sound straightforward, but it’s a nuanced endeavor.

Before you start, ensure you understand any prompts provided by the school. Familiarize yourself with the school’s mission and educational philosophy, so you can echo similar values when portraying your child. Reflect on instances where your child’s actions or reactions mirrored the school’s values or beliefs. Choose

a notable example that encapsulates your child’s character and use it as a foundation for your introductory paragraph. Throughout the statement, honestly describe your child’s character and personality.

In the subsequent paragraph, delve into your child’s learning inclinations. Highlight subjects they excel in and areas they find challenging. If they’ve faced academic hurdles, outline the support that aided them. Alternatively, if they haven’t faced academic obstacles, touch upon other challenges, perhaps social, familial or physical, and how they navigated them.

Your following paragraph should delineate why you believe your child would thrive in that specific school. Reference particular programs or offerings the school provides that intrigue your child. Conclude by communicating briefly why you, as parents, are enthusiastic about the school and how you intend to be supportive.

Once written, revisit your statement multiple times, refining and honing. Ensure your introductory sentence captivates the reader, and the subsequent content sustains their interest. Your narrative should illuminate desired traits in your child, while steering clear of excessive adjectives, ostentation, speculative statements, and embellishments. If you’re repurposing this statement for multiple schools, double-check that you’ve adjusted the school’s name accordingly.

The Parent Statement is a useful avenue to spotlight unique facets of your child and family. Whether it’s emphasizing a diverse background or recounting challenges your family confronted and how your child responded, this is your opportunity to offer a more profound insight into your child.

Lastly, review and refine your statement once more. Your diligence will be well worth the effort. •

The Acceptance and Decision

The application is completed, interviews and shadow days all done—all that’s left is waiting for the acceptance letter (or email) and then the big decision. Usually, acceptance (or rejection or waitlist) notifications go out on a Friday in midMarch, and families then have seven days to decide where their child will attend. So how to make the decision?

When you learn about your child’s acceptance, you will also learn about financial assistance awards. If the grant you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are not awarded any financial assistance, contact the school’s financial assistance officer to learn about other options.

The following are tips on choosing a school from the National Association of Independent Schools.

What to Do If You’re Accepted

• If you’re certain about the school, say yes—but feel free to take the full seven days to sit with the decision to make sure it feels right.

Deciding on a School

• Discuss the options as a family.

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

• 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 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.

• Ask to talk to some teachers.

• Talk to graduates or current families of the school—especially any who have come from your child’s current school.

• Encourage your child to talk to other students.

Once You Decide

• Be sure to contact the school you choose by the reply deadline.

• Let all schools where you were admitted know of your final decision so they can contact other families on their wait list.

• Return your signed enrollment contract and tuition deposit.

If You’re Waitlisted

• Call the school right away and let admissions officials know that you are very interested. Stay in touch with them throughout the summer. Sometimes children can be accepted off the waitlist just days before school begins.

If You’re Rejected

• 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. •

Fearless, We Pursue EXCELLENCE

How to Find the

Your 7 Step Approach

1. Start Early. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used in preschools. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.

2. Determine what criteria is most important for your child and family. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, year-round program, extended hours, cost? What are the most important factors and options? Rate these so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child.

3. Utilize local parenting resources. Local parenting magazines and websites, like Parents’ Press, offer lots of preschool information and open house announcements. These will help you to become familiar with what preschools are available in your area and the program options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit preschool websites that look interesting to find out admissions information. More information can also be found at www.ParentsPress.com

4. Ask around. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the school. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from the preschool?

5.

Tour

top choices. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to pre-register for these. Have your list of questions ready (see page 20 for Questions to Ask) and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program.

6. Contact the preschool.

Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee.

7. Apply to your top choice. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour, now is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in the spring for the following fall. Find out from the preschool when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families?

If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider another option.

Perfect Preschool

The Site Visit

1.

First Impressions.

Is the preschool clean, organized and does it have a good feeling about it? Is the staff friendly, and are the teachers in control of the classroom? Inside, are there play areas? Are toys and books in good shape and organized? Outside is there enough room? Are there play areas and toys for all of the kids? Does the preschool feel safe inside and out? Are safety protocols being followed? Does the preschool feel like a place your child can thrive in?

2.

The Basics.

What are the start and end times for the core program? If extended care is available, who manages this, and where is it held? What is the daily schedule and is there a different holiday schedule? Are lunch and snacks provided? If not, is refrigeration available? Is the bathroom safe and centrally located with toddler sized facilities? What are the sick policies? Is the facility up to code? What are the emergency protocols? Have the teachers been trained in CPR, first aid and infection control?

3.

Teachers and Staff.

Is there enough supervision? Does the teacherchild ratio match or exceed standards? Teacher turnover? What experience do the teachers have and how long have they been teaching at this school? How were they trained? Do the teachers seem happy? How is their interaction with the children? How do they balance the different needs of the children? Do they have a specific approach for teaching social-emotional skills? How do they communicate with the family on concerns? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?

4. Learning Environment.

Are the children doing the same project or do the children work independently? Are there a variety of learning materials in which children can explore their interests and learn new skills? Is there a focus on reading? How do children decide what to do, when to do it and with whom? What support do teachers provide when a child gets stuck on a project? How are children motivated to participate? How are holidays integrated into the learning experience?

5. Family Involvement.

How involved are the families in the dayto-day operations of the preschool? What opportunities or organized events are available to meet other families during the school year? Are there required volunteer hours or monetary commitments beyond the tuition? Are there fundraising events and what is the money raised used for? Are there opportunities for classroom observation? How do family members participate in celebrations?

6. Visit Final Impression.

Do you feel this preschool is a great fit for your child? Did you feel comfortable with what you saw and the people you interacted with? Did your concerns get addressed? Are there any red flags you need to check up on? Were you encouraged to contact the school with any questions? Is there a clear next step in the process?

Every family has specific needs and many preschools can accommodate them. It is important to ask questions now. Don’t be afraid to discuss personal matters, one on one. Chances are the preschool has encountered a similar situation before and is up to the task or may be able to give you direction to an alternative resource. 

Be prepared with this short question checklist before you step foot into the school

Headlands Preparatory School

Headlands Preparatory School is an award winning, WASC-accredited, college preparatory school for grades 6 through 12 with a long history of helping students succeed through individualized learning. Headlands’ unique onetoone and small group teaching model allows us to tailor instruction to each student, ensuring that students master the material and achieve success in their courses and increased confidence for future learning.

Founded on the principle that all students can grow as individuals and learners within a supportive environment, Headlands Preparatory School provides an individualized program aimed at empowering students to develop through learning and engagement. From highly gifted students who find a traditional classroom setting too limiting, to students with learning differences who need a specialized teaching approach to shine academically, Headlands Prep meets students where they are to maximize both their learning and their self-confidence. Headlands Prep has established itself as a thriving independent school in the Marin community, offering a quality program responsive to the needs of its students.

Building on its four pillars of individualized learning, academic mastery, personal growth, and community engagement, Headlands Prep works with each student to identify their strengths and unique learning needs. Headlands Prep currently offers 152 UC-approved courses, including 34 AP and 26 Honors courses. Most courses are taught 1:1, while some electives are meet in small groups.

The individualized teaching approach utilized in classes allows students numerous opportunities to develop and articulate their own thoughts, interests, and opinions. At Headlands, parents, teachers, and administrators partner together to create a supportive, positive, and respectful environment to set the stage for students to flourish in a nurturing and uplifting learning community. Students engage in a transformative educational experience that helps build academic self-esteem, develop self-awareness, and contribute responsibly to the global community. Students experience both personal and academic growth as both are nurtured and challenged side by side to develop 21st-century individuals prepared for any path they choose upon leaving Headlands Prep.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a Lasallian Vincentian Catholic 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. We welcome the Bay Area’s brightest to our inclusive community. Our dynamic curriculum, integrated technology and dedicated and innovative teachers prepare our students for success. Hundreds of colleges across the country, including all of US News & World Reports Top 10 National Universities, accept SHC graduates.

We believe in the power of student-centered learning— that their natural curiosity should drive their intellectual path. Academic rigor starts with an innate desire to learn. This inquiry, drive and thirst for knowledge are the most important elements of their education. It’s our desire to provide students with the highest-quality resources, the passion and training of our faculty, and the time and flexibility to excel throughout these four transformative years.

SHC’s curriculum includes rigorous core classes, engaging electives and challenging Honors and Advanced Placement courses. We teach our students to use the tools most relevant to them in a digitally diverse and ever-changing world. Our students have the autonomy to select the technology of their choice with our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, a philosophy more in line with practices in current higher education and their future workplace.

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

To schedule a visit, please visit shcp.edu to see the opportunities available to your family.

French American International School

More than a school, we are a community. Rooted in San Francisco and informed by a global perspective, French American International + International High School is the intellectual home for families seeking a world-class education and an inclusive, multicultural community.

Our international education provides globally-minded learning experiences in and beyond the classroom. We inspire students to discover their individualities, explore their passions, and think internationally. Our students develop into global citizens who will make a difference in the world.

When you choose a school, you choose the community in which your child and your family will live and grow for the coming years. That community matters, immensely: it must enrich, support, and inspire your child and family, all in equal measure.

Since our founding 60 years ago, our community has prepared students to navigate the world with confidence and command, empathy and joy. We achieve this through rigorous bilingual, French, and International Baccalaureate education programs, and a vibrant school culture strengthened by multilingual, multinational educators and families.

Our community includes French American International School (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8) and International High School (Grade 9 through Grade 12).

At French American, our students experience a unique, bilingual environment. By Grade 8, our students are fluent in both French and English.

In Grade 9, our community expands to include incoming students from across San Francisco and families from around the globe. Many of these students are not bilingual, yet they all have a desire to experience the world around them.

At International High School, students earn an internationally recognized baccalaureate diploma in addition to a U.S. high school degree. We prepare our students to go on to thrive at the best universities, anywhere in the world.

Bilingualism is a gift that can open doors.

Take a Virtual Tour on our website or visit us at one of our Open House events. Visit internationalsf.org for more information.

An independent Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade progressive school based in San Francisco, AVS prepares students to thrive as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world. Our STEAM-powered curriculum and our foundation of deep socialemotional learning inspire curiosity, creative problem-solving, and love of Learning.

Our Program

Our STEAM-rich program is built around curiosity, creativity, and communication. Our curriculum inspires a love of learning through interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, hands-on academic experiences. Students explore and pursue their unique interests and talents within each subject area to further their self-awareness and self-knowledge. The core program is enriched with classes in Spanish, gardening and sustainability, visual arts, tinkering, drama, music, and physical education.

Our Curriculum

The curriculum draws on grade-level and gradenext standards that balance planned content and flexibility for creative expression based on

students’ interests. Lessons and units are framed by guiding and essential questions and extend beyond the four walls of the school. AVS also prioritizes public speaking and presentations, collaboration, community service, and social and emotional learning, which are deeply integrated into rigorous academic practice.

Our Technology

Google Chromebooks, iPads, Cameras, 3D printers, Laser cutters, other Student-Teacher Ratio

Lower School has two lead teachers per class, plus specialists. The student-teacher ratio for Junior Kindergarten is 7:1; average K–5th is 9:1. Middle School has up to 40 students per grade, with 10-18 students in each academic class.

To learn more, visit www.altavista.org.

Sterne School

Sterne School is a co-ed independent day school serving 4th-12th grade students Bay Area-wide. Sterne’s mission is to build on the foundation of individual strengths to discover and nurture each student’s version of greatness. Our Lower, Middle, and High School programs are designed as a seamless progression from foundational literacy and math skills to a comprehensive college preparatory program. With our small class sizes and integrated supports, every student can achieve academic success.

In Lower and Middle School, skills-based class placement allows students to access grade level content, balancing integrated support and academic enrichment. Our standards-based academic program inspires critical thinking, collaboration, and the development of strong study and organizational skills. Abundant enrichment opportunities from experiential travel to community service foster meaningful social emotional learning and build community.

Sterne’s High School program provides students with a comprehensive and challenging college preparatory curriculum through instruction that is designed and led by expertly-trained faculty. Self-reflection, self-advocacy, and leadership opportunities are at the core of this program, as each student’s understanding of their own learning profiles fosters autonomy and critical thinking. Our college counseling team works with students and their families throughout high school so that our graduates find the best-fit schools. Sterne graduates pursue their passions as creators, leaders, problemsolvers, and thinkers.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, our campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a new Performing Arts and Athletic center housing a digital film studio, a black box theater, a music practice and recording studio, and gymnasium. We provide competitive and recreational athletics offerings open to every grade and ability level, dozens of student clubs and affinity groups, national and international travel opportunities, electives, social events, and afterschool enrichment classes. All Sterne students have a wealth of opportunities to “start with strengths” and pursue their passions.

To find out more or to arrange a vist please contact us at admissions@sterneschool.org

1555 Mariposa St

San Francisco, CA 94107 415-861-8840

www.liveoaksf.org

Live Oak School

Live Oak School is an all gender K - 8 school in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.

At Live Oak School we understand that the best learning happens when students are actively engaged in the process—thinking deeply, exploring ideas, and solving problems. Our approach is deeply rooted in the progressive tradition, centered on supporting our students in knowing themselves well. Understanding their own identities fosters an appreciation for the diversity they see in others, building the foundation to be changemakers in the world.

Our students provide a daily reminder of our mission to support their potential and promise. We believe that the teacher’s role is to cultivate a stimulating and supportive learning environment in which students can construct their own knowledge. Each member of our school community brings a wealth of experiences, backgrounds, talents, abilities, and interests to school each day. Embracing this diversity, our faculty designs a rich and challenging academic program that is relevant and responsive to each student.

La Scuola International School

We offer an inquiry based immersive Italian language curriculum for Preschool-8th grade students. With Inquiry as the leading tool of our education, students foster critical and creative thinking skills, confidence, collaboration, and empathy.

728 20th Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

415-551-0000

www.lascuolasf.org/inquire

At La Scuola, we educate the whole childintellectually, physically, and emotionally - in a joyful and beautiful environment. We believe that children learn through meaningful experiences and exploration of the world around them. Our students are the protagonists in their own learning and we nurture their ability to learn across languages, across cultures, and across subjects. Our mission is to inspire brave learners to shape the future. We empower children to develop a life-long love of learning and become world citizens who care about their local and global communities.

3140 Balboa Street

San Francisco, California 94121

415-525-4035

www.kfsschool.org

KFS School

KFS SCHOOL was founded by Kahlon Family Services LLC in January of 2016, our school’s mission every day is working as hard as we can to bring quality education toall Children who are bright and have been called Twice Exceptional (2E).

Our educational inspiration stems from believing in the potential and strength of each child. We actively guide every aspect of each child’s individuality, character and well-being on a personal level and in a group setting. We provide each child with a comprehensive environment to nurture his/her learning style through their own curiosity, passion for learning, and social interaction. We strive to create opportunities for learning, exploration, creativity and selfexpression. Flexible seating and movement desks.

We are a year-round school!

WASC Accreditation in process!

Academy of Thought and Industry

We are a modern Montessori-inspired school with campuses in Fort Mason and in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, delivering a powerful education for independence, to develop curious, self-motivated adolescents who thrive in school and in life.

Welcome to the future of education! ATI Fort Mason's middle school program and ATI San Francisco's high school program are unique: a deliberately planned and charted curriculum of foundational skills that open a greater and greater number of possible paths. We serve ambitious teens who are looking for a smaller, more personalized learning environment and an alternative to public high school.

Middle School: 3741 Buchanan Street | San Francisco, CA 94123 | 415-429-2008

High School: 2690 Jackson Street | San Francisco, CA 94115 | 415-683-5459

www.thoughtandindustry.com/

3741 Buchanan Street

San Francisco, CA 94123

415-429-2008

www.guidepostmontessori.com/

Guidepost Montessori Fort Mason

Guidepost Montessori in Fort Mason is one of the most trusted Montessori schools in San Francisco, California. Indoors, rooms are spacious, bright, and light-filled, creating a warm and calm space for children to work.

Our school is conveniently located in the heart of Fort Mason off of Beach St. and Buchanan St. Our goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential, and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime. We are a school where children find the joy in learning — and thus make it possible for them to continue learning for the rest of their lives.

Children’s House: For children ages 4 to 6 years old. Students direct their own activities, building knowledge, confidence and social skills along the way.

Elementary: Designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old, this program combines classical academic subjects with student-led project-based work, allowing each child to work at their own pace and reach their full potential.

Chronos Academy

Chronos Academy is an innovative TK-8 school that integrates every subject with global history: each week a stop on a journey through time. When gifted children are exposed to the rich and diverse history of peoples, ideas, sciences and the arts in context, they thrive.

Students of Chronos Academy will acquire knowledge that inspires them to contribute to human innovation, gain context in which to employ critical thinking, hone skills that equip curiosity-powered inquiry, and internalize a deep-rooted sense of selfworth that motivates them to honor and serve their neighbors.

110 Magnolia Avenue

Larkspur, CA 94939

415-383-2283

www.chronos.academy

PS

High School | 470 West Portal Ave

San Francisco | 415-931-2750

www.sfwaldorf.org

San Francisco Waldorf School

We serve families from birth through Grade 12. Our Early Childhood Program includes ParentChild Classes for 0-3 year olds, a play-based Preschool, and a two-year Kindergarten. Our unique curriculum and dedicated faculty and staff support each child and engage their unique potential in a way that serves the larger community and the world. At the heart of the school is an innovative education, a constantly renewing, 100-year-old humanistic approach to learning that is taught at more than 1,100 schools worldwide. Our teachers share the vision that education is transformative. Collectively we strive to help students become free, resilient, creative human beings who lead lives of purpose and direction.

Winston Preparatory School – A

Founded in 1981, Winston Preparatory School is a nationally recognized network of campuses on the east and west coast as well as online, serving students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disorders (NVLD).

Winston Prep Marin, located in San Rafael, offers students grades 3-12 an individualized, holistic and responsive education. What differentiates Winston Prep's learning methodology from other education models is an in-depth understanding of each student which results in grouping by learning profile and precisely designed programming. Winston Prep accomplishes this through its Continuous Feedback System. Before your child spends their first day at Winston Prep, our team of exceptional teachers has spent weeks designing an academic program for your child’s specific needs. Then, we continuously assess how your child is responding to their skill development plan and adjust our teaching approach based on that.

The combination of small class sizes where students are grouped by learning profile and our Focus program, a key component of our highly dynamic model of research-based teaching methods, creates an environment where your child feels understood and is able to learn. Focus teachers work one-to-one with each student daily for individualized instruction, ensuring that their program is continuously evolving as they develop skills.

Register for an upcoming Open House or contact Pavati Zeno, Director of Admissions, pzeno@winstonoprep.edu. Visit winstonprep.edu to learn more about our mission and educational philosophy.

Woodside Priory School

Woodside Priory School is a co-educational, college preparatory Catholic Benedictine school. Serving grades 6 through 12 and with a student population of around 400 students, we also offer a boarding option for our upper school.

Woodside Priory School's mission is to assist all students in creating meaningful and balanced lives, developing as lifelong learners and stewards, and productively serving a world in need of their gifts. Throughout their time at Priory, our students are encouraged to try new activities while simultaneously engaging with cherished ones. Anchored by our Benedictine values of Community, Hospitality, Individuality, Integrity, and Spirituality, our students are engaged with vigor and purpose.

302 Portola Road

Portola Valley, CA 94028

650-851-8221

www.prioryca.org

Presidio Hill School

Established in 1918, Presidio Hill is a coed, TK-8 school with a rich and unique history in San Francisco. PHS has been providing generations of children with a progressive education that is engaging, relevant, and empowering.

· Small nurturing environment –Guided by an expert and caring faculty, our 220 students are truly known and appreciated for who they are.

· Challenging, project-based, integrated curriculum –Learning is fun, collaborative and active with an emphasis on deep understanding of concepts and creativity in problem solving.

· Developmentally attuned program –We meet children where they are and encourage them to their full potential through the development of self awareness, resiliency and personal character alongside intellectual stimulation.

3839 Washington Street San Francisco CA 94118

415-751-9318

www.presidiohill.org

· Vibrant, diverse community – Cultivates mutual respect and the value of multiple perspectives and approaches.

Mill

Private Schools

Mill Valley

San

Children’s Day School 333 Dolores St San Francisco • 415-861-5432

415-865-6000

Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco 2222 Broadway Street and 1715 Octavia Street

Francisco • (415) 563-2900

Drew School of San Francisco 2901 California St.

Francisco • 415-409-3739

Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires 659 Pine St San Francisco • 415-421-0069

French American International School 150 Oak Street San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org See pgs 7, 39

Guidepost Montessori Fort Mason 3741 Buchanan St San Francisco • 415-429-2008

www.guidepostmontessori.com/schools/fortmason-san-francisco-ca See pgs 11, 44

Hillwood Academic Day School

Scott St San Francisco • 415-931-0400 www.hillwoodschool.com

San Francisco • 415-742-4254

415-715-8648

415-564-6250

Boarding Schools

65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road

Kamuela, HI • 808-881-4321

52500 Temecula Rd. Idyllwild, CA • 951-659-2171

• 530-583-8665

CA • 831-722-8178

Meyers Grade Road

Lake Tahoe, CA • 844-752-9842

CA • 805-646-1464

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation 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 five 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). •

A Key to Private School Accreditations, Affiliations, and Associations

Here is a list of some of the accrediting, affiliation, and association bodies that schools list in our Regional Guide to Private Schools.

ABC - Arts in Basic Curriculum, www.abcinstitutesc.org

ACSI - Association of Christian Schools International, www.acsi.org

AEFE - Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Etranger, www.aefe.fr

AISAP - Assoc. of Independent School Admission Professionsals, www.aisap.org

AMI - American Montessori Internationale, www.montessori-ami.org

AMS - American Montessori Society, www.amshq.org

BADA - Bay Area Directors of Admission, www.issfba.org

BAMA - Bay Area Montessori Association, www.bayareamontessoriassociation.com

CAIS - California Association of Independent Schools, www.caisca.org

CDE - California Department of Education, www.cde.ca.gov

Cognia - Cognia Performance Standards, www.cognia.org

CPSTEME - Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

CQEL - California Quality Early Learning, www.caqualityearlylearning.org

Green Ribbon School - US Department of Education, www2.eg.gov

IALDS - International Association of Lerner Driven Schools, ialds.org

IB, IBO - International Baccalaureate, www.ibo.org

ICG - Independant Curriculum Group, www.independentcurriculum.org

ICGS - International Coalition of Girl’s Schools, girlsschools.org

IMC - The International Montessori Council, www.montessori.org

ISBOA - CA Independent Schools Business Officer Association, www.isboa.org

ISSFBA - Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area, www.issfba.org

NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org

NAIS - National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org

NCAA Approved - National College Athletic Association, www.ncaa.org

NCEA - National Catholic Educational Association, www.ncea.org

NCGS - National Coalition of Girl’s Schools, girlsschools.org

NCPSA - National Council for Private School Accreditation, www.ncpsa.org

NIPSA - National Independent Private Schools Association, www.nipsa.org

PASCH - Schulen: Partner der Zukunft, www.pasch-net.de

PEN - Progressive Education Network, www.progressiveeducationnetwork.org

POCIS - People of Color in Independent Schools of N CA, www.nocapocis.org

SBSA - Small Boarding Schools Association, www.sbsaonline.org

SHCOG - Sacred Heart Commission on Goals, www.sacredheartusc.education

TABS - The Association of Boarding Schools, www.tabs.org

WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges, www.acswasc.org

WBSA - Western Boarding Schools Association, www.westernboardingschools.org

WCEA - Western Catholic Education Association, www.wcea.org

• Middle school & high school

• Individualized Learning (1:1 & small group)

• Strong Community Connections

• One-to-one individualized instruction

• Flexible Scheduling & Pacing

• Master material at your own pace

• Full Time and Part Time Enrollment: Grade 6-12

• Full-time school or single courses

Headlands’ unique one-to-one and small group teaching model allows us to tailor instruction to each individual student, ensuring that students master the material and experience real success in their courses and increased confidence for future learning.

Our one-to-one model and flexible scheduling allow students to learn at their own pace and design a schedule that supports their academic needs and personal interests. While the individual is the focal point of our learning process, we have built a strong sense of community among our students and faculty.

Explore our wide range of over 150 UC-approved courses, including 34 AP and 26 honors classes.