Berkeley Parents Network: Q&A about Private Schools

Berkeley Parents Network

Q&A about Private Schools

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Q&A about Private Schools

Gathering Info about Private Schools

From: Linda (2/99)

Re gathering info about schools: For private schools, write or call the admissions office. Beginning in the fall, there are two types of programs - "tours" and "open houses." The open houses are large meetings for all parents who might be interested in the school. There's a presentation, some opportunity for questions. It's held at the school. "Tours" are daytime tours of the school, while kids are in class. You go with small groups of other parents. You can ask lots of questions and pick up any literature you don't already have, plus the application packet. You see the premises, the teachers, and the kids in action. After a while, I skipped all the open houses and saved a lot of time. I learned all I needed at tours. I also checked out a few schools I knew I wouldn't commute to, just because they were reputedly "good" or had a certain philosophy and I wanted to have a basis for comparison. Most schools also have lists of parents you can call. One piece of advice: when looking for kindergarten, think of the type of school best for YOUR child, and think of the years beyond K. How far does the school go gradewise, will this be a good third-grade place for your child, etc.

Elena
On October 5th, Tuesday 7-9pm there will be a K-8 admissions Fair for East Bay, more than 30 private schools will be there. It is at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Maybe that will be of help. Both my daughters go to private schools, one in in 6th grade and goes to a Catholic School and the other is in 3rd grade (she likes small classroom and she is a year ahead, she is only 7 years old). I am satisfied with both schools, they offer what my children need at this specific period in their lives. I explored about 15 different schools and started by calling them and getting info in the mail. By reading materials, I was able to choose 15 schools of which some did not do because of high fees, some because of distance from my home, some because I did not like their curriculum. In the end, I visited about five schools and I apply in 3 schools and go on with the testing of my children. As for the SAT scores, if you look at the individual web pages of schools, some of them will post their results, some will not. Usually, the schools that are accredited will provide information on their Stanford testing and they will give some statistics as well. If you want I can give you info in particular schools, if you email me.

Private School and Test Scores

Sept 1999

Do private schools publish their STAR and SAT scores, percentage of students going to college etc? If they do, where can I locate those statistics? Or if the students are not required to take any tests, what other criteria should I use to evaluate the private schools? My daughter is in first grade, and I am planning to switch her to private school soon. I appreciate any recommendations regarding private schools in Easy Bay area. Thanks.

Roger
Private schools don't use the STAR tests. All good schools will release summaries of their SAT AP and College Admission Rates and even list the schools to which the students were admitted. I don't know of anywhere you can get summaries of these though. Please see the recommendations for private schools on the parents web site. Our three are all at Head-Royce in Oakland a K-12.

Finding a school mid-year for daughter who was suspended

Feb 2004

My duaghter has been suspended from her middle school and the school district will not place her in another school in the district. She has been placed in an alternative school called Diablo Day School. We have heard that this school is for students with sever problems and my daughter does not fit that category. Since it is late in the year, we are having a hard time find an Independent school that will accept her. Any advice on schools that will be willing to take her, or other options?
Running Out of Options

To the parent of the middle school girl who was suspended and can't attend another school in her district -- You don't mention where you live, but you might try North Bay Orinda School (it's across the street from the old JFK University campus).

Dear Running Out of Options...

There are always more options! Some, however, may require thinking outside of the box and beyond the obvious. Any suggestions that I would have would depend on having more details about your daughter's situation.

What happened to create this situation? Was she just suspended (as your posting states) or actually expelled from the district? What district do you live in? How far are you willing to commute? How much can you afford? Are you open to boarding school or homeschool options? What are your daughter's needs and interests?

Quickly, there are two middle schools in the East Bay that are often a bit more flexible in taking in new students. I can not say that they have space right now, but they would be worth checking out...Community School of the East Bay and East Bay School for Music and the Arts. Both are small independent middle schools.

Should you require further information about alternative programs, please be in touch.

Wanda

Children's Learning Center in Alameda is a private school that handles kids with a variety of issues. They have two sites: elementary and a combined middle/high school. Talk to Gus Psara, the director, at 769-7100, about whether it's a good match for your daughter and whether they have any openings now. Good luck. Nancy

Private Schools with No Bullying

Oct 2004

I'd like some insider info on some of our private middle schools. My child's issues are not academic, they're social. He was bullied for a few years in elementary and I'm worried that he could either become a target again, or become a bully himself if he goes into the wrong environment. I'm looking for a place where put-downs, snobbery, and social exclusion are not tolerated. Am I dreaming? worried mom

Recommended:

Community School of the East Bay (2)

Manzanita Middle School (2)

Redwood Day School

St. Paul's

Waiting Lists

Private School Waitlists
Just a note to those who may be feeling badly because they've been waitlisted at a favorite school. Don't despair! The waiting lists are going to start moving along quickly. I personally know of potential openings coming up at some highly coveted schools, including St. Paul's, Windrush, Bentley, and Prospect-Sierra. So if you're waitlisted, call the school of your choice and tell them that they are your first choice. (And don't forget to immediately notify schools which have accepted you if you are going to decline, so that others may take your place.)

A Mom (3/98)

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.