Website for Bayhill High School: http://www.bayhillhs.org/

Has anyone had any personal experience with Bayhill High School? If so, how did your child do academically? How is the social atmosphere? Our daughter has learning differences but is very social and we are trying to figure our if this is a good fit. Appreciate any input!

Re: High school for LD student with dyslexia
Take a look at Bayhill High School in Oakland. It's a private school with NPS status. It specializes in kids with language-based learning differences. Bayhill parent

Getting BUSD to pay for Bay Hill High School

Would like to hear from other families who have experience with BUSD in supporting their teen at Bay Hill HS. Would like to hear from parents that were both successful and those that were not. welcome advice asap!

Re: School for 15-y-o who may have mild Aspergers
I don't know about boarding schools, but if you're interested in checking out a small private high school for kids with learning differences look at Bayhill HS in Oakland. Our son was struggling in ways similar to yours and the change has been dramatic. He still has his issues and difficulties but the staff has been wonderful in helping him do his best. Also, once you get a diagnosis, call the Regional Center of the East Bay to ask for an evaluation. If they find your son eligible, there are behavior specialists who can come to your home and help with some of the difficult behaviors. Mom of teen with Asperger's Syndrome

I'd like to hear from parents w/ kids at Bay Hills High School (or from the 1st grad class). We are going to apply there for our 8th grade son (who is at Raskob for 8th grade only). We were very impressed at the open house last week. The school sounds perfect for us....Also how much off tuition did any get w/ financial aid? thanks in advance. doin' the high school thing.

Obviously I don't know your son and can't make a specific recommendation on an intelligent basis. But I can vouch for Bay Hill being a good supportive environment and as close to a full-on high school experience you can get with a student body that maxes out at 80. It's high energy and does not feel the least bit ''clinical.'' They really strive to individualize the program for each student's needs - to an extent that continually amazes me. There is a wide range of needs. The classes are small and they encourage communication between parents and school, all the while respecting the kids' needs to be teens and not 'hovered' over. The availability of services at the site, including educational therapy, speech therapy and traditional sit-with-your-therapist therapy is a great extra. Grateful Bay Hill Parent

My child was diagnosed with an expressive and receptive language delay when she was 3 years old. Through early intervention, she has made amazing progress. She currently attends kindergarten at an Oakland Hills public school with great teachers and an active parent community. However, the school suffers from overcrowding which negatively impacts that amount of attention each child receives in the classroom. I am looking for a local private school that has a positive, supportive environment for children with learning differences. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Parent of a Kindergartener

Since she has been at Bayhill, she finally enjoys school and learning. She is very quiet and would disappear in a regular classroom. At Bayhill, you can't hide because the classes are too small and everyone is expected to participate.

She is taking challenging classes like physics and geometry, but they have so much support they can't help but do well.

Finally, I love the support that we receive with planning for college. They assisted us with getting the appropriate accomodations for SAT testing and they are committed to getting these children thinking seriously about college. Proud Bayhill Parent

After years of watching our dyslexic son suffer (the word is not too strong) his way through conventional schools such as Ecole Bilingue and Bishop O'Dowd, we have, at long length, found the perfect match: Bayhill, which opened its door this September. Our son entered the 11th grade, in the prep strand. Students are divided into 2 different English, math, language and history classes, one more supportive, one more challenging, according to each studentms ability. The difficulties that seem to cut across almost all of the students are weaknesses in processing speed, working memory, and organizational skills - invisible but tough challenges. Classes are small, homework is light but pertinent. The athletic program includes flag football and basketball. Track and field will be offered in the spring. My son has now been there 2 full months and he is, well, content. As for me, a parent, I appreciate more than I can tell the entire adventure. The faculty is young, generous and dedicated; the dean is a forceful young woman with a keen understanding of the labyrinthine mind of teens; the staff is just excellent. Speech and language services are included in the tuition. Psychological and/or educational therapy are also available. I encourage anyone interested to contact Rachel Wyle, director of the school, an extraordinary woman, at: (510) 268-1500. Don't hesitate to call me at 655-5721.

We would like to hear from any parents who have kids attending Bayhills. My son, who has language-based learning disabilities, will be entering 9th grade in the fall and we are wondering if it would be a good fit and also how difficult it is to get in for kids who have not attended Raskob. anon