Baywood Learning Center (Oakland, CA)
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Baywood Learning Center
Oct 2008
Re: Middle school for bright active shy boy
I have a right 10 year old and i have him in a most amazing school. the school is
Baywood learning centre www.baywoodlearningcenter.org call the head, her name is
grace and she can talk to you about bright, shy little ones. you can tell her that
josefa rec you to the school.
josefa
May 2008
My child is GATE identified and not thriving in their current
public school environment. I have heard of the Baywood School in
Oakland for gifted children but there isn't much on the BPN
archives. Any thought? Pros ,Cons. Do you have a child who wasn't
flourishing in their old school who transferred to Baywood and is
now doing well?
Gifted curious
Dear Gifted Curious,
I think it is wonderful that you are considering making
positive change for your child. Our child attended Baywood
school, but later in the school year I decided to withdraw our
child from the program. It was a difficult choice. The Baywood
campus is beautiful, and there are some wonderful qualities
about the program. What did not work for me was that Baywood
offers a very loose and unstructured curriculum, where children
essentially can do what they desire throughout the school day.
There is a new teacher now, so things might be different, but
previously, the teacher offered minimal instruction and
children were free to roam. If your child thrives better with
some structure, like for instance, a set lunch time, or if your
child needs guidance in particular academic areas but would be
reluctant to request help on his/her own, or if your child
needs guidance with social interactions, I would strongly
suggest you seriously think over your decision, and ask a lot
of questions from both staff and parents regarding any
particular needs of your child before enrolling your child. If
your child is an independent learner, and is fairly mature
regarding taking care of him/herself socially and academically,
then Baywood might be an excellent choice. Also consider that
the school is new and parent involvement (a big time
commitment) is essential. Good luck with your decision!
Anon
The previous poster is correct, Baywood Learning Center started
in September with an unstructured environment, which was put in
place by a teacher who is no longer with the program. The program
has since changed to include a flexible structure that includes
choices, classes and regular snack and lunch periods. Classes are
offered throughout the week by specialists who are experts,
professors or professionals in their field. For instance a
mathematician comes in to work in small groups and one on one
with the students at their individual level. A Historian leads
history, an astronomer leads astronomy, etc. An overarching
thematic unit provides rich learning content. Right now the theme
is oceans. During ''Choice'' times children have the freedom to
choose from many interesting activities around the theme, develop
their own project or work on their independent project.
We are very pleased with how this is working out. Anyone
interested in learning more about it is welcome to schedule a
site tour or send me an email.
Grace Neufeld
Director, Baywood Learning Center
this page was last updated: Nov 30, 2008
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