Diversity in K-12 Schools
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Diversity in K-12 Schools
April 2010
We are looking for a k-8 private school in the Berkeley area. Our daughter is
adopted from Guatemala and therefore diversity and other Hispanic students
being part of the student body are both top priorities. A bilingual program is a
plus but not necessary. Any recommendations for good schools which are k-8?
Curious to hear other parents experiences and recommendations. Thank you
very much.
I suggest you look at Archway School, a k-8 private school
located in both Oakland and Berkeley. Diversity is
reprensented in both its faculty and student body and
children thrive and grow under the guideance of some of
the best teachers in the east bay. (FYI- the spanish
teacher is a native speaker and spanish begins in the
lower grades). If your child is entering k-4 contact their
Oakland campus at 510-547-4747, and contact their
Berkeley Campus at 510-849-4747 if entering 5-8. I think
you will find the Archway community a good fit.
a happy Archway School parent
My two children (half hispanic) are at Black Pine Circle
(BPC) and we could not be
happier. Diversity at the school has increased dramatically in the past few years.
Spanish is begun in kindergarten and integrated into the curriculum. BPC is a
wonderful K-8 school, strong academics, lots of art and music (strings are
begun in kindergarten), with a strong parent community. Check it out.
BPC parent
We have been very pleased with The Berkeley School
(formerly Berkeley
Montessori) for the diversity of the students and their families and their
support of adoptive families. Our two girls were adopted from Cambodia and
both have felt the support of students, faculty and staff and the sense that
their cultures are celebrated and honored. Throughout the years, the girls
brought presentations of Cambodian culture and holidays and their adoption
stories to the classroom.
While there is no bilingual program, Spanish is integrated at the Early
Childhood Center and in all levels of elementary and middle school. There
are TBS families whose first language is Spanish (among many languages
represented in the school community). Finally, the flexibility of the
progressive education at TBS gives teachers the opportunity to spend time
exploring a particular culture and issues that develop around adoption and
family. We have been very lucky to have a teacher for the past three years
who is also an adoptee.
The Berkeley School is a respectful community where differences are
celebrated - I hope you'll give them a look.
Catherine
Hi,
If your top priority is diversity and/or the presence of other
Hispanic students, I'm afraid you will be disappointed with
the local private schools. A few private schools are still
conducting tours - please visit and you'll see what I mean.
At best, you might see one or two Hispanic kids for every 30
or so students at some of the bigger private schools.
Where you will find diversity is in your local public
schools. Possibly a parochial school.
Good luck!
Mom of 3
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