Berkeley Parents Network: Diversity in K-12 Schools

Berkeley Parents Network

Diversity in K-12 Schools

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Diversity in K-12 Schools

Seeking Diversity & Top Academics K- 12 Bay Area

Dec 2007

We are looking for an elementary school with african american diversity (18%+) and a top academic program. We are currently considering St. Paul's in Oakland - which we were very impressed with. We are hesitant to select a public school due the limited resources we have seen at the ones we have toured. Please let me know if you have any recommendations anywhere in the bay area. Thanks! rana

Please consider Redwood Day School. The African-American diversity is not as high as 18% but I have found a very nice community of African-American families. My daughter is in kindergarten there and between the two classes, there are 7 African-American students out of 44. (We are an African- American family) Last night we attended the annual winter concert where all of the grades performed and I observed more than a few African-American students in each grade. I'd be happy to share with you my experiences with diversity at Redwood Day. It was a very important factor for me in selecting a private school and I have not been disappointed in the least. As far as the academic portion of your question goes, again, Redwood Day has surpassed my expectations. My daughter is learning and growing in incredible ways and I attribute a large portion of her development and progress to the outstanding faculty and staff at Redwood Day. The school sets high expectations for the students but the teachers instruct in a way that is developmentally appropriate. You should definitely check it out. I have found it to be an extraordinary school and feel fortunate that my daughter is attending. Alicia

We've been very happy at St. Paul's and came looking for the same things you mentioned. The teachers are awesome. The school has more than 50 percent children of color, which I didn't find at any other independent school we looked at. We get tuition assistance, as do a lot of families, so there's a range of economic backgrounds, too. One of the things I like best for my kids to see is the number of African Americans who are running things: the head of school, the head of the lower school, and the director of admissions are all African American. To me, this sends a message to my kids that's more powerful than talking about diversity. Also, St. Paul's kids end up everywhere in high school. My kids will be at Berkeley High when their time comes, but St. Paul's kids go to College Prep, Head Royce, Athenian and Bentley. jane

We chose The Academy for its small supportive atmosphere and strong academics, but the diversity is also amazing--not only different American ethnic groups but many nationalities-- children from all over the world, with many languages spoken in the homes, etc. It's a fantastic school, and I highly recommend it. I didn't see the original post, but only the replies, hopefully it is a place that will work for you! a very happy parent

You may want to check out The Academy in the Elmwood. It's a gem of a school. The school has diversity, strong academics and a great sense of community. We choose the school primarily for the academics but have been pleased with the wide range of activities and opportunities our children have had to grow. The school is diverse in many ways. There are children of color but also many children with varied backgrounds. Among my daughter's classmates , 7 different languages are spoken in the home. Take a tour. One other great feature of the school is the application process. Once children are assessed for readiness, applicants are chosen on a 'first come/first served' basis. A rarity in the Bay Area. Academy Parent

Lonely 2nd grader is the only African American in her class

October 2007

My daughter is currently in first grade in a very academic private school. For the second year in a row, she has asked that we move her because she feels ''lonely'' ''singled-out'' and like the ''kids tease her'' because she is the only African American in her class. These are her words. The school cannot do anything about the racial composition of the class and so it falls on us as parents to find a better fit for her. Any suggestions for a private school in Oakland that has openings for second (or even first grade this year) with African American students in those grades? The one school we toured would not say how many African American students they had on the grounds that they care about all kinds of diversity. While we certainly care about diversity in its many forms, and our family is very diverse in many ways, our child is in terrible emotional pain at being the only AfricanAmerican child in her grade. Any school suggestions much appreciated. black like me

Recommendations received:

Aurora (1)

Beacon Day School (2)

Conservatory of Vocal/Instrumental Arts (1)

Mills College Children's School (1)

North Oakland Community Charter School (1)

St. Paul's Episcopal School (9)

Sheltons Primary Education Center (1)

Walden School (1)

Racially Diverse Private Schools

October 2003

Hello. I am doing a lot of research (and narrowing down) on East Bay private schools. My son is 4, smart, and African American. I am also a single parent. I want my son's future (next fall) elementary school to be academically challenging and stimulating (but not inappropriately or rigidly structured as he loves to run around), but equally important is the diversity amongst the student body and staff. I don't want him to be in a racially homogenous school and I feel it is important for him to look around his environment and see a decent representation of the Bay Area's cultural and racial diversity (in school). Does such a place exist? We live in Hercules, but we are looking at Windrush, Berkwood Hedge, Aurora and Pacific Academy. Am I barking up the wrong trees? Can anyone suggest any other schools anywhere in the East Bay? Any insight would be most appreciated! Thanks! marn

Recommendations received:

Beacon Day School (3) Oakland

Berkwood Hedge (2) Berkeley

East Bay Waldorf School El Sobrante

Northern Light School Oakland

Pacific Academy Normura School (2) Richmond

Park Day School (4) Oakland

St. Paul's Episcopal School (2) Oakland

Walden School Berkeley

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