Middle Schools
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(Some of these schools are K-8 but have a separate middle school)
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March 2008
We're looking for a new school for my son who is currently in 5th grade.
It has
become evident he needs a more creative, progressive, open school and
classroom
group. This is the type of kid who would rather write a song or ride a
unicycle than
play soccer. Academically, he is an A and B student, with no major
learning
differences. I have read all the recommendations in the archives and we
are looking
at places like Waldorf, Archway, Black Pine Circle and Park Day. I
realize the class he
would go in with has a lot to do with it and his shadow visits would
give us a lot of
info. Does anyone have any other places to recommend or
advice/experience to
offer on the schools we're investigating?
Joan
The Academy,
on Benvenue in Berkeley, may be the school you are
looking for. The school is small, one class of 16 students max
per grade, academically high-achieving - in fact, hands down the
best academics in the East Bay - and full of interesting children
with all sorts of off-beat interests. In our experience the
smaller student population is one of the school's greatest assets
- it means that individual personalities are embraced by teachers
and students. We ourselves were looking for a school where our
'different' child could stay different - thanks goodness for The
Academy!!!
love our school
I believe that NOCCS
is a creative & welcoming school for 6 grade.
juli
Joan,
Have you considered visiting the Pacific Boychoir Academy in
Oakland? A middle school for boys in grades 4-8, the academic
curriculum is designed specifically for boys, applying approaches
such as Levin's ''One Mind at a Time'' and Gurian's ''Minds of Boys.''
The boys not only graduate and move onto schools such as College
Preparatory School, Bishop O'Dowd, Athenian and Bentley, but they
become some of the word's best singers for their age.
For more information you can visit
http://www.pacificboychoir.org/academics.html
Best wishes,
Fernando
Beacon Day School in Oakland is exactly that. The middle
school is small and expertly run. The head of school and
teachers all know exactly where each child is; the social
environment is considered quite important and everyone is
welcomed with open arms. The kids seem happy and open and
engaged. They might be full for next year already but you
could get on their waiting list.
Parent of happy elementary student
Feb 2007
My daughter(10) loves the arts(drawing) and sports(track), is
very good at both and is getting much encouragement by teachers
and coaches to pursue further in these areas. She also benefits
personnaly from both. The sport helps her self-esteem,is a great
outlet for her energy and brings her much fun. The art is a
great way for her to relax or work through her emotions.
She currently goes to a public school (4th grade) where the
focus is on math, english and testing. There is no support for
her desire to do art or sport. She is not a top performer in
terms of grades, but she does not have a learning disability and
the potential to be on top of her class has been recognized by
all of her teachers.
I am considering finding a private school where there is more of
a balance between academic achievement and support for arts and
sports. I also think that she would be doing better academically
if she was given a more rounded education instead of constant
pressure to test well. Can anyone recommend a private school
where she could start in the 5th grade and does not have to be a
A+ student? Since my daughter is African American I would also
prefer a more diverse school. Thank You so much for taking the
time to reply.
anonymous
Catholic schools have great athletic programs year 'round,
inlcuding track and field and cross country. Also, they seldom
focus on testing. I'm not sure how much art is done - I think
that varies from school to school. If you live in Berkeley,
Albany or El Cerrito, you might want to check out the
School of
the Madeleine at St Mary Magdelene's. It is diverse with
respect to ethnicity and religion.
Anon
Might I suggest Beacon? It sounds like a great fit for your
daughter. They provide a fabulous developmental foundation for
all academics; they take their time and can afford to do so
because it is year-round. They have 240 instructional days vs.
180 in public or other independent schools, and for the same
tuition as other independent schools. They take great pains to
make sure each step is mastered before the child goes on to the
next step. By 7th grade kids on average test 2 grades above
averages. They have a big arts program too. You would not get
the sports there; she would have to pursue track in another
venue. But she could go to 4th-8th grade there and then go on
to high school.
Happy Beacon mom
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