We are extremely happy with our choice to send our daughter to OHDS. She loves school and her teachers (who are outstanding), has made many friends, and feels very much a part of the nurturing school community.

We wanted to send our child to a Jewish Day school for a solid Jewish education, but without sacrificing anything academically in the General Studies arena. We have not been disappointed. OHDS has a very solid academic curriculum, both in general studies and Judaica. A curriculum guide was distributed to parents this past Fall which outlines the K-8 General and Judaic Studies curricula. We are incredibly impressed with its contents,and grateful to have our child in a school which is so committed to providing such an excellent education.

Another important feature of a Jewish day school, for us, was for Jewish values to be taught and encouraged. Even at the Kindergarden level we see that every day Jewish values are part of the learning process. In addition, the small classes enable the teachers to know the needs of each child well, and create a warm communal atmosphere. OHDS also has excellent enrichment programs, including a fantastic art program, music, computers, PE, etc.

We are not orthodox, and we have felt very comfortable at OHDS since there is such a wide range of observance levels, and a non-judgemental atmosphere.

We encourage anyone who is considering Jewish day school as an option to visit OHDS and see the wonderful things that are happening there! Debbie

At OHDS our two children are academically challenged,mentored by outstanding teachers, and we have all made our life long friends. One of the saddest days in our lives will be when our daughter graduates in two years and we leave this incredible community. OHDS has:

*Excellence in general studies-OHDS graduates are thriving in top schools. Students transferring to or from OHDS comment on the academic superiority of OHDS.

*A dual curriculum enhances the child-nothing is compromised in general studies.

*Four specialty classes -Art, Physical Education, Computer Lab, and Music

*A parent community second to none! We have an extremely involved parent body who enjoy adult education, socials and fun volunteer activites at the campus.

*8th grade trip to Israel! OHDS is the only school in the East Bay to take it's students to Israel for more than 10 days in May.

*Boys and girls are taught together with equal expectations

*Full time resource room-4 specialty teachers meet a broad spectrum of learning needs.

Choosing a school for your child and for your family is difficult,but when it's right, magic can happen...it did for us at OHDS. Good luck! lask

Our daughter is flourishing at Oakland Hebrew Day School. We are an interfaith family, and our level of observance at home is not close to the level at school. Our daughter already understands that home and school are different and knows how to follow the practice at each. Unlike Orthodox day schools in other parts of the country, there is no pressure to conform, just to be observant within the context of the school to make the school fit the wide range of levels of observance.

The academics are outstanding. In K-3, the children are stretched, with a focus on learning how to learn and meeting them at their level of ability. Our daughter really loves the Hebrew education. If you ask her her favorite thing about school, she says it is the teachers, and the after-school programs (she is doing sports, school play and ceramic arts).

We have heard that starting in 4th grade the academics are very rigorous. One way Oakland Hebrew Day maintains individual attention is the student-teacher ratio. In a class of 20 kids, there are 2 teachers and an aide. In a class of less than 20, there are still 2 full-time teachers, and there are additional specialists (e.g., art, computers). jb

Oakland Hebrew Day School has been great for my children and family in so many ways. We are an interfaith family and far from modern Orthodox; however it has been very easy for us to make a home at OHDS. The community is open, engaging, warm, and all over the place in terms of “levels of observance.” We have felt welcomed and embraced completely. Children are not taught that there is a wrong way to practice Judaism at OHDS.

What has truly impressed me over the past 3 years that we have been at the school is the individualized approach that the school, administration and especially teachers have to teaching the children at the school. My older child has issues that require a level of understanding of “different” children, as well as a willingness to accept and adapt. Each year, I have watched the teachers adapt, be curious, and even grow with my child. When problems arise, a meeting is called and we all work on it together.

This individualized approach is also visible in the way that OHDS provides extra support for children who are either advanced or require additional support. Both of my children are academically advanced, and for both of them, the school has, without any request from me, placed them in reading or math or other groups that challenge them at their particular levels. I am thrilled at the academic progress that both of my children have made at OHDS.

At the same time, I love the other kinds of learning that I see my children doing at OHDS. My kindergartner tells me stories of how he is “being his higher self”, a concept and language he learned and surprisingly absorbed in class. My older son tells me that he got two mitzvah, or good deed, pins from peers for helping them during the day. The kids are learning to be kind and thoughtful and to appreciate one another’s gestures independent of a teacher. This learning to be a ''mensch,'' carries over into the playyard, which is actually a very kind place. Kids do not exclude, they are taught to work problems out, and if they need help, teachers or administrators help in resolving conflicts. And finally, while I personally was most anxious about incorporating morning prayer into my children’s education, it is now one of my favorite aspects of my kids’ learning at the school. They are learning to appreciate and be thankful, to start the morning singing with heart and conviction, and to consider giving tsedakah or charity every morning to someone else or a cause outside of them.

I believe families from a variety of religious backgrounds could flourish at OHDS, and feel very fortunate that my children and family are a part of the school and community. lg

The classes are small. The teachers are truly very good. All could be teaching elsewhere but come to OHDS because they want to be at a Jewish Day School. More advanced students progress as fast as they can. But, nobody gets left behind. Next year we are moving to a new campus which will improve the environment.

Both the Jewish and secular studies have impressed me. The parents and other students are a real bonus.

p We have two children at OHDS now and look forward to our third attending soon. eg

I am interested in sending my son to a Jewish day school. I am wondering what people thought of Oakland Hebrew Day school vs. Tehiyah Day School. If you have recommendations of either individually that is great or a comparison if you looked at both and choose one. I am also interested in knowing if a family who does not observe Shabbat would fit in at Oakland Hebrew Day School. Thank you for your help. -looking for a good Jewish education

My son is in 9th grade now, so my experience is from 6 years ago. The school had been open only a year when we started there. I do not know how things have changed (or not changed). For us, it was a perfect fit for my child's needs at the time. Good Luck! Patti