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Redwood Day School 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland, CA 94602 510-534-0800
I wanted to share my experience with service learning at Redwood Day School.
My daughter is a third grader at the school and is very interested in the ocean. After the Cosco Busan oil spill in November, my daughter wanted to do something to help. Obviously, she is too young for beach clean up duty. She wrote a note to the school proposing a coin-drive, with her plan for the drive. The school's response exceeded our expectations. The school administrators met with my daughter and discussed her plan; they followed up with contacts to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network to confirm my duaghter's idea would work. Then they helped her by giving her time at the school-wide assembly to solicit support and even reproduced and distributed the flyer that my daughter made.
The school has really demonstrated a commitment to my duaghter's interest and the flexibility to work with her idea. Last weekend, we delivered boxes of needed supplies to the Oiled Wildlife Care Center in Cordelia. That led to a new project for my daughter as she will be describing her experience at the Center to her classmates through photos she took and a presentation. slw
Re: Seeking Diversity & Top Academics K- 12 Bay Area
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
Re: Private middle school that will be challenging for daughter
Based on what you've described, you should also check out Redwood
Day School. They have a beautiful MS campus and are completing new
6th grade classrooms. Girls are encouraged to be smart and confident.
It is probably one of the most diverse student body and faculty of the top
private schools in Oakland. RDS sends quite a few kids to Athenian for
High School. There seems to be a good philisophical connection
between the two schools. I have a 5th grade daughter there now, who
has been there since kindergarten. It could be an excellent fit for you.
There are numerous open houses and tours this fall.
An RDS parent
Re: Private Middle School for Nature Loving 6th Grader???
I live in Montclair and my daughter attended a wonderful
private school, Redwood Day School in Oakland, which goes
through the 8th grade. Their website address is: rdschool.org
It fosters a great sense of community among students and
parents, is very good academically, has great values and is
one of the most diverse private schools in the area. Check
it out--I think it might be the type of school you are
looking for.
Sandra
Our son is a kindergartner at Redwood Day School. RDS appealed
to us for many reasons. One reason was the openness of the
admissions process. We had lots of chances to ask questions of
administrators and parents, including an open house, a tour and
an evening with a few other families with the admissions
director and head of school. We observed the weekly, whole-
school assembly and another school event.
When my son was slow to transition, everyone at the school took
an active part in making him feel more comfortable. It took a
week, but he now loves school and chatters on each day about
everything he's done and the friends he's made. That’s just
the kind of experience we were hoping he would have at school.
We're thrilled with the enthusiasm of the teachers &
administration, the teacher-student ratio (a teacher and an
intern/21 children), the depth & breadth of extracurricular
activities (Spanish, Music, Art, Computers, PE, Gardening,
Cooking, Service Learning) the clean, modern facilities and the
running room the school offers. All this, coupled with a
committed parent community, made it a great choice for our
family
Dagmar S.
We are considering sending our child to Redwood Day School and our wondering about the academics. We were impressed with the academic curriculum and thought it to be as strong as other private schools (St Paul's, Park Day), but want to get parents' opinions.
We have one child currently in 1st grade at Redwood Day School (RDS) and another about to enter Kindergarten. We have been very pleased with the level of academics at RDS but also thrilled with our child’s overall learning experience. We wanted a school that would teach our children what they need to be academically competitive —quite honestly, not so progressive that they don’t know how to take a test, but not so advanced that we’re looking at colleges in Kindergarten. We feel that it is indeed academically strong, but we’ve also been impressed with the passion and creativity of the teachers and their ability to effectively address kids on both a group and an individual basis. Our daughter is learning all the things we could hope for--reading writing, mathematics, science, Spanish, music, PE, etc, and moreover finds it exciting and fun. It’s hard to specifically address “grumblings” but I would be happy to speak with you parent-to-parent, and as someone who has been though this god-awful application process, and answer any questions I can or just tell you our experience. Good luck! Leslie
Re: Oakland Elementary school for possible learning delays
Hi. I am a parent of two Redwood Day School students (fourth
and sixth grades) and we have found the school to be very
welcoming to children with learning differences. Last week I
went to an open seminar on ''All Kinds of Minds'' -- the program
based on Dr. Mel Levine's theories about learning. All of the
RDS faculty have been through the program and they really work
to understand each child's strengths and weaknesses and enable
the kids to understand themselves -- and then do something
about it. I can't comment about your neighbor's difficulties,
but really think you should evaluate this school for YOURSELF
and YOUR CHILD and not just base your judgement on one
experience. We had big difficulties in kindergarten until we
figured out that our sons hyperactivity and behavior was
closely tied to some food allergies.&n! bsp; We worked closely with
his teachers and administrators and they were understanding and
gave him opportunities to burn off steam constructively, which
enabled him to fully participate. He's now a happy and well
adjusted sixth grader. Please honestly look at this school.
jbbh
Re: Which private school?
Why not consider Redwood Day School? A mom I know once described
it as being the perfect blend of what's good about Head Royce,
Park Day, and St Paul's. I'd say that Redwood Day is strong on
academics, social responsibility, and personal responsibility,
and yet the school sees each child as an individual person and
is able to bring out the strengths and interests of all kinds of
minds. My observant, shy daughter has blossomed into an engaged,
inspired learner at Redwood Day, and in the few years we've been
there I've been really impressed by how little bullying there is
on the playground or anywhere around the school.! Redwood Day
demonstrates deep commitments to diversity and to social
learning. The sense of community among families is outstanding.
All this, and we get strong academics without the overwhelming
pressure to perform I hear about at some schools. Consider
Redwood Day School, the perfect blend (in my opinion) of the
other schools you mention. www.rdschool.com
Happy Parent of a Happy Kid
Re: Gay Friendly Private Schools
My son is a kindergartner at Redwood Day and there seem to be a
handful of lesbian/gay parents at the school. When I toured
the school last year, the tourguide was a lesbian parent who
said one of the reasons she and her partner chose RDS was
because of their diversity and welcoming of same-sex parents.
I'm sure someone in the admissions office would be happy to put
you in touch with a gay parent who could answer your questions
directly.
FYI, we looked at many of the same schools you are considering,
and could not be happier with our decision to attend Redwood
Day. My son is absolutely thriving there.
Can any parents from Redwood Day tell about that school's openness to accommodating learning differences? I was surprised and disappointed to hear the head of the lower school say they will not accommodate learning differences, they don't want ld students, and the middle school will not permit accommodations such as reduced homework load. She actually said, ''these students are welcome to earn lower grades here.'' I don't see this approach as state-of-the-art at any independant school, since ld students exist everywhere, agknowledged or not, and this doesn't mesh with Redwood's public face. anonymous
Redwood Day School admits all types of learners. Some students are academically gifted, and some have mild to moderate learning differences. In middle school we have a pull-out program for a small group of students who meet four times a week. It is taught by a very talented learning specialist.– she also works with students and teachers to make necessary accommodations in the curriculum. She is a terrific advocate for students and highly respected by the faculty and community at large. But because not all accommodations can happen through one person, all Redwood Day teachers have training in making the curriculum accessible and attainable for a variety of students. We train our teachers in ''School's Attuned,'' a teacher training program developed by Dr. Mel Levine that helps teachers understand developmental and/or learning differences in children, and we will actually become a training site for School's Attuned beginning this summer.
I am quoted as saying, ''these students are welcome to earn lower grades here.'' I am not sure how to respond to this -- I can't imagine what the context could have been. I would never welcome a student to “earn a lower grade.” I might have said that our curriculum is very challenging and for some students with learning differences it might mean that they don't get straight ''A's''. That is absolutely a possibility. But I must also tell you that with the right guidance, perseverance and support, many students with learning disabilities do earn ''A's'' at Redwood Day. Kids with learning challenges can be very successful in school, they just have to be taught in a way that makes sense to them. Students with learning differences exist everywhere. What is most important is that schools teach students how they learn, and give them tools to work with when assignments are overwhelming or too challenging.
Redwood Day School admits some students with mild to moderate learning difficulties. We provide them a program that is exemplary. We acknowledge and support their strengths and give them tools to help them when they struggle. They leave our school knowing who they are as learners and how to best advocate for themselves in high school and beyond. Kathy Duhl
Re: Private Schools with No Bullying
I'm sorry you had a bad experience in elementary school, and the
thought of middle school must be even more daunting -- bigger
class sizes and all those adolescent 'issues'. I would think
that a private school might be able to handle problems more
effectively simply because the classes are smaller. You should
take a look at Redwood Day School -- they do a good job of
balancing social/behavioral development with good academics.
Their new director, Mike Riera, is an expert on adolescent
behavior, has written numerous books on the subject and is a
regular on CBS and Oprah. Just the guy you want on your side as
you deal with adolescence.
Re: Academics and Park Day
I can't speak to your concerns about Park Day, but I can give a whole-hearted recommendation for Redwood Day School. My son started kindergarten there this year, and we all LOVE it. My son went to a developmental (non-academic) pre-school and has really blossomed in the less-than 2 months he's been at Redwood. He's somewhat of a shy, sensitive child and the self-confidence he has gained in kindergarten is amazing. Redwood's motto is ''engaged, inspired, prepared'' and I think they really live up to that motto. They have a good balance of meeting the emotional/social needs of children without slacking on academics. There's also a real sense of community at Redwood - among the students, the teachers and the parents. We are looking forward to the next 9 years at Redwood.
Not long after we arrived at Redwood Day, one of the moms I met told me why her family chose the school, and it pretty much summed up what I now believe: that this school is at a perfect midpoint among Park Day's warmth, St. Paul's community service, and Head Royce's academics.
At Redwood Day, our child has grown to love learning, to revel in the school community, to look forward to every day he spends there. The lower school has an especially strong academic curriculum, with project learning stressed as a way to truly own what is learned. I've heard many schools say they saw each child as an individual, but at Redwood Day I see this in practice on a daily basis.
At the surface, I thought at first that Redwood Day looked more conservative than some of the other schools you mention, but having been there for a couple of years now I realize that this is a school that deeply values showing respect for others, living with quiet integrity, and honoring diversity. Community service is an ongoing commitment at Redwood Day -- the kindergarten bags groceries for the homeless, and at every grade level there are activities that express engagement with social and environmental concerns.
Redwood Day does not specifically market itself as a progressive school -- it doesn't claim to land in any particular place on the political spectrum. People at Redwood Day are progressive, moderate, and conservative. The school welcomes a variety of people and teaches values of inclusion, of thinking independently, and of living thoughtfully. What, really, could be more progressive than that? Delighted Redwood Day Parent
Does anyone on the Parents list have kids in the Redwood Day middle school? (There are lots of postings from elementary parents, but not middle school on the website.) If so, what do you think about the school? A friend is considering teaching there next year and is interested in the perspective of the parents. Judy
Just wanted to put in a word for Redwood Day School because it was barely on the radar screen last year when we applied (at the last minute). Our son is now a VERY happy RDS kindergartner, and from all I see and experience with parents of older kids, the balance between strong academics and developmental emphasis is just that: balanced. We wanted Spanish, music, art, PE, creative play time and super communication as well as math, reading, etc. I've got a ten-minute ride in the morning on Hwy 13, which is great. If anyone wants to ask specific questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Sooz
re: preschool prep for private school
My son is going into 2d grade at Redwood. He was admitted as a K'r.
His preschool was a small family day care known as Small Change, in
Oakland. Unfortunately, it has closed. He was plenty prepared, as the
preschool had a good academic component. As fate would have it, he is
a highly focused little kid who loved to work on art projects or letters,
so preparation really wasn't an issue. What was key, I think, is that he
learned social skills and group dynamics (he's an only child), learned to
like learning, and had early training in numbers and letters and shapes and
colors and such.
Honestly, I don't think the choice of pre-school is going to make much difference. There's such an oversupply of kids relative to the seats in schools that it's a seller's market. One headmaster told us candidly that after deleting the one third of the applicants they didn't want (not ready, too young, too active, too passive), accepting the few they obviously did (multi-lingual and doing calculus at age four) they really didn't have much basis for selecting amongst the rest. Criteria such as how many from which community, diversity (besides race and gender), parents' backgrounds and other non-academic factors were used.
If you think it matters, tho, just call the admissions folks at the schools and ask them. At Redwood, BTW, they have had a pre-K class that is the feeder for the K class (there were only 3 slots for boys when we applied). But I believe that is being phased out this year or next. You might want to check. James
RE: Alameda County Schools and Diversity issue
Our daughter is in Kindergarten at Redwood Day School, and we are pleased with
everything at the school, including their commitment to diversity, which is written
into their "Sempervirons" strategic plan. I have been a member of the diversity
circle this year, and while there are some reservations about the pace of change,
I do see that there is a genuine effort by some very good people to embrace diversity
of race, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion, economics, etc. Members of the Board just
finished presentations to parents about the school's approach towards academic, social
and emotional development, and I came away pleased by the frankness of the conversation.
Its true that there are relatively few gay parents, but I know a few who are participating
in the diversity efforts. The school is remarkable for the true diversity of the faculty and
staff--I believe that 42% of f & s are non-white. I also know of quite a few adopted children,
and that a good effort is being made to increase the numbers of "families of color." I don't
know whether you are looking into independent schools, but if you are, maybe you should look
at Redwood Day to see if it is comfortable for you and a good match for your children. We are
very pleased with our daughter's experience. The school starts at JK now, but next year I believe
they are introducing an additional kindergarten and eliminating JK. A note re: small size. It
seems that many people are starting their kids at age 6 (or almost) in kindergarten, that is fall
and winter birthdays are mostly the oldest kids in the class--my daughter has a July birthday and
she's the youngest in her class, which really surprised me. I am happy to talk more about RDS--if
you'd like more info send mail to me.
Laura
Does anyone out there have their kids in Redwood Day School? I am particularly interested in the elementary school (Jr.K on up). Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks. Hilary
Additionally, they put me on their fundraising mailing list, which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I assumed it was a mistake, since I couldn't imagine that they were asking non-admitted families for money, so I called. It wasn't a mistake, they do it for all non-admitted families... The only impression I gained from that was that if I had re-applied the next year and had given them thousands of dollars, they might have made a different decision. Could be wrong, though. As a neighbor, their parking/drop off situation is a total nightmare.
I have applied for my son to attend Kindergarten at Redwood Day, St. Paul's and Head Royce. I wondered if parents with experience in these schools' aftercare programs have anything to say about them. Thank you! -prospective mom
Last updated: Feb 16, 2008
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