Parents Press February 2026

Get Ready for Summer

Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child? Motivated Teen? Make the Most of Summer with These 9 Activites Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

6 Tips to Prepare First-Time Overnight Campers

The Benefits of Tutoring

Making Positiv Impact

Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

Campus Tours for Fall 2026

TK-8 School

Get Ready for Summer

Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child?

What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?

WHAT’S INSIDE

9 Summer Activities for Motivated Teens

Camps Develop Kids

Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

Virtual Summer Program Camp Expo

Top 10 Baby Name Trends for 2025

2026 National Parks

Quick Post Holiday Decluuter Tips

Benefits of Tutoring

Featured Preschool & Private Schools

• Find the Perfect Preschool

• Is my Child Ready for Preschool?

• Timeline for Applying to Private Schools

• Financial Aid Basics

DENTISTS

ALAMEDA

Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave.

510-865-2900

www.alamedadentist.com

Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS

2000 Appian Way,Suite 303

510-964-0168

www.eastshorepediatricdental.com

Teri L. Kim, DDS

2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168

www.eastshorepediatricdental.com

You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC!

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710

City of Berkeley WIC Program 1900 6th Street Berkeley, CA 94710

510.981.5360

510.981.5360

Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@BerkeleyCA.Gov

Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth

Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth

Good to Know

GET READY FOR SUMMER! Looking for a Great Summer Camp?

Don’t miss the Parents Press 2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo starting on March 7. This year, we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customized so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive your customized package of camp information: https://parentspress. com/summer-camp-expo.html

TOP BABY Names in 2025

N

oah and Olivia topped the list of the most popular baby names, with both names holding the top spot again in 2025, according to Babycenter.com. Luca is back on the boy’s top 10 list. On the girls top ten list Eliana and Aurora makes their debut bumping off Ava and Luna.

Take Five

(or 20) minutes to tackle a little postholiday toy overload and pare down clutter with these 5 steps.

1. Look for things that never get used

2. Remove toys your kids have outgrown

3. Say goodbye to toys with missing or broken parts

4. Create a temporary home for items you are not sure about removing

5. Ask kids if there are toys, books, or crafts that they no longer want or need that can be donated to children in need

TOP BOYS NAMES OF 2025

1. Noah 2. Liam 3. Oliver 4. Elijah

5. Mateo

6. Levi

7. Lucas

8. Ezra 9. Asher 10. Luca

TOP GIRLS NAMES OF 2025

1. Olivia 2. Amelia

3. Sophia

4. Emma

5. Isabella

6. Charlotte

7. Eliana

8. Ellie

9. Aurora

10. Mia

Please join us for Open House on Saturday, January 31, 10am to 2pm, and experience California Crosspoint Academy up close. We look forward to welcoming you to our family!

Good to Know

2025/26 BAY AREA PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE!

The 2025/26 editions of our Annual Private School Guides covering the enire Bay Area are now available! These guides are filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. You will find helpful information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available online at https://parentspress.com –just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

ONLINE SCHOOL ADMISSION EVENTS CALENDAR

What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 schools & preschools participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https:// parentspress.com

2026 National Parks FEE-FREE

Days

According to former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days to encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. It’s essential for people to know before they go what is open and available, especially if they are staying overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities. ,

The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.

Free Entrance Days for 2026

February 16: President’s Day

May 25: Memorial Day

June 14: Flag Day/Trump’s Birthday

July 3-5: Independence Day Weekend

August 25: NPS Birthday

September 17: Constitution Day

October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday

November 11: Veterans Day

These are “patriotic fee-free days,” and non-residents will still need to pay entrance fees.

11 Valentine’s Day Ideas FOR KIDS

Valentine’s Day is all about romance and chocolate. Once you have children, the holiday tends to change a little. It usually includes spending time celebrating with your children – and having to share that box of chocolate with them. Make this year’s Valentine’s Day fun and special for your children. Check out the 10 ways to celebrate below.

1Get Crafty

Decorate a T-shirt or onesie with your child. They can decorate with hearts and puffy paints, and wear it proudly!

2Breakfast Surprise

Surprise them with cupcakes for breakfast, surrounded by candy hearts. You can tie a heart balloon on their chairs for an extra surprise.

3Create Hearts

Trace your child’s arms and hands. Cut them out and then attach to each side of a heart. In the center you can write a saying (Happy Valentine’s Day XOXO, A Valentine’s Day Hug) and let your child decorate the heart and arms with markers, crayons, glitter, stickers and/or stick on gems.

1822

Fold the arms over as if they are giving the heart a hug. This makes a great decoration around the house or a great gift for a loved one.

4 Sweets & Treats

Head to the kitchen and make cookies or cupcakes to decorate with pink frosting and sprinkles.

5 Handmade Valentines

Make Valentines for your children’s friends and loved ones, or even deliver to a local nursing home!

6 Valentine Crayons

Buy a silicon tray with hearts (you can pick these up at a craft store). Collect all your broken crayons and fill each heart with different colors. Place in a 200 degree oven and watch closely until they melt. Let cool and you now have a great Valentine crayon heart to give out to friends.

7Crafts

Decorate the house with Valentine’s Day crafts. For an easy craft, cut strips of paper and fold them into a heart shape. Great way to make paper chains!

8 Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Write clues on pieces of paper that lead children to a special treat or gift.

9 Family Move Night

Get the popcorn ready and snuggle in to watch a cute Valentine’s Day movie like Lady and the Tramp or Mickey and Minnie’s Sweetheart Stories.

10 Love Letters

10 “love” notes telling your children something special you love about them.

11Game Night

Have a special dinner with the family, then enjoy a night playing their favorite games.

These 11 ideas, crafts and treats are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you family.

Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a signature heartshaped box of chocolates. But do you know who originated the sweet treat? In 1822, John Cadbury, originally a coffee and tea shop owner, began producing chocolates. That very same year his son Richard brainstormed the idea of packing them up in the first-ever heart-shaped box. We’d love to know if recipients back then looted through to find the caramels like we do.

2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo

Monthly March through June

Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials

ids with well-developed leadership skills are more confident responsible, and push themselves to their full potential. Leadership helps them develop better and more creative coping skills in problem-solving and project management. The art of compromise, empathy, and good decision making skills, things most parents strive to teach their children, are also important benefits of having well-developed leadership skills. For some children, leadership comes naturally; for others, it must be developed and encouraged. Either way, parents can help develop their child’s leadership qualities so that when they are ready to attend college and enter the workforce, leading others and knowing when to follow someone else’s lead is already second nature.

SET AN EXAMPLE

Parents can help their kids develop good leadership by showing them what a good leader looks like daily. When you lead others, including your children, try to be optimistic, a good listener, treat people fairly and do the right thing. Your kids will learn these skills simply by modeling your good example.

SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS

Kids who are successful at what they try are more confident and more willing to get out of their comfort zone and help others in the future. You can do this by encouraging them to try activities where they have natural strengths and talent or assist them in projects just enough to help them succeed while still allowing them the majority of the decision and work the project entails.

BUILD COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Listening and good communication are keys to making a leader successful and well-liked by peers. Encourage your child to put their communication skills into practice by developing listening skills, public speaking, and expressing their frustrations in a healthy way. Parents can do this by asking their children to order their food at a restaurant, encouraging them to approach coaches or teachers when there is a problem, and teaching them to ask questions after listening to a friend talk.

BE A TEAM PLAYER

School projects, team sports, clubs, or being a part of a band, orchestra, or choir helps kids understand how to work towards a goal as a group. These experiences help your child understand how to be a good leader, when to listen to others, and why both are equally important. Continued on page 14>>>

Encourage lifelong skills

Integrity, empathy, work ethic, respect, negotiation, and compromise are excellent skills for any leader, as well as, any student, employee, or friend. You can encourage these skills by setting a good example and talking through situations where they were or were not utilized well. Ask your child how they would have handled this differently and why. Praise them when they have used these skills well and encourage them when needed.

Show them the value of diversity

There is great value in diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences, and gifts. Encourage your kids to learn about other cultures and experiences and that differences make us a stronger team. They can learn to stand up to those who are singled out or viewed as different. This is what makes a great leader.

Ask for help

Kids who know when to solve problems and when to ask for guidance are better teammates and stronger leaders. It’s also essential to help others in the group who may be struggling. Lead by example and be encouraging and helpful when needed.

Develop good work habits

Kids who have responsibilities at a young age are better prepared to lead others. Encourage your child to get a part-time job at a young age or pick up jobs like yard work, babysitting, or volunteer work so they can build their leadership skills, develop their work ethic, and get experience in a variety of areas.

Time management

When your child has a large project to complete, encourage them to map out their plan for completing it on time. Create steps and set goals to accomplish to meet the deadline. Good project management skills will serve them well as a future leader and employee.

As your child develops strong leadership skills, it’s important to understand that they will not always be the person in charge. Having good leadership skills doesn’t mean you are always the one who is leading. Being respectful and willing to listen to others and compromise while not officially being the person who is “in charge” of the group is still a way to lead others. Whether your child is a natural leader or a great teammate, these leadership skills will serve them well in the future. 

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six, including triplets. She enjoys writing, reading, and spending time outside with her kids.

Extracurricular Activities that Build Leadership Skills

TEAM SPORTS

Being part of a team helps build leadership and helps kids learn to work as a group and understand the art of leading and following others.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Being part of student council or government helps kids learn to lead and build speaking and negotiating skills.

START YOUR OWN CLUB

If your child is interested in something specific, chances are others their age are as well. Starting their own club is a great way to learn how to lead others and share common interests.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Giving your time helps kids put others first, work on a project for the greater good, develop a good work ethic, and build leadership skills.

ACADEMIC TEAMS OR CLUBS

Being part of an academic team or clubs such as robotics, mathletes, speech and debate, National Honors Society, and science club are great ways to build skills in areas that interest them but also give them leadership skills they can use in college and the workforce.

MUSIC AND ARTS

Not everyone is drawn to team sports, but being part of a choir, orchestra, band, theater, or working on a creative project as a group can have the same benefits as team sports do when it comes to leadership skills.

SCOUTS

Groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts give kids the opportunity to work as a team and individually while helping others and being exposed to diversity, volunteer work, team building, and life skills.

By Sarah Lyons

BENEFITS of Tutoring for a Child

Parents seek the help of a tutor for many reasons. Some parents may choose to have their kids work with a tutor if they are struggling with a subject or particular concept but tutoring isn’t just for kids who are struggling in school. Some parents may hire a tutor because they do not have time to work on schoolwork in the evenings but feel their child needs one-on-one attention while working on homework. Working with a tutor can be beneficial for kids to learn good study habits, how to use their strengths, and work through their weaknesses all while getting individual attention. What are the benefits of tutoring?

INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING

Tutoring can be adapted to fit the child’s needs. Kara Thomas, a teacher who has offered tutoring in the past said “Tutors can provide different tools and techniques because they are working one-on-one with each child. They can also adjust material quickly to be able to meet the child where they are and give them challenges targeted at their skill set.” The benefit of having a tutor is the individual attention that even the best teacher cannot accommodate in a larger classroom setting.

BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Tutoring can help kids build confidence that helps them be successful in the classroom. Some kids lack the confidence they need to speak up and ask questions. Others may have anxiety about test taking. “I have worked with kids who simply lack confidence and need to talk things out.” said Meg Thompson,

math teacher and tutor. “They are completely capable and they are just worried they won’t know how to do it. They often just need a reminder that they can do this.” A tutor can work through these obstacles to help build a child’s confidence and give them tools that can help them manage these insecurities in class.

ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT

The most common reason parents seek out tutoring is for academic improvement. Tutors can help children work through the challenges they may be facing and give them tools they need to improve their grades and their understanding of the material. This will build confidence in test taking and strengthen understanding of material so that daily homework isn’t such a chore.

IMPROVED STUDY SKILLS

When children develop good study habits early on, they are able to use these skills throughout their school career, in college, and even in the workforce. Tutors can give children tips that are tailored to their needs and help develop the skills they will need to tackle more challenging work on their own. “I tutored a child that I had in my class as a 7th grader. We worked together until he graduated.” said Thompson. “He has autism and for some reason we completely hit it off and he moved from grunting in class to being able to do everything asked of him in higher level math classes.” Everyone learns and develops at a different pace and a tutor can not only work on a specialized

A tutor can work through obstacles to help build a child’s confidence and give them tools that can help them manage insecurities in class.

skill set, but also help kids gain study habits that fit their learning style and personality.

BUILDS CHARACTER

Working with a tutor can be hard work but can have a big payoff when kids understand concepts they didn’t before and see their grades improve as well. Tutoring can be a way to highlight the value of hard work and build your child’s character and work ethic. It can also stretch them out of their comfort zone, help them understand that it’s okay to ask for help, and that it is normal to not understand concepts at first. These lessons will serve them well in life.

“It’s a different relationship with the student,” said Thompson. “It’s one where they know you are completely on their side. Sometimes this gets lost in the classroom. I am always on everyone’s side in the classroom, but there is more competition for my time and limited time for questions.”

Tutoring can be beneficial for nearly every student and does not have to be utilized because your child is “struggling” in a school subject. Working with a teacher who is there to listen to their concerns, answer questions, and review concepts at a pace the child is comfortable with is priceless and can have long term benefits. 

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six kids including triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

FIND THE RIGHT TUTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY

TUTORING CENTER - A tutoring center can be a good fit for families that want a structured environment with progress reports along the way. Centers like Sylvan usually offer a pre-assessment of skills, something that may not be offered with other types of tutoring.

RETIRED TEACHER: A retired or former teacher can be a great fit for many students because they have the opportunity to work one-on-one with someone who has a lot of expertise in a casual environment. Referral is typically the best way to connect with a former teacher who may be offering private tutoring.

A HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT: Working with a student can be both affordable and convenient. Some schools may even offer free tutoring as an after-school program. Some kids may respond better to an older child or one of their peers.

FREE “DROP-IN” TUTORING: Libraries, community centers, and even churches often offer free “drop-in” tutoring for math and reading after school. This can be helpful for kids that need help with a few concepts but may not need long term tutoring or families who cannot afford private tutoring.

ONLINE TUTORING: For kids who are comfortable working on a computer, online tutoring can be helpful. Websites like www.varsitytutoring.com and www. sylvanlearning.com offer an online tutoring option for a fee. This is beneficial because kids can ask questions 24 hours a day allowing flexibility for busy schedules.

HOW TO PICK THE

Best Camp FOR

YOUR CHILD

IN THE BAY AREA, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.

Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?

The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.

Consider the possibilities:

DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.

OVERNIGHT (also called Resident or Sleepaway)

Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.

GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.

TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.

The only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.

BE PREPARED

Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs.

SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.

CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.

RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s values and beliefs.

FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages, from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.

Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.

GET ORGANIZED

Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many

camp websites are a gateway to most camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.

Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities and prices?

Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.

Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.

BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE

You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.) 

Submitted by American Camp Association.

What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?

electing a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is a wonderful way for your child to develop independence, new skills and new friends. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. Consider these questions as you go through your search:

What is driving your camp search?

Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends?

What are your leading camp search criteria? Which ones are “non-negotiable” and which are “preferences”?

Which of your family’s values should be reflected in the camp philosophy? How religious should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given?

What activities or programs interest you and your child? What level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?

What kind of facilities will your camper consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining.

What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer schedule? The most common session lengths are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week.

What camp clientele do you want to consider? There are camps for only boys or girls, coed, brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs.

How far are you willing to commute your child? Is there a good local source or is it worth driving to a destination camp? 

Make Summer Count: 9 activities for motivated teens

Summer often conjures images of camps for younger kids, where they make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. But as children grow into their teen years, they still benefit from engaging, enriching summer experiences—just tailored to their evolving interests and goals. While babysitting, mowing lawns, or lifeguarding are great ways for teens to spend their summer, there’s a wealth of opportunities that can help them prepare for their future, especially if they’re college-focused. Here’s a look at some activities and their benefits:

1Summer Camps & CIT Opportunities.

Community Service Camps: These camps allow teens to give back to their communities while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s packing food for the homeless, assisting with community projects, or even helping to build homes, teens gain hands-on experience that fosters a sense of purpose.

Interest-Based Camps: For teens passionate about sports, arts, computer science or other activities, specialized camps provide an immersive environment to develop their skills. From improving soccer techniques to exploring the arts or deepening their faith, these camps offer a focused approach to personal growth.

Team-Building Camps: At camp, teens meet peers from diverse backgrounds and learn to work as a team through collaborative activities. Trust-building exercises and group projects teach cooperation—skills that are vital in college and beyond.

2 Internships.

For teens with a clear interest in a particular field, internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain realworld experience. Whether shadowing a doctor, assisting in a lab, or working at a local business, internships offer insight into potential career paths and look impressive on college applications.

3 Research Opps.

Teens interested in STEM fields can often find summer research opportunities through universities, science institutes, or specialized programs. These experiences allow students to contribute to meaningful projects, learn advanced methodologies, and connect with professionals in their field.

4Job Shadowing.

For those still exploring career options, job shadowing provides a chance to observe professionals at work. Spending a day or two with a mentor can help teens understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and determine whether it aligns with their interests.

5Develop Interests & Skills.

Summer is a perfect time for teens to unplug and dive into interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether attending camps focused on creative arts, sports, or technology, or taking guitar lessons, teens can develop new passions or refine existing ones, which could influence their future studies or careers.

6 Build Independence.

Experiences like camps, internships, or job shadowing encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones. These activities require them to adapt to new environments, manage their time, and interact with others—key skills for college and adulthood.

7Build Healthy Habits.

Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.

8 Cultivate Friendships & Social Skills.

Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.

9 Sweet Homecoming.

Spending time away from home — whether at a residential camp, internship, or through international travel — often helps teens gain a new appreciation for family life and everyday comforts, from home-cooked meals to their own bed.

Summer isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a time to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. Whether through camps, internships, research, jobs or other activities, college-focused teens can make the most of their summer while creating memories, making friends and developing skills that will last a lifetime. And yes, there’s still plenty of time for those odd jobs to help fund next year’s adventures! 

CAMP DEVELOPS KIDS Decision Making Skills

Decisions can be scary. Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process. However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process. However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp.

Do I Stay or Do I Go?

It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper may have a friend at camp

and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decision-making tools.

What do I wear? What do I eat? What do I do?

Every summer, campers will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing.

At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their own activities each day, and for some campers,

simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum. However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decision-making abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp.

From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily. Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decisionmaking takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp. 

Is Your Child Ready

Day Camp or Overnight Camp for Overnight

Camp?

Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.

This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.

These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship. 

• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?

• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?

• What’s your budget for camp?

• Can your child bath and dress independently?

• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?

• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?

Summer Art Camps

The magic of Summer Art Camp begins this year on June 5th!

We limit each summer camp session to 12-15 students, so that each student receives individual attention. Making art develops problem-solving skills, encourages creativity, and develops selfconfidence. Our goal is to provide the materials, structure, and guidance to spark creativity in each child, allow them to explore and investigate their own ideas, and have lots of fun in the process.

Schedule for Summer Art Camp 2026

Special: June 5th One-day Drop-In

Week 1: June 8-12 Drawing

Week 2: June 15-19 Paint: Color

Week 3: June 22-26 Animals & Imaginary Creatures

Week 4: June 29-July 3 People & Faces (4 day week)

Week 5: July 6-10  Landscape, Still Life & Oceans

Week 6: July 13-17  Drawing

Week 7: July 20-24 Animals & Imaginary Creatures

Week 8: July 27-31 Paint: Color

Week 9: August 3-7 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans

Week 10: August 10-14 Animals and Imaginary Creatures

Week 11: August 17-21 Paint & Draw

All art materials are safe and non-toxic. Ages 6-13, regular campers, and 14-17, counselors in training. Camp options are from 9am to 3pm each day with before and aftercare available, 8-9am and 3-5pm. On Friday, camp ends at 3pm. Daylong Immersion Days are also available. Questions? Please call 510-604-0036 or email Bethpaints@gmail.com Register at www.DancingPaintBrushStudio.com

Our camp is located at 1744 Solano Avenue, Berkeley

2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo

Monthly March through June

Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials

EAST BAY PRESCHOOLS

PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Find the Right Start for Your Child

Parents’ Press takes the guesswork out of finding the right preschool for your child, from start to finish.

The following articles are excerpts from the East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education, covering “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Preschool,” “What to Look for When Doing the Site Visit” and “Basics to Know About Preschool Options.” The complete East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education leads parents along the early education or preschool selection path beginning with how to determine if your child is ready for preschool,

what options and different teaching philosophies are available, questions to ask a preschool, what to look for on a site visit and more. In addition, you will find program profiles and a comprehensive list of regional early education and preschool programs. Your road to the ideal early education program just got easier! Get your copy today of this free resource at ParentsPress.com/ our-magazines.

How to Find the Perfect Program

1START EARLY. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.

2DETERMINE WHAT CRITERIA IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, a year-round program, extended hours, cost? Prioritize what are the most important factors for your situation? Rate these factors so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child and family.

3

UTILIZE LOCAL PARENTING RESOURCES. Local parenting websites, like ParentsPress.com, offer lots of early education and preschool information as well as open house announcements. These resources will help you to become familiar

with what programs are available in your area and the options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school websites that look interesting to find out admissions information.

4

ASK AROUND. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the program. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from that preschool?

5

CONTACT THE PRESCHOOL. Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots

will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee. Find out ways to tours the school.

6

TOUR YOUR TOP CHOICES. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to preregister for these. Have your questions ready and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program.

7

APPLY TO YOUR TOP CHOICE. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour — now it is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in spring for the following fall. Also, find out from the organization when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families? If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider other options. If you are concerned that your top choice has more applicants than spots it would be a good idea to apply to more than one preschool. 

East Bay

Alameda

The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus

2226 Encinal Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus 2212 Pacific Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595

www.thechildunique.org

Tiny Treasures Preschool

1803 North Loop Road

mos - 4 yrs Up to 20 children

am - 6:00 pm

- $2,298

Alameda • 510-995-5383 www.ttpreschoolalameda.org 2 yrs - TK Up to 60 children 8:00 am - 5:50 pm $ 1,113 - $ 2,144

Accepted Education Based

Alamo

The Dorris-Eaton School

1286 Stone Valley Road Alamo • 925-837-7240 www.dorriseaton.org

Berkeley

Cedar Creek Montessori School

1600 Sacramento Street

Berkeley • 510-525-1377 cedarcreekmontessorischool.com

Cornerstone Children’s Center & Preschool 2407 Dana Street

Berkeley • 510-280-6126

www.cornerstonechildren.com

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB) 1009 Heinz Avenue

Berkeley • 510-549-3897 www.eb.org

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 1422 San Pablo Ave

Berkeley • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

Little Elephant Too! 2008 McGee Ave

Berkeley • 510-679-5056 www.littleelephant.net

Shu Ren International School 2125 Jefferson Ave.

Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com

Castro Valley

ABC Preschool and Daycare

20135 San Miguel Ave

Castro Valley • 510-581-5577

Early Bird Montessori School 20104 Center St

2.9 yr - 4.9+ PS 12:1 9am - 12pm, Ext Care 7am-6pm

2 yr - 5 Up to 40 children

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Infants - K entry Up to 112 children

8:30am to 5:30pm

2 yr - Grade 8 Up to 100 children

8:15am to 3:30pm. Extended care available (7:30am to 6pm)

2 yr - 6 Up to 48 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

2 - 6 yrs 24 children

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

PS to G5 Up to 140 children

7:30 am - 6:00pm

2 - 6 years Up to 41 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Castro Valley • 510 363-6458 www.earlybirdmontessori.com Age 2-6

Meals Provided Summer

$5,900 - $37,600

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Infants $1,949-$2,784

Preschool $1,606-$2,294

Accredited

Diapers Accepted

PS-K $36,685

Accredited

Diapers Accepted Education Based

$23,950 - $34,068 Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based Center Extended Day Available

Varies Education Based Center Snacks Provided

$29,348-30,950

Tuition Assistance

Accredited

Mandarin Immersion Education Based

Varies Diapers Accepted Education Based

Please see website

Diapers Accepted Education Based

Summer Programs

His Growing Grove Child Care Center 2490 Grove Way

Castro Valley • 510-581-5088 www.hisgrowinggrove.com

Concord

Concordia School, The 2353 Fifth Ave

Concord • 925-689-6910

First Lutheran Preschool 4006 Concord Blvd

Concord • 925-798-5330 flpsconcord.org

Danville

Autumn Creek Learning Center 14 Osborn Way

Danville • 925-743-4187 www.autumncreek-lc.com

Dublin

Quarry Lane School 5600 Scarlett Dr. Dublin • 925-466-3100 www.quarrylane.org

Please

Stratford School Dublin

6665 Amador Plaza Road

Dublin • 925-399-1971

www.stratforddublin.com

El Cerrito

Children’s Garden Montessori School

2335 Tulare Ave

El Cerrito • 510- 232-3089

childrensgardenmontessorischool.com

Mi Mundo Preschool

6305 Barrett Ave

El Cerrito • 510-230-4738

www.mimundopreschool.com

Emeryville

East Bay German International School Early Education 1070 41st St.

Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org/

2 - 5 yrs Up to 59 children Non Denominational 8 am to 2 pm (extended day until 6 pm)

$2,500 - $3,300 Accredited Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snack Provided

Fremont

Learn and Play Montessori School

7220 Maple Street

Fremont • 510-713-2402

Stratford School Fremont Blvd

38495 Fremont Boulevard

Fremont • 510-713-8900

www.stratfordfremontblvd.com

Stratford School Fremont Osgood

43077 Osgood Road

Fremont • 510-438-9745

www.stratfordfremontosgood.com

Hayward

California Crosspoint Academy

25500 Industrial Blvd

Hayward • 510-995-5333

www.crosspointacademy.org

Eiffel Tower Montessori 493 Blanche St Hayward • 510-475-1762

Tiny Treasures Preschool

Where every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow.

We provide every child aged 2-6 (TK) with a Christ-centered, play-based, warm and inclusive community!

– Joyful Learning, Real Growth –

Children learn best through play! Our engaging, hands-on approach fosters curiosity, confidence, and a sense of classroom community—ensuring every child feels seen and supported.

– Personalized Attention –

Small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios mean your child gets the guidance and encouragement they need, every day.

– Faith-Filled Foundations –

We explore God’s world with wonder, weaving biblical truths into daily routines, stories, and character-building moments.

– Curriculum That Fits Your Child –

Themes are tailored to children’s interests and needs—promoting language, early literacy, math readiness, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

– Caring Teaching Teams –

Loving, experienced educators partner with families, spark creativity, and celebrate each child’s unique gifts.

– Join Us –Tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see Tiny Treasures in action.

Elmhurst Learning Center

380 Elmhurst Street

Hayward • 510-786-1289

Lafayette

Old Firehouse School 984 Moraga Rd

Lafayette • 925-284-4321

www.oldfirehouseschool.com

The Child Day Schools

1049 Stuart Street

Lafayette • 925-284-7092

www.tcdschools.com

Viva el Español

925 Village Center, Suite 2 Lafayette • 925-962-9177

www.vivaelespanol.org

Livermore

The Child Development Center

3000 Campus Hill Dr Livermore • 925-424-1560 www.laspositascollege.edu/childdevelopmentcenter

Please

Please

$980 to $2,530 Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based Center

Li l g Learning Begins

Covenant Treehouse Preschool & Transitional Kindergarten 4000 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 531-0320

At Treehouse we provide a wellrounded, academic-based curriculum to children ages 2 to 5 years old. We are a ministry of First Covenant Church. We offer an excellent foundation and prepare our students to be successful in Kindergarten and beyond.

Age: 2-5 years old

Two Schedules Offered: 9:00am - 4:00pm & 7:30am - 6:00pm

Qualified and Experienced Teachers Beginning Japanese introduced in Pre-K Beginning Spanish introduced in TK www.firstcovtreehousepreschool.org

Email Director Jan at jan@treehousepreschool.org

Valley Montessori School 1273 N. Livermore Avenue

Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.vmschool.org

Moraga

The Child Day Schools

372 Park Street

Moraga • 925-376-5110 www.tcdschools.com

The Saklan School 1678 School Street

Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Newark

Challenger School - Ardenwood 35487 Dumbarton Court

Newark • 510-739-0300

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark/ ardenwood

Preschool: 18 mos - K plus Grades 1-8

Varies by program2, 3 or 5 half/full day AMS, CAIS, WASC Diapers Accepted Montessori Curriculum

Snacks Provided Lunch Available for Purchase

$935 - $2,435 Diapers Accepted Education Based Center Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

Cedar Creek Montessori School

Challenger School

39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/newark

Oakland

Duck’s Nest Preschool Telegraph Campus 3717 Telegraph Avenue

Oakland • 510-658-5443

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) 410 Alcatraz Ave.

Oakland • 510-653-3324

https://ebinternacional.org

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 2540 Charleston St

Oakland • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool 1650 Mountain Blvd

Oakland • 877-442-2555

www.ksspreschool.com

$6,020

$1,400 to $2,200 Diapers Accepted Center

$33,150; Diapers not accepted Spanish Immersion International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

$23,950 - $34,068

Tuition Assistance

$23,950 - $34,068

Snacks provided, lunch available for purchase.

Oakland Montessori School

3625 Fruitvale Avenue

3636 Dimond Avenue

Oakland • 510-482-3111

www.oaklandmontessori.com

Treehouse Preschool & TK 4000 Redwood Rd

Oakland • 510-531-0320

www.firstcovtreehousepreschool.org

Little Angels (2yrs) $1900$2245

PS-PK (Potty Trained) $1420 - $1890

TK $1575 - $1890

Registration Fee $100

Diapers Accepted (2yr old) class)

Should I Send My Child to Preschool?

Starting between the ages of 2½ and 3, you will have the option of placing your child in preschool. Some parents may ask, “Why preschool? Isn’t my child learning enough at home or with a caregiver?” Of course, nothing takes the place of a nurturing and loving home, and no one is more important to children than their parents. But research shows that kids who attend quality preschool have higher math and reading skills, are better prepared for kindergarten, behave better in class, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college.

When considering preschool education, think about these benefits.

A preschool experience empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn.

A preschool experience:

• empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn

• supports children’s intellectual and language development and communication skills

• offers children consistent, experienced, qualified educators to support their learning and development

• improves children’s ability to think, problem solve and reason as they enter school, enabling them to learn more in the early grades

• develops social and emotional maturity and the ability to relate well to peers and adults, solve conflicts, play cooperatively and be assertive

• provides a solid platform for lifelong learning and education

• guides children to gain independence, self-esteem and selfconfidence, empowering their learning

• helps children have a greater understanding of the world around them

• encourages children to be independent learners and to take an active role in their learning

• supports children to play cooperatively together and learn from their experiences

• enables children and families the opportunity to belong, to be part of a community, and connect with others.

Preschools are:

• fun places to be, with varied, exciting experiences planned to meet the needs and interests of children

• a context to build social connections between families and the community

• a source of professional information that supports parenting

• resources which give lots of opportunities for parent education

• a gradual transition from home to more formal educational environments

• a warm, caring, friendly environment, led by qualified, experienced and dedicated staff

• places that nurture creativity, thinking and social skills, enabling children to develop a love of learning. 

Orinda

Holy Shepherd Christian Preschool

433 Moraga Way

Orinda • 925-254-3429

www.holyshepherd.org

St. John Preschool

501 Moraga Way

Orinda • 925-254-4470

www.stjohnorinda.com

The Orinda Preschool (TOPS)

10 Irwin Way

Orinda • 925-254-2551

https://www.theorindapreschool.org

Piedmont

City of Piedmont

Mulitiple Locations

Piedmont • 510-420-3040

https://piedmont.ca.gov

Linda Beach Coop. Preschool

400 Highland Ave

Piedmont • 510-547-4432 www.lindabeach.org

Pleasant Hill

Alice’s Montessori

105 Astrid Drive & 1041 Hook Ave

Pleasant Hill • 925-947-0600

www.alicesmontessori.com 3 mos - 6 yr Up to 30 children

Choice in Learning

490 Golf Club Rd

Pleasant Hill • 925-687-5321

cilmontessori.org 2 yr - 6 Up to 40 children 8:00 am -

Creative Play Center

2323 Pleasant Hill Road

Pleasant Hill • 925-974-6820

Play and Learn School

1898 Pleasant Hill Rd

Pleasant Hill • 925-947-2820

Stepping Stones Learning Center 2750 Pleasant Hill Road

Pleasant Hill • 925-933-6520

Pleasanton

Little Flowers Montessori 11533 Dublin Canyon Rd Pleasanton • 925-225-9600

Quarry Lane School

3750 Boulder St.

Pleasanton • 925-846-9400 www.quarrylane.org

Quarry Lane School

4444B Black Ave.

Pleasanton • 925-462-6300 www.quarrylane.org

Stratford School Pleasanton

4576 Willow Road

Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com

Please

Accepted

Please

Accepted

mos - 9 Up to 150 children

Please

Accepted

Based

Please

How to Start Your Search

Contrary to what you might have heard, choosing the right preschool for your child is not as difficult as applying for an advanced degree. The key to choosing the right preschool is going into the process prepared. Prepared? Yes, prepared with a solid idea of what you want your child to gain from his or her preschool experience. Keep reading for helpful suggestions for choosing a preschool that is a good match for your child and your family, as well as information on some of the most popular types of preschool educational philosophies. In addition, you’ll find checklists that you can use when visiting and comparing preschool settings.

Think about the Basics

The best way to keep from becoming overwhelmed by the process of choosing a preschool is to think about how the preschool will fit into your daily life. Here are some questions parents should consider:

• Is it important for the preschool to be near my home?

• Is it important for the preschool to be near my workplace?

• Is it important for the preschool to offer childcare services in the morning, afternoon, or both?

• Are you looking for a play-based

classroom or a more academic setting?

• Am I eligible for or interested in subsidized preschool programs (i.e., Early Head Start, Child Welfare League of America or state-funded programming) that offer services such as childcare programs with a focus on providing educational opportunities?

Answering each of these questions will help you narrow down the general location and type of setting you should research. Narrowing down your choices will make the process of comparing settings easier to manage.

Become Familiar with Common Terms

For many parents, the most confusing part about choosing preschools is trying to make sense of terms such as, “Montessori Approach,” “child-centered,” “Waldorf Approach” and “faith-based.” What do these terms mean and how can these terms help you choose a preschool?

Oftentimes, the key difference between settings is connected to the preschool’s “educational philosophy.” While educational philosophies are numerous and their definitions are not set in stone, we have provided you with definitions for some of the most popular philosophies.

Play-Based

In a play-based program, children choose

activities based on their current interests. The classroom is broken up into sections, such as home or kitchen, science area, water table, reading nook, etc. Teachers encourage the kids to play, facilitating social skills along the way.

Academic Based

Academic or skills-based programs are teacher directed and can be very structured and routine oriented. Teachers extensively plan activities for the children in their classes and guide the children in learning.

Montessori Method

Focuses on maintaining the individuality of each child in the learning process. This method believes each child learns at their own pace and educational progress should not be rendered based upon comparing students to one another.

Reggio Emilia Approach

This approach focuses on providing opportunities for problem solving and expression through creativity and exploration.

Waldorf Approach

Emphasis is placed on imagination and experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to explore their world through the senses, participation and analytical thought.

The Child Day Schools

883 Rose Avenue

Pleasanton • 925-462-1866

www.tcdschools.com

Richmond

Little Treasures Kids Academy

3120 Shane Dr Richmond • 510.275.3194

www.littletreasureskidsacademy.com

St. David Preschool Richmond • 510-232-1736 www.stdavidschool.org

San Leandro

Li’l Angels Day Care Center

890 Fargo Avenue San Leandro • 510-895-8736 www.lilangelschildcare.com

Montessori School At Washington Ave 14795 Washington Avenue San Leandro • 510-357-8432

San Ramon

Diablo Hills Country School

50 Creekside Drive

yr - 6 Up to 92 children Please

San Ramon • 925-831-1210 www.diablohillscountryschool.com 18 mos - 5 Up to 93 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Little Bridges Child Care Center 9015 S. Gale Rd. San Ramon • 925-498-9808 www.littlebridges.org Infants - 5th Grade Up to 205 children 7:30 am - 6:00pm

The Child Day Schools

18868 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon • 925-820-2515 www.tcdschools.com

Union City

Free To Be Preschool

188 Appian Way

Union City • 510-471-0731

Little People Preschool 33700 Alvarado-Niles Road

Union City • 510-489-8650

Walnut Creek

KSS Spanish Immersion Preschool

2780 Camino Diablo Walnut Creek • 877-442-2555 www.ksspreschool.com

12 mos - 5 years Kindergarten, School Age 120 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Accepted

Please call for rate

Diapers Accepted Education Based

2 yr - 5 Up to 49 children 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

2 yr - 5 Up to 63 children Christian 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

2 yr - 6 Up to 70 children 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

$945 - $2,405 Diapers Accepted Education Based

Transportation Available (for school-age)

Snacks Provided Lunch Available(extra charge)

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

Please call for rate Diapers Accepted Education Based

$23,950 - $34,068

Tuition Assistance Spanish Immersion Education Based

Extended Day Available

Bank Street Approach

This approach places an emphasis on learning through multiple perspectives, both in the classroom setting and in the natural world with a strong focus on emotional learning and intellectual development.

High Scope Approach

This approach focuses on letting children be in charge of their own learning. Children are taught to make a plan for what they would like to do each day and participate in a review session to discuss the success of their plan and brainstorm ideas for the next day.

Other Terms

Outside of the formal educational philosophies, knowing the difference between other common early childhood terms will help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. Below is a list of some common terms used to describe preschool settings. It should be noted that these terms may be used alone or in combination with one another (i.e., a “child-centered, faith-based” setting).

Teacher-led

The opposite of a child-centered setting is a teacher-led setting. Teacher-led often means that curriculum and supplemental activities are implemented based on a set schedule developed by the teachers in the setting. This type of setting usually provides children with a structured learning environment.

Child-led

These settings believe children learn best when they are engaged and interested in learning. Child-led settings wait for each child to initiate or ask for new activities and experiences, fostering individualized learning experiences rather than group experiences.

Faith-based

This term is used to describe preschool programs that are run through faith organizations such as churches or synagogues, according to their faith’s philosophies.

Co-operative

These settings often ask parents and families to assist in the running of the preschool. Parents and family members may build community by signing up

to volunteer during the week, or by assisting in the day-to-day management of the preschool as well as helping with advertising, upkeep and fundraising. Developmentally Appropriate

This term means the preschool plans the curriculum and activities based on activities that are appropriate for the age of the children in the class.

Pre-kindergarten

(pre-K)

Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with preschool. In general, a pre-K program is one that has children enrolled in the year before kindergarten, usually at age four. These settings are often more structured than traditional preschool settings.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Transitional Kindergarten is a school grade that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, functioning to provide students with time to develop fundamental skills needed for success in school.

The Research

Once you have narrowed down the general area you are interested in researching and have a good idea of what type of philosophy would best suit your child, here are a few things you can do to help narrow down your options: Reach out to other parents: Ask your friends, your neighbors, your pediatrician, your older child’s teacher - ask people you trust for recommendations for quality settings in your area. Be mindful to note the name of the setting and what struck this person as important to mention (low student teacher ratio, close to home, child is excited to arrive, etc.). And, the best question to ask is, “What advice do you wish you had received before choosing your child’s preschool?” Most parents will be happy to offer their insight and advice.

Go to the internet: You might be surprised to learn that your community has an active preschool networking community, a great place to tap into useful advice and resources. Or, you can use the internet to search the names of settings to find out if they have any “red flags” like numerous complaints from parents, health or safety violations, or other noteworthy issues. The Bananas

and 4C’s of Alameda County and the Contra Costa Child Care Council websites offer a wealth of information for parents seeking information.

The best ways to find preschool programs are to attend preschool fairs, get recommendations from fellow parents and scope out programs located close to home or work.

The Visit

Now that you have narrowed down your choices and come up with two or three settings you are interested in, schedule a time to visit each setting. You can learn a lot about a setting by the way staff approach introductory visits with you and your child. During your visit ask yourself the following questions: Do I feel welcome here?

Does my child seem interested in what they have to offer?

Do the children in the setting seem happy and engaged?

How do the adults and children interact?

Is the setting clean and safe?

You should also come to the visit prepared with questions. Some of the basic questions parents ask are:

What is the turnover rate for staff members?

What percentage of the staff hold degrees in early childhood?

How does the setting handle discipline?

What are the safety procedures for picking up and dropping off children? Are they modified to reflect current safety standards?

Is the setting accredited?

What are the payment options and procedures?

Some parents feel more comfortable going to the visit with a checklist of questions they would like answered. We offer an even more in-depth list on page 20. Parents should not feel like they need to ask every question on the checklist, however, using a checklist is a great way to make note of your observations during the visit so you can compare settings afterward. 

Old Firehouse School 55 Eckley Ln

Walnut Creek • 925-934-1507 www.oldfirehouseschool.com

Safari Kid Walnut Creek 2074 Treat Blvd.

Walnut Creek • 925-295-0761

The Seven Hills School

975 North San Carlos Drive

Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666 www.sevenhillsschool.org 2.9

Marin County

Corte Madera

Corte Madera Montessori 50 El Camino Dr #10

Corte Madera • 415-927-0919 www.cortemaderamontessori.com

Marin Montessori School 5200 Paradise Dr Corte Madera • 415-924-5388 www.marinmontessori.org

Larkspur

Chronos Academy 110 Magnolia Ave

Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy

Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org

Mill Valley

Marin Horizon School

305 Montford Ave.

Mill Valley • 415-388-8408 www.marinhorizon.org

Novato

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 1180 Lynwood Drive Novato • 415-892-2880 www.gslsnovato.org

Noah’s Ark Preschool 1370 S. Novato Blvd. Novato • 415-892-5713 www.noahsarknovato.com

San Anselmo

San Anselmo Montessori School 100 Shaw Drive

San Anselmo • 415-457-3428 www.samontessori.com

San Rafael

GATE Academy

1 St. Vincent Drive

San Rafael • 415-491-4700 www.gateacademy.org

Diapers Accepted for 2 year olds only Catered meals for purchase

Montessori de Terra Linda

610 Del Ganado Road

San Rafael • 415-479-7373

www.mdtl.org

Montessori in Motion

3 Wellbrock Heights

San Rafael • 415-472-5622

www.montessoriinmotion.com

Sausalito

Lycée Français de San Francisco 610 Coloma Street

Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

The Discovery School

557 McReynolds Rd Suite 100 Sausalito • 415-339-3900

www.thediscoveryschoolbadm.org

San Francisco County

Is My Child Ready?

Just because a few preschools will accept children at around 2 years old doesn’t mean your child is ready for preschool when she reaches that age. Is she socially, emotionally and physically ready to participate in a structured educational program with a group of children? The following will help your think about some of the important skills needed for preschool.

Is your child independent?

Your child should be able to take care of some basic needs, like washing her hands, eating her lunch without assistance and sleeping alone. Most preschools will want your child to be potty trained, but some accept diapers.

Has your child spent time away from you?

If your child has been cared for by a babysitter or a relative, he’ll be better prepared to separate from you when he’s at preschool. Kids who are used to being apart from their parents often bounce right into preschool with hardly a backward glance. If your child hasn’t had many opportunities to be away from you, you might want to schedule some - a weekend with grandma, for instance, or a day with

your sister and her kids. But even if you can’t work out your separation issues up front, don’t worry too much; many children leave Mom or Dad for the first time to go to preschool and they do just fine. The trick is to help your child adjust in short doses. Many preschools will allow you to drop off your child for an hour or two during the first few days there; as your child gets more familiar to the environment, you gradually work up to a full day.

Can your child work on projects on her own?

Preschool usually involves lots of arts and crafts projects that require concentration and the ability to focus on an individual task. If your child likes to draw at home or gets engrossed in puzzles and other activities on her own, she’s a good candidate for preschool. But even if she’s the kind of child who asks for help with everything, you can start getting her ready by setting up playtimes where she can entertain herself for a half hour or so.

Is your child used to keeping a regular schedule?

Preschools usually follow a predictable routine: circle time, play

Alta Vista School

450 Somerset St. - Lower School

2558 Mission Street - Middle School

San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org

Big City Montessori School

240 Industrial Street San

• 415-648-5777

Hiba Academy Bay Area 99 Rhode Island St

San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org

The International School of San Francisco Maternelle/Preschool 1155 Page Street

San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org

Laura Vicuna Pre-K 660 Filbert Street

San Francisco • 415-421-5219

Lycée Français de San Francisco

755 Ashbury Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Noe Valley Nursery School 5210 Diamond Heights Boulevard

San Francisco • 415-647-2278

San Francisco Montessori Academy 1283 22nd Ave & 1566 32nd Ave

San Francisco • 415-759-5710 www.sfmontessoriacademy.com

Stratford School DeMontfort

301 DeMontfort Avenue

San Francisco • 415-333-3134

www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com

Stratford School 14th Avenue 645 14th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-742-4254

www.stratfordsf14.com

Stratford School Parkside 2425 19th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-564-6250 www.stratfordsfparkside.com

Sonoma County Petaluma

The Spring Hill School

825 Middlefield Dr Petaluma • 707-763-7299

Santa Rosa

Brush Creek Montessori School

1569 Brush Creek Rd

Santa Rosa • 707-539-7980

Sonoma

Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place

Sonoma • 707-284-3200

www.scds.org

time, snack, playground, then lunch. There’s a good reason for this. Children tend to feel most comfortable and in control when the same things happen at the same time each day. So if your child doesn’t keep to a schedule and each day is different from the last, it can help to

Featured Preschools

San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties

Belmont

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

1000 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont • 650-593-4265 www.ihmschoolbelmont.org

Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool 1200 Notre Dame Avenue Belmont • 650-591-2209 www.nde.org

Campbell

Action Day Schools | Campbell 1125 West Campbell Avenue

Campbell • 408-379-3184 www.actiondayschools.com

Foster City

Kids Connection Preschool

1970 Beach Park Boulevard

Foster City • 650-578-9697 https://kidsconnectionschools.com

standardize his days a bit before he starts preschool.

Does your child have the physical stamina for preschool?

Whether it’s a half-day or full-day program, preschool keeps kids busy. There are art projects to do, field trips to

take, and playgrounds to explore. Does your child thrive on activities like this, or does he have trouble moving from one thing to the next without getting cranky? Another thing to consider is how and when your child needs to nap. Preschools usually schedule nap time after lunch. If your little one can keep going until then or even all day like a wind-up toy, he’s set. If he still needs a mid-morning snooze, it might not be time yet to go to school.

Why do you want to send your child to preschool?

Think carefully about what your goals are for sending your child to preschool. Do you just need time for yourself or daycare for your child? There may be other options if it seems he isn’t ready yet for the rigors of school.

If you find that the main reasons you want to send your child to preschool are that he seems eager to learn new things and explore, he isn’t getting enough stimulation at home or daycare, or he seems ready to broaden his social horizons and interact with other children, chances are it’s the perfect time to start preschool. 

PJCC Preschool

800 Foster City Boulevard

Foster City • 650-378-2670 www.pjcc.org/preschool

Los Altos

Saint Simon Parish School

1840 Grant Road

Los Altos • 650-880-1456

https://stsimon.school

Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Christian School

625 Magdalena Avenue

Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com

Los Gatos

Hillbrook School

300 Marchmont Drive

Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford School Belgatos Park 220 Belgatos Road Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com 2.5

Stratford School Los Gatos 220 Kensington Way Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordlgkensington.com

Menlo Park

Trinity School

300 Ravenswood Avenue

Menlo Park • 650-322-2628 www.trinity-mp.org

Milpitas

Stratford School Beresford Square

125 N Milpitas Boulevard

Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com

Stratford School Great Mall 341 Great Mall Pkwy

2.5 yrs - G4

$29,950 Regular Day 7:30am-1:00pm $38,600 Ext Day 7:30am - 6:00pm

Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordmilpitas.com 2.5 yrs - G8

Morgan Hill

Action Day Schools | Morgan Hill 17535 Del Monte Ave

Morgan Hill • 408-779-7678

www.actiondayschools.com pgs. 11, 44

Stratford School Morgan Hill 410 Llagas Road

Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801 www.stratfordmorganhill.com

Mountain View

Action Day Schools | Mt. View

333 Eunice Avenue

Mountain View • 650-967-3780 www.actiondayschools.com

$2,256

Center

Yew Chung International School Silicon Valley

Preschool & TK ECE Campus

199 East Middlefield Road, Suite 100

Mountain View • 650-903-0986

www.ycis-sv.com

Palo Alto

Bowman School Children’s House

4000 Terman Drive

Palo Alto • 650-813-9131

www.bowmanschool.org

Challenger School - Middlefield

3880 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto • 650-213-8245

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/palo-alto/ middlefield

This checklist is designed to help families select the right preschool program for their children. It includes the program qualities and components that research says are most important for a child’s growth and development. It does not cover either basic health and safety standards that all licensed programs must meet and which vary by state or whether nutritious meals and snacks are provided. Use the checklist when interviewing the school principal or preschool center director and as a guide for your observation of

Questions to Ask ...

the pre-k classroom. To find the best available preschool program, you may need to visit a few centers. Remember, this is only a tool to help guide your decision. You know your child best; so, ultimately, you must decide which program will best prepare your child for school.

When meeting with the Program Director

Ask these questions:

1. Does the program have a state license, or if not, is it exempt from state licensing because it meets the school district’s standards instead?

2. Is the program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or any other nationally recognized accreditation organizations?

3. Does the lead teacher have a bachelor’s degree?

4. Does he/she have certification in early childhood education?

5. Does the classroom aide have specialized training in early childhood development?

6. Have the majority of the teachers been at the program for at least three years?

7. Has there been any teacher turnover in the last few years?

8. Do the teachers participate in 12 hours or more of in-service training each year?

9. Is there a system for helping teachers improve their teaching expertise?

10. Is there at least one teacher for every 10 children?

11. Are there no more than 20 children in a class?

12. Does the room have separate learning centers (reading, art, dramatic play, writing, blocks, etc.) with interesting equipment and materials to encourage learning?

13. Does the teacher use a well-known, quality, preschool curriculum to guide what is taught?

If yes: Does the curriculum prepare children for kindergarten based on the state standards for school readiness?

Does the curriculum take into account the various learning styles, cultures, disabilities, and languages of the children and their families?

Does the curriculum provide opportunities for the children to explore topics in detail and in multiple ways?

14. Does the class follow a daily routine that offers a variety of activities throughout the day? (i.e., art, makebelieve play, outside play, reading, and science activities)

15. Do children have outdoor unstructured playtime every day, except when the weather is extreme?

16. Does the class take at least two field trips a year?

Stratford School Palo Alto

870 North California Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-493-1151

www.stratfordpaloalto.com

Portola Valley

Woodland School

360 La Cuesta Drive

Portola Valley • 650-854-9065

https://woodland-school.org

Redwood City

Redeemer Preschool

468 Grand Street

Redwood City • 650-366-3466

www.redeemer-school.org

17. Do activities change regularly so the children have a chance to learn new skills?

18. Do teachers have access to trained professionals such as a social worker, mental health consultant, and/or behavior specialist to help children who have challenging behaviors or attention problems?

19. If a child has a disability or special needs, does the school provide accommodations and support?

20. Are parents welcome to drop in without making an appointment?

21. Does the teacher have face-to-face or phone contact or provide regular e-mail or written reports with parent(s) at least twice a month?

22. Does the program hold parent/ teacher conferences at least twice a year?

23. Does the school have a number of ways for the parent(s) to be involved and help their child at home? (i.e., a school newsletter, classroom volunteers, family events, book or toy lending library)

24. Does the teacher keep the parent(s) regularly informed of the child’s progress and school activities in a language they can understand?

If yes, how often?

If the teacher does not speak the family’s language, how do they communicate?

Your own observations

Spend at least an hour in the classroom. Ask yourself:

25. Do I feel welcome?

26. Are the teachers warm and caring with the children?

27. Do the teachers handle problems and conflicts in a positive manner?

28. Do teachers have one-on-one conversations with children?

29. Do teachers work with children individually and in small groups of three or four?

30. Does staff show acceptance and respect to all children regardless of culture, race, language, or disability?

31. Do the children appear to be happy and engaged in activities?

32. Do the children have opportunities to select what they want to do at times throughout the day?

33. Are the children talking and interacting with each other?

34. Do the children seem to be working well with one another (sharing, playing cooperatively, and taking turns)?

35. Do you see evidence that the teachers use a variety of methods to teach letters, numbers, shapes, and new vocabulary words?

36. Does the classroom have a library

with a variety of books and other reading material?

If yes, are the books in good condition and attractively displayed?

If yes, are there books in the appropriate languages for the children who don’t speak English?

37. Do the teachers encourage handson learning such as learning science concepts with water and sand or math through cooking?

38. Do the display areas on the walls contain children’s artwork, writing samples, and photographs of class projects or activities?

39. Are the furniture, playground equipment, and toys age appropriate, clean, and in good condition?

40. When the children are outside, are the teachers engaged in and encouraging the children’s play?

41. Does each child have enough room indoors and outdoors to move around without interfering with other children’s play space?

Finally, review the preschool’s contract. Make sure you understand their policies on enrollment/withdrawal procedures, hours, fees, payment structure, vacation, sick days, illness policy and meals. Also, keep in mind that as your child grows, you and your child’s needs will change. Will the preschool be able to grow with your little one?

San Bruno

Highlands Christian Schools 1900 Monterey Drive

San Bruno • 650-873-4090

www.school.highlands.us/preschool

Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon 2322 Crestmoor Drive

San Bruno • 650-837-9222

www.stratfordsanbruno.com

Stratford School San Bruno El Camino 300 El Camino Real

San Bruno • 650-671-1880

www.stratfordsanbrunoelcamino.com

San Jose

Action Day Schools | Allen 5845 Allen Avenue

San Jose • 408-629-6020

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Amber Preschool 3500 Amber Drive

San Jose • 408-248-2464

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Lincoln

2148 Lincoln Avenue

San Jose • 408-266-8952

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Moorpark

3030 Moorpark Avenue

San Jose • 408-249-0668

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | Phelan 801 Hibiscus Lane

San Jose • 408-985-5998

www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Almaden 19950 McKean Road

San Jose • 408-927-5771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ almaden

Challenger School - Berryessa 711 East Gish Road

San Jose • 408-998-2860

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ berryessa

Challenger School - Harwood 4949 Harwood Road

San Jose • 408-723-0111

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ harwood

Challenger School - Shawnee 500 Shawnee Lane

San Jose • 408-365-9298

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ shawnee

Challenger School - Strawberry Park

730 Camina Escuela

San Jose • 408-213-0083

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/san-jose/ strawberry-park

Stratford School Almaden

5200 Dent Avenue

San Jose • 408-877-6300

www.stratfordalmaden.com

Stratford School San Jose

6670 San Anselmo Way

San Jose • 408-363-2130 www.stratfordsanjose.com

San Mateo

Serendipity Preschool

3172 Clearview Way

San Mateo • 650-574-7400

www.serendipityschool.com/

Santa Clara

Action Day Schools | Pruneridge 2001 Pruneridge Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-2909

www.actiondayschools.com

Stratford School McKinley 57 Cronin Dr.

Santa Clara • 408-713-6231 www.stratfordsantaclaramckinley.com

Stratford School Pomeroy 890 Pomeroy Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-4073

www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com 2.5

Stratford School Winchester

400 N. Winchester Boulevard

Santa Clara • 408-244-2121

www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com

Saratoga

Action Day Schools | El Quito 18720 Bucknall Road

Saratoga • 408-370-0357

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Schools | University 13560 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road

Saratoga • 408-867-4515 www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Saratoga 18811 Cox Avenue

Saratoga • 408-378-0444

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/saratoga

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School 13601 Saratoga Avenue

Saratoga • 408-867-3785 www.st-andrews.org

Sunnyvale

Challenger School - Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave

Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sunnyvale

Stratford School Washington Park 820 West McKinley Avenue

Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500

www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com

Stratford School De Anza Park 1196 Lime Drive

Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424

www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com

Sunnyvale Christian School

445 S. Mary Ave.

Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286

www.sunnyvalechristian.school

Varies

East Bay Featured Listings

Alameda

The Child Unique Montessori School - Encinal Campus

2226 Encinal Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227

www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Pacific Campus 2212 Pacific Ave.

Alameda • 510-521-9227 www.thechildunique.org

The Child Unique Montessori School - Taylor Campus 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.thechildunique.org

Coastline Christian Schools 1801 North Loop Road

Alameda • 510-522-0200 www.coastlinechristian.org

Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda 1400 Sixth St.

Alameda • 510-521-0595 www.montessorielementaryalameda.org

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School 1011 Chestnut St. Alameda • 510-523-1526 www.sjnd.org

Alamo

The Dorris-Eaton School (PS-TK Campus) 1286 Stone Valley Road

Alamo • 925-837-7240 www.dorriseaton.org

Albany

Tilden Preparatory School

1231 Solano Ave.

12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365

Albany • 510-525-5506 www.tildenprep.com 6-12

Berkeley

Black Pine Circle School

2027 Seventh St

Berkeley • 510-845-0876 www.blackpinecircle.org

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley 1009 Heinz Ave.

Varies 305

Berkeley • 510-549-3867 www.eb.org PS-Grade 8 All Gender 16:1 420

Maybeck High School

2727 College Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8489 www.maybeckhs.org 9-12 All Gender 5:1 115

Saint Mary’s College High School 1294 Albina Ave

Berkeley • 510-526-9242 www.saintmaryschs.org 9-12 All Gender 16:1 600

School of the Madeleine 1225 Milvia St

Berkeley • 510-526-4744

www.themadeleine.com

K-8 Co-Ed 9:1 250

French, Spanish, Mandarin $36,685- 41,540 FA Available

Spanish, French

FA Available

$13,900-$15,500 FA Available

(French Ministry of Education), CAIS, NAIS, WASC

Shu Ren International School - Berkeley Campus, p. 45, 81 2125 Jefferson Ave. Berkeley • 510-841-8899 www.shurenschool.com PK2- Grade 5

Castro Valley

Mission Hills School 2330 Pomar Vista Avenue Castro Valley • 510-317-8627 www.mhmschool.org

Redwood Christian Schools Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

Concord

Carondelet High School 1133 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-686-5353 www.carondeleths.org

De La Salle High School 1130 Winton Dr. Concord • 925-288-8100 www.dlshs.org 9-12

•

Orion Academy 1868 Clayton Rd.

Concord • 925-377-0789 www.orionacademy.org

Dublin

Quarry Lane School

6363 Tassajara Rd.

Dublin • 925-829-8000

www.QuarryLane.org

Stratford School Dublin 6665 Amador Plaza Road

Dublin • 925-399-1971

www.stratforddublin.com

El Cerrito

East Bay Montessori 7075 Cutting Blvd.

El Cerrito • 510-236-8802 www.eastbaymontessori.org

Golestan School

320 San Carlos Avenue

El Cerrito • 510-704-8541

www.golestankids.com

Prospect Sierra School 960 Avis Drive 2060 Tapscott Ave. El Cerrito • 510-809-9000 www.prospectsierra.org

Emeryville

East Bay German International School 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org

East Bay International High School 1070 41st St. Emeryville • 510-380-0302 www.ebgis.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) 4550 San Pablo Ave. Emeryville • 510-652-7094 https://ebinternacional.org

Fremont

Grades 2-8

Stratford School Fremont Blvd 38495 Fremont Boulevard Fremont • 510-713-8900 www.stratfordfremontblvd.com 2.5 yrs - K All Gender 8:1 (EPS), 12:1 (PS) 15:1 (K)

$27,000-$31,000 FA

$33,000-$35,000

CAIS, NAIS, POCIS, Green Ribbon School, Ashoka Change-maker School

IB World School, WASC, PASCH, WDA

$33,150$41,550 Tuition Assistance Available CAIS, NAIS, WASC, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

Stratford School Fremont Osgood 43077 Osgood Road

Fremont • 510-438-9745 www.stratfordfremontosgood.com

Hayward

California Crosspoint Academy 25500 Industrial Blvd

Hayward • 510-995-5333 www.crosspointacademy.org

Moreau Catholic High School 27170 Mission Blvd.

Hayward • 510-881-4310 www.moreaucatholic.org

Lafayette

Bentley School

1000 Upper Happy Valley Road

Lafayette • 925-283-2101 www.bentleyschool.org

Contra Costa Jewish Day School 955 Risa Road Lafayette • 925-284-8288 www.ccjds.org

K-8

K-8 Co-Ed 20:2 180 Independent Hebrew, Spanish

K-5: $25,400 6-8: $28,400 FA Available

The Springstone Middle & Community High School 1035 Carol Lane

Lafayette • 925-962-9660 www.thespringstoneschool.org

Livermore

Valley Montessori School 1273 N Livermore Ave. Livermore • 925-455-8021 www.vmschool.org

Moraga

The Saklan School 1678 School St. Moraga • 925-376-7900 www.saklan.org

Newark

Challenger School - Ardenwood 35487 Dumbarton Court

Newark • 510-739-0300 www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark/ardenwood

Challenger School

39600 Cedar Blvd.

Newark • 510-770-1771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ newark

Oakland

Aurora School

40 Dulwich Road

Oakland • 510-428-2606

www.auroraschool.org

Bentley School

1 Hiller Dr.

Oakland • 510-843-2512 www.bentleyschool.org K-12, Lafayette: 9-12 All Gender 8:1 650

College Preparatory School

6100 Broadway

Oakland • 510-652-4364 www.college-prep.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) 410 Alcatraz Ave

Oakland • 510-652-3324 https://ebinternacional.org

English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin K-5: $40,600 6-8: $44,400 9-12: $58,525 FA

$33,150$41,550 Tuition Assistance Available CAIS,

(IB) World School

A Legacy of Excellence

At De La Salle High School, education goes beyond the classroom Since 1965, our mission has been to form men of faith, integrity, and scholarship ready to lead with purpose and serve with heart

Head-Royce School

4315 Lincoln Ave.

Oakland • 510-531-1300 www.headroyce.org

Holy Names High School

4660 Harbord Dr. Oakland • 510-450-1110 www.hnhsoakland.org

Julia Morgan School for Girls

5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland • 510-632-6000 www.juliamorganschool.org

Park Day School

360 42nd St.

Oakland • 510-653-0317 www.parkdayschool.org

Redwood Day 3245 Sheffield Ave. Oakland • 510-534-0800 rdschool.org

Piedmont

Corpus Christi School

1 Estates Drive

Piedmont • 510-530-4056 www.corpuschristischool.com

Pinole

St. Joseph School

1961 Plum St.

Pinole • 510-724-0242 www.stjosephpinole.org

Pleasanton

Stratford School Pleasanton 4576 Willow Road

Pleasanton • 925-737-0001 www.stratfordpleasanton.com 2 yrs - G5

Stratford School Pleasanton Middle School 3800 Stoneridge Drive Pleasanton • 925-621-8908 www.stratfordpleasantonms.com

Richmond

Crestmont School 6226 Arlington Blvd. A Richmond • 510-237-4164 https://crestmontschool.org

Salesian College Preparatory 2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond • 510-234-4433 www.salesian.com

San Lorenzo

Redwood Christian Schools

Castro Valley • San Lorenzo 510-889-7526 www.rcs.edu

San Ramon

The Dorris-Eaton School (K-8 Campus) 1 Annabel Lane

(EPS); 12:1 (PS); 15:1 (K) 22:1 (1-5)

6 - 8 All Gender 22:1 (6-8)

Co-Ed 6:1 55

All Gender 18:1 650

San Ramon • 925-930-9000 www.dorriseaton.org PS-8 All Gender 12:1 (PS), 18:1 (K-8) 365

$42,300–$60,500 FA

CAIS, NAIS, WASC, ISSFBA, BADA

$43,575 (fees not included) FA Available CAIS, NAIS, ABC POCIS, ICGS

K-5 $37,980 6-8 $40,620 FA Available CAIS, AISAP, POCIS, ISBOA ISSFBA, NAIS NBOA, PEN

$37,510

Spanish, Mandarin $16,000 - $19,000 FA Available

Union City

Mission Hills Middle School

250 Tamarack Drive

Union City • 510-760-7068

www.mhmschool.org

Walnut Creek

Berean Christian High School

245 El Divisadero Avenue

Walnut Creek • 925-945-6464

www.bereanchristian.com

Seven Hills School

975 N. San Carlos Drive

Walnut Creek • 925-933-0666

www.sevenhillsschool.org

Sonder Creek Academy

Grades: K-1st 1871 Geary Rd

Grades: 2-4 200 La Casa Via Grades: 5-8 860 Bancroft Road

Walnut Creek • 925-440-1244 sondercreekacademy.org

Tilden Preparatory School 1475 N. Broadway Walnut Creek • 925-933-5506 www.tildenprep.com

WASC, UC Regents Approved, NCAA Approved

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. For 85 years, we have delivered a high-quality, values-based education. Our school follows the four Dominican Pillars of Faith, Study, Community, and Service

The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We are dedicated to the education of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our leadership is committed to academic excellence, spiritual development, and social justice.

We believe that every student is exceptional, and our mission is to help them become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens who care for one another. We welcome every family with open arms and invite you to learn more about our community.

In addition to our strong academic program, we offer music, band, Spanish, art, 1:1 iPads, tech lab, partner teachers, learning support, and after-care program.

Come see what we are all about! www.themadeleine.com

Corte Madera

Marin Montessori School

5200 Paradise Drive

Corte Madera • 415-924-5388 www.marinmontessori.org

Kentfield

Marin Catholic High School

675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

Kentfield • 415-464-3800 www.marincatholic.org

Larkspur

Chronos Academy

110 Magnolia Ave

Larkspur • 415-383-2283 www.chronos.academy

Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue.

Larkspur • 415-924-2608 www.mpms.org

Mill Valley

Helix School

145 Lomita Drive

Mill Valley • 415-569-5060

Marin Horizon School 305 Montford Ave. Mill Valley • 415-388-8408

Mount Tamalpais School

100 Harvard Ave. Mill Valley • 415-383-9434

Northbridge Academy 17 Buena Vista Ave. Mill Valley • 415-462-5657

Novato

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 1180 Lynwood Drive

Novato • 415-892-2880

Marin Christian Academy 1370 S. Novato Blvd.

Novato • 415-892-5713

North Bay Christian Academy 6965 Redwood Blvd.

Novato • 415-892-8921

Our Lady of Loretto School 1811 Virginia Ave.

Novato • 415-892-8621

San Anselmo

Oak Hill School

300 Sunny Hills Drive #6

San Anselmo • 415-457-7601

San Anselmo Montessori School

100 Shaw Drive

San Anselmo • 415-457-3428

St. Anselm School

40 Belle Ave.

San Anselmo • 415-454-3612

San Domenico School

1500 Butterfield Road

San Anselmo, CA • 415-258-1900 https://sandomenico.org K-12 Co-Ed 9:1

San Rafael

Brandeis Marin

180 N. San Pedro Road

San Rafael • 415-472-1833

GATE Academy

1 St. Vincent Drive

San Rafael • 415-491-4700 www.gateacademy.org

Marin Waldorf School

755 Idylberry Road

San Rafael • 415-479-8190

Mark Day School 39 Trellis Drive

San Rafael • 415-454-4455

Montessori de Terra Linda 610 Del Ganado Road

San Rafael • 415-479-7373

Success Starts with Understanding

When school doesn’t work for your child, it affects everything. At Winston Prep, we build an education around your child- their strengths, their challenges, their potential. Our individualized, skills-centered approach leads to lasting success in life and learning for neurodivergent students.

Discover a model that works by joining our next Open House Scan the QR codes to learn more

Montessori in Motion

3 Wellbrock Heights

San Rafael • 415-472-5622

www.montessoriinmotion.com

Saint Raphael School

1100 Fifth Ave.

San Rafael • 415-454-4455

Star Academy

4470 Redwood Highway

San Rafael • 415-456-8727

Winston Preparatory School

1 Saint Vincents Drive

San Rafael • 415-993-5533

www.winstonprep.edu

Sausalito

Headlands Preparatory School

1050 Bridgeway

Sausalito • 415-944-2254

www.headlandsprep.com/

Lycée Français de San Francisco 610 Coloma Street

Sausalito • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

San Francisco • Marin • Sonoma • Napa Silicon Valley • Peninsula Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

PLUS...The Online Bay Area School Open House Event Calendar parentspress.com/bay-area-school-open-house-information

www.parentspress.com/bay-area-schools/

Alta Vista School

450 Somerset St. - Lower School

2558 Mission Street - Middle School

San Francisco • 415-467-3700 www.altavistaschool.org

Cathedral School for Boys 1275 Sacramento St San Francisco • 415-771-6600

www.cathedralschool.net

Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco 2222 Broadway and 1715 Octavia Street San Francisco • 415-563-2900 www.sacredsf.org

Hiba Academy Bay Area 99 Rhode Island St San Francisco • 415-930-0165 bayarea.hibaacademy.org

Hillwood Academic Day School 2521 Scott Street

San Francisco • 415-931-0400 www.hillwoodschool.com

The International School of San Francisco 150 Oak Street

San Francisco • 415-558-2000 www.internationalsf.org

KFS School

3140 Balboa Street

San Francisco • 415-525-4035 www.kfsschool.org

Lycée Français de San Francisco

755 Ashbury Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

Lycée Français de San Francisco

1201 Ortega Street

San Francisco • 415-661-5232 www.lelycee.org

888 Turk St

San Francisco • 415-992-8520 www.millenniumschool.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 1055 Ellis Street

San Francisco • 415-772-6626 www.shcp.edu

Saints Peter and Paul School 660 Filbert Street

San Francisco • 415-421-5219 www.sspeterpaulsf.org

St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception

299 Precita Avenue

San Francisco • 415-628-2008

Principal: Barbara Moodie

www.saicsf.org

St. James Catholic School

321 Fair Oaks Street

San Francisco • 415-647-8972

www.sjssf.net

Sterne School

838 Kearny St

San Francisco • 415-922-6081

www.sterneschool.org

Stratford School Middle School

75 St. Francis Street

San Francisco • 415-715-8648

www.stratfordsfms.com

Stratford School DeMontfort

301 DeMontfort Avenue

San Francisco • 415-333-3134

www.stratfordsfdemontfort.com

Stratford School 14th Avenue

645 14th Avenue

San Francisco • 415-742-4254

www.stratfordsf14.com

Sonoma

Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place

Sonoma • 707-284-3200

www.scds.org

Belmont

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

1000 Alameda de las Pulgas

Belmont • 650-593-4265

www.ihmschoolbelmont.org

Notre Dame Elementary and Preschool

1200 Notre Dame Avenue

Belmont • 650-591-2209

www.nde.org

Serendipity School

2820 Ponce Avenue

Belmont • 650-596-9100

www.serendipityschool.com

Burlingame

Mercy High School

2750 Adeline Drive

Burlingame • 650-343-3631 www.mercyhsb.com

Our Lady of Angels School 1328 Cabrillo Avenue

Burlingame • 650-343-9200 www.olaschoolk8.com

Foster City

Kids Connection Elementary

1998 Beach Park Boulevard

Foster City • 650-578-6691 https://kidsconnectionschools.com

Los Altos

Saint Simon Parish School 1840 Grant Road

Los Altos • 650-880-1456 https://stsimon.school

Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Christian School 625 Magdalena Avenue

Los Altos Hills • 650-948-3738 www.lacs.com

Los Gatos

Hillbrook School

300 Marchmont Drive

Los Gatos • 408-356-6116 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford School Belgatos Park 220 Belgatos Road

Los Gatos • 408-458-9665 www.stratfordlgbelgatos.com

Stratford School Los Gatos 220 Kensington Way

Los Gatos • 408-371-3020 www.stratfordlgkensington.com

Yavneh Day School

14855 Oka Road, Suite 100 Los Gatos • 408-357-7524 www.yavnehdayschool.org

Menlo Park

St. Raymond Catholic School 1211 Arbor Road Menlo Park • 650-322-2312 www.straymond.org

Synapse School

3375 Edison Way

Menlo Park • 650-294-4570 www.synapseschool.org/

Trinity School

2650 Sand Hill Road

Menlo Park • 650-854-0288 www.trinity-mp.org

Milpitas

Stratford Preparatory Milpitas 1323 Great Mall Drive

Milpitas 408-307-8249 www.stratfordprepmilpitas.com

Stratford School Beresford Square 125 N Milpitas Boulevard

Milpitas • 408-444-9244 www.stratfordberesfordsq.com

Stratford School Corning

25 Corning Avenue

Milpitas • 408-914-9000 www.stratfordmilpitascorning.com

Stratford School Great Mall

341 Great Mall Pkwy

Milpitas • 408-262-6200 www.stratfordmilpitas.com

YCIS Silicon Valley (矽谷耀中國際學校) is a premier MandarinEnglish bilingual school with two campuses in Mountain View: an Early Childhood Education Campus (Preschool & TK) and a K-G8 Campus.

YCIS Silicon Valley’s English-Chinese dual language program transforms generations of students into bilingual, compassionate multicultural leaders, exhibiting strong community values and academic excellence. The school offers a holistic, inquiry-based education that equally values both languages and cultures, nurturing global citizens from a young age.

Morgan Hill

Stratford School Morgan Hill

410 Llagas Road

Morgan Hill • 408-776-8801

www.stratfordmorganhill.com

Mountain View

Yew Chung International School

Silicon Valley

310 Easy Street

Mountain View • 650-903-0986

www.ycis-sv.com

Palo Alto

Athena Academy

525 San Antonio Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-534-4560

www.athenaacademy.org

Bowman School

4000 Terman Drive

Palo Alto • 650-813-9131

www.bowmanschool.org

Challenger School - Middlefield

3880 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto • 650-213-8245

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/paloalto/middlefield

Stratford School Palo Alto

870 North California Avenue

Palo Alto • 650-493-1151

www.stratfordpaloalto.com

Portola Valley

Woodland School

360 La Cuesta Drive

Portola Valley • 650-854-9065 https://woodland-school.org

Redwood City

Redeemer School

468 Grand Street

Redwood City • 650-366-3466 redeemer-school.org

San Bruno

Highlands Christian Schools

1900 Monterey Drive

San Bruno • 650-873-4090 www.school.highlands.us

Stratford School Crestmoor Canyon 2322 Crestmoor Drive

San Bruno • 650-837-9222 www.stratfordsanbruno.com

San Carlos

Arbor Bay School

1017 Cedar Street

San Carlos • 650-244-1519 www.arborbayschool.org

San Jose

Action Day Elementary School

3500 Amber Drive

San Jose • 408-248-2464

www.actiondayschools.com

Action Day Middle School

801 Hibiscus Lane

San Jose • 408-985-2138 www.actiondayschools.com

Challenger School - Almaden 19950 McKean Road

San Jose • 408-927-5771

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/almaden

Challenger School - Berryessa 711 East Gish Road

San Jose • 408-998-2860

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/berryessa

Challenger School - Harwood

4949 Harwood Road

San Jose • 408-723-0111

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/harwood

Challenger School - Shawnee 500 Shawnee Lane

San Jose • 408-365-9298

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/shawnee

Challenger School - Strawberry Park 730 Camina Escuela

San Jose • 408-213-0083

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/sanjose/strawberry-park PS-8 Co-ed

Hillbrook School

240 N, 2nd Street

San Jose • 408-356-7976 www.hillbrook.org

Stratford Middle School 1718 Andover Lane

San Jose • 408-626-0001 www.stratfordsanjosems.com

Stratford Preparatory Blackford 3800 Blackford Avenue

San Jose • 408-247-4400

www.stratfordpreparatory.com

Stratford School Almaden

5200 Dent Avenue

San Jose • 408-877-6300

www.stratfordalmaden.com

Stratford School San Jose

6670 San Anselmo Way

San Jose • 408-363-2130

www.stratfordsanjose.com

Grades 5 - 8 All Gender 22:1

Grades 6 - 12 All Gender 22:1

2 yrs - G5

All Gender

EPS 8:1, PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1

2.5 yrs - G5

All Gender

- $28,860

Spanish Varies by

Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin

Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin

PS 12:1, K 15:1, ES 22:1 Non Religious English, Spanish, Mandarin

August

(of the year before you want your child to attend)

• Define your ideal school

• Find schools that match your child’s needs

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

September

• Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies

• Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools

• Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online

• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying

• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments

• Register for any standardized tests required for admission

• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books

• Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available

Basic Timeline FOR APPLYING TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL

While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.

October

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply

• Take required standardized admission tests

November

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school

• Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays

December

• Continue to watch for any open house or school events of interest

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester

• Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays

• Note application deadlines. Some schools have December deadlines.

January

• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms

February

• Don’t miss deadlines: Many schools’ applications are due in February at the latest

• Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a student shadow day

March

• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

• Watch for financial aid decisions

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend

April

• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

• Notify schools that you applied to but decided not to attend

May to September

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students

• Sign up for music, sports and extracurriculars

San Mateo

Junipero Serra High School

451 West 20th Avenue

San Mateo • 650-345-8207 x 6129 www.serrahs.com

Odyssey School 201 Polhemus Road

San Mateo • 650-548-1500 www.odyssey-school.org

Stanbridge Academy 515 E. Poplar Avenue

San Mateo • 650-375-5860 www.stanbridgeacademy.org

Santa Clara

Stratford School Pomeroy 890 Pomeroy Avenue

Santa Clara • 408-244-4073 www.stratfordsantaclarapomeroy.com

Stratford School Winchester 400 N. Winchester Boulevard

Santa Clara • 408-244-2121 www.stratfordsantaclarawinchester.com

Saint Raymond Catholic School

Financial Aid:

BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

Every private school has its own policies about who receives financial aid, what types of aid are awarded, and how much aid a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.

HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

will receive a financial aid decision shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.

To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.

Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.

WHEN TO APPLY

Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.

Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.

Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the

school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org. Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.

Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.

Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.

Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you.

Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.

Reprinted with the permission from National Association of Independent Schools, nais.org.

Saratoga

Challenger School - Saratoga 18811 Cox Avenue

Saratoga • 408-378-0444

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ saratoga

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School 13601 Saratoga Avenue

Saratoga • 408-867-3785

www.st-andrews.org

Sunnyvale

Challenger School - Sunnyvale 1185 Hollenbeck Ave

Sunnyvale • 408-245-7170

www.challengerschool.com/campus/california/ sunnyvale pgs. 2, 42

Stratford School Washington Park 820 West McKinley Avenue

Sunnyvale • 408-737-1500

www.stratfordsunnyvalewashpark.com

Stratford School De Anza Park 1196 Lime Drive

Sunnyvale • 408-732-4424

www.stratfordsunnyvaledeanza.com

Sunnyvale Christian School 445 S. Mary Ave.

Sunnyvale • 408-736-3286

www.sunnyvalechristian.school

Bilingual immersion (PreK - 8)

Exceptional curriculum

Small classes

Internationally minded

Tuition assistance available

Open House

All Programs

Oct 18 | 10 am - 2 pm

Online Info Sessions

High School

Sep 16 | 6 pm

Early Childhood

Sep 23 | 9 am

Elementary & Middle School

Sep 30 | 9 am

IB Diploma Programme

College-preparatory curriculum

Multiple language tracks

College admissions advantage

Tuition assistance available

Open Classrooms

Jan 16, 2026

Private Tours By appointment admissions@ebgis.org

Register at http://www.ebgis.org/admissions/v isit-us

1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org