subject: Looking for a Bay Area School [print this page] Looking for a Bay Area School Looking for a Bay Area School
Deciding what you want out of a Bay Area school is a lot easier said and done. In your mind's eye, your child's ideal school should have enthusiastic teachers, lively classrooms, and a rich selection of extracurricular activities. Your child comes home with a huge grin each day, proudly brandishing his or her accomplishments and grades. However, you'll need to consider your family's needs and values, as well as your child's educational needs. From there, it's just a matter of narrowing down your options! Consider including these schools in your search for the ideal school for your child.
Prospect Sierra School
Students at Prospect Sierra School are passionate learners, but only because their exceptional teachers ignite their intellectual curiosity and encourage them to seek meaningful knowledge. If you want your child to have a strong academic foundation while cultivating his or her creative streak, consider enrolling him or her at Prospect Sierra. This independent K-8 school has a unique project-based curriculum that does more than teach facts and numbers Students are encouraged to connect what they learned at school into the outside world, and are constantly asked to reflect about experiences and facts. In addition, the curriculum teaches diverse subjects through established themes. Math, writing, music, science, physical education, and world languages (Spanish and French are taught starting fifth grade) are just some of the core subjects that will create a positive learning experience for your child.
In addition to a compelling academic program, Prospect Sierra has a strong visual arts, performing arts, and athletics department. Drama and art are important parts of the school curriculum. Not only do these programs encourage students to express themselves creatively; they also develop speaking skills, listening skills, and cooperation. Students can also choose to receive music instruction, and join the school's two orchestras, two jazz bands, recording band, and rock band. Starting sixth grade, students can also join interscholastic competitions in ultimate Frisbee, flag football, track, basketball, and girls' volleyball.
Pinewood School
Academically talented students need a school that will develop their fullest potential and make learning an enjoyable experience. If your little one is curious about the world or decidedly college-bound, consider Pinewood School, a K-12 college preparatory school with a stimulating curriculum. Students in kindergarten until 6th grade are introduced to a world of knowledge through classes in history, science, math, and language arts. French and Spanish occupy an integral part of the elementary school curriculum, as do music, theater, and the visual arts. After all, Pinewood School was originally an after-school program that offered classes in drama, art, and public speaking. Their creative agenda lives on in their youngest students, through the school's lively program in the visual and performing arts.
Meanwhile, Pinewood's high school students enjoy a college preparatory curriculum in small, intimate classes. The curriculum is designed to make sure that each one goes beyond the minimum requirements of the country's selective universities and colleges. Pinewood has a reputation for getting graduates into attending the top schools afterward, not just through high test scores and grades, but for their ability to mold well-rounded students with leadership qualities.
