List of Schools
Welcome to Gay Parent Magazine's listing of infant classes, preschools, and private day and boarding schools. Select the state for the schools in your area.
ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL DAY SCHOOL
17701 Devonshire St,
Northridge, CA 91325
https://www.heschel.com
Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School is a dynamic transitional kindergarten through eighth grade educational community grounded in Jewish values. Located on a three-acre campus in Northridge, California, the sense of inspiration and engagement that have been the hallmark of Heschel since its inception in 1972 are unmistakable. Our values of tradition, character, and community infuse students, faculty, staff, and parents with a shared vision and meaningful purpose. Individually and collectively, we challenge ourselves to pursue excellence. As a pluralistic Jewish school, our families observe Judaism on many different levels. Balancing individual engagement and joyful learning with rigorous studies within a dual curriculum is at the forefront of a Heschel education. Teachers and parents work collaboratively to ensure that we offer our students challenging and diverse opportunities for growth in a secure, positive environment with the resources to enable our children to emerge as active citizens who understand the importance of making a difference in the world. Students are encouraged to question and engage in respectful debate, problem solve and think critically. For more information, please contact our Director of Admission, eden.lavy@heschel.com, 818-368-5781.
ALTA VISTA SCHOOL
San Francisco, CA
www.altavistaschool.org
Grades: Junior Kindergarten – 8th
Alta Vista School provides a dynamic, hands-on educational experience designed to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking. With a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and social-emotional learning, students build a strong academic foundation while being encouraged to explore their passions and engage with the community and environment.
Learn more: www.altavistaschool.org.
AURORA SCHOOL
Aurora School’s mission is to nurture children’s love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement.
Aurora’s teachers foster academic strength and problem-solving skills with a focus on social justice. Social/Emotional Learning is essential to our curriculum, with an emphasis on self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Our community of students, parents and staff practice empathy, kindness, and inclusivity, and move through the world with positive intention.
Our most unique trait is our multi-grade classrooms, where students in grades K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and Middle School share learning spaces. Older students have the opportunity to mentor younger students, who become mentors themselves the next year, forming friendships beyond their age groups, and supporting learning at all levels.
If you’d like to learn more about Aurora School, visit auroraschool.org or contact admissions@auroraschool.org to schedule an information session or campus tour.
BENTLEY SCHOOL
Belong to a Community. Become Your Best Self. Bentley is a distinctive independent K-12 day school founded in 1920 with two beautiful campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9- 12).
Exacting academics, caring teachers and peers, and an inclusive community prepare students for lives of purpose and success in and beyond college.
Learn more at www.bentleyschool.org.
THE BERKELEY SCHOOL
Early Childhood: 2030 Francisco Street Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340
K-8th Grade: 1310 University Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
https://www.theberkeleyschool.org/
At The Berkeley School, Preschool through 8th Grade students actively learn what it means to be a member of their school community, their local community, and the global community. Filtered through the lens of civic engagement, our approach to teaching connects academic rigor with social and emotional development.
Our responsive curriculum focuses on current events and key conflict-resolution opportunities, empathy development practices, and experiential learning, all of which reinforce our core belief: what matters in education is what matters in life.
You’re invited to meet with us virtually or in-person for a campus tour. Safety is first and foremost as we open our campuses for prospective families to explore our school. Register at https://theberkeleyschool.schooladminonline.com/portal/new_inquiry/.
BESANT HILL SCHOOL
Located on 520 acres in Ojai, CA, the mission of Besant Hill School is the development of each individual’s intellectual and artistic abilities. Through awakening the spirit of inquiry, we encourage students to pursue integrity and excellence. Our non-competitive college prep community builds honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility. Our goal is to develop a lifelong habit of learning as embodied in our school’s motto, Aún Aprendo—I am still learning.
BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
East Campus (Grades 6-12)
100 South Barrington Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-4087
West Campus (Grades K-5)
12001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-889-2812
www.bwscampus.com
Brentwood School is an independent K-12 coed day school with two campuses, located four blocks apart on Sunset Boulevard, in the Brentwood neighborhood of West Los Angeles.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
Brentwood School inspires every student to:
Think critically and creatively.
Act ethically.
Shape a future with meaning.
CORE VALUES:
Trust • Respect • Responsibility • Honesty • Caring • Diversity • Community
DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT:
The Brentwood School community actively seeks diverse perspectives and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential. We create an environment that fosters openness and appreciation of multiple dimensions of culture and identity. We aim to engage mindfully in open and frequent dialogues to ensure that each member is valued, included, and respected. Diversity is in the fabric of who we are.
THE CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION
http://www.centerforearlyeducation.org
563 North Alfred Street
West Hollywood, CA 90048
323-651-0707
The Center for Early Education is an independent, coeducational day school in West Hollywood, California serving approximately 538 students in its Toddler through Sixth Grade programs.
The school was founded in 1939 by a group of parents who were inspired by the belief that children’s social and emotional development are as important as their academic growth. Today The Center is a nationally renowned, innovative Early Childhood and Elementary school that combines a nurturing, inclusive learning environment with an increasingly challenging academic program that addresses the developmental needs of each child.
Centrally located in the vibrant city of West Hollywood, the school’s urban campus houses state of the art facilities, including an Innovation Center, science labs, a 23,000 volume library, art studios, music rooms, gymnasiums, and developmentally appropriate ground level and rooftop playgrounds.
With its ongoing commitment to diversity, the school welcomes families from all over the city of Los Angeles who represent a wide range of diversity in all its forms; racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and family makeup, among others. These families are united by their belief in our core values of caring, responsibility, inclusion, and honesty.
Application information can be found on our website at www.CenterForEarlyEducation.org.
CONVENT & STUART HALL
Convent & Stuart Hall is an independent K–12 preparatory school in San Francisco that offers a rigorous and unique blend of single-sex and coed classes. Rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition of Catholic education, we are spiritually inclusive and promote a culture of openness and respectful dialogue.
Located at the heart of the digital revolution, Convent & Stuart Hall engages a relevant foundational mission while looking ahead to ask what skills will be needed in the future.
To discover how a centuries-old educational model remains boldly grounded and relevant, please visit sacredsf.org.
COW HOLLOW SCHOOL
387 Moraga Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 921-2328
www.cowhollowschool.org
Cow Hollow School, a beautiful little school nestled in the Presidio in San Francisco, offers parent participation, full-day, full-year program for children ages 2-5.
Our approach to education comes directly from an absolute love of children and childhood. We believe that every child is capable and competent. We observe, document and interpret children’s thinking and learning in order to understand, support and extend the children’s meaning-making experiences.
As a school community we value process, play, inquiry, stewardship for the earth, relationships, and creativity. Within the context of meaningful experiences and reciprocal relationships among participants, it is our goal to inspire dispositions for lifelong learning.
The following principles guide and define our approach to learning and teaching:
• Every child is capable and competent
• Children learn through play, investigation, inquiry and exploration
• Children and adults learn and play in reciprocal relationships with peers, family members, and teachers
• Adults recognize the many ways in which children approach learning and relationships, express themselves, and represent what they are coming to know
• Process is valued, acknowledged, supported, nurtured and studied
• Documentation of learning processes acts as memory, assessment, and advocacy
• The indoor and outdoor environments, and natural spaces, transform, inform, and provoke thinking and learning
• School is a place grounded in the pursuit of social justice, social responsibility, human dignity and respect for all.
CRESTVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL
140 Foothill Blvd
La Canada, CA 91011
818-952-0925
www.crestviewprep.org
We are a student-centered school with a focus on preserving childhood throughout the elementary educational experience. We offer both nurture and structure and allow students to feel confident and secure to learn both by solving problems and by actively doing. While teaching methodologies change, and new tools are introduced each year, our approach to educating the whole child with appropriate multi-disciplined strategies remains constant.
This year, we will continue to bridge the learning inside the classroom to our learning spaces around the campus. Our edible garden is one example of science integration into the curriculum. We also expanded our Library/ThinkLab, by installing a green screen for video production and editing and the addition of a 3D printer. e selected this model as it allows younger students to design and build with materials such as Play-Doh, wood, and bamboo, as well as traditional filaments.
For more information and to visit our campus, please go to www.crestviewprep.org and schedule a tour!
THE CROWDEN SCHOOL
www.crowden.org/the-crowden-school
The Crowden School is unlike any other school in the country, a 3rd–8th-grade day school with chamber music at its heart. Since 1983, our ensemble-based curriculum has instilled in our students the creative, collaborative, and critical-thinking skills to succeed in life. The study of music alongside a challenging academic curriculum offers our students a unique educational experience with transformative results. In our small classes, you will find students who are actively engaged with learning, whether they are making music or discussing books, solving equations, or playing soccer. The cooperative and emphatic communication skills our students learn while playing music together, and the fun they have in doing it, carries over to all aspects of their lives. Crowden School students are lively, curious, and confident learners. Our alumni are well-rounded leaders, ready to meet the artistic and intellectual challenges of the high school years and beyond—whether they go on to careers in microbiology or music.
For children who love music, Crowden offers a supportive home and community for engaged learning and growth. At The Crowden School, the music changes everything.
ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL
3430 McManus Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
www.echohorizon.org
Experience Joyful, Engaged Learning
At Echo Horizon, we believe that elementary school is a place of discovery and exploration, free from unhealthy pressure. Our school provides a warm and supportive environment that allows students the freedom to explore, question, and imagine. We believe in educating students with a dynamic curriculum that combines the "best of both worlds": the strongest traditional practices with research-based and evidence-tested innovation, preparing our scholars for matriculation to the best independent middle and high schools in Los Angeles. With a commitment to inclusion and diversity rooted in the Echo Center, fifteen percent of our students are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). They learn and play alongside their hearing peers using technology such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. This unique educational model benefits all students by helping them to develop empathy, an appreciation of difference, and a lived understanding of diverse experiences. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others, and to lean into difficult topics related to diversity and inclusion. This pursuit and belief prepares our students to be contributing members of an increasingly diverse and global world.
Visit echohorizon.org/visit to schedule a tour!
ECOLE BILINGUE DE BERKELEY
1009 Heinz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-549-3867
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, founded in 1977, is a preschool to 8th grade French-American school.
As a recognized leader in international bilingual education, EB integrates the rigor and excellence of a French curriculum into a dynamic, whole-child education, imbuing students with tenacity, cross-cultural fluency, a deep intellectual capacity, and vast stores of kindness.
EB’s students receive a wide range of services that enrich their educational experience. We strongly believe that in order to grow into thriving adolescents and adults, children need character education, environmental education, and a supportive atmosphere that nurtures creativity and exploration.
We offer a full range of support to children and families: extended daycare and after-school enrichment classes, counseling, individual support in French, a learning specialist, and a bilingual library that all families can access.
At the Middle School level, we have recently created our International track! Students can now start in Middle School (grade 6) with no prior experience with French Language and have the opportunity to join our community then.
Accreditations: WASC/CAIS, NAIS Member, French Ministry of Education and Mission Laïque Française.
Visit www.eb.org for more info or contact our Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Manon Johnson at mjohnson@eb.org
GATE ACADEMY
San Rafael, CA
415-491-4700
gateacademy.org
GATE Academy is a small, fully accredited, independent, pre-K to 8th grade school that has served academically gifted children for 25 years. Located in Marin County on the beautiful St. Vincent’s campus, families from all over the Bay Area enroll their curious kids at GATE Academy for its unique learning environment.
Gifted children have different learning needs. These include alternative curriculum delivery methods with individualized lesson plans and grouping developmentally similar students together. To achieve this, GATE Academy clusters motivated and cognitively gifted students in small classroom groups with their social, emotional and intellectual peers, providing them with an inquiry-based, accelerated, self-paced curriculum in a school environment that celebrates them for who they are.
When curious kids are allowed to ask their questions, they dig deeper, reach farther, stay on task longer, retain more, spot contradictions better, and make conceptual connections faster. With inquiry-based learning, enrollees learn how to learn anything - and they learn to become creators of knowledge, rather than simply consumers of facts. GATE Academy’s unique learning environment allows its students to thrive, and become compassionate, curious and creative learners for life. Private tours are available by appointment.
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SILICON VALLEY
650 254 0748
www.gissv.org
admissions@gissv.org
Mountain View Campus
Preschool-Grade 12
310 Easy Street
San Francisco Campus
Preschool-Grade 9
117 Diamond St. (Castro)
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) is an independent dual language immersion school focused on nurturing students using a stimulating project-based learning system that fosters critical, independent, and imaginative thinking.
We feature a strong science program and are a recognized MINT (the German equivalent to STEM) school. Our Teachers are at the heart of the GISSV experience. We pride ourselves on our caring, highly qualified, experienced, and international faculty, most of whom have gone through Germany’s rigorous teacher training and hold an advanced German degree (Master's equivalent).
Our unique homeroom teacher system allows students to stay with the same teacher for several years, forging a strong bond, and for students joining us with little or no knowledge of either German or English, we offer individualized language learning support.
GISSV is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and is recognized as the only official German School Abroad (DAS) in California. This enables our students to graduate with dual diplomas, the California High School Diploma, and the German International Abitur offering worldwide opportunities.
Schedule a tour with our Admissions Director and discover more about GISSV.
HEAD-ROYCE SCHOOL
Head-Royce is a nationally recognized K-12 independent school situated in the hills of Oakland, California. Our mission is to develop students of character, intellect, and creativity.
At our core, we are a community of passionate educators and learners, all sharing a deep commitment to creating lifelong learners who will be prepared to lead with joy and compassion. Our faculty is world-class, bringing a diversity of thought and subject matter mastery from a wide range of experiences.
Upon visiting our campus, you will see a dynamic and vibrant learning center in action. From innovation centers, internships, and integrated technology, to life skills classes, service learning, cross-divisional buddies, and small advising groups, we are equally dedicated to educational excellence and social-emotional learning.
Our 900 students come to us from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and we are proud to reflect the fabric of the Bay Area. Our admissions are open to all students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.
HILLBROOK SCHOOL
300 Marchmont Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 356-6116
admission@hillbrook.org
www.hillbrook.org
Be Kind, Be Curious, Take Risks, Be Your Best: these are the Core Values of Hillbrook School, an independent JK-12 school in Los Gatos and downtown San José, California. At Hillbrook, students find a close, welcoming community of friends, parents, and educators—a place where every student is known, and a school where every student is encouraged to be exactly who they are. At Hillbrook, we know that who we are together makes a difference in the world.
In addition to strong academic programs in math, sciences, the arts, history, world languages, students can explore their passions and curiosities—student choice and engagement are firmly at the center of a Hillbrook education. Guided by the Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship, students learn how to discover what matters to them and their own agency to create change and turn their ideas into impact.
As a school, we move into the future with intention—diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into our academic curriculum, preparing students to see the world as it is, imagine what it might be, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a better future for all. Hillbrook is an extraordinary place to be a student. Visit www.hillbrook.org or email admission@hillbrook.org to schedule a tour—we can’t wait to meet you!
IMAGINATION LAB SCHOOL
Cubberley Community Center
4000 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
https://www.imagination-school.org/
Imagination Lab School is an intentionally small, K-8 school with a commitment to equity, social justice, and sustainability. Our program is designed to support and develop the mindset, skillset, and toolset each child needs to be their best self so that they may engage meaningfully and purposefully with the world around them.
Our relationship-based and innovative program empowers learners to:
• Know themselves
• Find their voice and know how to exercise it
• Seek to understand multiple perspectives
• Take meaningful action
ILS at a Glance
We are a highly engaged, reflective, courageous, and diverse community of student and adult learners. Key features of our program includes:
• Social and emotional development as the foundation of all learning
• A multi-modal and constructivist approach
• A project-based and problem-based environment
• Brain-breaks and mindfulness
• Over one-hour of outdoor time each day
• A personalized learning experience via whole group, small group, and independent learning experiences
To learn more about our innovative model, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website where you can sign up for one of our weekly tours.
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES
The International School of Los Angeles is an independent, international, high-quality school that offers both a French immersion track from preschool through 12th grade and a separate international high school track that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12. With multiple Los Angeles-area campuses (Burbank, Los Feliz, Pasadena, and West Valley), the School welcomes over 1,000 students.
We promise our students a future full of possibilities and opportunities that come from being outstanding bilingual critical thinkers who have access to two of the most rigorous academic credentials in the world. With a preschool through 12th grade education delivered in an intimate, nurturing and diverse environment, our students become caring global citizens prepared to thrive in a changing world. For more information, please visit internationalschool.la or email admissions@lilaschool.com. Speak and think globally.
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO
The International School of San Francisco is a bilingual, multicultural learning community where students learn to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence, empathy, and joy.
When minds and cultures from around the world come together to learn, boundless curiosity takes hold. That deep intellectual engagement and joyful discovery describes every day at The International School of San Francisco. Discussions, explorations, and adventures are richer and livelier because every member of our vibrant, international community is both student and teacher on an exhilarating journey of learning and empathy. There’s nothing like it in San Francisco.
With compassionate hearts and inquisitive minds, our students are the collaborative global changemakers who will lead our world towards a more just future.
Learn more about us at https://www.internationalsf.org/.
JULIA MORGAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
5000 MacArthur Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
510-632-6000
https://www.juliamorganschool.org
Julia Morgan School for Girls’ mission is to prepare our students to be the confident, capable, creative, and compassionate women of tomorrow. The only all-girls middle school in the East Bay, JMSG is a vibrant, immersive learning environment where each student thrives both academically and socially as her authentic self. Our rigorous academic curriculum is seamlessly interwoven with our rich community culture. When a JMSG student graduates, she leaves with ownership of her learning and prepared to effectuate her skills in a changing world. The school is dedicated to the intellectual, creative, social, and emotional growth of girls during their critical middle school years. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities and positive role models not fully afforded girls in coeducational institutions. We create an arena for academic excellence, critical thinking, positive risk taking, and the development of individual talents. Learning will extend beyond the walls of the classroom into the community to foster compassion and social responsibility.
LAKE TAHOE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
255 Olympic Valley Rd.
PO Box 2180, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
530-583-8665
www.laketahoeprep.org
Are you searching for a nurturing and safe high school environment for your child to thrive in as they continue to embrace their individuality and develop their gifts and talents while preparing for college? Look here! Lake Tahoe Preparatory School (LTP) offers an inclusive school community welcoming our LGBTQ families. Located in the resort community of Olympic Valley, California at Lake Tahoe, LTP is a private college prep school for students in grades 8-12 through PG hosting both boarding and day students. Founded in 1978 LTP is proud of our 100% university acceptance for all graduates. College Matriculation | Lake Tahoe Prep
LTP students benefit from our rigorous curriculum approved by the University of California, small class size, and access to yearlong outdoor sports. Additionally, LTP offers individual and group clinical counseling services for students upon request with the school’s clinical counseling therapists to ensure our students feel safe and supported. LTP meets your child where they are in their academic journey and promotes success for all students.
Lake Tahoe Preparatory School has rolling enrollment and we invite you to contact Bill Grant, Head of School to discuss the LTP opportunities for your child.
Bill Grant, Head of School
Cell Phone: 334-367-8807
Email: bill.grant@laketahoeprep.org
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE SAN FRANCISCO
LFSF, the Lycée Français de San Francisco, offers a unique multilingual and multicultural education program designed to empower students to become adaptable global thinkers, able to make meaningful contributions to our world. From Preschool, 2 years old, to High School, LFSF students grow up cultivating curiosity and critical thinking, empathy and respect for others.
Our international community (50+ nationalities / 30+ languages) supports and deeply cares about the DEI work done everyday. LFSF is proud to celebrate and include all members of its community at large.
Our program, which is also composed of an international section starting in Elementary school, allows students to graduate with a double diploma (French Baccalaureate and U.S. High School Diploma), and is an excellent preparation for universities in North America (for 80+% of our students), Europe or anywhere in the world.
Accredited by CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools) as well as the French Ministry of National Education, LFSF brings you close to 60 years of experience in bilingual education.
LFSF is a Candidate School* for the internationally renowned IB program to add an international track (LFSF iTrack) from Kindergarten to Gr 12. This continuous program provides students with an outstanding French language acquisition curriculum that will lead to an IB Bilingual diploma. Contact our Admissions office for more information.
*This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that LFSF believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
MONICA ROS SCHOOL
Monica Ros School, located in Ojai, California (between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara), has been a cherished part of the community since 1942, offering a warm, nurturing environment for children ages two through third grade. Our play-based curriculum encourages children to explore and learn through hands-on activities, making each day engaging and fun. With small class sizes, every child receives the personalized attention they need to thrive. We balance academics with art, music, performing arts, Spanish, and outdoor play, helping build children's confidence and creating a well-rounded foundation for their future. We are committed to creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and ensures all students feel seen, valued, and respected. At Monica Ros, we are more than just a school – we are a close-knit, supportive community dedicated to fostering creativity and growth in every child.
THE OAKS SCHOOL
At The Oaks School, education thrives as a partnership among children, teachers, and families, emphasizing inclusiveness and collaborative decision-making. This commitment is evident in the classroom and the wider school community, where active family involvement serves as a model for service and citizenship.
The Oaks aims to nurture the wonder and curiosity in children, transforming it into a love of learning. We believe that children learn best by taking responsibility for their education, and our goal is to lay a foundation for lifelong learning. Our safe, non-competitive environment allows children to take risks, make mistakes, and build skills at their own pace.
Our curriculum promotes intellectual, social-emotional, and physical development, fostering a culture that nurtures the human spirit. We emphasize essential academic skills such as reading, writing, computing, creating, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Teachers facilitate these skills through integrated themes, projects, and activities that engage children. Anti-Bias Education (ABE) that encourages self-expression and resolving conflicts, are at the heart of our curriculum.
At The Oaks, teaching reflects the diverse contexts in which we live. Through shared experiences, we appreciate both our unique traits and commonalities. Our classrooms and school community thus become a gateway to understanding the world.
PARK DAY SCHOOL
Oakland, CA
510-653-0317
parkdayschool.org
Park Day School is a progressive K-8 co-ed school located in Oakland, California. Park Day provides a strong academic foundation where students learn by doing and are encouraged to follow their own curiosity.
With a focus on developing intrinsic motivation, Park Day’s robust interdisciplinary academic program includes an emphasis on social justice and social-emotional learning. Classes are designed to prepare students to be informed, courageous, and compassionate people who shape a more equitable and sustainable world, while nurturing a love of learning that propels them their entire lives.
Take a virtual tour of campus or sign up to visit Park Day School in person at parkdayschool.org.
PRESIDIO KNOLLS SCHOOL
https://www.presidioknolls.org/
Unlock a World of Possibilities at Presidio Knolls School
In the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa district, Presidio Knolls School (PKS) is redefining what it means to be a global citizen. Our Mandarin immersion program, serving children from preschool (age 2.5) through eighth grade, is more than just an academic or language experience—it’s a journey into global competence, emotional intelligence, and cultural understanding.
At PKS, we offer a learning environment where full Mandarin immersion transitions into a bilingual approach by middle school, all within a project-based curriculum that sparks curiosity, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Our students don’t just learn—they inquire, innovate, and connect with the world around them, becoming ethical leaders ready to face global challenges.
Community and collaboration are the heart of PKS. We are a place where every student, family, and staff member is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared future. With a strong focus on cultural competence and social justice, PKS prepares students not just for academic success, but for a lifetime of meaningful impact.
Ready to explore what PKS can offer your child? Visit presidioknolls.org/admissions-welcome to learn more and register for an information session. Join us in a community where learning is a joyful adventure, and every child is prepared to lead with purpose and heart.
PROSPECT SIERRA SCHOOL
Elementary School
2060 Tapscott Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Middle School
960 Avis Drive
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Grades: TK – 8th
prospectsierra.org
Prospect Sierra is a TK-8 independent school enrolling 470 students on two spacious campuses in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Prospect Sierra students are passionate about learning. Our exceptional teachers inspire students to seek deep, meaningful understanding; to develop strong academic skills; and to become creative and independent thinkers. Prospect Sierra cultivates compassion, fairness, respect, and individuality within a community that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and service.
Prospect Sierra At-A-Glance
• Located on two 3-acre campuses in El Cerrito hills
• 470 students
• Families from 15 Bay Area cities
• Student teacher ratio 9:1
• Students of color: 56%
• $2.5M invested in Flexible Tuition
• Flexible tuition students: 33%
• School begins at 8:30 a.m. for TK-4, 8:15 a.m. for 5-8
• Transportation available
• Extended programs available
For more information, please email us at admissions@prospectsierra.org.
PS1 PLURALISTIC SCHOOL
1225 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-394-1313
www.psone.org
PS1 Pluralistic School is an independent elementary school for Kindergarten through 6th-grade in the heart of Santa Monica. This is a place where we recognize and value the unique qualities contributed by every individual student and every adult at our school. Everyone contributes.
Pluralism is both our goal and our method. Our name, PS1 Pluralistic School, echoes the United States’ motto, E pluribus unum: Out of many, one. The words convey the complex, ongoing, optimistic work of creating and sustaining a truly democratic society.
That’s the founding and enduring purpose of PS1—and what makes us unique. We believe that empathetic, innovative, collaborative thinkers can and must build a better world for all. And the best time to cultivate this vital mindset is in children’s earliest years.
THE SAKLAN SCHOOL
1678 School Street
Moraga, CA 94556
925-376-7900
www.saklan.org
The Saklan School is where Preschool through 8th Grade students grow into people who think creatively, act compassionately, and live courageously. It is where hands-on, Project Based Learning inspires authentic curiosity; where strong academics instill high personal standards; where supportive teachers create meaningful connections; and where real-world experiences foster courage and build confidence. If your child is ready to take risks, collaborate, ask big questions, and become a confident problem solver, then we invite you to join us for a tour of The Saklan School.
ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
St. James’ Episcopal School is an independent, Pre K-6th elementary school with a neighborhood school “feel” in the heart of Los Angeles. We provide a rich educational experience in a warm and diverse community.
We believe that an inclusive and joyful respect for all of God’s creation, engaged and compassionate citizenship, and student-centered instruction instill in our students a lifelong love of learning, academic confidence and success. St. James’ is not just an education; it is an engaging, close-knit community that becomes part of your family and your life.
At St. James’, our approach to teaching and learning blends student-centered instruction with joy and rigor. Through designing learning spaces with careful attention to the socio-emotional needs of our students, we ensure that all of our children are seen, heard and affirmed.
Our students learn best through an environment grounded in curiosity. We encourage our students to lean into creativity and wonder, while practicing kindness and compassion.
Our programs provide rich opportunities for children to develop lifelong habits of diligence and creative expression. We implement innovative, research-based best practices with extraordinary attention to students’ overall growth and well-being.
We invite you to visit and learn more about us at sjsla.org.
ST. PATRICK'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL
One Church Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805-487-1416
admissions@stpatricksto.org
https://stpatricksdayschool.org
St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School is a vibrant learning community that fosters academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. Located in the heart of the Conejo Valley, St. Patrick's serves students from kindergarten readiness through eighth grade, offering a comprehensive curriculum that challenges students to think critically, embrace creativity, and collaborate effectively.
Our school is rooted in the Episcopal tradition, emphasizing respect, inclusivity, and service to others. These values are woven into daily life, creating a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to become compassionate, confident individuals who contribute meaningfully to the world around them. At St. Patrick's, we believe in educating the whole child, balancing strong academics with a focus on social-emotional learning, physical development, and spiritual exploration.
Our intimate class sizes allow for individualized attention and close relationships between students and teachers, creating a supportive and personalized learning experience. In addition to core academics, students benefit from a rich array of extracurricular programs in the arts, music, athletics, and technology, as well as service learning opportunities that inspire them to engage with their communities.
With a commitment to excellence since 1963, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School prepares students for success in their academic journeys and beyond.
Stratford School - When Students are Inspired by a Robust Curriculum…The Extraordinary Happens!
STRATFORD SCHOOL
Campuses Located Throughout Northern and Southern California
Find out more @ www.stratfordschools.com
Stratford School provides an unparalleled education where children are inspired to be creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators and thoughtful, confident leaders. These 21st-century qualities provide children with the knowledge, confidence, and ingenuity to help them excel in future careers. Stratford’s accelerated curriculum from Preschool through Grade 8 emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) while incorporating music, physical education, foreign language, and social skills development.
By combining a safe and nurturing learning environment, Stratford teachers ensure a stimulating and well-rounded program while cultivating a child’s natural joy of learning. All students are encouraged to participate actively in leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Stratford’s goal is to prepare and mentor students for admission to competitive high schools and colleges.
Personalized tours can be scheduled by appointment and students are welcomed to enroll throughout the school year, as long as there is space available in the desire program and the child is grade-level ready. Find out more at www.stratfordschools.com and discover a school where the extraordinary happens.
SYNAPSE SCHOOL
3375 Edison Way
Menlo Park, CA 94025
www.synapseschool.org
Educating a Community of Change Makers
An independent school serving students in TK-8th grade in the heart of Silicon Valley, Synapse offers an innovative academic curriculum fully integrated with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Synapse's curriculum and school life builds on the foundation of our mission of Educating a Community of Change Maskers. The program is carefully designed as a model school to demonstrate the power of blending emotional intelligence skills with leading-edge constructivist, project-based learning.
Our teachers and staff foster an inclusive, caring community. We are curious, innovative, imaginative, creative and we have fun!
TOWN SCHOOL FOR BOYS
2750 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-3747
www.townschool.com
K - 8th grade
Town School for Boys is a K-8 all boys' independent day school located in San Francisco, CA. Student enrollment is approximately 400 and our student : teacher ratio is 11 : 1. Our fundamental goal is for each boy to be engaged in an environment that weaves together collaboration, critical thinking, integrity, empathy, and creativity. These broad skills, as well as a firm grounding in core academic competencies, offer boys an excellent preparation for their further education. We promote social and emotional learning as a foundation of academic excellence and self-discovery. We prepare students to meet challenges in the world by helping them develop an appreciation for a variety of perspectives from the local to the global. We celebrate diversity by fostering a community of learners built on mutual respect. Learning experiences are inclusive, relevant, flexible, innovative, and adapted to reflect the needs of all kinds of learners. In our joyful, active, and collaborative school, boys flourish.
To find out more, visit our website at www.townschool.com.
VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Valley Montessori is the largest non-profit, and only triple accredited school in California. Established in Livermore in 1976, VMS a progressive, nationally recognized model Montessori school for children 18 months through 8th grade.
Accreditations include: the American Montessori Society, the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. VMS is a certified California Green Business making us one of only two schools in the Tri-Valley with this distinguished honor.
Our six-acre hilltop campus boasts an Edible School Yard, complete with a vegetable garden, sustainable chicken coop and fruit orchard providing endless practical life opportunities plus snacks for the classrooms. Montessori education and experiences open the world to children developing engaged, responsible, respectful, and empowered citizens with an appreciation that learning is for life.
THE WAVERLY SCHOOL
67 W. Bellevue Dr
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 802-8239
www.thewaverlyschool.org
Admissions: Admissions@thewaverlyschool.org
Finding the right educational community can be an overwhelming process. The Waverly School welcomes the chance to assist parents in getting to know the school and discovering whether Waverly is the right fit for their children. Offering progressive education from preschool through 12th grades, Waverly attracts students and families who value:
• A focus on building confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration
• Low student-teacher ratios at every grade level
• A history of graduates who attend highly rated engineering, arts, and liberal arts colleges and universities nationally and internationally
• An emphasis on academic and social-emotional skills essential for college and life beyond
• A warm and friendly campus near 210 and 134 freeways and Metro A (Blue) Line Del Mar station.
Background information:
• Waverly is a nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory, progressive day school that spans preschool through 12th grades.
• The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
(WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is a member of The Alliance, POCIS, and A Better Chance.
• Waverly is located in Pasadena, CA.The school is comprised of three contiguous campuses and a one-acre organic farm located is a few blocks away.
WEBB
(909) 482-5214 / admission@webb.org
webb.org
Webb is an inclusive school community characterized by openness, acceptance, and empathy, where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. Located in Southern California, one of the most diverse areas in the US, our community is enriched by the different perspectives, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Embracing diversity in all its forms is crucial to our mission, especially our commitment to providing a top-tier learning environment that nurtures future leaders who think, act, lead, and serve.
As a community of learners, Webb is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates and honors all individuals. We respect individual differences, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
Our culture is deeply rooted in the school’s mission and values. From the moment you join the Webb family, your talents, perspectives, and engagement are both welcomed and expected. We cherish the creativity that emerges from diverse viewpoints, honor our students’ rich cultural experiences, and strive to create a sense of belonging for every member of our community.
Webb is committed to creating a community where students can explore their differences and build on their common humanity.
THE WESLEY SCHOOL
4832 Tujunga Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 508-4542
www.wesleyschool.org
The Wesley School is a coeducational K-8 independent day school in North Hollywood. Established in 1999, we pride ourselves on our caring, welcoming, and diverse community. Take one look at our historic ivy-covered brick buildings, and you’ll be instantly transported to a different time and place—to a beautiful, tucked-away gem—an oasis in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Here, we offer individual attention and small instructional groups, all the while nurturing relationships, developing globally-minded citizens, and demanding every student’s personal best. Our dedicated faculty, low student-to-teacher ratio, and wonderful learning community further set us apart, as do the smiles on our children’s faces when they willingly participate in everything from classroom discussions to public speaking opportunities.
When we ask our parent body why they chose us for their children, the overwhelming response is—community. Step onto our campus and see for yourself! We know you’ll walk away with a feeling that cannot be replicated as you witness, first-hand, Academic Excellence and Character Development within the Circle of Family. Come to Wesley, and you won’t be able to help but think that where you’ve actually come is home.
WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL
WNS, a preschool – an 8th-grade private independent school located in Los Angeles, embraces a positive, child-centered approach to education that strives to fully develop the potential of each student intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our high academic and ethical standards encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and their behavior. Propelled by curiosity, WNS students are learners, doers, and makers. We provide students with a platform to become entrepreneurs by nurturing their intrinsic ability to innovate. Our program is designed to engage students in a project-based, active-learning curriculum that challenges all students to grow. We provide an environment steeped in a growth mindset where each child is able to experience success, embrace mistakes as a part of the journey, be confident in taking intellectual risks, and where individuals feel valued in their differences and value the differences in others.
We strive to be a community of lifelong learners, where academic excellence, creativity, sense of humor, independence, self-discipline, and high moral standards are valued.
For more information about WNS, please visit wns-la.org or contact by phone: at 310-574-8650 or Email: admissions@wns-la.org.
THE WILLOWS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
where great minds grow
https://www.thewillows.org/
The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through Eighth Grade independent school enrolling 470 students annually. Nationally recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader, The Willows’ strong academic program incorporates experiential learning, critical thinking, and thematic instruction into cutting-edge curriculum and integrates STEAM, technology, maker, and the arts into the classroom. Character and heart are also emphasized as essential to The Willows’ definition of a ‘great mind.’ Focusing on the socio-emotional development of our community, The Willows integrates RULER, the acclaimed evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, into school curriculum.
At The Willows, we believe each child brings our community an extraordinary gift: a curious mind, ready to explore and eager to learn. Our mission is to grow that gift by challenging our students to uncover meaning and significance in the world around them and to become capable, confident individuals who demonstrate character, engagement, and a joyful passion for creative inquiry across a lifetime. The Willows is strongly committed to financial assistance and seeks a broad-based student body with a diversity of race, ethnicity, family structure, socioeconomics, sexual orientation, culture, and learning styles. More than 32% of its student body is comprised of students of color, and the school annually enrolls students from 60+ zip codes across the greater Los Angeles area. www.thewillows.org.
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Winston Preparatory School is a network of campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized, holistic, and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12, along with a multifaceted gap year program for students who are not yet ready for college or the workplace. At Winston Prep, faculty carry out ongoing, in-depth assessments to cultivate a deep understanding of students, helping them to advance at a meaningful pace and giving them the tools to continue independently learning and growing.
All of our campuses provide intense skill remediation while fostering independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness. They include two sites in New York City and one each in New Jersey, Connecticut, on Long Island, and our newest campus in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last year, we also launched Winston Online Learning, an innovative, individualized program that allows students to participate from anywhere in the country. To learn more about Winston Prep, visit www.winstonprep.edu.
WOODLAND SCHOOL
Educating preschool through eighth-grade students, Woodland is a small school with a big heart. Families choose Woodland because they feel connected to our core values of curiosity, resilience, integrity, equity, respect, and stewardship, which are reflected in our curriculum, classrooms, and our grounded and inclusive community. Woodland is a school for the whole family as children grow and develop throughout their earliest educational experiences. While our preschool students explore their natural curiosity in a hands-on early childhood environment, our kindergarten through fourth-grade students develops a love for learning through small class sizes and nurturing teachers. During middle school, our fifth through eighth-grade students are supported through their adolescent years as they learn critical tools of self-advocacy, responsibility, and strength of voice.
Each day, Woodland strives to live its mission of developing collaborative, creative, and confident learners with the strength of voice to follow their hearts and make a difference. Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland students are kind to one another, are curious learners, are inclusive in the classroom and on the playground, lead daily assembly, and create and complete stewardship projects. Our students make Woodland a comfortable place for all children. Go Wildcats!
YORK SCHOOL
We inspire and prepare a diverse community of creative, independent thinkers.
York School is an award-winning, private, coed college-prep school for grades 8-12 located in Monterey, California, that develops confident and authentic leaders. We offer an academically challenging experiential program for bright, kind, and driven students in an inclusive, diverse community. Our beautiful, sunny campus serves 170 students who join us from public and independent middle schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, as well as around the world. Our core principles of honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion are central to our campus culture; a culture which includes curiosity and flexibility. Students develop nuanced and profound understanding of relevant issues and diverse cultures while demonstrating active civic involvement and social responsibility. Known for its academic excellence, York blends experiential learning with classroom-based programming to inspire intellectual curiosity and prepare students to be passionate contributors to their communities. With a wide variety of advanced academic offerings (including Honors, AP, and York Advanced Studies courses), an award-winning STEM program, global programming, exceptional arts, and thriving athletics, there is something for every Falcon to explore while they discover their unique, best selves!
Dawson School
10455 Dawson Dr.
Lafayette, CO 80026
303-665-6679
www.dawsonschool.org
Dawson School is the Boulder County region’s leading independent, college-preparatory school for students in grades K-12. Dawson offers challenging academics, robust arts and athletics programs, and renowned outdoor and experiential education. Emphasizing respect, compassion, courage, and integrity, Dawson prioritizes the social-emotional well-being of our community. Dawson graduates are young men and women who achieve their individual potential, savor life, and meet the challenges of the world.
- Student: Faculty ratio 7:1
- Average class size of 15
- 100% graduation rate
- 7 bus routes daily; multiple, convenient stops
- 48 sports teams; post-season play typical
- 20 arts program options
- Over $6M college scholarships yearly
- Study abroad options
- 107-acre campus
- Integrated technology; K-12 coding
- 10 hours of specials weekly in Lower School
- Hot lunch prepared daily, included
- Leadership, public speaking, character education
- Two full gyms; playing fields; tennis courts
- Challenge course; two learning gardens; orchard
- Involved parent community
THE DAWSON DIFFERENCE: For over 50 years, Dawson has been meeting each student where they are, and developing them into the world’s leaders, thinkers, and creators. Students experience relevant, real-world learning, discover passions, and cultivate the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and beyond -- all in a supportive environment that recognizes them as individuals. Please visit our community of students, faculty, staff, and families who value, and share a commitment to, leading-edge education.
Rectory School
528 Pomfret Street
P.O. Box 68
Pomfret, CT 06258
www.rectoryschool.org
860.928.1328
Rectory School is a K-9 private school located on 138 acres in Pomfret, Connecticut. Considered a “Junior Boarding School,” Rectory offers 5-day and 7-day boarding programs for students in grades 5-9.
At Rectory, understanding your child is our priority. Not all students learn the same, which is why we surround your child with adults who believe all students can succeed when they are given the tools that fit their particular learning style. In all facets of school life, students are encouraged to reach beyond their comfort level, and while this sometimes means they may stumble along the way, it always means that they are building valuable life skills.
Rectory's supportive environment enables us to create a personalized learning plan that fits your child. Our signature Individualized Instruction Program allows students to build subject-specific skills, develop executive functioning strategies, and gain the remediation and enrichment they need to thrive in the overall academic program... and in life.
All aspects of our program (academics, athletics, arts, and residential life) are rooted in the core values of the School Creed: Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, and Compassion. Students graduate from Rectory with strong ethical and social values and an education that lasts a lifetime.
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Winston Preparatory School is a network of campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized, holistic, and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12, along with a multifaceted gap year program for students who are not yet ready for college or the workplace. At Winston Prep, faculty carry out ongoing, in-depth assessments to cultivate a deep understanding of students, helping them to advance at a meaningful pace and giving them the tools to continue independently learning and growing.
All of our campuses provide intense skill remediation while fostering independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness. They include two sites in New York City and one each in New Jersey, Connecticut, on Long Island, and our newest campus in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last year, we also launched Winston Online Learning, an innovative, individualized program that allows students to participate from anywhere in the country. To learn more about Winston Prep, visit www.winstonprep.edu.
THE BOLLES SCHOOL
The Bolles School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1933 that is home to more than 1,750 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 and postgraduates on four campuses.
The Resident Life program can accommodate more than 90 male and female students from around the globe. This year, boarding students represent 30 countries and 11 states in the U.S.
The School’s athletic successes are known worldwide with 25 sports in middle school and upper school. A total of 63 Bolles students, former students and Bolles Sharks have participated in the Olympics over the years, and 14 Olympic athletes from Bolles have won 29 medals (not including results from 2024 Olympics).
Academically, Bolles offers courses in five world languages and 30 Advanced Placement courses. The School also opened a three-story, 47,000-square-foot facility called the Center for Innovation this school year. The building features numerous cutting-edge classrooms and 12 sophisticated specialty labs, including spaces for anatomy, biology and chemistry lab instruction.
Students from the Class of 2024 were offered or qualified for more than $16 million for their four-year college careers. Of the 208 graduates, 201 are attending 92 different colleges, universities and military prep schools. Visit Bolles.org.
VANGUARD SCHOOL
Vanguard School has been providing individualized education to students who learn differently through skill assessment, multi-modality teaching, and focus on the whole student since 1966. We use a variety of teaching styles and consistently improve our services to meet the needs of our students. Our rolling admissions offers students and families the opportunity to join the Vanguard School family throughout the school year.
We work with co-educational students in 6th through 12th grades who experience an array of learning challenges, by addressing social/emotional learning opportunities, executive functioning solutions, and to help students gain the confidence to drive their motivation and goal attainment. We focus on guiding students to utilize core values (community, resilience, integrity, empathy, and leadership) to self-evaluate their behaviors and intentions. All students are valued and celebrated for their individuality and strengths. We are Vanguard.
BEACON ACADEMY
1574 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL. 60201
224.999.1177
https://www.beaconacademyil.org
Beacon Academy is an independent high school that prepares students for higher-ed and beyond by helping them gain meaningful learning, real-world understanding, independence, and confidence. From the moment students arrive on campus they know they’re a part of something unique—a close-knit community, a personalized academic journey, and exceptional life and learning experiences.
BENNETT DAY SCHOOL
955 W. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
312-236-6388
www.bennettday.org
Bennett Day School is an independent, PreK-12 school in Chicago that is committed to advancing creativity, innovation, and the development of lifelong learners and leaders. At Bennett, students learn by doing through dynamic project-based learning (PBL) experiences. Their mission is to provide a collaborative culture that nurtures the community's innate sense of inquiry and curiosity.
Educators at Bennett don’t see students as empty vessels waiting to be filled with information, but rather as thinkers, doers, and inventors who are co-collaborators in the learning process. Bennett Day School’s emergent and responsive curriculum empowers students to be curious, think critically, and take ownership of their education. Small class sizes ensure every child’s voice is heard and valued. NOW ENROLLING! Plan your visit to Bennett Day: https://bennettday.org/visitus/
COUNCIL OAK MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Council Oak Montessori School (COMS), established in 1990, uses the child-focused approach developed by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori. Providing a high fidelity Montessori education, Council Oak Montessori School serves children ages 3 through eighth grade, providing a nurturing environment where independence and exploration are not only encouraged but celebrated.
Located on the historic banks of the Cal-Sag Channel in Blue Island, Illinois, COMS students enjoy the benefits of having both the city and the Cook County Nature Preserves as active extensions of the classroom.
The school’s outdoor space—a half-acre of gardens enriching the Montessori curriculum—offers a strong framework for students to grow into authentic stewards and leaders. The school partners with local musician, Gerry Burns, and offers a beautiful music program that follows the Montessori pedagogy closely. Capoeira with Rise Training Academy and weekly yoga and mindfulness classes also offer COMS students a well-rounded, whole child approach to learning.
Council Oak Montessori School is currently enrolling new students into its early-childhood classroom serving children ages 3 to 5.
To learn more about the school’s programs visit the website at counciloakmontessori.org.
CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
425 Dempster St.
Evanston IL 60201
www.chiaravalle.org
FRANCIS W. PARKER SCHOOL
330 West Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-797-5107
Serving students in Junior Kindergarten through 12th Grade
www.fwparker.org
www.facebook.com/parkerchicago
www.twitter.com/fwparker
Apply online at fwparker.org/apply
Francis W. Parker is a school where inspired teachers, a dynamic curriculum, and a diverse community of learners thrive. Parker students are provided with an exceptional educational opportunity in an inclusive community, where diversity in every form provides a global perspective. It is a unique and special place where enduring values and new ideas benefit individual and collective growth.
Guided for over 100 years by a profound educational philosophy, Parker School strives to cultivate students who have the curiosity, self-discipline, independence of mind, and collaborative spirit necessary to apply their values, skills, knowledge, and ideas to challenges. At Parker, students learn to connect reflection with action, insight with innovation, deeds with consequences, and character with citizenship.
Its small class sizes and interdisciplinary approach to teaching set the stage for a challenging and meaningful educational experience. Students learn and grow within a diverse community of passionate teachers, parents, and peers. As the only independent school in Chicago where students from 14 grades share one building, the school offers collaborative opportunities among grade levels as part of the curriculum.
Academic programs include math, science, history/social studies, and English. Exposure to foreign languages and world cultures begins in the early grades and is part of formal studies starting in sixth grade. In addition to academic curricula, students have physical education, visual arts, drama, and music classes. Upper school students have a large number of elective courses available in addition to the required core of courses. Elective choices are offered in all departments and include approved independent studies, computer programming, and advanced literature studies in foreign languages. To learn more or to register for an open house, visit fwparker.org/openhouse.
GEMS World Academy Chicago
350 E. South Water St., Chicago
312-809-8912
admissions@gemschicago.org
gemschicago.org/en/
Grades served: Preschool-8
NOS: 260
We are an International Baccalaureate school in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our location allows our teachers to use the city as an extension of their classrooms, providing students with experiential, real-world learning opportunities. Students are guided to their fullest potential as well-rounded, empathetic problem solvers who are ready to make an impact on our world. As part of our dedication to global citizenship, we require daily French, Spanish or Mandarin instruction. About 1/3 of our student population are international, 1/3 are from other parts of the U.S. and 1/3 are rooted Chicagoans. In the multicultural hub of Chicago, GEMS is a model of our increasingly interconnected world.
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CHICAGO
1726 W Berteau Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
+1-773-857-3000
admissions@germanschoolchicago.com
www.germanschoolchicago.com
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is a private, nonprofit IB World School that offers a bilingual, international education to over 185 students from Preschool through Grade 8. Currently in its 15th school year, GISC intends to grow through the completion of high school.
GISC welcomes students of all backgrounds and nationalities. There are currently over 40 nationalities represented and close to 30 languages spoken at home. German language skills are not required for most grades.
Low student-teacher ratios enable students to learn in a supportive and individualized environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity while fostering global awareness. GISC students – fluent in German and English – will become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens.
LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
847.615.6151
http://www.lfcds.org
Located on more than thirty acres of property, LFCDS offers programming for students aged two through grade 8 and provides a rich and diverse educational experience grounded in rigorous academics, arts, athletics, and social-emotional learning. Drawing from 37 local communities, students across all grade levels have access to engaging learning spaces including expansive Outdoor Classrooms, a 2800-square-foot Innovation Center, and a Performing Arts Center.
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE CHICAGO
1929 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773.665.0066
https://www.lyceechicago.org
Pre-K to Grade 12
Journey the world with Chicago's French International School. At LFC, we believe a good education is the beginning of a successful lifelong journey. Our focus on academic excellence and language immersion empowers students to break down the barriers ahead of them. Our inclusive, pluri-cultural community not only introduces our students to what this world has to offer, but also enables them to be an active part of it.
Driven by our core values of respect, responsibility and the joy of learning, the unique LFC approach prepares all students, from pre-K through 12th grade, in French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate tracks, to thrive around the world with confidence. This is the beginning of the journey to a successful life. And it’s our mission to make sure it’s a good one.
No background in French is required for most grades, but interest in an international experience is a must! Apply online at https://www.lyceechicago.org.
NEAR NORTH MONTESSORI
1434 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60642
773-269-6230
Serving students aged 6 months through 8th Grade.
www.nnms.org/admissions
www.facebook.com/NNMSChi
https://www.instagram.com/nearnorthmontessori/
Founded in 1963, Near North Montessori is one of the country's oldest and largest nonprofit Montessori schools. This welcoming, enriching environment for children aged six months through eighth grade provides challenging academics along with skills to strengthen all children’s humanity and set their moral compasses towards compassion. NNM’s commitment to diversity promotes an environment of respect rooted in equity and inclusion where students become each other’s allies and develop awareness of social and global justice issues. Visit nnms.org/admissions to learn more.
ROYCEMORE SCHOOL
Discover More at Roycemore.
Roycemore is an independent PK-12 college preparatory school in Evanston, Illinois founded on Northwestern University's campus in 1915.
Our diverse and intimate community, rooted in academic excellence, inspires each student to:
• Discover their passions: Student-centered and experiential learning opportunities allow students to explore topics they are deeply curious about.
• Think without limits: Students are challenged where they excel while being supported where they need it.
• Find their voice: Our Portrait of a Graduate emphasizes the importance of social-emotional skills alongside scholarship and citizenship. Students learn how to advocate for themselves and others.
• Live courageously: Our intentionally small community prioritizes personal relationships. Students feel seen, heard, and known by their teachers and peers which helps them reach their full potential.
Now enrolling! Learn more about Roycemore and arrange a visit to campus: www.roycemoreschool.org/admissions
There are no listings at this time.
BARRIE SCHOOL
13500 Layhill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
John Wilson
Director of Admission
admission@barrie.org
301-576-2800
barrie.org
Barrie School is a progressive independent school, serving students from 3 Months to Grade 12, that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility through innovation in learning. Our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (3 Months to Grade 5) to Project-Based Learning (Grade 6 to Grade 12)—cultivates learning that lasts, offering challenging educational experiences that unlock intrinsic motivation and innovation in both students and faculty.
Our community fosters a deep sense of belonging and empowers and honors student voice and responsibility, coming together in our truly diverse student body of engaged citizens confident to be themselves, bringing diverse and inclusive worldviews. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Barrie School provides an extraordinary learning environment integrating local, national, and global educational opportunities. Our 45-acre campus is home to the world-renowned Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies— one of the largest school-based teacher training programs in the country— and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C. area tradition since the 1950s.
The GreenMount School
At The GreenMount School, our mission is to provide a creative education for grades K through 8, emphasizing multicultural, cooperative, and experiential learning, supported by strong family participation. Our parent CO-OP welcomes a wide and diverse range of families to share their time and talents with us. While at GreenMount, students are given the space and time to learn and be themselves, while also being supported and challenged by the best of modern pedagogy. Students engage in community service activities, have intra-grade friendships via The GreenMount School’s buddy program, and actively help in the neighborhood ecosystem with the weekly, outdoor supplemental science class, Explorations. GMS uses a community-centered approach that focuses on building responsibility, growing students’ personal identities, and teaching self-advocacy. We honor student’s preferred pronouns by putting them on the official roster and expecting all community members to use them correctly, and our affinity groups for 4th-8th grade students include one for neurodiverse students as well as one for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. Ready to learn more about our program? Schedule a tour and see what The GreenMount School has to offer!
Contact admissions@greenmountschool.org or visit www.greenmountschool.org.
MCLEAN SCHOOL
8224 Lochinver Lane
Potomac, MD 20854
301-299-8277
www.mcleanschool.org
K - 12th grade
We hear it all the time—McLean School transforms lives. McLean is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for bright students in kindergarten through grade 12. We welcome both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning differences—including ADHD, executive functioning, anxiety, language-based differences, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
In small classes with attentive teachers, and a supportive social environment, students discover their strengths, strengthen their challenges, and find joy in learning. A rich variety of options—including STEM/Robotics, art, music, drama, athletics, clubs, and community service—complements our rigorous core academic programs.
We also incorporate fresh thinking into our curriculum. We planted gardens to increase environmental awareness, added the study of technology and robotics, and recognized the value of mindfulness in the classrooms. In addition to honors and AP classes, a creative partnership with American University enables qualified seniors to take college courses.
At every stage of their development, our students are transformed by the McLean approach. They become insightful, confident learners and their own best advocates. The proof is in their acceptances to highly regarded colleges and their success in college and in life.
We invite you to roam our website—or contact us directly—to learn more about McLean.
McDONOGH SCHOOL
Owings Mills, Maryland
https://www.mcdonogh.org
McDonogh is a welcoming community dedicated to providing a learning environment based on mutual respect, understanding, and kindness. It is a place where joy is ever-present and opportunities abound for deep thinking, innovating, collaborating, and discovering passions. Under the guidance of talented and caring teachers, students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade are empowered to be self-reliant, critical thinkers who can form, test, and revise their ideas—for themselves, and in the service of others.
In addition to state-of-the-art academic, art, and athletic facilities, McDonogh’s 800-acre campus provides countless opportunities for exploration. Learning also takes place at Roots, the school’s 11-acre farm, where students discover how to be good stewards of the Earth and its people by planting and caring for crops and harvesting produce for local food pantries.
With a fleet of 20 buses that make stops in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, McDonogh is right around the corner! Upper School students also have the option of participating in our five-day boarding program that allows them to live on campus during the school week and become further immersed in campus life.
THE NORA SCHOOL
955 Sligo Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Marcia Miller
Director of Admissions
Marcia@nora-school.org
301-495-6672
nora-school.org
The Nora School is a progressive, socially conscious, college preparatory high school that is small by design, academically and emotionally supportive, and community oriented.
The school's mission is to guide students to identify their talents, understand where their challenges lie, and honor their unique identities as they become college ready, independent learners. Students at Nora seek a richer more engaging education without the emphasis on standardized testing. Discussions in classrooms help students consider a critical world view and find their voice in an intellectually vigorous, accepting, nurturing environment. With a thought provoking curriculum, inclusive sports and arts programs, Social Justice Travel Programs and more, students build deep connections with the faculty and each other. We encourage responsibility and build confidence and excitement about learning. The school's social education program includes retreats and field trips that engage in experiential study, individual academic and college counseling, weekly advisory meetings, monthly community service projects and mindfulness practice.
Call us or RSVP for an Open house to discover the essence of our school. Celebrating the same mission for over 60 years.
WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL
4800 Sangamore Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6108
washingtonwaldorf.org
Parent-Child Classes & Preschool to 12th Grade
The WWS faculty and administration are working tirelessly to plan for whatever this school year brings. We will be ready whether we are able to be on campus with socially distant learning or teaching remotely. One of the many benefits of WWS as a small school is our ability to be responsive and flexible. Conducting classes outside is in our DNA and we will maximize outdoor time when we are on campus. While WWS does not normally use digital technology with our PreK – 5th grade classes, we understand it is a tool – like any other – and that it has clear benefits for the facilitation of remote learning. Our teachers take particular care with how their students use screens to connect for educational and social interaction.
About Waldorf Education
The Washington Waldorf School educates the whole child. Our curriculum is designed to develop our students academically, emotionally, and physically. In addition to a strong grounding in core academic skills - WWS students have many opportunities to engage in the arts, music, and drama, as well as textile arts, metalwork, woodwork, and more. The arts aren't simply extra classes - they are woven throughout the curriculum. Waldorf students all participate in a variety of movement, physical education, and outdoor education classes. Our approach puts a focus on the benefits and skills developed through extensive exposure to the natural world.
THE ADVENT SCHOOL
15 Brimmer Street
Boston, MA 02108
www.adventschool.org
617-742-0520
Grades Pre-K through Sixth Grade
Since 1961, The Advent School has provided an outstanding education grounded in the principles of social justice. At Advent, we believe that teaching children within a meaningful historical, cultural, or environmental context builds confident students who seek out connections within their learning experiences. Our faculty draws upon Boston’s vast resources: from various museums to the Freedom Trail, Advent students recognize the benefits of learning within the city. At Advent, learning is not confined to the classroom.
Located in the heart of Boston, children from Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade are actively engaged in mastering their skills. Our classrooms foster dialogue and encourage critical thinking across the subject areas of Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Science, History, and Geography. The Arts play a major role in our program, while technology is the vehicle through which students learn to research and represent their understanding.
With two highly skilled teachers in each classroom, we know our students well. Children work in small groups led by teachers whose focus is to deepen each student’s understanding. With a diverse population of students, each child brings their distinct heritage, direct experience, and talents to the learning environment. Our classrooms foster collaboration and children learn with and from one another.
BARD COLLEGE AT SIMON'S ROCK
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-644-4400
simons-rock.edu
Age doesn't define intellect. At Bard College at Simon’s Rock, young scholars take on meaningful, serious academic challenges. With world-expanding opportunities both on and off-campus, students engage in critical reading, writing, and discussion-based classes. Laboratory and studio experiences provide hands-on opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills. The Princeton Review rates our academics higher than Harvard and Princeton, and 78% of our students go on to graduate study.
We believe that the rich multiplicity of identities and backgrounds in our community makes us stronger and enhances our experiences in and out of the classroom. Simon’s Rock is ranked 4 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index, the premier LGBTQ national benchmarking tool for colleges.
Bard College at Simon's Rock is the country's only residential college of the liberal arts and sciences specifically designed to provide highly motivated students with the opportunity to begin college after the 10th or 11th grade. At Simon's Rock, students choose to transfer after two years with an A.A. degree that is highly respected by some of the most prestigious colleges and universities or stay for four years to complete a B.A. in a remarkably individualized program.
BAY FARM MONTESSORI ACADEMY
145 Loring St.
Duxbury, MA
781-934-7101
bfarm.org
Bay Farm Montessori Academy provides students with vital life skills and tools that prepare them to tackle their academic studies and thrive as empathetic and engaged citizens of the world. At Bay Farm, children learn in an environment that fosters independence and curiosity with highly trained teachers who know how to support each student’s individual learning path. Students are equipped with the confidence to challenge themselves and the excitement to try new things. Serving from all over the South Shore, Bay Farm fully integrates its curriculum with agriculture, drama, music, art, and more. Bay Farm has programs for Toddlers - Kindergarten as well as Grades 1 - 6. Schedule your tour today at bfarm.org/inquire.
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON
416 Pond Street
Boston, MA 02130
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bisb-boston
Your child can create their future. Let that journey begin at BISB, where your child will achieve more than you ever thought possible. At BISB, students from 18 months through 18 years of age are provided opportunities and experiences they simply cannot get anywhere else. As a member of Nord Anglia Education (NAE), a global family of premium schools, BISB provides our students with enriched curricula through collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy. Through NAE’s Global Campus activities, your child can connect with other Nord Anglia Education students around the world, amplifying their learning beyond the classroom.
BISB Middle and High School students can participate in international performing arts festivals and sports competitions, as well as service-learning projects and expeditions in Tanzania and Switzerland. Through personalized learning, support and challenge, our extraordinary teachers nurture the individual strengths of each student. Our international curricula, culminating with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), will enable your child to stand out to the world’s top universities and create their future!
CAMBRIDGE FRIENDS SCHOOL
5 Cadbury Rd
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-388
https://cambridgefriendsschool.org
Cambridge Friends School is a co-ed elementary and middle school (pre-K - grade 8) established in 1961 under the care of Friends Meeting at Cambridge, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
It is the mission of Cambridge Friends School to provide an outstanding education. Guided by Quaker principles, we engage students in meaningful academic learning within a caring community strongly committed to social justice. We expect all students to develop their intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual potential and, through the example of their lives, to challenge oppression and to contribute to justice and understanding in the world.
As part of Cambridge Friends School's commitment to social justice, we are engaged in building an anti-racist, anti-homophobic community, and we actively seek students and staff from a diverse range of family structures and racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Our community tries to go beyond mere tolerance to more deeply address issues of bias and privilege.
THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF WESTON
A leader among progressive schools, The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW) has been at the forefront of educational innovation since 1886. Here, creative, motivated students embrace challenging work and address challenging questions, with curiosity and courage. Inspired by the diverse perspectives and high expectations of our justice-minded community, they find and develop what is extraordinary about themselves and in the world around them.
At CSW, we are constantly challenging the norms of what a high school education looks like, and as a student here, you can expect to do the same. We don’t follow the status quo — we set it, shaping our academic model in response to the ever-changing needs of the next generation.
Our students regularly explore the histories of non-western cultures or minority groups; study the origins, causes, and effects of discrimination and prejudice; and examine models of social change with the goal of advancing human rights.
CHARLES RIVER SCHOOL
6 Old Meadow Rd
Dover, MA 02030
www.charlesriverschool.org
Charles River School students use intellect, experience, and optimism to see what’s possible. Through observing, hypothesizing, investigating, and revising they solve problems and ask new questions. Our students learn to use both inquiry and creativity to build practical skills, discover new interests and take responsibility for themselves, their communities, and the future.
At CRS, progressive education is the tradition. Our students explore different angles and think through disciplines by way of real-world themes and hands-on projects. This has a profound effect on what they learn since they understand the “why.” We seamlessly connect knowledge, wonder, and outcomes to drive high engagement every day and eager anticipation for what’s to come.
Charles River School is a PreKindergarten through Grade 8 independent school that honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood. We nurture each child by igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating intellectual engagement. Our graduates know themselves, understand others, and shape the future of our diverse world with confidence and compassion. Visit www.charlesriverschool.org to learn more.
THE CHESTNUT HILL SCHOOL
428 Hammond St.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
www.tchs.org
At The Chestnut Hill School, an independent, all-gender school for children ages 3 through grade 6, we believe childhood optimism and enduring curiosity can transform the world. Here, students find meaning and joy in a diverse community that encourages all to question, to take risks, and to think critically as they grow into intellectually skilled, empathetic, self-empowered young learners. Our goal is to create a place where students of all cultures and affinities can build meaningful relationships with extraordinary faculty members and one another.
As a leader in early childhood and elementary education, The Chestnut Hill School offers a rigorous math and literacy program along with special subjects ranging from art and music to technology and Spanish. An extended day program provides the chance for students to enjoy extracurricular activities such as karate, robotics, chess, and athletics, all in the same nurturing environment. CHS is a place where all students feel seen, validated, and supported as they pursue academic excellence. The Chestnut Hill School is committed to offering financial assistance to qualified families.
To learn more about The Chestnut Hill School and what we offer, go to tchs.org.
DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
www.DedhamCountryDay.org
781-329-0850
At DCD, we believe that balance matters—in learning and life. We combine academic challenge with support; pedagogical tradition with innovation. Strong scholastics blended with outstanding arts and athletics create a program that is balanced and whole. Here, a premium is placed on both academic and emotional intelligence. Children learn who they are as diverse individuals and how to be part of something bigger. Acceptance is a given, and children find encouragement in every connection they make. It’s a community that nurtures, nudges, and gives. That’s how we grow “whole” children— and, ultimately, adults who will thrive with the intellectual and emotional capacity to contribute to their world and enjoy meaningful lives. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8, DCD students tackle hands-on projects, collaborate, take risks, solve problems—and, most of all, enjoy and engage deeply in their experience.
Explore DCD through our virtual, student-led tours, or connect personally to schedule an on-campus tour with our admissions staff by emailing admissions@dcds.net. An up-to-date schedule of admissions events will be available on our website in September.
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOSTON
Upper School: 57 Holton Street, Boston, MA
Lower School: 387 Western Avenue Boston, MA
http://www.gisbos.org
German International School Boston (GISB) is a bilingual independent school serving students in preschool through grade 12. We strive to foster creative, curious, open-minded students who gain a lifelong love of learning. GISB is part of a worldwide network of 135 officially recognized International German Schools, allowing the school to award the German International Abitur. This prestigious honors-level diploma is recognized at European and American colleges and universities as an academic distinction.
Whether you are looking for a play-based language immersion preschool or want to benefit from the rich and rigorous German curriculum in elementary to high school, GISB works to ignite each student’s intellectual and creative potential, preparing students for shaping our common future.
GISB has no prior language requirements for Preschool, PreK or K, and offers a dedicated Fast Track program for students entering grades K to 5 with little or no German knowledge. Contact us to schedule a tour: admissions@gisbos.org.
HANDS-ON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
12 Creeden Street
Mansfield, MA 020478
www.homontessori.com
Established in 2003, HOMS is a small, private coeducational Montessori day school that services families with children ages 18 months to 12 years (or toddler through sixth grade).
Mission Statement
Hands-On Montessori School is a community of children, families, and teachers dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the development of each student’s independence, self-confidence, self-respect, and creativity, enabling each child to reach his/her full potential as a global citizen and life-long learner. Hands-On Montessori School facilitates this development by embracing the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori in harmony with other developmentally appropriate, innovative teaching practices.
We encourage students to become engaged and excited with their schoolwork through active learning. Students are encouraged to pursue studies in all areas of their spontaneous personal interest using hands-on “experiential” learning through concrete manipulative learning materials, experimental discovery, and group experiences. Hands-On Montessori School is committed to both high standards of individual academic achievement while at the same time respecting the child’s human dignity and well-being.
For more information about our school and individual programs and hours, please visit our Facebook page and web site at www.homontessori.com or email admin@homontessori.com.
INLY SCHOOL
46 Watch Hill Drive
Scituate, MA
inlyschool.org
An innovative learning community on Boston’s South Shore, Inly School draws toddler through 8th-grade students from 20 South Shore towns.
Inly’s Montessori+ curriculum blends a student-centered philosophy with comprehensive academics and hands-on learning to inspire students to become curious, passionate thinkers. The focus is on how students learn, not just what they learn, and instruction is tailored to challenge each child to reach their full potential.
Inly Fast Facts:
• 340 Toddler–grade 8 students; Low student–teacher ratio
• Multi-age classes grouped by developmental level
• Spanish, Visual & Performing Arts, Technology, Robotics
• Robust experiential learning program; Team and league sports
• da Vinci Studio for applied creativity and problem-solving
• 4-acre outdoor classroom, walking trails, organic gardens
• Nut-free and allergy-friendly
• Accredited by the Association for Independent Schools of New England (AISNE) and American Montessori Society (AMS)
At Inly, students thrive in a joyful environment where they feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities for academic achievement and personal growth. They develop a deep understanding of core subjects, many hands-on skills, and a discerning ability to manage one’s time. They build confidence, self-reliance and independence.
Students graduate Inly as independent forward-thinkers and respectful global citizens who succeed at their choice of secondary schools and in real life.
Learn more at inlyschool.org.
LEXINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Lexington Montessori School is an independent school for toddlers through 8th grade, sitting on over 21 acres of land just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Lexington Montessori builds an inclusive, joyful community that ignites self-discovery through purposeful learning, inspiring children to embrace and challenge the world with compassion, resilience and courage. LMS students learn and grow in a supportive and loving environment that honors them both for who they are and who they want to become, and that nurtures their whole being throughout that journey. Students at LMS participate in weekly farming classes, learning to be stewards of the land and working towards a more sustainable future. LMS faculty, staff and students participate in an integrated anti-bias education, and are working together to find ways to fight hate, injustice, and bias so that we can all live in a more peaceful world. Call us today to learn more about what it means to Grow up LMS.
WELLAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Wellan Montessori School is an independent, all-gender school for students aged 15 months – Grade 8.
Located in Newton Centre, MA, the school draws families from diverse backgrounds in surrounding communities. At Wellan, students benefit from the unique balance of freedom and responsibility offered by the school’s Montessori-Progressive curriculum, which promotes both individually-paced academic progress and collaborative project-based learning. Empathy, community service, innovation, and social justice are emphasized throughout the curriculum. During the school day, students enjoy specials that span visual and performing arts, woodworking, technology, and more; students also have the option to enroll in after-school enrichment and athletic programs. Graduates emerge as capable leaders who demonstrate strong executive function skills that enable them to succeed at Greater Boston’s top public and independent schools.
Schedule a tour at wellan.org to observe our immersive education firsthand!
There are no listings at this time.
DUBLIN SCHOOL
When prospective students visit Dublin School, they are given a Moleskine notebook as a reminder of our effort to make Dublin a place where each student will write their own story - without the pressure of fitting into a mold or living up to other’s expectations. Dublin nurtures a culture that emphasizes trying new things while embracing the joys of being a teenager. We believe that this culture, together with Dublin’s rich history and stunning location, allows our students to grow in ways that they might have found unimaginable before Dublin.
Our size allows us to be intentional in everything we do. Whether that is beginning every day as a community in Morning Meeting - sharing stories and our talents - or in creating signature programs around Writing, Programming Robotics Imagination Science Math (PRISM), Spanish Language Learning, Endurance Sports, Theater, or Residential Life - everything has purpose. We believe in building a life of meaningful work that allows teenagers to find the deep satisfaction that is a byproduct of effort and achievement.
We hope you will take some time to learn more about what makes a Dublin education special.
THE CRAIG SCHOOL
10 Tower Hill Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
https://www.craigschool.org
Currently celebrating its 41st anniversary, The Craig School is an independent school that specializes in working with students with learning disabilities in grades two to 12. The program features proven, research-based learning strategies based on a comprehensive, whole-child approach and multi-sensory instructional strategies. The Craig School's tools allow students to build their academic foundations, increase their ability to be active and independent learners, and develop a sense of who they are as individuals and students. Visit us at craigschool.org.
THE ELISABETH MORROW SCHOOL
452 Lydecker Street
Englewood, N.J. 07631
201-568-5566 ext. 7212
elisabethmorrow.org
A leader in education from early childhood through eighth grade, The Elisabeth Morrow School personalizes learning for each child, cultivating their unique spark and innate creativity. Through an engaging project-based and inquiry-driven curriculum, students connect learning across subjects.
More than choosing a school, our families have chosen to join a community where the values they teach their children at home are reinforced at school and where we focus on developing the whole child socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Through social-emotional learning and modeling the 4 C’s — Courtesy, Consideration, Cooperation, and Compassion — we strive to develop character in children and foster a community where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated.
Contact us to find out how — through initiatives in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), like our design studios and NuVuX partnership — The Elisabeth Morrow School prepares children to lead the way with innovative thinking in a rapidly changing world.
MONTCLAIR COOPERATIVE SCHOOL
65 Chestnut Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
montclaircoop.org
(973) 783-4955
From Early Ages through 8th Grade, the Co-op keeps children at the center of school life and engages parents in their children’s education. At the heart of our progressive approach is the belief that children thrive in an environment that honors individuality and community, self and others. The unique value of our school lies in the partnership between students, families, and teachers, contributing to the life of the school in ways that benefit all who enter.
Visit Montclair Cooperative School:
Start the conversation by visiting our website, and joining us for a virtual information session, or an in-person open house. We look forward to telling you more about our diverse, inclusive community of families and our engaging, progressive academic programs.
MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
110 East Main St.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
(856) 914-4426
admiss@mfriends.org
https://www.mfriends.org/
At Moorestown Friends, we measure greatness by many metrics. MFS students build sound academic foundations, exceed traditional benchmarks, collectively earn the highest SAT scores in South Jersey, and go on to success at a diverse and impressive mix of colleges and universities.
What we believe profoundly shapes how we teach and learn. Because we value the inherent dignity of every person, our students learn to see the Inner Light in people of all beliefs, backgrounds, talents, and personalities. And because we believe our classrooms should be both challenging and compassionate spaces, our students try more earnestly, persevere in the face of difficulty, go deeper, engage with others, and learn more.
Moorestown Friends School graduates leave here as truly great kids going places — not just distinguished by outstanding test scores or bound for colleges that impress, but defined by uncommon kindness, meaningful accomplishment, and generative, generous lives that speak.
VILLAGE SCHOOL
The Village School offers Montessori education for students 18 months to middle school. The school provides a challenging academic curriculum in well-prepared environments, enabling students to develop to their fullest potential. Our mission is to foster the development of self-motivated, creative individuals and nurture a true love and appreciation for learning. We are accredited by The American Montessori Society, The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and The New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. Visit us today at www.thevillageschool.net.
WESTFIELD FRIENDS SCHOOL
https://www.westfieldfriends.org
2201 Riverton Road
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Westfield Friends School is a coeducational independent day school for students in Preschool 2 through grade 8. As a Friends school, Westfield develops students to their fullest potential by focusing on active learning grounded in Quaker values. A Westfield Friends School education ignites the natural wonder of childhood, channeling their curiosity as they grow into confident, capable learners.
Your student can look forward to small class sizes that include inquiry and project-based learning, personalized instruction, and well-rounded experiences in art, music, Spanish, physical education, and technology throughout the grade levels. Your student will graduate from Westfield well-prepared for high school and continue a 100% acceptance rate at their first-choice high school.
We believe that a diverse community leads to a confident, empowered child. Finding strength in our differences, we use kindness and compassion to help students forge lasting friendships. A learning environment marked by respectful interactions makes us stronger, smarter, and more resilient. We celebrate each child’s unique spirit as we honor the principles that bind us together. This is a place where learning becomes a joyful collaborative pursuit.
Minutes from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, our historic, beautifully wooded 8.5-acre campus is convenient to students coming from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey, and from the greater Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania.
An inspiring academic setting, a diverse, empowering community, and a Quaker moral compass—these are the essential elements of the Westfield Friends experience. Together, they produce life-changing results. We are proud that our graduates pursue meaningful careers that help to create the world we seek.
Visit westfieldfriends.org or call Admissions (856) 829-0895 x113 to schedule a private tour and learn more about enhancing your child’s journey. The world we seek for children begins here.
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Winston Preparatory School is a network of campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized, holistic, and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12, along with a multifaceted gap year program for students who are not yet ready for college or the workplace. At Winston Prep, faculty carry out ongoing, in-depth assessments to cultivate a deep understanding of students, helping them to advance at a meaningful pace and giving them the tools to continue independently learning and growing.
All of our campuses provide intense skill remediation while fostering independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness. They include two sites in New York City and one each in New Jersey, Connecticut, on Long Island, and our newest campus in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last year, we also launched Winston Online Learning, an innovative, individualized program that allows students to participate from anywhere in the country. To learn more about Winston Prep, visit www.winstonprep.edu.
LONG ISLAND
THE GREEN VALE SCHOOL
250 Valentine’s Lane
Old Brookville, NY 11545
http://www.greenvaleschool.org/
Green Vale is a coed elementary school for Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade, drawing families from all over Long Island. Since 1923, a program of exceptional academics and small class sizes is combined with emphasis on social-emotional learning and character development at every grade level. After a culminating experience in the middle school years (6th-8th Grades), GVS graduates go on to excel at independent, public, and boarding secondary schools.
ROSS SCHOOL
www.ross.org
Nursery–Grade 12, post-graduate
18 Goodfriend Drive
East Hampton, NY 11937
631-907-5400
Ross School’s mission is to change the way education meets the future; to foster interdisciplinary, integrated thinking and innovative leadership; to engage fully in the global community; and to facilitate lifelong learning.
Ross School is a co-educational boarding (Grades 7–12, PG) and day school (N–Grade 12, PG) located on two beautiful campuses in East Hampton and Bridgehampton, NY, about two hours east of New York City. Serving approximately 320 students and attracting a world-class faculty, the School offers a global, integrated curriculum with engaging courses in science, math, arts, humanities, and wellness, with opportunities for independent study, competitive athletics, extracurricular activities, and travel.
The Ross educational experience aims to impart to young people a 21st-century skill set and the inspiration that will motivate them to keep their minds actively engaged in learning. The School stresses direct personal experiences, inquiry through primary sources, and hands-on interpretation and analysis of information.
Ross School has a successful college placement program, with 100% of applicants receiving acceptances at competitive colleges and universities.
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Winston Preparatory School is a network of campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized, holistic, and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12, along with a multifaceted gap year program for students who are not yet ready for college or the workplace. At Winston Prep, faculty carry out ongoing, in-depth assessments to cultivate a deep understanding of students, helping them to advance at a meaningful pace and giving them the tools to continue independently learning and growing.
All of our campuses provide intense skill remediation while fostering independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness. They include two sites in New York City and one each in New Jersey, Connecticut, on Long Island, and our newest campus in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last year, we also launched Winston Online Learning, an innovative, individualized program that allows students to participate from anywhere in the country. To learn more about Winston Prep, visit www.winstonprep.edu.
WESTCHESTER & UPSTATE
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL
https://www.bluerockschool.org/
LEARNING WITH WONDER FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE
Where in Rockland County can you find the Thorny Passage or the Gate Leading to Nowhere and Everywhere? These landmarks are on the grounds of the Blue Rock School, a K-8 progressive school dedicated to diversity and inclusion, where kids play and imagine as hard as they study. (Excerpt from the Nyack Sketch Log: Blue Rock School, by Bill Batson)
Blue Rock School has been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. In keeping with the best practices in education that prioritize real world problem solving and hands-on experiences, Blue Rock students can be found exploring outside year-round, developing interpersonal skills and learning with wonder as, in small dynamic class settings, they dive into a challenging, and arts infused academic curriculum, preparing them for a changing world.
When you visit Blue Rock School, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where school plays are always a hit and science takes place in the garden as well as in the classroom.
Blue Rock School is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.
Please inquire and come take a tour to see the beautiful 5-acre wooded campus. Call 845-535-3353 or email admissions@bluerockschool.org.
FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK
Pre & Lower School: 111 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538
Middle School: 145 New Street, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
High School: 320 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Contact us at 914-250-0401 or admissions@fasny.org
Founded in 1980 as a one-classroom preschool, FASNY has evolved to become an international and bilingual N-12 day school educating more than 700 students on three campuses in Mamaroneck and Larchmont, New York. It is the only school in the New York metropolitan area accredited to offer both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and the French baccalaureate. All students also graduate with a New York State high school diploma. New in September 2020: an International Program for grades 1-8, no previous French required.
Teachers are committed to creating an environment that is nurturing yet challenging, one that encourages students to flourish intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. A combination of French and American traditions are hallmarks of school life, as are the arts, music, athletics, and community service; local and international trips; and 20+ club offerings. College acceptances represent a wide range of schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and other European nations. To learn more visit fasny.org.
Hackley School
293 Benedict Ave
Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.hackleyschool.org
A member of both the Ivy Preparatory League and the international schools' consortium Round Square, Hackley has a 285-acre woodland campus in Tarrytown with extensive facilities to support our K-12 educational program, including a science building, geothermal library, competition cross-country trail system, eight athletics fields, and a new 110,000-sq ft Center for Health and Wellness. Through ongoing efforts to increase socioeconomic diversity, Hackley now draws from over 70 communities, from Cold Spring to Manhattan, from Ridgefield, CT to Franklin Lakes, NJ, and all points in between.
Hackley’s mission “challenges students to grow in character, scholarship, and accomplishment, to offer unreserved effort, and to learn from the varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world.” Hackley students discover themselves through relationships with others—in classrooms, on stage, in art studios, through community service, and on playing fields. Committed to international understanding, diversity, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service, Hackley prepares students to think and act with care and effectiveness both at school and in their broader communities.
Welcomed by the motto, “Enter here to be and find a friend,” Hackley honors the strength of character, offering students a warm, supportive community that enables both challenge and nurture, giving them the means to set high personal goals and attain them. Through this strong ethos and the quality of its faculty and students, Hackley has achieved distinction as an educational force shaping the lives of generations.
THE MASTERS SCHOOL
49 Clinton Avenue
Dobbs Ferry
914-479-6420
www.mastersny.org
Set on 96 acres overlooking the Hudson River, The Masters School is a leading independent day and boarding school. We welcome students in grades 5-12 and offer 5 and 7-day boarding options for upper school students. The School’s renowned seminar-style learning approach produces independent thinkers who graduate prepared for college, career and life. Students find their passion on the athletic field, in the studio and on the stage. Day and boarding students benefit from our vibrant 24/7 campus, globally diverse community, and accessible residential faculty. Join us for our Open House and admission events throughout the fall. www.mastersny.org/admission.
RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Cedar St., Rye, NY 10580
914-925-4513
www.ryecountryday.org
PreK - 12th grade
Rye Country Day School is a coeducational, college preparatory school in Rye, New York, dedicated to providing students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 with an excellent education using both traditional and innovative approaches. In a nurturing and supportive environment, we offer a challenging program that stimulates individuals to achieve their maximum potential through academic, athletic, creative and social endeavors. We are actively committed to diversity. We expect and promote moral responsibility and strive to develop strength of character within a respectful school community. Our goal is to foster a lifelong passion for learning, understanding, and service in an ever-changing world.
New York City
AVENUES THE WORLD SCHOOL
259 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
https://www.avenues.org/ny/
Avenues The World School is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Serving toddler–12th grade, a core attribute of the Avenues community is inclusivity. Highlights of their innovative curriculum include language immersion in Chinese or Spanish, project-based learning, interdisciplinary study and the Mastery Program.
BANK STREET SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN
610 West 112th St.
New York, New York 10025
212-875-4433
school.bankstreet.edu
sfcadmissions@bankstreet.edu
Lower School: Preschool – First Grade
Middle School: Second Grade – Fourth Grade
Upper School: Fifth Grade – Eighth Grade
A leader in progressive education for over 100 years, the Bank Street School for Children provides students, from preschool through 8th grade, an education that engages their natural curiosities, nurtures critical thinking, and helps to develop a sense of community and social responsibility. Students learn by doing and, through this process, develop a lifelong love of learning as they build strong academic, social, emotional, and cognitive skills essential for success in school and life. Teaching at Bank Street is fundamentally experiential and child centered, allowing students to develop the courage and confidence to think independently, work collaboratively, understand themselves and others more deeply, and possess the compassion to make a positive impact in the world.
Bank Street’s commitment to diversity is grounded in the belief that schools should represent the demographics of the society in which they exist. The school’s philosophical beliefs and scholarly practice in classrooms have a prominent anti-bias and anti-racist foundation, as well as the social justice and equity-driven curricula, which is reflected in all subject areas. Bank Street School for Children is a gender-inclusive environment. A broad financial aid program provides tuition assistance, based on need, to attract and maintain a range of socio-economic diversity.
BEIT RABBAN DAY SCHOOL
Beit Rabban Day School is home to deep, joyful learning. An intentionally non-denominational school, we model Jewish learning in a community of diverse Jewish families all passionately committed to Jewish life in all its expressions. Our preschool through eighth grade program fuses rigor and wonder to foster active learners who are adept critical thinkers and problem solvers; empowered Jews who possess the fluency, skills and passion to live rich Jewish lives; curious human beings who approach learning as a lifelong endeavor; and kind community members who care for themselves, their immediate communities, and their world.
BROOKLYN MUSIC SCHOOL
(718) 638-5660
126 St. Felix Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
www.brooklynmusicschool.org
The Brooklyn Music School is a community arts organization that has been changing lives through music for more than a century. We are proud to offer an expansive range of programming for all ages and disciplines, both online and in person. We believe in providing our students with opportunities to learn, connect and perform. Our programming reflects our commitment to our mission of increasing the accessibility of high quality Music Education. We cater classes and lessons to all skill levels and everything we offer is available at an affordable cost with Financial Aid available.
At BMS you can explore: After School Programs for grades K-5 (Arts Reaching Youth), Private Lessons for all instruments and ages, Group Classes, Summer Camps, Early Childhood Music (ages 0-5), Musical Theater, Dance, Music & Dance Ensembles, and Music Therapy.
As a community space, we also offer Rehearsal Room Rentals, Theater Space Rentals (240 seats), and Performance Opportunities.
Learn more today about filling your child’s life with the joy of music by visiting www.brooklynmusicschool.org!
C'E MONTESSORI
C'E Montessori is an independent, coeducational Spanish/English dual-language Montessori school for Toddlers through Fourth Grade. The school's philosophy is an evolved take on the Montessori method, and they provide an advanced curriculum that is adapted to the needs of children in NYC today. C'E Montessori is a vibrant community of parents, teachers and children. C'E defines its vision and staff as Modern Montessori Purists - Traditional Montessori in the classroom for their students, transparent accountability and metrics online for their staff and parents. C'E Montessori enrolls children for its three different school programs. Toddlers, Primary and Lower Elementary. Children applying for our Toddler program must be two years old upon enrollment, our Primary (3-6), Lower Elementary (1st-3rd grade), and Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade) programs are mixed aged classrooms. Visit the website for information on virtual tours and admissions information as well as summer camp details.
At C'E Montessori we prepare the child to transform their world, without prejudice to what that world will be, which child will transform it or how it needs to be transformed. We respect the potential of the child and the fundamentals of our ideas enough to allow our students to imagine that world different.
CITY AND COUNTRY SCHOOL
146 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
Director of Admissions: Elise Bauer
https://www.cityandcountry.org
City and Country School, for ages two – eighth grade, is a historically significant progressive school founded in 1914 by pioneer educator Caroline Pratt. Housed in seven brownstones in the West Village, its buildings and courtyards are filled with character and natural light.
Early childhood classrooms follow a simple-by-design philosophy. Children use basic materials including paint, clay, wood, water, and Pratt’s creation: wooden unit blocks, now used the world over. These open-ended materials, along with expert teachers, inspire creativity and collaboration, while promoting attention span and cognition.
Young children also use another of Pratt’s innovative designs: outdoor blocks. Children invent play structures using wooden boxes, blocks, boards, and sawhorses. Older groups use the School’s gym facility; the team sports program is introduced at age 10.
Older children engage in sophisticated historical studies of our diverse world, incorporating themes of social justice. Art, Technology, Music, Science, Woodshop, Rhythms, and Spanish complement their studies of history and culture. A hallmark is the Jobs Program: each group performs a job for the School (for example, school supply store). Through their jobs, children solidify skills in context, and develop authentic confidence, responsibility, and resourcefulness.
Students are accepted to an impressive range of high schools, most attending their top choice.
COLUMBIA GRAMMAR & PREPARATORY SCHOOL
5 West 93rd Street
New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-6200
www.cgps.org
Pre-K - 12th grade
CGPS is a family school dedicated to nurturing, expanding and challenging the interests and passions of all our students from their first years in the Brownstones through graduation, matriculating to the top universities around the world. As one of Manhattan’s largest and most well-resourced independent schools, our dedicated faculty and staff make it feel like the small, student-centered neighborhood school it is at heart—and has been for 260 years.
At CGPS, we cultivate each student’s intrinsic gifts in a program inspired by the bold ideas and practices of our faculty. Our classrooms are dynamic, responsive, liberating spaces that encourage exploration, reflection and excellence, providing the skills necessary to be successful in a myriad of ways.
We believe a balanced education can lead to a powerful life. We invite you to visit our website and learn more about CGPS at www.cgps.org.
The Co-op School
644 Gates Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221
347-721-3408
www.thecoopschool.org
Preschool to 8th Grade
All members of The Co-op School — students, families and staff — contribute to the development of our unique culture. Teachers collaborate and guide students in the dynamic, life-long process of questioning and deepening connections.
We, The Co-op School, believe in and nurture the following Core Values:
Compassion: the strength to work together as a team, to be an individual, to respect differences of opinions, and have the ability to empathize with others.
Uniqueness: the confidence that leads to risk taking, problem solving, and taking pride in one’s own point of view.
Innovation: curiosity, creativity, experimentation and perseverance when faced with challenges.
Community Action: an awareness, respect and care for our surroundings, community and environment.
Joy: the simple joy of playing, learning, and friendship making.
The Co-op School is an inclusive community. We welcome and celebrate students and families who represent the diversity of Brooklyn and beyond, as it relates to race, ethnicity, gender, family structure, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic class and physical ability. We are committed to anti-bias teaching, which for young children is as much about precluding the formation of biases as it is disproving their myths.
CORLEARS SCHOOL
324 West 15th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-741-2800
www.corlearsschool.org
Preschool - 4th grade
In 1968, Corlears School was founded as a nursery/kindergarten school by Irene Neurath and a group of New York City teachers and parents. It was originally located on Grand Street near Corlears Hook on the lower east side of Manhattan. As the school grew, the school moved to its present Chelsea area site in 1971. Corlears School focuses on early childhood and elementary years, up to and including the fourth grade. Class sizes are kept small and offer its young students extra attention. Nursery students are introduced to reading and language skills and are encouraged to communicate their needs and experiences. Letter and word sounds, and rhyming and rhythms are taught using literature and music. Time, spatial relationships, temperature, and weight are used to explore mathematical ideas. In addition to typical toddler creative activities, science is introduced to develop skills of observation and the ability to draw conclusions. Students, kindergarten-through-fourth grade, begin acquiring the basic skills and knowledge for future academic development. The social studies curriculum integrates language arts, math, geography, history, science, and the visual and performing arts. The dance and drama program combines modern dance techniques and creative movement with improvisation and dramatic acting.
THE DALTON SCHOOL
108 East 89th Street
New York, NY 10128
212-423-5200
www.dalton.org
A progressive, K-12 coeducational school in New York City, The Dalton School prepares students to “go forth unafraid.” We are an intentionally diverse community that challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others. Dalton was established on our founder’s belief in the importance of the individual and respect for differences. This core belief has been integrated into the education, thinking, and daily life of the Dalton School community. It continues to be the central charge of the school today.
THE ÉCOLE
Pre-Nursery to 8th Grade
111 East 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
+1 646 410 2238
bonjour@TheEcole.org
www.theecole.org
Located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District, our intimate and independent French-American school cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. At The École, we believe that the goal of education is to develop well-informed, well-rounded, responsible and compassionate students who can create and connect to a world filled with possibilities. This belief is at the heart of our uniquely designed bilingual program, in which students learn to not just speak, read, and write in two languages, but also to think, feel, and act in ways that are informed by two cultures. To always see, explore, and understand the world around them from two perspectives is the gift of the deeply bi-literate student.
Artfully blending the curriculum requirements and pedagogical approaches of the French and American systems, our faculty create rich academic environments for a diverse, international student body. From Maternelle through Middle School, students at The École are guided through the core language arts, social studies, math, and sciences content, as well as character and cultural enrichment, in both French and English. In our intimate classroom settings, our teachers aspire to provide bilingual learning opportunities that engage, challenge and inspire.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NURSERY SCHOOL
(212) 691-3432
www.fpcns.org
The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in the heart of Greenwich Village. The school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. Respect for individuality and community building are centerpieces of the program. The Nursery School is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment, with an educational philosophy based on the theory of Developmental Interaction, the program is enhanced and inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
FPCNS believes that children learn best when they are active participants in their learning. The school offers experienced classroom teachers, along with specialists in Studio Art, Music, Movement, Gardening and a Healthy Snack Program. FPCNS has excellent student teacher ratios in classrooms for children aged 2.0 to 5.3. The nursery school offers large airy classrooms, a roof top playground, and indoor play space for rainy day play. Extended Day programming and an Early Summer program are available for 4s and 5s students. Parent participation is welcome and encouraged. A lending library with over 3000 volumes is a beloved parent run resource. The school actively raises funds to provide financial assistance to families in need.
GREENE HILL SCHOOL
39 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-230-3608
www.greenehillschool.org
Greene Hill School is an independent lower and middle school for children that serves the need of the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill and surrounding Brooklyn communities for affordable and progressive education. We actively involve families in their children’s school and children in their own education. We promote learning through an interdisciplinary curriculum, appreciation of critical thinking and open-ended investigation of neighborhood and beyond. Founded with the understanding that community is the backbone of society, Greene Hill School guides children to become dedicated members of a diverse, democratic society. Greene Hill School has small class sizes and staff dedicated to supporting children as they become confident in their abilities to explore, learn, demonstrate compassion, and be inspired.
We at Greene Hill understand that realistically it is a challenge to operate an independent school with low tuition rates, but are committed to working toward our goal of having Greene Hill School be a viable option for members of our community without tuition being a barrier. For this reason, we offer a sliding scale tuition.
HANNAH SENESH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL
Learn with joy. Live with conviction. Find your community.
Walk through the doors of Senesh and you’ll find an open and inclusive Jewish day school, where K-8 students from all different backgrounds are growing into ever more curious, kind, and confident people.
At Senesh, we embrace the unique gifts that each child brings to our community. By creating an environment that cultivates critical thinking, rewards curiosity, and centers a sense of belonging, we guide students on a journey of intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth.
We hope you will come visit us and see the magic of Senesh for yourself. Our doors are open and we invite you in.
342 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
hannahsenesh.org | (718) 858-8663 | admissions@hannahsenesh.org
THE HEWITT SCHOOL
45 East 75 th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-288-1919
www.hewittschool.org
At Hewitt, we believe that the key to a meaningful life is to connect authentically to self and others, and to a sense of purpose. The Hewitt experience is full of human interaction, with teaching and learning that are highly interactive and personalized to the individual girl.
Our curriculum is guided by the belief that the harder an accomplishment is, the greater the feeling of reward for having accomplished it. But achievement, accolades, and a great resume are, in and of themselves, insufficient end goals. A Hewitt girl learns to transcend the short-term, narrow definitions of success and fix her gaze on a longer horizon: contributing to the world as only she can. By understanding and ultimately surpassing society’s often-rigid expectations for how girls should behave and succeed, a Hewitt girl displays a rare combination of empowerment and empathy, camaraderie and compassion, grit and grace, all the while constructing a life uniquely her own and of consequence to something larger than herself.
Our program is carefully constructed around four academic pillars—presence, empathy, research and purpose—that shape the way our teachers teach, our students learn and, ultimately, the way both our teachers and students live their lives.
THE IDEAL SCHOOL OF MANHATTAN
5 Hanover Square
New York, NY 10004
https://www.theidealschool.org/
A Small School That’s Big on Inclusion
The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York’s only K-12+ independent inclusion school. Our mission is to affirm and accept the full identities of all people while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.
The school’s core principles are built into its name: Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, Acceptance, and Leadership. Every aspect of the IDEAL experience--instruction, assessment, program, enrichment--reflects a research-based commitment to inclusion education.
At IDEAL, we believe that differentiated learning is the key to academic excellence. We offer a supportive environment where all identities and abilities are celebrated. Our diverse and nurturing community thrives in a robust academic program, where students recognize their potential to effect change and gain the tools to do so, seeking out the difference, and understanding that only in the community are we IDEAL.
IDEAL’s curriculum and programs are multicultural by design, and social justice and anti-bias instruction are built-in and given dedicated instructional time. Immersion in the arts and a differentiated athletic program as well as service-learning opportunities round out the IDEAL experience.
Schedule a visit to learn more about New York’s only K-12+ independent inclusion school, including our post-secondary Next Steps Transition Program for students aged 18-21.
THE INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOLS
There’s a reason our students love coming to school: they feel part of a lively, diverse and supportive community. For over 55 years we’ve been helping the children of generations of American and international families in New York City build the confidence, self-esteem, and academic foundation that will sustain them for a lifetime as citizens of the world.
We believe in creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel secure and gain confidence in their own abilities. We believe that by sharing aspects of their home culture through music, dance, food, language and dress, children expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. We welcome children who speak little or no English at home and believe that English speaking children benefit as they observe and help their peers learn English.
Through our structured, teacher-led play-based activities, children learn naturally how to think, how to solve problems, and how to achieve goals. How to express their ideas and emotions, how to cooperate, collaborate and respect each other, how to be a friend. While having fun they develop the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive foundations they need to succeed — not just in their next school, but throughout their lives.
THE KEW-FOREST SCHOOL
119-17 Union Turnpike
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 268-4667
www.kewforest.org
THE LANG SCHOOL
26 Broadway Suite 900
New York, NY 10004
347-572-6971
admissions@thelangschool.org
www.thelangschool.org
Kindergarten - 12th Grade
The Lang School educates twice-exceptional (2e) children — gifted students with learning differences. We offer these highly promising learners a rigorous, child-centered, empirically validated education with integrated supports that address academic challenges, self-regulation, and social-emotional learning and fosters independence and self-advocacy. At Lang, students thrive – often for the first time – learning at their level with ability and affinity peers in small classes of no more than 12 students. Our rigorous, standards-based academics evolve to challenge students as they grow and develop commitment and resilience. Our Talent Development program inspires passions, creativity and a sense of purpose. We model and teach students to own their impact, and empower them to speak up and stand up for equity and social justice. For most people, the school years are about fitting in, while adulthood is about standing out; for 2e children, standing out comes early. At Lang, through the nurturing of purpose, passion, and talent, exceptionality is not only recognized but celebrated.
LYCEUM KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
https://www.lyceumkennedy.org/
Admissions@lyceumkennedy.org
Lower School Campus:
225 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
Upper School Campus:
815 Second Avenue 2nd floor
New York, NY 10017
Lyceum Kennedy International School is home to a unique and diverse community in Midtown, Manhattan, and steps away from Grand Central Station and the United Nations. We offer two immersive bilingual programs: French-English (nursery to 12th grade) and Japanese-English (nursery to kindergarten) where students receive rigorous, individualized education made possible by small class sizes led by dedicated teachers.
Our school provides transformative dual-language experiences, empowering students to become culturally competent global citizens. We are accredited by the French Ministry of Education from nursery to 9th grade and are a part of the network of the French Schools in Foreign Countries Agency (AEFE), which includes over 500 schools worldwide. We are also regulated by the New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (nursery to kindergarten) and the New York State Board of Regents (1st to 12th grade).
Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th graders offers French and English tracks, giving students opportunities to attend a variety of top-rated universities around the world.
Schedule a visit and browse our website to learn more about the benefits of bilingual education and why Lyceum Kennedy is the right choice for your child!
MANHATTAN COUNTRY SCHOOL
150 W. 85th St.
New York, NY 10024
212-348-0952
www.manhattancountryschool.org
PreK - 8th grade
Manhattan Country School is a pre-K through eighth-grade co-ed elementary school where children are members of a collaborative learning community. A recognized leader in progressive education, Manhattan Country School offers a cohesive, challenging academic program--one in which teachers rely on experiential learning and creative pursuits to stimulate the intellect. In addition to being well-trained in the academic disciplines, students acquire a deep understanding of activism and social justice and develop the strength and resources to effect change and pursue their goals. The student body reflects the diversity of New York City, with no racial group accounting for more than 50 percent. This diversity is supported by an innovative sliding-scale tuition program that enables every family to pay according to its means. A unique feature of the school is the award-winning MCS Farm in the Catskill Mountains. The farm program engages students with the natural processes that support life and provides an unparalleled experience of social growth. Manhattan Country School students graduate with highly developed critical-thinking skills, a sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of our multicultural world. They go on to attend a variety of highly selective independent, public and parochial high schools, and boarding schools.
MARY McDOWELL FRIENDS SCHOOL
Mary McDowell Friends School is a K-12 college preparatory program dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, we cultivate a diverse and anti-racist community in which all students can reach their full potential. Our specialized teaching methodologies and challenging curricula empower students to become academic achievers, creative thinkers, advocates for equity, and contributing members of a global society.
We support our students in their academic journey with structured, multisensory curricula; differentiated instruction; small class sizes; and an engaging approach to learning, empowering them to be their own best advocates at school and beyond. We believe that all of our students can learn when given the attention and specialized resources they need. Our efforts extend beyond the classroom, incorporating the visual and performing arts, athletic teams, field studies programs, cross-cultural travel, and service-learning. Our college preparatory program is rich, supportive, and academically-rigorous.
The school has three campuses in Brooklyn: a newly renovated lower school in Boerum Hill, a middle school in Carroll Gardens, and an upper school in Brooklyn Heights. new.marymcdowell.org.
MARYMOUNT SCHOOL OF NEW YORK
1026 Fifth Ave
NY, NY 10028
marymountnyc.org
Marymount School of New York is an N-XII independent day school that educates young women to challenge, shape, and change the world. Recognized as a leader in innovative teaching and learning, Marymount is the only private all-girls school in New York City to be named an Apple Distinguished School. With a strong emphasis on STEAM, Marymount is a pioneer in digital learning, financial literacy, and maker education. Our students are active, hands-on learners who take smart intellectual risks in a safe, supportive environment.
With our flagship campus on Museum Mile, Marymount offers a robust humanities curriculum that is enhanced by our unique relationship with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, students build a solid foundation for ethical decision-making and the pursuit of social justice. A wide range of extra-curriculars and athletics complements the academic program and offers opportunities for creativity, leadership, and collaboration.
Montclare Children’s School
747 Amsterdam, Ave.,
New York, NY 10025
www.montclareschool.org
Nestled in a beautiful landmark building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Montclare Children’s School’s community reflects our international and culturally diverse neighborhood. Our enriched, balanced curriculum and primarily teacher-guided approach promote the highest levels of cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and ethical development, in a secure, stimulating, playful learning environment.
Our teachers scaffold opportunities for our students to problem solve, learn conflict resolution, and manage frustration and expectations, and our supportive preschool setting encourages kindergarten readiness.
Learning to transition, follow routines, and engage in cooperative play, children build confidence and independence. Our teachers encourage meaningful interactions and friendships, further boosting a child’s secure sense of self. Students also explore open-ended process art in our luminous art studio in addition to enjoying many opportunities throughout the day to engage in unstructured, imaginative play.
Through inquiry, discussion, and exploration our program fosters reflective thinking and abstract reasoning. Our curriculum promotes logical thinking by introducing skills in context and providing concrete materials. The acquisition of knowledge bolsters self-esteem and learning with others greatly enhances social intelligence.
Montclare’s dedicated teachers and administrators work together and with our children and their families to create the best possible educational environment for all of our students.
NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEW YORK (NAISNY)
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/nais-new-york
Nord Anglia International School New York (NAISNY), situated in Manhattan, prides itself on a diverse and inclusive community with 58% local New Yorkers and 42% international students. The school celebrates cultural diversity, even having its own NAISNY cookbook. Offering a British International curriculum, NAISNY prepares students for top US high schools. It caters to students from ages 2 to 8th grade, providing personalized learning through highly qualified teachers and specialist instructors in subjects such as Spanish, Music, Sports, Drama, and Dance.
NAISNY enhances education with enriching day trips and residential excursions. Middle school students engage in five-day trips like the Global Games and the Juilliard Creative Arts trip, while younger students enjoy a week-long trip to upstate New York. The school collaborates with MIT, UNICEF, and Juilliard to deliver a unique educational experience. From primary school, students receive swimming lessons and participate in global Nord Anglia academic challenges. Additional languages offered include Mandarin, French, and Italian.
NAISNY offers in-person tours and rolling admissions, ensuring access to its comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for a global student body.
We have a fantastic and welcoming community and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. We can’t wait to meet you!
OPEN HOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL
318 Warren Street Suite A
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.625.5252
www.openhousekids.org
For over 50 years, Open House has maintained an open door to all families and their children aged 2-5. At Open House, we believe in the central importance of a child’s social and emotional growth. We provide many rich play-based experiences in art, music, math, natural science, and literature, and through these, children gain cognitive skills and a confident social identity. Our developmentally sensitive and interactive approach allows children to be both self-directed and adult-supported.
Our school, located steps from the Bergen Street F/G stop, was designed with young children in mind and has five classrooms and a sunny enclosed rooftop playground. We offer highly flexible scheduling, with extended days, so that families may create programs that best suit their needs.
In keeping with our progressive educational philosophy, no screening, interview, or formal application determines admission to Open House. All that is required is interest, as established by taking a tour, filling out a brief application form, and paying an application fee of $100. Please visit www.openhousekids.org for more information and to schedule a tour.
We look forward to seeing you at Open House!
PETITS POUSSINS
VHG Group, Day Cares, and Preschools, welcomes students from all cultures and backgrounds and always values their identity and heritage. Our French, Spanish, and English-speaking teams motivate and guide our Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers in becoming independent, confident, and caring young minds in a bilingual setting.
At VHG Group/Petits Poussins, we believe that everything is language, whatever your native tongue: a smile is language, a hug is language, art is language, dance is language and music speaks volumes. We believe diversity is a strength in the world we live in and should continuously be celebrated. We want our students to be the next global leaders while becoming independent, confident, empathetic, and caring, in our bilingual setting. At VHG Group, we make learning FUN! Our children’s well-being, happiness, and academic and language development are at the foundation of our learning model.
Feel free to contact us for more information at 718-710-4403.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH SCHOOL
https://www.plymouthchurchschool.org/
Plymouth Church School is a special place where children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the world around them. Our school’s philosophy is based on three principal goals: to help children develop a strong sense of self, to impart the importance of community, and to foster a life-long love of learning. By providing a warm, nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to make choices and pursue interests, we seek to help each child discover their unique place in the world.
At Plymouth, children use their natural curiosity to build knowledge and make connections. Children are active hands-on participants in their learning, constructing knowledge as they explore materials and concepts with their teachers and peers. Our emergent, project-based curriculum engages children’s interests, ideas, experiences and sense of wonder. Through in-depth studies children learn to ask questions, make meaningful connections, solve problems, communicate ideas and reflect on their work. Academic skills are embedded throughout the curriculum. Building community is integral to our school. On Friday mornings we gather together for Chapel to celebrate our week through song and to share and reflect on what we’ve learned.
Our carefully designed spaces—including nine classrooms, an art atelier, materials center, library, music room, plus our expansive gymnasium and outdoor playground—inspire discovery and learning.
Music and movement, art and library specialists meet with the children weekly.
PROFESSIONAL CHILDREN’S SCHOOL
132 West 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
pcs-nyc.org
Professional Children's School provides a challenging and engaging college preparatory program for busy actors, dancers, athletes, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs and others who are serious about their studies. Juggling the demands of an outside pursuit with traditional schooling can be a challenge for any young person, however committed they and their families are to an academic education. PCS emphasizes the importance of classroom learning while offering the option of a flexible schedule and distance learning, allowing students to balance time in the classroom with outside pursuits. PCS accepts fall and mid-year applications for grades 6 - 12 on a rolling basis.
Contact Director of Admissions, Lori Gigliotti Murphy at lmurphy@pcs-nyc.org or 212-582-3116 for more information or to schedule a virtual or in person visit.
PUSTEBLUME INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL
244 West 14th Street, NYC
212-206-1137
info@pusteblumenyc.org
www.pusteblumenyc.org
Pusteblume International Preschool is NYC’s only non-profit, fully licensed, independent preschool offering German and Spanish language immersion. Some of our children participate in both language programs on a weekly rotation.
We combine the best of international and American teaching methods in a nurturing setting, that cultivates the growth and development of your child. Our unique, NY State-approved curriculum is built around inquiry and exploration in the classroom, the school community, and the vibrant city that surrounds us. Our licensed, native-speaking faculty teaches music, movement, mathematical concepts, literacy, and visual arts in a fun and warm learning environment.
Pusteblume’s beautifully appointed, light-filled facility features a large playroom that allows children to move freely even when the weather does not cooperate. We are conveniently located near multiple playgrounds and parks and are only steps away from various major transportation options.
Our preschool program admits children 2 to 5 years of age; the activity-based after-school/enrichment programs welcome children up to 12 years old and are open to students from other schools.
At Pusteblume we have created a multilingual, multicultural environment that prepares your child to participate and succeed in our international world.
ST. HILDA’S & ST. HUGH’S
St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s is an independent, Episcopal school for boys and girls. We welcome boys and girls as young as 2 for our early childhood and elementary programs. Our upper division welcomes students from fourth grade through eighth.
Founded in 1950, the school endeavors to create and educate a community diverse in race, culture, and religious beliefs, preparing its students to make meaningful contributions to our global society. Our mission statement draws upon the belief that learning occurs best in a diverse environment, open to all influences, and that it must be a product of critical analysis.
Located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the school serves over 300 students from neighborhoods throughout New York City.
TWIN PARKS MONTESSORI SCHOOLS
Central Park Montessori
1 West 91st St., NYC 10024
(212)595-2000
enroll@twinparks.org
Park West Montessori School
435 Central Park West, NYC 10025
(212)678-6072
pwadmissions@twinparks.org
Riverside Montessori School
202 Riverside Dr., NYC 10025
(212) 665-1600
admissions@twinparks.org
Twin Parks Montessori Schools (TPMS), www.twinparks.org, are accredited by the American Montessori Society, the Middle States Commission and are affiliates schools of Columbia University. TPMS provide nurturing, child-centered settings for children ages 3 months-6 years. TPMS are committed to fostering a community of lifelong learners using proven Montessori methodology. Problem solving and creativity are emphasized along with age-appropriate academic subjects. TPMS are among Manhattan’s most spacious preschools, offering rich and varied environments— from individual activity tables to open floor areas promoting group interaction, from the quiet areas for independent interests to the abundance of the Schools’ glorious backyards: Central and Riverside Parks. Each of these environments invites exploration, discovery and fully meets the developmental needs of young children.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
272-278 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014
212-691-5146
www.vcsnyc.org
Co-ed, Kindergarten – 8th grade
Admissions Director: Esther Lee
Assistant Director of Admissions: Brandyn Solano
Village Community School develops self-motivated students who value the challenging and rewarding process of learning as an integral part of life. We choose to be a diverse community where equity, creativity and critical thinking are essential to the rigorous education we provide. Our graduates are skilled and confident, able to advocate for themselves and others. They are well prepared for high school and for their futures in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
VCS provides a culture of achievement where students radiate intellectual vitality – reaching and advancing beyond traditional notions of what K-8 students can accomplish. VCS students live their learning through active experiences that delve deeply into subject matter and make connections between disciplines.
WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
309 West 92nd St.
New York, NY 10025
212-662-8000
www.wsmsnyc.org
ages 3 months- 6 years old
Mimi Basso, Head of School
Judy Lyons, Director of Admissions
West Side Montessori School … where to begin a lifetime of learning.
Since 1963, West Side Montessori School has provided an exceptional early childhood education within a welcoming and richly diverse community. Here, children are nurtured, families find friendship and support and faculty can flourish. We embody the best practices that have evolved in early childhood and Montessori education, and as a community of learners, we use the process of self-reflection to continually improve what we know and what we do to best support our students. We share our growing understanding of early childhood education and our findings with parents and with the broader educational community. Our mission is made feasible by our outstanding faculty and is further enhanced by our internationally recognized teacher education program.
We will open an Infant, Toddler, and Twos Center at the Dahlia, 212 West 95th Street, in January '25 for children aged 3 months to 2 years.
We maintain our unique identity by:
Actively involving families in their children’s educational lives.
Modeling our belief in the importance of diversity.
Living our Montessori philosophy.
Continually building on our knowledge of child development and Montessori education.
WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Winston Preparatory School is a network of campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized, holistic, and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12, along with a multifaceted gap year program for students who are not yet ready for college or the workplace. At Winston Prep, faculty carry out ongoing, in-depth assessments to cultivate a deep understanding of students, helping them to advance at a meaningful pace and giving them the tools to continue independently learning and growing.
All of our campuses provide intense skill remediation while fostering independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness. They include two sites in New York City and one each in New Jersey, Connecticut, on Long Island, and our newest campus in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last year, we also launched Winston Online Learning, an innovative, individualized program that allows students to participate from anywhere in the country. To learn more about Winston Prep, visit www.winstonprep.edu.
YORK PREP
40 West 68th St.
New York, NY 10023
www.yorkprep.org
York Prep is a New York City independent school committed to creating a nurturing environment that challenges and supports each student in a diverse and inclusive setting. Compassionate educators guide students through a traditional and rigorous curriculum, while employing a range of innovative techniques to cultivate each individual student’s skills, abilities, and interests. York strives to support all students as they grow into lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Their program offers an unparalleled Jump Start Program with one on one personalized attention, along with Honors courses, AP classes, and a world class Scholars Program. The thorough and student-centered college counseling program provides guidance tailored to each student’s particular needs and interests.
York has built a community based on a fundamental principle. As founder and headmaster, Ronald Stewart, loves to say, “Character trumps Algebra.” While the curriculum is challenging and prepares students to succeed academically in top schools, York prepares them to do much more than just earn good grades. York prepares them to be confident people of character.
“My daughter’s success is due to all the dedicated staff and faculty at York. I am proud of my daughter’s achievements but if she were a beautiful flower, York would be the sun and the rain.” -York Prep Parent
BENCHMARK SCHOOL
Students who learn differently need a program tailored to the way they learn best, and that’s what Benchmark School provides.
Benchmark School in Media, PA is an internationally recognized leader in providing effective, individualized education for bright children in grades 1-8 who have dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences.
At Benchmark School, our exclusive approach goes beyond basic reading programs to reach the whole child. The Benchmark Approach is a unique way of teaching children with dyslexia, executive functioning issues (ADHD/ADD, auditory and visual processing differences), and other language-based learning differences.
Developed and refined over decades of research and hands-on experience, the Benchmark Approach teaches children how to be critical, analytical thinkers with excellent emotional, social, and decision-making skills.
The Benchmark Approach is intentional, reflective, supportive, and teaches the whole child. Our approach meets children where they are, and creates personalized instruction for each student. We use an array of tools and strategies—honed over fifty years—to scaffold student success.
When our graduates leave Benchmark School, they are confident and competent learners who know their learning styles intimately, and can advocate for their own success. Thousands of alumni credit Benchmark School with their achievements as learners and in life. Lauren Pyle '04 says, “I came to Benchmark because it catered to my unique learning style; other places couldn’t do that for me which stifled my ability to grow. Benchmark took the time to understand how I was different then gave me the tools to be successful.”
Visit at benchmarkschool.org.
BUCKINGHAM FRIENDS SCHOOL
5684 York Road
Lahaska, PA 18931
215-794-7491
www.bfs.org
Grades K-8
Buckingham Friends School: Individual Promise. Inspiring Curriculum. Inviting Community.
At Buckingham Friends School, an independent K-8 school, we believe deeply that each individual, at every age, offers unique and powerful promise. We cultivate that promise through our flexible and responsive curriculum, within our comprehensive value-added programs that add breadth and depth to their individual learning experience, and within a diverse and inviting community. We are excited to get to know you, and discover together how your child can thrive with BFS.
For more information or to register for a personal tour, visit www.bfs.org or contact our Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Melissa Clayton, at mclayton@bfs.org.
CENTER SCHOOL
https://www.centerschoolpa.org/
Center School, based in Abington, PA, is a tuition-bearing private school for students diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder and/or executive function disorder, in grades 1-8.
Center School is dedicated to designing specific instruction that focuses on literacy, mathematics, and writing, by utilizing programs such as the evidence-based Wilson Reading Program (WRS) and Orton-Gillingham. On average, students make almost two years’ worth of reading growth in one academic year.
Families can apply at any time to Center School through its rolling admissions process.
Personal tours and information sessions are offered upon request. To learn more: www.centerschoolpa.org | 215.657.2200 | centerschool@centerschoolpa.org.
THE CREFELD SCHOOL
8836 Crefeld Street
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-242-5545
www.crefeld.org
7th - 12th grade
A gender-inclusive school, serving students in grades 7 through 12, The Crefeld School's mission is to graduate self-aware, empathetic, lifelong learners, who possess an appreciation for diverse perspectives, their role in society, and their ability to act as agents of change. Located in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Crefeld provides an intentionally different college preparatory program to help students become their best selves.
Values
• Trust-based system: Everyone at Crefeld is a member of the community. As members of this community, trust is essential to our functioning.
• Commitment to social justice: We believe it is our responsibility to do what we can to eliminate bias based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, political affiliation, national origin, or disability.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Crefeld is committed to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are critical for advancing knowledge, sparking innovation, and creating sustainable communities.
• Strength-based approach: At Crefeld, we celebrate what students do well every day and help develop compensation strategies for areas of growth.
• Embrace individuality: Through the advisory system, each student is recognized as an individual and has a well-supported designated advocate monitoring their education at Crefeld.
DELAWARE VALLEY FRIENDS SCHOOL
19 E. Central Ave.,
Paoli, PA 19301
www.dvfriends.org
DVFriends is one of the nation’s best schools for bright students who learn differently. We welcome students in grades 1 to 12 with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), memory (long-term and working), processing speed, ADHD and executive functioning challenges. Our purposeful Quaker culture recognizes and honors the inherent worth of all students while nurturing a community that is diverse and inclusive in every way.
This philosophy underlies all we do to help students discover and grow their strengths and celebrate their differences. We have an exceptional track record of preparing students to succeed in college and beyond. A high percentage (98%) of DVFriends graduates apply and choose to attend a broad range of higher education programs, including 4-year colleges and universities, top art and culinary schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. Our faculty develops authentic partnerships with students and their families to build trust that fosters accountability and yields achievement. Our research-based, multisensory teaching techniques empower students to develop tools for their unique learning styles. Applying innovation and deep expertise, DVFriends teachers guide students to embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in school and beyond.
Learn more at www.dvfriends.org.
FANNY EDEL FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL
4060 Allequippa Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-8024
https://falkschool.pitt.edu
Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School is a K-8 tuition-based campus laboratory school affiliated with the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Since 1931, Falk has been known for providing a learning environment that is grounded in community, diversity, progressive and experiential education, individualized instruction and a low teacher-student ratio. Being grounded in progressive education principles means the school community has a child-centered approach to learning that focuses on the social, emotional, and academic needs of each individual. It also means an emphasis on collaboration, intrinsic motivation, and active learning. The Falk community is also guided by the thoughts and intentions found within the faculty created booklet, Wishes for our Children.
Each year, our 60 faculty and staff members work with more than 6 intern teachers, 25 student teachers, researchers, and visitors to perform the major functions associated to Laboratory Schools: the development of innovative practices in education, research, the preparation of new teachers, professional development for practicing teachers, and the education of children using best established principles of education.
For more information please visit https://falkschool.pitt.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (412) 624-8024.
FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL
1101 City Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
610-649-7440
www.friendscentral.org
Nursery - Grade 12
Friends’ Central School is an independent, Quaker, co-educational, college-preparatory day school for students in Nursery through grade 12, located on 41 acres across two campuses in Wynnewood, Pa. Guided by Quaker values since 1845, Friends’ Central cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of students.
Friends' Central is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive, diverse community. A basic tenet of Quakerism is the belief that there is a divine spark in everyone, recognizing the spiritual equality of all persons. All constituencies are responsible for an awareness of and ongoing dialogue around equity issues of race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, privilege, religion, physical ability, and family structure. We honor each perspective and life experience, and through an intentional curriculum and differentiated methods of teaching, we seek to empower and engage all groups.
Friends’ Central is committed to education that is challenging, thoughtful, and dynamic. Our faculty set increasingly high standards, encouraging students to approach new ideas with an open mind and unreserved respect for one another. Our students participate in a process designed to foster creative, critical, independent, and flexible thinking, and our graduates are prepared to succeed in college and the world beyond.
At Friends’ Central, we go further. We grow stronger through collaboration, dig deeper for new knowledge, and aim higher in the pursuit of intellectual promise.
To learn more, check out our website!
FRIENDS SCHOOL HAVERFORD
851 Buck Lane
Haverford, PA 19041
610-642-2334
www.friendshaverford.org
Nursery School - Grade 5
Founded in 1885, Friends School Haverford is a coeducational Quaker school for students in nursery school through grade 5.
We provide an intellectually rich program to an intentionally diverse school community. We promote academic scholarship, creativity, respect, integrity, and self-awareness with a commitment to creating a culture of stewardship and kindness. Friends School Haverford graduates are uniquely prepared to go forth with boldness of intellect and character.
Our program is rooted in academic challenge, intellectual vigor, artistic expression, service, and kindness. We encourage children’s curiosity, creativity, and joy of discovery as they grow intellectually, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
We foster an atmosphere in which students learn to work independently and in cooperation with others. They are challenged to question, explore, reflect, reason, and communicate effectively.
We teach our students to be contributing members of the community, to grow and to change with flexibility and courage, and to treat others with care and understanding.
Friends School Haverford graduates possess the intellectual and spiritual skills necessary to envision and create successful and meaningful lives.
To lean more, COME VISIT!
GEORGE SCHOOL
A global school with local roots, George School is a Quaker, co-ed, boarding and day high school located on a picturesque, 240-acre campus of open lawns and beautiful woods in Newtown, PA.
George School’s distinctive and customizable Signature Academic Program includes options for local and global experiential learning and truly allows students to live out its mission “to treasure learning for its own sake and use it to benefit a diverse world.” It is also one of few U.S. boarding schools to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. With the help of a strong and vibrant community, all students are supported as they chart their own path—one that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Email admission@georgeschool.org, call 215.579.6547, or visit www.georgeschool.org to learn more about applying to George School.
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
340 Morris Road
Fort Washington, PA 19034
admission@germantownacademy.net
www.germantownacademy.net
GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
31 West Coulter Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-951-2300
www.germantownfriends.org
Early Childhood-12th grade
Founded in 1845, Germantown Friends School (GFS) is a Quaker, co-ed, independent day school for students in preschool through grade 12. Germantown Friends School is dedicated to reaching that of God in every person; the school mission is to seek truth, challenge the intellect, honor differences, embrace the city, and nurture each student’s mind, body and spirit.
Located in the historic neighborhood of Germantown in Northwestern Philadelphia, GFS is nationally known for its academic excellence, attention to the Quaker values of Peace, Equity, and Integrity, a commitment to diversity, and its long-standing dedication to community engagement and neighborhood partnerships.
GFS seeks bright and eager students who demonstrate the potential to engage deeply with an intellectually rigorous academic program, and who will contribute to our vibrant school community.
Contact admissions@germantownfriends.org, call 215-951-2345, or visit www.germantownfriends.org/admissions to learn more about applying to Germantown Friends School.
GREENE TOWNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA
https://gtms.org/
Greene Towne Montessori School is dedicated to providing a stimulating learning environment for children ages 18 months to 6 years, consistent with the values and principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Greene Towne’s curriculum is designed to develop each child’s full human potential—emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially—and to foster a life-long love of learning. Each classroom, with a mix of ages, encourages children of different abilities and backgrounds to interact and learn from each other in a non-competitive environment. At Greene Towne, your child builds the skills and self-assurance that lead to a lifetime of learning. Greene Towne is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the PA Association of Independent Schools.
GWYNEDD FRIENDS SCHOOL
http://www.gwyneddfriendsschool.org/
Mission: Rooted in Quaker values, GFS unites play with academics in an environment that inspires respect, reflection, and confidence in young children.
Philosophy: Our foundation is the Quaker belief that there is "that of God" in every person. In keeping with that belief, we treat each child as a special individual. We help them develop a love of learning, and nurture a caring awareness of the broader community through service. The curriculum is based on the Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship, and is communicated through playful learning and hands-on discovery. Children are inspired to learn through the natural setting of our campus. We encourage a strong sense of school community, strive to be intentionally inclusive, and give children skills and opportunities to become peace makers.
Vision: GFS students use their foundation of curiosity, caring, and a love for learning to develop their talents to the fullest and to become responsible global citizens who contribute positively to their chosen communities.
THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL
450 Lancaster Ave
Haverford, PA 19041
haverford.org
The Haverford School is a vibrant, private day school for remarkable boys, pre-kindergarten-12th grade. Our campus is located on Philadelphia's Main Line.
The Haverford School is a leader in educating boys, and our boys are at the heart of all we do. They are talented scholars, artists, and athletes – and so much more. Our extraordinary educators and best-for-boys teaching methods challenge and inspire every student, while our intentional Character and Citizenship program builds men of strong empathy, integrity, and courage.
The Haverford School community prepares boys for life by developing men of character, intellect, and compassion who will transform our world.
The Haverford School will create and nurture a supportive and inclusive community in which boys develop a passion for lifelong learning, creative problem solving, and sound decision making. We will inspire our students to be intellectually curious and provide them with the skills and judgment to flourish in our rapidly changing world.
Learn more at haverford.org.
LANSDOWNE FRIENDS SCHOOL
110 N. Lansdowne Ave.
Lansdowne, PA 19050
610-623-2548
www.lansdownefriendsschool.org
Pre-K through 6th grade
Lansdowne Friends School (Pre-K through 6th grade), located fifteen minutes from University City, engages children as they develop academically, socially and spiritually. Grounded in Quaker values, our challenging program builds on the natural curiosity our children have for their immediate surroundings. Our green campus within the walkable community of Lansdowne supports the exploration of our students’ ever-changing world. Our goals for children include growth in academic skills; cultivation of an inner discipline and a strong sense of self and community; enjoyment of learning; and development of respect, compassion and care for others.
MEDIA-PROVIDENCE FRIENDS SCHOOL
Founded in 1876, Media-Providence Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for students in age 2 through grade 8 located in downtown Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
MPFS is committed to fostering positive identities (racial, gender, religion, sexuality, family structure, class & ability) in our students, staff, families, and trustees, and encourage their personal development by:
• Raising awareness and building literacy by engaging in explicit conversations about our identities
• Honoring the intersectionality that exists within ourselves and members of our community, thus increasing our capacity for empathy
• Encouraging our community to take action when they see injustice, prejudice, and bigotry in the world
We understand this work is dynamic and ongoing, and will require us to continue to learn and grow. A close-knit learning community, MPFS offers students big views of the world ahead. Here, in small classes, under the caring tutelage of early childhood, elementary school and adolescent experts who love what they do, students from different backgrounds and faiths grow up together, immersed in an academic environment that speaks to all the aspects of their beings: intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual.
Every day, students at Friends are engaged in the processes of learning and discovery in contexts that honor the values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service. As they reflect upon what they hear, see and feel, make connections between lessons and life, construct knowledge and act upon their convictions, they learn that learning itself is a lifetime pursuit.
We encourage all prospective families to RSVP to a Virtual Open House at mpfs.org/rsvp. Please contact Angela DiMaria, Assistant Head of School and Director of Admissions & Program, with any questions at adimaria@mpfs.org or 610-565-1960 ext. 104.
THE MIQUON SCHOOL
2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken
610.828.1231
miquon.org
For more than 90 years, Miquon has been celebrating childhood with innovative, student-centered teaching practices. Time spent outdoors, collaborative learning, a strong sense of community, and thoughtful, reflective teachers are the cornerstones of our Progressive program. Located just outside of Philadelphia, our nearly 11-acre campus includes fields, a bamboo forest, and a creek and is an integral part of a Miquon education. Learning often looks like play as teachers incorporate the natural world into curricula and lesson plans.
Miquon values racial, ethnic, economic, religious, gender, and social diversity and actively seeks community members who represent and broaden that diversity. Each year, we enroll approximately 150 students in mixed-age groups (nursery through sixth grade), typically 18-22 children in size with two dedicated teachers in each classroom. Come see what makes us different.
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA
215-545-5323
http://www.tpschool.org
The first day of school for TPS was 50 years ago. Today, we remain a leader and whole-hearted champion for the preschool through 8th grade progressive education on which we were founded. We know that when children and teachers are partners in their learning, it brings a deeper understanding and appreciation to their studies. It helps create confident, curious, and compassionate children who advocate for themselves and others. Together, each child progresses forward and finds their place as a learner and as an individual.
And this learning happens EVERYWHERE – in our city, in the country, and in the classroom. Connecting our lessons to the real world helps children connect the dots and understand how they fit into the big picture. It’s how lifelong learners are born. It all happens in a community built upon meaningful relationships that help us all listen, learn, and welcome diverse perspectives. We wonder together, we discover together, we laugh together, we make mistakes together, and we learn together. TPS graduates emerge as confident leaders with a true sense of self and confidence to take on what’s next. We’ve always thought outside of the classroom. We’ll be doing the same for the next 50 years.
PLYMOUTH MEETING FRIENDS SCHOOL
PMFS is a community of joyful learners, from Pre-K (3 years old) through Sixth Grade. Students thrive in a challenging and supportive environment that promotes active learning and critical thinking. The natural beauty of our 11-acre campus serves as an extension of the classroom, inspiring students to connect with nature and develop a deep appreciation for the environment. Distinctive programs such as multi-day trips in 2nd-6th grade, circus arts in 4th grade, and our Mexican Exchange Program in 5th grade help build resilience and independence, creating students who are well prepared for success as they move onto larger private and public middle schools.
Through the practice of Quaker values, students are encouraged to develop their sense of self, explore their spiritual identities, and become compassionate individuals who positively impact their communities. We place great emphasis on service-learning projects that encourage students to actively engage with the broader community and make a positive impact. Whether it's participating in local charitable events or organizing fundraisers, PMFS instills a sense of social responsibility that extends beyond the classroom. PMFS is a place where diversity is embraced as we are committed to preparing our students to navigate an interconnected world and become compassionate, responsible and engaged global citizens. PMFS understands the significance of maintaining a safe and inclusive space for all. Belonging is not simply an ideal, it is woven into the fabric of everyday life at Plymouth. We recognize that a sense of belonging extends beyond the classroom; and we are intentional about creating opportunities for students, families and community partners to feel seen, heard and affirmed. Our commitment to academics, community values, experiential learning, inclusivity and social justice enables us to be a nurturing haven for students and their families. By blending tradition with innovation, Plymouth Meeting Friends School prepares its students to make a meaningful, powerful and positive impact on the world around them.
RIVER VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL
1395 Bridgeton Hill Rd
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
610-982-5606
www.rivervalleyschool.org
River Valley Waldorf School is located on a picturesque 7-acre setting in Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 40 minutes from the Lehigh Valley and just over an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. A learning environment where all are welcome, River Valley was first established in 1999 as a Waldorf kindergarten and grew into a thriving PreK - 8th grade school.
River Valley Waldorf School focuses on children learning by doing, in a screen-free and nature-based environment, preparing self-confident, independent thinkers who are culturally aware, socially responsible, and globally conscious. Their Waldorf trained faculty nurtures the individual spirit of each child with compassion and respect, educating through creativity, activity, and purpose. Cultivating a lifelong love of learning through experiences, the curriculum is based on time in nature, social interaction, high academic standards, and a full complement of the arts. River Valley Waldorf School’s values and working principles revolve around diversity, equity, inclusion, independence in education, communication, accessibility, and sustainability.
River Valley Waldorf is a full member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) and is accredited by both the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).
SUSQUEHANNA WALDORF SCHOOL
15 W. Walnut Street
Marietta, PA 17547
717-426-4506
www.susquehannawaldorf.org
Preschool through 8th grade
The Susquehanna Waldorf School is a private school located in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania offering classes from preschool through 8th grade. We have been inspiring resilience and compassion in our students since our founding in 1987. At Susquehanna Waldorf School, teachers create lessons that nurture all aspects of childhood, including emotional, physical, and spiritual development. We believe that school should invigorate children and contribute positively to their overall well-being and happiness. Our graduates build meaningful lives full of purpose and creativity through a rigorous educational foundation that nurtures the unique potential within each child.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice is reflected in both our curriculum and in our community strivings as we seek to ever deepen our empathy for one another and the world in which we live. We are committed to ensuring our students, families, and staff feel welcome and supported at Susquehanna Waldorf School. Read our DEI statement here: https://www.susquehannawaldorf.org/dei/.
Visit our website and social media (@susquehannawaldorf) to learn more about our school by the river. Contact admissions at admissions@susquehanna.org or 717-426-4506 with questions and to schedule a tour.
WESTTOWN SCHOOL
975 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19382
www.westtown.edu
Westtown School is a Quaker, co-ed, PreK-12th grade day school with boarding options in grades 9-12. We offer a challenging, distinctive curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, service, and social action. Located in West Chester, PA, we are a community of learners who value—and are strengthened by—the rich diversity of its members. As a school, we seek to prepare students for living and leading in a diverse and complex world. As a community, we prioritize inclusivity and respect.
At Westtown, we are uncommonly invested in helping our students discover their gifts, talents, passions, and sense of purpose. We believe deeply that within each of us there is a special Light, a unique wisdom, and an evolving sense of purpose. Together, we work to help students discover these in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our students are challenged to realize their intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual potential. A spirit of inquiry reigns in the classroom, and students are encouraged to think deeply and creatively, to feel the condition of others, and to listen to their inner selves.
Through innovative and engaging teaching practices and robust, intentional curricula, students are prepared to thrive in a world characterized by technological and social change equipped with critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. They are encouraged and empowered to be confident leaders of a just and compassionate future, to be active and empathetic participants in building healthy communities, and to be stewards of the natural world. Our graduates leave Westtown with a sense of purpose, defined interests, and the tools to explore with confidence, academic preparedness, and passion.
CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL
3229 Sleepy Hollow Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
www.congressionalschool.org
A co-ed independent day school for infants to eighth graders in Falls Church, VA. Congressional School prepares young learners for future success, inspiring them to question, collaborate, create, and lead.
ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES SCHOOL
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School is a college preparatory Episcopal Church School in the Diocese of Virginia that educates boys and girls from ages 3 through grade 12. SSSAS serves students from across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We have three distinct campuses, each uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the students within. We live our mission every single day. To help our students succeed in a complex and changing world, we seek to inspire a passion for learning, an enthusiasm for athletic and artistic endeavors, a striving for excellence, a celebration of diversity, and a commitment to service. Our mission is to pursue goodness as well as knowledge and to honor the unique value of each of our members as a child of God in a caring community.
Our students are respected and celebrated for their gifts and talents. Through all the learning, exploring, and dreaming big, students develop confidence in themselves because they are known, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. The opportunities are endless, and the relationships last a lifetime.
Every aspect of your school experience contributes an essential ingredient to who you will become. As you consider what you want in a school, keep these points in mind:
• Values that affirm the worth of each member of the school community create the conditions for your success.
• Teachers who nurture your curiosity inspire you to realize your academic best.
• Hands-on learning experiences, whether field trips, service projects, or cross-cultural travel build your understanding of the wider world.
• Opportunities for you to innovate stimulate your imagination and creativity.
• Clubs, activities, and athletics are proving grounds for building friendships, developing leadership skills, and shaping your character.
• A school with a well-defined sense of purpose will help you to define yourself to BECOME READY.
THE SYCAMORE SCHOOL
1550 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22209
703-717-5360
https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/
TSS is an exceptional independent secondary school in northern Virginia. We offer a progressive education for students from grades 5 to 12 at our campus, steps from Washington, DC, in the Rosslyn community of Arlington. This new location allows us to serve students from DC, MD, and VA more efficiently.
At TSS, we believe young people are curious, resilient, and capable of creating innovative solutions to real-world problems. Learning should be meaningful, challenging, and engaging.
We can provide the tools and opportunities to reignite your child’s desire to learn. School should be a place where students thrive - not just survive.
TANDEM FRIENDS SCHOOL
Tandem Friends School, a coeducational day school for 5th through 12th grades located in Charlottesville, VA, offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum in an environment built on Quaker values. Tandem students receive an education in which intellectual, ethical, artistic, and athletic ideals are pursued. Tandem’s capable students: value a spiritual, egalitarian, kind, and creative community; thrive on independent, imaginative thought; are fully engaged in learning; and, seek the best from themselves and their community.
Tandem's founders articulated a simple, profound vision - to create a school in which students and teachers collaborate in the learning process. As young people face the challenges of the 21st century, that vision is alive and well at Tandem Friends. In classrooms, on the stage, in athletic arenas, and in the community, members of Tandem's school family are living proof of the brilliance of this simple vision.
Tandem fosters an inclusive community that values and celebrates the experiences of people of different races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, family structures, economic positions, faith traditions, physical abilities, learning profiles, and nationalities. Tandem believes that such inclusivity benefits our community and prepares our students to be culturally proficient, contributing members of the diverse, multi-faceted world they inhabit.
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, VA
(703) 256-3620
www.westminsterschool.com
Westminster School provides to students in preschool-8th grade a well-rounded education steeped in the classics, whose fundamental goals are a disciplined and well-informed mind, strength of character, dedication to learning, generosity of spirit, creativity, and joy in the possibilities of life. Accelerated curriculum includes the core subjects, as well as Junior Great Books, French, Latin, Art, Music, Penmanship, Drama, Dance, and daily PE. Extracurricular activities such as sports, chorus, orchestra, chess, French club, Builder’s Club, MathCounts, and multiple field trips per year enhance students’ rich experience. Extended care, door-to-door bus service, enrichment classes, and camp programs are also available.
Call us today to schedule a tour or register for one of our upcoming Open Houses and learn more about our school and the wonderful opportunities that await your child! We look forward to seeing you there!
BELLEVUE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2411 112th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA. 98004
425-454-7439
https://www.bellmontessori.com
For over 55 years, Bellevue Montessori School has offered an authentic Montessori education to the children on the east side of Seattle. We serve children ages 18 months up to age 12, offering a nurturing environment of respect, individualized instruction, and a diverse community. As an American Montessori Society-accredited school, we take lifelong learning seriously and work to inspire our students to be curious about the world, follow their passions, and take on leadership roles in their classroom, school, and community.
We offer a hands-on Montessori curriculum as well as Elementary specialists in art, science, drama, music, and P.E. To learn more or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, go to Bellmontessori.com.
BERTSCHI SCHOOL
2227 10th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-324-5476
www.bertschi.org
Pre-K – 5th grade
The daily experience at Bertschi School is a celebration of childhood. For over forty years, our mission has called us to prepare compassionate, confident, and creative learners in a global community. Bertschi kids are taught to be curious, enthusiastic, cooperative, and open to new ideas.
We support our students fully in their academic and social emotional development. Our curriculum features comprehensive academics—but it’s how we do it that makes us different. Students work in fluid and varied groups to learn and practice skills at their “just right” level. They also learn by exploring real-life situations, engaging in meaningful hands-on activities, and through interdisciplinary, cross-curricular projects.
At Bertschi we live our values of integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and diversity every day. We believe children learn best when they are safe and known in a community that values their perspectives.
CEDAR RIVER MONTESSORI
https://www.cedarrivermontessori.org
Cedar River Montessori students follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the inter-connectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work independently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. Outdoor education and animal behavior program starts at age 3 and continues to follow the child through their educational journey, providing increasing levels of responsibility and challenge as students enter their adolescent years. Social responsibility, equity, and inclusion are woven throughout students’ learning as they practice building relationships with one another, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Founded in 1981, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community.
GIG HARBOR ACADEMY
An independent private school serving students preschool to fifth grade in Washington State, Gig Harbor Academy prides itself on our unique approach to learning, encouraging discovery and creativity both inside and outside the classroom. Our mission is to empower young minds through joyful discovery while creating a passion for critical thinking to ultimately unlock the true potential in every student. Tucked away on ten acres of natural surroundings, including forested trails and wetlands, Gig Harbor Academy's identity is intrinsically linked to our campus. Myriad outdoor learning spaces breathe authenticity into teaching and learning.
Gig Harbor Academy invites children into a student-centered, experiential learning journey. Teachers are equipped to recognize the individual needs of each student and partner closely with families to promote academic and social-emotional growth. Embracing an inquiry-based approach to instruction, students are empowered to generate questions, participate in collaborative and sustained investigation, and demonstrate understanding with informed action with connections to the greater community. The core academic content areas are complimented by vast specialist offerings, including Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Science, Spanish, and Technology.
Learn more and schedule a tour by visiting: www.gigharboracademy.org and/or contacting: admissions@gigharboracademy.org.
THE JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
15749 Northeast 4th St.
Bellevue, WA 98008
425-460-0200
www.jds.org
JDS (www.jds.org) is an Early Childhood through 8th Grade independent day school located on seven gorgeous acres in the Crossroads area of Bellevue – just two miles south of Microsoft’s main campus. Our inquiry-based learning program fosters critical thinking, problem solving, confidence, collaboration, leadership, innovation and more – all in a global learning environment. Through inquiry, our students master the same core competencies (content and skills) as their peers in public and other area independent schools, only JDS’ inquiry program takes students further, teaching them to think deeper, engage, collaborate and problem solve. Core academics at JDS are enriched with Judaic studies and serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Ultimately, JDS students know who they are, understand what it means to be part of a community, and are empowered to make a difference in the world by taking action. Our sprawling campus includes a STEAM Innovation Lab, a “Design Lab” complete with maker space, green screen and 3-D printer, a state of the art Athletic Center and multiple play and exploratory areas. At JDS, curiosity leads to discovery.
THE KINEO SCHOOL
7525 132nd Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
www.kineoschool.org
Kids find their place by being themselves at The Kineo School, a private K-5 community that brings out the best in every student by giving them a safe space to unlock their learning potential, form meaningful friendships, and confidently prepare for the future. In our close-knit classrooms, patient and engaged teachers provide each student with the tailored support not typically available in traditional school settings – so whether gifted or in need of additional academic support or accommodations, Kineo Kids blossom.
At Kineo:
• Education is individualized and play is purposeful
• Multi-age cohorts group students based on their strengths and challenges
• School life emphasizes social-emotional learning
• Kineo Kids may be gifted, and/or need additional academic support
• Families feel seen and understood
• Kids make friends, have fun and prepare for bright futures
For more information, visit www.kineoschool.org or email info@kineoschool.org.
THE LITTLE SCHOOL
2812 116th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004
www.thelittleschool.org/explore
425-827-8708
Preschool-5th Grade
At The Little School, we cultivate curiosity, creativity and joy. We offer an innovative, project-based program informed by over 60 years of experience.
• Preschool through fifth grade in Bellevue, WA
• 12.5-acre campus for investigation and discovery
• Blended indoor/outdoor learning
• Small student-to-teacher ratio
Students are known by our whole community, allowing them to develop strong relationships with adults and peers through collaboration and play.
We invite you to do a virtual tour of The Little School schedule a visit to our campus on Ravenna, our online application portal. Have questions? Email us at admissions@thelitthelschool.org.
NEW DISCOVERY SCHOOL
New Discovery School is a play-based preschool that nurtures the whole child. We foster confident, joyful learners by building a strong and inclusive community of children, families, and teachers.
NDS was founded in 1985 with the mission to provide young children an emotionally supportive environment where they can learn and grow through play. Play is the heart of our curriculum.
Children explore and discover both on their own and with peers and teachers, learning through a balance of planned and spontaneous activities that engage and challenge, while also providing opportunities to experience success and self-discovery.
Our focus on social-emotional learning empowers children- giving them the skills to self-regulate, listen respectfully, resolve conflicts, enter play, welcome others, and feel confident navigating the social arena. We believe it is essential to teach children how to be valued members of a group, and we welcome all types of families to be a part of our community. The arts play a key role in our program. We start each day singing together, encourage creativity, and have a skilled team of teachers actively promoting creative expression through many forms including: music, sign language, movement, theater, dance, and sculpture. Children leave NDS confident and ready to continue learning.
THE PERKINS SCHOOL
9005 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206-526-8217
www.theperkinsschool.org
Kindergarten – 5th Grades
THE BEDROCK OF A QUALITY SCHOOL experience is the ability to inspire. Children who have experienced a dynamic and motivating curriculum are more likely to be academically prepared, self-confident, and have a life-long love for learning.
COLLABORATIVE AND DEDICATED TEACHERS at Perkins have a strong voice in all elements of school life. They work closely together to design, adapt, and enhance our curriculum. This allows us to have a truly vibrant program that effectively supports, challenges, and inspires our students – ensuring they are neither frustrated nor bored.
CHILDREN LEARN BEST IN SMALL CLASSES where they are known and appreciated as individuals. Perkins’s small break-out classes and close relationships between staff and student fosters learning and social growth. Parents, teachers and administrators work together to help every child grow to full capacity in all areas of development - cognitive, creative, social, emotional, physical - to ensure a truly optimal learning experience.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY brings together and embraces children of differing intellectual characteristics, cultures, beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. Perkins happily embraces families of all designs!
PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY SCHOOL
660 South Dearborn St.
Seattle, WA 98134
206-324-4350
www.pscs.org
6th – 12th grade
Founded in 1994, Puget Sound Community School (PSCS) is a small, independent middle and high school located in the Chinatown-International District of downtown Seattle. PSCS is committed to co-creating a brave space for community-centered education, critical curriculum, student choice, accountability, and thoughtful collaboration.
We believe that people are intrinsically compelled by our innate curiosity, and most of us thrive when provided choice, positive support, and community expectations. We believe that people want to be active participants in our own education and to be offered a globally responsive curriculum, taught by engaged, empowered teachers. As far as this is true for adults, we see how these shared instincts also cultivate conscientious and motivated young people. Join us. LOVE SCHOOL.
SEATTLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
seattlecountryday.org/admissions
An independent school for gifted children, grades K–8.
Rooted in inquiry. Dedicated to equity.
At Seattle Country Day School, we know gifted children can be intense, verbal, and imaginative. They can have wildly different interests, from reading, to coding, to art. And they come from every community.
At SCDS, your child will find a warm, welcoming classroom, one based around the concept of inquiry — a method where teachers encourage students to explore, to ask questions, to experiment, and to create. It’s a method that brings out the best in our students, stokes their passion for learning, and helps them develop critical-thinking skills that last a lifetime.
We Offer
• A close-knit, welcoming campus with small class sizes
• An inquiry-based curriculum
• Synapse, a program that combines social-emotional learning and DEI
• Art, music, tech, and athletics
Spanish and Mandarin
• Dozens of Middle School electives
• After-school care and bus service
• Off-campus learning experiences and trips
Entry Points
Grades K, 1, and 6. Applications accepted at all grade levels.
Interested? Please reach out to admissions@seattlecountryday.org. We look forward to meeting you!
SEATTLE WALDORF SCHOOL
Preschool – Grade 12
An Education for the Future
Admin Office & Meadowbrook Campus:
2728 NE 100th Street
Seattle, WA 98125
206.524.5320
High School Campus:
7777 62nd Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206.522.2644
Kinderhaus Campus:
4919 Woodlawn Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
At Seattle Waldorf School students receive a holistic education that allows them to shine and grow as individuals. We are an educational community that meets not just the intellectual needs of each student, but also their social-emotional and spiritual development, preparing them to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing world. Through an integrated curriculum, with an emphasis on experiential education and interdisciplinary work, students learn to think critically and creatively about the world around them, approach problem solving collaboratively, and embark on a joyful journey of lifelong learning. Founded in 1980, Seattle Waldorf School is one of the only independent schools in the greater Seattle area with programs for students 18 months to 18 years old. Located on three campuses, all within easy reach of urban forests and waterways, our students experience their education in the classroom and beyond. Come visit us to learn more.
SOUNDVIEW SCHOOL
6515 196th St. SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 778-8572
www.soundview.org
At Soundview School, we know that every child deserves a school that is ethical, rigorous, and compassionate. That is what Soundview School provides. That’s how we can help your child be ready for this world.
Soundview is a small, independent, International Baccalaureate school in Lynnwood, Washington serving children aged three through eighth grade.
Learn about our mission and our school at www.soundview.org or (425) 778-8572.
We are ready to talk about your child’s education.
SPRUCE STREET SCHOOL
914 Virginia, Seattle, WA 98101
206-621-9211
www.sprucestreetschool.org
K – 5th Grade
Spruce Street School is a diverse environment of students, families, and staff. We strive to intentionally create a culture that fosters strong character, positive self-image, and a life-long excitement for learning. We honor and value every student: who an individual student is, where that student is from, and what that student brings to the classroom and the community. We model and teach respect for all types of diversity, including cultural, ethnic, racial, economic, family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity, learning differences, beliefs, and abilities.
Our students:
• Encounter real-world learning situations where multiple subjects are combined to broaden understanding of an activity.
• Learn empathy, emotion management, and conflict resolution; to take responsibility for their behavior, to give and receive help graciously, and to be respectful of differences.
• Interact with other students of diverse ages and skills to master developmentally appropriate practices at their own pace in small, flexible groups.
• Develop the skills and attitudes to be contributing citizens and inclusive leaders.
UNIVERSITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL
5062 9th Avenue Northeast
Seattle, WA
http://www.ucds.org
Since the inception of UCDS in 1911 on the University of Washington campus, our teachers have assumed the role of educational researchers as they designed, implemented and evaluated our programs. Today, as a professional practice school, UCDS is engaged in ongoing educational reform. Our school is a dynamic learning environment for teachers as we work together to understand and inspire each child that we serve. Like our students, teachers at UCDS collaborate with colleagues and support each other professionally. Each faculty member brings different expertise and experience, enriching the learning environment.
UCDS builds a strong community between students, teachers, staff, parents, Board of Trustees and neighborhood. Civic responsibility is central to the ethos of our school. Students are responsible for sharing their knowledge and talent in a way that enriches the rest of the community.
We teach children to listen carefully to others, to help one another, to share what they have learned, to coach one another, to participate in group discussions, and to develop areas of expertise where a child can assume leadership. We believe that developing tolerance for different points of view and empathy for the needs of others is essential to the moral development of a child.
THE VALLEY SCHOOL
318 30th Avenue E.
Seattle, WA 98112
www.thevalleyschool.org
Located in Seattle's Madison Valley, The Valley School is a Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade independent school that creates educational experiences that ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community.
For more information, visit www.thevalleyschool.org or email info@thevalleyschool.org.
VILLA ACADEMY
Villa Academy is a Preschool through 8th Grade independent school community located on 31 acres in northeast Seattle. We are intentionally diverse and inclusive, and our dedicated staff challenges and supports our students through differentiated educational experiences, student wellness, and inspired curiosity. Villa Academy is the only independent school in the city of Seattle that offers this dedication to the holistic development of children: mind, body, and spirit.
WESTSIDE SCHOOL
Seattle, WA
www.westsideschool.org
At Westside School, every child crafts their own story that unfolds naturally from their personality, experiences, and gifts. We are distinguished by equal measures of rigor and delight, by a close-knit, inclusive community, and by ensuring that every child's story is full of possibility. We teach to the whole child, supporting them to explore, stretch, and grow, to foster lifelong joyful learners and independent thinkers who are engaged, caring leaders in our global community.
We strive to create a learning environment that teaches children to understand, appreciate, and respect different identities, abilities, beliefs, and cultures; and to have the confidence to speak and stand up to inequity and injustice.
We seek to create experiential opportunities that connect learning with meaningful context or service. Experiential education and integrated project-based learning engage students and give them real-life experience to develop problem-solving, innovative thinking, and complex communication skills, building a solid foundation for lifelong success.
In addition to core subjects, specialist classes at each grade level ensure Westside students graduate not only with a strong core of academics but also excelling in World Language study alongside a deep dive into the arts, physical education, and the natural world.
Yellow Wood Academy
9655 SE 36th Street
Mercer Island, WA 98040-3798
206-236-1095
http://www.yellowwoodacademy.org/
We’re all different. Which is why we don’t subscribe to cookie-cutter educations. In fact, our philosophy is to fit the curriculum to the student. Not the other way around.
But more than that, we believe that no matter how distracted, impatient, uninterested, anxious, or unengaged, the potential really is in there. It just needs to be coaxed out.
Our one to one method optimizes the learning experience by tuning the subject to the student’s interest, by pacing the lesson to the individual’s rate of learning, and by staying attuned to the student’s focus, anxiety and engagement. All of which occurs beside a rich environment of camaraderie and community.
Sometimes the best way to find the right path is by providing a highly tailored educational experience. Because when it is more personal, it is also more productive.
So, with patience, empathy and persistence, we work with our students to incite their natural curiosity and instill a love of learning. And bring forward the next generation of amazing human beings.
AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2700 27th St NW
Washington DC 20008
202-387-2700
www.aidanschool.org
18 months - 6th Grade
With the innovative and proven Montessori Method at our core, Aidan prepares children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go.
Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children ages 18 months through grade 6. Founded in 1961, Aidan is the only school in DC that holds accreditation from the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools and American Montessori Internationale.
Aidan follows the highest standards of Montessori pedagogy to prepare children for successful and fulfilling lives. Everything at Aidan revolves around how children learn best. Aidan students grow into independent thinkers, confident learners, effective collaborators, and responsible citizens.
For over 60 years, Aidan’s education has been based on Montessori’s scientifically-proven method to nurture children’s natural development, innate curiosity, and remarkable ability to absorb the world around them. Our classroom communities are thoughtfully planned joyful places where children use ingeniously designed materials for hands-on learning and self-discovery. Here education is an adventure. Because most of Aidan’s experiences are self-directed, children gain an immense sense of satisfaction and confidence from meeting new challenges. Learning is hands-on. Lessons are welcomed. Work is purposeful. Curiosity is encouraged.
Schedule your visit to see Aidan in action today.
LOWELL SCHOOL
1640 Kalmia Rd. NW
Washington DC 20012
www.lowellschool.org
Founded in 1965, Lowell School is a progressive co-ed pre-Kindergarten through 8th-grade school in Washington, DC. Through an individualized approach in which learning is joyful, Lowell equips children to think critically, engage purposefully, and live authentically.
At Lowell, respect for children guides all we do. Our multidisciplinary academic environment and social-emotional curriculum are inextricably linked, leading to highly-motivated learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy who are prepared, both academically and socially, to navigate challenges and embrace future opportunities.
Our students engage in purposeful academic courses and project-based learning experiences, with equal emphasis on building conceptual understanding and developing creative, critical, and analytical skills. Lowell’s innovative, expert, and thoughtful educators design lessons integrated across subjects and guided by student interests and what’s happening in the world around them.
We teach our students to embrace the humanity, dignity, and individuality of all, and partner with families to create a successful, dynamic learning community prepared to change the world.
NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL
At NPS, we focus on the foundational decade of childhood to launch lives of purpose and compassion. We provide children from age 3 to grade 6 the guidance, challenge, and support they need to develop as successful learners and good people.
We celebrate childhood, the foundational years when the greatest leaps of learning occur. Our faculty and staff are experts at helping children learn and grow - intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
We challenge students with an engaging, research-based academic program that balances tradition and innovation. We embrace our Core Values – love, respect, responsibility, honesty, and safety - that help students learn and practice what it means to live morally and ethically. And we create a learning environment where children feel heard and respected.
Our exceptional outplacement record speaks for itself: NPS graduates routinely gain acceptance to - and thrive at - leading middle and high schools in the Washington, DC, area and beyond.
SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS
School for Friends is a preschool offering full day educational programs for 18 months to five year old’s, five days a week. The School is open 8:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. year-round and is closed all federal and winter holidays and one week in August for staff development. The School is located near Dupont Circle in the Church of the Pilgrims near Metro, bus lines, and the Connecticut, Florida, and Massachusetts Avenue commuting routes. All classrooms are bright and well equipped. In each classroom, areas are designated and equipped for dramatic play, block building, reading, using manipulatives, water play, and explorations with art materials. Teachers encourage children to make independent choices while exploring the materials. Allowing for both unstructured and structured experiences, each day the schedule includes a free choice time, snack, outdoor time, and circle time. Teachers emphasize respect for others and encourage children to listen and respond to each other while taking part in small and full group discussions.
ST. ALBANS SCHOOL
202-537-6435
https://www.stalbansschool.org/
St. Albans School is an Episcopal school for boys in grades 4 through 12. We sit on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. In small classes, at seated family-style meals, and during engaging chapel services, we cultivate in students a passion for excellence, a love of learning, and a commitment to the enduring questions at the heart of the human experience. Families that send their son to St. Albans appreciate the sense of belonging curated by our community-wide experiences, the seriousness with which we educate the hearts and minds of our students, and the impact that being a Cathedral school can have on shaping civic-minded citizens, in the service of others. We are fortunate to share our campus with our sister school, National Cathedral School. Our coordinate partnership is a great asset, one that compliments well the many strengths of our single-gender school. We encourage you to connect with our Admissions Office to learn more about our offerings, take a tour, and learn firsthand about our special community.
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
3100 Macomb St NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-243-1800
http://www.wis.edu
Washington International School (WIS) is an all-gender independent school enrolling over 900 students from Preschool (age three) through Grade 12. Our mission is to be an exemplary learning community—enriched by differences, informed through inquiry, global in reach. We strive to develop students who exhibit our core values (Be Inquisitive, Act with Integrity, Be Inclusive) on campus and beyond.
The academic program was developed from classroom-based research on pedagogical practices and curriculum design from renowned organizations such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Project Zero, a research group based at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Students in Preschool through Grade 5 follow the inquiry-based IB Primary Years Program (PYP) in a language immersion (French or Spanish in early childhood) and dual-language (Grades 1-5) framework. In Grades 6-10 they continue with an approach that emphasizes deep thinking skills and encourages student ownership of their learning. By Grades 11 and 12, WIS students have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the IB Diploma Program, a comprehensive, internationally-focused curriculum that emphasizes deep understanding of complex topics.
Students also have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive offering of co-curricular activities, including athletics, theater and music, art, journalism, and a wide variety of student clubs.
In June 2024, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Welcoming Schools program awarded WIS the Seal of Excellence for exemplary work in establishing welcoming, inclusive learning environments for students and families. WIS is the first school in the nation to receive this recognition at both the elementary and secondary levels.