www.bwscampus.com
K – 12th Grade
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 is a vibrant and diverse community whose purpose is to promote personal and intellectual growth. We provide challenging, engaging programs in a nurturing learning environment, devoting care and attention to every student. Embracing high standards of character, commitment, and achievement, Brentwood School encourages students to think critically and creatively and to act ethically.
As our mission states, we provide a challenging academic program, balanced by a supportive and nurturing environment. We seek to enroll a diverse group of students who are excited by our many academic, creative, and enriching offerings.
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.
THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
6100 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
510-652-0111
www.college-prep.org
The College Preparatory School is a vibrant day school for grades 9-12, tucked into a small wooded valley in Oakland, CA. Our purpose is to prepare students for inspired, ethical lives in college and beyond in an atmosphere of consideration, trust, and mutual responsibility. Our rigorous, classically thorough curriculum includes core academic disciplines balanced by options in music, visual arts, dance, theater, physical education, inter-scholastic athletics, forensics, and community activities.
COW HOLLOW SCHOOL
65 Funston 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, part day and summer programs 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
Crestview Prep Celebrates Thirtieth Birthday
This year, Crestview Preparatory School celebrates our thirtieth birthday. We invite everyone, from prospective families to our alumni families, to join us for our annual Blood Drive, Walkathon, Spring Gala, and Open House.
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 educate 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
https://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, music changes everything.
EAST BAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS
2340 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-621-3272
www.ebsfb.org
The East Bay School for Boys empowers middle school boys (grades 6-8) to cultivate their intellectual, physical, and emotional selves to become the engaged, thoughtful, and courageous men of tomorrow.
The East Bay School for Boys focuses on how boys learn best and believes boys engage more and learn more in a challenging and active learning environment that combines hard work with discovery, creativity, fun, and purpose. Whether forging utensils and designing furniture in our 21st Century workshop or mummifying hens and learning cuneiform in our irresistible classrooms; at EBSB, we teach and do. We provide opportunities for boys to design, build, nurture, and grow their world, empowering boys to affect, connect, reflect, and most importantly, love to learn.
In our single-sex environment, we have a unique opportunity to empower our students so they don’t have to take power away from others. We challenge students to use respectful language, unlearn messages of misogyny inherited from the larger culture, and reflect on their gender identity in relation to power and privilege. We develop students’ awareness of male privilege and provide opportunities for them to engage in meaningful social justice conversations and actions.
For more information or to sign up for an Information Night, check us out at www.ebsfb.org/visit-us.
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 8
117 Diamond St. (Castro)
The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) is an independent bilingual 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 in our caring, highly qualified, experienced and international faculty, most of whom have gone through Germany’s rigorous teacher training and holds 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 world-wide opportunities.
Schedule a tour with our Admissions Director and discover more about GISSV.
THE HARKER SCHOOL
500 Saratoga Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
408-249-2510
communications@harker.org
www.harker.org
An inspiring and supportive community: The Harker School
The Harker School, established in 1893, is a kindergarten-grade 12 private school in Silicon Valley that has earned international recognition for its top academics, quality teachers and student achievements. Educating more than 2,000 students, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California with each division on its own San Jose campus.
Harker blends strong college-prep academics with rich and extensive offerings in STEM, business, athletics and the arts. Harker evaluates the course placement that will best challenge and inspire each student to academic excellence, ensuring a motivating and exciting learning environment. Outstanding faculty, many with advanced degrees, and small class sizes are paramount at Harker. Our comprehensive, innovative curriculum features outstanding teaching techniques, diverse educational experiences and broad rich, extracurricular activities.
Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity and personal accountability have been in the school’s DNA since its founding. Community service, character development curriculum and our honor code all encourage, develop and reinforce these important qualities.
Harker is an inspiring, supportive and lively community where parents, faculty, staff, students and alumni form a close-knit community through events, traditions and our common mission. Our students leave Harker uncommonly prepared for college and ready to make a difference in the world. For more information visit www.harker.org.
HEAD-ROYCE SCHOOL
Head-Royce is a nationally recognized K-12 independent school situated in the hills of Oakland, California. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning with a focus on scholarship, diversity, and citizenship.
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.
At our heart, 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 unique perspectives from a wide range of experiences. Their diversity of thought, coupled with their subject matter mastery, uniquely positions them to provide transformative experiences to every student across our K-12 setting. Our families come to us from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and we are proud to reflect the fabric of the Bay Area.
We enroll a diverse student body of approximately 875 talented and ambitious learners. Our admissions are open to all students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.
KIRBY SCHOOL
425 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-0658
kirby.org
Kirby School is an award-winning independent 6th-12th grade college preparatory school in Santa Cruz, California offering a challenging academic curriculum to middle and high school students in a highly responsive environment. Seminar-sized classes averaging 12 students enable our inspiring faculty, each a life-long learner, to provide individualized instruction and supportive guidance to each student. We welcome learners from different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences and are committed to empowering each student to shape their futures with confidence. Our college prep curriculum includes:
• Award-winning visual and performing arts programs
• Personalized college counseling
• A breadth of learning opportunities including service learning programs, grade-level retreats and immersive travel experiences
• The opportunity for independent study or to follow an intensive path of study, with support from a faculty advisor
• A caring student success team including the following services: Diversity and Inclusion, onsite Mental Wellness Counseling, Academic Counseling and Learning Services for students with different learning abilities
• Inclusive and competitive athletics
The world has changed and it’s time for education to catch up.
At La Scuola International School, the only Reggio Emilia Inspired, International Baccalaureate and Italian language immersion school in the world - our mission is to inspire brave learners to shape the future. That’s why, every day, it’s the students at La Scuola who ask the provocative questions and lead their learning across languages, across cultures, and across subjects.
La Scuola educates the whole child - intellectually, physically and emotionally - in a joyful and aesthetically beautiful environment.
We offer an inquiry based immersive Italian language curriculum for Preschool-8th grade students. With Inquiry as the leading tool of our education, students foster critical and creative thinking skills, confidence, collaboration and empathy.
La Scuola is an International Baccalaureate World School and is recognized as an Italian Accredited School abroad by the Ministry of Education in Italy. In our diverse and multi-cultural and multi-lingual school, students grow in a community that balances academic rigor with creativity and real life tools like cultural awareness and global citizenship.
When children are OPEN TO THE WORLD and are the protagonists in their own education, there’s no limit to their ability to learn, find beauty in life, and discover extraordinary answers.
MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL
2727 College Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 841-8489
Maybeck High School offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with an academically challenging college-preparatory curriculum in a collaborative rather than competitive environment. Maybeck students find intelligent, creative peers who are excited about learning.
At Maybeck, the students and faculty together are engaged in intense intellectual exploration. Students call teachers by their first names and take part in lively discussions in our seminar classes. We respect our students as individuals, encourage independent thought and trust them to be responsible for and invested in their own education. In this challenging but safe setting, students are encouraged to take personal and intellectual risks. Our graduates leave us as sophisticated thinkers and confident navigators of the world around them.
Maybeck attracts a diverse group of students from all over the Bay Area. What they have in common is a desire to learn in a place where they are known, respected and lifted up. Maybeck students are intelligent, kind and thoughtful, and go on to great colleges and careers with an awareness of themselves and their influence on others and the communities around them.
Please contact us at: www.maybeckhs.org.
ORINDA ACADEMY
19 Altarinda Road
Orinda, CA 94563
(925)254-7553
www.orindaacademy.org
Orinda Academy is an intentionally small independent high school located in the East Bay (it’s BARTable!) which offers a rigorous academic curriculum in a supportive environment. OA embraces all types of learners and empowers students to take charge of their education. At a small school like OA, students have more opportunity to build friend groups across grade levels, take on leadership skills, and participate in a variety of social activities like student council and clubs. Small doesn’t mean limited!
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. Classes, lessons, and experiences emphasize creativity, exploration, and discovery. Students learn to take risks, think critically, collaborate, and understand their own ability to make positive change in the world.
Our graduates are community members who approach challenges from multiple perspectives and have the confidence to question, create and contribute when they venture into the world. While at school, students thrive both in and out of the classroom, approaching a variety of academic challenges as designers, makers and analytic thinkers. They study and grow in our gardens, playground, sports field, neighborhood, and the wider Bay Area-- taking field trips, and benefiting from an array of community partnerships.
Sign up to tour campus parkdayschool.org/admissions.
PENINSULA SCHOOL
920 Peninsula Way
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650 325-1584
www.PeninsulaSchool.org
Since 1925, Peninsula School has provided creative, child-centered Nursery-8th grade education in the heart of Menlo Park. At Peninsula School, children thrive and develop as confident contributors in the world, learn about themselves and others, discover their passions, and grow intellectually in an inclusive community rich with choices, exploration, and play.
Abundant arts and hands-on activities, integration of social, intellectual, and emotional development, commitment to social justice, a grade-free learning environment, and a tree-filled 6 acre campus are just some of the features that make Peninsula a unique, engaging, and nurturing school.
We invite you to learn more about our programs, admissions and virtual visits, response to Covid-19 and Distance Learning, and discover why Peninsula students love school!
PS1 PLURALISTIC SCHOOL
1225 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-394-1313
www.psone.org
PS1 Pluralistic School is an independent, co-ed elementary school for grades K-6. Located in Santa Monica, CA, PS1 was founded in 1971 by current school head Joel Pelcyger and Eleanor Coben in order to provide excellence in academics coupled with joyful learning and a sense of community. At PS1, we recognize that every child is unique, so we built a school that nurtures individual talents and learning styles. That’s how children become the best versions of themselves, in a school where fitting in is about being yourself.
Through the acquisition of strong academic and interpersonal skills, we seek to strengthen in the young the image they have of their best selves. Through helping children develop successful strategies for learning and guiding them to feel proud of their accomplishments, our students expand their images of themselves as competent individuals open to life-long learning. Our aim is to show that learning is a process of living and not just a preparation for future life.
SEQUOYAH SCHOOL
535 South Pasadena Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
sequoyahschool.org
Sequoyah School is a K-12 independent progressive school located in Pasadena, California. Sequoyah offers an experientially-based learning environment and welcomes parents who wish to play an active, partnering role with the school. We seek families whose children will thrive in our school’s collaborative environment.
Sequoyah is an intentionally diverse school community; we see educational value in classrooms that include a range of individual experience — race, ethnicity, sexual identity, family background, and economic circumstance. Our teachers challenge students to be creative, idealistic and practical, both in the classroom and out in the community. We want our students to be encouraged at home to become deeply engaged in their learning at school and beyond.
SPRING HILL SCHOOL
http://www.thespringhillschool.org/
At the Spring Hill School we believe in the intellect and potential of every child. At the heart of our education is a hands on, global curriculum that fosters joyful learning and stimulates passionate engagement, innovative thinking, and creative expression. This is a place where children can ask questions, wonder, explore, and receive individualized instruction while they master their academic skills and develop a deep understanding of subject matter. Most importantly, our 8th grade graduates understand the complex world around them and see themselves as leaders and changemakers for a better future.
Located in the beautiful city of Petaluma, just north of the Marin County line, we invite you to visit The Spring Hill School, a toddler- 8th grade school, and experience for yourself our inclusive campus that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. A school that honors childhood while preparing students to be leaders in the 21st century. We invite you to come experience The Spring Hill Difference!
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 www.sjsla.org.
STRATFORD SCHOOL
Discover Stratford School…Where The Extraordinary Happens
Campuses Located Throughout the Bay Area 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 insightful, 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 8th grade 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.
Individual tours are scheduled throughout the year. Students are welcomed to enroll throughout the school year, as long as there is space available in the desired program and the child is grade-level ready. Schedule a tour at www.stratfordschools.com/tours and discover a school where the extraordinary happens.
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.
THE URBAN SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO
1563 Page St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-626-2919
http://www.urbanschool.org
Urban School believes there is a better way to educate high school students. For more than half a century, our educational innovations have ignited the minds of Urban graduates, who pursue their passion for learning at the nation’s best colleges, and who go out into the world uniquely equipped to solve the challenges their generation will face.
Urban teaches students how to think, not what to think. We seek students with an enthusiastic approach to learning and a clear capacity for success in a rigorous academic program. Urban’s extraordinary teachers challenge our 420 students with a college preparatory curriculum in math, science, arts and humanities with comprehensive service learning and competitive athletics programs, and a rich selection of co-curricular activities.
We invite 8th graders and their families to spend time exploring Urban and learning more about our strong, inclusive community!
THE WAVERLY SCHOOL
67 W. Bellevue Dr
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626)792-5940
www.thewaverlyschool.org
Admissions: Jennifer@thewaverlyschool.org
Whether you are looking at preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, finding the right educational community can be an overwhelming process. We welcome the chance to assist you in getting to know Waverly and working with you to determine if Waverly is the right fit for your family.
Waverly attracts students and families who value:
• Intellectual curiosity
• Being part of a thoughtful, evolving, and eclectic community where they are known to everyone
• Being somewhere where their presence makes a difference
• Becoming the best version of themselves
• Trying something new, starting a club, trying a sport, or helping organize a community event
• Growing as an individual, as well as an intellectual
Background information:
• Waverly is a nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory, progressive day school that spans preschool through 12th grade.
• 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 has three separate campuses and a one-acre organic farm within walking distance. It is conveniently situated off the 210 and 134 freeways.
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 honor timeless traditions and 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.
WESTLAND SCHOOL
16200 Mulholland Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-472-5544
http://westlandschool.org
Founded in 1949, Westland School is a small close-knit community with an inquiry-based, integrated social studies core. The curriculum, which develops thematic studies, deeply embeds the arts, science, woodworking and gardening throughout the academic base. Blocks and other basic materials are central to the children’s work and further the learning goals of collaboration, ability to access and analyze information, taking initiative, thinking critically, and expressing curiosity, inquisitiveness, and imagination. Children have functional jobs both in their classrooms and in the school at large. Parent involvement is also a major strength in the school’s life. Both of these provide models, along with the daily functioning of our multi-age classrooms, for the participation in a democratic society we strive to reflect.
WESTRIDGE SCHOOL
Westridge is an independent, forward thinking school for girls in grades 4-12 dedicated to educating adventurous thinkers and courageous, compassionate leaders. With a curriculum informed by research on how girls learn best, the school balances challenging academics and leadership development with nurturing students’ sense of self and emphasizing their responsibilities to others and the world.
The school is known for strengths in writing, performing arts, and STEM and its well-rounded program includes a commitment athletics. Signature programs include: Research in Science, which places Upper School students in professional laboratories; Perspectives in Literature, an interdisciplinary course and student literature conference; interdisciplinary humanities programs in grades 6-8; and, a comprehensive 4-12 human development program.
The school’s educational program is brought to life through an engaged and supportive student culture that encourages leadership of all styles and allows students to be wholly themselves and focus on learning. As a recent graduate put it, “There is an intellectual vitality here – everyone is excited about education.”
Founded in 1913, Westridge’s historic Pasadena campus is home to 500 students. With core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and inclusion, Westridge is a school where girls can be their authentic selves, learn to use their voices, and grow into young women who lead lives of impact.
WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL
WNS, a preschool – 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, is 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: 310-574-8650 or Email: admissions@wns-la.org.
THE WILLOWS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
where great minds grow
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, economics and learning styles. More than 25% of its student body is comprised of students of color, and the school annually enrolls students from 57+ zip codes across the greater Los Angeles area. www.thewillows.org
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 wellbeing of our community. Dawson graduates are young men and women who achieve their individual potential, savor life, and meet the challenges of the world.
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.
BAKER DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL
201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
847-425-5800
www.bakerdemschool.org
Preschool – 8th grade
AN EDUCATION THAT PUTS CHILDREN IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT. Our child-centered approach to learning ensures that each child, from preschool to middle school, is uniquely valued, supported and nurtured throughout their educational journey — creating expressive, compassionate students that are eager to help shape the world. Located on the border of Evanston and Wilmette, Baker Demonstration School is nationally recognized for excellence in progressive education.
Learn more about Baker and arrange an admissions chat by visiting bakerdemschool.org
LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO
For over 130 years, the Latin community has been devoted to educational excellence. For that same 130 years, we have continually redefined excellence in education for our changing world.
Our vision for educational excellence is to reinforce the value of an exemplary liberal arts education that makes learning inquiry-based, personal and inclusive. Our approach expands each Latin Learner’s capacity for purposeful learning—whether in our school, our city or our world.
Every member of the Latin community is a Latin Learner: students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and our partners in the city and around the globe.
BARRIE SCHOOL
13500 Layhill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
John Wilson
Director of Admission
admission@barrie.org
301-576-2800
www.barrie.org
Barrie School is a progressive independent school, serving students from 12 months to Grade 12, that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility through innovation in learning. Our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (12 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.
BULLIS SCHOOL
At Bullis School we believe that the best education is achieved by immersing students in academics, arts and athletics. Signature programs—in STEM, entrepreneurship, visual and performing arts, and humanities and global studies—give students unlimited opportunities to discover and develop academic strengths. Robust arts and athletics programs round out the educational experience for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Bullis leads the way in 21st century educational approaches. Our unparalleled facilities include a 70,000-sq-ft Discovery Center, home to a makerspace in the Bullis Innovation and Technology Lab, the entrepreneurship center known as the Innovation Lab, the Studio Theater, flexible and collaborative learning spaces, a café, and other gathering spaces that help teachers engage student imagination. Located on a 100-acre campus in Potomac, MD, Bullis provides its highly diverse student body an educational environment to learn, grow, discover passions, reach potential and develop tools to succeed in college and beyond.
Learn more about Bullis School at www.bullis.org.
FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, MD 20740
301-441-2100
www.friendscommunityschool.org
K – 8th Grade
FCS is an independent, coeducational day school offering Quaker progressive education for students in grades K-8. Founded in 1986 by members of the Adelphi Friends Meeting, FCS occupies a LEED Silver-certified building on 17 acres adjacent to national parkland in College Park, Maryland, and draws from a wide swath of the D.C. metropolitan area.
The school offers a rigorous curriculum imbued with the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, environmental stewardship, and service to others. FCS’ progressive educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning through activities, projects, collaborations, choice-making, and field trips (during non-pandemic times). It also challenges students to question, explore, reflect, reason, think originally, and communicate effectively, during both on-campus and remote learning.
In addition, during non-pandemic times, FCS offers a wide range of after-school enrichment activities, including an acclaimed instrumental music program, as well as engaging summer camps open to all.
A truly diverse community culturally and economically, FCS focuses on the individual child’s social/emotional and well as academic growth. Graduates move on the leading high schools area-wide, and reputable colleges nation-wide. For more information, please visit our website, www.friendscommunityschool.org.
FRIENDS MEETING SCHOOL
The Friends School of Frederick County
3232 Green Valley Rd.
Ijamsville, MD 21754
www.friendsmeetingschool.org
The future is a great unknown. The best thing we can do for our children is to teach them how to solve the problems they don’t even know about yet; we can do this by stimulating their imaginations at a young age, and maintaining outlets for their creativity as they grow. Problem-solving stems directly from imagination, which needs to be cultivated at all ages.
Friends Meeting School was founded in 1997 as an intellectually vigorous, community-centered, inclusive alternative to the other school options in the region. Annette Breiling (who had previously founded what became the Lower School at Sandy Spring Friends School in Montgomery County) felt so strongly about the mission of Friends Schools that she had to start another. While she has since retired, Annette remains highly active in several Frederick County communities. The current Head of School, Mara Nicastro, carries on that passion for the students, working to maximize their curiosity and academic abilities.
The only Friends School in Frederick County, Friends Meeting School’s values offer students a solid foundation for growth in Mind, Body, and Spirit. All grades, K-12, get hands-on exposure to the world around them – they learn to garden, perform and create in between their accelerated academic courses. The High School at Friends Meeting School has a 100% acceptance rate to top-choice colleges: every single graduate of their program has had their pick of universities!
THE NORA SCHOOL
955 Sligo Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Marcia Miller
Director of Admissions
Marcia@nora-school.org
301-495-6672
http://www.nora-school.org
Think differently. At The Nora School, these are words we take to heart. This intentionally small, inclusive, and personal college preparatory high school works to bring out the best in bright students with ADHD, executive function issues, or anxiety – and for those simply wanting something more individualized. Students turn to us because they’ve become frustrated in large, impersonal institutions, while others seek a richer, more engaging education without the emphasis on standardized testing. In our discussion-based classrooms, we inspire a critical world view, and students find their voice in an intellectually rigorous, accepting, nurturing environment. With a thought-provoking curriculum, inclusive sports and arts programs, Intersession, mindfulness and more, The Nora School helps students find their unique paths and prepare for college, work, and life. Building deep connections between the faculty and students, we encourage responsibility and build confidence and excitement about learning.
We’ve expanded, offering more curriculum choices and openings for more students! Discover the essence of our school. Call us to find out more, or RSVP for an Open House. Come see how our students thrive. Celebrating the same mission for over 50 years. Think Differently.
ROCHAMBEAU, THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Rochambeau the French International School is a pre-school through 12th, coeducational, independent school offering a multilingual education like no other in the Washington DC area. We educate students representing over 80 nationalities. Our French curriculum is rigorous and our culture is supportive and inclusive. Students can start as of age 2 in our French Preschool, “la maternelle”, and continue through high school (12th grade or Terminale) to graduate with both the High School Diploma and The French Bac or IB. Non-French speakers can start in pre-school in a specially designed authentic French immersion program available until 3rd grade. Rochambeau is part of the network of French schools abroad (AEFE) which allows students to move with ease to any of the 500 schools in the network around the world, and enjoy the same quality of the education.
SANDY SPRING FRIENDS SCHOOL
16923 Norwood Rd.
Sandy Springs, MD 20860
301-774-7455
www.ssfs.org
Preschool (Age 3) - 12th grade
Sandy Spring Friends School is a progressive, coed, college preparatory Quaker school serving students from Preschool (age 3) through 12th Grade, with optional boarding programs in the Middle and Upper School. Founded in 1961, SSFS offers a deep and rigorous academic curriculum, character education rooted in universal Quaker principles, and a diverse and international student body that reflects today’s global community. SSFS sits on a pastoral 140-acre campus in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland, midway between Washington D.C. and Baltimore – an ideal setting for intellectual contemplation, athletic training, diverse extracurricular pursuits, outdoor exploration, urban excursion, and personal growth. Please visit our Web site at www.ssfs.org for more information.
WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL
4800 Sangamore Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
Lezlie Lawson, Enrollment Director
llawson@washingtonwaldorf.org
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.
BAY FARM MONTESSORI ACADEMY
145 Loring St. Duxbury, MA
bfarm.org
Bay Farm Montessori Academy offers strong academic programs rooted in Montessori philosophy that inspire children to grow with joy, purpose, and compassion.
Bay Farm Montessori Academy is an independent Montessori school in Duxbury, Massachusetts serving children from all across the South Shore, ages 12 months to 14 years. Bay Farm offers strong academic programs rooted in Montessori philosophy that inspire children to grow with joy, purpose, and compassion. Students enjoy a robust academic program that includes an emphasis on art, music, drama, library, outdoor learning, STEM agriculture, PE, and world language. The school’s well-rounded academic curriculum and hands-on learning develops the skills and experience that enable its students to emerge as self-confident learners and leaders upon graduation.
To learn more about our philosophy and our various programs, visit bfarm.org. We encourage you to come to campus and take a tour to see our learning environment first hand.
BANCROFT SCHOOL
https://www.bancroftschool.org
Bancroft School is the premier PreK to Grade 12 Independent Day School in Central Massachusetts — an open and inclusive 34-acre campus in the city of Worcester that inspires learners to engage with one another, their communities, and the world in meaningful and impactful ways. Bancroft students take ownership of their learning and pursue their passions inside and outside of the classroom. We are a laboratory that motivates curious minds to form the insights, skills, and character they’ll need to thrive far beyond their journey here.
CAMBRIDGE FRIENDS SCHOOL
5 Cadbury Rd
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-388
https://www.cfsmass.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 antiracist, antihomophobic 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 America’s progressive independent schools, The Cambridge School of Weston has been at the forefront of educational innovation since 1886. At this day and boarding high school located in Weston MA, creative, motivated students embrace challenging work and address complex 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 in themselves and in the world around them. Learn more at www.csw.org.
THE CHESTNUT HILL SCHOOL
428 Hammond St.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
www.tchs.org
The Chestnut Hill School is pleased to welcome Tamara Schurdak as our new Head of School effective July 1, 2017. We are delighted about the talent, energy, and vision that Tamara will bring to CHS. During a national search process, Tamara’s warmth and intelligence were evident to everyone, and her leadership experience makes her uniquely qualified for the responsibilities of Head of School. Excited for this next chapter in their lives, Tamara joins the CHS community with her partner, Anne Gunning, who after several years away from Red Sox Nation, is looking forward to returning to her home state of Massachusetts.
The Chestnut Hill School an independent, co-educational for children in Beginners (age 3) to 6th grade. Our mission to educate children is deeply rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and community. Our goal is to develop skills, both academic and non-academic, to encourage individuality, to spur creativity, and to cultivate leadership in our students.
For more information about The Chestnut Hill School visit us on our website at www.tchs.org, or call 617.566.4394.
COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL
Commonwealth School in Boston is a small, coeducational day program for intellectually adventurous and creative students in grades 9–12. Small classes and dedicated faculty advisors ensure personal attention for each student, while daily all-school meetings, weekly assemblies, and unique traditions create a close-knit community in which students feel both challenged and supported.
Perennially recognized as one of the region’s top private schools, Commonwealth offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking curriculum taught by passionate faculty, cultivating a culture of rigorous academic and artistic exploration. Rich experiential learning opportunities and extracurriculars allow students to follow wherever their curiosity leads them beyond the classroom.
Learn more at www.commschool.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 combined 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.
While our “campus and classrooms” may look a bit different this year as we’ve reconfigured our school to maintain the health and safety of our community, our ability to deliver an education that is challenging, inclusive, and engaging, reflective of our mission, remains unchanged. 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 a series of virtual admissions events and personal connections with our admissions staff. An up-to-date schedule will be available on our website in September.
INLY SCHOOL
46 Watch Hill Drive
Scituate, MA
inlyschool.org
Inly School is an independent Montessori school on Boston’s South Shore with innovative programs that inspire toddler through 8th grade students to become engaged, lifelong learners. Inly’s curriculum blends Montessori philosophy with educational best practices to teach core subjects, world languages, creative thinking, arts, athletics, and life skills.
Inly Fast Facts:
• 290 students; Low student–teacher ratio
• Multi-age classes grouped by developmental level
• Spanish, Chinese, 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, it’s all about doing what's best for children. The tangible benefits of an Inly education include a deep understanding of academic material, many hands-on skills, and a discerning ability to manage one’s time. The intangible benefits—confidence, independence, and social and interpersonal responsibilities—separate Inly graduates from their peers and define the Inly difference.
Learn more at inlyschool.org.
THE RASHI SCHOOL
8000 Great Meadow Road
Dedham, MA 02026
https://www.rashi.org
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, success depends on collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. At The Rashi School, education is forward-thinking, keeping pace with innovations in research and practice on how children learn and emphasizing the skills students will need to be successful in the world they are inheriting.
The school’s integrated curriculum weaves Jewish Studies— including social justice, which is uniquely emphasized at Rashi —seamlessly into the secular curriculum. This interdisciplinary approach helps students discover connections between one subject and another, between themselves and the community, and between their community and the world at large.
At Rashi, the Boston area’s Reform Jewish independent school, students in kindergarten through grade 8 learn in an atmosphere infused with an appreciation for, and love of, a life informed by Jewish values. The school shares a 162-acre wooded campus with Hebrew SeniorLife’s NewBridge community, enriching the student experience with multi-generational friendships and perspectives.
The Rashi School graduates accomplished and engaged students who have a strong sense of self and Jewish identity and who understand their obligation to make a difference in the world.
THE ROXBURY LATIN SCHOOL
www.roxburylatin.org
617-477-6317
Founded in 1645, and located on 117 acres in West Roxbury, Roxbury Latin is a small, independent day school for boys in Grades 7 through 12. We are committed to the character development and rigorous academic training of each boy entrusted to us. The school’s comparatively low tuition, and its policy to admit and enroll students without regard to their parents’ ability to pay, ensures a diverse student body.
In designing a vital program, Roxbury Latin is alert to what is best and most effective in educating boys, but we also dare to define what is in their best interest. We care most of all what kind of person a boy is, and we promise to know and love each boy.
WELLAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Wellan Montessori School (formerly Newton Montessori School) is an independent, coeducational school for students age 15 months – Grade 8, located in Newton Centre, MA. At Wellan, educators harness the power of each child’s intrinsic motivation; all students are known, cherished, and given the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. Students benefit from hands-on lessons and structured curricula while working toward mastery in all subject areas. They learn in the context of a tight-knit community that includes peers, faculty, and family members of diverse backgrounds who celebrate each other’s differences. Graduates emerge as capable leaders with deep self-knowledge, sharply tuned academic skills, and empathy for others, well prepared for the area’s top public and independent schools. Schedule a tour at wellan.org to see our immersive education firsthand.
WORCESTER ACADEMY
Worcester Academy is an exceptional co-educational independent school for day and boarding students in grades 6 through 12 and postgraduates. Through an innovative and thoughtfully designed curriculum, we instill in our students a lifelong passion for learning and a foundation of core values that enable them to achieve the honorable as leaders and world citizens. We take pride in our diverse local and international community, and situate our curriculum within a global, multicultural context that helps students develop the independence, confidence, and world-readiness they need to succeed in college and beyond.
"Achieve the Honorable," our school motto, sits as the foundation of our core values – Honor, Respect, Community, Personal Growth, and Challenge. It's the phrase every member of the WA community is expected to live up to every day. Through an abundance of extra-curricular activities, we give our students an environment filled with expert guidance, plenty of options, and, of course, challenge. We develop cultural competency and global perspective through our diverse community. Our city campus gives every Hilltopper the opportunity to experience the vitality, diversity, and excitement of a city rich in heritage, culture, and the Arts.
Far Brook School
52 Great Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-379-3442
www.farbrook.org
Emi Ithen Director of Enrollment Management
admissions@farbrook.org
Discover an inspired education at Far Brook School, an independent, coeducational day school for 220 students from Nursery through Eighth Grade in Short Hills, NJ. Our progressive approach builds a strong educational foundation, integrating liberal arts and sciences with the skills and habits of mind needed for success in high school and life. Classrooms open to the outdoors, encouraging exploration with nature and our Schoolyard Wetlands Habitat. Each Far Brook student is honored as an important part of our inclusive and diverse community, and develops self-assurance, intrinsic motivation, a sense of social justice, and leadership skills. Far Brook graduates attend local independent and public high schools as well as prestigious boarding schools around the country. It is our desire to touch the lives of children so that they may live life wisely and with great joy. Visit our beautiful 9-acre campus and discover if Far Brook is a good fit for your child. www.farbrook.org.
MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
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.
WESTFIELD FRIENDS SCHOOL
https://www.westfieldfriends.org/
Westfield Friends School lights a brilliant path for children. As a Quaker school, we honor the Divine essence in every student; we find power and wisdom in our differences; and we seek truth through active, joyful, collaborative inquiry. Our graduates go on to lead lives of conscience and consequence. The world we seek for our children begins here.
Guided by our Mission:
Our education is an education of Quaker standards.
We hold ourselves to the highest aspirations of our tradition and the highest standards in the field. We make space for growth and change, and allow every member of our community to flourish.
Our education is an education of conscience.
We reach beyond ourselves, take responsibility for the health of our community and our environment, and consider the effect of our thoughts and actions on those around us.
Our education is an education of consequence.
We usher into the world students capable of building community, leading from the head and the heart, and using their skills, their compassion, and their intelligence to advance both their personal visions and the common good.
ROSS SCHOOL
www.ross.org
Pre-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 6–12, PG) and day school (PN-Grade 12, PG) located on a beautiful campus in East Hampton, about two hours east of New York City. Serving approximately 400 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 is an innovative day school for students, grades 4-12, with learning differences such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disabilities, and executive functioning difficulties. We do this through a process that understands each student, individualizes a program to meet their needs and that builds a powerful sense of community. We call this process the Continuous Feedback System. This system is designed to deeply understand each student's specific learning profile including their strengths and potential.
Come to an open house and learn more about our educational philosophy and tour our school.
BUFFALO SEMINARY - SEM
Among the oldest girls' schools in the United States, SEM has designed a culture of achievement, scholarship, creativity, and leadership since 1851. Uniquely, we are non-denominational and non-uniform - our culture is centered around our Academic & Social Honor Code. Our independent high school environment allows girls to challenge themselves, express themselves, to succeed in college, and prepare for adulthood.
Our school, on the National Register of Historic Places, is a cozy campus in a leafy neighborhood with world-renowned art galleries, historically significant Olmsted designed city parks, shops and restaurants. Our student residences are renovated grand homes where girls live with faculty parents. Because Buffalo is situated on Lake Erie, SEM teams include sailing and crew.
Buffalo is a one hour flight from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago; and a 90-minute drive from Toronto. Niagara Falls is only 15 minutes away!
At SEM we believe in standards, but not standardization. Non-denominational and non-uniform, our independent high school environment allows girls to challenge themselves, express themselves, and to prepare for success in college and adulthood.
Students who thrive at SEM are ready to widen their perspectives, contribute to community, to explore, to stretch, and to learn.
EF Academy International Boarding Schools
582 Columbus Ave., Thornwood, NY 10594
www.ef.edu/academy
(914) 495-6028
EF Academy prepares students not only for academic success, but also for true global citizenship through critical learning and unparalleled intercultural immersion in what amounts to a diverse United Nations-style high school community. Our three school promises are to provide a superior education, thorough preparation for university, and a future that knows no borders.
Our flagship campus, EF Academy New York, is located on 98 acres in suburban Westchester County, under an hour north of Manhattan and its boundless educational opportunities. Home to 715 students from 60 different countries, EF Academy embraces the spirit of collaborative international perspective — in no small part through our IB Diploma program. Beyond that, we offer a range of programs so that all of our students master a key set of global competencies in multilingualism, leadership and travel, enhanced by a broad array of clubs, activities and competitions. With everything from equestrian to soccer, coding to fine arts, students have the opportunity to discover their true passions—fitting in and developing the confidence and independence that will serve them well in college and the real world after.
EF Academy also offers a global campus rotation option among its other locations in the heart of Oxford, England, and the Jewel of the English Riviera: Torbay.
GREEN MEADOW WALDORF SCHOOL
307 Hungry Hollow Rd.
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
845-356-2514
www.gmws.org
Nursery – 12th grade
Green Meadow Waldorf School offers programs for babies and toddlers from birth to age three, serves children from Nursery through 12th grade, and runs popular summer programs. Founded in 1950, we are one of the oldest, largest Waldorf schools in the US, with almost 225 students. Benefiting from discovery and play in our Early Childhood program, skill-building in our Lower School, and rigorous intellectual challenges in the High School, Green Meadow students go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers, and are known for their resilience and creativity. Come to an admissions event or call us to learn more about how we are transforming education. We also have a strong commitment to serving a diverse range of children, and we welcome LGBTQ and gender-fluid families. We invite you to read about our commitment to diversity at www.gmws.org/diversity.
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 effort 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 go 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 arts 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 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.
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.
AVENUES: The World School
259 10th Ave,
New York, NY 10001
www.avenues.org
Launched in September 2012, Avenues: The World School is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Serving nursery through 12th grade, Avenues is focused on three principles: second language proficiency, which is essential to achieve true global citizenship; global readiness, delivered through a global studies curriculum called the World Course; and international experience.
BANK STREET SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN
610 West 112th St., New York, NY 10025
212-875-4433
www.bankstreet.edu
Email: sfcadmissions@bankstreet.edu
430 Children
Lower School: Nursery – Kindergarten
Middle School: 1st Grade – 4th Grade
Upper School: 5th Grade – 8th Grade
Bank Street School for Children is a progressive independent school and a working model of the Bank Street College of Education’s approach to learning and teaching. The curriculum is experience-based, interdisciplinary, and collaborative. The emphasis is on educating the whole child – the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual being – while at the same time, recognizing and valuing the child’s integrity as a learner, teacher, and classmate. Children become self-motivated learners and strong community members though active engagement with all aspects of the environment. Education at the School for Children is experienced-based. Carefully designed and executed educational experiences offer the framework for each child’s process of “meaning making” and personal reflection. Constructivism - the idea that a child makes discoveries from his or her own observations, explorations, and experiences, and then uses all of them to construct understanding – is the basis of the educational program.
The School has a commitment to diversity that is consistent with the progressive tenet that schools should represent the demographics of the society in which they exist. We strive to acknowledge, support, and educate every member of our community, both children and adults, to be sensitive to and respectful of the diversity among us with regard to race, ethnicity, class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, learning style, family structure, and physical ability. Moreover, a broadly based financial aid program provides tuition assistance, based on need, to attract and maintain a range of socio-economic diversity. Our philosophical beliefs and scholarly practice in our classrooms have a prominent anti-bias foundation, as well as a social justice and equity-driven curriculum reflected in all subject areas.
BLUE SCHOOL
241 Water Street and 156 William Street
New York, NY 10038
212-228-6341 x 110
Pre-primary (2-4 year olds), Primary (K-5th), Middle School (6th-8th)
Admissions Director, Dawn Williams
DawnW@blueschool.org
blueschoolconnected.org
Since its inception, Blue School has been reimagining education for our changing world. Never before has our world changed so quickly. In response, we have expertly designed an educational experience to meet the current needs of families. Blue School Connected retains all the hallmarks of a whole-child Blue School education by fostering creativity, promoting academic excellence, nurturing human relationships, and inspiring a growing passion for learning.
For the 2020-21 school year, Blue School Connected will offer two options for students ages 2 through 8th grade: Onsite + Online or Fully Online.
The Blue School Connected - Onsite + Online program strategically combines in-person classes with digital engagement to achieve our educational goals.
For those who prefer to remain at home and offsite, the Blue School Connected - Fully Online program is a thoughtfully crafted educational program transforming online education into an interactive, academically challenging, creative and joy-filled experience that is responsive to the individual needs of students and their families.
No matter which option you choose, Blue School Connected is a joyful, community-centered experience empowering students to be capable, creative and courageous innovators of a harmonious and sustainable world.
THE BRICK CHURCH SCHOOL
The Brick Church School offers an excellent early childhood education, nourishing children’s emotional, social, intellectual, physical, ethical, and spiritual well-being through an intentionally balanced approach in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect. The Brick Church School actively seeks to be a community that is diverse and inclusive in all aspects. Informed by the latest scientific research about brain development in the early years, our program fosters a love of learning while ensuring that children develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they will need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond, all in an age-appropriate, stimulating learning environment. Our expert teaching staff ensures that all children are supported and challenged. At The Brick Church School, children are valued for who they are and reach their fullest potential for growth and development while in our care.
Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Preschool
131 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.bhsbrooklyn.org
Our inclusive, caring community has been nurturing young learners and their families since the fall of 2002. Our on-going focus is on creating a warm, child-centered, inquiry-based school setting. An emergent curriculum and exceptional child/teacher ratio allows us to focus on children’s interests – exploring aspects of their lives, imaginations, and community in an atmosphere of fun and play. We are a Reform Jewish school and teachers introduce the Jewish holidays to children in much the same way they approach curriculum, by making it relevant, meaningful and accessible to young learners. Stories, symbols, songs and even the tastes of holidays allow our students to begin exploration of Jewish traditions and values.
THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL
The Buckley School is an independent school for boys in kindergarten through ninth grade, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side. With a tradition of excellence dating back over 100 years, we are fortunate to offer our students and families an environment where doing your best becomes the only way of doing things at all. We are educators with a growth mindset, always striving to do the very best for our boys. Our teachers are innovators in the classroom and mentors in the hallway, our coaches are bastions of sportsmanship and proponents of healthy living, and our leaders are constantly looking forward, not resting on any past success. At Buckley, we aren't focused on the achievement of excellence; we are focused on the pursuit of it. We work to ensure that every boy will learn the fundamental skills and the academic habits needed for success in secondary school, and more important to us, every boy will also learn how to be a young man of sterling character, a young man who respects others and who puts his community before himself.
THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE
1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 111th St.)
New York, NY 10025
212-316-7500
https://www.cathedralnyc.org/
The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. Located on New York City’s Upper West Side on the 13-acre Close of the Cathedral, the School offers a unique setting for the celebration of the many traditions shared by its families. The School prides itself on being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children’s intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral’s vast resources and provides its children’s choir.
THE CHURCHILL SCHOOL AND CENTER
Bob Thomas
Director of Admissions and Communications
rthomas@churchillschoolnyc.org
212-722-0610
www.ChurchillSchoolNYC.org
The Churchill School and Center is a community dedicated to helping students with learning differences become confident, self-advocating learners. At The Churchill School, all children are capable of achieving their goals in life when provided the support and nurturing they need. Our mission as a K-12 coeducational college preparatory day school, “is dedicated to working collaboratively with students, educators, and families to help children with language based learning disabilities realize their full potential.”
Academic instruction emphasizes the development of metacognitive strategies to strengthen executive functioning and self-awareness. Coupled with a curriculum centered around our Core Values of Integrity, Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, and Perseverance, Churchill teaches students acceptance of themselves and empathy towards others. With a wide choice of arts, sports, club, and elective offerings, students’ existing and new interests and abilities can also flourish.
The Churchill School community is a safe, welcoming community for both the student and family. We partner with you as your child moves through this journey and, together, we work to help them “Reveal Their Abilities”, recognizing and celebrating who they are and who they can become. Students leave Churchill as well-rounded, confident self-advocates prepared for the challenges of life.
CITY AND COUNTRY SCHOOL
146 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
Director of Admissions: Elise Bauer
Admissions Associates: Erika Greenberg and Nick Smart
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.
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 ÉCOLE
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—in a word, “enlightened”—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, succinctly captured in our school’s motto, “Light through language”.
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, inspire—and illuminate.
ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL
33 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
212-712-6220
3901 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY 10471
718-329-7300
www.ecfs.org
Pre-K -12th grade The Ethical Culture Fieldston School was established in 1878 by the visionary Felix Adler, educator, social reformer, and founder of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. Committed to academic excellence, progressive education, and ethical learning, ECFS today serves about 1,700 students from Pre-K through 12th grade on two campuses, one in Manhattan and the other on 18 acres in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Our two lower schools, Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower, teach Pre-K through grade 5; Fieldston Middle, grades 6 through 8; Fieldston Upper, grades 9 through 12. With a diverse community and a longstanding commitment to social justice, the school offers a rich and challenging curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. ECFS also has one of the largest financial aid programs of any independent day school in the country. Find out more at www.ecfs.org.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NURSERY SCHOOL
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.
FRIENDS SEMINARY
222 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003
212-979-5030
www.friendsseminary.org
Kindergarten - 12th grade
Founded in 1786 and grounded in Quaker values and a rich educational legacy, our mission aims to prepare students for the world that is and to help them bring about the world that ought to be.
Optimism is the operative word at Friends. Within the walls of our re-imagined campus opened in 2019, the combination of challenge and support creates a learning environment in which children feel valued for their unique selves and safe to take intellectual risks. We strive to build a school community representative of the city at large to open minds and enrich learning. Unique to Quaker schools, time is set aside for Meeting —a moment when students and faculty gather in the School’s landmarked Meetinghouse for quiet reflection.
Friends offers a K-12 balanced and robust academic program including over 120 courses in the Upper School alone. Through our Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice, service learning supports the School’s mission to help students understand the importance of respect, compassion and social responsibility. Our Global Education program provides opportunities for domestic and international study programs for students to experience stewardship first hand.
Friends welcomes and encourages children of all races, ethnicities, religions, nationalities, socio-economic backgrounds, and sexual orientation to apply for admissions. A substantial aid program is available for families requiring financial assistance.
GRACE CHURCH SCHOOL
86 Fourth Avenue, New York, NY 10003
212-475-5609
www.gcschool.org
Junior Kindergarten - 8th grade
Grace Church School (GCS) was founded in 1894 by Grace Church as the first choir boarding school in New York City. From the original sixteen choristers, it has grown to its current enrollment of over 380 boys and girls drawn from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. GCS's curriculum encourages children to appreciate diversity whether the difference is grounded in race, class, cultural tradition, religion, gender, nationality, or personal style. The School is divided into three divisions. Early Childhood Division (Jr. Kindergarten and Kindergarten), Lower School (grades one through four) and Upper School (grades five through eight). GCS's structured curriculum includes Spanish, Latin and French, and extensive computer and religious views of the community. The opportunity for responsibility and personal expression is enhanced through student council, community service, expanded sports and arts programs, and social activities such as dances and extended trips.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEW YORK
4 East 90th Street
www.ianyc.org
212-641-0260
The International Academy of New York is a diverse and multicultural school for children ages 2 through 13. We believe that students learn best when they feel seen and heard; that small class sizes create opportunities for meaningful investigation into core academic subjects at the highest level; that truly diverse schools produce students who are culturally astute, intellectually stimulated, and make transitions easily; and that bilingual education is a necessity in an ever-shrinking world. We approach students as individuals, preparing them to navigate the world they will inherit with confidence, energy, and resilience. IANY students spend 40 percent of all instructional time working in a second language, either Spanish or Chinese, taught by native speakers. The rest of the curriculum is taught in English, with a powerful focus on fostering outstanding literacy and math skills. IANY is located in a landmark building in the heart of the Upper East Side, right next to Central Park and world renowned museums along Museum Mile. For more information, contact IANY admissions: admissions@ianyc.org.
LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE/ELISABETH IRWIN HIGH SCHOOL
Lower and Middle School
272 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10014
212-477-5316
High School
40 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014
212-477-5316
www.lrei.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
New York City's Little Red School Little Red House/Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI) has numerous gay-positive attributes. Founder, Elisabeth Irwin, was a model of lesbian leadership. She and her partner, Katharine Anthony, were adoptive parents. A lesbian-and-gay-issues committee of faculty, parents, and administration is an active voice in the school. The committee and the school co-sponsors the "Love Makes a Family; Living in Lesbian and Gay Families" photo-text exhibit which is attended by all students and faculty. "It's Elementary", a documentary about the importance of including lesbian and gay voices and themes in elementary curriculum, was viewed by the faculty and parents. Lesbian and Gay Pride Month is celebrated each October through assemblies and class discussions. Lower School teachers have devised an inclusive family curriculum, which recognizes gay and lesbian parents. The Middle School Adolescent Issues program deals with a wide range of matters, including sexuality and discrimination, with a focus on developing decision-making skills. LREI's library collection includes books for children of gays and lesbians and books which address sexuality.
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 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 (MMFS) is an independent K-12 college preparatory Quaker school for students with learning disabilities. The school opened in 1984 with an elementary class of five students, and has grown to its current enrolment of 398 students reflecting the diverse ethnic and racial spectrum of the New York City metropolitan area. The school is comprised of three campuses in Brooklyn: an elementary school at 20 Bergen Street, a middle school at 135 Summit Street, and an upper school at 23 Sidney Place.
Mary McDowell Friends School provides a structured, multi-sensory, interdisciplinary approach to education combining large and small group work, language modification, and hands-on learning. A high staff-to-student ratio enables students to receive differentiated instruction to meet their unique learning needs. The arts -- visual arts, music, and theater -- and physical education are important components of the curriculum. Support services are provided during the school day by language therapists, fine/gross motor therapists and psychologists.
Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, the school cultivates a diverse community. By offering a supportive environment and innovative programming, MMFS is helping students with learning disabilities become academic achievers, creative thinkers, and contributing members of a global society. new.marymcdowell.org.
NEW AMSTERDAM SCHOOL
62 Ave B, New York, NY 10009
212-533-1820
www.newamsterdamschool.org
Early Childhood - 4th Grade (Growing to 8th Grade)
New Amsterdam is a small, home-like Waldorf school, where our warm community nourishes children and adults alike. With the intention of educating free individuals capable of imagining and creating an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable future, teachers integrate art, movement, music, and nature into students' daily lives, igniting both the imagination and the will, and awakening a life-long joy in learning. Our comprehensive Waldorf curriculum provides children with developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous experiences that develop imaginative and critical thinking, emotional maturity, and social responsibility.
Our school prioritizes inclusivity and aims for our community to truly reflect the multifaceted city, and world, in which we live. Our classrooms are vibrant communities of diverse ethnicities, genders, races, sexual identities, socioeconomics, physical and mental abilities, political opinions, religions, and nationalities.
Founded in 2006, New Amsterdam School began as a grassroots alliance of educators, parents, and community leaders determined to bring the benefits of Waldorf education to Lower Manhattan. We now serve early childhood through fourth grade and will add an upper grade each year until we reach eighth grade by 2024. We are a member of WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) and an Associate Member of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America).
PARK AVENUE METHODIST DAY SCHOOL
106 East 86th Street
New York, NY 10028
212-289-6997
Molly M. DeGesero - Director
office@pamdayschool.org
www.pamdayschool.org
Park Avenue Methodist Day School (PAMDS) was founded in 1953 with many families across the city well acquainted with our secular pre-school serving children 2 to 5 years of age. When the school was established, our play-based pedagogic model was virtually the only form of early childhood education. While other educational approaches have been introduced or developed since then, we continue to hold play at our core. PAMDS is the home of ‘Playful Inquiry’. Through constructive and meaningful play experiences and ‘Cycles of Inquiry’, children not only learn what they need to know, but also acquire the skills that they need to be successful learners and citizens beyond preschool. We listen to what each child has to say and treat each child as an individual. We praise the child’s process of discovery and encourage them to take risks. We support children to be respectful, active, excited, autonomous, curious and courageous learners.
We are seeking families who take an active role in their child’s life and firmly believe that play is a child’s work. PAMDS understands that a quality school relationship puts the child and the family at the center of our mission. We look forward to partnering with you throughout your time with us.
RIVERDALE COUNTRY SCHOOL
5250 Fieldston Rd., Riverdale, NY 10471
718-549-8810, 718-549-7780
www.riverdale.edu
PreK - 12 grade
At Riverdale Country School, we educate boys and girls in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 based on guiding principles in four areas: mind, character, commitment, and community.
MIND
High standards are valued, but so are innovative approaches to learning. We invite students to cast a wide net during their years on campus, encouraging them to explore subjects in the arts and sciences that interest them. Students' intellectual curiosity and emotional growth are given thoughtful support even as they grow independent as learners.
CHARACTER
Honesty, self-discipline, resilience, and perseverance are qualities we encourage. A multifaceted support system provides students with the assistance they need as they pursue opportunities and learn life lessons.
COMMITMENT
A successful life is made up of the many commitments we make, both to ourselves and to others. Riverdale's emphasis on commitment to a wide range of activities, including academics, sports, community service, and the arts, endows students with a sense of satisfaction and balance.
COMMUNITY
The Riverdale campuses are an ideal setting for an intimate community of learners. Students also expand their view of community beyond the wooded campuses; they are encouraged to view themselves as citizens of the world, with all the joy and responsibility that implies.
SCIENCE, LANGUAGE & ARTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Main Campus: Downtown Brooklyn
Early Childhood Annex (ages 2-4): Carroll Gardens
718-636-3836
https://slaschool.org
Science, Language & Arts International School is an independent Nursery to Grade 8 school in Brooklyn, focused on the hands-on integration of science with visual arts, language, and math, and committed to providing children with a rich and rigorous multilingual, multicultural, and anti-racist education in French and Mandarin.
Science, Language & Arts International School was founded on a deep-seated belief in the limitless capabilities of children. Our hands-on, project-based approach is informed by brain development research and promotes collaborative learning and critical thinking.
At SLA, students’ innate curiosity and creativity is nurtured and celebrated through exploration, observation, and experimentation. Our integrated curriculum and language-immersive environment provides a context for learning that deepens students’ understanding and broadens their perspectives.
We are currently accepting applications for our Nursery through Grade 5 programs. Learn more about our admissions process here.
ST. LUKE'S SCHOOL
487 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
212-924-5960
www.stlukeschool.org
Junior Kindergarten - 8th grade
Founded in 1945, St. Luke's School is located in the West Village of New York City. It is a coeducational Episcopal day school with two hundred students of all faiths from Junior-Kindergarten through Grade eight Since its inception, St. Luke's School has encouraged diversity by seeking both students and teachers of varying backgrounds. The schools unique 2-acre campus includes three outdoor playgrounds. St. Luke's Garden, filled with quiet paths, flowers, lawns, benches, and trees. Facilities include spacious and sunny classrooms, a gymnasium, an art studio, a small theater, an 18,000 volume library and media center, computer, and foreign language rooms. Chapel services and special programs are held in The Church of St. Luke in the Fields, a landmark building, constructed in 1822 and rebuilt in 1985.
Lower School Junior-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students' days are tilled with the "work" of play-paints, blocks, dressups, sand, water, cooking, and regular outdoor activities in the playground. As children become ready, reading, writing and math skills are introduced. In Grades 1 through 4, the focus is on developing proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking.
The Upper School program. Grades 5 through 8, continues to build upon the base of academic skills and concentrates on study habits, time management and independence to prepare students for high school. All students learn and participate in community service, and St. Luke's Partners Program pairs older and younger children for projects and activities.
THINK Global School
THINK Global School is a traveling high school where your child will live and learn in ten countries over three years, making unforgettable connections between their education and the world around them.
Students at THINK Global School guide their own learning through a combination of real-world exploration, skills mastery, and meaningful projects. Imagine conservation lessons in Botswana or marine biology studies at the Great Barrier Reef: Each term at THINK Global School is an opportunity for your child to solve driving questions related to the socio-cultural, environmental, and political issues that shape the places they visit. It's an education based on unique and compelling firsthand experiences, unlike any other in the world.
THINK Global School also places just as much emphasis on social-emotional development as academic growth. A 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio and highly-qualified counseling staff ensure your child will always have a mentor to turn to for advice. And whether THINK Global School is in Botswana, Japan, or any of our other locations, you'll always be kept fully up-to-date on your child's educational and holistic progress.
The 21st-century skills that THINK Global School students learn during their travels also prepare them for success in the real world: 98% of THINK Global School students have gone on to university following their graduation and are already impacting the world in a variety of fields. Change begins at THINK Global School, but it certainly does not end there.
Sound like the educational adventure of a lifetime? Apply today at www.thinkglobalschool.org.
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (UNIS)
A Pre-K-to-12th grade, coeducational school, the United Nations International School (UNIS) was established in 1947 by some UN parents to provide an international education for children from both UN and non-UN families while preserving their cultural heritages. The school's board of trustees reports directly to the Secretary-General, and UN issues and other international topics are woven through its classes. The school is well known for its wide-ranging diversity, and its students come from 123 countries and speak 99 languages at home, while the faculty comes from 69 countries. The spacious Manhattan campus overlooks the East River. A founding school of the International Baccalaureate (IB), UNIS has a comprehensive Pre-K-12 curriculum. Given the school's truly international nature, the study of languages to fluency is central: the main language of instruction is English and all students study French or Spanish beginning in prekindergarten, with Mandarin offered as an additional language. In Middle School, students add another language, and those include Arabic, German, Italian, Japanese and Russian. Additional languages may be studied after school, starting in the Junior School. Overall, UNIS aims to educate and inspire its students to become an active force in shaping a better world. For further information, please contact admissions@unis.org.
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
Associate Director of Admissions: Barbara Binswanger Charlton
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 2.8 - 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 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.
WETHERBY-PEMBRIDGE SCHOOL
7 E 96th Street
New York, NY 10128
646-213-3400
https://www.wetherby-pembridge.org
Wetherby-Pembridge is a British independent school for boys and girls ages 3 to 14 (Nursery 3 - Grade 8). Our school vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards and celebrate successes. Wetherby-Pembridge holds sacred its core values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility. We combines the merits of single-sex and co-education in a unique provision that is both family-friendly and educationally sound. The curriculum is based on the rigorous English National Curriculum but is enriched by New York City’s education practice and infused with school values. At Wetherby-Pembridge, children are inspired to achieve personal confidence and success with integrity, kindness, respect and manners. From Kindergarten onward, boys and girls are taught English and Math separately, while enjoying the social benefits of co-education in all other subjects and extracurricular activities. Many internationally-minded families benefit from exchange programs with London Schools and are well-prepared for top high schools across the US and Internationally, as well as top universities in the US, UK and around the globe. Visit our website to register for an Open House or schedule a private tour.
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.
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 SCHOOL HAVERFORD
851 Buck Lane
Haverford, PA 19041
610-642-2334
www.friendshaverford.org
Nursery School - Grade 8
Founded in 1885, Friends School Haverford is a coeducational Quaker school for students in nursery school through grade 8.
We provide an intellectually rich program to an intentionally diverse school family. 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, VISIT www.friendshaverford.org!
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., Friends’ Central cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of students. Guided by Quaker values, since 1845, we have been educating for excellence, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, honoring each individual, and encouraging our students to peacefully transform the world.
Friends' Central is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive, diverse community. A basic tenet of Quakerism stems from the believe that there is "that 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.
To learn more, check out our website or visit our campuses!
GEORGE SCHOOL
A global school with local roots, George School is a Quaker, co-ed boarding and day high school in Newtown, PA. Convenient to New York City and Philadelphia, the school is located on a picturesque campus of open lawns and beautiful woods.
George School is an experienced leader in education, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program and boasting a diploma success rate of 100 percent in recent years, and offering nearly 20 Advanced Placement courses. Students are immersed in learning across all disciplines in a rigorous yet personalized curriculum that provides flexible instruction with distance-learning capability when required.
Students participate in 25 different team sports and take physical wellness classes in state-of-the-art facilities. George School’s three-season equestrian program combines athleticism and horsemanship for novice and advanced riders.
George School graduates attend the most selective colleges and universities worldwide, and become confident and capable leaders rooted in self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and the ability to listen deeply to others.
Contact admission@georgeschool.org, call 215.579.6547, or visit www.georgeschool.org to learn more about applying to George School.
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.
MEDIA-PROVIDENCE FRIENDS SCHOOL
Founded in 1876, Media-Providence Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for students in preschool through eighth grade located in downtown Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
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.
The MPFS Admissions Office remains open and continues to accept applications for the 2020-21 school year despite the COVID-19 outbreak. With the stay-at-home orders issued by Governor Wolf, MPFS has moved to Distance Learning with our amazing faculty teaching virtually! We have instituted a new application process to provide our prospective families with a virtual and interactive alternative to our Admissions process. Visit mpfs.org/rsvp today to learn more about our Virtual Admissions Open House.
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. 145.
THE MIQUON SCHOOL
Preschool through 6th grade (ages 3-12)
2025 Harts Lane
Conshohocken, PA
610-828-1231
www.miquon.org
Founded in 1932, Miquon is a Progressive independent school that values racial, ethnic, economic, religious, gender, and social diversity. The school actively seeks applicants who represent and broaden that diversity.
Miquon is dedicated to preserving childhood, using innovative student-centered teaching practices, and developing children's knowledge of and appreciation for the environment. Independent thinking, varied individual and collaborative approaches to learning, authentic assessment methods, and creative, child-focused approaches are all components of Miquon's Progressive educational program. Time spent outside on our 10-acre campus including woods, fields, and creek is an integral part of every child’s experience. Located just outside Northwest Philadelphia, the school enrolls approximately 150 students in eight mixed-age groups, typically 18-22 children in size, with two dedicated teachers in each classroom.
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA
215-545-5323
http://www.tpschool.org
The Philadelphia School educates children for a future that is impossible to know but not impossible to shape. Learn here. Go anywhere.
The Philadelphia School’s progressive approach to learning and teaching has deep thinking, innovation, and agency as its guiding values. We encourage children to explore and push the boundaries of possibility to fulfill their intellectual, social, and civic potential. We approach learning through inquiry, projects, and community. Core values and new research inform the school’s program and pedagogical practices. Our interdisciplinary, theme-based approach prepares students to build a stronger and more inclusive school, community, and society for today and tomorrow.
As an urban, preschool–8th grade school, we address specifically how young students develop intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, and physically. Through our commitment to diversity, we seek to nurture each student’s moral compass, sense of personal integrity, and respect for individuality. Learning in the city, country, and classroom affirms our founders’ goal of educating children to become responsible and active stewards of the urban and natural environments.
FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF PUGET SOUND
Excellence Today, the World Tomorrow
3795 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
206-275-3533
www.fasps.org
The French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) offers education with the highest standards of both French and American systems from preschool (age 3) to Grade 8, which represents 11 years of bilingual education. With a truly international community, composed of 48 nationalities, our students come with all levels of French when they join. We don’t require any previous French up to Kindergarten. FASPS students become fully bilingual, academically thriving, entrepreneurially minded and keen on team work. They emerge as well-rounded, confident, and happy young individuals with an educated perspective on our global world.
“My daughter gained incredible study skills, work ethic, focus, organization and discipline through this bilingual system. At the same time, she learned to think out of the box, creatively and analytically.” -FASPS Alumni Parent
For the most up to date information on tours and open houses, please visit our website: www.fasps.org/admissions.
LAKE WASHINGTON GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
2100 S. Walker St. Seattle, WA 98144
206-709-3800
www.lwgms.org
info@lwgms.org
Girls, grades 6-8
Lake Washington Girls Middle School serves just under 120 students in grades six through eight. Founded in 1998, LWGMS opened its new North Beacon Hill, Seattle campus in December, 2019.
Regardless of whether they are learning remotely or are on campus in large or small groups, LWGMS students are fully immersed in our school’s innovative and holistic approach to educating adolescent girls—fostering academic excellence, creative confidence, positive risk-taking, and the development of individual talents. Students are participating in our full academic program, designed to support their engagement in our rigorous academic program; to balance structure and flexibility and bolster social-emotional learning; and to offer students and families predictability within the context of this unpredictable pandemic. While LWGMS believes strongly in the benefits of in-person learning whenever possible, we also know that our faculty and staff are ready to implement a rigorous, dynamic, and inspiring online learning program honoring our values of “Respect and Responsibility” whenever it is not safe for students to be on campus.
Lake Washington Girls Middle School empowers girls to be strong in mind, body, and voice.
THE MERIDIAN SCHOOL
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 242
Seattle, WA 98103
206-632-7154
www.meridianschool.edu
The Meridian School is an independent, K-5 school (215 students) committed to shaping globally responsible citizens who are empowered to inquire, investigate, innovate and impact their communities. Guided by a belief in the power of a wide range of human potential, we approach each child’s learning flexibly and responsively. Our inclusive approach serves a diverse community of learners through a combination of instructional differentiation and small group intervention or extension. Our unique location in Wallingford’s historic Good Shepherd Center situates us in an 11-acre park and surrounds us with nonprofit organizations such as the Tilth Alliance, Washington Green Schools and the Wallingford Senior Center. Academics take place inside the classroom and out in the park, and lessons in community begin by simply walking in the door.
Our Mission: The Meridian School promotes a balance of mind and heart, of contemplation and action, of individuality and a commitment to the community.
Our Beliefs:
Curriculum should challenge, engage and inspire students. At Meridian, we provide an excellent academic education in which the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning.
Character is built upon integrity, compassion, and responsibility. At Meridian, students are guided toward self-discipline and thoughtful decisions, mindful of themselves, others and their environment.
Community is the heart of a school. At Meridian, all students, staff and families are known and valued. We strive to create an equitable and inclusive culture. Our connections are strengthened through close student-teacher relationships, strong parent involvement, and active engagement with our local and global communities.
Programmatic Highlights: A learning approach that is flexible, responsive and customized, Place-based Education, Service Learning, Global Competency
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 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’s 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.
PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY SCHOOL
660 South Deaborn St.
Seattle, WA 98134
206-324-4350
www.pscs.org
6th – 12th grade
"Puget Sound Community School: Celebrating 25 years helping kids turn passion into achievement." PSCS is a community oriented middle and high school whose first focus is not limited to an academic program, but is to recognize the full range of human development. PSCS provides a safe, loving, nurturing environment in which the curriculum is based on responsibility and the goal for graduates is maturity. The school is dedicated to surrounding all students with talented people of high character who help them find out what they’re passionate about, and then help them DO something with that passion.
PSCS’ academic program is delivered to students by a highly committed teaching staff and a network of volunteers and is a natural by-product of a compassionate environment. The program is gleaned from a philosophy grounded in first-hand observation of how kids learn and grow. PSCS asks students to dedicate themselves to three simple core commitments: Practice Integrity. Engage the Community. Act with Courage.
PUGET SOUND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
www.pugetsoundindependentschools.org
Puget Sound Independent Schools (PSIS) is a non-profit admissions collaborative connecting families and schools around the Puget Sound region. We promote the value of local independent school education, and work collaboratively to make the admission process more accessible for prospective families. Our goal is for families to have an increased awareness of the 40+ independent school options in the Puget Sound region. All members of this collaborative are affiliated with the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). Through our website, school fairs, and efforts to streamline the application process, we hope to increase student access to independent school education in this area.
At independent schools, you’ll find extraordinary teachers, small class sizes, and an environment where teachers nurture and stimulate students’ intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and critical thinking skills. Our member schools service a variety of grade levels and learning philosophies. Visit our website to find the right school for your child today at www.pugetsoundindependentschools.org.
SEATTLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Inspiring gifted children to reach their potential through inquiry, curiosity, and wonder.
K-8th grade
2619 4th Ave N.
Seattle, WA 98119
www.seattlecountryday.org
206-691-2625
Since 1964, Seattle Country Day School has been inspiring gifted children in grades K-8 to discover their potential through inquiry. Students are the center of a dynamic learning and discovery process. Experienced teachers focus on intellectual and character growth, attending to the social, ethical, and emotional needs of sensitive and capable students. Small classes generate curiosity and innovation through inquiry learning, and provide opportunities for collaborative experiences with a curriculum rich in mathematics, science, technology, humanities, and the arts.
Seattle Country Day School entry points are kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade; applications are accepted at all grades level.
School highlights gifted education, inquiry-based learning, creative problem-solving, engaged peer groups, and collaborative culture.
SOUNDVIEW SCHOOL
6515 196th St. SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 778-8572
www.soundview.org
Would your child benefit from an ethical, rigorous, and compassionate learning environment? Do you believe that parents and teachers should come together to make sure children grow as students and as individuals? Soundview School may be of interest to you.
Soundview School is an independent, International Baccalaureate World School in Lynnwood, Washington (population 38,273). It is situated 17 miles north of Seattle. The school enjoys a 3+ acre campus, one-third of which is reserved for forest. Currently, Soundview has a student body of 85. The faculty to student ratio is 8:1.
Soundview educates preschool through 8th grade students. The Soundview community is built on close, personal relationships between students, families, and teachers. Students learn in flexible, multi-age classrooms that provide personalized learning experiences.
- 100% of our curriculum exceeds State of Washington standards.
- 100% of our students take advanced courses in math.
- 100% of our fifth- through eighth graders participate in band.
- Science, technology, engineering, art, and math are incorporated at all levels of learning.
At Soundview, every child empowered to make a positive difference. We honor how children really learn by encouraging curiosity, risk-taking, creation, and reflection.
If this sounds like something your child would benefit from, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope to hear from you soon.
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.
WHOLE EARTH MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Founded in 1986, WEM is fully accredited and proudly serves ages 3 through 6th grade in the greater Bothell area. WEM’s vision is a world in which each individual has respect for self, others and the environment. Our mission is to nurture in each child a respect for self, others and the environment through academic excellence, global perspective and environmental awareness utilizing the philosophy, methods, and materials advocated by Dr. Maria Montessori.
CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL
Capitol Hill Day School is an independent, progressive prekindergarten through 8th grade school on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. It is a close-knit school community in a historic building in a diverse and vibrant neighborhood, and we make abundant use of our neighborhood as an extended classroom. Experiences outside the classroom add vast new dimensions to what happens inside—our Field Education Program is unparalleled, opening up whole new worlds for our students.
Mission: Capitol Hill Day School deeply engages a diverse community of students in connecting the classroom to the larger world, supporting each child in developing the confidence, compassion, and intellectual capacity to live a life of purpose and value.
THE LITTLE FOLKS SCHOOL
3247 Q St NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6571
www.littlefolks.org
The Little Folks School is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington DC enrolling children ages two through five. Our nursery school is an inclusive community where teachers have created an environment for your child to learn through active exploration and interaction with teachers, other children, and the physical world around them. We approach the whole child: developing the social, the cognitive, the physical and the aesthetic. Our program has always had an emphasis on the arts, both visual and performing.
Diversity of all kinds is celebrated at our school.
As we teach our students, “families come in all different shapes and sizes, it is love that makes a family.”
ROCHAMBEAU, THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Rochambeau the French International School is a pre-school through 12th, coeducational, independent school offering a multilingual education like no other in the Washington DC area. We educate students representing over 80 nationalities. Our French curriculum is rigorous and our culture is supportive and inclusive. Students can start as of age 2 in our French Preschool, “la maternelle”, and continue through high school (12th grade or Terminale) to graduate with both the High School Diploma and The French Bac or IB. Non-French speakers can start in pre-school in a specially designed authentic French immersion program available until 3rd grade. Rochambeau is part of the network of French schools abroad (AEFE) which allows students to move with ease to any of the 500 schools in the network around the world, and enjoy the same quality of the education.
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PRESCHOOL
www.stjohnsdc.org
3240 O Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-338-2574
St. John’s Preschool is made up of three classrooms with a total enrollment of 46 children, ages 2.5-5 years old. St. John’s is located in the heart of Georgetown, Washington, DC. The classrooms have adjacent studios for ongoing project work and investigations, and the faculty is grouped into co-teaching teams. Children may arrive early to participate in the Early Birds program, which begins at 8:00 AM, or stay for the afternoon Kids’ Workshop between 12:30 until 3:00 PM. Under the direction of St. John’s staff, these mixed age group auxiliary programs offer a rich extension of our philosophy. Children participating in the afternoon Kids’ Workshop bring lunch from home and enjoy time in the outdoor classroom.
St. John’s Preschool is inspired by the Municipal Preschools and Infant-Toddler Centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which provide the philosophical foundation for our values and actions. Our launching point is the belief that all children are competent, capable, and intelligent.
