Parents applying to K-12 schools are often left staring at a blank box, wondering, how does admissions choose the children each year, especially at schools with many more applicants than spots. Should they enroll their children in supplemental academic programs, should they donate to the school, what should they do? I’ve broken down the application process to three stages for the three main entry points at the start of elementary (kindergarten), middle (6th grade), and high s

San Francisco Waldorf High School is a local gem where college prep is balanced with a Waldorf backbone with plentiful arts and music electives, a hands-on approach, outdoor education, and a supportive community, while providing the skills needed to thrive beyond college. Students attracted to a quarter system will love this school. Whether attracted to the senior projects, the weaving looms, or the rotating science curriculum, students coalesce in a tree-lined street proxima

Jewish Community High School of the Bay is a pluralistic Jewish high school that is a local gem attracting students from around the Bay Area. With around 45 kids per grade, the school caters to a variety of academic levels with personal attention to each student. Because it’s a small school, students feel that they matter. Teaching is high quality based on learning, with constructive feedback along the way. Stress is kept down . . .

Looking for a progressive school for your tween boy? Field Middle School offers a progressive learning curriculum with a Montessori feel in an all boys environment, focused on the needs of the middle schooler. Founded in 2021, Field Middle fosters executive function skills while maintaining rigor. The program offers opportunities for acceleration, deeper learning, and skills development.