Finding the right private school for your child is no easy feat, especially since there are so many to choose from.  One way to make the search easier is to look at the Bay Area schools recommended by satisfied parents and successful graduates.  While there’s no guarantee that these schools are the right fit for your child, knowing their strengths will give you a good idea of what to look for in a private school.

Archway School

Archway School is a private K-8 school with a 35-year history of academic and personal excellence.  Their comprehensive academic curriculum is taught through experiential learning – that is, learning through hands-on experience instead of listening to a lecture.  This engaging teaching method allows each student to be personally invested in their education and encourages a natural love of learning.  Aside from this innovative teaching style, parents appreciate how wonderfully the students are treated by the teachers.  Each child’s unique learning style, needs, and developmental levels are respected – no one is pressured to excel, and teachers work closely with the student and the family to make sure that all learning goals are met.  Aside from a strong academic program, Archway offers a solid enrichment program in cooking, drama, music, and art.  Give the school a visit and experience’s Archway’s nurturing atmosphere for yourself. Learn more at http://www.archwayschool.org.

Julia Morgan School for Girls

Most adolescent girls would balk at the thought of going to an all-girls middle school, but students at Julia Morgan School for Girls love their school and can’t imagine going anywhere else.  Their academic program is exceptional, particularly in math and science. In fact, Julia Morgan is the only middle school in the Bay Area that includes financial literacy in their math program.  Their science program is highly engaging and project-based. Eighth graders have a robotics unit that allows them to compete in nationwide robotics competitions – and they make up most of the competition’s female population.  The school’s student culture is very positive, and the staff pays close attention to the social development faced by middle school girls.  Your child won’t need to worry about getting picked on by mean girls because each student is taught to value others and be their best selves.  So if you think an all-girls school is what your daughter needs, look no further than Julia Morgan. Learn more about their curriculum at http://www.juliamorganschool.org/.

Redwood Day School

Some students are artistically inclined, while others are academically gifted. Whatever the needs of your child might be, Redwood Day School can probably accommodate them.  Since 1963, this K-8 school has provided students with an engaging, project-based curriculum that allows them to excel no matter what their strengths are.  The Lower School’s academic program is complemented with specialist classes in Spanish, technology, physical education, arts, and music.  Cooking and gardening is integrated into the core curriculum to promote sustainability and green living at a young age.  At Middle School, the energy and rigor of the Lower School curriculum is maintained, and students get the chance to join optional activities like the drama club, musical groups, student council, and sports teams.   Students with special needs can be accommodated by a pull-out program taught by a learning specialist and an advocate for special education.  Learn more about this great school at http://www.rdschool.org.

If you're looking at Bay Area schools, check out these private schools that come highly recommended by parents.