Private K-8 School in the San Francisco Bay Area

St. Paul's Episcopal School, Alameda County:
St. Paul's Episcopal School is an independent, non-denominational K-8 school in Oakland in Alameda County, approximately 8 miles east of San Francisco. We are proud to serve families from Adams Point, Lakeside, San Pablo Gateway, Old City, Lakesshore and throughout Oakland and the Bay Area. Our founders created a community where students can develop sophisticated critical thinking and generous hearts. Research has confirmed that problem solving skills are greatly enhanced through exposure to a diversity of thought, culture, and experience. The National Association of Independent Schools has honored St. Paul's with a Leading Edge Award for integrating service learning with curriculum.

Education in the Episcopal tradition is characterized by academic rigor, inclusivity, questioning of beliefs, and social involvement. St. Paul’s welcomes students and families from all faiths, or none. Concepts such as independence, respect, responsibility, and fairness are integral parts of learning, as is the moral imperative to serve others. To enhance critical thinking, service learning weaves math, writing, social studies, and art into projects that serve the elderly, the homeless, and the environment. Our students are inspired and compassionate.

Program Highlights at St. Paul's Episcopal School:
* Winner of 2004 Leading Edge Award from the National Association of Independent Schools
* Integrated academics across disciplines
* Outstanding music program
* Technology
* Spanish
* Nationally recognized Service Learning program
* Performing Arts, Music, and Art K-8
* Geometry - Grade 8
* Interfaith Chapel presentations
* Athletic teams Grades 6-8 - cross country, flag football, basketball, volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee

- Kindergarten Program
- Lower School Program
- Middle School Program

* In additional to core subjects such as English, math, social studies and science, we offer our students a wide range of music and art opportunites as well as a physical education program.

Why a K-8 School?
A K-8 school is a place where kids can remain “kids” until they are ready for high school, without the pressures of acting as they think older teenagers should behave. Without high school students on campus, the needs of our elementary and Middle School students remain primary. Our Middle School students are the leaders of student government, drama productions, science demonstrations, all-school presentations, and athletic teams.

Our program is tailor-made for this age group: five-year-olds to fourteen-year-olds. Our sole focus is our students' intellectual and character development during this crucial time in childhood. In 2008-2009, our eighth graders found that, as usual, they were admitted to the high schools of their choice. Acceptances for the Class of 2009 included Lick-Wilmerding, College Preparatory School, Bentley, Urban, and Head-Royce.

Diversity of all types remains a primary component of the St. Paul's mission. Each year, children of color number more than half of the student body. (National Association of Independent Schools [NAIS] average is 20.5% for similar schools.)

Students come from many different faith traditions, or none, and many different family configurations. These include first generation Americans, many who speak a different language at home, and students with lesbian/gay parents. Each year more than one-third of all students receive tuition assistance grants.

St. Paul's teachers use the Responsive Classroom approach to create a safe community where children feel free to explore new ideas and ways of being.

As part of tracking the progress of each student, teachers meet regularly with the director of the Lower School or Middle School, grade-level partner teachers, Spanish, art, music and physical education teachers, Educational Care learning specialists, the Chaplain, Bay Area Teacher Training Institute interns, and parents.

A cosmopolitan location is essential to a St. Paul’s education. The campus is across the street from Lake Merritt – the oldest wildlife refuge in the US – and within walking distance of the natural science, history, and art exhibits at the Oakland Museum of California. The School is within walking distance of BART, giving students environmentally friendly access to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Asian Art Museum. St. Paul’s is a contributing member of the community in which students and faculty walk and play everyday.