Preschool & Private School in San Jose, CA

Almaden Country School:
Almaden Country School (ACS) is a nonsectarian, independent school in South San Jose that offers preschool, elementary and middle school programs for students from 4 years of age through to 8th grade. Our school is centrally located on Trinidad Drive in San Jose in Santa Clara County at the southern end of San Francisco Bay. On average, 9 in 10 ACS graduates are admitted to selective private high schools (86% – Average score on the Catholic High School Placement Exam and 85% – Average National Percentile Ranking on Stanford Achievement Test for ACS 7th and 8th graders).

Education Programs:
Preschool, elementary and middle school programs for students from 4 years of age through to 8th grade:

- Preschool Program:
This includes Begindergarten (four-year-old preschool), Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten. At ACS, we are dedicated to providing a child-centered environment where children learn with joy. In our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, we focus on each child as an individual who is accepted and valued, while encouraging the child’s development in small and large group learning activities.

- Elementary School Program:
This is made up of the Foundation Program for grades 1–3, and the Intermediate Program for grades 4 and 5. At Almaden Country School, we focus on each child as an individual who is accepted and valued. We offer continuity and consistency across a curriculum designed to develop the whole child. 

In addition to the basic subjects of language arts, mathematics, and social studies, all Elementary School students take classes in art, science, physical education, music and drama, taught by specialist teachers. Students begin instruction in French language and culture starting in second grade. We use a multi-sensory approach and differentiate instruction to accommodate all types of learners. Technology is assimilated as part of the academic curricula, and our students come to view technology as integral to the learning process.

- Middle School Program:
The Middle School years (6-8 grade) at Almaden Country School are focused on challenging young people and preparing them for the rigorous demands of the excellent high schools to which our students matriculate.

The ACS Middle School curriculum presents demanding academic core classes, balanced by a broad selection of high-interest elective courses. The school day consists of seven 50-minute periods with five core subjects — English language and literature, mathematics, social studies, science and physical education — along with two elective courses. Our Middle School Homework Center is available for quiet guided study after school on four days each week.

Academics:
The Almaden Country School curriculum is designed to attain California and national academic content-area standards, while affording our teachers flexibility to meet the needs of individual children, address multiple intelligences and infuse lessons with the passion, enthusiasm and creativity that are hallmarks of the ACS faculty.

Our aim is to tailor instruction to the interests and learning styles of each child we serve, as we accomplish our mission of discovering the gifts in every child. Our Personal Learning Plan is central to this goal. Our teachers implement innovative teaching strategies, such as hands-on science investigations and project-based learning, and develop interdisciplinary connections among different subject areas so that students see what they learn in a larger, real-life context.

We offer Personal Learning Plans for every student; our Character and Competence program for developing strong, ethical leaders; small class sizes; a broad and challenging curriculum including a full enrichment program of art, music, drama, hands-on science, foreign language, and P.E.; and passionate teachers who are devoted to the children they serve.

Additionally:

- Enrichment program:  
Enrichment at ACS includes drama, music, art, foreign language, hands-on science, technology, physical education and athletics, library, service learning, and leadership.  Enrichment is a core discipline at ACS and among our signature programs since the school’s founding in 1982.

- Extended Care program
- Afterschool activities
- Summer Camp program