Private elementary and middle schools

Athena Academy
525 San Antonio Ave., Palo Alto.
Athena Academy is a nonprofit, private elementary school (grades 2 to 6) devoted to teaching bright students with dyslexia who are otherwise capable learners.
Built: 2012.
Principal Head of school: Carla Rayacich.
Tuition: $29,500 per year.
Admission: Application, student screening/testing.
Class Size: 6.
Enrollment: 30.
Call 650-543-4560.
E-mail: info@AthenaAcademy.org.

Beechwood School
50 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park.
This private school offers a traditional academic program. Enrollment is restricted to students who live within the boundaries of the Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Grades: KinderPrep-8. Extended 215-day school year for KinderPrep and grades K-3.
Principal David Laurence.
Tuition: $160/month per child ($20 off on each additional child), with scholarships available..
Admission: Application, interview, student screening.
Class Size: 18-20.
Enrollment: 170.
Call 650-327-5052.

Bowman International School
4000 Terman Drive, Palo Alto.
K-8 program with a Montessori approach. Individualized, self-directed learning is offered through a flexible day and year-round program.
Principal Head of School: Mary Beth Ricks.
Tuition: $22,050.
Admission: Application form, $100 application fee, parent and child interview required..
Class Size: 10:1.
Enrollment: 220.
Call 650-813-9131.
E-mail: info@bowmanschool.org.

Canterbury Christian School
101 N. El Monte Ave., Los Altos.
The school is a nonprofit corporation offering kindergarten through sixth grade. It teaches a Christian world and life view, training its students to glorify God in every area of life.
Principal Barbara L. Johnson.
Tuition: $610/month for K; $710/month grades 1-6 .
Admission: Interview; entrance exam for placement.
Class Size: 9.
Enrollment: 59.
Call 650-949-0909.

Castilleja School
1310 Bryant St., Palo Alto.
All-girls, grades 6-12. Fosters intellectual, physical, creative and emotional growth through a college preparatory experience within a diverse and supportive community. Uniforms.
Principal Head of School: Nanci Kauffman.
Tuition: $35,180.
Admission: Admission open houses for Middle School: Oct. 13 & Nov. 4, 2012. Standardized testing required. Applications due Jan. 17, 2013..
Class Size: 15.
Enrollment: 425.
Call 650-328-3160.
E-mail: admission@castilleja.org.

Challenger School
3880 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
Preschool-8. Emphasis on early reading, strong logic/thinking skills, self-reliance and individual achievement.
Principal Headmaster: Neena Bhave.
Tuition: $316-$1,504 per month; tuition depends on program..
Admission: Testing required for elementary, none for preschool..
Class Size: Preschool: 24 (12:1 student to teacher ratio); K: 30 (15:1); 1-8: 26.
Enrollment: 600.
Call 650-213-8245.

Emerson School
2800 W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto.
An accelerated K-8 educational environment that promotes the development of the whole child by encouraging independence, self-reliance, exploration and the joy of learning. Personal responsibility, creativity and self-esteem are fundamental goals. Affiliated programs: HeadsUp! Child Development Centers in Palo Alto (650-424-1221), San Jose (408-432-1644) and Pleasanton (925-463-2885), for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners; Hacienda School-Grades 1-8, Pleasanton, 925-485-5750.
Principal Jo Anne Camara.
Tuition: Ages 6-11, $1,605-$1,765 per month; Ages 12-14, $1,775-$1,955 per month. .
Admission: Enroll as space becomes available. Campus tours by appointment..
Class Size: 20.
Enrollment: 50.
Call 650-424-1267.
E-mail: emerson@headsup.org.

German-American International School
275 Elliott Drive, Menlo Park.
Preschool-8th grade. Classes in this coeducational school are in German and English. Students should speak German by first grade.
Principal Managing Director: Dominic Liechti.
Tuition: $5,650-$18,575 per year, depending on program and grade level. Various options available..
Class Size: 18.
Enrollment: 305.
Call 650-324-8617.
E-mail: info@gais.org.

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
450 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto.
Grades K-8. Outstanding academics with a focus on the whole child, welcoming community, enrichment opportunities, after-school programs.
Principal Julie Smith.
Tuition: K-5 $20,580 /year; 6-8 $22,570/year. Financial aid available.
Class Size: 24.
Enrollment: 380+.
Call 650-494-8200.

Girls' Middle School, The
3400 West Bayshore Road, Palo Alto.
GMS promotes intellectual curiosity and disciplined study habits through a stimulating curriculum that provides a well-rounded exposure to the arts and the humanities while emphasizing science, math and computer science. GMS applies a hands-on, project-based approach that allows students to collaborate and think critically.
Principal Head of School: Jennifer Ayer.
Tuition: Including fees, $29,219 for new students; financial aid available..
Admission: Testing, interviews, recommendations. Application fee of $75.
Class Size: 16.
Enrollment: 200.
Call 650-968-8338, ext. 115.
E-mail: admissions@girlsms.org.

Harker School, The
500 Saratoga Ave., San Jose.
Offers a co-ed, independent program for students in K-12. Strong college-prep academics, as well as offerings in technology, the arts and athletics. Three San Jose campuses: Lower school (K-grade 5), 4300 Bucknall Road; Middle school (grades 6-8), 3800 Blackford Ave.; High school (grades 9-12), 500 Saratoga Ave.
Principal Head of School: Chris Nikoloff.
Tuition: $25,060-$36,435.
Admission: Entrance exams, school records and character evaluations.
Class Size: K-8: 16.
Enrollment: 1,700.
Call 408-249-2510 (9-12) .
E-mail: admissions@harker.org.

HeadsUp! Child Development Center
2800 W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto.
Montessori curriculum encourages fundamental thinking skills through art, music, imaginative play, practical life skills, language, mathematics, science and cultural activities. 6 weeks - Kindergarten.
Principal Director: Tracy Bootz.
Tuition: $1,400-$2,265 per month depending on age.
Admission: application fee of $200.
Class Size: 10-30.
Enrollment: 130.
Call 650-424-1221.
E-mail: pacdc@headsup.org.

Helios New School
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto.
Constructivist K-5 secular program for gifted children on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life. Curriculum includes Chinese, music, social-emotional learning, plus access to JCC after-school programming/recreational facilities. 
Built: 2007.
Principal Barbara Mitchell Hutton.
Tuition: $22,500 per year.
Admission: All applicants are given qualitative assessment prior to admission..
Class Size: Teacher-student ratio 1:7.
Enrollment: 30.
Call 650-223-8690.
E-mail: admin@heliosns.org.

International School of the Peninsula (ISTP)
151 Laura Lane, Palo Alto; Lower Campus: 3233 Cowper St., Palo Alto.
An independent co-educational 3 yrs-8th grade Chinese-immersion and French-immersion day school with more than 30 years of experience in bilingual immersion education. Accredited by the Ministère de l'Education Nationale, Western Association of Schools and Colleges and California Association of Independent Schools. Students are well-prepared for the most competitive American, international and French high schools.
Principal Head of School: Philippe Dietz.
Tuition: $22,100 Nursery-5th grade; $23,050 6th-8th grade. Financial aid available.
Admission: Applications due January; rolling admissions afterwards..
Class Size: 17-22 (student to teacher ratio 8:1 for 3- and 4- year-olds).
Enrollment: 585.
Call 650-251-8504.
E-mail: admissions@istp.org.

Keys School
2890 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto .
This coed school offers education for grades K-8 -- Lower school, grades K-4 at 2890 Middlefield Road; Middle school campus, grades 5-8, at 3981 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Dress code.
Principal Head of School: Alona Scott.
Tuition: $24,775 a year for grades K-4 and $27,775 a year for grades 5-8. Financial aid available..
Admission: Apply by early January; Tours/Open Houses for prospective students October-January. Parent interview and student visit required..
Class Size: average ratio 8:1; average class size 18..
Enrollment: 315.
Call 650-328-1711.
E-mail: admission@keysschool.com.

Living Wisdom School, The
456 College Ave., Palo Alto.
The school offers instruction to children in grades pre-K-8, coed. Integrated curriculum that honors values universal to all religions.
Principal Helen Purcell.
Tuition: K-5: $16,140, 6-8: $17,520, pre-K: $12,140-$16,140; 25% discount for additional children, $1,500 enrollment fee for new families, $1,000 for returning families.
Admission: Interviews required.
Class Size: Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:8.
Enrollment: 65.
Call 650-462-8150.
E-mail: info@livingwisdomschool.org.

Los Altos Christian School
625 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos.
Preschool-8. The general instruction level is geared towards challenging the average to above-average learner. The goal is to provide a quality education in a warm Christian atmosphere where students can become leaders and influence the world around. The school consistently scores in the high 80th and 90th percentile in the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) series. LACS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Principal Susan Goff.
Tuition: $8,200 (K-5), $9,830 (6-8), $15,350 (students with special needs).
Admission: Applications taken Oct. 1 .
Class Size: 20-25.
Enrollment: 230.
Call 650-948-3738.

Menlo School
50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton.
An independent, coeducational college preparatory day school for students in grades 6-12.
Principal Head of School: Norman M. Colb.
Tuition: $36,400 for all grades. Financial aid is available..
Admission: Applications due in January; standardized testing required.
Class Size: 18.
Enrollment: Grades 6-8: 233.
Call 650-330-2001.
E-mail: info@menloschool.org.

Nativity School
1250 Laurel St., Menlo Park.
Catholic school for grades K-8. Extended care for Nativity students is available from 7-8 a.m. and from school dismissal until 5:45 p.m. for an additional fee. Uniforms.
Principal Carol Trelut.
Tuition: $6,540-9,540 depending on family participation. Lower fees for multiple children..
Admission: Placement testing for grade levels; waiting lists for some grades..
Class Size: 31.
Enrollment: 276.
Call 650-325-7304.
E-mail: info@nativityschool.com.

Odyssey School
201 Polhemus Road, San Mateo.
An independent, private middle school for gifted and talented students serving Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties and beyond, Odyssey School provides a creative, integrated, experiential curriculum that nurtures intellectual curiosity and emotional risk-taking.
Principal Head of School: Daniel J. Topplewell, Ph.D..
Tuition: $26,500.
Admission: Testing, application, recommendation, grades, handwritten essay, photo..
Class Size: 10-15.
Enrollment: up to 45.
Call 650-548-1500.
E-mail: daniel@OdysseyMS.org.

Peninsula School
920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park.
A nonprofit, progressive school situated on 6 acres that focuses on the whole child by offering a rich and engaging curriculum in academics, social emotional development and the arts. Special instruction in art, science, math, drama, ceramics, weaving, music, dance, Spanish, physical education and wood shop. 3-4 year olds-8th grade.Child care offered year-round.
Principal Interim Director: Kathy Koo.
Tuition: $12,960-16,990/year.
Admission: Visit, interview; application due by Jan. 17, 2014 .
Class Size: 18-21.
Enrollment: 255.
Call 650-325-1584.
E-mail: marylou@peninsulaschool.org.

Phillips Brooks School, The
2245 Avy Ave., Menlo Park.
Preschoolers-grade 5. An independent, coeducational, comprehensive and skills-based educational program focused on the intellectual, social-emotional, character,and community development of the young learner. Specialized classes in art, music, physical education, science, technology, Spanish and more.
Built: 1978.
Principal Head of School: Dr. Scott Erickson; Director of Early Learning Center: Debra Jarjoura; Director of Admissions: Melanie Shaw.
Tuition: 3-year-olds, $14,600; 4-year-olds, $18,400; K-5, $28,500. Tuition assistance is available for all grade levels..
Admission: Applications due early January; testing in February for upper grades. Wait pool. Uniforms for K-5..
Class Size: Average of 18. Student-teacher ratio 8:1.
Enrollment: 284.
Call 650-854-4545.
E-mail: info@phillipsbrooks.org, mshaw@phillipsbrooks.org.

Pinewood School
477 Fremont Ave., Los Altos.
Lower Campus teaches grades K-2. Two other Pinewood campuses teach grades 3-6 (327 Fremont Ave. Los Altos) and 7-12 (26800 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills). Uniforms required for K-6.
Principal K-2: Debbi St. Germain; Principal for 3-6: Keri Borzello.
Tuition: Grade K-6, $19,500; Annual supplemental fee of $750 (grades K-6) and $900 (grades 7-12) for art supplies, workbooks, textbooks and field trips..
Admission: Applications accepted Oct-mid Jan. Testing, academic records, and teacher recommendations are required. Student interviews and shadow days are required for grades 4-12. Late applications will be considered on an individual basis..
Class Size: 8-10 in kindergarten; 12-20 in grades 1-2; 15-20 in grades 3-6.
Enrollment: K-6: approximately 270.
Call 650-209-3050 for lower campus; 650-209-3030 for middle campus.
E-mail: Lower Campus: lcinfo@pinewood.edu, Middle Campus: mcinfo@pinewood.edu.

Sacred Heart Schools, Lower & Middle School
150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton.
Lower School grades 1-5; Middle School grades 6-8. A private, independent Roman Catholic school, a division of Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, and a part of the International Network of Sacred Heart Schools. (See Child care centers and preschools for information on preschool and kindergarten.)
Principal Bridget Collins.
Tuition: Grades 1-5: $24,650; Grades 6-8: $31,750.
Admission: Application deadline January 2013; admissions tests required. Interview. Waiting list.
Class Size: 16.
Enrollment: 1,075.
Call 650-322-1866.
E-mail: admissions@shschools.org.

St. Elizabeth Seton School
1095 Channing Ave., Palo Alto.
Catholic, coed. Grades K-8. Uniforms. Extended day program available. Strong parent involvement.
Principal Evelyn M. Rosa.
Tuition: $3,300 per student, price lowers with each additional student. Tuition is subsidized by the Daughters of Charity..
Admission: Application, admissions test..
Class Size: 30.
Enrollment: 270.
Call 650-326-9004.

St. Joseph Catholic School
1120 Miramonte Ave., Mtn. View.
Roman Catholic school of the San Jose Diocese, serving 200 families with students in K-8th grade. The school is committed to educating the whole child in an environment where spiritual growth, academic excellence and an appreciation of multicultural values are fostered. WASC accredited.
Principal Stephanie Knight.
Tuition: $6,920 per child.
Admission: Admission to St. Joseph Catholic School shall be determined by the pastor and the principal in accordance with Diocesan policies. Enrollment opens in January. Based on available space. $50 application fee..
Class Size: 28.
Enrollment: 210.
Call 650-967-1839.
E-mail: info@sjmv.org.

St. Nicholas Catholic School
12816 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.
Committed to educating the whole child, with offerings in music, art and physical education as part of the curriculum. After-school sports offered beginning in fourth grade. Coed; serves grades K-8. Each family at St. Nicholas School is required to participate in 40 hours of volunteer service to the school.
Principal Matthew Komar.
Tuition: $7,100-$10,300 per year. Lower rates for in-parish families and additional children..
Admission: Interview; $50 application fee.
Class Size: 25-30.
Enrollment: 250.
Call 650-941-4056.

St. Raymond School
1211 Arbor Road, Menlo Park.
Catholic, coeducational elementary school. Grades: K-8. Junior kindergarten also available.
Principal Dr. Tara Rolle.
Tuition: $7,995-$10,600, depending on Catholic status and choice to volunteer and purchase $5,000 in SCRIP; additional children's tuition discounted. $6,500-$9,000 for junior kindergarten..
Admission: Applications available end of January. Tours scheduled in November and December. Open house usually last Sunday in January; call to verify date and time..
Class Size: 16:1 student -teacher ratio for kindergarten and 1-8 in core subjects; 32 maximum class size.
Enrollment: 275.
Call 650-322-2312.
E-mail: akelly@straymond.org.

St. Simon Catholic School
1840 Grant Road, Los Altos.
Offers K-8 academic instruction under guidelines of the Diocese of San Jose. The school is WASC accredited.
Principal Steve Rummell.
Tuition: Catholic in-parish: 1 child-$6,549; 2 children-$12,372; 3 children-$16,146. Out of parish: 1 child-$8,412; 2 children-$16,150; 3 children-$23,343.
Admission: Application, $50 application fee, student screening.
Class Size: 17:1 student to faculty ratio; class size: max 35, average 28.
Enrollment: 550.
Call 650-968-9952.

St. Stephen Lutheran School
320 Moorpark Way, Mtn. View.
A Christian-based, coeducational K-8 school. Relaxed but structured atmosphere with emphasis on family involment. Traditional academics along with a variety of field trips, arts, physical educational and music.
Principal Sara Pfeiffer.
Tuition: $730 per month.
Admission: Forms, recommendations and personal interview..
Class Size: 10.
Enrollment: 30.
Call 650-961-2071.

Stratford School
870 N. California Ave., Palo Alto.
Preschool-5th grade.
Principal Elementary Principal: Sherrie Paregian; Preschool Principal: Zhila Larijani.
Tuition: $13,589 for preschool full day; $13,791 for kindergarten full day; $13,981 for 1-5;half-day care is available.
Admission: Application, fee of $75..
Class Size: 1:12 preschool; 1:15 for K; 1:22 for elementary.
Call 650-493-1151.
E-mail: pa@stratfordschools.com.

Synapse School
3375 Edison Way, Menlo Park.
An independent elementary and middle school (K-8) Synapse offers an advanced academic curriculum fully integrated with social emotional learning. The program is designed as a model school to demonstrate the power of blending Six Seconds’ emotional intelligence programs with brain-based, project driven, constructivist learning in school-wide themes.
Principal Head of School: tba.
Admission: Prospective student applications due Jan. 22, 2013..
Call 650-685-988.

Trinity School
2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park.
A co-ed Episcopal school. Early Childhood Program-grade 5. Early Childhood Program for ages 3 and 4, at Holy Trinity Church, 330 Ravenswood, Menlo Park. Elementary school is on Sand Hill Road. Uniforms required.
Principal Head of School: Mary Menacho.
Tuition: Starting at $16,950 for Early Childhood Program and junior kindergarten; $24,450 for K-Grade 5.
Admission: Call for select grade openings. Tour posted on website..
Class Size: Approximately 20 (one class per grade)..
Enrollment: 168 total; 32 at the elementary school.
Call 650-854-0288 ext.107.
E-mail: admission@trinity-mp.org.

Ventana School
1040 Border Road, Los Altos.
Ventana is a Reggio-inspired Episcopal school serving both preschool and elementary, on a 7-acre campus in Los Altos since 2005. Project-based elementary curriculum, promoting inquiry, artistic expression and collaboration while integrating CA state standards.
Built: 2005.
Principal Head of School: Nicole Bien.
Tuition: Elementary: $10, 500 K-4.
Admission: Rolling admissions as space available. Tours and admissions information posted on website. Screenings required..
Class Size: 1:9 ratio.
Enrollment: 126 total; 40 elementary.
Call 650-948-2121.
E-mail: ventanaschool@ccla.us.

Woodland School
360 La Cuesta Drive, Portola Valley.
Preschoolers, K-8. Private, coeducational day school focusing on academics with a strong enrichment program, including French, art, music, computers, PE, after-school sports and gymnastics. Extended day care for enrolled students is offered year-round from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Principal Head of School: John Ora.
Tuition: $19,650 for grades K-4; $20,800 for grades 5-8; $14,535 preschool.
Admission: Two-day evaluation. Admissions Director: Louise Douglas.
Class Size: 18.
Call 650-854-9065.
E-mail: info@woodland-school.org.

Woodside Priory School
302 Portola Road, Portola Valley.
Middle school grades 6-8; Coed Catholic/Benedictine school. College preparatory. Casual dress code.
Principal Head of school: Timothy Molak.
Tuition: Comprehensive tuition and fees: $36,500 for day students; financial aid available.
Admission: Application for 2013-14 school year due Jan. 17, 2013; entrance exam required..
Class Size: 15-18.
Enrollment: 104.
Call 650-851-8223.
E-mail: admissions@prioryca.org.

Yew Chung International School of Silicon Valley
310 Easy St., Mtn. View.
YCIS provides multicultural and bilingual, English and Mandarin Chinese, education to children from pre-school to 5th grade. No prior Chinese experience is required. Also features Yew Chung Arts and Language Program (YALP), an afternoon bilingual program.Preschool campus located at 199 E. Middlefield Road.
Principal Kevin Reimer.
Tuition: Varies by program.
Admission: Open Enrollment.
Class Size: Depends on grade.
Enrollment: 190-200.
Call 650-903-0986.
E-mail: info@sv.ycef.com.