Yavneh Day School

Yavneh is an amazing school, where each child learns their potential to be a real leader in our society. Within this small environment, every child has the chance to shine. Cultural values of respect and community are not just posted on the walls....they are taught through daily curriculum and weekly experiences, with students empowered to create these roles themselves. As a result, students are HAPPY here and kind to each other. Needless to say, academics are a strong point of Yavneh's innovative curriculum with Singapore Math, Full Option Science System (FOSS), Readers and Writers Workshop, and an integrated approach with Israeli history, Jewish studies and social justice. Parents are very welcoming and inclusive, regardless of religious affiliation. I feel fortunate that Yavneh opens its doors wide and welcomes families, regardless of financial need. We can only hope that all children are afforded the same opportunity and learn the gift of giving in and outside the classroom walls.
—Submitted by a parent

The teacher in class was excellent, the others, no- regular. Music they sing along; they do not have music education. PE is good...They spend too much time "fundraising" to the exhaustion and give plenty of scholarships-Great, no... Problem is that giving away so many scholarships or partial ones, it not downgrades the level of the school as a result of lack of additional financial resources,- for a school that is that expensive- it disappoints. Impression we had is that some scholarships are given not to lose the client, rather than as a result of people in need. Kids went there in 2009. parents are super nice and united. Parents help each other. Also Office manager staff is very nice. The accountant is very, very nice, so is the security staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a great local public school but I can't seem to tear my kids away from Yavneh. It's an enriching rewarding community. The science and math programs are amazing. There is a strong emphasis on fitness and athletics. Art and music is also great. There is a continuous flow of celebrations and events for Jewish holidays as well as for Thanksgiving and MLK day and others. It's a wonderful school and I recommend it for families of any level of Judiasm (one parent Jewish, or both, and different levels of observation)
—Submitted by a parent

Hidden Gem!!!! We were really turned off when exploring our local public school options because of the emphasis on test scores, the cutting of art and music programs, and the class sizes of 30. That's ultimately why we chose to look at private schools. We were looking for a strong, engaging academic program where our kids would be challenged and noticed, and Yavneh stood out in this regard. The emphasis is on "real" learning -- critical thinking, problem solving, writing, inquiry, leadership, creative expression, and social-emotional intelligence. Classes are small, and teachers are warm, dedicated and creative. They differentiate work based on each student's level. We love the Singapore math curriculum with two teachers teaching math in each lower school class. Art, music, and PE every week. We're not affiliated with a synagogue, and are not particularly observant Jews and we really feel comfortable here. Bottom line: My husband and I feel really lucky that our kids are having such a rich educational experience, and are looking forward to being part of the middle school when it comes time.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids cried when they had to miss a day of school last week. They love their teachers, and they feel completely engaged in the learning process. The academics have really matured over the past few years to an impressive level, with a dynamic middle school. And the feeling of support and caring is incredible. The kids graduate with a maturity and confidence unusual in their age group.
—Submitted by a parent

Yavneh is a small school with a family atmosphere. Ask any child about any other child in any grade, and they will know one another. Academics are stronger than people realize or would think from a Jewish Day School. But the school is in Silicon Valley, and the kids coming out of Yavneh have to compete with kids coming out of the best public schools -- and they do so quite well. Last year, 66% of Yavneh children scored at 95% or higher in at least one area of the ERB.
—Submitted by a parent

Class size listed here is not accurate. Technology in classrooms at the elementary level is almost nonexistent. Discipline is almost nonexistent.