The Saklan School

A wonderful diverse and down to earth community and an incredible school not tied to one philosophy or approach, but one committed to academic achievement and creativity in a way that doesn t feel overly challenging or competitive and helps each child to learn and grow with their own unique ways of being. The environment provides a nurturing place for kids to be creative, be themselves, and learn to be a part of a community and making a difference. While the school has gone through some changes in leadership in the past few years, we see it growing and moving in even more positive directions. We had one child at Saklan in K-3 and one in preschool, and experienced another private school this year. We have learned how hard it is to find another school with the unique balance Saklan has. Gently helping kids to reach academic expectations, understanding emotional needs, managing a classroom in ways that create a safe environment, as well as a welcoming and close community where both kids and parents enjoy being a part of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Saklan are, without exception, the best educators in the area. They have creatively built an environment that is encouraging to all students and fosters a true appreciation for the unique qualities in every child. The entire community encourages students to live up to their strengths and not cover up who they are. Acceptance and kindness are a way of life at this school. I truly wish all children had the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a place like Saklan. Along with providing a safe, caring and respectful environment, Saklan students repeatedly score significantly higher than other independent schools on standard measurement tests. The academic program is superb. If you want the best education for your child in a place where they can thrive socially and academically, as well as gain confidence in themselves as they move into high school and college, I would recommend that you visit Saklan. It is magical. We are about to relocate and my biggest regret is that my children will have to leave Saklan. It will be very hard to find a school that can accomplish what they do.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter began at Saklan in the wonderful Pre-K program and finished Kindergarten at Saklan. She is bright and, before coming to Saklan, we were told by her preschool teachers that she needed a dynamic environment where she could be challenged to reach her full potential. After visiting all of the best schools in the East Bay, we chose Saklan and we now choose to remain at Saklan because of the tremendous community: caring, bright, and enthusiastic youngsters; engaged, motivated, and talented teachers and staff; and a supportive and close-knit group of parents. We love Saklan and we are so glad to have found it. If you want your child to be part of a stimulating, engaging community dedicated to learning where kids have the freedom to explore and teachers have the time and liberty to help them explore, you should visit and see what a jewel it really is.
--Submitted by a parent

In reply to the last review by a parent who does not seem to have a historical perspective on Saklan: We had a Head who served for over 11 years followed by a Head who served for 3 years and our current (and amazing) Interim Head who is serving through June 2012. This speaks to change and growth not instability. I have had both of my children attend Saklan from Kindergarten and Pre-school. One has since graduated and is highly successful in an independent high school in part due to the education he received at Saklan. My daughter thrives at Saklan and has gained the skills needed to soar when she graduates next year. I suggest that you come for a visit, meet the faculty, see these great kids in action and then make your own informed decision. A school is much more than a Head, it is a community of learners and educators working together to ensure success. It takes the dedication of faculty, staff, parent volunteers and engaged children. When I watch the magic of the Saklan community at Friday Flag, i cannot help but be moved by the spirit of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Our school's Head of School position has been held by three different people in less than three years. The current head is only an "Interim Head," which means the fourth Head is coming very soon. Need I say more?
--Submitted by a parent

I am an administrator and teacher at a college preparatory school in the Bay Area, so I'm quite aware of all the independent schools in the area; additionally, I have an older child in the public school system in Moraga (one of the highest scoring districts in California), yet my wife and I chose to send our second son to Saklan. Our youngest is finishing his first year at Saklan (kindergarten), and I can say that his experience has been nothing less than extraordinary. In a California of rising class sizes and emphasis on standardized test preparation, Saklan is a school where children are both seen truly and valued for who they are as individuals, and taught in creative, exciting ways that nurture their curiosities, not shut them down. My son has learned so much in the traditional subjects (reading, writing, math), and also explored lots of science, music, PE and art; he's not only getting his whole self nurtured though Saklan, he's learning the self-confidence, problem solving and critical thinking skills, and big picture thinking that will help him thrive for the rest of his life; they also have great learning experiences that cultivate compassion in the students.
--Submitted by a parent

We are finishing our 7th year at Sakan and I can honestly say that deciding to send my children to Saklan was the best parenting decision I have ever made. My son and daughter have had exceptional teachers at every grade level who truly care about each and every student. The small class sizes ensure that every student is challenged to reach their own potential in a safe and encouraging environment. Saklan also provides many opportunities for students to build confidence through presentations and public speaking beginning at a very young age. Not only are the classroom teachers amazing, but the specialty teachers and programs are as well. Our music program is phenomenal with a whole school concert where students sing (many with solos), dance and play instruments; and the entire middle school takes part in a yearly musical where every student is a part of the production. But what makes Saklan so special is the true sense of community. It is a place where every student is known by every teacher, and students of all grade levels play together on the playground. It really is like a family! I feel so lucky to have found this wonderful school for my children to learn and grow!
--Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with the experience we are having at Saklan. My child is thriving from the personal attention she is receiving. The teachers really do care and they really want to see the kids do the best for themselves. The school provides so many opportunities for them which our family just loves.Their music program is amazing! My daughter is learning spanish, and is always excited to go to PE class. The school makes sure that each child is happy - every day! My daughter also has the chance to work with older kids and younger kids. It's truly a special school and you really need to take a look at Saklan. We hope you do!
--Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled. This school has been a complete mess for a long time. Our family has recently relocated, and we are now learning that Saklan has left our children unprepared to handle the curriculum of our new school. Critical core competencies were not taught. at Saklan. As an example, Science is not a regularly taught subject. It is taught in each grade only once or twice a trimester on an "ad hoc" basis. Don't waste your money. The wheels are coming off.
--Submitted by a parent

The Saklan School has been an amazing second home for both of my children. The school has a mission I can actually understand: challenge students to think creatively, act compassionately, and live courageously. Isn't this what we all want for our kids as they grow into adulthood? The faculty is engaging, focused on the children's success, innovative and actually a lot of fun. Other families are dedicated to education and have always been welcoming and huge supporters of the school both financially through annual giving and in the time they give as part of the community of volunteers. We have a new Head of School (Lee Davis) and the renewed energy of the parents and teachers is being felt at Friday Flag, PA meetings, drop off and pickup conversations and our upcoming auction. The Saklan School has a long history (estab. 1954) on School Street in Moraga and I look forward to the day my children drop off their own children there for their first day of school. I highly suggest that if you are looking for a school that offers education the way we know it can be...visit The Saklan School.
--Submitted by a parent