Wildcat Community Freeschool

My son went to a local public Kindergarten for 6 months and was not enjoying it at all and started to get reluctant to go to school. We looked around for an alternative and found Wildcat. It was a leap of faith, it is so different from any other school I have seen and I was concerned that he wouldn't learn any thing. However he is now very joyous and can't wait to go to school every day - he is fully immersed in the family atmosphere there. He has made very strong friendships with the other kids and teachers and he gets to learn from playing, exploring and being in nature and learning what he needs to at his own pace, in a way that is meaningful t him without pressure. Parent participation is an important aspect of the running of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

there is simply no alternative to wildcat community freeschool. it offers 3, 4, & 5 day a week enrollment (perfect for homeschoolers!) in mixed-aged, ungraded, classes offered in the free-democratic tradition. this means it is up to each family to determine if the core academics (held tuesday, wednesday & thursday ~ so those opting for the 3 day/wk enrollment are still able to fully participate) are compulsory or optional for that child. enrichment activities are woven throughout the day as is autonomous free play with adult support and supervision. classes are intimate in size and very child-centered in nature, students develop skills based on their needs (both academic & social) rather than testing standards or classroom management techniques; for example, children are not confined to desks, rather, they primarily gather around tables. it is very friendly for high energy children who need the freedom to move around as well as understanding and support while they cultivate focus and patience. my son went to public preschool full time for 2 years and then was homeschooled for 2 years before enrolling here for 3 days/week. so far, the schedule has been incredible! he gets to have a consistent peer group and community to learn and grow with while still affording us time together as a family. he is required to attend the classes, and although he wishes could just play all day (*lol* i try to explain to him how kids in regular school only get short recesses between classes instead of the other way around, but he doesn't get how lucky he is) he always excitedly tells me about what they did in class. i really appreciate that the work is ungraded so he's not distracted by scores but rather really likes to learn. the tuition is an incredible bargain, with fees based on how many days/week you attend. many families commute from all over oakland (we even have one in hayward!) so carpooling is common ~ as are after school playdates/trades. a cooperative after school program was led by parents in the past & could be again if there was enough desire and motivation. regular parent meetings help make sure everyone is able to communicate clearly and there are a host of volunteer opportunities to help you integrate. their summer camp is one of the best ways to see what they have to offer and how well it fits for your family. additionally, they offer trial weeks (which can be arranged to provide a wonderful solution your child's spring break schedule in addition to giving you a glimpse if it would be a good fit) several events are held throughout the year (including the infamous annual 'spook fest' at halloween) that are open to the public. but you don't have to wait for any of that, check out the website & give them a call, even if you're just curious!
--Submitted by a parent

Our child went to Wildcat Free school for 2 years. The first year was OK, by mid-year the 2nd year, we had enough. There are monthly parent meetings (as a group), and all the wonderful ideas that are passed around never really come to fruition. Our child is in a new school now, the complete opposite learning/teaching style of Wildcat and is doin wonderfully both socially and academically. I feel the children at Wildcat are not disciplined properly, and are allowed to run rampant with no consequences. There was a time while we were there and a much older child hit another younger child with a big stick on purpose. The child was left with a big bruise and cut. The older child was just told 'don't do that anymore'. There was no discussion with that child's parents about the incident. I'm glad we left when we did.
--Submitted by a parent

We chose WCF for the free thinking academic views. My husband was unsure at first, but after our daughter's first year there he changed his mind. Our daughter has excelled in her academics and learned real world values that she would never be taught in a public school This may not be the school for everyone, as it is very unconventional, but the academics get better each year, and teh husband and wife who run teh school are comitted to teh children's education and well being.
--Submitted by a parent