Live Oak School

We have three kids and our eldest entered in 6th grade as well. The school culture is welcoming and down-to-earth, the administration and leadership are cutting edge and forward thinking, with a strong emphasis on faculty development, the kids are vibrant and free to be themselves, and, so importantly, the teachers are incredibly centered, engaged, focused and dynamic in their approach to teaching and in their relationships with the students. We have three very different children and have been so amazed with how each has been treated so personably, with their teachers being so patient, dedicated and understanding across the board. Live Oak - as they/we say - where your child will become known and cherished. We cannot recommend this school highly enough.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two kids who entered in 6th grade, which can be challenging with more than half the students coming from the 5th grade. There are enough "new" kids to balance it all. That said, they have loved it and the school fulfills its promise to know every child. Teachers are amazing, kids can be quirky. Our kids are very different, one year apart in school, and for the first time, they are treated as individuals, not so-and-so' sibling. Learning services are excellent as well. Things are not perfect, but the school, teachers, and counselors ALL respond and strive to make things better. We highly, highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school is truly lacking in diversity and I think the diversity they have is within limits, based on criteria to fit in with their 'community'. I also find that they mislead a lot of parents into thinking they have a good chance to get in in when they don't. I think the education is probably fantastic, I am not sure if the 'community' is.

The teachers have met my child where he is academically and continue to draw him out and teach him how to rise to the expected level of achievement. All of the staff, teachers and other parents friendly and welcoming. The teachers are readily available to meet to discuss what's going on with my child in the classroom. My child is thriving in the small class environment. We feel lucky to be a part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Live Oak School has lived up to the promises it made when we first toured the school 4 years ago. Our 2 sons are getting the academic and extracurricular foundation they that they need in an environment that supports them with love and understanding as the individuals they are. We connected immediately with the relaxed, friendly environment and familiarity of a small school setting. Live Oak has a wonderful community of families and staff that do a good job of representing our progressive, diverse Bay Area. The older students at Live Oak are confident, capable and caring. They express their readiness to take on the challenge of high school when the time comes. We feel lucky to be a part of Live Oak and know that our kids will thrive there over the years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Live Oak for grades 6, 7 and 8. It has been a wonderful environment for him academically and socially. His teachers have been phenomenal!
—Submitted by a parent

We are grateful every day for the joy and community that this school gives our child and our family. The classroom teachers are innovative, dedicated, and know their students deeply, and we are fortunate to have extremely talented specialist teachers in music, physical education, art, and Spanish, as well as a wonderful librarian who presides over an impressive collection of books. I have personally witnessed the emphasis on social and emotional growth in the classrooms of kindergartners, other lower school grades, as well as in the classrooms of middle schoolers; partly as a result of this, the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are confident individuals, comfortable public speakers, respectful of themselves and others, and pretty darned talented on the field and on the stage! If you're looking for a strong community, there's a good chance that you'll find what you're looking for at this school-- we certainly have!
—Submitted by a parent

We feel lucky to be at Live Oak. My first grader's academic and social needs are met with intelligence, patience, humor, creativity, and compassion by her teachers. I'm impressed by how committed and skilled the staff are at working with children at very different levels of achievement.
—Submitted by a parent

I continue to be astonished at everything Live Oak is and does. It is almost too good to be true. The school manages to challenge my high-achieving middle schooler while allowing my hard-working younger child to make progress at a pace that is right for her. And the parents are so warm and down to earth.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves Live Oak, and has been there for 3 years. We are pleased with her teachers, her daily activities and her intellectual, social and developmental progress. However, be prepared to volunteer heavily, and to wade the waters of parental cliques, especially in the lower grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Live Oak is a truly great school. The community is down to earth, the teachers provide focused and individual attention to kids, the parents are very comitted and involved, and the facility is great.
—Submitted by Scott, a parent

Live Oak is a school that is growing in strength and quality each year. It's students are among the best adjusted kids you can find, and the parent group is diverse and actively involved. This is an excellent k-8 school in a unique urban enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent

Live Oak has been an excellent school for both of our children. They have loved it, and the quality of their education is reflected in their love of learning. Our son (4th grade) is now an avid reader, and while other kids of his age may share video games he and his friends also trade books and discuss them vigorously. Our daughter has grown in her confidence and self-esteem, and is able now to choose among the finest high schools in San Francisco. All this without the social pressure of an 'elite' school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school in an interesting setting. The atmosphere tends to be very supportive of the children, in that they are encouraged to develop a love of learning without a great deal of social pressure. The only negative is that there has been a lot of teacher turn-over, but I believe the school is addressing that with more competitive compensation plans.
—Submitted by a parent

Solid academic foundation. Limited art (2 days/week) and sport (3 hours/week). Fantastic parent involvement with heavy emphasis on fund raising. Great extra-currricular and after school program.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Focus on differeniated learning. Teachers are well prepared, the kids and parents are a great community.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful sense of community, the teachers really care about the kids. Amazing facilities. A bit pricey, but so are most other private schools in SF, right?
—Submitted by a parent

This school creates a warm, welcoming commmunity for children and parents. With hands-on, 'whole child' learning, children become curious, eager learners. Academics are strong, but children also spend time on social skills, learning public speaking and how to approach others with openness. The art and music programs are especially strong.
—Submitted by a parent

We can't imagine our children anywhere else. The strong academic environment is supported by the school's philosophy of differentiated instruction that addresses each child and creates a positive learning experience for all.
—Submitted by a parent

Live Oak is a wonderful school. It has strong focus on supporting the learning style of our kids and all children at the school. Live Oak produces intelligent, well adjusted students that are well prepared to excel in their educational career and their life. I truly appreciate the education it gives my children.
—Submitted by a parent