Brandeis-Hillel Day School

Love Brandeis! The head of the SF campus (started in 2008?) effected several changes to both the curriculum and staff, making an already wonderful school even stronger. My son has had amazing teachers who encourage students to think critically, participate actively, celebrate their own personal strengths and passions, and treat others with respect and kindness. As a non-observant Jew, I had my concerns about the time spent on Jewish studies but have been pleasantly surprised. More traditional academics have not suffered in the least. When alums visit, they report being extremely well-prepared for high school. Many in both independent and public schools are in leadership positions on Student Council, sports teams, clubs, etc. The high schools themselves report that Brandeis students are extremely well-prepared. Are the kids at Brandeis perfect and no one's feelings are ever hurt? No, of course not. That being said, I have a hard time believing that there are many places that compare to Brandeis in the camaraderie amongst students (both lower and upper grades) and the warmth of the school community. I am so thankful that our family is a part of Brandeis.
--Submitted by a parent

I have learned so much at this school. Everyone is kind, and gives so much to the community. I really enjoy going to this school and all my years at this school have been a blast.
--Submitted by a student

The great: The academics are rigorous but taught in a humane and caring way. Graduates excel - many go on to Lowell. My kids constantly impress me and others with what they know for their age. They have made close and lifelong friends here. Community is great (surprising comments below). The bad: The administration school is arrogant and price is high. That said, a new head of school this year seems to be improving things. Also, not ethnically diverse. And, and a glaring omission from a school that teaches a foreign language from Kindergarten (Hebrew) is the lack of any Spanish or other language curriculum in mid school. The neutral: The Hebrew and Judaica component is a burden unless the family is Jewish. If you are an observant Jew, the school's observance of holidays etc is a great benefit in scheduling and academics. Bar Mitzvah prep is built in.
--Submitted by a parent

I am startled by the two previous reviews. I am a middle school parent nearing the end of our time at Brandeis and my child has thrived at this school. This year the school hired a strong, effective principal. Jewish studies & Hebrew is not taking away from general studies. It is natural to establish close ties to those that share similar interests and lifestyles. I have witnessed the strong community at Brandeis come together, repeatedly. It is sincere and heartfelt. My child had a wonderful lower school experience & any concerns about the middle school proved unfounded. Middle school is better than ever. Alum report excelling in high school. The administration is very responsive to the vocal parent body and the faculty is typically very caring and available to the students. I couldn't ask for a better school for my child and family. It's all it claims to be.
--Submitted by a parent

The school now has the best facility in town. Much of the administration s energy and resources over the past decade have been focused in that direction. However the education, which the school stresses as superior falls short of the mark. Many graduates struggle in high school and often rely on tutors help. The school culture is snobbish. Some grades are OK others have cliques. The school faculty and administration are politically correct and often send mixed messages to the children. The nice and polite fa ade is all it is a pretense. I don t feel that the school genuinely fosters strong moral and family values or genuinely cares about students as individuals. It is a great school for some, but not for all. If you are interested in investing in their child s education consider this school, but make sure it is a right fit for you before you spend over $20,000.
--Submitted by a parent

This school professes to have a strong knit community that practices kindness, etc.. and yet it is very clique-ish. Most of the friendships are superficial and the school doesn't promote any kind of student get togethers, middle school dances, etc.. that foster community and interaction. My child's class has been the most unsocial and superficially friendly group. The emphasis on Jewish studies and Hebrew is too much and too repetitive as you get into the higher grades. General academics are glanced over and the learning and teaching is sent home in the form of homework. Some of the teachers are not qualified and there is a high turnover rate. At best, the reputation is riding on the backs of a bunch of narcissistic back slapping few. This school is the Bernie Maddoff of private schools.
--Submitted by a parent

There is nothing I don't love about this incredible San Francisco independent school. I love the teachers: all three of my daughters' classroom teachers, plus all of the specialists (art, music, library, P.E.). I love the Jewish values and celebrations, and the Hebrew language. I love the community. I feel so happy to be part of the BHDS Family. We had very high expectations and this school managed to surpass them. We are thrilled.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a staff member at BHDS, and I have been impressed by this school since the first day I set foot in its doors. I have never before seen such a dedicated community of parents, teachers, and administrators working together. Through their efforts, they have created an institution that stands for more than just stellar academics; it also makes strong ethical values a priority in the education that the students receive here.
--Submitted by a staff

I am a student at Brandeis Hillel, and overall, I am not impressed by the quality of the school. The principal is awful, and takes sides in many cases. The 'electives' are a waste of time. The teachers are really disorganaized, and this year, over half of the middle school teachers are leaving. I am really unstaisfied with this school, and had a bad expereience. I would not recomend this school for others.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I have been continually impressed with the quality of the teachers at Brandeis. They are caring and competent educators who really prioritize strong academics. The culture of radical kindness is also one of the great characteristics of this community, and I feel fortunate to be a part of that.
--Submitted by a parent