Brandeis Hillel Day School

We have two kids at Brandeis in Marin and are consistently blown away by the strong academics, amazing music program, and tight-knit community. We transferred from a reputable public school and only regret not doing so sooner, since our kids have thrived so much under the tutelage of the dedicated teaching staff, who are able to give our kids individualized attention to support their learning. One need only attend a single 8th-grade graduation to see how beautifully the school shapes our students into lifelong learners who are committed to improving the world around them. Unique to Brandeis is the school's cutting-edge focus on "design thinking," which allows students to work on solving serious issues in the most innovative, creative ways. Our kids have used technology in the computer lab and in the classroom, and have made movies and other projects. I appreciate my kids being taught core values of integrity, kindness and service, how to put those values into action in school and beyond--in this way, the school feeds much more than my kids' brains.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our daughter at Brandeis Marin since Kindergarten and she is now finishing up 6th grade. We knew early on that we wanted her to go to Brandeis through our friends who had their children here. We have not been disappointed and have been blown away by the consistent and challenging academics while balancing a fun and creative learning environment. The topics are learned in depth through an interactive and collaborative approach with the children. I feel the children are partners with their teachers, are respected and valued. The happiness on the campus is palpable and the teaching simply outstanding. The values of integrity, kindness and service are woven throughout the curriculum as well and these children are the nicest, caring children that I have ever had the pleasure to be around. The children are confident, critical thinkers who are unafraid to speak publicly. We are so incredibly grateful to the administration and the teachers for their dedicated passion toward academics, values and caring. Thank you Brandeis!! Luckily, we still get two more years with you!
—Submitted by a parent

After attending one of the graduation ceremonies, we transferred our children over from a top ranked public school in Marin and have never regretted the decision. Financially it has been a huge burden but every year I feel validated when I see what solid individuals this school graduates. I cannot think of a better foundation for my children as they head for high school and with the mounting pressures facing today s youth, I sleep well at night knowing my kids will be well prepared.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children who have thrived at the Marin campus of Brandeis Hillel Day School. Our eldest child spent his Middle School years at BHDS, and our twins have been there from 3rd-8th grade. We have been extremely pleased with the academic excellence of the school, as well as the values embedded in the curriculum and culture (e.g., kindness, courage of the heart, service to the community, and teaching children to be citizens of the world), and the quality of the music, art, and multimedia programs. I believe the vast majority of parents at BHDS would mention the incredibly warm community as a huge bonus of having children at the school. The kids really do feel as though they are part of a community, and so do the parents. My children are extremely well prepared for high school. Well worth considering even with the quality of public schools in Marin.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter in third grade this year at Brandeis in Marin and we are thrilled beyond words to be in this community. We came to Brandeis from another well rated independent school in Mill Valley. We were looking for a warm, welcoming community and we found it! The leadership listened to our story and heard our plea for a safe, welcoming, academically rigorous community and boy, have they delivered. My daughter needed a lot of extra help with Math and the team that has been assembled to assist her has been unbelievable! Within three months of school starting, our daughter is thriving. She has friendships that are blossoming, her self-esteem and self confidence are at new levels and most of all, she loves going to school. Thank you to the Brandeis community! We have our daughter back!
—Submitted by a parent

Our whole family loves Brandeis Marin. It is a school that not only fills the brain, but also, fills the heart. Its smaller size allows individual attention to each student daily. The teachers are the real stars of the school. They are superior. They offer solid academics, but also wonderful non-core classes, such as art, music, multi media, phys ed and after school sports. I know that our kids will have a strong academic, social and value base to be able to continue at any high school (and beyond) successfully. It is a school/community for anyone, as we are an interfaith, low income family and have never felt any less accepted than anyone else. For many years I have watched the 8th graders give their graduation speeches and every year I am blown away with their poise and confidence. I would recommend anyone to visit and see for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

I was uncertain of whether we wanted to send our child to a Jewish Day School. Now I don't know how we could ever have chosen otherwise. Among its many strengths, Brandeis has a community that I've never seen in another independent or public school. The school sets the tone, and faculty, parents and children follow, creating a warm, caring and vibrant place where children gain immense confidence and leadership skills. It has been remarkable to watch in our child, and his peers. The academics are strong and creative; the approach is 'whole child,' so that each child is meeting their unique potential and maximizing their strengths. We are so happy here. It is well worth the financial output, and the school will work with families to make it work.
—Submitted by a parent

Our girls have been very happy at Brandeis. Each year the teachers just keep getting better. I'm amazed at what they learn and how they are learning, always engaged in projects and excited to go to school. The arts program is also exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

Ourdaughter is finishing her Kindergarten year at Brandeis, and the experience has been nothing short of magical. We had previously had a *terrible* and disappointing start to K at a highly rated Marin elementary school (Bacich). Thanks to Brandeis, our daughter is once again a voracious learner, confident, creative, and bursting with ideas and enthusiasm. We feel a warm sense of community at Brandeis, and the Judaic education in addition to rigorous academics is a huge plus for our family. The K teaching team--made up of one teacher who has taught for 30 or so years and two other teachers who have each taught for 10 years--is spectacular. The low student-teacher ratio (1:6 or 1:8) makes in-depth work with the children possible. The K uses, in part, a Reggio Emilia project-based approach to learning, which facilitates creativity, child-directed learning, and multidisciplinary exploration. L/G families (like ours) uniformly love Brandeis. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Brandeis Hillel is the only school for our children. I had two kids go all the way through from kindergarten through the eight grade. Plus, I have two who are currently enrolled in first and fourth grades. I must say that all of the teachers have been wonderfully supportive of each of my childrens' individual learning styles and each child has thrived and is thriving there. Most of the teachers have been there for a long time and they are all deeply committed to high academic standards and creative exploration through art, music and project-oriented learning experiences. As for the community, there is nothing else like it. BHDS is supported by a dedicated parent community. The leadership of our school is always implementing new innovations in learning and the most recent addition has been our math program. I love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Brandeis for 6th and 7th grade. While providing an excellent academic curriculum, a more accurate name for the school might be Brandeis Military Academy. The school does not encourage independence, individuality, or differences. Not only are these qualities not encouraged, they are punished. An idea outside the box, detention, humor, detention, messy art work, detention. This is the culture at Brandeis, everything must be just so and if it isn't , you will feel their wrath. Do not look for support from administration. They want you to believe that all communication is welcome and 2 way. Nonsense. It is their way or no way. Discussion, ignored, communication, impossible. If you are looking at Brandeis for Middle School, do your research well. Good luck.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter in Kindergarten at Brandeis Marin this year and couldn't be happier. It is quite a heavy workload within the classroom---the children are definitely pushed creatively and academically. The best part about the program is the constant encouragement toward building a community throughout the school and being aware/sensitive to those around you. All in all, an outstanding experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Brandeis is an above average school academically. It has been going through personnel changes lately and will have a new principal next year. Music and art programs are quite good and students who play an instrument can play in the band and choose music as an elective. The art teacher this year has been exceptionally good. Sports offerings are not plentiful. For those students who are avid sportsmen or women, parents will definitely have to supplement the school offerings with after school activities. Overall, this is a good school with extremely high parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son in 7th grade now. He's been at Brandeis, Marin, since the 1st grade. I've found most of the teachers responsive to any concerns or problems. For instance, when my son has had any problem in school, I've received a response call from all teachers within 24 hours. We have always been able to come to some agreement about corrective measures, maybe a daily contract, maybe just better attention to his needs. And, the administration has just changed due to retirements and I'm most pleased with those whom have stepped up to the plate. They were in other positions before, so I've had plenty of contact with their leadership and problem solving abilities. Since it is a small school, the extracurricular activities are less than a larger school. But the trade off of closer attention in the classroom has been worth it. I gave a 4 on teacher quality since some are excellent, some pretty darn good, a few I could do without. But I challenge any school to provide perfect teachers for all students. As I've aged with this school, I've found a way to be an involved parent. As I mentioned before, the new administration is responsive to parent concerns, invites and supports parent-directed projects that match the goals of the school. Of course, there are many opportunities for those talented in the fund-raising venues. Not me,I'm more involved with the social service projects. The administration has been most supportive of a B'nai Mitzvah project which I started with other parents, helping the students to join together in service projects. More fun to do toghether. Bigger impact. I say that when just last year I spent many hours working on the auction and enjoyed every minute of working with parents from both the Marin campus and our sister campus in San Francisco. We chose this school not only for its quality of education, but for the Jewish curriculum. We are not affiliated with a synagogue so giving our son the benefits of a Jewish educational foundation was of interest. We've been most welcomed as a family, even though Mom is not Jewish. That's me.
—Submitted by a parent