Northern Light School

3710 Dorisa Avenue

Oakland, CA 94605

29 Reviews

School District
Grade

K
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 20, 2017

Wonderful school community, small class sizes and nurturing environment.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2017

I would rate this school a 0
Submitted by principal on April 10, 2016

This is such a hidden gem! It's faculty and staff are committed to promoting a student/teacher/caregiver community and strives to educate the whole child. Lots of individualized attention to the needs of every student (intellectually and emotionally).
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

My daughter has been a student since pre-K. She's an eighth grader now and has loved the experience. The learning, faculty, and community is top notch!
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2014

My children are and have attended a wonderful school called The Northern Light School, serving families from pre-school, to 8th grade. The eldest of my three just graduated and thanks to NLS, he's on his way in September to attending one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country, and oh yeah, on a full scholarship, valued at over $57,000.00 annually. NLS has partnered with me and my family to prepare my son academically, emotionally, socially, to embark on a path that will undoubtedly lead to success in college and beyond. All my children have become aware of the need to actively help others in the community, as well as around the world. The class sizes are small and the staff is nurturing, young, energetic and caring. Nonetheless, the children are encouraged to pursue their dreams and strongly believe in the concept, "Impossible is Nonething." I feel my children are not only developing educationally, but also emotionally and socially. The life skills they have learn will continue to enhance their well being as they approach adulthood . If you're familiar with the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," then you will embrace the philosophy of The NLS.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2014

Current parent of 3 enrolled in NLS (pk, 3, 7). Our family has seen it evolve over the years. We've been there to know the original 4 founders & see shifts in teachers & office personnel. HOWEVER, like the other parent post on here, I'd have to agree that the reviews popping up over the last few days are unhappy parents who posted before. We were around for the shifts in administration. It took some adjusting, but we think that since Ms. Michelle & Ms. Kaamil have taken the lead of the school the improvements far outweigh the things unhappy families speak of (many sound too ridiculous to be true). We like the direction the school is headed in. We've always loved the teachers that NLS has hired over the years. But the new teachers are the best the school has ever had. A favorite topic of discussion at our dinner table pertains to the Art Program. Kudos for after school music and sports programs additions. We came to NLS looking for something different & found it. Every institution is going to have its challenges. But we've enjoyed our NLS experience enough that one or two difficulties isn't enough to convince us to leave.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2014

As a parent whose child has attended Northern Light School for eight years, I can truly say my son is prepared both academically and socially for the challenges that lie ahead in high school. In addition to a strong academic program, NLS instills in its students the importance of community service and their responsibility to help others who are less fortunate. NLS recently added a sports program to its curriculum, which in my opinion was the only thing missing. My son is a well-rounded young man and he has benefited tremendously from attending NLS.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2014

I am a current NLS parent and have been a NLS parent for many years now. I am very happy with the academic curriculum of the school and the extracurricular activities. I believe some of these posts are reposts from old parents that have not been with Northern Light for some years because some of the issues stated did not apply to 2013-2014 school year. NLS does have music now and sports. NLS is a small school but has been incorporating some of the programs bigger schools have. I am very happy with my son s academic progress. I do not only look at test scores. Test scores only show one has the ability to take tests. I measure on intellect. During family time we have conversations about topics that our entire world is being affected by and he knows of things that are important that we haven t covered yet. This is the measure of intelligence to me. We have not had one teacher that he has not enjoyed. And he does not want to leave. Another positive! The only benefit I get from this post is yet another year at NLS. I want to see NLS continue to thrive and provide the loving, nurturing, educational environment were kids love school and learn to be continuous learners.
Submitted by other on June 25, 2014

I've been a volunteer at Northern Light for about 12 years. I think the school is better than it ever has been. The teachers and administrative staff have never been better. We're in the best shape ever when it comes to support... we have a lot of volunteers and more people helping (financially) than ever. The list of people who visit the school and inspire the kids is unparalleled: Emmy Award winning entertainers, professional athletes, Fortune 500 CEO's and even a Supreme Court Judge. This year's graduating class has 15 of the 17 students accepted to private high schools on scholarships. And the class that graduated 4 years ago, received acceptance letters from Harvard, Yale, NYU, Swathmore, West Point, etc. Unfortunately, the economics of the world today leave us in a predicament where we HAVE to offer 93% of our students financial aid or they wouldn't be able to attend NLS. So, to help raise money, I often tell prospective supporters ANONYMOUS stories of our students, what they have to overcome and how great they're doing. I LOVE to tell these stories...the kids are AMAZING and well worth bragging about!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2014

An older boy from our neighborhood graduated from Northern Light 6 or 7 years ago. He received a partial scholarship to High School and a college scholarship, as well. So, we enrolled our son there 3 years ago. The first few months were rocky (for him and us). But around November... it all clicked. He started loving school, doing well and we "got" what was going on. It's a wonderful place and we feel like he's learning a lot...both school work and life lessons. They've worked with us as our finances have changed. Occasionally, I still disagree with a teacher or administrator but... we trust them. We're so impressed by the 8th grade graduates every year. I'm honestly shocked that people who give this school a chance are unhappy. i just can't see how.
Submitted by other on June 25, 2014

I've been a volunteer at Northern Light for about 12 years. I think the school is better than it ever has been. The teachers and administrative staff have never been better. We're in the best shape ever when it comes to support... we have a lot of volunteers and more people helping (financially) than ever. The list of people who visit the school and inspire the kids is unparalleled: Emmy Award winning entertainers, professional athletes, Fortune 500 CEO's and even a Supreme Court Judge. This year's graduating class has 15 of the 17 students accepted to private high schools on scholarships. And the class that graduated 4 years ago, received acceptance letters from Harvard, Yale, NYU, Swathmore, West Point, etc. Unfortunately, the economics of the world today leave us in a predicament where we HAVE to offer 93% of our students financial aid or they wouldn't be able to attend NLS. So, to help raise money, I often tell prospective supporters ANONYMOUS stories of our students, what they have to overcome and how great they're doing. I LOVE to tell these stories...the kids are AMAZING and well worth bragging about!
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2013

I have one son that attends Northern Light School and so far we are off to a great start. While it was very challenging to find a safe learning enviornment for my son, I was greatful to be referred to the Northen Light Family. After attending the summer program I realized that what this school had to offer was exactly what I needed for my son and that was structure and dedicated/compassionate staff members that believe in student success.So far we are very excited and my son loves learning at NLS, so for that I''m a proud parent of the NLS!
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

I have one son that currently attends Northern Light School and one son that has graduated from NLS. I have been a NLS parent for over 7 years. My oldest was accepted to all 3 private high schools that he applied to. Then 8 out of 10 Universities that he recently applied to and is now attending a Private University for his freshman year. My youngest son is not only attending Northern Light School because of the success of his older brother but because he loves his school. This is very important to me. All schools are required to teach a specific curriculum, but what make s Northern Light School special is the children like going to school and love their teachers. It is an open learning environment where the kids are able to be who they are. A safe and loving school environment creates a student who loves to learn. Current NLS Parent
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

We enrolled our children at Northern Light last spring, and they began school this fall. Before school started, we were accosted by former parents and employees who tried to convince us that the School was "bad", and that we shouldn't pursue enrolling. To say the least, we were concerned. The things shared with us were so scathing, that we seriously considered saying "no". But the summer slipped away. It was time for school. We said we'd "try" it for the first few weeks and make a final decision for our family. Boy, are we glad that we did! Whatever those former parents and employees said was wrong, and (to be frank!) pretty cruel. We've got nothing but glowing reviews for Northern Light. Our kids are so happy. The education and programs offered are fantastic. We were told that the school wasn't making an effort to put its best foot forward, but it is. Our son is LOVING PE classes, and our daughter is thrilled that there is Drama Club. Every morning there's a whole-school assembly that offers students the chance to come together. Clearly, they're making an effort to prove they're committed to positive turn-around in light of whatever slander was spread. It really is a GREAT SCHOOL!
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2013

I would NOT recommend this school to anyone. The students face hard reality when they go to High School, my son is one of them. He is so far behind in math. There is not consistency on anything. The change the curriculum almost every year since the new principal came to NLS and when things started to go down hill, she doesn't know how to handle discipline at all. Some teachers have their boyfriends working there and they hang in the classrooms all day. NLS is not what it used to be. Not a good school at all.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2013

Two years ago, we moved our oldest daughter out of a top pre-school in Piedmont to attend Northern Light School's pre-kindergarten program, and have since entered her younger sister into the school. Now in our second year at Northern Light -- our kindergartner has a passion for learning, is excelling in her studies, has made good friends, and loves her teacher. Our pre-schooler is engaged and having fun, building a strong set of foundational skills, and performing at an academic level that is beyond her years. The administration and faculty are caring and constantly looking for new ways to enhance the curriculum and community at Northern Light School. The student experience is made more dynamic through exposure to community leaders, coaches, and speakers from top businesses, professional teams, and philanthropic organizations from around the bay. We are happy to have found Northern Light School two years ago, and look forward to the years to come. Our children are experiencing something special, and are growing as students and citizens of the broader community. What more could we ask for?
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2013

We are a veteran family of Northern Light School. Our children have attended, their cousins, my nieces, nephews, and several grandchildren. We've been with Northern Light for the long haul. With the recent challenges the school has faced, we are making an important decision for our family--WE ARE STAYING WITH NORTHERN LIGHT SCHOOL. We believe in Northern Light, everything it stands for, everything it has been, and everything it will become. We aren't going to give up on what the school has to offer. Families choosing to leave Northern Light have fallen victim to virulent, poisonous gossip, and a cancer-like rumor mill. The families, like ours, who stay true and dedicated to Northern Light, know what it is worth. It truly is one-of-a-kind, and we will continue to embrace it and defend it. We're staying put--for the other generations of our children and grandchildren to come.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

This school used to be a wonderful school. But the last 3 years have been bad. Classroom sizes increased from 10-15 average to now 20+. There has been no disciplinary structure. The staff has a high rate of overturn. There is no leadership or direction for the school. Test scores are down. Not all the teachers are accredited. But tuition is steady going up. They need to revise their academic and discipline programs. Keep staff there longer. They need to get back to Northern Light 3 years ago.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2013

We love Northern Light! Don't listen to anything that other disconcerted former parents are writing and saying. Now, there have been some changes. The newer principal has had to adjust to the Northern Light environment. It was challenging at first, but in the last year, we've noticed that the new principal has taken a more active role in the student's and families lives. She's still got a ways to go, but she has made a tremendous effort, and we are happy to stick by the Northern Light School community and mission. It is a beautiful place, with beautiful families, caring teachers, and dedicated administration. We aren't giving up on Northern Light. There's good stuff there.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2013

Many of the families who leave the community at Northern Light School are quick to give it a "bad rap". The truth is that Northern Light is a very special, one-of-a-kind place. Yes, there have been changes in the administration. But that kind of change is inevitable and bound to happen at every school. Leaving Northern Light won't make a difference. If you go somewhere else, you will encounter the same changes. Being a parent it's difficult to read through "scathing" reviews and recognize any semblance of what frustrated parents are talking about. My family loves Northern Light School. My children receive a top-notch education. They love going to school. As a parent, that's the most important thing I could ask for. I wouldn't save my money and send my kids to public school. I know that they wouldn't get what Northern Light offers. The families that love Northern Light the way our family does have pride for this village, and a village it is. I think the unhappy parents on here had an unfortunate, one-time experience and take their aggression out on this community. That aggression is underserved. Northern Light is filled with genuine love and has children's best interests at heart.