Park Day School

360 42nd Street

Oakland, CA 94609

73 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 29, 2025

We are new to the Park Day community and have been really pleased with our choice. When we were looking for other schools last year, we wanted a place that would reignite her love of learning and her experience at Park Day has done that and more. She is eager to go to school each day (which helps with the morning routine!) and there is always at least one thing she is looking forward to each day.Park Day has proven to be a great fit for our child’s learning style. The campus is magical — it’s like a school nestled in a botanical garden — but it is also a central part of the learning experience for students. Learning Garden has become one of the (many) highlights for our child. She comes home excited to talk about the projects they do. She also loves Art, Music and Spanish and has taken an interest in learning more in each of these areas at home. It’s clear that there is a lot of cross-pollination in the curriculum, which is also a great fit for our kid’s learning style.We’ve appreciated the scaffolding of the fourth grade curriculum and the opportunities for stretch that it’s provided our child. The emphasis of the growth mindset has been really good for our child, just enough friction without suppressing their motivation.We wanted our 4th grader to love learning (the school’s tag line) and I can tell by the way her face lights up when talking about her day that this is the case.It can be challenging to enter a new school community but we were warmly ushered into the parent community by the leaders of the Parent Stewardship committee. The coffee carts on Wednesday and Friday also offer a great opportunity to chat with parents across grades. I work in Oakland, so appreciate that I’m able to chat with a few parents before heading in to start my day.We are also a two-mom, multi-racial/ethnic family made by adoption and appreciate that we’ve been able to find affinity groups: Families with Children of Color, the Village for Black parents, families made by adoption, and the LGBTQ+ affinity groups are all welcoming spaces (and spaces with overlap too). We appreciate the commitment to social justice and DEIBJ that is foundational to the curriculum and to the vision of the school’s leaders.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2025

Our son is in Kindergarten at Park Day and we couldn’t be happier. His Kindergarten teachers are a dream team, and the art, language, music, and P.E. teachers have such well thought out programming. After a shy phase in his preschool classroom (he’s a pretty extroverted kiddo otherwise), he now regularly contributes in class, has made friends and asks for extra math worksheets. Love to see the differentiation at work. We looked at several academic focused schools and felt like they tried to fit their students into mold, while Park Day makes learning fun and allows students to explore, discover and pursue their passions. Along with the social justice curriculum and emphasis on helping students develop self-advocacy skills, we love the community we’ve found there.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2025

We absolutely love Park Day! This time last year our family was in the process of looking for a middle school, so I wanted to be sure and jump on here to share our experience for those of you considering Park Day. Choosing a middle school was a big decision for us as a queer family coming from OUSD and wanting community, academics, values, and belonging.From day one our entire family has had a wonderful experience at Park Day, and couldn't be more grateful for the community we have built in such a short time. Our child had attended a top rated public OUSD school, but the difference in what we are experiencing with the shift to Park Day is remarkable: the breadth of leadership experience evident across all faculty and staff, inclusivity and diversity, educational rigor and support, values of social justice threaded through the curriculum, communication and responsiveness, community events, and so much more. Our child is thriving academically, and building new friendships in the classroom and through the incredible electives Park Day offers. They are so proud of their new school, and we as parents feel equally as proud and engaged. Our experience so far has been exceptional!
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

As a new family at Park Day this year, we have been blown away by the warmth and genuine welcome we’ve received. From the teachers to the parent community, every interaction has been thoughtful and supportive, making us feel like part of the Park Day family from the very start. Everyone, including her classmates, have gone out of their way to make our daughter feel genuinely welcomed. What sets this school apart is how deeply it understands and values each child’s individuality. The teachers take the time to truly know each student, meeting them where they are and nurturing both their growth and their unique strengths. The emphasis on critical thinking and curiosity ensures that children are not just learning but developing the skills to question, analyze, and make meaningful connections.One of the aspects we deeply appreciate is how the school’s commitment to social justice is woven into everything they do—both in the curriculum and the daily culture. This approach not only builds awareness and empathy but also empowers students to become compassionate and engaged citizens.We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a school where our child is thriving, academically, socially, and emotionally. Park Day is truly a special place!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2025

We toured Park Day out of curiosity because it's in our neighborhood and were lured in by the chicken coop visible from 42nd St. We also were searching outside the public school circuit because our kid is "spirited"; we worried he might get lost in a big school and be labeled a bad kid. When we visited Park Day we instantly fell in love with the school community, educational approach, focus on JEDI, staff, and campus. As one fellow parent said, "You can't un-see how amazing this place is." The progressive approach really impressed us. As the innovation lab (a.k.a. shop class) teacher told us, she likes teaching kids how things are put together so they can know how to approach it and MAKE CHANGE - be it a bicycle or a government system. All the different teachers work together to teach ideas from different angles. Parents get a weekly newsletter talking about what and how the kids learned and how parents can help practice ideas with their kids at home. The staff and teachers are available and happy to partner with us parents on our needs and concerns. The system is set up at Park Day School to ensure success of the student and family. They foster trust and growth of the best in our kids. It's fantastic.Our family has been welcomed in to the community, our kid is thriving at school, and we're so grateful for the scholarships offered so we could make a leap for our kiddo.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2025

My daughter started middle school at PDS this year after attending elementary school at an OUSD school. Our experience could not have been better! The other students have been extremely welcoming, and the teachers and staff are incredible. A lot of thought and intentionality are put into the curriculum and teaching, both of which focus on critical thinking and helping students build the skills necessary to succeed academically. In addition to the academics, there are great opportunities for arts, sports, and other activities. The arts programming--which includes visual arts, music, and drama--is supplemented by clubs that include activities like creative writing, watercolors, and more. As a queer family, we have been welcomed by the school community, which also includes a number of other queer families. In short, we could not be happier with Park Day.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2024

When my child began kindergarten, it was a challenging time for our family. He had always been very attached to us, and the transition to a new school environment was particularly hard for him. Drop-offs were heart-wrenching, filled with tears, cries, and a tight grip on my leg, refusing to let go. As a parent, it was tough to watch him struggle to adjust.However, everything changed when we met Teachers Victoria and Paola at Park Day School. Their patience, understanding, and unique approach made all the difference. They worked closely with him, teaching him not only academic skills but also how to set personal goals and manage his emotions effectively. We felt supported by the head of school, the lower school head, and the teaching staff, which created a nurturing environment where he felt seen, supported, and encouraged.Their efforts paid off remarkably. From the emotional and difficult mornings we once faced, drop-offs have transformed into joyful goodbyes. My son now waves enthusiastically, saying, “Mom, have a good day!” without a tear in sight. His confidence has soared, and he looks forward to school each day, eager to learn and engage with his teachers and peers.I’m deeply impressed by the way Teachers Victoria and Paola have connected with him, turning learning into a fun and rewarding experience. The positive impact they’ve had extends beyond academics—it’s about personal growth and emotional resilience.Our family is incredibly grateful to Park Day School for fostering such a positive and enriching environment. Watching my son thrive has been a wonderful journey, and we couldn’t be happier with the support and dedication of the school and its staff.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2024

My eight-year-old daughter, now nine, began her academic journey at Park Day as a third grader this year. For a TL;DR review: I absolutely love Park Day School and cannot recommend it highly enough.With that said, here's my more detailed review.Josie was our first point of contact at the school. During our initial tour, she guided us through the campus, and what a campus it is! It features numerous lush, tall trees, a garden with ample shaded seating, a soccer field, a gardening yurt, a large pavilion for various events, and an expansive play area for the kids. Needless to say, we knew our kiddos would love it here based on the physical attributes alone.However, it wasn't until summer school began that she got to know her peers, allowing the true scope of Park Day's offerings to shine. The intangible benefits--the level of passion and empathy from the teachers and their assistants, the transparent and frequent communication from the school administration, and the way the other students interacted with one another and their teachers--exemplify the kind of leadership Park Day demonstrates under the guidance of Angela Taylor.As I write this review, it has been about four months since the school year began. I am truly impressed and inspired by how quickly my daughter acclimated to Park Day. She has made several close friends and LOVES her classes and teachers, especially Gardening class.I couldn't be happier to be part of the parent-teacher community at Park Day.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2024

We love Park Day! Our child started at Park Day in 6th grade after studying K-5 at another independent school in Oakland. A few highlights include: ADMISSIONS: everything about the process was top notch. Welcoming and friendly communication at every step. ORENTATION: Our assigned buddy family was awesome and made all of us feel welcome and prepared. The student orientation and tour day was amazing! ACADEMICS: The 6th grade teaching team is by far the strongest cohort of teachers our child has ever had. They are all gifted educators, creative, kind, and absolutely dedicated to their craft. The material is engaging and challenging, but accessible because students have the tools and support they need to succeed. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Park Day is committed to making kids feel welcome and safe as they explore, embrace, and express their identities. We love that Park Day intentionally fosters a kind and inclusive community that celebrates every student's uniqueness. OVERALL: A+
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2024

My daughter started kindergarten last fall. She knows she is an important part of the community and feels safe at school. The teachers use well-informed methods for harnessing her high energy levels and big feelings. When she acts on impulses, there is an on-site counselor to help with processing events. The academics are strong but not competitive (it's kindergarten). Her class is diverse in terms of class, race, ethnicity, and family structure. We are a multi-racial, two-home household, but we are not the only one. She runs into school every morning and asks to stay later during pick-up (even during aftercare!). In terms of what I'd like to see change, I wish that the school had a library. Also, it would be great if they could hire a few additional staff so that there were extra hands on deck when needed, for example, on rainy days.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2024

Our daughter applied for K, and so far has been adjusting quite well. As a BIPOC family, we've felt so much positive energy and love from everyone on campus. Would definitely recommend checking it out :)
Submitted by other on December 28, 2023

We switched our child from public school to Park Day School for first grade and could not be happier with our decision. During the first week of school, her teachers reached out to us to discuss our goals and concerns for the upcoming school year, and since then, we have seen how their efforts to understand our child as an individual have made learning effective, enjoyable, and challenging for her. Her lessons at Park Day are vibrant and engaging and our child is excited by her classes and thriving academically and socially. One of our biggest concerns with changing schools was the social adjustment, but her teachers and the community of parents went out of their way to welcome us. Before school started, we had already been invited to several birthday parties and class events and our child had started to make new friends. After the first few weeks of school, our child was running into school every morning to meet up with her friends before class. Additionally, we are also impressed by the compassion and empathy displayed by her peers towards our child and others.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2023

Our daughter joined Park Day in 4th grade and was whole-heartedly embraced by the community. It’s everything we could have hoped for. Communicative staff, well-resourced classrooms, beautiful facilities and grounds, engaging curriculum, and supportive community. Our child is happy and loves learning again!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2023

In such a short time, Park Day has been a truly amazing experience for our family. Having moved to Oakland recently from a new city, not only was Oakland new to us, but so was Park Day and the way our son has transitioned with such ease has been a joy for us when juggling such a big move.Our son has a smile every day at drop off and pick up, and has taken to the ethos and environment like he’s been here for years. Park Day really fosters a sense of community and family, and again being new to the city this has been important in helping our family adjust. Something we’re extremely grateful for. The teachers and staff are amazing, kind and engaged. Watching our son interact not only with children in his own class and grade but across the school, seeing how the older children respond and communicate to the younger kids completely reassures a parent when wanting to understand whether your child is in the right environment to develop as a person. The range of activities, both during the day and for aftercare offer the students a real diversity of options and ways to try new things. The communication, attention to care and detail throughout the school makes you feel reassured as a parent.We feel so fortunate to be part of the Park Day community and for our son to have this learning and developmental experience. When I asked my son if he liked school he said “no Mummy I don’t like it, I LOVE it!” which sums up how I feel as a parent too. We can’t wait for our youngest to join his older brother there in a couple of years!!
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2023

As a new lower-school family at Park Day, we are so grateful to have found this school community. Our queer, two-household, family-of-color feels overwhelmingly seen and supported by the progressive teachers, staff and parent community at Park Day. Our active child comes home excited to share about their learning and the wide variety of hands-on curriculum and enrichment offerings. Our child has transitioned well with tailored support from responsive and engaged teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

Our kindergartner started at Park Day this Fall and the welcoming community of teachers and staff helped him quickly settle in and thrive. We knew the transition from a small daycare setting during first years of the pandemic to kindergarten would likely have some bumps, but it was so reassuring and wonderful to see how the support from his classroom teachers and the many specialty teachers quickly built his confidence and comfort in the new environment. From all parts of the Park Day community, everyone is there to help and support students settle in, build community, and have fun learning. Park Day was once described to us as a “big hug of a school.” It has really proven to be just that.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2023

We are a new family at Park Day School and our experience has been great. We transferred from an OUSD school. Starting with the admissions process everyone has been incredibly helpful, answered all of our questions thoroughly and made opportunities for us to connect with other prospective and current PDS families. We were also able to connect with other prospective and current families of color which was incredibly helpful in the decision making process. Our daughter loves the school. She has felt very welcomed from the first day and feels comfortable with her new class. She has come home exclaiming how much she loves school. We have felt very welcomed by the school community as a whole. We had a buddy family assigned to us in the spring before our daughter started and they have been great in our transition process. A strong sense of community was important among our criteria for a school choice and PDS has definitely made a great impression.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2023

Our son transitioned to Park Day from a public school in 7th grade...an awkward transition time! Park Day students and staff were so truly welcoming and inclusive, beginning the spring before he began. He received an in depth tour of the school, was invited to multiple events, and had ample opportunity to ask questions and settle in. The classes are relevant and engaging, the community is warm and attentive, the sports are fun, and the grounds are beautiful. Park Day also practices its values. It's a lovely school.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2023

Our daughter transferred to Park Day as a first grader and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to enroll there. The transition was smooth and she is really happy to go to school every day. She feels very much a part of the community, loves her fourth-grade reading buddy (the lower grade kids are paired with reading buddies in higher elementary grades and they read together on Fridays) and comes home with cool projects she has worked on at school. On the parent side, we have found the partnership we were looking for in her education: the teachers know her well and understand where she needs to grow and develop. The social-emotional learning is very much a part of the day to day life of the classroom and there is also a good amount of tailoring to where kids are academically. The beautiful campus is really the cherry on top of what is a really great school and community.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2022

Park Day School has embraced our children with open arms, and in just a short time, they have felt entirely accepted and included in the school community. There are affinity groups whose focus is on the integration and representation of all families into the broader fabric of the school, and the existence of these groups speaks to the efforts that the school community is making to grow a culture of inclusion. The impression that Park Day School has left on our family is that they care deeply about our children and that they have an understanding of their need to be cared for as a whole people whose emotional and mental health should be prioritized as a means to nurture their academic potential. The staff at PDS are lovingly committed to our children which shows in the way they connect with them and the way that they make it their priority to create an environment that makes the kids feel cared for and seen. The kids have experienced forest school, conventional school, home school, and now to Park Day and they have been made to feel like they fit right in, and the transition has been thrilling and seamless for them. With an abundance of enrichment programs, specialists, and essentially a botanical garden for a campus Park Day School is an inspiring place to learn.