St. Paul's Episcopal School

116 Montecito Avenue

Oakland, CA 94610

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 22, 2024

St. Paul’s Episcopal School (SPES) in Oakland has been an incredible experience for our family as LGBTQ+ parents with two kids attending. From the moment we joined the school community, we’ve felt welcomed, valued, and supported in a way that’s truly meaningful to us. SPES is not just a school—it’s a place where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and every family is embraced.The teachers at SPES are extraordinary. They are kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in each student’s success, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our kids feel seen, respected, and encouraged to thrive. The school also provides ample resources, from state-of-the-art technology to classroom supplies, making learning accessible, engaging, and exciting for every child.What stands out most about SPES is its unwavering commitment to diversity. The student body reflects a wide range of backgrounds, and this rich diversity is woven into the fabric of the school’s culture. Weekly Friday chapel gatherings are a highlight, bringing the community together to reflect on shared values and showcase the unique voices and perspectives of different grades. These gatherings create a strong sense of belonging and unity, making every family feel like an integral part of the school.SPES also excels in social-emotional learning through its “People Power Skills” framework. This program equips students with the tools to navigate relationships, practice kindness, and build empathy. It’s inspiring to see our kids not only learning these skills but also applying them in their daily interactions. The framework helps create a respectful, supportive environment that prioritizes emotional growth alongside academic success.As LGBTQ+ parents, we deeply appreciate how SPES fosters an inclusive atmosphere where all families are welcomed and celebrated. Our kids are growing up in an environment that values compassion, diversity, and acceptance—qualities we hold dear. It’s a school where they feel safe and proud of their family, and that means the world to us.St. Paul’s is a place where academics, culture, and emotional well-being come together seamlessly. For LGBTQ+ families—or any family looking for a school that truly embodies inclusion and excellence—SPES is an outstanding choice. It’s been a wonderful home for our kids and our family, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

I'm writing as parent of three St Paul’s graduates. All of our sons, now ages 18, 20, and 23, attended the school and loved it. We are very satisfied customers and parents, and we continue to support the school however we can.St Paul's does place a great emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusion while also providing strong academic preparation. It's not just their motto - they mean it. Those commitments were reflected throughout my sons’ time attending the school, and I believe they have made a meaningful difference in each of their lives. Our boys truly cherished their time at St Paul's and look back on it with great fondness. They also have continued to contribute to the school, with each of them working at St Paul’s summer programs for several years after they graduated. My youngest even worked there this past summer (2024) as a teaching assistant at the Academic Success summer program for rising 6th graders. Each of our sons have their own personalities, needs, and interests. One-size-fits-all would not have been a fit for them. St Paul’s was responsive to their individual needs and created a comfortable “home away from home” for each of them. Moreover, the faculty and administration were attentive and did a great job teaching about academic subjects and non-academic matters. We feel like our sons learned a lot about how to be responsible, contributing citizens and community members while also getting a great education. I know that some families have questions about the school’s location in the center of Oakland. While it does create some logistical issues from time to time, we very much liked the location and the contribution that the city of Oakland made as a sort of external classroom. Indeed, my sons all learned from the experience about how to live in a city and appreciate its rhythms and realities. It was one of the factors that drew us to the school originally, and we have always felt that it was a net positive for the school and the student experience.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2024

During his time at St Paul’s Episcopal School (4th through 8th grade), our son blossomed beyond what we could have possibly ever imagined. During his first year at the school, we noticed a dramatic increase in his self-awareness, self-assuredness, and expressiveness. Our son needed a more structured curriculum but also the opportunity to express his unique perspective; SPES emboldened him by striking just the right balance: pursuing progressive values while retaining some traditional academic frameworks. The curriculum throughout had been thoughtfully developed to provide just the right amount of scaffolding to encourage our son’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We liked how SPES wove in social-emotional and social-justice learning in ways that felt organic, creative, and age-appropriate. The Kindergarten teachers internally developed the K curriculum for social-emotional development. Fifth-graders create a children’s book based on their favorite Civil Rights era hero, then read it to their Kindergarten buddies. The teachers are solid, dedicated people who reflect the diversity of the student body and clearly like working together. He trusted, admired, and enjoyed his teachers — in fact, he bonded with them to such an extent that the entire 6th- and 7th-grade teams attended his Zoom [during Covid lockdown] bar mitzvah! The weekly Friday morning chapels highlight what a tight and inclusive community — with broad horizons and a good groove (provided by student and faculty musical accompaniment!) — SPES is. Each week a different grade presents a topic (ranging from climate change, civil rights, and recycling to, often, the upcoming holiday of various world cultures and religions, such as Dia de Los Muertos, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah, etc.) before an engrossed and wildly supportive crowd of students and families. It’s a great opportunity to see other SPES parents, who are an interesting, fun, down-to-earth bunch we’re delighted to know. Our son is now in high school, but it’s still his St.Paul’s friends with whom he’s liable to have an hour-long phone call. SPES kept our son engaged and enthused about school throughout his time there. It admirably “walks the walk” (with a majority of students and faculty of color, and far greater tuition assistance than its peer institutions not just locally but nationally) and only continues to strengthen under Head of School Cheryl Ting. We will be eternally grateful for how much it gave him!
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2024

Our child joined SPES as a middle schooler. Teachers are very kind and dedicated. The school seems to be able to keep teachers for a long time with less turnover than other private schools. That is a good sign. Leadership, teachers and admin team have been very responsive and collaborative in our child’s educational and social emotional journey. We feel very supported by the team and feel that the school is truly committed to each child’s success. It is very diverse for a private school. Facilities are limited due to it being an urban school but it uses Lake Merritt as part of its campus and the Y for the pool for lower grades, so there is a lot of space when you consider its surrounding area. There is a very nice indoor gym.Despite its name, it is not a religious school and kids do not study the Bible. However, the school song and prayer mention God and kids have a chapel (not a church service but more like an all school assembly) weekly inside a church with a Reverend speaking once in a while. They do not pray explicitly or make kids pray but you should know that church elements are mildly present in the background. If you aren’t comfortable stepping inside a church building, this probably isn’t the best school for you. I have been impressed by the school’s ability to encourage kids to stretch and grow. My child has been gently encouraged to and have been able to try new experiences that they were previously unwilling to try (e.g. sports, kayaking, etc.) SPES also does an exceptional job at helping kids learn and practice growth mindset and executive functioning.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2024

My children are not only primed academically by this excellent program to attend a high school of their choice, but they have learned to be purposeful, compassionate, global citizens. The community is welcoming, loving and diverse. All religions and cultures are celebrated. The education can't be beat, and what sets it apart is that indispensable life values are interwoven seamlessly into the curriculum. My family is better for being here. I can't recommend it enough.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2024

We put our daughter into St Paul’s in 5th grade. At the time she said that she hated math and was terrible at it. She also struggled with completing work. Within less than two months, her math scores jumped the 90th percentile, she proudly kept her homework planner, and her whole mood had improved. Saint Pauls does a great job of mixing warm, social emotional learning with high academic expectations. we also love the fact that it is so diverse, especially with income levels, which is super hard to find other private schools in the bay area.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2024

Our child started at SPES in 4th grade after transferring from a local public school where he spent K-3rd grade. We were in pursuit of smaller classes and more individualized attention, and we were initially drawn to SPES for its reputation as a warm, diverse community with a strong social-emotional curriculum and stellar academics. Our first year has confirmed everything that attracted us to the school — our child is embraced in a loving community where he is seen and known, and he has deepened his social-emotional learning and expanded his horizons as a student. St. Paul’s social-emotional curriculum is exceptional, teaching kids how to understand themselves and others in important ways that they will hopefully carry with them into adulthood. And its academics are equally impressive, as teachers weave together lessons from different cultures and perspectives that have historically been overlooked or marginalized. Our son blew our minds with all the amazing things he learned this year. He was challenged and supported, tested and nurtured. He was encouraged to make mistakes and grow.SPES is deeply intentional about the student and family community it builds because it cares about ensuring belonging and inclusion for all. It is peerless in its racial and socioeconomic diversity and looks like a school of the City of Oakland, connected to Oakland, which we love. The warmth between the students and teachers is real as is the genuine kindness that SPES cultivates. SPES kids care about the larger world and think critically about their roles in it, and how to be better citizens. We are so thankful that a place like SPES exists, and we are grateful to be a part of it.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2023

We have one current 7th Grader and a 9th Grader who graduated from St Paul's and is now having a wonderful year at Bishop O'Dowd! Amazing diversity and excellent staff/teachers. DE&I work is rigorous and affinity groups for students and faculty (and parents!). Advising groups in 7 & 8th grade meet three times a week to deepen the social emotional learning. New Head of the Middle School has joined and the transition has been seamless. Head of School is excellent and the school is expanding the CEL (Community Engaged Learning) programs. This is a school that does not shy away from being a vibrant part of Oakland and the students benefit from the connections and community.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2023

I have two children (1st/3rd grade) currently enrolled at St Paul's. My kids started at less conventional entry points and our transition was incredibly smooth. The thought and care that went into making us feel comfortable was extraordinary. We have found the academics to be exceptional as well. The teachers meet the students where they are at and are able to challenge them or offer additional support. The social emotional curriculum is unmatched. It is weaved into every part of the students day. They are encouraged to take risks and feel empowered to do because they feel cared for and seen by their teachers. The thoughtfulness of all parts of this wonderful school is beyond anything we expected. The administrators are incredibly warm and caring as well. The warmth at St Paul's radiates from the top down. Another amazing aspect is the DEIB piece. Kids are encouraged to be themselves and diversity is truly celebrated. My family is incredibly grateful to be a part of this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2022

Our family has been at St. Paul’s since 2019; our two kids are in the lower school and have been so happy with our St. Paul’s experience. This year in particular, as the school emerges from covid-centric operations, we are having the experience we thought we would when we first learned about SPES. Few things I would highlight:1. Diversity - racial, religious, socioeconomic and otherwise - permeates the school, both representationally in the faculty and the student body, and programatically in the curriculum. While the school is connected with an episcopal church, the curriculum is not religion-based and the make-up of the family community is incredibly diverse in faiths and traditions (we don’t really observe any religious customs at home). All faiths are welcome and part of the school experience. My kids know more about Diwali than I do. When we first toured the school and I saw student-made chanukah menorahs made of pasta, we knew it was the right spiritual climate for us.2. Kindergarten certainly starts with a focus on social-emotional learning (which was critical for us), but as our older child has progressed through grades, academics have clearly become more of a focus – but at a reasonable pace. 3. Despite being a relatively urban campus, the kids are outside A LOT. Whether it’s on school grounds, leveraging Lake Merritt for nature/bird walks or walking to the local YWCA for swimming classes with the P.E. teacher, the kids get out and the school leverages the neighborhood in a safe and thoughtful way.4. The % of the school on financial aid is 2x other local independent schools. This is integral to the school’s mission and fosters a level of community diversity that exceeds many public schools, let alone other independent ones.The fact that the school is K–8 gives us great peace of mind that we have a home for our family for the foreseeable future. We did tour the Middle School as well (when we were looking at independent schools) and 90% of 8th graders are accepted into the high school of their choice. While we’re not worried about that today, it was a great added bonus as we envision our future.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2022

My child started here in kindergarten and ended up leaving a few years later. St. Paul’s is an awesome school as long as your child fits in their box. If your child is struggling with the basics going into kindergarten, this is not the school for you. St Paul’s like many private schools, will push you to pay for tutors plus pay for tuition if your kid shows ANY signs of struggle or having a learning disability.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2022

Wow. I am so glad we found this school. When we were researching schools eight years ago, we stumbled upon this one. My husband went in for a tour of the school and informed me that he literally teared up several times during the tour. The diverse group of kids were being taught peacekeeping skills in kindergarten, non-violent communication, doing cross-grade projects, and loving learning. In short, we found a place we can call a home away from home for our child. Our son began kindergarten at St. Paul's and continues to go there now he's in sixth grade. We intend to keep him there through eighth grade. St. Paul's is a place my son consistently loves to go to. He has made lifelong friends there, feels stimulated and challenged throughout the year, and has blossomed throughout his time there.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2021

My child began attending St. Paul's (known as SPES) in 4th grade and is now in 8th grade. Highlights of 4th and 5th grade from my observation were that she learned how to learn math (which enabled her to see herself as a math person) and the social studies and English content and teaching was so engaging and helped her not only to write but to better understand herself and connect to others and the world. Middle school has been even better and the school has encouraged her to grow in empathy, independence and confidence. SPES has also figured out online school - my daughter likes it! And SPES has a safe approach to getting the kids back around each other while we shelter-in-place. I did not intend to have my daughter at an independent school vs. a public school but am glad I did. At St. Paul's she is thriving, being challenged and doing all this in a caring, thoughtful community. We will miss SPES and I anticipate the school will be even strong in the coming years.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2021

My child started at St. Paul's in the 6th grade, having come from a highly-rated public elementary school. Although we did all of the research about schools, we still weren't sure what to expect from her middle school experience. Our child is now in 8th grade, and St. Paul's has wildly exceeded our expectations. in 6th grade, the teaching team did an incredible job of really seeing each child, pulling out their passions, interests and strengths, challenging them academically, but appropriately, and helping them understand the importance of being a positive contributor to the local and global community. It was during that first year that my child started viewing herself as a serious student and began diving more deeply into subjects that interested her - the teachers creatively engaged students with the curriculum, which made all of the difference in the world. 6th grade set the stage for the remainder of her time at the school and 7th and 8th grade have built upon that foundation (and they've handled distance learning beautifully). Our child is heading off to high school next year and we have no doubt that St. Paul's has prepared her well for it. We feel so fortunate to have found this gem of a school and be part of such a diverse, warm, caring, passionate community.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

St. Paul's is the best of Oakland in all its vibrancy and diversity - a strong academic program, robust socio-emotional supports, and a rich and vibrant culture that reflects the amazing place in which we live. The teachers are engaging, committed, attuned to my children's socio-emotional and academic needs, and ready to provide a challenge or support. I very much appreciate the real opportunities to partner with them, and the administration. My children work on cool STEAM projects that integrate concepts learned in class with real world application. In performing arts students learn about and perform - in multiple languages - riveting music from all over the world. Our weekly chapel features a thoughtful message for reflection that reinforces community values, grade-level presentations so students get used to public speaking, and lively cultural celebrations that often feature students and families, including: Lunar New Year, Day of the Dead, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Black History etc. And the parent community is warm and welcoming with many opportunities to connect by and across grade levels both to socialize and for the benefit of the school. As a kindergartener, my oldest was welcomed into the community by intentional relationship building with children in multiple grades - second grade reading buddy, fourth grade science buddy, eighth grade buddy etc. In that way there were familiar faces and friends throughout the school from the beginning. My children are truly learning how to be citizens of the world in an incredible community that is a home away from home for all of us.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2018

Our son started at St. Paul's Episcopal School in 6th grade, and we are so glad we made the decision to move him here. The school helps students be their best selves - academically and socially. Standards are set high, and the teachers/staff provide all the support kids need to succeed. Teaching is engaging, and students can explore many ways of learning outside the classroom from service learning, to field trips, to chapel. We would highly recommend this school to any family looking for a challenging yet supportive environment.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2018

After 3 largely disappointing years in Oakland public school, I applied for my daughter to attend SPES. I knew my daughter's ability to thrive was impacted by the lack of resources and crowded classrooms in public school, but had reservations about sending her to private school (most of which were personal). Despite my reservation, I toured SPES and was immediately struck by the strong and unique community. The questions I was asked about my daughter were all targeted to determine how well she would fit in the SPES community. The students I observed were engaged and excited about learning, something I hadn't seen much of in my daughter's public school classrooms. I became increasingly excited about SPES after touring and I continue to be impressed with SPES since my daughter began this Fall. For the first time in years, my daughter says school was "great" when I pick her up and she LOVES her teacher! I wish I''d made the decision to start SPES when my daughter was in kindergarten and I look forward to watching my daughter thrive as a fearless learner for years to come at SPES!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2018

Excellent school, and a great choice for our kindergartener in the 2017/2018 school year. Expensive but worth the tuition.
Submitted by principal on October 21, 2016

My first year here at this school! The admin, the faculty, the community are all pretty amazing. Wonderfully warm, open and genuinely nice people. I am so happy that my family is a part of this community. Go St. Paul's!
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2016

The great thing about St. Paul’s is that the experience doesn’t stop on the last day of school. The St. Paul’s Summer Camp and Program provide a wonderful place for kids to learn and have fun while making connections with new and old friends right in the middle of Oakland. I’ve met numerous families from other independent schools who send their children to St. Paul’s to take advantage of the robust Summer Camp offerings as well as the great Lake Merritt location. Two of my son’s favorite camps are the “Hoop Camp” where he gets hands on experience and instruction in the brand new gym as well as “Fun in the Sun,” which takes children on daily field trips (Jelly Belly Factory, etc). You can't go wrong with this school, and the Summer Camp is a must!