Live Oak Charter School

100 Gnoss Concourse

School District

Petaluma City Elementary
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

charter

School Map for Petaluma City Elementary School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 02, 2025

This school has all the pieces for a great offering, except for Special Education. If your child does not fit the mold, they will not fit here. Don’t make the mistake we did. Go to Cherry Valley.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2023

If your values align with Waldorf education, you will love Live Oak. I have had experiences with many schools, and it is by far my favorite. Great kids, community, teachers, curriculum and values.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2023

From the very beginning of our journey as parents, we had our hearts set on Live Oak--- a strong community based TK-8th grade school focused on educating the whole child through thoughtful and intentional Waldorf inspired curriculum and philosophies. Something that I learned on a school tour and is a great example of how they teach is that the children learn to sew by hand in Kindergarten, and continue throughout the grades, and then when they learn about the industrial revolution, they get the chance to sew on machines. They get to embody and truly understand how that dramatically sped up the world. We began in 2020-- quite the intro! Now in our 3rd year, we are so excited about the leaders of the school and all the new ideas being shared and soon to be in action. We could not be happier or feel more blessed by the teachers our children have, and to be at school that still has blackboards, little to no tech in lower grades with a strong arts foundation and focus. It has strong parent engagement, and it is clear that our voices matter. Their is so much kindness and care oozing from every corner, as well as cherished traditions, rituals and special seasonal events in every grade knitting us all together as families. Each kid from TK- 3rd grade has an older "buddy" from a higher grade which bridges the divide even further and creates a real sense of connection. My 1st grader got to wave to an 8th grader and feel quite special that they got to spend time together. I have watched graduates of this school grow to be in their 20s and let me say, WOW. Inquisitive, critical thinking, sensitive, open minded, independent, creative, respectful, unique and wildly talented humans!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2023

We're in our sixth year at Live Oak and adore the school. The tk/kindergarten is pure Waldorf magic (play-based, pre-literacy taught through stories preparedness for writing by developing hand strength with finger-knitting, etc.). The grades have a lovely balance of Waldorf and mainstream education but are unwavering in teaching to the whole child. The curriculum is true to Waldorf in keeping pace with the child's development and is designed to match the children in where they are in their experience of themselves and the wider world. Our middle school is also a gem! Handwork, movement, and music is integrated into all the grades K-8 The parent community is very involved, invested, and warm. The teachers and staff are loving and committed. As a community we celebrate and receive grounding in our seasonal festivals and traditions. We have been very happy at this school which feels like a second home.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2018

First of all, don't be fooled into thinking your child is getting a traditional Waldorf education. Live Oak wants to be Waldorf but is very loosely based on the pedagogy, and often times seems to be lost in an identity crisis, trying to figure out it's direction. With that being said, you will see underlying Waldorf themes that are great - no technology, lots of art and hands-on creativity, warm and inviting classrooms, etc. There are some really involved and nice families here, ranging from the crunchy, patchouli smelling hippies to the more mainstream, corporate type folks, so everyone can find a like minded parent group. Overall, however, there are some big cracks in the system. Starting at the top, the director is a master at telling people what they want to hear to make them happy, but then not actually following through. The board is enamored with him so it's a dead end trying to take any thoughts or concerns to them. As I mentioned previously, the school seems to be lost and trying to find it's direction. It's supposed to be guided by Waldorf principles, but they really pick and choose what they want to be Waldorf, and what is not. The website is a terrible guide for what to expect each year because I don't think it's been updated in 2011 and it is very out of date. Some of the teachers and wonderful and a few are terrible. If your child ends up with one of the hostile or uncaring teachers, they are stuck with them for 5 years and the school won't do anything to change their attitude. There are 32 kids a in class and frankly, it's too many. See above comment for more detail but generally, there can be a large number of kids with behavioral problems and that greatly takes away from the learning experience of the other kids. The lack of discipline and consequences is tough because if you child is quiet or easy going, the kids with behavior problems with always dominate the room and your child can easily be overlooked. If your child is athletic and likes tossing a football around or shooting a basketball around at recess, they will be sorely disappointed as any kind of sport or competitive spirit is completely suppressed in the elementary years. Overall, there are some plus and a lot of minuses but many of us Petaluma parents are stuck with this level of mediocrity if we don't want our kids on iPads all day like the traditional schools.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2018

Amazing! I don’t know where I would like to send my kids if it was not for Live Oak Charter school!
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2015

Amazing school, great community, inspirational faculty and the best director a school could possibly ask for.My two children are thriving at live oak because of the diverse array of subjects, teacher commitment and community. I could not ask for a more sound, well rounded educational experience for my children.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2015

Our second child will graduate from Live Oak next year. Both attended from Kindergarten on. A few things I think any parent can appreciate about Live Oak regardless of philosophical leanings are: 1) the absence of computers and the discouragement of media consumption is a huge bonus for the kids and parents. It essentially preserves their imaginations and allows the school to help students grow their will power. 2) the teachers are thoroughly encouraged to get to know their students individually to a degree not found in crowded public schools. 3) the teachers are committed to personal and professional development which keeps them fresh and engaged. 4) the parent body is highly active and incredibly generous with their time and (as they can) their money. 5) if you have the good fortune to find a more intelligent, compassionate, and well respected director than Matthew Morgan, follow him/her. We are lucky we have him.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

Robust, sought-after school. Champion teachers, so dedicated they continue outside teacher trainings on top of their load and love it. Several just completed a "Making Math Real" teacher training. Google it. The key to success in the core subjects is the learning is PROCESS BASED; low test scores in the lower grades shoot up as your child matures. With the "teach to the test" strategy, you fill children's brains with information they regurgitate, then forget. Here, teachers know test results improve in upper grades. Credo High School's test scores were 2nd highest in the county! WHY? Imagine a learning environment where stress is minimal and real learning is maximized because you are developmentally ready for the concepts, and the teacher has studied your developmental level so well. The students are appreciated for who they are. They are not a number. They are learning compassion and the Golden Rule in every grade. They have the capability to do this because the learning environment is so pleasant and stimulating. They develop lifelong connections and meaningful relationships with their peers. Fabulous specialty teachers in Spanish, Games, Strings, and Choir.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2014

Live Oak has been a huge blessing in our lives. Our children were allowed to develop at their own pace, without pressure. They are both excellent students, and amazing readers. Attention is paid to the whole child, the physical and emotional as well as the intellectual, leading to well rounded children. I have a total administrator crush on Matthew Morgan and have no idea how he does everything he does so well, especially communicating. If you are dreaming about a magical educational experience, a school that values your child's unique qualities, are not tied to commercialism, and are willing to wait for academics (they really do come!) Live Oak may be the school for your family.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2014

Live Oak has a strong community of parents which makes it a great place to find connection. The school has committed teachers who infuse the academics and the arts which creates a well balanced education for the children. A lot of the programs that are missing from public education are in place at Live Oak. They teach music, spanish, handwork/art and movement. The children keep the same teacher for several years. I find that my children's teachers really know who they are and how to teach to both their strengths and challenges. My kids have been at this school for the last 7 years and it has grown and changed for the best. I love Live Oak!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2014

Live oak is a great school, and a great community. the teachers are really good and so is the principal and the leadership. Any school that has to do so much on their own, including raising funds, will have to have some struggles, but that is of course to be expected. i therefore gave 4 stars, but really would like to give 4 and a half. I think what they are doing in this school is wonderful, and my kids are having a great and very supportive experience.
Submitted by other on February 19, 2014

Live Oak Charter School was amazing! I was a student at Live Oak for 9 years, Kindergarten thru 8th grade. LO prepared me for more then high school, it prepared me for life. The school uses no textbooks, and the students are taught like actual human beings. The teachers have a personal connection with each student. LO provides a safe place for each individual. I got to go on many overnight field trips from 1st grade to 8th. The field trips were educational and fun. LO nourished my love for reading, and now I am in AP Honors English. This school is a community. I learned how to love volunteering, and doing what you believe in. LO has prepared me for High School, which I graduate from next year, and for a life of success. My younger sister attends LO and my brother will begin in the fall. I am excited to spread the love of the LO community. I have worked at 2 preschools, in which I have referred several students to LO, and are currently in Kindergarten or 1st grade, and loving it. So just know that Live Oak is a wonderful choice for your child. -K.M
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2013

The school, teachers, administration, parents, atmosphere are all incredible!!! Our daughter started first grade last year and within 20 days learned how to multiply/divide, play a flute, knit and developed a thirst for chapter books!! She composes, illustrates books, recites verses, knits scarves, and mental math. It also has an incredible sense community !! We are all ecstatic with our experience at Live Oak Charter !!!!
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2013

The test results speak for themselves - this school is terrible. For a school that is mostly white and with mostly college educated parents, the test results are appalling. How any thinking parent can allow their child to go to this school is beyond me. For 2013 - Grade 6 is 50% at or below Basic in Reading and 60% at or below Basic in Math. Sure, the children can knit, cook vegan soup and reenact greek mythology, but wouldn't learning math and reading be more valuable?
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2013

Live Oak Charter School provides a wonderful, challenging education for my son who is a new student at the school. My son loves going to school and has only positive stories to share with us about his teachers and fellow students. I would recommend this school to anyone. We could not be happier!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2012

My children are receiving an amazing education at this school in every way--physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. This school's staff and parent community understand that the results of education are much more than a set of test scores, but rather whole, human beings, inspired to contribute to and find joy in our world. Truly extraordinary.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2012

Live Oak is an excellent school. My oldest daughter transferred there in 4th grade from a traditional public school and the move has been nothing but positive for her. She is academically challenged, inspired, motivated and met with interesting and developmentally appropriate curriculum every day. My youngest daughter started in Kindergarten and is flourishing in an environment that educates the whole child- head, heart and hands. The specialty programs are amazing, the teachers are dedicated and caring, and the administration is working tirelessly to continue to move the school in a positive direction.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2012

Live Oak has been a great school for our kids. They are advanced students and the curriculum is both challenging and relevant. It's been interesting to see how the emphasis each year fits the developmental needs of my children as they have grown older. I have only had good experiences with our teachers, who have always held our kids with high expectations and respect. My kids are definitely going to college and they are well prepared to get there. The other parent's remark that it's just knitting and art is silly. Its true there is a good deal of art (violin, recorder, painting, woodworking. drama etc) but the artistic work is part of the academic training. My kids are well rounded and have a classical education that is both comprehensive and inspiring. The previous parent may have had a bad experience with their teacher, but I am very satisfied with ours.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2012

My daughter graduated from this school and is getting mostly A's in high school and will be going to college I am sure. She has gotten A's in her high school math, English, social studies and Spanish. Live Oak Charter School prepared her well for the academics and more!