Kittredge, Inc.

2355 Lake Street

San Francisco, CA 94121

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 14, 2024

Be sure to inquire about actual enrollment numbers if your child is entering the lower grades. Class size was misrepresented to us. There also seems to be a real problem with baby talking in grades k-3. I would say my child has regressed since attending this school.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2023

Both of my children have been students here since kindergarten, and we could not be happier. The small class sizes have resulted in our children receiving individualized attention that would be impossible at a larger school environment. The focus is entirely on academics and creating kind, resilient, thoughtful humans. I am particularly pleased with the Habits of Mind curriculum. There is no age-inappropriate focus in the lower grades on matters such as gender dysphoria or gender transition as I am hearing there is at other private schools in the city, although I am confident that this would be taught appropriately if it came up organically (ie, a transgender child in a classroom) as the teachers are very focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive space in their classrooms. I had some reservations at the outset about the small size of the school, but those quickly dissipated. I recommend this school without reservation!
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2023

Five stars across the board for the best school in SF! From the experienced teaching staff to the strong academics to the extracurriculars to the strong and engaged parent community, Kittredge has been a wonderful oasis of learning and self-growth for our children. They are always so excited to tell us about what they learned. That is what really makes the school a valuable ally in helping to shape our next generation. Go Kittredge!
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2023

We are in our third year at Kittredge School, and while it is a very small school, it is providing everything we would have hoped for: engaging and professional educators, a warm and welcoming parent community, responsive and professional administrators. Our son is thriving in the smaller environment, because his teachers have the time and space to understand who he is as a learner and as a person. As a former classroom teacher in both private and public schools, I understand and appreciate the value of having a small class size. The wonderful principal is solutions-oriented and supportive of each child's unique situation. From what I hear, kids who graduate from Kittredge are more than prepared when they enter the city's top high schools. What's even more important to my family is that our child is happy, safe and thriving and respected for who he is as an individual.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2023

We love this school! Our child is in the younger class, and her teacher is WONDERFUL! The class sizes are small and the teachers are great! We choose this school because of the fact that no child is left behind in the learning process. We all know that some kids are able to hide in "the back" class when they are challenged in certain subjects, well not there! All the teachers are great and really spend the time to make sure the children are learning and growing in all aspects of life. The school ensures this as they have many social events which involve the entire student body. (ie camping trips, Fall and Winter Socials, meet-ups, and Weekly "Buddy Day"). My wife and I loved the "Buddy" interaction as it allowed our daughter to learn things from a fellow 8th grader.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2023

We were interested in a small class size but enrollment has dropped so low we are looking elsewhere for our son. There are currently less than 60 students in the entire k-8 school. Classrooms are so small one disruptive student overpowers the classroom.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

My child is a Kittredge graduate. She was beyond prepared for high school thanks to the academic rigor provided in all subject areas. In addition to academics, the teacher provided excellent social/ emotional support for all students. My daughter was also able to participate in a variety of after school activities, including multiple sports. For anyone looking for a school that highly values personal connections and growth, Kittredge is a great choice!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

I am a parent of 2 Kittredge graduates. Both my children continued on to take the knowledge they received to high school at Urban. They made lifelong friends and amazing connections with their teachers. I was part of the community and loved the experience my children had. After school sports, study hall and extended day all helped create an amazing K-8th grade school experience. I HIGHLY recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2023

There are so few students at this school that proper socialization is non-existent. If your child needs special one on one attention from a teacher perhaps this is a good choice for your family. But grades are combined (sometimes up to three grades in one class) and the schoolwork seemed to be the same in these combined levels. The playground is off campus and open to the public.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2023

Kittredge is an amazing school in the heart of San Francisco. It is co-ed private school and I would sum it up as the best of private and the best of public school with none of the downsides from either. The best parts of private school include small class size, excellent teachers/faculty, ability to tailor the curriculum to your child, focus on character building & kindness through monthly modules. The best parts of public school are diversity that is representative of San Francisco, traditional academic structure (math, science, reading) with less focus on educational zeitgeist , many families from the local community etc.As a practical example, if your child is very advanced in math, they can progress to a higher grade but if they are struggling in reading, the teachers will work to improve it. Finally, the kids seems genuinely kind to one another across grades and interact frequently. I have observed graduates returning from high school to tutor 1st graders. Amazing !
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2022

Kittredge is truly a hidden gem! We feel so blessed to have found this school for our son after a very tough kindergarten year at another independent school in SF. The school provides a nurturing environment in a small class (6:1 ratio), amazing teachers (many of which have long tenures at the school), kind peers, and academic rigor tailored to my son. Above all, he feels safe and seen here, and his confidence has been steadily building since the start of the school year.Additionally, Kittredge does a wonderful job working on character development through its Habits of Mind curriculum, whereby the school focuses on one new “habit” each month, such as “listening with empathy and compassion” and “striving for accuracy” to teach intangible skills, such as empathy and kindness, grit and perseverance, and curiosity/growth mindset.We have seen so much growth in our son and couldn't be happier at Kittredge!
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2022

We could not be happier with Kittredge, a truly special home away from home. It has been amazing to see our son thrive after transitioning from a larger school to a small family-like atmosphere. Individualized approach - Kittredge is designed as a small community to meet each child's specific needs and empower each child to flourish. Whether a student is struggling or wants to be challenged in a particular area, not only does Kittredge differentiate learning for varying skills levels, teachers customize their approach to support each individual. This applies not only for academics, but also social emotional issues. I was impressed that our teacher was open to incorporating behavior strategies that work well at home. Personal attention -The extended care teachers are not merely babysitters ensuring his safety. I am impressed that they are loving and actively engaged whether it's playing hangman, chess, or board games. It is no wonder he does not want to leave even after a long day! When my child transferred to Kittredge, I was quite nervous for him in his new environment. On his first day of school, the principal arrived at school on a hectic morning and from a distance I saw that she made the effort to stop, and kneel down to his eye level to give him a warm welcome. These small gestures of kindness make a big impact. I appreciate that Kittredge focuses on the development of the whole person - academically, socially, and emotionally. Their curriculum includes teaching "Habits of Mind", cognitive skills which foster personal success. Every month, the theme is integrated through stories, discussions, and projects. I was filled with pride when my young son taught me "When you fail, you just try again". Once a child has a healthy mindset, and feels seen and heard, I believe he or she is set up for academic success. It is not a surprise that Kittredge graduates get accepted into San Francisco's top high schools. I met a lady who has worked in pediatrics in San Francisco for many years. When I mentioned that my son attends Kittredge, her eyes widened with excitement, "Ooooh that is a good school! All the kids I've met there are well rounded!" We feel extremely fortunate to have found a gem at Kittredge - a well balanced, warm and nurturing environment with solid academics.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

We are at our second year at Kittredge School. I have a daughter, in 5th grade, and a son in 1st grade. We are so very happy with the small, warm, academic-focused environment it provides for our children. There is a monthly focus on "Habits of Mind", where the whole school gathers together to practice and learn skills of kindness and community. We highly recommend it to any family looking for a small nurturing school with a strong academic focus.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2022

We could not be more happier that both of our kids attended this school. We are sad that we did not start from kindergarten- if we had to do it all over again that’s what we would do :)
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2020

My daughter has been attending Kittredge for the past few years and she has really thrived in it's nurturing environment. The small student to teacher ratio allows the teachers to provide strong academics and truly differentiate instruction for each student. I can't speak highly enough of the exceptional teachers, wonderful principal, and dedicated staff and administrators. Although Kittredge doesn't have a fancy campus they focus on producing well-rounded kids as they educate the whole child. The Habits of Mind philosophy is infused into their curriculum and it has positively affected how our daughter views the world. The parent community is very close-knit and supportive and you really get to know everyone. My daughter has really blossomed during her time at Kittredge, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to send her there. We are looking forward to sending our son there next year for kindergarten. I highly recommend Kittredge to anyone who is looking for a well rounded education for their children. We love Kittredge!
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2018

Kittredge is an incredible school! Academic standards are top notch, teachers are excellent, classroom size is ideal providing an exceptional student/teacher ratio. This environment provides an opportunity for the students to succeed and thrive. The well rounded education provided is unique teaching not only academics, but important core values. Academic standards are high and the personable staff fosters warmth and comfort for the students. I wish I had gone to Kittredge myself when I was young.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

The problems with Kittredge start at the top. The head of school is excellent at managing pick-ups and drop-offs; he mismanages almost everything else. The school is a family-run business (nepotism runs rampant), and the administration strongly prefers to run the school without input from the parents, often to the detriment of children. There is no parent-review board of Kittredge. As a parent, my input was blatantly ignored, be it from extreme bullying to extreme homework (in the upper grades, you can kiss that after-school activity goodbye). The staff and the administration are determined to run the school however they see fit. As a parent, you are the consumer. You know your child's breaking point best. You are owed some consideration.On top of that, the facilities are simply inadequate for a school that you are paying for - no library, no science lab, no gum, no theater, no cafeteria, no art room, no playing fields, etc., etc.There are many reasons why Kittredge can struggle to full its tiny class sizes. Take your money, and your child's well-being, elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2014

We enrolled our son in Kittredge in the middle of his 6th grade year. We were on a temporary transfer in San Francisco from France. Kittredge staff, teachers, and students welcomed our son with warmth and open arms. English was his second language when he arrived. Merely six months later, he ended his 6th grade year excelling in his academics and literally speaking English like a local! I have no hesitation to highly recommend Kittredge to any family.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2013

What a hidden gem! Smaller than the other private schools in SF, Kittredge therefore isn't as well known, and doesn't have the fancy campuses that many of the other schools have. BUT, it has phenomenal teachers, leadership, and parents. My daughter is excited to go to school every morning, and happy at the end of day. The environment is nurturing, but the work is challenging. Lots of extras (Spanish, PE, tennis, yoga, chess, etc.) I couldn't ask for anything more in a school for my daughter.