Sterne School

838 Kearny Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

8 Reviews

School District
Grade

4-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 30, 2025

We have two children at Sterne: our son, who has been there since 6th grade and is now a freshman, and our daughter, who is in 5th grade and is in her second year. Both of them have ADHD/ADD and faced challenges in the public school system, despite having a 504 plan in place. Finding Sterne was truly a blessing—it's been a perfect fit. The school offers a strong academic program, smaller class sizes, and emotional learning support. They meet each child where they are and focus on nurturing their strengths.Our kids are much happier here, excelling academically in a safe, both physically and mentally, environment. We really appreciate the flexibility Sterne offers to address their unique needs. The staff is always supportive, open to discussions, and willing to make adjustments to improve any situation, something we didn’t experience in the public system.We were initially concerned about our daughter attending, as Sterne has a higher boy-to-girl ratio. However, she has made friends and is thriving socially. In addition, they offer enrichment after-school classes which she absolutely LOVES.I highly recommend Sterne to any family with children who face learning challenges, anxiety, or simply need more individualized attention than what public schools can offer. We’ve been nothing but impressed—you won’t be disappointed!
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2025

My daughter started Sterne School in 5th grade after falling so far behind during the pandemic. Sterne was a breath of fresh air and hope for my daughters self esteem, learning abilities and creativity. As she graduates from 8th grade in 2025 she is now thriving with straight A's and more importantly confidence in learning and advocating for her self. Her creativity with music and art has soared. I will be forever grateful to Sterne School. The staff and teachers are priceless. Be ready to receive quick responses back and always having someone answer the phone. Forever Grateful, Amy
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2025

Our son Charles was over two years behind with his reading skills during COVID-19. He was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD and was falling through the cracks at public school. We decided midway through the school year to transfer him to Sterne. It was the best decision we ever made regarding his education. He made up a year of reading proficiency in the first 6 months and gained confidence and joy while reading. it was a huge transformation. We are so happy with Sterne and wish we enrolled him earlier. He loves his teachers and enjoys all his classes. We would highly recommend this school to any student who has learning difficulties.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2025

Our daughter is an eighth grader at Sterne, and we are glad we made this choice for her education. As a teacher, I am impressed with lessons I hear about. From teaching students about marine life with the Marine Mammal Center, learning about the Innocence Project and reading about a child's experience with her father's incarceration, to reading about a migrant family and their experience in the U.S., Sterne's teachers are amazing, not shying away from challenging work and topics, despite student's academic struggles. They encourage critical thinking and empathy for all people. With dyslexia and dysgraphia, she has consistent support from her teachers, making big gains in reading. Formerly a reluctant reader, she goes to the library most weeks. The teachers and staff know my daughter as a unique individual, with strengths and talents. The school's motto is "start with strengths" and I have seen this enacted many times. She explores her interests in music, digital arts, theater and studio art with dedicated teachers creating wonderful performance opportunities: playing in a rock band, participating in a unique fairytales play, or building a carefully crafted art show. We look forward to these events each year, and there is a newfound confidence in our daughter, who was shy in the past. Additionally, the administration handled a difficult situation between our child and another student, with kindness, compassion and respect, with nearly immediate contact with me. The staff made her feel safe and empowered to speak up for herself, and I am grateful for that. We also appreciate the kind and attentive staff at the front desk and office, who always help her out. Working in public education myself, I do not take for granted the opportunities the students at Sterne have for field trips, interest-based lunch clubs, and experiential weeks. These opportunities take an incredible amount of planning. I am impressed at what they do for students who could easily become disenchanted with school. The students are lucky at Sterne. We look forward to her continued growth, and eagerly applied for the high school this past year. We are grateful to be part of the Sterne family.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2025

Finding Sterne was a life saver for my family. My daughter is currently in 5th grade at Sterne, and absolutely LOVES it! Prior to Sterne we had gone through multiple public and private schools looking for support for dyslexia and high-functioning ASD issues - I was nervous transferring my daughter to yet another school, but Sterne took one look at her learning profile and said yes, they were confident she'd do well there. And she has - she's caught up multiple grade levels on reading with their Sterne READS curriculum, has made so many friends, and adores her teachers (the teachers are truly the best, most caring, and the lower school Principal knows every kid by name). The curriculum is also tailored to each child individually, so they're placed in classes according to aptitude/need, but never made to feel "pulled out" for any sort of remedial work, like my daughter felt in prior schools. They also have great sports and student social life. We plan to stay through high school.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2025

The are now in the second semester at Sterne School and I am so happy we have enrolled our daughter. She is no longer dreading attending school. She has made a group of friends that support her and accept her as she is. The teachers are fantastic at keeping us updated as well as seeing our daughter as value add in the classroom. I can see her confidence building which seems opposite for so many middle schoolers and her grades have really improved!!! The school is fantastic at placing the students in the right classes with students all learning at the same level. This has allowed my daughter to be able to feel supported and she has excelled and her anxiety is gradually getting better. The parent teacher conferences and school functions are organized and informative. We are given realistic goals and benchmarks for our daughter. The communication from the school is excellent and helps me stay organized. We have met a great group of parents. I could go on and on. I am just so thrilled we gave Sterne School a chance. They have followed up on everything promised in the school tours and exceeded our expectations. Even home life feels better now that our daughter is happier in her school day.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2025

Our child was in crisis recently and Sterne gave our family support, empathy and understanding. The principal was patient, kind and worked with us. The school counselor was available during off hours. They gave our child time and attention. They cared. Teachers were also supportive and flexible. Sterne is inclusive and generous. Its people are there when you need them.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2025

We have sent both of our kids to Sterne. One started in 9th grade, and the other in 6th grade. Both have learning differences, and Sterne did an excellent job helping them both be successful. The teachers care deeply about the students and their success. Our eldest is now a junior in college at a top design school where she is thriving, and our younger son is now a junior in high school planning where to go to college. Outside of academics, Sterne has great sports and other extracurricular activities that our kids have loved. We have been very happy with Sterne -- a huge win for our family.