October/November 2017 53
teenagers want to enjoy school and feel good
about themselves, both staff and students
strive to understand and appreciate individual
differences. Teachers adapt to each student’s
learning style by utilizing experiential
learning and creative electives such as aviation,
scuba diving and international travel.
This fosters the development of a foundation
of self-esteem and personal responsibility. In
an emotionally and physically safe environment,
students learn to think, solve problems
and operate creatively. Overall, nearly 95 percent
of Palo Alto Prep graduates go directly
to college. Palo Alto Prep is accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
and is also a UC A-G college prep school.
Open House: Nov. 8, 2017, 10 a.m.–noon
Grade Level: 8th–12th grade
Enrollment: Rolling admissions
Tuition: $36,000
PENINSULA SCHOOL
920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park
650/325-1584; peninsulaschool.org
Every child is born with natural curiosity,
OPEN HOUSE PLANNER
and empowering kids as learners helps
that curiosity blossom and thrive. That’s
the driving principle at Peninsula School.
Co-founded in 1925 by parent and pioneering
educator Josephine Duveneck, the
nonprofit provides a joyful learning environment
for nursery through eighth graders,
in a wooded 6-acre setting where kids
can safely collaborate and play. The gradefree
curriculum promotes rigorous questioning,
independent decision-making, and
experiential learning; low teacher-student
ratios allow time to explore subjects with
intention and depth. Daily “class meetings”
teach kids to resolve conflict, appreciate
diversity, and find their voice. Graduates go
on to excel as intellectually engaged high
schoolers, ethical citizens, and compassionate
leaders.
Open Houses: Nursery and K: Oct. 28, 2017,
and Jan. 6, 2018, 10–11:30 a.m.
Grade Level: Nursery–8th grade
Enrollment: Jan. 16, 2018, application due
date with applications accepted year-round.
Tuition: Half-day nursery $15,830, half-tofull
day kindergarten $18,770, full-day K–8,
$20,780
SAND HILL SCHOOL
650 Clark Way, Palo Alto
650/688-3605; sandhillschool.org
The Sand Hill School experience creates
a balance between rigorous skill development
and engaging self-discovery to foster
comprehensive growth for students with
dyslexia and other learning differences. The
school features small, multi-age classes and
since Sand Hill is part of Children’s Health
Council (CHC), there is ongoing access to
CHC specialists who provide in-class support
as needed. The daily schedule includes
small-group instruction in reading, writing
and math, social emotional learning, PE,
visual and performing arts, science and
social studies. Routines, structure, predictability
and personalized instruction builds
students’ confidence and helps them
acquire the skills and resilience they need to
thrive at home, at school and in life.
Open Houses: Ongoing; visit the website to
arrange a visit.
Grade Level: 1st–8th grade
Enrollment: Ongoing
Tuition: $39,000 for 2017–2018
A JK-8TH GRADE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Hillbrook -
Starting students on the path
to make their own path.
VISIT WWW.HILLBROOK.ORG
TO LEARN MORE!
Hillbrook School | 300 Marchmont Dr. Los Gatos, CA 95032 | admission@hillbrook.org | (408) 356-6116
