Middle School — Black Pine v Park Day v St. Paul’s

I know this topic has been discussed many times especially for elementary schools. I haven't seen many comparisons / reviews specifically for middle school and these are our top three choices.

We're having a hard time figuring out the differences among these 3. They all seem very similar except for SPES whose campus is more urban; PDS which doesn't have letter grades at all; and BPC which has the most robust music/arts/drama program. 

Honest feedback from current / recent families on what you love and don't love about each school would be so helpful. 

Academics seem similar and they all seem to be excellent schools in terms of academic and social emotional approach. What has your experience been with the admin team, communication level and approach and the community engagement? A strong sense of community and belonging is important for us. A well organized and stable leadership/admin team would be nice to have. 

Child has visited all three and like them all, and so do we. The distance from our house is about the same for all three schools.  BPC is slightly farther away but not by much. I don't think the child will be going to any of the schools with any of their best friends. Does any of these three schools sound like it would be a great fit for our child?

A bit about our child:

- They're a solid student and does well in school. They have pretty good ability to retain and apply knowledge, but they're not studious and have never exhibited particular passion, gift or talent. Math has always been easy for them and they recently started commenting that they are being made to do math that they know how to do already. (It might be the teacher — they don’t like the current teacher.)

They seem slightly above average, mellow, but we also worry whether the kid is just coasting. We want to see something light up, but that has yet to come. They do what they are asked to do in school but aren't passionate about something that makes them want to do more. Maybe we don’t have a passionate child. *shrug*

- They enjoy music and play a couple of instruments. Again, they're not gifted and aren't super into it, so they aren’t really good at the instruments they know how to play, but they like to sing and fiddle with their instruments from time to time if the mood strikes and makes up little tunes, if they want to. We aren't pushy and don't make them practice. We are not looking at the child becoming a professional musician, and we are content that they seem to appreciate music.

- They hate sports. It's a real effort to get them to be active outside. None of us likes to play or watches sports, so no surprises there.

- They are a social creature and lean toward an extrovert. 

- They like acting and request for Berkeley Playhouse summer camp every year. 

Parent Replies

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Hello,

We have a current 7th grader at Park and a high school student that went there for middle school.  BPC was also a school we had applied to and really loved.  At the end of the day our son chose Park Day and it has exceeded all of our expectations. The faculty and administration could not be more welcoming and accommodating to new families. The head of school is incredible.  She stands at the front of the school each morning and greets the students and talks with parents.  I’m not sure If this is commonplace at other middle schools but it points to the community that is created there starting at the very top.  I've seen her at performances, games and school social events. She always shows up for the kids. The entire administration is excellent and very responsive and open. Everyone, from the admissions office to the high school transition specialist to the head of DEI goes the extra mile. Not because it's their job but because they truly care and are passionate about what they do and the environment they have cultivated. The entire faculty and staff at PDS lead with kindness, compassion and inclusivity.

Although Park doesn't have "letter grades" there is a portal you can check that will give you percent grades for core classes.  The drama, art and music classes are great! My older son is a theater kid.  He loved drama at Park and the teacher.  I was  always so impressed with how much he got out of it, especially since he does a lot of theater outside of school. The program is great and they are constantly going on field trips and outings to see shows. That year they did A Midsummer Night's Dream and put on a  cabaret at the Aurora theater in Berkeley. The music and art programs are also very strong!

Park Day does a great job of exposing kids to new and unique experiences.  They have so many clubs that it would be hard not to find something that sparks an interest. Even if the interest is fleeting, having exposure to all of them is really powerful and helps kids learn what their interests are in a safe, unintimidating environment.  Their affinity groups also offer another level of belonging and are particularly strong.

It sounds like your child will thrive at any of these schools but I will say that Park Day really respects and trusts their students' voices which is very empowering. They put an emphasis on compassion, empathy, community, equity, and collaboration in a way I don't think other schools do.
 

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They are all great choices!  From what you shared, however, I think BPC would be a great fit.  Math and science are extremely strong - your kid will be challenged - and as you mentioned, the music and arts departments are high-quality as well.  (brief disclaimer - the only reason my kids don't go there is the commute, but we are familiar with BPC through private music lessons with the K-3 music teacher, Owen Roberts, and of course family friends whose kids do attend.)  Good luck with whatever you decide!

My child graduated from Park Day last year, and goes to an independent high school in the East Bay with students from all these schools. The high school is known for having a strong academic curriculum, and I asked my child if there were any trends from the different schools in terms of what students were like. From the teen vantage point – and my child has good friends from these three schools in her 9th grade class –  all the kids are nice, friendly, and work hard. Paths have crossed in chorus, drama, Latin class, and of course, just as part of the regular school day. When I asked what my child thought was special about Park Day, she mentioned that Park Day is really accepting of different identities, that the teachers are nice and supportive, and that it feels like a community. For her, top of mind were not the things we loved as parents – the curriculum, the projects, the strong Social Justice through line, the warmth of the administration and our trust in them, the opportunity to share passions and identity through the student podcast, etc. What it boiled down to for her is: “I was so comfortable there, and that’s amazing to have especially at school.” I can imagine what a hard choice this is if you and your child like all three schools equally. Wishing you happiness as you decide, I don’t think you can go wrong.

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Hello,   I am a parent of an 8th grader and a 6th grader, both happy and engaged students at Park Day since Kindergarten.  I've met many happy middle schoolers from St. Paul’s and BPC as well. Park Day has been a home away from home for nine years. They spend the day with a bunch of adults who really care to get to know who they are and what they are all about.  The teachers and administrators are warm and welcoming, parents and caregivers introduce themselves and like making connections on campus,  it's a fun and interesting community of humans and we've made many very dear friends and so many memories.  Park designates families to host newcomers so they are not alone as they adjust to a new community.  There are picnics and parties and ice cream dates. The existing community is intentional about brining the kids and parents together as one unit at the beginning of sixth grade to start building friendships.  

School communication comes from a portal called ParentSquare.  You can always find what you need when you need it. Class parents streamline important information once a week.  The head of school and school counselor host coffee meet ups to check-in with the community several times a year.  Three times a week parents are welcome to gather around the coffee cart and get a little adult conversation in before heading out to do their day.  Our current head of school started right before our family entered middle school and the last 3 years have been the most organized and clearly communicated years of our tenure there, though our fondness for the school has never wavered.

My kids love the music program and the teacher passes on his passion for music to his students. My 8th grader chose it to be his full-year intensive. They both surprise me with their understanding of musical language and concepts.  My kids happen to enjoy PE.  I will say that the teachers at Park meet kids where they are at. They make things very fun.  It’s not your Presidential Physical Fitness Test kind of place.  My daughter loves the entire Arts program and will have a big decision when she has to choose an intensive.  I wish she could do all three.

In regards to grades, while there are not specifically 'letter grades' students do receive score and comment feedback most often using a rubric with a points system to help guide and strengthen their understanding. Kids are encouraged to work with their teachers during the Consultancy block if they want to untangle what was challenging for them, or to review drafts or study plans before turning something in or taking a test.The school uses an online grading system for helping students (and families if needed) track assignments, and feedback on assignments is communicated there or on the assignments/assessments themselves.  

Park is innovative and creative in their approach to whole child learning.  One of my favorite things about this year were the field trips. Each kid purchased their own Clipper Card and off they went. They traveled to San Francisco art museums, downtown Oakland climbing gyms, service learning days, Alcatraz and more. Getting my kids out and about is not something I excel at and I was happy they were getting more social experiences with their classmates. 

We’ve had a very positive experience at Park Day.  I wish you well wherever your family ends up!


 

Our 6th grader started at Park Day this last year and it has been a great fit.  I can’t speak to the other two schools, but can share our experience at PDS.  

After a few years in a large OUSD school, we moved to a small private school for the last few years of elementary school and saw him thrive.  With that in mind, finding a school with a strong sense of community was important for our middle school search.  

Nearly a year into PDS, both parents and our kid would say it has been a good fit.  He entered not knowing anyone, and is a quiet, reserved kid.  Entering new spaces for him is never easy.   Through advisory, clubs, and other avenues, Park Day seems to do a good job of fostering a sense of community among students, and our son now has a group of friends he is excited to see each day.

Academically he has always been a student who has done what is expected of him (and perhaps coast), and so finding a place engages him has been important.  He is engaged in all his classes, and we have seen him gain incredible confidence.  One of the things Park Day stresses is having students take ownership over their own learning, and we see this as he advocates for himself, speaks up in class, and takes on new challenges.  For a quiet, reserved kid, these are an indication of how much the teachers work to foster a community where students feel safe.  

Overall, as new parents to Park Day, we have been very happy with the academics, and adult/student community.  Park Day has been the right move for our family.

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The sense of community at Park Day is arguably its greatest strength. We began there in 2nd grade after my wife passed from a chronic illness. I was understandably anxious about joining a new community! I'm SO grateful to the PDS parents, administration and students for welcoming us warmly with open arms - my kids have been thriving there and becoming committed to social justice causes in our world. I'm specifically in love with the "Coffee Cart" that takes place during student drop-off hours every Mon/Wed/Fri morning: Parents get a chance to hang out on campus and check-in with each other over a lovely beverage and some pastry. It really strengthens the community and is a living model for the students, too. What a fun, special place! Best of luck with your school search. :)

-Jerry S.

Current BPC parent here. I don’t have experience with the other schools, but we love BPC. If your child likes theater, BPC could be a great fit. Sixth graders have two hours of drama class every week as part of the standard curriculum. And there is an after-school drama club as well. The academics are more rigorous than what we saw in public elementary school. The math faculty in particular is fantastic. There is a competitive math team that your kid might enjoy if they like math.

There is a very engaged and supportive parent community. Families seem to really love the school and get to know each other really well. The staff is very supportive and goes above and beyond. When my daughter left her violin at school during a school break, the head of school picked it up and dropped it off at our house. You probably can’t go wrong, but BPC is a great choice. 

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Hi, we have a 7th grade girl at SPES who transferred from Crocker Highlands Elementary (OUSD) at the start of her 5th grade school year. We considered two other independent schools (neither were Black Pine or Park Day, so I can't speak to those), but SPES clearly stood out to us for a number of reasons. I should mention that I grew up in the Bay Area and was fortunate to attend independent schools from K through 12. While I received an amazing academic foundation, the schools I attended didn't push me a little out of my comfort zone and weren't authentically diverse (my classmates were ethnically diverse, but certainly not socioeconomically so). 

We were immediately excited about SPES because the school provides not only a rigorous academic curriculum but would also inspire our daughter to be inclusive and encourages her to contribute to and learn from a genuinely strong and diverse community. The latter two were particularly important to us because we want her to be aware of and appreciative of varied socioeconomic circumstances. 

Our daughter, somewhat like your child, was sort of coasting doing the bare minimum through 3rd and 4th grade. It took her maybe a few months to adjust to a new setting, but towards the middle of 5th grade at SPES she became way more involved academically. She responded well to a more intense academic environment - math in particular. She's always been social and has made a lot of friends - the vibe is incredibly inclusive and warm. 

You asked about community engagement - I would highly recommend that your family attend any of SPES upcoming Friday morning chapels. They may be called "chapels", but they're more school-wide (students, teachers, admin, staff, etc.) weekly meetings in which students sing, act, present graphic art, or speak about a curriculum-based topic. The chapels are more of a celebration than anything else and certainly make the student assemblies I had as an elementary school student pale in comparison. 

The music teacher, Guy de Chalus, is a terrific educator and sort of one of a kind. Even if your child isn't super into playing an instrument, Mr. de Chalus will make it interesting. The head of school, Cheryl Ting, is very approachable and accessible.

We've met some great families who have become close friends and candidly the community at SPES has made our lives fuller. 

Best of luck!

I have two kids at St. Paul's, one in 5th who will stay for middle school and the other in 7th who started at St. Paul's in 6th. 

To answer your specific questions: 

  • Our experience with the admin team has been tremendous. They are a communicative, responsive, and a delightful group of people whose dedication to individual students and the school are beyond compare. I feel like my kids are individuals at this school, not just a part of the class. The entire admin/leadership know my kids (and us parents) by name.
  • The level of communication is just right. We receive an all school and room parent communication each week. Teachers send out twice monthly newsletters detailing what's going on and what's upcoming in the classroom. There are also portals for parent-to-parent communications, which is for reminders and extracurricular activities (not just sports, but class meet-ups and other class-related social stuff). 
  • Community engagement at St. Paul's is like what others have described (summer buddies, picnics, family camping trips, parent walks around the lake, coffee circles with the heads of school, parent education nights). What sets St. Paul's apart are the weekly chapels and community evenings. If you haven't visited for chapel, please do. This is when students shine as a community of their own. Each chapel is hosted by a grade level or affinity group, and they own the presentation. These events are educational (even for me!), entertaining (so much music and be prepared to participate), and uplifting (these kids show up for each other and raise each other up every week). The community events are twice per year and showcase the entire school. The music directors shine at these events and so do students who play in the school band and take leading roles on stage. 

A few things that set St. Paul's apart from other schools: 

  • The sense of place and sense of self that I see in students and alumni. This is demonstrated by current students who serve as ambassadors, alumni who frequently return to speak at events, and my experience with a variety of students through chaperoning field trips and shuttling groups of athletes to games. 
  • Yes, this is an urban school with urban challenges, but these are embraced as opportunities. St. Paul's engages in and with the community, not only for the good of the students, but also for the good of the community. Younger students have reading hours with seniors that live nearby, 5th grade volunteers at the botanical garden weeding and planting, older grades are stewards of the lake learning about the ecology while cleaning it up. 
  • Where I see the school truly shine is how they incorporate what's being taught in the classroom to the immediate surroundings and how they connect this across subjects. Examples are studies on the civil rights and the black panthers, and the above-mentioned use of the lake as an extension of the classroom.

With most things related to middle school, St. Paul's takes nice transitional steps. This is true for the emphasis on letter grades, which starts light in 6th grade and increases in 7th. Teachers are very transparent and communicative about grades and grading. It's more like learning how to earn/manage letter grades. 

One last thing that I want to praise is the current 5th grade class that will advance to 6th next year. They are an amazing group of kids who are inclusive, supportive, and truly kind to each other. I'm not just saying this, I actually think they are next level special. Good luck!

We are a happy BPC family who joined in 6th grade from a public elementary school. We've loved the strong math program, incredibly dedicated teaching staff, thoughtful administration and general kindness of the community. Our outspoken and assertive kid loves the Socratic dialog encouraged in most classes and has developed great relationships with teachers. She weathered the socially dicey middle school years with a strong group of friends, including many kids who have been at BPC since early elementary school. Since your kid likes acting, they will probably appreciate that drama is taught as a class every year. The extracurricular band program is demanding but excellent. Another response mentioned that at Park Day the head of school stands outside in the morning and greets people -- same at BPC! He also showed up at the airport at 10pm to greet the 8th graders coming back from their study abroad with a box of donuts and is a fixture at performances, sports games, etc. We couldn't be happier with our choice.

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Hello, 

We have a current 7th grader at St.Pauls (she/they). I can't speak much to the other schools, though I can say that we we impressed at the very outset of touring and learning about St. Pauls. They truly "walk the walk" when it comes to building community (both w/in St. Pauls and between grades) and with the larger urban Oakland community. The parent community is actually welcoming (sometimes schools advertise this and the actual community is quite different). They take a pro-active and thoughtful approach to any behavioral/social issues that arise and are respectfully communicative with parents (not too much email bombing and not too little information). They clearly and succinctly communicate their approach as an administrative team and I have consistently trusted in the thoughtfulness and frame of their responses. Middle School is a challenging time for so many reasons, and I can say that the social system has been such a breath of fresh air where "a" popular group doesn't really exist b/c all the students find their niche and navigate whatever folx are not in alignment. They also have well attended/managed student affinity groups, who also present during Friday morning "chapel" (which isn't religious, but an opportunity for the lower and middle school to come together and share grade wisdom, or have presenters etc.) St. Paul's also exhibits value's alignment with their academics where it isn't just about the content but how that content translates into how the kids consider being thoughtful and aware humans in the world around them (environmental, current events in the greater world, etc.). You mention sports and this isn't a huge focus obviously in terms of intense competition, but there are options to sign up to play a sport but the focus is more about learning how to be on a team and the skills that can be accumulated in that environment than winning. I honestly think St. Pauls is a place to find passion or what ignites, mainly  b/c there is so much encouragement and support about exploration and finding what makes you tick.

Best of luck in your decision! 

My 7th grader started at St. Paul's in 6th grade after attending an OUSD school K-5. It's been such a wonderful experience for him.  The emphasis SPES places on the middle school transition is remarkable. Most notable is the way in which the teachers partner with and support one another in the classroom, which enables them to give the kids more individualized attention. Development of executive function/organization is also at the forefront.

The student body is incredibly diverse in just about every way. My son was a little nervous coming into the community in 6th grade alongside kids that have been together for years, but he has found the kids to be really, really kind and accepting. He's formed some sweet bonds with his new buddies.

Additionally, the staff is very diverse. Much more so than his OUSD school. I love that my son is seeing teachers/staff of so many backgrounds in positions of authority. School administration has been wonderful. I've found the head of school, Cheryl Ting, and head of middle school, Marcus Chang, to be open and approachable. My son is neurodivergent, so we've interacted quite a bit with the learning specialist, Chad Waddell. The coordination between him and my son's teachers has been fantastic.  Any challenge my son has had has been met with compassion, support and solutions.

The music program is phenomenal. The middle school music teacher, Guy de Chalus, introduces the kids to different genres from different cultures. I love that some kids will leave SPES having heard and learned to appreciate music they quite possibly might never have experienced otherwise. My son is not particularly musical, but he's really loved drumming and rated music as his favorite class this past trimester. He noted he likes learning about the origins of the music. 

The 6th grade science block on Lake Merritt was so fun! I enjoyed learning alongside my son. I love that the city is an extension of the classroom and the kids are learning to be stewards of their city.

I think what I love most about SPES is the culture of kindness and inclusion. The kids are encouraged to be their authentic selves. The school does a great job walking the walk in nurturing that culture. I couldn't be happier with our experience at SPES.  My only wish is for it to be a K-12 so we could experience the magic for a few more years.

Best of luck to your family!

Thank you so much for your helpful comments. We have chosen a school and are excited to begin middle school. All three are incredibly wonderful schools / communities, so we feel very fortunate to have these choices and we really can’t go wrong here.