Big Minds

Pinole
Private School
operated by Rianna Bensing, Executive Director
Language(s):
English
Grades:
1-8
Email:
info [at] bigminds2e.org
Phone:
(510) 630-2541
Address:
1937 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564

School for twice exceptional children grades 1-8 with locations in Pinole (capacity=26) and Pleasanton (capacity=35) as well as an online portal.

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi all,

    We're very strongly considering Big Minds for our child (we love their structure and ethos), and would love to hear from other families about their experiences there. We would particularly appreciate hearing from alumni families about their experience with moving on to the next step (high school, CHSPE, etc.), and how that process went for their child. Thank you!

    No responses received.

Parent Reviews

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Life changing. Two simple words but for our child and entire family, life has changed monumentally after having started attending an unschool for 5th grade called Big Minds in Pinole. I didnt have the technical terms that I do now as a parent of what is called a 2e student but what we did have was so much sadness, tears, disconnection, so much worry, so much constriction as our daughter tried tried to make sense of private schools, public schools, home learning, learning groups. Challenged by dyslexia, dyscalculia, generalized anxiety disorder and issues with coordination/fine motor skills our smart, funny and loving daughter was floundering, not able to get those feet under her. Our daughter wanted to learn, wanted school, wanted several classes, wanted teachers and a community that she felt connected to, not less than. She wanted to learn about animals, their biology, women in revolutions, art, more art, spelling, what money means etc. We have found a learning environment that not only understood her challenges intimately, knew how to help her grow intellectually and academically while supporting her emotionally. She is now the learner she wanted to be, but didnt know she could be. I say that no matter your religious beliefs, when your child is unhappy on so many levels, you might start praying. You probably feel alone and lost. You might lay awake at night, either crying or staring into the dark room of parental responsibility...feeling like a failure. While no school is perfect for everyone, I feel obligated to share how this special place has changed our lives. At least, reach out and talk to them. It might be your place too.

We found that public school could not at all provide satisfactory supports for our 2e son who has ASD. We enrolled him at Big Minds in Pinole when he was in 2nd grade and he will be graduating this year and moving on to a college prep high school. I recently spoke with a school district representative who stated that “kids like him fall into the crack” as neither General Ed or Special Ed classrooms are well suited for 2e kids. I’m happy to share more info about our experience with Big Minds.

Hi - I’m a mom of a 2e boy who is on the spectrum. Your situation sounds similar to ours. We enrolled our son at Big Minds Unschool when he was in 2nd grade and he will be graduating this year! We are forever thankful for this wonderful school which allowed him to develop his strengths and tackle his challenges in an environment free from bullying and negativity. The school has locations in Pinole and Pleasanton. There are numerous students from Berkeley and Oakland who are enrolled at the Pinole site. You can learn more at bigmindsunschool.org. 

Hi, my daughter is autistic and we're getting her evaluated for ADHD as well.  She also has social challenges and communication challenges as well.  We live in the east bay in Pleasant Hill/ Walnut Creek area and she definitely did not have a place in our school district.  

I looked everywhere for a school in the east bay and found Big MInds; they have a Pleasanton and Pinole Campus (we attend Pleasanton.)  I cannot recommend this school enough.  It's a private school just for 2E learners that goes from 1st-8th grade. My daughter loves it, my husband and I love it.  

Here's the website - good luck with your search!

https://www.bigmindsunschool.org/

I'd reach out Big Minds Unschool in Pinole and Pleasanton. They focus on working with 2E children, and I've found their teachers and staff to be supportive and well educated about 2E kids. Our child has been enjoying their experience so far, and I've been impressed with dedication of the school. They have elementary and middle school students and might be able to give you suggestions for possible high schools. 

My 2e son has been going to Big Minds for 2 1/2 years and it has been working really well for him and for our family. He continues to grow and amaze me.

I would say that the hardest thing to get used to is the unschooling, self-directed model of the school. Many parents jump ship early because of it’s unconventional style, which I totally get. At the same time, our family is a little more balanced knowing that our son is thriving in his school environment.

The teacher retention is excellent - my son has had the same core group of teachers his entire time at Big Minds. Some of the teachers are sensitive and creative, some can hold long conversations with him on whatever intellectual pursuits he is thirsting for, such as history and philosophy, and some are knowledgeable in tech and the sciences and have tons of fun experiments up their sleeves.They all get where he is challenged and where his strengths are and help him work with all of that.

Most importantly, they work on the social-emotional piece. They help the students understand themselves, their sensitivities, perfectionism, and intensities in a way that is unique to 2e kids. This is the part I am most grateful for. I feel that, no matter where he goes in his life, having this deep understanding of himself will be something he can rely on again and again.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Jan 2015

After years of struggling to help my very gifted/LD daughter finding Big Minds (Dr. Melanie Hayes)was truly a life saver.After countless IEP meeting, Multiple Doctors visits: Therapist, Psychiatrist,Naturopathic ,Acupuncture,Occupational Therapy, multiple assessments (including the Diagnostic center)Educational therapist,Home/hospital teachers, Prozac and Zoloft.I also looked at a dozen schools through out the Bay all of which focused on ''treating'' my child's disabilities/ emotional issues but had nothing to support her giftedness.At Big Minds her teacher Melanie's approach was the complete opposite. She focused on teaching my daughter through her interest, emotionally connected with her, made her feel safe to express her anxiety and fears.She has inspired her and continues to help her set goals for the future. Her last Assessment revealed huge gains in reading and spelling ( her main areas of struggle) She also has a lovely group of friends ( she had no friends for years!) and I have amazing support from Melanie as well as the community of parents at Big minds. This loving understanding care has completely turned our lives around giving the whole family back our sanity. No need for Zoloft around here. Big Minds