Park Day Middle School

My daughter entered Park Day in 6th grade and graduated last year.  We are a Chicano and Black family with progressive politics.  My daughter and I were very happy with Park Day School.  I eventually felt comfortable without having to know everything that happened there as the Middle School Director and Teachers had there eye on everyone, knew who was who, what they were doing, and what their needs and interests were.  That said, of course, especially at that age, it is still good to check in with your child, as kids that age are learning to hide what they do.  PDS teaches critical thinking and inclusiveness, with a progressive bent, but do not dictate or define the good vs bad.  PDS is a very socially-emotionally focused school, yet their academics are good.  Kids often go onto all the high schools that you mention.  My daughter is more of an "average learner" with ADHD, and PDS was able to support her without her even know that she was receiving accommodations.  We moved out of the area and she is now going to a traditional, mid-large, American public school with good academic reputation.  She has not needed to do any remediation, and learned excellend executive functioning skills at PDS, such that she has not used accommodations at her new school.  

For being a private school, it is relatively diverse - become more so with the new leadership.  Also, it is very low in the materialism scale.  One long-time staff member commented to me that they are known as the "hippie school" -- maybe as far as private schools go.

The kids are typical re pop culture / digital device/ social media.

Drama class is mandatory in 6th grade to support socio-emotional learning at this age.  After that it is elective.  Students choose an elective each semester between Art, Music and Drama.    There are 1-2 performances per year for each of these interest groups.

There is a middle school dance.  Her dance was during Covid, so I don't know what is typical.

Non-athletic kids do just fine in PE.  In fact, one of my concerns was that PE was oriented to the non-athletic, and the athletic did not get training to their level.

There is aftercare, but it is very geared to the younger kids.  My daughter went a couple of times a week in 6th grade, but was a bit too old, and ended up helping out with the littles.

The school organizes a panel of graduates to speak to upcoming graduates and I don't remember if this was also created for prospective families.  The school does have a meet a greet of prospective families with current families, and will also link you with an individual family if you would like to talk more individually.

My daughter was ready to graduate about 6 months before the end of the year, and move onto a larger school with older students.  Now that she is in the larger school, she misses the intimacy and community of PDS.  She is going to transfer to a small HS that is socio-emotionally focused, with that intimacy and sense of community.

We have an 8th grader at Park Day and have been incredibly happy with the whole Middle School experience – of course wish 6th grade had been less impacted by the pandemic, but even through that it has been a solid academic and social experience. Progressive education at Park Day is structured so that academics have a heavy emphasis on critical thinking rather than simply regurgitating facts. Because of that, we’ve found the program both rigorous and engaging for our kid. 

She is a self motivated person already, but learning at Park Day has only done more to emphasize that it is the learning process and understanding and building on academic concepts that is important rather than a single score or stand alone grade. That said, the scores we see on assessments, essays, and other assignments are high, as are the standards based grades that come back on progress reports twice a year. These aligned with the scores we saw on the standardized tests our kid had to take applying to high schools, and they were admitted to all the schools to which they applied. 

I don’t think there is any Middle School in this world where 12 and 13 year olds are completely kind to each other 100% of the time, but my child has not experienced anything close to “mean girl/boy culture”. Have there been social bumps? Of course. But the teachers and Middle School Head are on top of it, accessible to the students (and parents if needed), and intervene appropriately. The school has worked with Common Sense Media to support students, teachers, and parents with regard to digital culture, and cell phones are not permitted out during the school day.  I’ve participated in school provided parent education on tech topics, and have an open dialogue with our child about digital footprint, and online behavior. We have an agreement where we can see our child’s chats/texts etc. at any time, and while we don’t abuse it, the one time I heard of a bump in the grade, we did check it out and were impressed to see that the mean comment was immediately shut down by upstanders in the grade who were also online. That made me feel even more confident about the social vibe at the school. 

What else? There are usually a couple dances a year. My child has been actively involved in the drama program. They performed Midsummer Night’s Dream last year, and there is a Cabaret performance this year. Not a sports person but participate in PE (and have discovered through that they like Lacrosse), have also participated in a couple of the after school competitive sports, albeit grudgingly. Regarding kids having their own opinions and learning to use evidence to make persuasive arguments, that is very much a part of any program that focuses on developing critical thinking. Park Day does this while introducing issues that help students understand the complexities of the world and how important their role is in being a changemaker to help make it better

While my Park Day student is in Lower School and won’t hit Middle School for a few more years, I’m a teacher at one of the schools you mentioned and work directly with Park Day graduates. As an advisor, I've noticed that the Park Day kids are consistently thoughtful, self aware, and seem to love learning for learning’s sake. They are emotionally intelligent and will share authentically of themselves with others. Park kids also tend to be good self-advocates and collaborators. They approach teachers or peers for support as easily as they offer to help others.  As a park parent, I see where some of this comes from. My daughter is curious about the world and Park has given her the language to talk about serious issues such as the unhoused and climate issues and how to be a change-maker. Park graduates are civic minded in the clubs they join, curious in the questions they ask and excited to learn in the way they try new things (sports! art classes! languages!.)  One of my favorite signs that I’ve seen in my child’s first grade classroom and also in middle school classrooms is something like, “what perspective is not in the room right now?” Another one said "How might someone else year that?" Asking these questions early and often clearly helps kids have empathy for others and an appreciation for other perspectives. I fervently believe that Park sets kids up to love learning, to be emotionally intelligent, and personally reflective.

Hi there!

My twins (boy/girl) are in 8th grade at Park. They came in 6th. It's been nothing but positive. I'll try to answer all your questions.

Academic rigor: Both of my kids applied to and got into Lick Wilmerding, Bentley, Bishop O'Dowd, and St. Mary's—all very "rigorous" high schools. Their middle school teachers and HS counselor prepared them well, and we are confident they will continue to excel academically (and otherwise) in high school. 

- Math / STEM programs: both are very strong. My kids were challenged and also supported to learn and grow beyond their comfort levels. My daughter is planning on doing advanced math in high school. She feels very prepared and confident to take on this challenge. 

- Bullying, students' kindness, compassion, mean girl/boy culture: Any middle school in the world is going to have "mean" kids because, hey, middle schoolers! That said, Park has a specific focus on social emotional education—both proactively and in response to social dynamics that inevitably occur. My kids have learned to navigate social issues well—for themselves and each other, and also sticking up for others when they see stuff going on. I'd be naive to say that bullying is non-existent (because, again, middle schoolers!), but kindness, compassion, empathy, and collaboration are all traits that are explicitly taught, cultivated, and normalized at Park, starting in kindergarten and continued all the way through 8th grade. In sum, you're not going to find a middle school that is better equipped and tuned in to the social dynamics of middle schoolers. 

- Materialism / pop culture / digital device/ social media: Kids are not allowed to use their phones at school (some teachers collect them at the beginning of each day). My twins do not have any social media accounts and have not asked for them. The school downplays materialism as best it can. 

Middle school kids' romantic life?: Neither of my kids has had an SO in middle school. Some of their friends have/do, but it is not a big deal from what I've observed and/or from what I've heard from other parents. There are one or two dances each year, which the kids seem to see mostly as social opportunities, rather than sexual opportunities. 

- Drama/Performance arts: Very strong! My son plays in the band. Both of my kids excel and love art. And many of their close friends are in the drama program and love it. All the teachers are excellent. (And I'm a musician myself, so I can tell!)

- How non-athletic kids do at school in PE, clubs, and socially: Park is not an "athletic kids" school at all. If you do sports, great! If you don't, great! It's not a social determinant like it can be at other schools. PE and sports clubs are great ways for kids to try out new activities without the pressure to perform. 

- Differentiated learning: The middle school has a learning specialist, and teachers are very good at providing individualized learnings for students who need them. 

- What do middle school kids do after school? Is aftercare a thing?: Aftercare is strong. Lots of activities and opportunities. Also, kids will sometimes walk to Piedmont Avenue, Telegraph, or College together. 

DEI and SEL curriculum: Running out of characters, but, yes, DEI/social justice is a focus. And part of that focus is learning to respect different perspectives and lived experiences. 

I have two children who went through Park Day’s middle school, one who went to Bentley and the other who is now at College Prep.  Before I try to address some of the specific concerns you have, I just want to say that I love the school and continue to be committed to its well-being.  The teachers and the administration really care about the kids.  They get to know they and make their well-being a top priority.  Because of that, I would say that the school cultivates a true culture of kindness.  While that’s never perfect — and certainly in middle school there might be issues and tensions that can pop up — I feel like my children were always well supported, were able to make strong relationships with peers and really were encouraged to find their voice, especially in those tricky middle school years.

To answer some of your specific concerns:

*I think they are plenty academically rigorous.  Overall, my kids were well prepared for high school.  Most importantly, they are curious students, which, I believe, is even more critical to encourage true learning.  Ditto for math/stem.  My CPS kid is needing some tutoring for STEM, but frankly, I think that’s more about CPS than it is about Park Day.  I have a good friend with an older kid at CPS who went to Redwood Day and when I mentioned that I was getting tutoring for my freshman, she said, “Oh, yeah, at CPS they all need that support."

*There were definitely dances and other appropriate social events that the middle school kids were engaged in.  Even during Covid (which the school did an incredible and thoughtful job of managing), the school found a way to do fun things with the kids like an outdoor movie night.  The campus is great for that, by the way.  I think it’s the most magical campus in the east bay.  

*Differentiated learning is particularly strong at Park.  

*My kids didn’t do after school programs in middle school.  At some point, they are old enough that a group of them walk together somewhere (like the rockridge library) and hang out to do work together.  

Again, I want to say that despite the size of the school, I think there’s room for lots of different kinds of kids — athletic, artistic, brainy.  The school creates a culture of acceptance.  I have no regrets that I sent my kids there.  I think that Park Day supported them in being the thoughtful, caring people they now are.  

I have to say I’m impressed with the detail and analysis of the responses of other PDS parents thus far!  I agree with much that’s been written so I’m not sure it’s necessary to respond to each of the questions posed but I’ll try to provide my overall impressions.  I’m the parent of a 6th grader that began Park Day this year and we have a 5th grader that will be entering the school next year as well.  I think it was evident from the beginning of the admissions process that the school was very intimate and inclusive.  My 6th grader felt welcomed from his first visit and was sure of his choice to attend there.  He has loved his experience at Park Day.  He feels supported and challenged at the same time…which I believe is the balance you’re looking for in a school setting.  He believes the academics are stimulating but not overbearing…again, balance.  He uses his study halls and consultancies to do most of his work while at school and he does roughly 30 minutes every night at home.  He’s very diligent and independent and the PDS scholastic environment suits him.

I’m not sure how the faculty and administration could be more welcoming and accommodating to a new family.  Angela, the head of school, is incredible.  She stands at the front of the school EVERY morning and greets the students and talks with parents.  I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a head a head of school do this but it points to the community that is created there from the top down.  I agree with other parents that I generally don’t see the bullying or materialism that we observed at other schools our children attended in the area.  In that sense, it’s very refreshing…kids can just be kids for the most part…which is no small task these days.  My son made the comment to me earlier in the year that he’s not necessarily friends with everyone at the school but that there are absolutely no bullies/jerks.  I found that amazing (and so did he) for a middle school.  He said the vast majority of the other kids were very kind/cool.  I think this is very unusual and again, speaks to the community created there.

As far as the DEI element to the school, I think that is a specific point of emphasis at Park Day  I believe it’s a very liberal school in general and that’s one of the things we love about it.  I would venture to guess it’s one of the most liberal schools in the area, if not beyond.  Just something to be aware of as you make your choice.  If I had to put it on the spectrum, I would say it’s very left-leaning.

Overall, I want to be more critical but I just can’t given our experience thus far.  It has been a warm, welcoming, inclusive environment for our son with enough academic rigor and stimulation.  I keep coming back to the word, balance.  I do think the general kindness of the student body and the environment nurtured there are quite unusual/special.

I'm happy to speak to some of these points.We currently have a 6th grader (that started in 5th) and 8th grader (that started in 6th). We have loved the school and were particularly impressed with the way they handled the pandemic.

Academic rigor- I think the academic prep is great! Both of my boys feel challenged which was not the case at their previous school.My 8th grader got into all of the schools he applied to (including Head Royce & CPS).The High School counselor at Park is amazing and the teachers prepared him well. I have no doubt that this will hold true for our 6th grader as well.

- Math/STEM - Both programs are quite strong. My older son really enjoys and is challenged by the science program. Both the 6th & 8th grade Science and math teachers are amazing and the classes seem very engaging. They try to incorporate lessons across classes which I love because they get to learn about a particular concept/topic from many different lenses.

Bullying- Well, It is middle school so some of this is to be expected but in our experience it has not been an issue. The entire faculty and staff at PDS lead with kindness, compassion and inclusivity. We have found (for the most part) that the kids do as well. If there is ever an issue it's addressed promptly at an age appropriate level throughout the grades.

Materialism /pop culture/digital device/social media - I don't see materialism within the community from a parents perspective. Kids are allowed to take phones to school but are supposed to check them in during the day as far as I know. My kids are not on social media yet but not sure about the others.

Middle school kids' romantic life- From what I've seen, it's all pretty innocent and kind of cute! Because of the pandemic the school has only had a few dances.  It's my understanding that the dances used to be combined with other middle schools. Not sure if/when they will bring that back.

Drama/Performance arts. My oldest is a theater kid.  He loves Drama at Park and the teacher.  I'm always so impressed with how much he gets out of it.  The program is great and they are constantly going on field trips to see shows.They also have a weekend in SF planned for the Drama class where they will stay overnight, see a show and take a dance class.  The performances they put on are great. Last year they did A Midsummer Night's Dream and they have an upcoming cabaret at the Aurora theater in Berkeley next month. 

How non-athletic kids do at school in PE, clubs, and socially Just fine! My oldest is not athletic and is doing great! Has a great relationship with students and teachers (even the PE teacher) and is very involved with clubs and school events. My younger son loves sports but doesn't always love competitiveness.  Park does a great job balancing the two. 

Differentiated learning - There is a learning specialist in both the middle and lower schools and they also have an on-site counselor. All of the teachers are very dedicated and always willing to offer individualized help if needed.

Aftercare- Yes, the school does have many after school programs and sports to choose from. Many kids participate. Including my 6th grader.

- DEI and SEL - DEI and social justice are definitely a focus and students are taught to  respect different perspectives. They are very socially-emotionally focused and their Director of Equity and Inclusion is really great.

My teenager attended Park Day School from K-8 and is now at Oakland Tech.

In terms of academic rigor, the middle school is - in my view - excellent. The deep thinking, mix of independence & collaboration and individualized attention on the humanities side of things is an excellent foundation for future studies. In particular, the students are encouraged to see stories from all perspectives and consider diverse points of view. A mantra that carries through elementary and middle school there is "Who's perspective have we not yet considered?" I agree with another parent that the social justice work is framed with a lens of empathy, compassion, equity and inclusion rather than right or wrong. Secondly, across the board, the teachers encourage the children to use their voices. There is plenty of room for differentiation and lots of project-based work. They spend tons of time on discussion-based learning and teachers have tremendous respect for the students' unique points of view. Someone once said to me, "Park Day kids arrive in high school with something to say." It's true. I've never met a group of self-assured, kind, sure-footed middle schoolers quite like this bunch.

My teen is finishing up 9th grade at Oakland Tech and despite being an average-ish Park Day student is so far an exceptional Tech student. They know how to build relationships with teachers and peers, can self-advocate as needed, have joined seemingly every club and are truly proud of themself and thriving. We talk regularly about how grateful we are that we were able to send them to Park Day. Mostly because of the way PDS builds a curious, thoughtful and considerate approach to the world (and school work), but also because Park Day really respects the students and trusts them to have thoughtful, safe (and age appropriate) discussions about our complex world, society & community. I'm proud to have been a part of the school and grateful for the human they helped my kid become.