Nea Community Learning Center

Alameda
Charter School
operated by Community Learning Center Schools
Language(s):
English
Grades:
TK-5
Capacity:
500 students
Address:
1900 Third Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Editors' Notes:

Parent Q&A

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  • Fresh reviews on NEA

    Feb 26, 2025

    Hi, I'm considering NEA for my son for TK this fall and would love some fresh reviews on the experience there, particularly from TK or K parents. From what I've gathered, top challenges include teacher turnover and resource limitations; while top pros include project-based learning approach, inclusivity and dedicated support for neurodivergence/diff learning styles, strong sense of community, diverse environment. 

    • Does this still track? Are there other perspectives or things that stand out, both positive and negative?  
    • Are there types of kids that you think would NOT thrive in this environment? 

    Thanks! 

    Hi There - we attended for TK and currently for K. TK was a wonderful experience for us & really appreciated the low ratio, project based learning was really really fun for my kid etc. There is weekly art & music led by credentialed teachers (vs only parent docents), and motor fitness twice a week led by a credentialed teacher (the only other school close to that is Maya Lin).

    It's definitely a more progressive format you'll find amongst the public/charter schools in Alameda. I find the leadership to be communicative and accessible. As far as turnover, one TK classroom this year had a personal issue, a K teacher had a baby etc. I do appreciate that they let teachers decide if they'd like to try another grade (why there was some shuffling for the '24-'25 year in 3rd and 1st grade) to keep their professional growth goals.

    I want there to be a clarifying comment here about neurodivergent learners, because like all AUSD schools, they do support integrated classroom experiences. However it's not a magnet school with infinite resources for neurodivergent kids (said as a mom of a neurodivergent kid). You still need to follow a 504/IEP process just like any school setting so the resources can be allocated based on support needs.

    Resource limitations will happen at any public, or public charter school. Engagement from the parent community is critical to any school's success. There will be a new PTA president next year as the current one terms out.

    Hi Amy! I’m a NEA mom. I have a second grader and my younger child will be starting TK in the fall.

    Curious what others write, as I am admittedly biased: I love NEA.

    My child’s three teachers have all been fantastic. I’ve been floored by the level of attention they have paid to my child and how well they communicate with our family.

    NEA places an emphasis on social-emotional learning that is equal to academics, and I’ve watched my child grow tremendously in that area. The academics are very strong, too!

    There is also a huge emphasis on play and physical activity, as well as a fantastic weekly art and art history class.

    I have heard about teacher turnover issues in the 3rd grade and above, so I am a little anxious about that, but hopeful for next year. 

    Also-I love that TK and Kindergarten is a full day program. I work full time and my children need structure. While the aftercare is excellent, I’m grateful they have more classroom time than the traditional public school day. 

    Good luck with your decision!

    Reply now  »
  • Incoming Nea TK play date?

    May 15, 2024

    Hi there, 

    I have an almost 5 year old who starts TK at Nea in August. He is autistic, super fun, loves being outside. I’m hoping he can meet someone and have a connection before school actually starts. This is a big transition for him as he’s coming from a 100% outdoor school. 

    Thanks! 

    BPN is not super up to date with Alameda schools, but I recommend getting on the 2019 or 2020 Alameda Mamas groups and you'll find folks there.Best of luck!

    Hi There - the PTSA organizes 3 playdates throughout the summer for TK and K. You'll receive some messages about where/when if you are enrolled (sounds like you are). Welcome to the community!

  • My daughter got accepted into the TK program at New Community Learning Center (NEA) in Alameda. She likes to "play in any way" and is fairly self-directed in her learning. We would also prefer her to go to a public school that is diverse as we believe it is important for her to be exposed to the grander society. That is, school should be a slice of life in all its variant forms. 

    Anyone here have experience with this school? We are most likely moving forward, but would like to go in with eyes wide open and understand the environment and school from other perspectives.

    Hi! Happy to chat. My oldest started at NEA in kindergarten last year and we are thrilled with the school. It hits all the criteria you mentioned above. I look forward to my youngest starting TK in Fall 2025. It’s a wonderful, supportive and diverse community!

    My 13 year old son has been at Nea Community Learning Center in Alameda since the 4th grade. This school is not only diverse, it celebrates diversity and the kids get both academic and social learning about a variety of cultures. And, Nea prides itself and on knowing each learner and accommodating all learning styles. They follow through on this value. I highly recommend Nea for your daughter!

  • We are looking for a new school for 2024-25, and we've heard good things generally about Nea in Alameda but are hoping for some more specifics. Our child is currently in private school, but he's been assessed as being highly/profoundly gifted plus having ADHD, and the current environment is not a good fit for him for a number of reasons. Does anyone have experience with 2e kiddos at Nea, and if so, how did it go for you? Our child will be entering 5th grade next year. He's very spiky, with off-the-charts verbal abilities, struggling a bit in math (though he likes math), and very interested in science and tech. I would love any and all intel on Nea as we consider our options for next year. Thank you!

    Hello! Glad to hear you are considering NEA! I'm a NEA mom and I am incredibly impressed with the school. From what you shared, it could be an excellent fit. The school is totally committed to a project-based learning model, and for the upper grades, they transition through different specialties in a way that fosters community with the students and allows them to dig into areas of interest. I don't know as much about the older grades (my child is in first grade). We honestly chose the school because of its location (we live very close) and have been floored by how dedicated the teachers are and the beautiful sense of community. The school is having virtual and in-person visitors days in October and November if you would like to find out more; https://www.neaclc.org/visit-and-apply.

  • I'm looking at sending my kids to Nea Community Learning Center next year for Kindergarten and 3rd grade. So I'm seeking recent feedback on the school in general, and particularly on the following questions:

    Where do most of the families who attend Nea live? Are they mostly neighborhood families, or do they come from farther away? (Theoretically, the school is open to anyone in Alameda County, and we live in Oakland.)

    Does the school really walk the walk in terms of project based learning? I have been visiting a ton of private schools this fall that tout their "project-based" models, but then when I show up and observe what's going on, it looks like having young students engaged in big projects is not actually a day-to-day activity - more like something they do only sometimes. What is the day-to-day like at Nea?

    Online reviews suggest that the school has a problem with a high rate of teacher turnover. Any comments on that? Does that apply to the lower village or just the upper village?

    Any other pros and cons of the school you want to share would be most appreciated! Thanks!

    Hello, You will have much better responses if you post your question to the Alameda Parents Network, which has 6000+ members (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/alamedaparentsnetwork/info). I find that BPN does not get good responses about Alameda schools. I can't really answer your questions other than that I know that NEA draws from many areas. I live on the East End of Alameda (opposite side of town from NEA) and we know a few families who have sent their kids there as an alternative to their neighborhood schools. If you send me an email with your address, I can connect you with my friends who have kids there.

    I'm glad you're taking a look at Nea! It has a lot to offer. As the parent of 2 kids in the lower village at Nea, I hope I can help answer your questions. We have also attended our neighborhood public school, so I have that to compare to. First, most Nea families live in Alameda, but there are certainly families from Oakland (and even Pleasanton and Fremont). If you do not live in Alameda, there is a good chance you will not get in initially, but be offered a spot off the waitlist at some point, perhaps during the first few weeks of school. After the school year has started, the majority of waitlisted people will not move their kids from other schools, and this seems to be when out-of-district kids tend to get in. You should be prepared for this possibility if you really want your kids to attend. 

    The school definitely does more project-based learning than traditional public schools, but there are also plenty of standard school activities (spelling, math facts, etc.) Some of the projects are really great, and my kids are always most excited about school when they're doing a cool project. Another difference is the electives, which change every few months (some have been comic-book making, photography, improv, legos, gardening, ancient Egypt, etc.). The kids get art and music every week, and have an actual art teacher (as opposed to parent volunteers). There is also A LOT more science at Nea starting in 3rd grade compared to our regular public schools - 3rd to 5th graders get science every day with a science teacher. Another major difference I have seen is the social-emotional learning component, which is real and purposeful at Nea. They focus on a different topic each month, and talk about them most days (curiosity, persistence, compassion, etc.), and I can really see the difference this makes.

    They have struggled a bit with teacher turnover. From my perspective, the majority of these have just been bad luck - maternity leave that turns permanent, unexpected health issues, etc. I feel like the administration has really tried to do everything they can to keep things running smoothly, but it has been tough for a particular class that has seen the most turnover. The 3rd - 5th graders have the same teachers for math, humanities and science each year, rotating which one they have as their homeroom teacher. So even if there is a new teacher for one subject, the other two will be the same. This also allows the teachers to really keep track of where each kid is and what works best for them over a longer period of time. 

    I feel like the teachers and administrators at Nea really make the most of what they have available to them. That being said, there is only so much you can do in a public school with 24 to 26 kids per classroom and one teacher. So much depends on the make-up of the class and the strengths and abilities of each kid. I don't think there is any way a teacher with 26 kids and a variety of behavioral challenges can compete with a private school teacher with 16 hand-picked kids and an aide. Which is the best choice depends on your kids, your finances, and your philosophy, and we still struggle to know if we are doing the right thing. 

    Good luck with your decision!

Parent Reviews

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RE:

Hi there - my child currently attends Nea (we are zoned for Love) and we've loved Nea for TK. We also chose it for its smaller size, project based learning and flexibility, although it's worth mentioning class sizes are going up next year for TK (20 to 24) with a teacher and full-time paraprofessional. Both TK teachers are wonderful, one of the full-time paraprofessionals spent 7 years in special ed & is the most kind soul to have alongside our children. We have witnessed first had how Nea worked through an IEP and has a full-time dedicated aide for a nuerodivergent child in our classroom, they work extremely hard to ensure the same access to learning. Overall Nea seems quicker to move in supportive services than Love (learned that when we made the choice for my hearing-sensitive child).

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Alameda - Gold Coast vs. East End/Fernside

Jan 2014

Greetings -- long story short, we are looking hard at making the move from Piedmont to Alameda because of an exciting Democratic-based Charter School there called NEA [not to mention the affordability issue]. We love the homes in the Gold Coast neighborhood, but everyone seems to be steering us to the East End/Fernside. Can anyone with experience living there compare and contrast the two areas? Many thanks! Meg


The Gold Coast neighborhood is the most expensive in Alameda, but it is much closer to NEA than Fernside. Fernside is across the island from the school (15-20 min. drive.) Most people interested in Fernside are looking to put their children in Edison School, considered one of the better public schools here. NEA is a 5 year old public charter school, located in the west end of Alameda. There are also many lovely homes located nearby. We live in one of them, and our child attended NEA from third grade ( when it opened ) through sixth grade, when she moved on to the Oakland School of the Arts. We were all very happy with her education at NEA. Diana