Northern Light School

I love Northern Lights! I have 3 kids attended this school! They are organized and this is a great school for any child! The teachers are very nice, all the ones I have met! Oakland public schools arent no where near like Northern Lights! Give this school a try you wont be disappointed!

I am a current parent at Northern Light School and never think twice about the choice my husband and I made to send out oldest and now our youngest.
Our oldest has been there since Preschool and has loved it from day one. Because he wasn’t a fan and big changes, I was extremely nervous about him entering school, especially coming from a small home daycare. The moment we walked in, he was greeted with love and it’s been that way ever since. Every morning, as I drop my son off in his classroom, his teachers greet him with an overwhelming sense of love. I’ve never seen anything like it.
The staff is just as warm and inviting. Everyone knows everyone, it’s one big family. To see how the teachers encourage and motivate the children is pretty awesome and to see is how respectful the children are is beyond words.
Everyday I walk through the halls, there’s a sense of pride and everyone it. Not only is the curriculum up to par and competitive, the teachers go beyond the books and instruct the students that anything is possible. This is exactly what I want for my children.
Thank you Northern Light for all that you do! :)

As a parent you want your child to have the best educational opportunity possible and Northern Light School gives that to my daughter. I really entered the school not having a clear idea about their educational philosophy and was not so sure about this school, but as time went on I am very pleased with this school. Not only have I seen an educational improvement with my daughter who attends their preschool, but I see how excited and happy she gets when she knows it’s time to go to school. This school is not very big and I love that about it because it allows a close community among the parents, students, and staff. Coming from the unified school district to private school I see the difference in the teachers excitement to teach and educate. They provide a great amount of different learning experiences that keep my daughter engage. I would recommend this school to parents looking for another alternative for their child’s education besides public school.

Rosanne, I am shocked. I am sorry that things ended on a bad note for you at NLS. But my son really likes his school. As a former employee at NLS please think of the current NLS children that do not want to leave. You were there with them. Think of the kids that love it there. Sorry to see this. NLS since you have been gone has a music program, has gym, and the academics are great. Being a small school is a BIG plus as well. I agree with Michelle on parent participation. I wish that was higher. A child’s education does not end at school. It continues at home and parents that participate have children that excel even more in school. Thank you.

From a parents view, for many years I would defend NL when other parents would complain about the academics and administration. My children were there since preschool and kindergarten and there were many changes along the way, as with all schools. We hoped for the best with each change. But when I sought outside academic assistance, I was shocked to discover that my children tested low at their grade level and were almost a year behind when I presented the curriculum to them. I did make the decision to pull my children from NL for many other reasons but mainly academics. Again, as an NL administrator, I was their biggest advocate but I could not allow my children to continue to suffer academically. I didn’t know that my children were behind until I stepped outside of the school and did what was best for my children.
I would encourage everyone to take the reviews (both positive and negative) and make a personal judgement on what’s best for your children.
I believe that you will not always see eye to eye with administration in any school but I do believe that the NL administration and school board should truly listen to the concerns of the school community and do what’s best. Make a difference instead of being so defensive. Despite the negative reviews, they do have lots of supporters, so my challenge for NL is to truly be the school community that they speak of and not to rely on its past reputation to carry them year after year.

My child has been attending Northern Light for the past three years. He started at NLS after we left a quality Oakland Public School, that my family had been at for 12 years. It was not an easy decision, but now realize that it was the best thing for us. NLS has been a great fit for my child. He participates in extra-​curricular activities such as Model UN and sports. We have seen his self-​confidence grow over the past few years and are happy to know that he is passionate about learning. He really likes his teachers and the staff at the school. The opportunities he has had over the last three years have been amazing. He has met many people and learned so much about the world around him during the monthly Impossible is Nothing series. He is truly inspired and I believe he is being well prepared to be a citizen of the world. It thrills me to listen to him talk about his plans for the future — for him impossible is nothing.
We came from a school that had a very strong parent participation component. That is one of the areas that can develop at NLS. It is good to see that parent involvement and engagement is starting to grow, but it definitely need more momentum. We must remember that as parents WE must also engage and partner with the school to educate our children. NLS administration has been open to suggestions and our desire to be involved. This has been important to me. i believe that i have a partner in educating my child. They have taken time to understand my child as a whole person, what we want for him as parents, and also support my desire to be involved in the school.
Over the past couple of years there have been some transitions at the school. The school lost some staff members and teachers that had strong connections with some of the families. Unfortunately, the departure felt quite divisive and put a dark cloud over our school. Change can be difficult, but we have to move past it look at the opportunities that follow. Attending private school is a choice. We should keep our children at a school because it is in the best interest for our children not because we feel we have to and continue to post hateful messages.
This past year we had a group of excellent teachers, the students are being pushed academically and being held to higher standards. We need to continue to support these types of changes so that all of our students can excel and thrive.
Reviews can be biased (good or bad). I suggest that you visit the school for yourself and decide if it is the right fit for your student and your family.

I’ve had the great pleasure of being associated with Northern Light School for the past 10 years. I have spent time with administrators, teachers, students, and parents at both the school in Oakland and at many of the amazing off campus events. It is my choice to participate and support this outstanding community of people. Student achievement with integrity and kindness is a priority goal. Educating the whole person goes beyond academics. Life skills are key to teaching young people values so they can be productive members of society.
The degree of attention given to an individual student in terms of their personal needs is always of paramount consideration. The leadership and faculty are completely committed ²⁴⁄₇ to each and every student no matter their background.
The results speak for themselves. Most of these 8^th graders are completing their education at NLS and then granted 4-​year full ride scholarships at private high schools. Beyond high school, college acceptance and graduation rates are equally impressive.
In the end, it’s about the kids. If you’ve ever had the wonderful experience of attending a Friday circle at NLS you would never underestimate the intent and sensibility of this institution.