Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering K-8 Students for Academic and Personal Excellence
At Redwood Day, our mission is to cultivate academic excellence and personal growth for every student. Since 1963, we have provided a world-class K-8 curriculum designed to challenge students intellectually while nurturing their social and emotional development. Our dedicated educators employ cutting-edge teaching methods, tailoring instruction to individual needs while fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making. We prioritize a diverse, inclusive community where students learn to respect differences, collaborate effectively, and lead with integrity.Our 4-acre Oakland campus offers a dynamic environment for learning, with programs spanning core academics, arts, athletics, and outdoor education. We emphasize holistic development, equipping students with the courage and adaptability to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through partnerships with families and the broader community, we create a supportive ecosystem that empowers each child to reach their full potential. Our strategic focus on innovation ensures our programs remain relevant and impactful, preparing students for future academic and personal success.
Services
K-8 Curriculum
After-School Enrichment
Tuition Assistance
Summer Programs
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We offer a world-class K-8 curriculum tailored to individual student needs
- Our faculty combines cutting-edge pedagogy with decades of educational experience
- We cultivate a diverse, inclusive community that values multiple perspectives
- Our holistic approach develops both academic excellence and emotional intelligence
- We provide comprehensive enrichment programs including arts, athletics, and outdoor education
Services
K-8 Curriculum
Our comprehensive K-8 curriculum combines rigorous academics with social-emotional learning. Students engage in core subjects through individualized instruction and project-based learning. The program develops critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making skills while preparing students for future academic success.
After-School Enrichment
We offer diverse after-school programs including music lessons, arts, and STEM activities. These enrichment opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom, fostering talent development and personal interests. Programs are designed to complement our academic curriculum while promoting social growth and community engagement.
Tuition Assistance
Our tuition assistance program ensures access to Redwood Day's education for families across income levels. Need-based financial aid supports qualified applicants, reflecting our commitment to socioeconomic diversity. The program maintains financial sustainability while expanding educational opportunities for qualified students.
Summer Programs
Our summer programs provide continued learning and enrichment during school breaks. Offerings include academic reinforcement, creative arts, and outdoor education experiences. The curriculum maintains educational continuity while offering new exploration opportunities in a supportive environment.
Community Events
We host regular community-building events that connect families and foster school spirit. Activities include cultural celebrations, educational workshops, and service projects. These events strengthen our inclusive community while providing opportunities for family participation in school life.
People
John Loeser
Head of School
John Loeser leads Redwood Day with over 25 years of educational leadership experience. He champions innovative teaching methods and inclusive education practices. His vision focuses on developing well-rounded students prepared for academic and personal success.
Katie Steele
Director of Advancement
Katie Steele directs fundraising and community partnerships at Redwood Day. With extensive nonprofit experience, she strengthens the school's financial sustainability and community engagement. She oversees donor relations and strategic development initiatives.
Nicole Naffaa
Associate Director of Advancement
Nicole Naffaa supports advancement efforts with expertise in educational philanthropy. She manages donor stewardship programs and annual giving campaigns. Her work focuses on building lasting relationships with families and community partners.
Questions
What grades does Redwood Day serve?
Redwood Day serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade in our Oakland campus programs.
Is Redwood Day a private or public school?
Redwood Day is an independent, non-profit private school offering a secular education to diverse student populations.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we provide need-based tuition assistance to ensure access for qualified students across income levels.
What makes your curriculum unique?
Our curriculum combines academic rigor with social-emotional learning, individualized instruction, and project-based learning approaches.
Are there after-school programs available?
We offer extensive after-school enrichment including arts, music, STEM activities, and sports programs.
How diverse is your student body?
Diversity is core to our mission, with students representing varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds across the East Bay.
Reviews (4)
Kimberly B.
Nov 05, 2021
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Redwood Day has been the biggest and best blessing to our family over the past two years. We decided to shift our daughter from Alameda public schools in 6th grade to begin her middle school experience at RDS. The decision wasn't easy as we had to commit to RDS the same week shutdown for COVID began (in 2020). Needless to say that after our child had to accept that her 5th-grade year would be finished from home AND that she would be starting a new school, she was none too pleased with us. She barely talked to us for the entire Summer. On the first day of 6th grade, she cried. It was not
Rosalind B.
Feb 05, 2021
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My daughter has had a great experience at Redwood Day. Although, I am saddened that this is her last year with such a wonderful community, I am comforted by that fact that RDS has helped prepare her to exceed academically and emotionally at any high school she attends. The majority of her teachers were very supportive, communicated with me when there were concerns and were available for additional instruction when needed. One of the best parts is that her advisor, who stays with your kid all three years, remained her advocate throughout her 3 years. Lastly, the school leadership has been supportive
Christine C.
Dec 09, 2020
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Redwood Day is not just our kids' school but feels like our extended family. Our older son started there in K, and is now in 10th at College Prep, our younger son is in 5th. SO we've known the school a long time, and what we thought was already strong has only gotten even better over time. When we applied, we just wanted a balanced approach that wasn't snooty. The program is really well-rounded (academics, social/emotional, DE&I, music) with an incredibly loving faculty and staff who are always looking to advance what is offered. When I talk to parents at other schools, they
Leah G.
Dec 02, 2019
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Redwood Day is a truly fantastic school. We've been here since Kindergarten and the experience has been everything I've hoped for for my daughter. Great community, great academics, beautiful, well-kept campus, awesome library, labs, art rooms, kitchen, garden...we've even got goats, people. I fell in love with this place for my child the minute I stepped on campus, and I was NOT wrong! If you're looking for a good school for your kiddo, come take a tour and see for yourself!
