RDS Quick Facts

The Mission of Redwood Day School

is to cultivate an intimate, diverse community where children develop inquisitive minds, build confidence in their individual gifts, and contribute as responsible members of society.

The History of our School

has been one of enormous growth and change. Since 1963, we have transformed from a tiny school of 12 students into the thriving community we are today. We believe strongly in our mission and are leaders in the new direction of education in the East Bay.

School Profile:

School Profile: Redwood Day School is a K-12, coeducational, independent school located in Oakland, California. It is situated in a residential setting, approximately thirteen miles east of San Francisco. In fall of 2009, we will begin our expansion to upper school with the addition of a ninth grade class at a separate campus. We are a nonprofit corporation directed by a board of trustees.

Accreditation:

Redwood Day School is accredited through the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We are members of the CAIS and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). We are actively involved in the Bay Area People of Color in Independent Schools group (POCIS).

Campus & Facilities:

Redwood Day School lower and middle schools have been located on Sheffield Avenue since 1994. We own our campus, located on a 3.5 acre site nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood. We are proud of our spacious classrooms, small and large gymnasiums, two multi-purpose rooms, library, computer lab, and several large outdoor playing areas. We are immediate neighbors to homes, an EBMUD reservoir, and a city park. Our upper school will be located on a separate campus within a 15-minute drive our of K-8 campus.

Enrollment:

Redwood Day School’s enrollment for the 2008-2009 academic year is approximately 370 students. Between our classroom teachers, full-time interns, and specialist teachers, we offer an academic student-teacher ratio of nine-to-one. Our average class size is 20 students; the maximum class size is 22 students.

Diversity:

Diversity is an essential element of education at Redwood Day School. It is our task to help our students become well-informed individuals who care about their community, are empathetic and compassionate, and who are able to navigate our complex and global society. A diverse faculty, staff, and student body allow us all to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.

Student Body:

We are committed to enrolling students of diverse geographic, economic, religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds. In our admission process, we strive to build a diverse learning community that includes all of these factors as well as a breadth of learning styles. Nearly 40% of RDS students enrolled for the 2008-2009 school year self-identify as students of color.

Redwood Day School attracts families from all over the East Bay area. While a majority of our families live in Oakland, we have many families from Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Piedmont, Hayward, El Cerrito, Richmond, Albany, and Contra Costa County.

Faculty and Staff:

Redwood Day School currently employs 73 faculty and staff members, 29% of which hold advanced degrees (master’s or higher). Approximately 38% of the adult population identify as people of color.

Athletics:

RDS middle school students can participate in our co-ed cross country, flag football, soccer, track-and-field, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee teams, or the boys' and girls' basketball teams. Redwood Day currently belongs to the Middle School Sports League (MSSL) and the upper school will belong to the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) and the North Coast Section (NCS).

Mascot: Cougars

School Colors: Green and White

Tuition and Financial Aid:

Cost of attendance for the 2008-09 school year is $18,500 (grades K-5); $19,800 (grades 6-8). Tuition includes morning extended care, field trips, outdoor education, school photos and yearbook expenses.

RDS is committed to representing our larger community in our own student body, faculty, and staff.

Approximately one fifth of RDS students receive need-based grants
12-14% of tuition revenue is allocated to financial aid
Grants range from $1000 to 95% of tuition.