Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy

I have a son in second grade and a daughter in kindergarten, and I have been extremely pleased with our experience at EBI in Oakland. We live about half an hour away in a district with highly rated public schools, yet we still choose to send our children here. I think this really says a lot about the value we see in this school. In my opinion, EBI is one of the top schools in the area and still feels a bit underrated for what it offers.The academics are strong, and the support system has helped both of my kids really thrive. They are reading at or above grade level in both Spanish and English, and they are on track in math. What stands out to me is that the school focuses more on collaborative thinking than memorization, which helps kids become more flexible and confident learners. The bilingual piece is a big deal too. It is not just exposure, the kids actually become comfortable and fluent, and you can see how easily they switch between languages and adapt in different situations. There is also a strong global mindset, and the kids are encouraged to think critically about the world around them.The teachers are very engaging and easy to reach. I like that I can connect with them at drop off if needed, and it really feels like they know each child well. They put a lot of emphasis on helping kids be thoughtful, kind, and collaborative, not just academically strong. There is a noticeable increase in homework in second grade compared to the earlier years. It felt a little jarring at first, but it has been manageable and the kids have adjusted just fine.Another thing that stands out is the overall environment. The parent community is very down to earth and welcoming, and there is a real sense of inclusion. It feels like a true partnership between parents and the school. If issues come up between kids, the school handles them thoughtfully, works with families, and still protects each child’s privacy.Overall, it feels like EBI is focused on the whole child, not just academics. The kids are learning how to think, communicate, and navigate different situations, and they are getting a strong academic foundation at the same time. We have had a very positive experience and feel lucky to be part of the community.

We are leaving EB after four years. The school has increased class sizes in the second and third grade (as of 2024-25) and it has become increasingly difficult to justify the price tag. Like some private schools, EB is under-resourced when it comes to supporting children with emotional or academic needs. The result, in our experience, has been a chaotic classroom environment that is sub-optimal for learning. The administration is difficult to deal with. Concerns are met with platitudes. The leadership really feels like a black box. My impression is that building the school's brand and profile as an elite institution are priorities that take precedence over the well-being of current teachers and students. My child experienced stress, anxiety and learning loss during his final year as a third-grader at EB. I really wish I had seen the writing on the wall earlier, but my son and I both are so relieved to be starting a new school next year.