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Crestmont School is a unique cooperative K-8 elementary school located in the scenic hills of Richmond, California.
It was founded in 1969 with the goal of creating an environment that would encourage curiosity, critical thinking, community spirit and academic excellence for children of all backgrounds.
Crestmont provides an environment that allows children to grow to
their fullest potential. To achieve this, we emphasize the
following:
Community: At Crestmont, children are
supported in reaching their fullest potential, both academically
and socially, by our close-knit school community. Research has
shown that being known by more than one adult in a school is linked
with greater student success. Because of Crestmont`s intimate size,
the children are known by all of the adults (staff and parents) who
are present on a regular basis. Caring adults are critical to the
students` success by providing the kinds of supportive
relationships, expectations, and opportunities that help them
thrive at Crestmont and beyond.
Self Esteem: Children learn best when they are
emotionally secure. One of our teachers` primary responsibilities
is to do everything possible to nourish a child`s positive feelings
about himself or herself.
Learning:No single approach is adequate
to address the variety of learning styles within a classroom.
Therefore, a multi-faceted, multi-modal approach promotes
successful learning for each child.
Authentic Assessment: Crestmont values
ongoing, authentic assessment. Each child`s progress is recorded in
narrative evaluations that review academic, socio-emotional, and
physical development. After children graduate from Crestmont, they
are able to adjust to the new challenge of letter grades with
confidence and internal motivation.
Spontaneity and Critical Thinking: We believe
spontaneity is important in the classroom. We maintain the
flexibility that allows organic classroom discussions and
investigations. In this environment, children are given the time to
ask questions, think critically and creatively, and develop
excellent problem-solving skills.
Inclusion: Children learn that everyone can
play at Crestmont. Excluding others is not an option on our campus.
This helps children experience a sense of belonging, and is also
critical for the development of a safe and trusting community,
which is essential for learning.
Social Skills and Conflict Resolution: Helping
children acquire social skills is a fundamental part of primary
education and a cornerstone of Crestmont`s philosophy. We consider
positive social interaction and conflict resolution to be subjects
as important as math and reading. While we intentionally teach
conflict resolution skills, we also take the time needed to address
issues as they arise. With steady guidance, the children develop a
strong sense of empathy and the skills to get along with a variety
of people.
Childhood: Crestmont honors the spirit of
childhood. Encouraging fantasy, play, and imagination allows each
child`s spirit to flourish in his or her young years and
beyond.
The Arts: Drama, dance, music, and visual arts
play a crucial role in the development of the whole child. The Arts
provide an outlet for individual expression, bringing joy and
richness to the classroom community. Currently, we offer weekly
music instruction, dramatic productions in every class, and visual
arts instruction.
Field Trips: We believe it is critical for
students to have regular, meaningful opportunities for learning
beyond the classroom walls. Each class goes on one to two field
trips each month. Field trips have included Alvarado and Tilden
Parks, San Francisco mural walk, Fort Ross, Muir Woods, Zellerbach
Hall, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland Symphony, Hall of Health,
San Francisco Bay Model, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, the Gold Country,
and dozens of other places.
Compassion and Service: Helping children to
take developmentally appropriate action allows them to realize
their ability to make a difference in the world. Activities that
give Crestmont students a sense of power have included writing
letters to protest the mistreatment of marine mammals, running
on-site flea markets to raise money to preserve the rain forest,
working on marsh restoration, and collecting recyclables to raise
money for a homeless shelter in Richmond.
Parent/Teacher Communication: Individual
parent-teacher conferences are held twice per year. As a class
group, parents meet quarterly with their child`s teacher to hear
updates on curricula, field trips, and special classroom
activities. Teachers communicate with parents via regular emails
and are also available for meeting with parents on an as-needed
basis.
Transitions: We believe it is important to
celebrate and help students prepare for school transitions.
Incoming kindergarteners are each visited by their new teacher
during the summer before school starts. Kindergarten families are
welcomed at a summer picnic to get acquainted with their classmates
and new teacher. All new families attend an orientation meeting to
become familiar with school policies, traditions, and nuts and
bolts. The fourth/fifth grade teacher facilitates ongoing
conversations about middle school. Students are able to express
their expectations, anticipations, and fears in a safe environment
in preparation for their next transition.
Crestmont School's tuition is approximately $24,509 for private students.
When is the application deadline for Crestmont School?
The application deadline for Crestmont School is Feb. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Grades: K-7 | 162 students2.7 miles 5070 Appian Way El Sobrante, CA 94803 (510) 223-2242
2.7
K-7
162
School Reviews
59/8/2023
We've been at Crestmont School for 4 years. The classes are small and learning is individualized. They really know my children and have worked closely with us to identify and support how best they learn. I really like the mixed-grade classes and how much students interact with and learn from each other across the grades. Since it's a modern co-op I feel very invested in their education and part of a really lovely community.
- Posted by Parent - NJG
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Quick Stats (2025)
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 75 students
Yearly Tuition: $24,509
Average class size: 14 students
Application Deadline: Feb. 6 / rolling
Source: Verified school update
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Did You Know?
The average private school tuition in Contra Costa County, CA is $17,896 for elementary schools and $25,811 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
