Peninsula School was founded in 1925, and thus has nearly a century of history and experience as a progressive educational institution.
Peninsula School creates a space where children thrive and develop their full promise as confident contributors in the world. Here they learn about themselves and others, discovering their passions and growing intellectually in an inclusive community rich with choices, exploration, and play.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 229 students
- Yearly Tuition: $29,900
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Peninsula School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
School History
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1925
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
229 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
19 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
n/a
n/a
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$29,900
Tuition Notes
Preschool Halfday: $20,800,
Preschool Full Day
K-8: $29,900
Three tuition payment plans are offered.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Varies depending upon schedule selected
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Michele Buschini
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
School Notes
Peninsula School has been a leader in Progressive Education since
1925. Peninsula's class cohorts average around 20 students, with
2-3 teachers per class. Our 6.6 acre campus tucked into the Menlo
Oaks neighborhood of Menlo Park is full of trees and opportunity
for exploration, creativity, and play.
Several aspects make Peninsula unique among independent schools:
Several aspects make Peninsula unique among independent schools:
- At Peninsula, we cultivate and celebrate intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. Our non-competitive learning environment supports student collaboration, positive risk taking, creativity, and inspires intrinsic motivation. Rather than striving for letter grades, our students grow to see learning as a treasured opportunity and a lifelong, personal journey.
- In addition to their class cohort, students participate in broader mixed-age learning opportunities in a variety of ways including Activities with our Specialist Teachers, our Buddies Class program, camping, field trips, and school wide events and performances. In this way students engage as learners and mentors across age groups, and develop relationships across campus.
- Democratic learning is embedded in our program environment and curriculum: In our classrooms, students are active participants in their learning, and we value student voice, choice, and democratic decision-making practices. We recognize children as key community members, and capable, generative learners. Students have the opportunity to experiment, solve problems creatively, and develop their capacity as critical thinkers and decision-makers through their explorations.
- A focus on social-emotional growth is woven through our program, and as with intellectual growth is considered an essential aspect of development for our students. Our program helps students cultivate high levels of self-awareness, empathy, and a robust skill set to be able to connect and collaborate successfully within and beyond the school community. In this connected environment, the relationships students develop at Peninsula often become lifelong bonds.
- The six acre campus is part of the school experience, allowing children to explore, play, connect, and build confidence. The school grounds naturally encourage hands-on learning, social growth, and help students to develop an appreciation and respect for the environment.Science educators, and a robust camping program (beginning in second grade), further develop connection to and respect for the natural world.
- The creative arts are part of daily learning and discovery at Peninsula. Peninsula`s teaching faculty includes dedicated Specialist Teachers and studio spaces for drama, art, clay, wood work, weaving, and music.
- We also have Specialist Teachers supporting Science, PE, Literacy, and our wonderful school Library.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Peninsula School cost?
Peninsula School's tuition is approximately $29,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Peninsula School?
The acceptance rate of Peninsula School is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Peninsula School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Does Peninsula School offer a summer program?
Yes, Peninsula School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Peninsula School offer?
Peninsula School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Basketball.
What is Peninsula School's ranking?
Peninsula School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Peninsula School?
The application deadline for Peninsula School is Jan. 9 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 9 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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People that viewed Peninsula School also viewed these schools: Beechwood School, Phillips Brooks School, Nativity Continuation School, Keys School and Bowman School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Peninsula School is Alto International School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Roberts School (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
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Location
Miles
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Grades: PK-8 | 248 students 1.1 miles 1250 Laurel Street
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Keys School
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Grades: K-8 | 324 students 3.2 miles 2890 Middlefield Rd
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Palo Alto, CA 94306
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Grades: NS-12 | 265 students 4.8 miles 4000 Terman Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 813-9131
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