About PHS

We understand that the process of choosing a school for your child raises lots of difficult questions, like which one and why? We’ll try to answer most of your questions by telling you what we believe makes Presidio Hill such a wonderful place to learn and grow. And, we’ll also show you some of the questions our students have been asking and the creative ways they’re being taught to find the answers. But to truly understand and appreciate Presidio Hill, you have to see it for yourself, so we strongly encourage you to come for a visit where you can ask questions to your heart’s content.

Learning by doing.

Some people call it experiential learning, others progressive education. Either way, we believe it makes all the difference in keeping kids engaged in the learning process and involved as active participants in their academic growth. That’s why we’ve been teaching this way since 1918. In fact, Presidio Hill is the oldest continually operating progressive school in California—and we’re proud of it.

So, what does learning by doing mean on a daily basis? It means building a bridge to learn geometry, creating oil spills while studying Alaska, or organizing a food drive to better understand hunger and homelessness. On a long-term basis, it means developing creative, independent thinkers who learn how to think, not what to think. It means teaching for understanding, encouraging critical thinking skills, and instilling the joy of learning.

At Presidio Hill, high academic standards guide the curriculum across all grades. And academic excellence is the result. Every grade, from kindergarten to eighth, includes projects, cross-curricular activities, service learning, field trips, and interaction among grade levels. But the real proof that progressive education works is to see our confident, smart, well-prepared graduates as they move on to the best high schools in the city, including University, Lick-Wilmerding, Urban, Drew, Lowell, International High School, and more.

Teaching to different learning styles.

No two children learn in exactly the same way—or two parents, for that matter. For some of you, reading this brochure is the perfect way to learn about Presidio Hill. Others will need to hear it to absorb it, while still others will need to experience the place to truly “get it.” Your kids are no different. That’s why we teach to a variety of learning styles and why we encourage kids to demonstrate their understanding in many ways. The result: learning is both more effective and more engaging.

Diversity and inclusiveness.

Our mission statement calls for a progressive, inclusive, and multicultural education that seeks to promote social justice, global perspectives, equity, and equality. But we know that a mission statement is not enough. Every day we seek to make that mission a reality through the actions of our students, teachers, and parents. A diverse student body and teaching staff is just the beginning of what we aspire to at Presidio Hill. As a community, we seek to acknowledge our commonalities and differences, and, most importantly, to understand and appreciate them.

Small classes. Big ideas.

There’s a reason Presidio Hill has stayed small after all these years. It’s because small works—for students, teachers, and parents alike. Students get the individualized attention they deserve. Teachers work closely with their colleagues. And parents know each other by name. Presidio Hill is a manageable place where kids know all the teachers and all the teachers know them. Where younger students get to know older students through reading buddies, peer tutoring, and mentoring. Where teachers and advisors can effectively nurture the academic and social well being of their students, and are themselves supported in an enriching professional environment. It’s no wonder we still have just one class per grade from kindergarten through fifth. And in middle school, when we admit an additional section of students into the sixth grade to create a larger social and intellectual pool, we still maintain our small class size.

Excellent teachers.

Great teachers make a great school. It’s that simple. One reason that Presidio Hill has thrived for so long is that our teachers are masters of both the art and science of their profession. They bring a diverse set of experiences to their classrooms, know how to balance high expectations with deep affection to get the very best from their students, and strive together to create a community of learners. And as a community, we like to return the favor. That’s why we generously support every teacher’s personal and professional growth and work to create the most interesting and engaging teaching environment.

Going beyond academics.

When children graduate from Presidio Hill, teachers and parents are proud not only of what their students have learned, but also of the confidence with which they express it. That’s because we know that a great education is about more than intellectual growth; it’s about social and emotional growth as well. That’s why we strive to have all Presidio Hill students become active and responsible participants in their school, their neighborhoods, and their world.

The spirit of creativity.

Art, music, drama, poetry. These are integral to the spirit of Presidio Hill, and it’s been that way since 1918. Student artwork covers the walls and music echoes down the halls. Children start writing and reciting poems in kindergarten and don’t ever stop, especially in May, when the annual festival of poetry and music takes place. And every student proudly takes the stage for Follies, an original musical written by each eighth grade class. Why we do it is simple: a strong foundation in fine and performing arts builds more than just creativity, it also builds confidence and community.

The feel of the place.

We saved the hardest for last. While difficult to describe in words, it’s the feel of this place that really differentiates Presidio Hill. And that feel is a result of everything we’ve mentioned so far. You’ll sense it in the energy of the students, the history of the building, the warmth of the teachers, the dedication of the staff, and the commitment of the parents. It’s an intangible, we know. But it’s why we—our kids, parents, and faculty—love Presidio Hill. No questions asked.