Compare International Schools in El Dorado Hills, United States

Golden Hills School

Ages 4 - null years

Fees $11,860 - 20,420

Pupils 150

Type Co-educational

Golden Hills School sits on a compact El Dorado Hills campus at 1060 Suncast Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, offering an IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) alongside a California-aligned K–5 program. The elementary years blend strong academics with character education and personalized instruction delivered in small classes, emphasizing hands-on, integrated learning, Spanish, computer science, art, music, and drama. Daily enrichment continues in the middle years, where the IB program emphasizes inquiry, project work, and service, preparing students for high school and beyond. The school is authorized by the IB and maintains CAIS, WASC, and NAIS affiliations, underscoring its accreditation and community involvement. The program culture centers on service, citizenship, and daily opportunities to develop curiosity, communication, and collaboration. Facilities support small classes, teachers who know students well, and a range of specialty offerings, including weekly art and music, an annual drama production, and a robust drama and performing arts program across levels globally.

Application fee
- A non-refundable application fee of USD 35 is required at the time of application.

Tuition fees (by year group and billing frequency)
- Junior Kindergarten (JK):
- JK half day: USD 1,186 per month. Tuition payments are due monthly from August 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027.
- JK full day: USD 1,772 per month. Tuition payments are due monthly from August 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5 (K–5):
- Annual tuition: USD 20,050 per year.
- Grades 6–8:
- Annual tuition: USD 20,420 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms (K–8)
- Option 1 (single payment): Full annual tuition due June 1, 2026. Amounts: K–5 USD 20,050; Grades 6–8 USD 20,420.
- Option 2 (two installments): Two equal installments due June 1, 2026 and November 1, 2026. Amounts per installment: K–5 USD 10,025; Grades 6–8 USD 10,210.
- Option 3 (ten installments): Ten monthly installments due June 1, 2026 through April 1, 2027 (excluding February); the monthly plan rate includes a USD 30 monthly billing fee. Monthly amounts: K–5 USD 2,035; Grades 6–8 USD 2,072.
- Junior Kindergarten monthly payments follow the monthly schedule noted above (due August 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027).

Enrollment fee and sibling discounts (payable with Enrollment Contract)
- Enrollment fee (K–8): USD 950 for the first student.
- Enrollment fee (K–8): USD 700 for the second student.
- Enrollment fee (K–8): USD 350 for the third and any additional students.
- Enrollment fee (Junior Kindergarten): USD 500 per student.
- The enrollment fee is payable with the signed Enrollment Contract and is not refundable.

Boarding fees
- Golden Hills School operates as a day school for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8; a boarding program is not applicable.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Extended-day / before-and-after care: USD 10 per hour; families are billed at the end of each month.
- Monthly billing fee: The monthly payment option for K–8 includes a USD 30 monthly billing fee (this is reflected in the ten-installment amount).
- Uniforms: students are expected to wear the school uniform (red or navy blue); a specific school-wide uniform fee is not listed in the published fee schedule.
- Field trips, optional extracurriculars, specialty materials, and certain school events may incur additional charges billed separately; families should anticipate occasional extra voluntary or activity-based fees.

Refund information
- The application fee (USD 35) is non-refundable. The enrollment fee is due at contract signing and is not refundable. Other tuition and fee refund or withdrawal terms are governed by the Enrollment Contract and the school's stated financial policies.

Fee payment options
- The school accepts multiple payment methods; application fees may be paid by check or cash during admissions processing and the online application process provides an online payment flow (PayPal/online). The school indicates that all forms of payment are accepted for tuition and fees. Families may also manage extended-day billing and add payment methods through the school's Homeroom portal.

Curriculum

K-5 program blends strong academics, character education, and personalized instruction in small classes. Elementary includes hands-on learning, enrichment in the arts, and a service focus, developing confident, compassionate learners ready for what is next. The Middle School Years Programme (Grades 6-8) is delivered in an IB World School setting with an inquiry-based curriculum, daily enrichment, and a strong focus on character and service, preparing students for high school and beyond.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small classes.

Higher Education Progression

Prepares students for high school and beyond.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-emotional growth is a central focus from Junior Kindergarten. The program guides children in developing social skills such as taking turns, solving problems, listening to others, and collaborating in a caring community. The JK curriculum introduces language, literacy, math, science, and social studies through developmentally appropriate activities, with weekly specialty classes in Art, Music, Spanish, Tech & Innovation, Performing Arts, and Physical Education. Character development is integrated through school-wide values: integrity, perseverance, compassion, teamwork, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and citizenship. The Elementary program continues this emphasis with character education and service, and all K–5 students study Spanish, computer science, and physical education, plus weekly art and music. As a Middle Years IB World School, Golden Hills School supports inquiry-based learning and aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The elementary program differentiates instruction and provides individualized support to meet the needs of diverse learners.

History

Golden Hills School traces its roots to a one-room schoolhouse. It remains grounded in the founding principles of small class sizes, character education, and strong parent involvement. The elementary program emphasizes hands-on, integrated learning across K–5 and enriching experiences such as Spanish, computer science, art, music, and drama. The curriculum is aligned with California state standards and is supported by the National Educational Technology Standards Project, preparing students for high school and beyond. The school emphasizes service through the Characters of Gold program, which centers on eight values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork, Perseverance, Self-Discipline, Compassion, and Citizenship.

Community

Golden Hills School fosters a community focused on service to local, national, and global causes. Students participate in weekly school-wide gatherings across grade levels, building a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The school provides arts and music enrichment and hosts a school-wide annual drama production that gives all students stage experience. The Parent Organization coordinates volunteer opportunities and events that strengthen the campus community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The GHS Parent Organization promotes a strong, vibrant community and drives most campus volunteerism. It is open to all GHS families and provides time, financial, and volunteer support to school programs, with a 25-hour annual volunteer commitment. The Organization has two branches: Room Parent Branch (class representatives JK–5 and a middle school team) and Events Branch (committees from multiple grades) that plan most community events, including Holiday Pancake Breakfast, Teacher Appreciation, and Book Fair. Current-year event schedules are published and communications run through weekly newsletters and social media, with a designated Parent Organization Lead to contact for involvement.

Facilities Overview

Golden Hills School operates Junior Kindergarten, Elementary (K–5), and the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–8. The campus is located at 1060 Suncast Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. The school displays CAIS, IB World School, WASC Fully Accredited, and NAIS Proud logos. The program emphasizes small class sizes, character education, and daily enrichment across all levels, with a focus on service and preparation for high school and beyond.

Academic Facilities

Curriculum is aligned with the State of California's Curriculum Standards and is supported by the National Educational Technology Standards Project. In the K–5 elementary years, learning is hands-on, integrated, and experiential, with a strong focus on core academic skills including reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and public speaking. All K–5 students study Spanish, computer science, and physical education, with weekly instruction in art and music; a school-wide annual drama production enhances creative expression. The Middle Years Program (Grades 6–8) is an IB-authorized, inquiry- and project-based program that develops curious thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners, with emphasis on service and preparing students for high school and beyond.

Extra Curricular Facilities

All K–5 students study Spanish, computer science, and physical education, and elementary students enjoy weekly instruction in art and music; a school-wide annual drama production provides performance opportunities. Junior Kindergarten offers weekly specialty classes including Art, Music, Spanish, Tech & Innovation, Performing Arts, and Physical Education, enriching early learning. The IB Middle Years Programme adds daily enrichment and service opportunities, encouraging active community involvement. The school's program culture also includes character development and a service mindset across levels.

Academic & Intellectual

Golden Hills School offers an accredited International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for grades 6–8. The IB program nurtures students' intellectual, personal, and social skills and emphasizes inquiry-based learning that develops research, writing, and presentation abilities. Daily enrichment across the curriculum supports this approach, including performing arts, music, visual arts, Spanish, technology and innovation, and physical education.

Arts & Creative

Performing arts is provided as an enrichment class to all students. The elementary music program provides a survey of basic music theory, the chance to learn skills on a variety of instruments, and the opportunity to perform in a variety of programs. An Art Enrichment Program inspires creativity through drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. In middle school, performing arts deepen with theatrical concepts such as narrative pantomime, creative drama, improvisation and monologues, as well as puppetry; middle school band rehearses during the school day and performs multiple times a year.

Cultural & Language

Spanish is offered as part of enrichment; the Spanish program fosters language learning and cultural awareness, with early grades introduced to Spanish through songs, greetings, weather expressions, and basic emotions. In Lower and Upper Elementary, students expand vocabulary through songs, games, and crafts, while Middle School focuses on real-life application with conversational skills through daily-life scenarios, role plays, and collaborative activities designed to encourage use of Spanish beyond the classroom.

Social & Hobbies

Student Leadership is a student-run organization with a student-elected President, Vice President, and Representatives from Grades 3–5 who organize activities and fundraisers for the whole school. The Leadership team includes two middle school committees: the Snack Shack Committee and the Spirit & Events Committee, which plan after-school events and school-wide fundraisers. The school also offers social and enrichment opportunities through theatrical productions and the Science Olympiad team, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Community & Service

Character education is at the center of Golden Hills School's program, and the Community Service Program allows students to practice the Characters of Gold values—CITIZENSHIP, COMPASSION, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY—through initiatives at school, local communities, national, and international projects. Each year, the whole school participates in Acts of Kindness Day, spending the afternoon involved in acts of compassion and citizenship. Students contribute through projects such as Learning Garden activities, donations via the Raise Your Hand Foundation to Liberia, and literacy initiatives in Jamaica, among other service opportunities.

Leadership & Professional

Student Leadership is a student-run organization with elected leaders and grade representatives who organize activities and fundraisers for the school. The Leadership team includes two middle school committees, Snack Shack and Spirit & Events, which plan events and fundraising activities. The program provides hands-on opportunities to develop planning, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Daily Physical Education is part of the program for students from Kindergarten upward. Athletics are offered in the El Dorado County Sports League, including Cross Country (3rd–8th), Boys and Girls Basketball (6th–8th), Boys and Girls Soccer (6th–8th), Volleyball (6th–8th), Co-Ed Flag Football (6th–8th), Wrestling, and Track and Field. The small-school environment supports participation for students of varying experience levels, with many teams coached by local volunteers. Extended Day provides before- and after-school care with games, art, outdoor play, homework time, socialization, and special projects.

Admissions

1. Submit an Inquiry: Families submit an online inquiry form. The school will be in touch with information about the school community. The inquiry initiates the admissions process. 2. Explore GHS: During the initial conversation, families are invited to an admissions event or coordinate a personalized campus tour. If you are moving to the area, a phone call can be arranged to discuss next steps. 3. Submit Application: Submit the admissions application. Completing an application is the key that unlocks the next step: scheduling your child's campus visit. It is important that all required forms are submitted. The list includes an application with a non-refundable $35 fee, report cards for the past two years, including teacher comments, a teacher recommendation form for students in grades 1–8, and standardized test scores (i.e., ERB, CTBS, SAT, ISEC, CAT, etc.). If you wish, you may include awards, certificates, or examples of work that you feel will give us better insight into your child's capabilities and personality. Once we have received all forms, we will contact you to schedule a Student Visiting Day. 4. Student Visiting Day: Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten are invited for readiness assessments. The JK assessment lasts about 20 minutes and is scheduled in mid-March. Kindergarten candidates visit a morning in the JK class. For grades 1–8, the student spends a day at GHS with their current grade level; they should bring a lunch and a snack and wear red or navy blue to match the uniform; during the visit, the student will be assessed in math and language arts as part of the regular school day. 5. Decision Notifications: After the visit and all materials have been reviewed, the Admissions Committee will meet to determine acceptance. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis as space permits. In most cases for mid-year applicants, parents can expect an admissions notification within 48 hours of their child's visit and file being completed. Notifications for following year applicants may take as long as two weeks to arrive. 6. Registration and Enrollment: Upon acceptance, families will receive an Enrollment Contract. Families generally have 1–2 weeks to review, initial, and sign the Enrollment Contract and return it with the Enrollment Fee to secure enrollment. Enrollment Fee is $950 ( $500 for JK ), with discounts available. Admission decisions are separate from financial aid decisions.

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Compare International Schools in El Dorado Hills, United States

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