United States, San Francisco
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Social and emotional development is embedded in Quarry Lane's approach across all levels. Lower School begins with a Morning Meeting to build a sense of community and ensure students feel safe, cared for, and supported; the program highlights six character pillars: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Middle School Homeroom is designed to ensure students are seen, known and supported, including time for one-on-one check-ins and assemblies that foster socio-emotional learning. The Middle and Upper School student life offerings emphasize collaboration, leadership, and personal growth to support emotional and social development. These elements reflect Quarry Lane's emphasis on a nurturing, inclusive culture that promotes empathy and well-being for students across divisions.
English as a Second Language (ESL) is provided with placement support from EL teachers to determine ESL or mainstream coursework. International students take TOEFL and are placed based on placement assessments, with ongoing support to integrate into the appropriate level. The ESL program includes an ESL Summer Camp to bolster language development and confidence. The Lower School and Upper School language offerings extend beyond English to include foreign languages such as Spanish and Mandarin, reflecting language-focused integration and international diversity. The school's language policy emphasizes language as foundational to curriculum and cross-cultural learning, with ongoing support for international students across grade levels.
The Quarry Lane School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and maintains EL teachers to support international students in placing them in the appropriate level (ESL or mainstream). International students are required to take the TOEFL and are placed into classes based on diagnostic assessments; ESL and language support continue as students transition through Middle and High School. ESL Summer Camp provides language learning alongside activities to build confidence. In addition to English, the curriculum includes Spanish and Mandarin, with language instruction integrated across subject areas. The school emphasizes language development as a cornerstone of academic success and global engagement.
Distance learning communications acknowledge health and safety while balancing social-emotional wellbeing as a priority for students. Lower School emphasizes social and emotional development through routines like the Morning Meeting to foster a supportive community. Middle School Homeroom is explicitly designed to promote socio-emotional learning and provides 1-on-1 check-ins and assemblies. Upper School programs and student life initiatives focus on developing social, emotional, and leadership skills alongside academics. These elements together reflect Quarry Lane's commitment to students' mental wellbeing and holistic growth.
Safety and safeguarding are addressed through campus-wide safety guidelines, including a Traffic Parking Guide that requires loading-zone drop-offs, adherence to traffic monitors, a campus speed limit of 5 MPH, crosswalk usage, and prohibitions on using cell phones in queues. Visitors must sign in and wear identification when on campus to maintain a secure environment. The Peanut and Nut Policy prohibits peanuts and tree-nuts on campus and during school events to protect students with allergies. All Quarry Lane faculty and staff are reported as fully vaccinated in communications related to health and safety. The Preschool Handbook on nut policy and health and safety also covers visitor procedures and other safeguarding practices.
The Quarry Lane School’s Dublin East campus serves students from second grade through twelfth grade, offering a college-preparatory track centered on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. As the only private school in the East Bay providing the IB Diploma, the campus features a specialized STEM Academy that integrates science and engineering throughout the curriculum. High school students can pursue either the IB Diploma or an Advanced Placement (AP) path, with dedicated tracks in engineering and biotechnology. The campus includes a science and engineering lab where students participate in research projects, leading many to earn grand awards at the Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair. Beyond the classroom, the school is known for its competitive robotics teams and a visual and performing arts program that includes a planned performing arts center. Students also participate in a student-led club system, with offerings ranging from DECA and Speech and Debate to a variety of cultural and service-oriented societies.