Welcome

from Katherine Dinh, Head of School

Welcome to Prospect Sierra School!

A year ago I made the decision along with my family to move to the Bay Area from New Orleans.  Having enjoyed a wonderful career in education, I set out to find the best match to further my work in independent schools. I was in effect doing a school search much like the one you are doing now. When I came to Prospect Sierra School, I knew that it was the right fit. The gorgeous campuses, strong academic and athletic programs, excellent service learning and diversity initiatives, and most of all, the warm people, attracted me to the school. I so enjoyed the school community that at one point during my interview process, was quoted as saying, “If I’m not hired as Head of School, I’ll do any job here!”

The enthusiasm that all of us feel about a Prospect Sierra education can be felt as soon as you walk on one of our campuses.  Expect to be greeted by friendly faces, active and engaged teachers and students, colorful and exquisite student art, breathtakingly beautiful grounds and views, and laughter. Classrooms hum with activity as our teachers inspire students to become creative and critical thinkers; our gymnasium and fields echo with sounds of teams working together and coaches encouraging children to strive for their personal best. Prospect Sierra is much more than a school; we are teachers, learners, thinkers, and doers working together as a community.

While we are passionate about the meaningful work taking place on our campuses, we also believe in preparing our students for a better world by taking them beyond their classroom walls. Teachers collaborate with the Director of Diversity and Director of Service Learning, who are on-site educators, to integrate learning around inclusion, social justice, global, and environmental issues. Visits to partner schools, farms, and local service organizations offer our children a chance to see the world through different lenses and learn strategies to address social equity and environmental issues.

Also core to our academic program is the arts. Starting in kindergarten, students receive instruction in small groups in visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Our exceptional fine and performing arts teachers motivate students to develop their artistic abilities both for an audience and for individual self-expression. On the first day of school, we opened a spectacular new building at our middle school: The Founders Center for the Arts. Included in this space are a theater, music room, and art studio where adults and children have room to move, emote, and create. At Prospect Sierra, an exploration of the arts is an integrated part of our academic program.

In your research of schools in the Bay Area, I am pleased that you have entered our electronic doors, but I would strongly encourage you to visit us in person. Prospect Sierra School is located on two beautiful locations in El Cerrito, which are just minutes from the Richmond Bridge and next door to Berkeley. I, or a member of my welcoming staff, will be happy to give you a tour or answer your questions about the school. Thank you again for your interest in Prospect Sierra School, where you can find evidence of our motto: “Learning in a New Key…Developing Heart, Mind, and Community.”

Sincerely,

Katherine Dinh
Head of School