Big Minds is an attachment-based, community focused school designed to give 2e students the time and support necessary to grow into thoughtful, articulate citizens.
Our focus is on socio-emotional development that supports both cognitive and creative growth. Students and teachers are continually engaged in a passionate, reciprocal learning process. Our academic work is inquiry-based, dynamic, and follows student interests.
Big Minds is designed to help 2e children reach their full intellectual and creative potential, while giving them the necessary skills to be socially competent in the world.
My son joined the Pleasanton campus last year. When we went for the Big Minds tour, Jessica patiently answered all his questions for more than an hour. They offered us a one week shadow period which gave him a clear idea of the school before joining.
At Big Minds, my son comes home happy and regulated which never happened while at public school. He is able to advocate for himself and find solutions to his problems with the teacher's help. In the first few weeks, he developed strong bonds with some teachers. He loves the subjects taught like philosophy, law origins, politics, astronomy, etc. The best part of Big Minds is that the teachers truly connect with the students.
My son is always seeking new information and so far the school has been intellectually stimulating for him. For math, they tested him and placed him at the grade level he was testing at instead of his grade level by age. He enjoys book club and last year they read books like "The Hobbit", "Lord of the Rings". He also had a great time in literacy coaching where he wrote his own book the entire year which he hopes to get published someday.
Apart from the academics, my son is learning how to get through perfectionism, try new things, handle conflicting views, debate respectfully, get through things that trigger him, etc. These skills will stay with him life long.
As a parent I am happy that my son enjoys school, I no longer have to advocate for him and that he has found a place where he belongs. I am grateful to the staff for everything that they do to make school such a positive experience for my child.
Our 7 year old, neurodiverse daughter spent 6 weeks in a traditonal, public school before we pulled her out. In that short time it was clear the school district wasn't equiped to teach her in a way she could understand. They did not have the training, resources, or understanding of neuodiversity - instead trying to teach all kids the same way, and trying to jam every square peg into a round hole.
Big Minds changed our lives.
At Big Minds Pleasanton, every child is treated as an individual whose voices, thoughts, and passions are considered and heard. The staff is passionate, communicative, intelligent , and kind. My daughter WANTS to go to school every day. She is excited about learning, because she's allowed and encouraged to do so in a way that makes sense to her.
I'm so grateful we found Big Minds and I encourage everyone to check it out.