Crystal Springs Uplands School in Burlingame, California

“I'm a new parent to CSUS, with my son entering freshman year. I am impressed with so many aspects of the school. Yes, it has high expecatations of students, but the caring, warmth, and understanding of student needs is amazing. Not only are the kids smart, but they are polite, well-behaved, and are the kind of students you can see going far in life. The Crocker 'mansion,' steeped in history, is breathtaking, with it's European marble, ancient tapestries, parquet ballroom and Dumbledore headmistress office. I told my son that college will never look this good!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is simply the finest school in all aspects. Extremely caring staff (teachers are the students' friends, close parent/child-support). Teachers and staff are very caring. Lots of hands on class activities. My daughter simply LOVES it and is thrill in such supportive, motivated, and engaging environment. It is an amazing place. You can't go wrong when selecting this wonderful school for your child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Highly overrated. The selection of courses pales in comparison to other Bay Area High Schools (public and private). The excuse that 'Crystal is just too small...' is getting very old. Right now, Crystal is running on straight reputation. Eventually, it will run out and the school will have to take a look at its issues (of which there are many). Maybe then Crystal will become a respectable institution.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a small, top-notch college preparatory school with excellent teachers, lots of opportunities for growth and exploration, and a warm and supportive community. It has all the advantages of a place where everybody knows your name and all of the disadvantages which are inherent in smallness. Both my kids adored their time at CSUS and are now thriving young adults.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have a daughter at Crystal who is just thriving. She is challenged and motivated by all of her teachers. The administrators are completely focused on the quality of the students experience. The parents are extremely involved. i just hope my son wants to go there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“csus is a great school. Has lots of friendly students and teachers. I recomend going there for middle school to get your child prepard for high school, and then send them to a public school so they can get all A.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter graduated from Crystal Springs and is a sophomore in Yale. CSUS prepared her well for college. She breezed through freshman year and has adjusted to her college workload without any problems.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I understand why most parents would absolutely love CSUS. The academics are unparalleled and the competitive environment the school provides definitely prepare students for education after high school. The faculty is very well educated and passionate about their jobs as well. However, if you consider CSUS's program 'well-rounded,' you are gravely mistaken. Students have little to no school-spirit - or any spirit, for that matter - because they're far too busy competing. Sports, the arts and general pleasure are mere afterthoughts, coming in a distant second to schoolwork. Students should expect to spend all their time after school preparing for tests, essays, projects, etc. In addition, the growingly extreme conservative nature of the school restricts student freedoms unfairly and destroys most opportunities to enjoy oneself. I can only recommend CSUS for the extremely disciplined students and I urge parents to think wisely before burdening their children with the stress of CSUS.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My daughter has received the finest liberal arts education imaginable at CSUS. It isn't easy and it isn't inexpensive, but it's worth it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school with experienced faculty and very capable administration. My daughter is learning a lot and having a wonderful time.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter graduated started Stanford last year and commented on how easy it was compared to CSUS. She has yet to dip below an A so I think she was well prepared. We have a son that started CSUS this year and has totally loved it. There is a reason why this is the #1 middle/high school on the West coast. not cheap- but you get what you pay for.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The quality of academics is incredible and hands on. Everything is so easily understood by the student's that they learn so much so quickly and retain the knowledge too. All extracurricular activities are easily availble as it's a small school, you can try anything. Parent's are very invovlved in planning events and donating. Great things happen.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm so glad I found this school. Great faculty and wonderful leadership.”
This review was posted by a administrator.

“Close interaction between students and teachers. Students are challenged and are well prepared for college. Students are very supportive of each other. Fabulous music program”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Superb college preparation. Kids are challenged and respond. Ave. SAT 670V 680M. 60% go to Top-tier college (Top 25 US News). Very strong in Performing Arts. New Gym complex is best of any Day school. Good Athletics. Lots of homework (3-4 hrs/day). Nice kids. Smaller classes and school (250 in HS).”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Probably the finest college prep school in the country.”
This review was posted by a parent.