First Grader's parents looking for good private schools in Sunnyvale and Cupertino Area (Berkeley: houses)

[loveyoyo]

Hi Everyone,
We are moving to Sunnyvale or Cupertino Area this summer. My child is going to be in first grade in Aug. We haven't found house there yet because I want to find a private school to enroll her before we look for houses.

I have heard many things about stratford school, challenger school and the Delphi Academy at Campbell. some reviews are good some are bad. I went to the schools, they look similar to me, just some campus are bigger than others. Their curriculums are more advance than public schools, and teacher to students ratio are lower than public schools.

Can anyone give some advices that how to choose private schools or which private school is better in that area?
I was looking at some Catholic schools, but their curriculums are similar like public school, or Do the Catholic schools have better reviews by parents?

I am expecting the private school can make kids more independent on study and life; rich on art, language and music; low on teacher student ratio, and safe environment. Since this is my first school age kid, I really need help with choosing a good private school.

Thanks for reading!!

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I don't know about the schools first-hand, except to say that the Cupertino public school district is very highly rated. People try to get into that school district. You may be happy with the public schools there.

[NewbieHere]

I wouldn't pay for challenger, it's the most hyped. My neighbor sent her kids to challenger thinking it would be better than great public school. The kid failed premed when she got to Berkeley. I know other kids from public schools would fail too, so don't waste your money, let your kid play. It's important too.

[Wintermomma]

I personally don't believe test scores are the end-all be-all to demonstrating a good education, but having said that digging around on GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community might be useful to you in your search.

[phantompilot]

Why would you choose the most expensive suburb in the South Bay (made so by demand for the public school system) and then pay for private school? I don't get it.