Serving Preschool Through 8th Grade in the San Francisco East Bay Since 1962

Discover Our Campus

Nestled on nine acres of serene former ranchland behind Heather Farm Park, the Seven Hills campus is a haven for learners of all ages. Our beautiful, natural setting not only caters to the needs of 21st-century students but also acts as a "third teacher," fostering stewardship, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the environment.

As you explore our campus, you'll see students conducting science experiments in the creek, feeding chickens in the coop, or finding a shady spot beneath a tree to read and work. Every corner of Seven Hills is designed to inspire discovery, exploration, and growth.
A whole child approach to education is not only about how students learn and who they learn from, but also where they learn.

The Creek

The creek weaving through our Lower School playground is a treasured space for discovery and hands-on learning. Here, students immerse themselves in science by studying water flow and tackling challenges like clearing leaves from the creek’s filter. This favorite spot also instills important lessons in environmental stewardship, with students actively participating in creek clean-ups. During recess, you'll often find students wading through the creek, eagerly searching for tadpoles and other signs of life.

The Chicken Coop

Caring for Seven Hills’ more than two dozen chickens has a profound impact on our students. Through this experience, they learn to bond with and nurture living creatures, embrace principles of environmental stewardship, and enjoy the process of collecting, cooking, and tasting fresh eggs. Students also study the chickens' life cycle and engage in community service by donating eggs to organizations such as the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano.

The Pond

Our koi pond is a cherished learning spot where students immerse themselves in the study of life around them. Preschool children visit the pond during nature walks, exploring the water and observing the fish as part of their environmental studies. Lower School students frequently gather around the pond for group projects, while Middle School students take water samples to study under microscopes in our science labs.

Julian Rettger Library

Our bright and welcoming library houses a collection of over 15,000 books and features cozy spaces for reading and collaboration. This hub of creativity and learning provides flexible and equitable access to information, tools, and educational resources to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Early grades visit weekly for storytime and book checkout, while older students frequently use the library for research, projects, and independent reading.

Athletics Facilities

Our athletics facilities are hubs of activity, hosting P.E. classes, recess, advisory games, and Middle School sports practices and games. Key facilities include the Hunt Hall gym with a basketball court, rock climbing wall, and versatile stadium seating, an outdoor sports court, and a large turf field. The gym also serves as a gathering space for students, parents, guardians, faculty, and staff—hosting assemblies, special events, performances, and graduations, fostering a sense of community and celebration.

Linden’s Orchard Lane

In 2016, students and Linden Van Wert, Seven Hills’ Green Ombudsman and former librarian, planted 77 trees in our orchard, creating a vibrant green space. The road leading into campus, adjacent to the orchard, is named Linden’s Orchard Lane in gratitude for her dedication to the school’s green initiatives. This orchard symbolizes our commitment to environmental sustainability and education.

Science Lab

Our Middle School science lab is a space where students engage in hands-on learning and tackle real-world problems. With direct access to outdoor space, this flexible lab allows students to spread out, build, design, tinker, and create. The lab is equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printers, and other design tools, and recently acquired an electron microscope, enabling students to explore specimens with stunning magnification.

Art Studio and Kiln

Our vibrant, colorful, and inspiring Lower School art studio provides ample space for students to contemplate, create, and showcase their art projects. The studio arts program also features an outdoor kiln for ceramics, supporting a wide range of artistic endeavors and encouraging creative expression.

Flexible Learning Spaces

At Seven Hills, we prioritize student choice and engagement by valuing their ability to manipulate their physical environment. Flexible classrooms across campus feature seating options such as rugs, bean bags, and other portable seating, allowing students to learn in ways that optimize their engagement and comfort.

Theater

Our 140-seat, state-of-the-art theater offers students a professional setting to showcase their talents while building confidence, character, and self-esteem. It also serves as a hands-on learning space, where students gain experience in lighting, sound design, set construction, costume creation, and prop making.