Black and white photo of Crestmont students sitting and standing around a table in a classroom, with books, a globe, and notebooks, viewed from above.

Crestmont’s History

“A school with the heart of 1969 and the tools of today.”

Then & Now

Crestmont students practicing their social justice skills by staging a demonstration, holding handmade signs and banners, with a main sign reading 'Make Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Be a National Holiday!'

Crestmont has over 50 years of experience working in an inclusive and cooperative community that nurtures the whole child and practices social justice.

While we continuously update our tools, we remain true to our core values, which prove more relevant than ever.

Our modern co-op retains the governance structure that empowers our members with a basis of equity as we respond to the challenges of today.

Foundations

A black-and-white photo of a Crestmont classroom with a diverse group of children sitting and facing the teacher, who is standing and gesturing with one hand.

In 1969, a group of passionate parents came together to develop a school that emphasized the social and emotional development of children as well as a social justice-infused curriculum.

These parents joined together in a collective endeavor that mirrored the spirit of local activism of the times.

While the alternative school movement flourished, the average lifespan of an independent school during the 1970s was only two years, so it is a tribute to those parents and teachers that Crestmont flourishes to this day.

Evolutions

A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a dark sweater, stands outdoors in a wooded park, smiling while preparing food at a picnic table with bowls and kitchen items. A vintage school bus is behind him amidst trees.

After extensive research, the concept of open classrooms and the ideas from British Infant Schools were instrumental in forming Crestmont’s developmental, multi-age, and hands-on approach to education.

These foundational elements remain the backbone of our educational philosophy today.

In 1973, the Bus School program for the upper grades was added with the idea of holding classes “on location” in an old converted school bus.

Over time, the Bus School was retired and replaced with traditional field trips for all grade levels.

In the 1980s, many of Crestmont’s beloved traditions were formed through the collaboration of children, teachers, and parents.

They include Stone Soup, our annual Thanksgiving celebration; the flea markets, which raise money for charity; and the talent show, one of Crestmont’s most creative and exciting annual events.

Today & Beyond

A young girl with pigtails sitting on the edge of a large tire on Crestmont's playground, watching a gorgeous sunset over the San Francisco Bay. There is a playground with a slide behind her.

Over the years, hundreds of parents and dozens of staff have continued to work cooperatively in school operations.

For over 50 years, Crestmont’s educational philosophy and traditions continue to be lovingly upheld.

History shows that Crestmont is a place where involvement and initiative make a profound and lasting difference.

We continue to evolve to meet the needs of this generation of children and lead the way to be the change in the world.