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Woodroe Woods School

Woodroe Woods School

A Non-Profit Private School

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A NEW BEGINNING

The Woodroe’s New Beginning Project

Since opening their doors in 1974…

Woodroe Woods School has provided preschool thru 2nd grade programs for more than 5,000 students and families to the Castro Valley/Hayward/Tri-Valley area. 

Over the years, Woodroe became renowned for its rural setting, play-based philosophy, and acceptance of all children.  Woodroe teachers became known for their empathy and compassion, leveraging their combined ~300 years of experience to instill a strong foundation for both learning and integrity in the children.  Woodroe students became known for having self-confidence and self-respect, understanding that while there are standards to be met, there are different ways to achieve, and exceed, these standards.  Woodroe alumni became known for being successful in their academic and business careers, some returning to Woodroe to teach, to enroll their own children, or both.  Each year, Woodroe serves approximately 160 families, which includes families who send their children to Woodroe generation after generation, knowing firsthand how unique and valuable the Woodroe Woods experience is for young children. 

In 2016, the directors retired and sold the property that Woodroe had occupied for most of its existence.  Unwilling to lose such a community milestone, teachers, parents, students, administrators, and alumni, banded together to form Woodroe’s New Beginning, a group dedicated to the effort of keeping the Woodroe legacy going strong. 

Why keep this school open?

The reasons are many.  Aside from the early childhood education crisis in the area, Woodroe Woods is in a class of its own:
 

  • The student population is extremely diverse not just in terms of race, but also in culture, religion, and family style, which fosters a very rich and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to embrace their differences and develop respect for both themselves and others.
     
  • The exceptionally committed staff has virtually no turnover.  Most of its teachers have been with the school for 10 or more years, with 5 teachers having worked there for over 20 years.  This type of longevity naturally breeds a sense of family among the staff members and in the classrooms, and engenders an environment filled with love, patience, and compassion.
     
  • The program is heavily play-based, while nimble enough to become more challenging, depending on age and maturity of the students.  Through play and hands-on activities, children are guided in a very effective learning path that encompasses academics and invaluable life skills such as respect, self-exploration, esteem, compassion, sense of community, responsibility, and freedom to accept challenges and take on risks, all within a safe and nurturing environment.  Academics are rigorous, enriched with in-depth exploration of topics, field trips, guest appearances, science experiments, culinary experiences, projects, and a big emphasis on reading, math, and written and oral expression.
     
  • Playtime is largely spent outdoors.  Toys and structures are remarkably – and intentionally – low-tech and classic, with make-believe props stemming from everyday objects and exercise equipment.  Sports are seamlessly integrated in the daily routine and presented as a way to learn to collaborate, play fair, and have fun.  Sand and bark fill the shoes of very happy and dirty children daily.
     
  • The summer program is a very dynamic and sought after experience, where a generous amount of seasonal teachers come back every year and children up to 4th grade are allowed to attend.  It culminates with the “epic campout”, which includes an evening full of games, singing custom-made songs in front of a bonfire and sleeping in tents on the lawn.  Some of the older children are encouraged to be “counselors in training” and given increased responsibilities, including helping care for younger children.
     
  • The school is financially solid while being affordable and offering generous sibling discounts.  There is consistently a long waiting list. 

Since September 2015…

We have been scouting locations along the 580 corridor in hopes of purchasing property as a permanent site for Woodroe Woods School.  Despite researching numerous sites, rallying support with the offices of Nate Miley, Eric Swalwell, and Alameda County Planning, and receiving support from an investment company to place an offer on a potential property (we were unfortunately outbid), our search continues.  

As it currently stands, there is already a severe shortage of early education and childcare options in Hayward, Castro Valley and the surrounding areas.  In a 2014 report, the Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council listed Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo zip codes as Priority 1 and 2 of needing early education and child care funds to provide for underserved populations.

Given that existing schools and child care centers are at capacity, it is important for Woodroe Woods to continue operations in the long term to minimize the impact on the community. The challenges are many.  Being a small business and private organization, it is difficult for Woodroe’s New Beginnings to compete with developers when looking to purchase or lease land, despite that a high demand for housing is accompanied by a high demand for quality schools and childcare services.  We have limited resources, as all volunteers are balancing full-time jobs and personal family obligations in addition to making Woodroe’s New Beginnings a priority.  Even after a new location is secured, it will take a lot of work to finalize contracts, acquire permits/licenses, purchase equipment, prepare the classrooms, develop any necessary updates to the land, conduct studies, and so on, so any and all support will help us be successful.

​

In December 2015, President Obama signed the “Every Student Succeeds Act” into legislation (http://www.ed.gov/ESSA).  One of the core focuses of this legislation is to “provide more children access to high-quality preschool, giving them the chance to get a strong start to their education”.  We as a society have finally recognized the vital importance of a right start.  Preschool sets the building blocks for learning in place, ensuring success in later school years.

Our local community is stronger because of Woodroe Woods.  We are dedicated to finding a new home where Woodroe Woods can continue to provide premier early education and child care in Hayward, Castro Valley, and the surrounding areas.  

If you’d like to help, please contact us with any potential leads on properties, financial backing, or any other networking opportunites that would assist our cause.

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Welcome to Woodroe Woods School Summer Day Camp 2026

Please note that in order to complete and submit summer camp enrollment, you will need to download the Summer Camp Policies & Procedures document, sign the signature page, and upload the signed signature page. This is a required step, located immediately after choosing session dates. Thank you.

Camper ID/ER Form

Camper Date of Birth *
Camper Address *

Parent/Guardian Information #1

Parent/Guardian Information #2

Emergency Contact 1

Emergency Contact 2

Emergency Contact 3:

I/We hereby give permission to Woodroe Inc., dba Woodroe Woods School to obtain all emergency medical or dental care for my/our child. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb, or wellbeing of my/our child. Any expenses incurred in obtaining such medical care will be paid by me/us/ *
I/we give permission for my/our child to be transported out of camp in case of an emergency. Any expenses incurred in such transportation will be paid by me/us. *
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Camper History & Health Questionnaire

Does your camper have allergies, health issues, or dietary restrictions? *
A Plan of Action form from a physician is required for all allergies that require benadryl, zyrtec, epi pen, etc.. The parent/guardian is to provide medication(s) and alternative non-perishable snacks for when allergen is served. *
Does your camper easily and/or quickly spike fevers? *
Personality traits: please mark all that apply to your child:
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Woodroe Woods Summer Camp Authorization & Lunch Memo

  • Parent/Guardian will be responsible for applying the first layer of sunscreen prior to drop off.
  • Parent/Guardian must bring in individual sunscreen for their camper and it must be in its original container with the label intact. Campers cannot share sunscreens.
  • Sunscreen bottle/tube must be labeled with the child’s name. Please use masking tape to write your camper’s name as permanent ink (for example, Sharpie) will smear from frequent handling.
  • Periodically, please check on your camper’s sunscreen supply.
  • Kindly deliver the sunscreen directly to your camper’s teacher.
  • Sunscreen may not be kept inside a child’s lunchbox, backpack, cubby, etc.
Sunscreen Authorization

Lunch & Snack Memo

We believe good nutrition is an important component in the overall development of every individual. Ideally, we would like to see every child bring to school a well-balanced lunch that pulls from a variety of food groups. If “treat foods” come to school, the child automatically wants to eat those first and often fills up before reaching other healthier foods.
To lessen temptations, and encourage a nutritious diet, we are asking you NOT to send foods with “empty calories.” We respect that each family has their own tastes and favorites, and we prefer not to dictate foods choices with the following exceptions: soda, gum, and candy WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
We will be happy to make lunch suggestions and, if you want, discuss this further. It is not our policy to force your child to each all his/her lunch; however, the leftovers will be sent home so you can see what is not being eaten.
The school provides a nutritious snack at mid-morning. No other food may be brought to school unless stated through a directive from the school.
Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.

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Summer Day Camp 2026 Registration Form

Woodroe Woods Summer Day Camp runs June 8th- July 30th for Kindergarten graduates through 5th grade graduates. Camp is closed on Friday, June 19th for Juneteenth, and Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. Camp Hours are 9am to 4pm and include FREE extended care from 7:00am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm.

Camper Information

We will do our best to buddy your camper. Both parties must include buddy name(s) in order to be grouped together. Children are grouped by age, which allows for better targeting of activities to their interests and abilities.

Registration Information

  • $100 Deposit is due at registration for each session you enroll your camper in, and will be applied to that respective session. Deposit is nonrefundable. Camp is optional and not a part of the academic program.
  • Payment in full is due one month in advance of the session your camper is enrolled in. Payment is to be made via invoice sent to you from accounts@woodroewoods.org.
  • Camp sibling discount: The camnper registered for the most amount of sessions pays the full amount. Camp siblings on the same or reduced schedule receive a 20% discount.
  • Woodroe Elementary sibling(s) with a preschoool sibling receives a combined 10% discount while elementary camper is scheduled to attend.

2026 Themes:

Session 1: Athlete’s Arena: June 8th- June 18th

Week 1: UK International Soccer
Open to all skill levels! Develop fundamentals, enhance teamwork, and boost confidence through expert coaching in a fun and engaging environment.
Week 2: Sports Extravaganza
Challenge yourself with a different sport each day!  This week is for all skill levels and includes various sports, field games, and cooperative activities.

Session 2: Blast From The Past: June 22-July 2

Week 1: Old School Woody (June 22-26)
Step right up for a week of “old school” fun! Campers will tie-dye their own shirts, make friendship bracelets and nature-inspired art and play “old school” games like capture the flag, sack races, and tug of war. Sno Cones on Friday!
Week 2: Groovy Adventure (June 29 – July 2, no camp 7/3)
Not only is it bounce house week, it’s also a  week where peace, love, and creativity rule! Campers will create funky art and crafts, build nature jars  and let their imaginations shine in a laid-back, nature-inspired setting.

Session 3: Fantasy Island:  July 6-July 17

Week 1: Wizardly Wonders: July 6-July 10  Campers will put their wizardry talents to the test by creating their own wizard names and making wands, potions and spell books. There will be opportunities for plenty of STEM, too!
Week 2: Galactic Hero Boot Camp: July 13-17
Campers will tap into their inner galactic hero and defend Woodroe against invaders, create a droid using recycled and STEM materials, and participate in pod racing, oh my!  

Session 4: Creative Expressions: July 20- July 30

Week 1: Masterpieces Makers: July 20-24
Dive into clay and interpretive art. We’re welcoming a Guest Artist for a week of masterpiece making! Campers will explore a variety of exciting art mediums and the week wraps up with an Art Gallery showcasing the campers’ masterpieces in their respective classrooms.
Week 2: Movers & Shakers: July 27 -July 30
Coach Saan returns for a week of drumming and rhythm for our younger campers and some KPOP challenges for our older campers. If you’ve got some beats in your soul, this week is for you!  

Session 1: Athlete's Arena
Session 2: Blast From The Past June 22nd-July 2nd
Session 3: Fantasy Island: July 6th-July 17th
Session 4: Creative Expressions: July 20th- July 30th

Agreement

  • I/We have read the online Summer Camp and Sick Polocies and agree to abide by the procedure detaisl therein.
  • I/We will remit payment via ACH (no charge) or Credit Card (including 3% processing fee). Invoice will be emailed to email addresses provided.
  • I/We give permission for my/our camper to participate in all camp activities.
  • I/We hereby grant permission to Woodroe, Inc. to use photographs and/or video of my/our camper taken at Woodroe Woods in publications, news releases, online, marketing, and in other communcations related to the mission of Woodroe Woods School.

If you have not yet done so, please visit this link to download, read, and complete the Woodroe Woods School K-5th Grade Summer Camp Policies and Procedures.

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This is required in order to submit your camper’s enrollment for Summer Camp 2026.
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