Business Details
44 Years
experience
Courtyard Private School: Nurturing Scholars, Artists & Leaders
Courtyard Private School has been dedicated to developing scholars, artists, and leaders since 1982. Our Sacramento-based institution provides a balanced, challenging curriculum with small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for every student. We emphasize a liberal arts approach, integrating Spanish, drama, music, and visual arts into daily learning. Frequent field trips and hands-on science instruction extend education beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity and practical application.Our all-inclusive tuition model covers academics, meals, extracurricular activities, and enrichment programs. With a strong focus on community service and social-emotional learning, we cultivate compassionate, confident individuals prepared for top-tier high schools and lifelong success. Our experienced faculty tailors instruction to individual needs, creating a nurturing environment where students thrive academically, creatively, and personally.
Services
Transitional Kindergarten
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
3rd-4th Grade
5th-6th Grade
Middle School
Spanish Instruction
Physical Education
Extended Care
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for each student.
- Our curriculum integrates frequent field trips for hands-on learning experiences.
- We provide all-inclusive tuition covering academics, meals, and extracurricular activities.
- Our school emphasizes community service and leadership development.
- We foster a nurturing environment with a focus on social-emotional learning.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated teachers
Engaging field trips
Individualized attention
Well-rounded curriculum
Services
Transitional Kindergarten
Our Transitional Kindergarten program offers a full-day curriculum designed for 4-year-olds, focusing on early academic and social skills. Through play-based learning, students develop cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities in a nurturing environment. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, preparing children for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Middle School
Courtyard's award-winning Middle School challenges students academically while fostering creativity and leadership. Small class sizes allow personalized learning, with hands-on activities, novel studies, science labs, and frequent field trips. Students receive instruction in life skills, coding, and advanced arts, preparing them for rigorous high school programs.
Extended Care
Our Extended Care program operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering breakfast, homework support, and enriching activities. Students participate in clubs, sports, and creative projects, with structured study halls ensuring academic progress in a safe, engaging environment.
Summer Camp
Courtyard Summer Camp provides themed weeks of educational and recreational activities for ages 5 through 8th grade. Campers enjoy daily academics, field trips, and creative projects, with flexible hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Specialty camps include robotics, coding, and performing arts.
Spanish Instruction
Spanish instruction spans all grades, combining songs, storytelling, and structured grammar lessons. Students gain cultural appreciation and language proficiency through immersive activities, with advanced learners participating in Spanish club for deeper exploration of Hispanic heritage.
People
Melissa Krause
Principal
Melissa Krause, Courtyard's principal, holds a Master's in Educational Psychology and 13 years of experience at the school. She prioritizes student creativity and individuality, fostering a supportive environment. Outside work, she enjoys outdoor activities and family time.
Dr. Chris Smith
Vice Principal / Business Manager
Dr. Chris Smith brings 30 years of educational leadership experience, including a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. He coached championship sports teams and enjoys camping and outdoor adventures during downtime.
Jennifer Mattson
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Mattson founded Courtyard's TK program in 2008 and has taught here for 20 years. She emphasizes social-emotional development and creative expression, enjoying hiking, cooking, and collecting quirky houseplants outside the classroom.
Heather Dominguez
Middle School Teacher
Heather Dominguez, a 12-year Courtyard staff member, teaches middle school and directs athletics. Passionate about nurturing critical thinkers, she coordinates STEAM fairs and enjoys comic books, anime, and mentoring students' growth into compassionate leaders.
Anthony Tavianini
Music Teacher
Anthony Tavianini, Courtyard's new music teacher, holds degrees from Sacramento State and the University of San Francisco. A prominent local performer, he brings expertise in vocal jazz and musical theater, enjoying yoga and outdoor activities in his free time.
Questions
What grades does Courtyard Private School offer?
Courtyard serves students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing a multiage educational program with small class sizes and individualized attention.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, Courtyard offers tuition assistance programs, multiple-child discounts, and prepayment options to make our all-inclusive education accessible to families.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We provide after-school clubs, sports leagues, performing arts, robotics, and specialty camps, along with extended care from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How does Courtyard support academic success?
Our small class sizes allow teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs, combining core academics with hands-on learning, frequent field trips, and specialized programs in arts and languages.
Can non-Courtyard students attend summer camp?
Yes, our summer camp is open to both Courtyard and non-Courtyard students, featuring themed weeks, academic enrichment, and activities from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
