About

Who We Are

The Seven Hills School is a learning community with a mission to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world.

Nurturing the
Whole Child

At Seven Hills, education is about more than academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. We see, respect, and support each student as an individual, helping them grow not just in knowledge but in confidence, empathy, and resilience.

From the wonder-filled days of our Reggio-inspired Preschool to the culminating moments of our robust Middle School program, we inspire students to think boldly, love learning, and engage deeply with a world of ideas, questions, people, and possibilities. At Seven Hills, learning is an active adventure, relationships are the foundation, and every child is empowered to discover their full potential.

Our Creed

We believe that the way we learn and grow is just as important as what we learn. From the youngest age, Seven Hills students are guided by these simple yet powerful tenets—values that shape our learning community:

Be respectful
Be responsible
Be honest
Be caring
Be positive
Be mindful
Be grateful

A Brief History

Seven Hills began as a dream—a vision shared by a group of East Bay parents in 1962 who wanted a different kind of educational experience for their children, one that blended academic excellence with character-building. They founded St. Stephen’s School, with 11 students in preschool through 2nd grade, with the hope of creating a place where children would not only gain knowledge but also develop confidence, resilience, and joy.

In its early years, the school was located in Orinda, but as it grew, it needed a more permanent home. That search led to the rolling hills of Walnut Creek, where the school settled on the picturesque Seven Hills Ranch in 1966 and changed its name to Canterbury Day School. Inspired by the natural splendor of its surroundings, school leaders embraced a new name in 1973: The Seven Hills School.

As word spread, more families were drawn to Seven Hills’ mission, and its community grew and strengthened. In 2015, Kathleen McNamara became Head of School, inspired by the strength of the faculty, the depth of the community, the success of its graduates, and the limitless possibilities ahead.

What began as a small school built on a bold dream has grown into a thriving community of over 420 students and 270 families, with an alumni network that continues to shape communities near and far. For more than 60 years, Seven Hills has remained steadfast in its commitment to student-centered learning. While much has changed since those early days, the heart of Seven Hills remains the same—a strong community where every child feels known, valued, and supported.

ECE Parent

The Seven Hills School had been top of mind for our family since we very first considered moving to the East Bay. From its inspiring founding story to its thoughtful educational approach and community-driven mission, Seven Hills stood out as an exceptional environment where our children could thrive.
975 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.