Name: Leah 

Graduation Year: 2025

Middle School: Bentley

Hometown: Oakland 

What advice would you give to 8th graders applying to high school? The best advice I can give is to just be yourself during the application process. Don’t try to pretend to be something you're not, you’re looking for a school that matches the real you. Everything you are doing is enough as long as you really show the school your true personality and interests.

Why did you choose College Prep? The community. I remember when I was applying to CPS, the ambassadors and teachers would talk about how amazing the community is, and, now that I'm on the other side, I get to say...it’s true! I always knew I wanted to be part of a tight-knit community of people who really care about what they are doing, and that's what I've found at Prep.

 

Biggest difference between middle school and high school? The biggest difference for me between middle school and high school is the freedom and flexibility that high school offers. It's definitely a lot more independence, but that also comes with increased responsibility.

Campus Involvement: I am a member of both the women's tennis team and the women's swim team. Joining the tennis team was one of the best decisions I made all year. Because fall sports begin two weeks before school starts, I was able to meet people before actually beginning my freshman year. This made my social transition to CPS easy and smooth. During the tennis season, I was able to form deep relationships with each of the fifteen girls on my team. I never would have thought that I could become so close with upperclassmen in that way. The girls on the tennis team have not stopped talking about how excited we are to welcome the new members to our team and that speaks to the openness of our community. Unlike at my middle school, many of my friends are outside my own grade. I am also a member of Jewish Student Union. JSU is a great place to get to connect with other Jewish members of the CPS community as well as a place to organize important fundraisers, drives and to take other action to help the greater Bay Area community. I’ve participated in Chorus and Photography. I love the choral director, Tina, and the warm community she creates in both AVE and Chorus. It really feels like a family. 

 

What has been your favorite class so far (and why)? My favorite class in ninth grade was Physics with Ms. Stanton. It was probably the hardest class I’ve ever taken, so I never imagined that I would say that it was my favorite. But it was my favorite because it was so challenging and so rewarding. A special thing about CPS is that when things are difficult, you can get help. I met with my teacher one-on-one every single week and James from the learning center whenever possible. It was such an important lesson: that it is hard, but it is clear, and it is worth it. The Physics curriculum is intentionally developed to help you to build up skills that you will use in every aspect of your time at College Prep. Everything is clear, there is no “busy work". Each assignment has a purpose and is teaching you something. In all honesty, yes, sometimes Physics was stressful but, in the end, I learned so much - not just actual Physics but also how to organize my studying and get help when I need it. 

 

What is your favorite thing about College Prep? My favorite thing about College Prep is the people that I've met and the relationships that I've built. I already know that many of these relationships will last a lifetime even though I’m just getting started. I really appreciate that at College Prep I feel safe and accepted there and I am excited to go to school every morning. Even on really hard days, I am genuinely excited to show up to campus every morning (I mean, it is gorgeous!) and see the people that I love. 

  

What is your favorite place on campus (and why)? My favorite place is definitely the Scott buildings at the top of campus. There is a gorgeous big tree and picnic benches to sit on. It is probably the most peaceful part of campus too.

  

1. I can curl my tongue in the shape of a clover. 

2. My parents are both professional musicians. 

3. I have traveled to 23 states.