Challenger School - Middlefield

4.4
48 reviews
Challenger School - Middlefield | Private School in Palo Alto, California

About

Private SchoolPreschoolKindergartenMiddle SchoolElementary SchoolChallenger School
Challenger School has been inspiring children to achieve since 1963. Challenger School Middlefield is a Palo Alto private school with unmatched academic results. Our students scored in the top 10% nationally on the 2024 Iowa Assessment. Start early and start right. Explore our preschool curriculum. We offer preschool year-round from as early as 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our preschool programs are a surprisingly affordable alternative to daycare and can fit with your schedule. Children 2 years and 9 months or older are eligible for our preschool programs. Our Middlefield campus offers elementary school for kindergarten through eighth grade. Schedule a tour today to discover the Challenger difference. Conveniently located in Palo Alto, CA.

Details

  • Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable

Location

Challenger School - Middlefield
3880 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA
94303, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.4
48 reviews
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  • WT
    Warren Tang
    6 days ago
    5.0
    Choosing the Challenger School at Middlefield Campus for our daughter's preschool has been the best decision we could have made for her. Our younger daughter joined as the youngest student in her class, and like any parents, we were initially anxious about how she would adapt to a new environment. Those worries disappeared almost immediately thanks to the incredible staff. Her teachers, Ms. Azita and Ms. Melissa, are truly wonderful. They treat our daughter with genuine affection, patience, and kindness every single day. Whether it’s a tough morning or a moment of nerves, they take the time to speak gently and make her feel safe. It speaks volumes that she comes home every day with a smile on her face (and clean clothes!). She is now at a point where she looks forward to school and comes home "bubbling" with stories about her day. The school is led by a fantastic team. Mrs. Sharon, the Director, maintains open, transparent, and warm communication with us, providing timely updates on our daughter's progress. The Headmaster, Mrs. Outhabong, is equally kind; her habit of greeting our daughter with a warm hug makes her feel loved and secure from the moment she walks in. The results in just three months have been astounding: she went from not recognizing letters to proudly winning the "Alphabet Crown." She can now count numbers clearly and confidently. Beyond academics, we’ve seen a huge spark in her curiosity and creativity. She is eager to explore new activities and is constantly comparing and questioning the world around her. We have full confidence that our daughter will continue to thrive here. Thank you, Challenger, for nurturing her growth and making her feel so at home!
  • JW
    JJ W
    Dec 29, 2025
    5.0
    Our daughter transferred to Challenger Middlefield one month into her 4th-grade year. Transitioning from a public school after the term had already begun was a significant shift, but the warm welcome from Ms. Madhavi and her homeroom teacher, Mrs. Markaj, helped her integrate into the Challenger family almost immediately. Academically, the grammar curriculum was a new challenge, especially starting a few weeks behind the rest of the class. We were initially concerned, but we were quickly put at ease by the school’s proactive support. The after-school learning help sessions were a game-changer; the teachers provided the targeted practice she needed to bridge the gap and build her confidence. By the end of the year, her hard work paid off so well that she even earned a scholarship. Now in 5th grade, she is thriving under Mrs. Sakthivel’s care. Mrs. Sakthivel is incredibly responsible and maintains excellent communication with us, providing frequent updates and encouragement. We also remain deeply impressed by Ms. Madhavi; seeing students greet her with hugs during our initial tour spoke volumes about the school’s nurturing environment. Finally, the Science Fair is a standout experience. Having volunteered as a judge, I was impressed by the depth of the students' research and presentations. My daughter’s own project on ant behavior allowed her to move through the entire scientific process—from research to live observation to final report. It’s a fantastic way to foster a genuine interest in STEM.
  • XH
    Xiaolin Huang
    Dec 28, 2025
    5.0
    Both of my children attend Challenger Middlefield, and I wanted to share my positive experience with the school. The academic foundation provided is so strong that they do not require outside tutoring, which allows them more time for sports, reading, Ballet and Art. The teachers are super wonderful. My children told me their teachers' instructions were interesting, and my children really love going to school. The office staff is also nice and very supportive. They took great care of my children. They helped check their temperature and monitored them and let me know if I needed to pick them up. The director and headmaster are highly responsible too. Challenger Middlefield helped my children become more respectful, independent, and confident over the last three years. It is truly a great school, and I am very happy with the environment it provides for my children.
  • RK
    Rohit Kumar
    Dec 24, 2025
    5.0
    Our kid is graduating 8th grade this year, bringing an end to a wonderful journey at Challenger that began back in preschool. As we prepare him for high school, we can clearly see how the school’s foundation has shaped him into a confident, academic student. We are particularly grateful for the leadership of Mrs. Rita. She has cultivated an environment of discipline and academic rigor that is consistent and supportive. Her leadership ensures that the school delivers on its promise of excellence every single day. On the academic front, I want to specifically thankful to middle school math teacher Mrs. Rusu. She did not just teach the curriculum; she ignited a genuine passion for mathematics in our kid . Thanks to her encouragement and teaching style, he developed the confidence to pursue competitive math, which has become a huge part of his identity. Equally impactful was Mrs. Basler in Language Arts. Writing and composition are critical skills, and she helped our kid refine his voice and structure his thoughts effectively. Her guidance has been instrumental as he writes his high school admission essays this year. Challenger has prepared our kid not just for high school, but for life. We are thankful to the entire team for these 11 enriching years.
  • ZZ
    Zack Zhang
    Dec 18, 2025
    5.0
    My child has been at Challenger for several years, and our experience has been truly wonderful. Challenger places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. While many people may hold different views, I still believe that academics are the most important foundation for a child’s future. I was genuinely surprised when my child, in second grade, was able to write a seven-page story complete with illustrations and even a copyright page—something I certainly could not have done at that age. Challenger has outstanding teachers. Mrs. Markaj is an example. She recently directed a Christmas performance with the music teachers. The children performed six songs, each with different formations, props, and movements, showcasing a variety of beautiful voices. The children are very well organized and performed with innocence and joy. I can imagine that Mrs. Markaj must have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into designing and practicing the performance—with wisdom, love, and great patience. When you see children learning, playing, feeling happy, and steadily making progress, you know they are guided by a truly exceptional teacher. Ms. Madhavi Adavikolanu has also deeply impressed me with her care and love for the children. Whenever I see her—whether during drop-off or around campus—she always greets everyone with a warm smile. When she talks about the children, her eyes shine with genuine care and affection. Working with children is not easy, and those who can do it with joy must have a truly loving heart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Challenger School - Middlefield

What types of educational programs does Challenger School - Middlefield offer?

Challenger School - Middlefield offers preschool programs for children 2 years and 9 months or older, as well as elementary education from kindergarten through eighth grade.

What are the operating hours of Challenger School - Middlefield?

The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.