Welcome to School Life
At Keys, fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive community is a long-standing priority. Daily life at school is guided by shared values, clear expectations, and thoughtful routines that help students thrive both academically and personally.
This page outlines key aspects of school life, from daily procedures and community norms to resources that help ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all. Families play an important role in supporting these practices, and we encourage open communication and collaboration as we work together to create a positive environment for every student.
Table of Contents
- Calendar of Major Dates
- Beginning-of-Year Events: Mark Your Calendars!
- Lower & Middle School Regular Hours
- Outdoor Education: Fall Outdoor Education Trip Schedule
- After Care, Extended Day, & Supplemental Care
- Enrichment Classes & Extracurricular Opportunities
- Important Resources
- Homework & Summer Learning
- Daily Life at Keys
Calendar of Major Dates
Click below to view, download, and print the digital version of the 26-27 Calendar:
Beginning of Year Events
Welcome Day
Monday, August 24th
We are excited to invite everyone to drop in to see us on Welcome Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to come spend a few minutes with friends, see classrooms, say hello to teachers, and welcome everyone back from summer vacation. Students should be accompanied by a parent/guardian on Welcome Day, as there is no supervision.
Lower School
8:30 – 9:30 AM – Kindergarten, new students, and families
9:30 – 10:30 AM – Grades K-4 students and families
We invite those who are new to Keys Lower School to come as early as 8:30 AM so that you may have some quiet time on campus. You are welcome to stay until 10:30 AM. We ask those who are more familiar with the Lower School to begin their visit at 9:30 AM to honor the time set aside for those who would benefit from a less busy campus.
Middle School
10:00 -11:00 AM – Grade 5 students, new students, and families
11:00 – 12:00 PM – Grades 5-8 students and families
We invite those new to Keys Middle School to arrive as early as 10:00 AM to get familiar with campus. You are welcome to stay until 12:00 PM. We ask current Middle School families to begin their visit at 11:00 AM to honor the time set aside for those who would benefit from a less busy campus. Class schedules, car placards (for adults), and school-provided supplies will be available for pickup on Welcome Day. If you are not able to join us, all materials mentioned will be available for students on the first day of school as well.
First Day of School & Welcome Coffee
Tuesday, August 25th
This is the first day of school for students! Bring your cameras, and don’t forget that parking will be challenging, so please consider leaving home a few minutes earlier than usual.
Lower School Schedule
The first day of school is always an exciting time. Lower School classroom doors open at 8:15 AM. and classes begin at 8:30 AM. Students should report to their homerooms for the Morning Meeting at this time.
Before School Care is available free of charge starting the first day of school. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM. Please note that any students arriving before 8:15 AM. must check into Before School Care.
Dismissal time for Grades K and 1 is 3:00 PM. Grades 2, 3, and 4 are dismissed at 3:10 PM. More information about pick-up and drop-off instructions will follow in a later mailing. After Care will be available starting the first day of school. As a reminder, students who are not picked up by 3:30 PM. must check into After Care (3:15 – 6:00 PM).
Middle School Schedule
Middle School officially begins at 8:40 AM. Students should report to their advisory rooms on the first day.
Before School drop-off is open, free of charge, starting the first day of school. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM.
Dismissal time for Middle School students begins at 3:15 PM. More information about pick-up instructions will follow. Extended Day Program will be available starting the first day of school. As a reminder, students who are not picked up by 3:45 PM must check into Extended Day (3:45 – 6:00 PM).
First Day of School Welcome Coffee
Tuesday, August 25th
8:30 – 9:00 AM at Lower School
8:45 – 9:15 AM at Middle School
Following the start of morning classes, parents/guardians are invited to join us to celebrate the opening of the new school year with coffee, tea, and conversation.
Fall Picnic
Friday, August 28th
Join us as we kick off another great school year together! Bring the family and start the season with our Fall Picnic at the Lower School campus! This all-community celebration welcomes families, faculty, and guests. Enjoy a catered barbecue dinner (pre-purchase required), listen to music, and spend time with classmates and friends.
We are seeking volunteers to help with the picnic. Please consider signing up here to support registration, food serving, playground oversight, and more. Shifts are short, and your efforts make a huge difference!
Meals will be available to purchase in mid-August; be on the lookout for an email with this information.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate with our school community!
Purchase Meal Tickets Here: Coming Soon
Back to School Nights
Lower School Back-to-School Night | Thursday, September 10 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Lower School Campus
Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for Keys families to hear more about Lower School course design, and classroom practices, and for parents/guardians to gain insights into the macro view of the student experience. More details to come as school begins.
Middle School Back-to-School Night | Thursday, September 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Middle School Campus
Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for Keys families to hear more about Middle School course design, and classroom practices, and for parents/guardians to gain insights into the macro view of the student experience. More details to come as school begins.
School Hours
7:30 AM
Before School Care is available free of charge starting the first day of school. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM
8:15 AM
Classroom doors open.
8:30 AM
Morning Meeting or Gathering
(Students should report to their homerooms)
9 AM
Period 1
9:40 AM
Snack and Morning Recess
10 AM
Period 2
10:45 AM
Period 3
11:30 AM
Recess
12 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM
Period 4
1:15 PM
Period 5
2 PM
Period 6
2:40 PM
Closing Circle
3 PM
Dismissal time for Grades K and 1.
3:10 PM
Dismissal time for Grades 2, 3, and 4.
3:15-6 PM
After Care will be available starting the first day of school for an additional fee. Students who are not picked up by 3:45 PM must check into After Care.
7:30 AM
Before School drop-off is open, free of charge, starting the first day of school. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM
8:40 AM
Advisory/Study Hall/Opening (Assembly)
9:15 AM
Period 1
10:10 AM
First Recess
10:30 AM
Period 2
11:30 AM
Period 3
12:25 AM
Second Recess
12:55 PM
Lunch
1:20 PM
Period 4
2:20 PM
Period 5
3:15-6 PM
Extended Day will be available starting the first day of school for an additional fee. Students who are not picked up by 3:45 PM must check into Extended Day.
Outdoor Education
Each year, our students embark on memorable Outdoor Education adventures, with one trip offered for Kindergarten through Third Grade and two trips—one in the fall and one in the spring—for students in Fourth through Eighth Grade. These experiences support our social-emotional learning goals, helping students develop confidence, collaboration, and resilience.
We are excited to continue this tradition in the 2026–2027 school year with a full schedule of trips for each grade level, all in partnership with Naturalists At Large, our trusted outdoor education provider of over 20 years. While we do not anticipate changes to the dates or locations, all trip details are subject to change and will be communicated via email as needed.
For drivers and chaperones participating in Grades 1-8 Outdoor Education trips, Keys requires mandated reporter training, fingerprinting to be completed two weeks before the scheduled trip. The Outdoor Education Coordinator will provide detailed information as trip departures approach.
Please complete Fall Outdoor Ed Form(s) for Grades 4-8 by August 7th in Magnus.
Happy Valley, Santa Cruz and Point Reyes National Seashore
Eighth Graders will begin their trip with a high ropes course in Santa Cruz on Tuesday (day trip only) before heading to Pt. Reyes for a two night backpacking adventure. Students will hike ocean-view trails, camp at multiple sites, and enjoy time at the beach.
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite
Seventh Graders will explore valley trails, hike the Mist Trail, venture into the Spider Caves, and learn about the park’s history.
Portola Redwoods State Park, La Honda
Sixth Graders will explore redwood and stream ecology, hike local trails, and engage in group challenges.
China Camp State Park, San Rafael
Fifth Graders will learn about the San Francisco Bay ecosystem, hike, stargaze, play beach games, and build connections with classmates and advisors.
Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley
Students will explore local ecology and history while learning about the native plants in the area, hiking through redwoods in Muir Woods, playing games along Muir beach, and sleeping in tents.
After Care, Extended Day,
Supplemental Care & More
Supplemental Care is offered on conference days and professional development days. These days will be spent exploring nature, going on local field trips, and building new connections.
Break Care (K-8)
The school offers Care for Winter Break II and Spring Break. Break Care is subject to cancellation if enrollment is low. Students will participate in activities at the Keys Lower School campus, plus some local field trips.
Each morning Before School Care is available for Lower School students, free of charge from 7:30-8:15 AM. Before School Care consists of quiet games, and arts and crafts. It provides students with a fun place to start their day while also providing parents with flexibility in the morning.
After Care (K-4)
The After Care Program is available for Lower School students Monday-Friday from 3:30-6:00 PM. The After Care Program begins with a snack, followed by an hour of free time. Students then move to structured activities, such as art projects, thinking and cooperative games, science projects, and more. Students registered in After School Enrichment classes check in with After Care before transitioning to After School Enrichment. See below for additional details on After School Enrichment.
Keys Summer Camp (K-3)
Keys Summer Camp is available for Keys students. Camp is designed to help students expand their social circles, develop friendships with students of different age groups, and enhance students’ individual and team skills in a fun environment. New adventures and experiences will enhance the depth of students’ critical and analytical thinking skills. Students enjoy fun-filled weeks of academics, arts, cooking, sports, field trips, and more!
The Extended Day Program offers a quiet space for homework/study hall, Monday - Friday from 3:15-6:00 PM. Healthy snacks are served daily.
Keys offers a variety of seasonal After School Enrichment Classes, including Basketball, Cartooning, Chess, Creative Writing, Fashion Design, Gymnastics, Robotics/Coding, Wizbots, and Zumba. Classes run for 8 weeks in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, typically from 3:30–4:30/5:00 PM, and require an additional fee. Students go to After Care for a snack before transitioning to their enrichment class.
Middle School students may join after-school sports teams that compete in the instructional West Bay Athletic League (WBAL), where all players receive playing time (except during playoffs). Sports offerings include cross-country, flag football, basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, swimming, and golf. Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–4:45 PM. Games may occur any weekday with varied start times and locations. Parents are encouraged to model respectful and supportive behavior at all events.
Design & Engineering Program
Held once a week after school, this hands-on program welcomes students interested in making, building, and incorporating tech into projects. Fall athletes can participate with minimal scheduling conflicts.
B.I.G Tuesday & Thursday
Beginning Instrumental Groups meet before school (7:45–8:30 AM) on their designated day and are open to all skill levels. Students rehearse and perform in ensembles directed by our Middle School music teacher, with performances at seasonal concerts and community events.
Middle School Choir
Open to all vocalists, the choir meets Wednesday mornings from 7:45–8:30 AM. Students develop vocal skills across genres and perform at concerts and school events, led by our Middle School Music Teacher.
Middle School Musical or Play
Open to all students, the annual production offers roles in acting, dance, set and costume design, sound, and more. Led by our Theatre Arts & Dance teacher, the musical invites students to collaborate creatively and share their talents with the community.
Important Resources
All School Communication
On Campus
Transportation & Parking
Happenings
Homework & Summer Learning
Homework
Homework at Keys is both limited and purposeful, meant to help students reinforce skills learned in class, prepare for an upcoming lesson, promote responsibility, and create a connection between school instruction and the home/family setting. Homework is assigned for specific purposes and is often differentiated to meet students’ needs. Because students learn and process information at different paces, students may spend more or less time on homework assignments than the times outlined below.
The following are only estimates of the amount of time students can expect to spend on homework.
Lower School
Lower School students are either given their assignments for the week or on a day-by-day basis, depending upon grade level.
Grades K–1 generally have very limited assigned homework. We do suggest that parents/guardians spend 10 to 20 minutes each evening reading to the child, listening to the child read, and discussing the child’s day.
Grades 2–4 receive homework to reinforce and practice skills and to complete special projects. In addition to daily reading, students might have homework in math, spelling, and writing. Second-, third-, and fourth-graders average 20 to 45 minutes of assigned homework and reading.
Middle School
Middle School students are encouraged to record their assignments in their planners as they receive them. Assignments are also available on the school’s Learning Management System, Toddle (login instructions coming soon).
Grades 5–6 should expect about 45-75 minutes of homework at night (including reading).
Grades 7–8 should expect about 1-2 hours of homework per night (including reading).
Summer Learning
Lower School
At the beginning of each summer, students in Lower School grades receive a packet of optional learning with review work and activities.
Middle School
At the beginning of each summer, grades 5-8 receive a link to summer learning. Reading and Math Reviews are required for all Middle School grades. World Language Review is required for students entering grades 6-8.
Periodic assemblies occur for Keys students on “D” days either in the Gym or in Fellowship Hall. Some assemblies are for the entire school, while others are specific to Lower or Middle School. The assemblies may include plays by a specific grade level, guest performers, student presentations/projects, and presenters.
Every day, each Lower School class gathers for a Morning Meeting in its classroom to begin the day and a Closing Circle at the end of each day. On Wednesday mornings, Lower School gathers in Fellowship Hall for Gathering, a division-wide Morning Meeting to celebrate achievements, share special occurrences, recognize birthdays, and other notable events.
The Middle School faculty and student body gather weekly in the gym for a morning assembly to share information and relate as a whole community.
Lower School
Birthdays are acknowledged for Lower School students at each grade level. Homeroom teachers will share additional information about celebrations at the beginning of the year.
Middle School
Birthdays are acknowledged for Middle School students at each grade level. Advisors will share additional information about celebrations at the beginning of the year.
Keys encourages cross-grade level relationships that build family-like connections among the students. Each grade level is paired with another grade level for year-long activities. The buddies meet on designated “D” days for games, art projects, service learning opportunities, or other shared activities.
Occasionally, grade levels will celebrate events or holidays in their classrooms. Teachers and Grade Level Team Leads will be in touch with Room Parents for any treatment requests.
There are three Middle School dances throughout the year. The first two are for students in grades seventh and eighth only. Grade six students are invited to the last dance of the year. The dances are supervised by Keys faculty and are held in the Gym.
Field trips are planned to correspond with our curriculum and greatly enrich learning and broaden the classroom. Destinations include museums, parks, and other cultural, historical, or pertinent sites are scheduled throughout the year. Teachers notify parents of upcoming trips via email, and they are also posted on KeysNet and included in the Wednesday Letter. For the safety of everyone in our community, additional verifications and/or testing is required for field trip volunteers and chaperones.
As an aspect of our P.E. program, all Keys students participate in ice skating at Winter Lodge during January, February, or March. Students with little or no experience will be given beginning instruction. All students are encouraged to wear helmets, long pants, and gloves while on the ice. Lower School students are required to wear helmets.
An ethic of service and a commitment to an understanding and awareness of the global community are important aspects of a Keys education. Beginning in kindergarten, students participate in a variety of service learning lessons and activities. Following these experiences, students spend time reflecting upon them and learn about themselves as well as those they serve.
The Student Council coordinates several days each year that are designated school spirit days. Students and adults may participate in events such as “wild hair” day or school color days.
Twice a year, Middle School students elect Student Council members. The Council plans events, discusses issues, and provides a forum for student ideas and leadership.
Homeroom – Lower School
In Lower School, each grade level has a homeroom teacher who is the primary point of contact between school and home. The homeroom teacher teaches Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math, and provides overall guidance to each student.
Advisory – Middle School
In Middle School, each student belongs to a small advisory group. Advisors form a close relationship with their advisees and offer students academic support and organization skills, build a sense of cohesion and team, and, in conjunction with the school counselor, address the social/emotional needs of the students. Advisors serve as a primary point of communication between school and home.
Happy Summer, We Can’t Wait to See You!