Presidio Knolls School

Before graduation comes a unique PKS Tradition—the Stamping Ceremony. This is when Head of Middle School Mike Levy and Head of School Chris Livaccari sign and stamp each Grade 8 diploma by hand, making them official before tomorrow’s graduation ceremony.

A quiet moment behind the scenes. A big step toward high school.

Today, students from P3 through Grade 8 gathered for the PKS Stepping Up Ceremony. Together, they watched a slideshow of moments from the year and celebrated the many transitions ahead.

For some, a new classroom. For others, a new division. For Grade 8, high school.

A recent Ginkgo Gala auction item won by one of our preschool families gave a whole preschool class of 17 students a chance to join Chris Livaccari as Co-Heads of School. They spent the day interviewing faculty and students, visiting classrooms and offices, and offering their thoughts on the future of PKS.

Throughout the year, students took time to write notes of appreciation and encouragement to one another. Now covering classroom windows, these messages offer a glimpse into the relationships that make a school feel like a community. Kindness, courage, and curiosity showed up in different ways through these simple yet meaningful notes.

A reminder that what students learn from one another can be just as meaningful as what they learn in class.

Back in April, one of our Grade 6 students, Sasha, earned 2nd place at the 2026 National Chinese Speech Contest (NCSC) in the Grades 6–8 World Language Learners category (as opposed to the Ethnically Chinese learners category).

This week, her trophy officially arrived!

Sasha has developed a real love for learning Mandarin, and this is yet another meaningful milestone in her language learning journey. She’s expressed excitement towards her chance to use her Mandarin language and communications skills in grades 7 and 8, when the PKS Travels program takes them to Taiwan and China. Congratulations, Sasha!

Pajamas, stuffies, and favorite books in hand.

Today, PKS students and teachers took part in a Read-a-thon, spending a few quiet moments of the school day reading together and celebrating the joy of books.

Our 5th graders returned from Sierra STEM this week, closing our our PKS Travels program for the school year.

Between environmental studies, outdoor challenges, and life away from campus together, students discovered something many PKS Travels students eventually do: they are capable of more than they thought.

One student reflected during the closing campfire:
“After more firewood was added to the pit, the fire got bigger. Metaphorically, that’s how our friendships grew after this camping trip.”

Banners up. Legacy growing.

At the PKS’s inaugural Sports Banquet, five championship banners were officially revealed for 2024 JV Basketball, 2025 JV Volleyball, 2025 Varsity Basketball, 2026 Varsity Volleyball, and 2026 Girls Basketball.

The celebration brought together players, coaches, families, and alumni for a friendly community volleyball match, plenty of cheering, and a chance to celebrate the growing spirit and pride behind PKS athletics.

Parents, teachers, & students put their STEM skills to the test at this year’s PKS STEM Festival.

From engineering activities to problem-solving stations and diorama displays, the morning gave families a chance to experience the curiosity, experimentation, and critical thinking that students engage with every day at PKS.

Registration is now open for PKS Summer Camp ☀️

This summer, students can spend their days building friendships, staying active, and exploring new interests in a school environment designed just for them.

From enrichment classes, games, outdoor movement, and creative exploration, PKS Summer Camp is built to feel like summer, with all the connection and care families know from the school year. Come experience our school in the summer!

Mandarin and English camps available.

https://www.presidioknolls.org/kinder-summer-camp-pks-26