Discover the Golden Hills Difference
Golden Hills School is a fully accredited, private, non-profit school offering a dynamic and well-rounded education for students from Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade. As an independently managed school—not part of a corporate chain—we are able to stay focused on what matters most: your child’s growth and success.
At Golden Hills, we believe that education works best when it’s a true partnership between students, families, and educators. This collaborative spirit shapes everything we do, creating a supportive community where children are known, challenged, and inspired every day.
Our approach combines academic excellence with character development, social-emotional growth, and physical wellness. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and individualized instruction, students are encouraged to move at their own pace and reach their full potential. We challenge students according to their ability, not just their grade level—ensuring every learner is engaged, supported, and thriving.
Beyond core academics, we offer a rich selection of enrichment programs, including art, music, dance, drama, Spanish, technology, and daily physical education taught by a full-time PE specialist. Our campus includes a full gym, athletic fields, and a stage for student performances—creating opportunities for students to explore interests, discover new passions, and shine in their own way.
Our athletics program is robust, with participation in county sports like basketball, volleyball, football, wrestling, and cross country, along with specialty clinics in sports like golf and basketball. These programs build not only physical skills, but also confidence, teamwork, and leadership.
At Golden Hills School, we are committed to delivering a complete education—one that balances academics, character, creativity, and community. We invite you to visit our campus and see firsthand what makes Golden Hills a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.
History of Golden Hills School
Golden Hills School (GHS) was founded in February 1992
By local educators Brant and Caralyn Choate, originally as a small tutorial service. What began as a modest educational support program quickly transformed into a one-room, multi-age school committed to high academic standards and personalized learning.
As demand for a high-quality, independent educational experience grew in the El Dorado Hills area, GHS relocated to rented space in the El Dorado Hills Business Park and expanded its teaching staff to meet the needs of an increasing student body.
In 1998, the Choates partnered with Mary and Wil Agatstein to further support the school’s rapid growth. By 2001, their joint vision and generosity—combined with the support of a growing community of dedicated GHS families—enabled the school to move to its current six-and-a-half-acre campus on Suncast Lane. In 2002, the Choate and Agatstein families gifted the school to the GHS Academy, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, officially transitioning GHS into an independent, non-profit school.
To support long-term sustainability, a coalition of GHS families formed a limited liability company that developed the school’s new facility. In 2007, GHS purchased the buildings and surrounding property from these families under favorable terms. A year later, in 2008, the campus was expanded to include a natural grass athletic field, adding to a robust physical education and athletics program.
Today, Golden Hills School serves students from Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade, with an enrollment of approximately 150 students. Our 22,000-square-foot campus includes three interconnected buildings that house:
- A multipurpose building with a performance stage, full kitchen, and dedicated art and music studios
- An administrative and elementary classroom building
- A middle school facility with a science lab, computer lab, and classrooms for grades 4–8
The campus also features two playgrounds, a blacktop recess area, a learning garden, and athletic fields—providing a safe and enriching environment for students to thrive academically, socially, and physically.
Golden Hills School is proudly positioned in the heart of El Dorado Hills, just off the Highway 50 corridor, making it easily accessible from surrounding communities including Folsom, Cameron Park, and the greater Sacramento area.
As a fully accredited, independent school, GHS continues to honor the values it was founded upon:
- Small class sizes with an average of 16–17 students
- Ability-based instruction tailored to each child’s academic level
- Daily physical education, taught by a full-time instructor
- A strong foundation in character education, leadership, and community service
Enrichment programs, including music, art, Spanish, computer science, and a vibrant athletics program, round out a complete education that emphasizes intellectual growth, personal development, and a love of learning.
GHS is guided by a Board of Trustees, composed of current and alumni parents with expertise in business, finance, education, technology, and healthcare. The board oversees long-term strategic planning and works closely with the Head of School, who manages daily operations and leads a professional faculty and staff.
Our faculty team includes credentialed, experienced educators, part-time specialists, and instructional aides who provide individualized support, ensuring each child’s academic and emotional success.
Golden Hills School is also proud of its diverse and inclusive school community, with a balanced gender ratio and over 55% of students and 22% of faculty identifying as people of color. This diversity enriches our classrooms and helps students develop cultural awareness and global perspective.
Finally, one of GHS’s greatest strengths lies in its deeply engaged parent and alumni community, whose time, talents, and generosity have been instrumental in the school’s success for over three decades. From classroom support and field trips to major events like the Fall Feast, Fund Run, and Annual Auction, our volunteers bring energy and heart to everything we do.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving, mission-driven educational institution, Golden Hills School continues to prepare students to be confident learners, compassionate leaders, and responsible citizens.