Early Childhood Campus (ECC)
Preschool Admissions
Early Childhood Campus
For Children ages 2 years through TK level
The Right Time to Apply
Benchmarks are important as you consider the right time to apply for your child. Applicants must be 2 years old and on their way towards being toilet trained by their intended first day of school.
The first day for preschoolers is flexible in anticipation of developmental benchmarks which will be different for each child. If you have questions about your child’s preschool readiness, please reach out! We’d love to have a conversation with you.
Simple Application Process
The first step is to join us for a campus tour by registering for one online. Once you’ve seen our magical campus and decided that The Berkeley School is right for your family, submit your application online.
We will be in touch with you to schedule your family’s screening with our team. We have varying admissions timelines to support each family’s needs, so please choose the one that is relevant and right for you.
Step 1
Join an Admissions Event ↓
Step 2
Complete Application ↓
Step 3
Prepare Materials↓
Step 4
Apply for Tuition ↓
Step 5
Schedule Assessment ↓
Step 1
Join us for an Admissions Event
RSVP for a Campus Tour and/or register for the next Community Playdate.
Campus Tours allow visitors to see our campus and step into the daily experiences of our students. It is an opportunity to ask specific questions about our curriculum, learning outcomes, student support, student life, and more.
Tours are led by the Preschool Director and Enrollment Manager every Tuesday 10-11am at our Early Childhood Campus, 2030 Francisco Street.
Community Playdates are a great way to connect with our Early Childhood Community and explore our certified wildlife habitat outdoor classroom.
Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10-11am
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10-11am
Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10-11am
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 10-11am
Saturday, April 10, 2025, 10-11am
Step 2
Complete Online Application
After you’ve had a chance to meet our team and get a better sense of the school, the next step is to submit an application.
Note, there is an $85 application fee for Standard Applicants.
Early Action Applicants must meet all Early Action deadlines for priority consideration. Applications need to be submitted by November 30, 2024 (Reduced $65 application fee).
Application fee waivers may be available for families who qualify. Please contact Rachel Silvas for consideration.
Step 3
Prepare Additional Materials
Materials needed from TK Applicants Only
Teacher Recommendation (if applicable)
Transitional Kindergarten applicants need to have (1) Teacher Evaluation Form (from current preschool.)
Supporting Documentation (if applicable)
Transitional Kindergarten Applicants should send any additional supporting documents which may include the following: Testing for GATE, O.T. evaluations, 504 plans, IEP, or any other type of outside enrichment/support the student might be receiving.
Step 4
Apply for Individual Family Tuition (Optional)
Apply online for Individualized Family Tuition if you think you’ll need it. We understand that these are uncertain times financially for some, so we invite the conversation about planning financially for enrollment.
Applying for 2025-26?
IFT enrollment must be completed by Tuesday, January 21, 2025
(Early Action by December 1, 2024)*
If you have questions about the process or paperwork, please reach out to our Individual Family Tuition program ift@theberkeleyschool.org.
Step 5
Schedule Child Visit
The final step in the process is to schedule your child visit with our team.
Our child visits are a way to determine your child’s readiness to start preschool and will be conducted on campus. We will observe them as they interact with activities alongside a teacher.
Additionally, a member of our administration team will take time to connect with all parenting adults to answer any questions. We understand it may take a few minutes for your child to get comfortable in a new setting. It is completely normal!
If you log into your Ravenna Account, you should see ECC Child Visit as part of the Additional Steps in our application process to Register for an Event.
Please reach out if you are having trouble scheduling your appointment.
Please see below for our Early Action, Standard, and Rolling Admissions windows.
Early Action Application
Apply Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 ↓
Standard Application
Apply Dec. 1 – Jan. 18 ↓
Rolling Application
Apply Jan. 19 – Rolling ↓
Early Action Application
Our Early Action Application begins on October 1, 2024 and is for families who are certain that they want to enroll their preschooler at The Berkeley School and want to get a jump start on securing a space should it be offered after the application process.
Early Action is limited to applicants who will be at least 2.0 years old by September 1 of the following year.
Early Action applicants must attend their Child Visit prior to winter break.
- Submit an application by November 30, 2024* for the following Summer/Fall start.
- Apply for Individual Family Tuition through Clarity, if interested.
- Register for Child Visit on December 15th through Ravenna portal.
- Receive an admissions decision on December 20th
- Receive an enrollment contract on January 16th
- Contract due back by January 30th
Application fee waivers may be available for families who qualify. Please contact Rachel Silvas for consideration.
Standard Application
Applicants must be at least 2.0 years old by September 1 of the following year.
- Submit an application by January 19, 2025
- Apply for Individual Family Tuition through Clarity, if interested.
- Register for Child Visit on February 9th through Ravenna portal
- Receive an enrollment contract on February 13th
Rolling Application
Our Rolling Admissions Application begins on January 19, 2025. At The Berkeley School, we understand that flux is inevitable, especially with preschoolers. Our youngest applicants are ready when they are ready which might not follow a school timeline.
We also welcome families who are relocating to the area at times that may not align with the typical preschool timeline. Rolling admissions applies to the current school year in which we are operating. It can also apply to families who are applying for the upcoming school year after the priority and standard deadline has passed. Either way, we welcome your application!
This application process is open, on a space available basis, to applicants ages 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old who submit their application after January 19, 2025. It is on an individual basis but typically the timeline follows below:
- You submit an application after January 19, 2025
- Apply for Individual Family Tuition through Clarity, if interested.
- Register for Child Visit through Ravenna portal
- Receive an admissions decision within one week from child visit
- Contract and deposit due back within 72 hours to confirm enrollment
Application fee waivers may be available for families who qualify. Please contact Rachel Silvas for consideration.
About Our Early Childhood Program
For ages 2 years – TK
Our Early Childhood program is based on the premise that young children flourish with gentle guidance and the freedom to work at their own pace.
Enrollment Contact
The enrollment team can answer your questions about the different programs.
Rachel Silvas
Early Childhood Enrollment Manager
Ages 2-6 Enrollment
Contact:
(510) 665-8800 x144
rsilvas@theberkeleyschool.org
Campus:
Early Childhood Campus
2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
What Matters in Education is:
“Fostering a love of learning through individuality and engagement.”