Preschool Application Process

Currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year!

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. 

Early Action Process

Early Action 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.

Families apply by November 30, 2023* for the following summer/fall start. Applicants will go through their screening process and have an admissions decision before the winter break*. Enrollment contracts are for admitted early action students are sent in December to ensure that your child will have space in the summer/fall.*

Application fee waivers apply to all applicants who meet our Early Action deadline.


 * 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 also go through the screening process prior to winter break.

Priority Application Process
At The Berkeley School, we pride ourselves on being a school for the entire family. As such, we welcome applications from families who have children already enrolled at TBS. Although we already know your family and our team may have even spent time with your child, we know that each of your children is unique in their learning, curiosity and disposition. That’s why we get to know siblings in their own right through individual screenings. With respect to enrollment, our early action timeline for siblings allows families to have an admission decision before the winter break so that they can have all their children enroll at the same time. 

Application fee waivers apply to all sibling applicants of a current TBS student.

Rolling Admissions Process

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 deadline has passed. Either way, we welcome your application!  Families can choose the 10-month contract option which spans a typical school year from September through June. Depending on when you enroll, the summer program may be available. Our team will work with you individually if summer enrollment is of interest. 

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 the priority application deadline has passed.

  • Application fee $85
  • Application for Individual Family Tuition if you plan to apply.
  • In-person/Virtual Screening Day by appointment
  • Decisions announced within 48 hours of completed checklist
  • Enrollment contracts issued within 72 hours of completed checklist
  • Contract and Deposit due a week from issue date

Application fee waivers may be available for families who qualify. Please contact Lamar Johnson for consideration.

Financial Planning for Enrollment

We understand that these are uncertain times financially for some, so we invite the conversation about planning financially for enrollment. If your family is interested in Individualized Family Tuition which is our program that can help to make The Berkeley School affordable for families, please reach out. If you have questions about the application or process, please contact Lamar Johnson 510-665-8800 ext 159. You can access our current tuition and fees schedule here.

Take a Virtual Tour of Campus

Still have questions? Contact us:

AGE 2-6 ADMISSIONS

Rachel Silvas

Rachel Silvas
Early Childhood Enrollment Manager
(510) 665-8800 x144
rsilvas@theberkeleyschool.org

K-8 ADMISSIONS

Lamar Johnson
Director of Enrollment and Outreach
(510) 665-8800 x159
ljohnson@theberkeleyschool.org

The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expressionsexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs. 

Our Mission

Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World

K - 8 Campus

1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800

Early Childhood Campus

2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340

The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expressionsexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs. 

Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World

K - 8 Campus

1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800

Early Childhood Campus

2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340

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