K-8 Application Process
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
Register for the next Open House, Information Session, and RSVP for a Campus Tour.
Open House events are held during school hours. Guided by student ambassadors, visitors will explore the campus before joining classrooms to observe teaching in action. RSVP required to attend.
Information Sessions are faculty-led virtual events. Visitors will connect with our teaching and leadership teams, and learn about our curriculum, learning outcomes, student support, student life, and more. RSVP required to attend.
Campus Tours are held daily between 9am-10am and 4pm-5pm. These 1:1 visits allow prospective parents to connect with a member of the admissions team and ask specific questions. RSVP required to attend.
Step 2
Complete Online Application
After prospective families have had a chance to meet our team, the next step is to submit an application. Note, there is an $85 application fee for Standard Applications.
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).
Standard applications (applications received after November 30, 2024) must be submitted by January 19, 2025 to be considered. Supplemental documents (report cards, recommendation letters, assessments, etc.) must be received by February 14, 2025.
In accordance with BADA guidelines, Early Action and Standard K-8 admissions notifications will be delivered on March 20, 2025.
Application fee waivers may be available for families who qualify. Please contact Lamar Johnson for consideration.
Step 3
Prepare Additional Materials
Materials Needed from Kindergarten Applicants
Teacher Recommendation
Kindergarten applicants need to have (1) Kindergarten Teacher Recommendation Form (from a current teacher.)
Supporting Documentation
K-8 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.
Materials Needed from 1st Grade Applicants
Teacher Recommendation
- 1st Grade applicants need to have (1)Teacher Recommendation Form (from a current teacher).
Transcripts
- 1st Grade applicants will need to submit their kindergarten report card.
- Complete a Transcript Request Form.
Supporting Documentation
- K-8 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.
Materials Needed from 2nd-8th Grade Applicants
Teacher Recommendation
- 2nd-8th Grade applicants need to have (2) Teacher Recommendation Forms (1 required from the current year teacher and/or last year’s teacher).
Transcripts
- 2nd-8th Grade applicants will need the last two years of progress reports/report cards.
- Complete a Transcript Request Form.
Supporting Documentation
- K-8 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. We understand that these are uncertain times financially for some, so we invite the conversation about planning financially for enrollment.
Applying for 2025-26 school year?
IFT application must be completed by Monday, January 21, 2025
(or December 1, 2024 for Early Action applications).
If you have questions about the process or paperwork, please call Lamar Johnson at 510-665-8800 ext 159.
Step 5
Schedule Assessment
Shadow Days are required for 1st-8th grade applicants. During Shadow Days, applicants are paired with a student ambassador in their grade (with the exception of 6th grade applicants) to experience a day as a TBS student. Admissions assessments are conducted during the Shadow Day.
Working with members of the admissions and student engagement teams, applicants will complete activities designed to assess in math, phonetics, reading fluency and comprehension, and writing.
Shadow Days are scheduled by the admissions team after the application has been received.
Kindergarten applicants are invited to join us for a half-day child visit. Prospective families can register for one of the following dates via their Ravenna applicant portal: January 22, January 29, February 5, or February 12.
Admissions notifications will be delivered to families on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 12 p.m. Â
Admitted families are invited to join us for a Welcome Social on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. This is an adult-only event. Student applicants are invited for a second campus tour and classroom experience starting on Monday, March 24.
Elementary School Program
Grades K-5
We use a responsive classroom model, which empowers students to use their voices and build a sense of community in the classroom.
Middle School Program
Grades 6-8
The Berkeley School teachers nurture students to become passionate, inquisitive scholars and healthy, ethical and compassionate people.
Enrollment Contact
The enrollment team can answer your questions about the different programs.
Lamar Johnson
Director of Enrollment and Outreach
K-8 Enrollment
Contact:
(510) 665-8800 x159
ljohnson@theberkeleyschool.org
Campus:
K-8 Campus
1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
What Matters in Education is:
“Creating an environment where all types of learners feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas.”