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 and RSVP for a Campus Tour.
Open House events are a great way to explore The Berkeley School, connect with our faculty and leadership teams, ask specific questions about our curriculum, learning outcomes and student support, student life, and more.
Campus Tours allow visitors to see our facilities and step into the daily experiences of our students.
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, 2023 (Reduced $65 application fee).
Standard applications (applications received after November 30, 2023) must be submitted by January 22, 2024 to be considered. Supplemental documents (report cards, recommendation letters, assessments, etc,) must be received by February 16, 2024.
In accordance with BADA guidelines, Early Action and Standard K-8 admissions notifications will be delivered on March 14, 2024.
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) 1st-8th grade Teacher Recommendation Form (from a current teacher) and (1) year of progress reports.
Transcripts
- 1st-8th Grade Applicants can complete a Transcript Request Form to give to their school to get the progress reports.
- 1st Grade applicants will need their kindergarten year report
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) 1st-8th grade Teacher Recommendation Forms (required from the current year teacher and/or last year’s teacher)
Transcripts
- Applicants can complete a Transcript Request Form to give to their school to get the progress reports.
- 2nd-8th Grade applicants will need the last two years of progress reports/report cards.
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 Family Tuition
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 2024-25? IFT enrollment must be completed by Monday, January 22, 2024
(Early Action by November 30, 2023)*
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 Bobcat. 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.
Kindergarten applicants are invited to join us on for a Saturday morning playdate in January or February.
Admissions notifications will be delivered to families on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 12 p.m.
Admitted families are invited to join us for a Welcome Social on Friday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. This is an adult-only event. Student applicants are invited for a second campus tour and classroom experience starting on Monday, March 18.
K-5th Grade Program
We use a responsive classroom model, which empowers students to use their voices and build a sense of community in the classroom.
6-8th Grade Program
The Berkeley School teachers nurture students to become passionate, inquisitive scholars and healthy, ethical and compassionate people.