Admissions Process
We are still accepting applications for some grades for the 2012-2013 school year. This page outlines the process for both the Early Childhood Center (ECC), and the Elementary and Middle School.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for late applicants
TBS has entered our rolling admissions phase for new applicants. This means that there are limited spaces available for 2012-2013 in some grades. If you are interested in applying, please contact our office of admissions as soon as possible so that we can begin the process which includes the following:
· Application + Application Fee ($75);
· Letter(s) of Recommendation: (1) letter of recommendation from a current teacher/caretaker for K/1 Applicants or (2) Letters of Recommendation from the current teacher and last year’s teacher for 2nd-8th grade applicants;
· Report Cards/Progress Reports for the last 2 years (copies are sufficient). Click here to download the Records Release form you will need to give your child’s current school;
· Schedule a child visit after all materials have been submitted (will need to be scheduled prior to June 1, 2011) *out of town applicants and applicants applying after June 1st, please contact Director of Admission, Paula Farmer, to discuss next steps.
Early Childhood Center (ECC, Ages 2y 7m to 5 years old)
Each year, we admit a number of new students into our preschool community who range in age from 2 years, 7 months to 5 years old. Although this is too far in advance to determine preschool readiness for many children, we like to begin to ascertain if a child is showing signs of readiness for a community experience. We also want to be sure that your family has goals and expectations that are in alignment with what we offer. Children applying to the ECC are expected to be toilet-trained and to meet our age minimum by their anticipated first day of school.
1. Schedule a Tour/Open House
A school tour is a required part of the admissions process. A visit to campus will best illustrate the ECC vision and practices, as well as allow you to see the children in their daily activities. Open House allows you to interact with the faculty. Click here to reserve your place on a tour or at an Open House.
2. Submit an Application
Application forms can be downloaded from the TBS website, or a paper copy may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admission.
3. Schedule a Child Visit
The Office of Admission will contact you to schedule a time for you to bring your child to visit with our faculty. Child visits give our teachers an opportunity to see your child in a classroom situation, observing social skills and group interactions as well as gaining insight into his or her individual interests.
This is a big day for your child, but in ways that might be very different from what you imagine. Students work with teachers, either in a group setting, such as a circle experience, or one-on-one, depending upon how your child responds to the environment. The goal of a preschool visit is to determine your child’s individual interests as well as their readiness to venture off into a larger social setting.
Elementary & Middle School (K-8)
1. Schedule a Tour and Open House
A school tour is a required part of the admissions process. A visit to campus will best illustrate the TBS pedagogy and curriculum, as well as allow you to see the students in their daily activities. Open House gives you an opportunity to speak directly with our teachers, which is usually not possible during the tour.
2. Submit an Application with supporting documents
Application forms can be downloaded from the TBS website, or a paper copy may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admission.
a. Submit Teacher Recommendation Form(s)
i. K/1 applicants will need to submit one form
ii. 2nd -8th grade applicants will need to submit two forms
b. Submit the last two years of Report Cards/Progress Reports. Click here to download the Records Release form you need to give to your child’s current school.
3. Schedule a Child Visit
The Office of Admission will contact you to schedule a time for your child to visit our campus. This is required of all applicants, and must be done before admission can be determined.
Sibling Applicants
We value families at TBS, which is why siblings of current students have priority admission status, with decisions taking place earlier in the year. Sibling applications are due on Friday, December 10, 2010, and notifications will be mailed on Friday, January 21, 2011. If you would like to obtain an application for your TBS student’s sibling, please contact Paula Farmer, Director of Admission, at admissions@theberkeleyschool.org.
Paula Farmer
Director of Admission
510-665-8800, ext. 103
pfarmer@theberkeleyschool.org
