Admissions

 

START YOUR JOURNEY HERE

At Bentley, we know that balancing academic achievement, co-curricular engagement, and social-emotional well-being generates the most transformative student experiences. 

Two Upper School girls standing outside in the Grove.
FROM OUR ADMISSIONS AMBASSADORS

Bentley has been such a special place for us to grow over the past four years. The campus is the type of place where you can walk through any door and strike up a conversation. With such a welcoming, kind environment, it’s impossible to avoid making strong connections. We agree that faculty support is undeniably one of Bentley's most outstanding qualities. Our teachers' dedication to our learning has helped us excel as students and consistently feel secure in the classroom.

Beyond academics and athletics, Bentley has helped us discover who we are and who we want to become. Through our participation in the Athletics program, we've built relationships that have helped instill qualities such as determination, leadership, and commitment. Clubs and affinity groups have given us space to grow, give back, and explore our interests. As student-leaders, we've learned about the importance of inclusion and how to build a stronger community.

For us, Bentley has been more than just a school: it’s a community that encourages everyone to grow, take on challenges, and support one another. We are grateful for the memories we have created and the foundation Bentley has provided as we move forward into the next chapters of our lives. We hope you'll come visit to learn more about this place we call home!

– Izzy '26 & Sierra '26

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551
College acceptances for the 82-person Class of 2026
 
650
Student enrollment
 
1 in 4
Families receive financial aid
 
54%
Students of color
(self-identified)
 
8:1
Student-teacher ratio
 
76%
Upper School faculty who hold advanced degrees
 
19
AP courses offered
 
69
Different zip codes represented
 
22
Athletic teams offered

 

MEET THE BENTLEY ADMISSIONS TEAM

Our team is excited to get to know you and guide your family through the Admissions process.

 

Click on any image to learn more about the wonderful people who make up our team.

Justine Clifford
Justine Clifford
Director of Enrollment Management

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Justine has spent nearly 20 years working in local independent schools and helping families navigate important educational transitions. At Bentley, she loves helping prospective families experience the warmth, curiosity, and sense of belonging that make so many students proud to call themselves Phoenixes. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, sharing her love of Puerto Rican history and culture, and keeping up with the adventures of her two children, dog, cat, and bunny.

 
Lloyd Brown
Associate Director of Admissions K–8

Lloyd is excited to enter his 14th year at Bentley! During his tenure, he has taught dance, directed our technology team, and served as a middle school dean of student life. For the past five years he has brought his wealth of experience to the Admissions Office, and is looking forward to a new season. Outside of Bentley, you can find Lloyd with his newborn son at restaurants around Oakland or behind his own stove trying new recipes.
Spencer Brown '14
Spencer Brown '14
Admissions Associate

A proud Oakland native and Bentley graduate from the Class of 2014, Spencer is one of three siblings who all call Bentley their alma mater. Now in his second year in the Admissions Office, he loves "coming back home" to help prospective students and families discover all that Bentley has to offer. Spencer also oversees the high school Student Ambassador program and serves as a faculty advisor for the Black Student Union (BSU). Outside of Admissions, he is entering his third year as the JV Men's Basketball Coach. What he enjoys most about his work is the daily engagement with students, both in and out of the classroom, and watching them grow into confident, curious leaders. When he's not on campus, Spencer can be found watching sports, traveling, or hiking around the Bay Area.
Amber Morse
Amber Morse
Associate Director of Admissions 9–12

Amber is passionate about building community, creating meaningful experiences, and helping people connect and grow. Throughout her career at UC Berkeley Haas, Riot Games, Twitter, Google, and Black Girls CODE, she's had the opportunity to develop programs, foster partnerships, and support students and communities in reaching their goals. Outside of work, Amber loves traveling, trying new restaurants, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and prioritizing wellness. She's always happy to swap book or podcast recommendations or must-visit travel destinations.

 

A WEEK AT THE BENTLEY SCHOOL

 

Life at Bentley is rich with engaging experiences, inspiring discoveries, and community connection. Click on the days below to learn more about how students in each division might spend a week on campus.

 

Years k-5

years 6-8

years 9-12

Garden teacher with a Lower School girl in the Hiller Garden.

MONDAY

A week at the Lower School might start in the Hiller Garden with longtime Garden Teacher Ryan Nepomuceno (popularly known as Mr. Nepo), as students explore the life cycles of plants and taste a few of the green beans they are currently growing. Later, Lower School Mandarin teacher Ms. Hsu leads the class in an activity identifying common items around the classroom in Mandarin and practicing their characters.

A Lower School boy looks in a space capsule replica at the Science Center.

TUESDAY

On Tuesday, proudly wearing their color-coordinated Phoenix Fest t-shirts, the class embarks on a field trip to the Chabot Space & Science Center just a quick drive from our Oakland campus for some experiential learning about space exploration and the Solar System, the subject of an upcoming project-based unit.

Two Lower School girls work on paintings in the Art Studio.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday morning, the class files into Ms. Now's art studio to work on their future self-portraits, while the afternoon centers on kicking off the new Solar System project with Innovation Design, & Build Specialist Ms. Countryman, who often visits classrooms or hosts students in the Hiller Maker Space, located next to the Garden. 

group of Lower School students gathers to brainstorm together in Meadows Auditorium.

FRIDAY

Friday mornings means PACT time (aka Positive Action Character Teams), mixed-age groups of students K–5 called "families" who bond over group activities, games, and more. On this particular Friday, Today PACT teams are brainstorming how they can help teachers on campus with creative new storage solutions.

Middle School girls with arms around one another on the basketball courts.

MONDAY

Middle School students start each school day with Advisory, a special block for faculty advisors to meet with their student Advisory groups. The group of between 10–12 students often shares food and connection while diving into important SEL curriculum and academic check-ins. Students often stay with their same Advisory group throughout their Middle School or Upper School experience, enabling last bonds to form. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Advisory meets for an additional block later in the day to build on conversations and activities started earlier.

TUESDAY

On Tuesday, Middle School students may take part in a Design Thinking challenge with Ms. Countryman as part of their Elective block, considering how to employ the School's newest 3D printer to create a model intended to provide a solution to an on-campus problem. Long Elective blocks in the afternoons enable students to take deep dives into new and long-held interests and engage fully in project-based and experiential learning opportunities.

Middle School Student Council officers pose for a candid photo on a balcony.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday, students may spread out on the Oval for a sunny lunch outside or head to Club meetings, including those of the Middle School Student Council. More than just a title, Student Council officers work with their advisor, Ms. Beniyaha to implement real changes and improvements to student life at Bentley, planning fun events like movie nights and dances, getting their classmates involved in meaningful community service projects, and starting the Middle School's very own snack bar! All proceeds go directly back into Student Council programming.

THURSDAY

At Bentley, Middle-Schoolers are able to travel by bus to the Upper School campus in Lafayette (about a 10-minute drive from Hiller) to join Upper School students in electives such as Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Speech & Debate, and more. This close relationship between campuses gives Middle-Schoolers a chance to experience enriching academic opportunities on the Upper School campus that stay with them. So for many of our Middle-Schoolers, Thursday afternoon means hopping on the buses that shuttle our Middle School students over to Lafayette for one of these classes. 

Middle School students crowd into Meadows Auditorium for Town Meeting

FRIDAY

Ask any Bentley Middle-Schooler what Friday means to them and chances are they're going to respond: "Town Meeting." Full stop. On Friday afternoons, right before dismissal and the start of the weekend, the entire Middle School gathers in Meadows Auditorium for this beloved weekly assembly, which consists of team competitions (are you Fire or Ice?), hilarious games with faculty, student presentations and performances, and special guest speakers. MC'd by Mr. Brown, Town Meetings are designed to bring the Middle School to learn, connect, and laugh as they conclude another week at Bentley.

An Upper School girl paints her ceramic mask in the Art Studio.

MONDAY

A week in the life of an Upper School student at Bentley might kick off with a Monday morning Ceramics class, where students can settle into the week at the pottery wheel with their classmates before heading to History class and one of the Department's highly entertaining simulations of major historic events ranging from the Black Plague to the New Deal.

A group of Upper School students laugh together while seated in the Little Theater.

TUESDAY

Tuesday mornings are for Advisory, with tight-knit groups of 10–12 students meeting in cozy classrooms with their advisor to catch up, check in, and often play a game or complete an activity together. Tuesdays also offer protected time for clubs to meet, with offerings ranging from Building a Better Bay to the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Club to Lift Her Up to Pickleball Club. After school it's off to soccer practice, where the team is preparing for a big game against league rivals before the team's postseason run begins. 

An Upper School teacher stands in the middle of the classroom, leading an English seminar with students sitting at desks surrounding him.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday morning, students might start the day with their English seminar class, where teachers conduct college-level discussions and debates. The 2026–2027 Curriculum Guide offered seminar themes ranging from Shakespeare Sonnets to Jazz Literature.  

Two Upper School boys playing basketball in the Gym.

THURSDAY

hursday could mean Mandarin class, where students engage in conversation and prepare for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations later in the week, followed by a pick-up basketball game in the Athletic Center during lunch block, and a long 90-minute block to work on a Statistics class group project. 

Upper School students cheer from the bleachers at a Spirit Rally.

FRIDAY

Friday might mean it's time for a Chem lab creating 3D molecule simulations using MolView modeling software before heading to the Athletic Center for a thunderous Spirit Rally during Town Meeting, where the Spirit Squad is getting everyone pumped for the home games on campus that evening. Friday also brings Flex period, a time to meet with teachers and get organized before the weekend, helping to ensure our students stay balanced, stay focused, and are ready for a fun-filled weekend ahead.

LOREM IPSUM

YOUR PATH TO BENTLE\Y

 

Applying to Bentley is more than just filling out an application—over the course of this journey, we want to get to know potential students and families. Our online application process is designed to be clear and simple, and like most Bay Area schools, we use the online application system Ravenna.

Once you create a Ravenna account, a comprehensive checklist and step-by-step directions will ensure that you don't miss a deadline or forget to submit important paperwork. 

For families who completed the application process during the priority notification period, admissions decisions are made available in Ravenna in mid-March.

Please reach out to the Admissions Office with any questions!

 

 

Kindergarten Girl Pointing at Camera
1
Submit an Inquiry

When you submit an inquiry through the Bentley website, you are creating a Ravenna account. Ravenna serves as Bentley's admissions application portal.

Throughout your search, if you have questions, please contact the Admissions Office. We are happy to help you.

To begin your process with Bentley School, please start by completing the online inquiry form.

Inquiry Form

Upper School Boy in Front of Monitor in Digital Arts Studio
2
Complete and Submit the Online Application

Through Ravenna, applicants fill out required forms, submit supplemental materials, and track application progress. Please visit the Bentley Application Portal  in Ravenna to create a profile for your student or access your established account.

* If you are interested in exploring admission to the current school year, please contact the Admissions Office directly.


 

Teacher and Upper School Boy in Science Lab
3
Submit Teacher Recommendations & Transcripts Online

Kindergarten Applicants

One preschool teacher recommendation is required, though sending a preschool transcript is optional. 

Grade 1-8 Applicants

Two separate teacher recommendations are required: one from the current classroom teacher and one from the prior year’s teacher for all students applying to Grades 1–8. 

For students entering Grades 1–5, a transcript from the current year is required, including attendance, standardized testing (if applicable), and grade reports from both current and previous years. Transcripts should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org.

For students entering Grades 6–8, Bentley also requires transcripts, including attendance, standardized testing, and grade reports from both current and previous years. Transcripts should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org.

Grade 9-12 Applicants

Three recommendations are required: one from the applicant's current English teacher, one from the current Math teacher, and one from the Principal or Counselor. Bentley also requires transcripts, including attendance, standardized testing, and grade reports from both current and previous years. Transcripts should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org

.

* All recommendations and transcript requests are easily delegated and submitted through the applicant’s existing Ravenna account. (Directions are provided in your applicant profile.)

Middle School Boy Sketching in Art Studio
4
Complete a Standardized Assessment

The Bentley School admissions process requires families to complete a standardized assessment(s) for the 2025-26 admissions cycle. Requirements differ depending on the grade of entry. More information about your student's specific standardized assessment requirement is detailed once a family starts the application in Ravenna Hub.

Lower School (Grades K-5)

Kindergarten applicants must participate in a playdate in December, January, or February. Sign-ups will be available in October through Ravenna Hub.

Families with students applying to 1st grade must complete an assessment with a Bentley faculty member. This assessment will take place in February for applicants applying in our priority process. An admissions team member will reach out to you once you have completed the admissions application.

Families applying for 2nd grade through 4th grade are required to complete the ISEE Primary exam and submit results to Bentley School. Additional guidance is available in Ravenna Hub.

Beginning in the 2025-26 admissions cycle, applicants applying to the 5th grade will be required to complete the ISEE Lower assessment through the ERB.

Middle (Grades 6-8) and Upper Schools (Grades 9-12)

Bentley School provides options for applicants seeking admission to 6th grade through 12th grade for the 2025-26 admissions season. Applicants are required to submit results from one of the three options below:

Option #1: Complete and Submit ISEE Results

Option #2: Complete and Submit SSAT Results

Option #3: Complete the online essay administered by Test Innovators. During the same sitting, Middle School applicants will also be required to complete a short 15-minute analytical exercise. Registration for these sessions is available through a link directly in Ravenna Hub.

For assistance with Bentley's standardized assessment requirements, please contact the Admissions Office email:admissions@bentleyschool.org

Family at Upper School Campus for Grandparents Day
5
Schedule a Family Interview

 

Interviews for all grades are scheduled once an applicant has "Applied" status in Ravenna.

Lower School Applicants (Grades K-5)

Parents and guardians will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the Bentley faculty to discuss their child through an interview. While the student is not required to be present, the interview provides parents/guardians with an opportunity to learn more about Bentley. The faculty interviewer will also ask questions about the student and family.

Interviews will be added for K-5 applicant families by November 8. 

Middle and Upper School Applicants (Grades 6-12)
Bentley interviews for Middle and Upper School applicants include the applicant and parents/guardians. The interview will begin with a question and answer session for the whole family and conclude with a 15-20 minute interview with the student applicant. At least one parent/guardian is required to attend the interview.

All interviews are scheduled through Ravenna.

 

PLANNING FOR BENTLEY

We understand that an independent school education is a significant investment, and Bentley is committed to making our program financially feasible for families. Please click on the menu items below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and important aspects of school life that are included in tuition, like transportation to and from school and the much-beloved After School Program.

 

 

Kindergarten students cheering on the playground with Head of School Christie Moncharmon
TUITION AND FEES

Independent school tuition is a major investment in your child's future, and our Admissions Office is here to support you every step of the way as you navigate this journey.  

Learn More

 

FINANCIAL AID

One in four students at Bentley receives some sort of financial aid, and our program is designed to make a Bentley education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Assistance may range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. 

Learn More

 

TRANSPORTATION

Bentley buses pick up and drop off students everywhere from Alameda to Berkeley to Danville to Walnut Creek and shuttle students back and forth between our Lafayette and Oakland campuses. Bus transportation is included in every student's tuition. 

Learn More

 

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (ASP)

All students at the Hiller campus, K–8, are automatically enrolled in the After School Program, which provides a fun, safe, and engaging option for families who need to pick up their students later in the day. 

Learn More

 

 

WHERE TO NEXT?

We're so glad you're here; learn more about Bentley by clicking on one of the buttons below.

 

teacher holding up a beaker of liquid while high school students take notes during a chemistry demonstration

APPLICATION PROCESS
young students smiling together outdoors at bentley school

 THE BENTLEY K-12 EXPERIENCE
students sitting together on the field during a soccer practice break

AFFORDING BENTLEY