Admissions

Application Process

Applying to Bentley is more than just filling out an application. In addition to the elements required by the application, we want to get to know potential students and families. 
We welcome the opportunity for conversation to tell you more about the Promise of Bentley and all that we have to offer. 

Bentley’s 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 an online account, a comprehensive checklist and step-by-step directions will ensure that you don't miss a deadline or forget to submit important paperwork.

Application Process

List of 7 items.

  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 3: Submit teacher recommendations online

    Kindergarten Applicants
    One preschool teacher recommendation is required. 

    Grade 1-8 Applicants
    Two separate teacher recommendations are required: one from the current classroom teacher and one from the prior year’s teacher. 
     
    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. 

    **All recommendations are easily delegated and submitted through the applicant’s existing Ravenna account.
  • Step 4: Submit transcripts

    Kindergarten
    Optional: A current transcript should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org if available.

    Grade 1-5
    We require a transcript from the current year, 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.

    Grade 6-12 Applicants

    We require 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

    NOTE: Transcript requests can also be completed through Ravenna. (Directions are provided in your applicant profile.)
  • Step 5: Complete a Standardized Assessment

    The Bentley School admissions process requires families to complete a standardized assessment(s) for the 2024-25 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 2024-25 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 admissions to 6th grade through 12th grade for the 2024-25 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.
  • Step 6: Schedule a Family Interview

    Interviews for all grades are scheduled once an applicant has "Applied" status in Ravenna and after November 1.

    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.

    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.
  • Step 7: Decisions Released

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

Important Dates

August 30, 2024
  • K-12 Application Released for 2025-26 School Year, including registration for upcoming events
November 2, 2024
  • Open House for Lower and Middle School (Hiller Campus), 9:00 am
  • Open House for Upper School (Lafayette Campus), 12:00 pm
December 7, 2024
  • Open House for Lower and Middle School (Hiller Campus), 9:00 am
January 9, 2025
  • Priority Admissions & Financial Aid Application Deadline (Grades 9-12)
January 16, 2025
  • Priority Admissions & Financial Aid Application Deadline (Grades K-8)
February 8, 2025
March 20, 2025
  • Admissions decisions posted in Ravenna Hub (Grades K-8)
March 21, 2025
  • Admissions decisions posted in Ravenna Hub (Grades 9-12)

Questions about applying?

Our admissions team is here to support you through this process every step of the way.

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Mark Schneider

    Mark Schneider 

    Associate Director of Admissions 9-12
    925-900-4072
  • Photo of David Lazo

    David Lazo 

    Director of Enrollment Management
    925-900-4057
  • Photo of Lloyd Brown

    Lloyd Brown 

    Associate Director of Admissions K-8
    925-900-4038

Notice of Non-discriminatory Policy as to Students

The Bentley School admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

K - 8 Campus

1 Hiller Drive
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512

9 - 12 Campus

1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-2101