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 a phone call or virtual chat to tell you more about the three pillars at the heart of every Bentley education: Character, Purpose, and Community

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

    To receive more information, schedule a virtual tour, or one-on-one call please fill out our 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 to create a profile for your student or access your established account.

    APPLICATION DEADLINES

    January 12, 2023
    • Priority Admissions Application Deadline (Grades 9-12)
    • FA Application Deadline (Grades 9-12)
    January 19, 2023
    • Priority Admissions Deadline (Grades K-8)
    • FA Application Deadline (Grades K-8)
  • 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 (2020-2021) and previous (2019-2020) 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 (2020-2021) and previous (2019-2020) 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) depending on the grade. More information about your student's specific standardized assessment requirement is detailed once a family starts the application for Bentley.

    Lower School (Grades K-5)
    Kindergarten and first-grade applicants will be required to submit video recordings of their children completing a series of activities and tasks. 

    Families applying for grades two (2) through five (5) will have specific assessments scheduled individually with families directly with the Admissions Office after the application is submitted.

    Middle (6-8) and Upper Schools (9-12)
    Bentley School remains test optional for applicants seeking admissions to grades 6 through 12 for the 2022-23 admissions season.

    All applicants must complete a proctored writing sample administered by a third party. Registration for these sessions is available through a link directly in Ravenna. 

    If a family would like to submit results for either the ISEE or SSAT exams (grades 6-12 only), please register for the ISEE (school code: 570407) by clicking here, or for the SSAT, by clicking here. Submitting ISEE or SSAT is often an alternative for families applying to other private schools that may require these exams. The ISEE or SSAT is optional for applicants to Bentley.
  • Step 6: Schedule student and parent interviews & assessments

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

    Kindergarten Applicants

    Your family will have the opportunity to submit a video for the student assessment portion of the application. This fun and engaging assessment is designed to evaluate academic and developmental readiness across subject areas. Parents will also have the opportunity to interview with a member of our administrative team to learn more about the Bentley curriculum and community. 
     
    Grades 1 - 8 Applicants
    Your student will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one via video for the assessment portion of the application. Parents will also have the opportunity to interview with our administrative team to learn more about the Bentley curriculum and community. 

    Grades 9-12 Applicants
    Once an application is complete, families are invited to schedule a virtual interview. The interview will start with a question and answer session for the whole family, and conclude with a 15-20 minute interview with the student.

    All interviews will be scheduled through Ravenna.
  • Step 7: Decisions Released

    Decisions for K-8  will be released after 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023 through Ravenna.

    Decisions for 9-12 will be released after 4:00 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023 through Ravenna.

    If accepted, the enrollment contract and deposit must be submitted by noon on Thursday, March 23 (K-8) or Friday, March 24, 2023 (9-12) in order to secure a space.

Application Deadlines

January 12, 2023
  • Priority Admissions Application Deadline (Grades 9-12)
  • FA Application Deadline (Grades 9-12)
January 19, 2023
  • Priority Admissions Deadline (Grades K-8)
  • FA Application Deadline (Grades K-8)
March 16 and 17, 2023
  • Admissions decisions posted on Ravenna (March 16 for K-8 and March 17 for 9-12)

Questions about applying?

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

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of David Lazo

    David Lazo 

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

    Lloyd Brown 

    Director of Admissions, K-12 and DEIB Coordinator
    510-843-2512

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