Frequently Asked Questions

List of 9 items.

• Can we visit Bentley School's campuses?

  Our campuses provide students with spaces appropriately suited for their learning and development. Each campus has a distinctive feel and remains quintessentially Bentley. 
  
  We welcome visitors to visit us through our many admissions programs offered throughout the fall. Note that we are unable to accommodate any visitors on a drop-in basis.
  
  Please visit our Experience Bentley section for ways to visit us in person and virtually. All registered visitors may be required to show proof of up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19 upon arrival.

• When are applications due? When will we be notified of our admission decision?

  K-8 
  Application Deadline: January 20, 2022
  Notification Mailing Date: March 16, 2022
  Notification email/online date: March 17, 2022 - 12:00 pm
  Family Responses Due: March 25, 2022
  
  9-12 
  Application Deadline: January 6, 2022
  Notification Mailing Date: March 17, 2022
  Notification email/online date: March 18, 2022 - After 4:00 pm
  Family Responses Due: March 25, 2022

• Can we still be considered, if we missed the priority admission application deadline?

  To ensure that admissions notifications can be released as scheduled, applications should be submitted by the priority deadlines. Applications received after the deadline will be considered, and we will do our best to release as close to our notification release date. 
  
  Please contact the Admissions Office if you would like to apply after the admissions priority deadline, or if you would like more information about space availability outside of our common entry points (Kindergarten, 6th grade, or 9th grade).

• Can we visit the school again after decision letters are mailed?

  Bentley School wants families to feel welcome and encouraged to contact us directly in order to receive important information and support while making enrollment decisions.
  
  Also, to allow families the opportunity to make a decision unencumbered by continued outreach from schools, our consortia encourage us to refrain from hosting many events or contacting a family daily. Still, we invite admitted families to reach out to us with any last-minute questions they have about Bentley School.

• Does Bentley School favor applicants from specific preschools, elementary or middle schools?

  No. We strive for our school to reflect the diversity of the larger community, and we are committed to enrolling students from various schools and backgrounds. Our accepted students represent many schools, including other independent, public, parochial, and international schools.

• Does Bentley School enroll international students?

  Some families at Bentley School come from countries outside the United States. We welcome these families and are excited about the perspective their students bring to our classrooms.
  
  At this time, Bentley School does not issue the I-20 form for international student study. (Form I-20 allows a student to apply for an F-1 Student Visa.)
  
  Furthermore, Bentley School does not offer a program in English as a Second Language (ESL), and all students must be completely fluent in English for reading, speaking, and writing.
  
  For more information about international students, please contact the Director of Enrollment Management.

• If we are currently enrolled at Bentley School, do we need to apply for the next division (i.e., from Lower to Middle School)? Is admission to the next division guaranteed?

  Once your student is enrolled, they are not required to apply for the next grade level and/or division.

• Does Bentley School offer a hot lunch program?

  Yes. Students may order lunch and snacks in advance and through the online lunch program on the K-8 campus. Students in grades 9-12 are available to purchase lunch on campus in the Commons.

• Is a bus service available?

  Bus transportation is available to all currently enrolled students at Bentley School at no additional cost.        
  
  K-8 Hiller Campus (Oakland)
  Morning and afternoon shuttle to and from our Upper School campus in Lafayette and near Woodminister Market, as well as North Berkeley, Rockridge, Montclair, and Piedmont neighborhoods. A shuttle is also available along the I-680 corridor, with students transferring to another bus upon arrival at our Upper School campus.
  
  Upper School Campus (Lafayette)
  Morning and afternoon service includes areas along the I-680 corridor, and areas in Oakland and North Berkeley. 
  
  Carpooling is strongly encouraged for neighborhood safety and efficiency.