How To Get In The Burkard School: Personalized Learning in San Mateo

Is The Burkard School a Good School?

Absolutely. The Burkard School is one of those hidden gems parents are thrilled to discover and secretly wish they had attended themselves. Located in San Mateo, California, The Burkard School offers a highly personalized learning environment that feels more like a second home than a traditional school. Small class sizes, customized instruction, and a team of dedicated teachers mean students are truly seen, heard, and challenged in all the right ways.

The school specializes in working with bright students who benefit from extra support, whether they have learning differences or just need a more tailored approach to reach their full potential. Creativity, confidence, and critical thinking are nurtured every step of the way. If you are looking for a place where your child will not get lost in the crowd and will actually love going to school, The Burkard School fits the bill perfectly.

Student Diversity

According to data from Niche, the student body at The Burkard School is predominantly White, making up 80% of the enrolled population. Asian students represent 14.3%, while both Hispanic and African American students each account for 2.9% of the student body. This demographic breakdown reflects a relatively small but present level of ethnic diversity within the school community.

How Hard Is It To Get Into The Burkard School?

The Burkard School is selective, and there are a couple of big reasons why. First, the class sizes are intentionally small, with no more than 10 students in elementary and 12 in middle school. That means there are only a handful of spots available each year, making the admissions pool more competitive by default. The school isn’t trying to fill stadiums. They’re curating tiny learning communities where every student gets serious attention.

Second, The Burkard School looks beyond test scores and grades. They specialize in educating bright, neurodivergent learners who benefit from support in executive functioning, social-emotional development, and self-regulation. The admissions team is not just looking for academically capable kids. They’re looking for a specific match between the student’s needs and the school’s strengths. So even if your child is brilliant, they need to align with the school’s unique mission and learning model.

In short, it is not “hard” to get into the way an elite prep school might be, but it is highly selective in terms of fit and availability.

What’s The Burkard School’s Admissions Process?

Thinking about applying to The Burkard School? Great choice. The admissions process isn’t meant to be mysterious or stressful, it’s all about finding the right fit for your child. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it all works, with just the right mix of structure, heart, and a few snacks along the way.

Step 1: Burkard Application: Submitting Your Inquiry

Think of this as raising your hand and saying, “Hey, we’re curious!” Just fill out the inquiry form so the school knows you’re interested. No pressure, just the first friendly hello.

Step 2: Visiting Burkard School: The Adult Tour

Time to take a peek behind the curtain. You’ll get a 45-minute adults-only tour to see the school in action, ask all your questions, and chat with the team. No kids allowed, which means you can focus without someone tugging on your sleeve.

Step 3: Completing Your Burkard School Application: Key Information

This isn’t just a fill-in-the-blank form. It’s your chance to tell The Burkard School all about your child—what lights them up, what challenges them, and everything in between. The more honest and detailed you are, the better they can figure out if the school is the right match.

Step 4: The Burkard School Shadow Visit: Student Experience

Your child gets to experience the magic firsthand by spending three full days at the school. Day one is all about figuring things out. Day two, they start warming up and jumping in. By day three, you’ll be amazed how much they feel like part of the crew. It’s not a test. It’s just a really thoughtful way to see if it clicks.

Step 5: The Burkard School Parent Interview: What to Expect

Now it’s your turn in the spotlight. Sit down with the teachers and administrators to swap stories, insights, and questions. They’ll share what they saw during the shadow days, and you get to share more about your child. It’s more like a good conversation than a formal interview.

Step 6: Burkard School Admission Decisions: Timeline

Drumroll, please. After all the thoughtful observations and conversations, you’ll get one of three responses. It might be an offer to join the school, a gentle “not the right fit right now,” or a request to spend a little more time together. Whatever the outcome, you’ll know the decision came from a place of care and intention.

What are the application requirements for The Burkard School?

The Burkard School admissions journey is thoughtful, personal, and all about finding the right fit. Each step gives you a chance to share your story and learn more about what makes this school special. Here is a closer look at what to expect.

Burkard Parent Statement: Sharing Your Insights

The Parent Statement is basically your spotlight moment to brag a little, be real a lot, and help the admissions team get to know your child beyond grades and test scores. It is your chance to tell their story, highlight what makes them tick, and maybe even explain the quirks that make them unforgettable. You are giving the school a peek behind the curtain, showing the kid you know and love in all their funny, brilliant, messy glory. The more you can paint a vivid picture of your child, the easier it is for the school to imagine them thriving in their community.

 Writing a Compelling Parent Statement for Burkard

Be specific, be honest, and do not be afraid to let a little personality into your writing. Saying “My child is hardworking” is fine, but saying “My child once spent two hours designing a rocket ship out of soup cans” paints a much more colorful and memorable picture. Share strengths proudly, but also talk about where your child still needs support. Every kid has both, and schools like The Burkard School appreciate parents who understand that. Keep it thoughtful, avoid turning it into a mini-resume, and write it like you are talking to a really smart, kind teacher who genuinely wants the best for your child. Which, to be fair, you are.

Burkard Student Statement: Your Child’s Voice

The Student Statement is where your kid gets to be the star. It is their turn to tell the school about who they are, what they love, what challenges them, and what they are excited (or nervous) about when it comes to school. The admissions team does not expect perfect grammar or Pulitzer Prize-winning prose. They just want to hear your child’s authentic voice. Whether they dream about building robots, painting murals, or just finding friends who get their sense of humor, this is the place to share it.

Helping Your Child Write the Burkard Student Statement

Help your child brainstorm first by asking open-ended questions like, “What do you love learning about?” or “What makes a school day fun for you?” Let them talk freely and take some notes if needed. When it is time to write, keep it in their words, even if it sounds a little imperfect. That is actually the goal. Resist the urge to over-edit or polish it too much. The admissions team can always tell when an adult ghostwrites a “student” essay, and nothing feels more refreshing than a real, honest voice. A short, genuine paragraph beats a stiff, formal essay every time.

How to Make the Most of Your Tour at The Burkard School

The School Tour is not just a stroll through classrooms. It is your opportunity to soak in the energy of the place, see how the magic actually happens, and figure out if this feels like a second home for your child. It is adults-only, so you get to actually listen, observe, and think without also balancing snack demands or untangling a playground argument. Watch how teachers interact with students, check if the classrooms feel warm and welcoming, and do not be afraid to sneak a few glances at the bulletin boards. They often tell you more about a school’s spirit than a whole brochure can.

Come with real questions that matter to you, not just the ones you think you are supposed to ask. Wondering how they handle social challenges? Ask. Curious about how they weave executive functioning skills into a busy day? Bring it up. Trust your gut reactions, too. You are not just evaluating programs, you are sensing whether this is a place where your child can be known, supported, and celebrated. After the tour, jot down your impressions before they fade into the background noise of your day. Tours move fast, but your instincts will stick around if you pay attention to them.

What to Expect During the 3-Day Shadow Visit at The Burkard School

The 3-Day Shadow Visit is not a test or an audition. It is more like a mini adventure where your child gets to experience what life at The Burkard School is really like. For three consecutive days, your child steps into the daily rhythms of the classroom, getting to know teachers, classmates, routines, and the occasional playground rules. Day one is usually a mix of wide-eyed wonder and getting the lay of the land. Day two is when kids start to settle in, connect with classmates, and join in more confidently. By day three, the nerves melt away, and the admissions team can really see your child’s personality, learning style, and how they interact with the community.

Help your child understand that the shadow visit is not about being perfect, it is about being themselves. Talk it up like an adventure where they get to try something new, make a few friends, and show who they really are. Pack a familiar snack and lunch to give them a little comfort from home. Remind them it is okay to feel nervous, and that the teachers know exactly how to help new students feel welcome. A good night’s sleep, a little pep talk, and some comfy clothes can go a long way. Bonus points if you slip a silly joke or doodle into their lunchbox to make them smile midday.

How to Prepare for the Parent Interview at The Burkard School

The Parent Interview is not meant to be scary. No one is sitting across the table with a giant red buzzer. It is a conversation, not a cross-examination. After your child’s shadow days, you will meet with the teaching team and administrators to swap insights. They will share what they observed, and you will share your experiences, your hopes, and your honest thoughts about your child’s journey so far. It is all about seeing if this school community is the right match for your child’s needs, personality, and potential.

How to Ace The Parent Interview at The Burkard School

Come ready to have an open, thoughtful conversation. You do not need to memorize your child’s resume or rehearse a speech. Instead, think about the big picture. What are your child’s strengths? What challenges them? What kind of environment helps them feel safe, confident, and engaged? Be ready to listen too. The school’s observations can give you valuable insight into how your child adapts to new settings. Stay honest, stay positive, and remember, this is a two-way street. You are evaluating them just as much as they are getting to know you. To nail the interview, prepare and practice weeks before. 

What Student Life Is Like At The Burkard School and Why Families Choose It

Student life at The Burkard School is a balance of challenge, support, and meaningful growth. Students build confidence, friendships, and real-world skills in a nurturing environment where they feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

What Are Academics Like at The Burkard School

Elementary School at The Burkard School (K–5)

At The Burkard School, academic challenge and emotional support are a package deal. The elementary school program is built for bright, curious kids who might have felt stuck or unseen in traditional classrooms. Here, students thrive inside structured, predictable classrooms, packed with hands-on, multisensory lessons that light up curiosity.

With class sizes capped at just 10 students, plus a dedicated teacher and Behavior Specialist in every room, students get the personal attention they need to unlock their full potential. And it shows. Over half of elementary students score in the 90th percentile or higher in at least one subject, especially in math.

Learning here means blending academics with daily support for executive functioning, task initiation, and self-regulation. Students are encouraged to tackle challenges head-on, with scaffolds that build momentum, not lower expectations. Emotional growth is just as important as academic growth, making The Burkard School a true champion of whole-child education.

Middle School at Burkard (6–8)

Middle school at The Burkard School is all about growing into independence without losing the safety net. This is a place where tweens and teens are challenged academically while being carefully guided through the wild ride that is adolescence.

Students switch classrooms once a day, which keeps things manageable without feeling stuck. Each class is kept to just 12 students and is led by experienced teachers alongside a trusted Behavior Specialist. Here, executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and emotional regulation are not sprinkled in as afterthoughts. They are woven right into the fabric of daily learning.

Academics stay strong and hands-on, with kids hitting the 84th percentile across subjects and nearly half crushing it in math. Science comes alive through epic field trips to places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Monterey Bay, where students connect classroom knowledge to the real world and build friendships that last a lifetime.

By the time students leave middle school, they are not just ready for high school. They are ready for life, armed with self-advocacy skills, resilience, and a love of learning that will carry them far.

Social-Emotional Learning at Burkard School: Building Resilience

At The Burkard School, social-emotional learning is woven into everything from math class to recess. Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and relationship skills are treated as essential, not optional. Each classroom includes a Behavior Specialist who helps students navigate challenges and build resilience in real time. Through daily SEL lessons, students learn how to manage frustration, set goals, and reflect on who they are becoming. With a focus on Awareness, Regulation, Mindsets, and Values, SEL at The Burkard School is not about being perfect. It is about growing stronger every day, both academically and emotionally.

Behavioral Support at Burkard School: Understanding Needs

At The Burkard School, behavioral support is all about understanding the root of a student’s behavior and giving them the right tools to grow. Every classroom has both a teacher and a Behavior Specialist who provide real-time coaching, use visual prompts and self-monitoring tools, and reinforce positive behavior with clarity and compassion. The entire program is overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ensuring that support is consistent, individualized, and aligned with outside therapies when needed. Here, behavior is seen as communication, and students who once felt misunderstood are given the space to thrive.

Executive Functioning at Burkard School: Developing Skills

Executive functioning is treated like a core subject at The Burkard School, where students learn essential skills like planning, organization, time management, and focus in real, hands-on ways. Classrooms are set up with visual schedules, checklists, and predictable routines, giving students the structure they need to succeed. Behavior Specialists provide daily coaching, helping students practice strategies that actually stick. From tackling a multi-step project to managing transitions without stress, students build the tools to take charge of their learning, and yes, that includes proudly pulling out a color-coded binder like a pro.

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