How to Get Into Berkeley Hall School: Guide to Admissions

Is Berkeley Hall School a Good School?

Berkeley Hall School, established in 1911, is a coeducational institution in Los Angeles, California, serving highly capable students from preschool through 8th grade. With a fairly low teacher/student ratio of 1:8 and 260 enrolled students, faculty and staff can serve the students in a more individualized approach. Parents praise the school for its dedicated teachers, engaging learning environment, and strong community. Overall, Berkeley Hall School is known for its commitment to academic excellence and character education, making it a great choice for families seeking a well-rounded educational experience for their children.

Berkeley Hall School values diversity, with a student body that includes, according to Niche,  41.9% White, 17.3% Multicultural, 14.2% Asian, 7.3% Hispanic, 7.3% International, 5.8% Unknown, 4.6% African American, 0.8% Native American, and 0.8% Pacific Islander. This mix gives students real-world exposure to different cultures, ideas, and experiences. It strengthens critical thinking, encourages collaboration, and helps students develop the social skills they need to succeed in a diverse society. Learning in a community like this prepares students for the future by teaching them how to understand and work with people from all backgrounds.

Is It Hard To Get Into Berkeley Hall School? 

Yes, it can be challenging to get into Berkeley Hall School. First, the school has a low student-teacher ratio and small class sizes, meaning limited spots are available each year. With a focus on individualized attention, Berkeley Hall carefully selects students who fit its academic and community values. Second, the admissions process is selective, requiring strong academic records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes an assessment or interview. The school looks for students who will thrive in its rigorous yet supportive environment, making early preparation and a well-rounded application essential.

What are the Steps in Berkeley Hall School’s Admissions Process?

The admission process for Berkeley Hall School is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Below is an overview of the process:

• Schedule a Berkeley Hall School Campus Visit
  Start the process by submitting an inquiry form to learn more about the school and attend tours or admission events.

• Submit an Online Application
  Create an account on the school’s admissions portal, complete the application, and submit it before the deadline.

• Provide Required Documents
  Upload necessary documents such as a birth certificate, teacher recommendations, and transcripts based on your child’s grade level.

• Optional: Complete the Character Skills Snapshot (Grades 6-8)
  For middle school applicants, taking the Character Skills Snapshot provides insight into their personal strengths and character development.

• Attend a Student Visit and Parent Interview
  All applicants participate in an on-campus visit, while parents join an interview with the admissions team. Younger applicants undergo a brief assessment, while middle schoolers have an interview.

• Apply for Tuition Assistance (If Needed)
  Families seeking financial support can submit an application for tuition assistance before the deadline.

• Receive Admission Decisions
  Decision notifications are sent out based on grade level, with rolling admissions available in the spring and summer if space allows.

What are the application requirements for Berkeley Hall School?

Berkeley Hall School Admissions Interviews

Parents or guardians of applicants are invited to a virtual conversation that lasts up to 1 hour. You will have a chance to meet members of the admissions team and the faculty and learn more about Berkeley Hall. You will also have a chance to ask questions so you may gain more insight into the school’s culture and academic structure. 

How to prepare for admissions interviews

Both of these activities are indirect and non-formal interviews where you and your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how you carry yourselves during those occasions. They will determine if your family will be a good fit for the school community. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into Kerkeley Hall School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce you to common interview questions and how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Teacher Recommendations

Berkeley Hall requires two teacher recommendations as part of the application process. These letters give admissions officers a clearer picture of your academic abilities, character, and potential for success at the school. It is important to choose teachers who know you well, preferably from your core academic subjects, so they can speak directly about your strengths, work ethic, and classroom contributions. Be sure to inform your recommenders of all deadlines and provide them with any guidelines from the school to ensure they submit thoughtful, personalized evaluations that support your application.

4 Tips for Choosing a Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation

1. Pick a Teacher Who Knows You Well – A teacher who knows you well can accurately and authentically capture the essence of your character. 
2. Choose a Teacher that Aligns with Your Aspirations – If you show BCP that you’re someone who thrives in STEM fields, a great way to supplement that is to have a recommendation from a STEM teacher. 
3. Consider a Teacher Who Writes Well – A teacher who can effectively write can effectively convey your strengths through the recommendation. 
4. Ask Early and Ask Politely – Teachers get many requests, so ask in advance, provide necessary details, and express gratitude.

School Records and Documents

As with virtually every school, Bellarmine College Preparatory requires prospective students to submit their current school records as part of the application process. This includes but isn’t limited to academic transcripts, report cards, and a birth certificate. A more detailed list of the specific school records required can be found in their admissions page.

Character Skills Snapshot

The Character Skills Snapshot is an innovative tool used by many schools to measure students’ attitudes and inclination toward the seven essential character skills, namely initiative, open-mindedness, intellectual engagement, self-control, resilience, teamwork, and social awareness. It will only take around 25 minutes to finish the Character Skills Snapshot. Our admissions consultants can help you prepare for this assessment by giving you exercises that highlight character skills and a mock test to familiarize you with the process.

Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

Parents or guardians of all applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that can be found on the school’s application portal. This questionnaire provides an opportunity to share insights about your child, your family’s values, and your interest in joining the school community. It serves as a way for the admissions team to better understand your family’s educational priorities and how they align with the school’s mission.

How To Answer The Parent Questionnaire

When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here.

Student Life At Berkeley Hall School 

Choosing the right school for your son is an important decision. Berkeley Hall School offers a remarkable setting that builds on children’s moral, social, and intellectual growth. Through coursework, exciting extracurricular activities, worthwhile volunteer work, and a competitive athletic program, Berkeley Hall School helps mold boys into self-assured, well-rounded people who are ready for success in college and beyond.

What is Berkeley Hall School’s Academics Like?

The school’s philosophy centers on the belief that every child possesses unlimited, God-given potential. This perspective fosters a “No limits. No labels. Lots of Love.” environment, aiming to nurture fearless scholars and conscientious citizens. ​Integral to this philosophy is the promotion of a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an evolving process that improves with persistent effort. This approach teaches that challenges and failures are opportunities for growth rather than fixed limitations.

What is Berkeley Hall’s Depth of Study (DOS) Program

The curriculum is further enriched by the Depth of Study (DOS) program, which emphasizes continuous improvement in teaching practices through intentional collaboration among educators. Teachers regularly meet to refine their methods and discuss students’ progress, to facilitate a cohesive and effective learning experience across all grade levels. This also ensures that the school never uses outdated methods that are proven to be ineffective, rather, they continually improve their own pedagogy. This program also supports the implementation of research-based curricula, including Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading & Writing Project and the K-8 Illustrative Math curriculum.

Berkeley’s Curriculum Across Grade Levels

Elementary School (Grades K-5):

• Integrated Learning: Subjects such as reading, writing, social studies, math, science, art, music, drama, physical education, innovation lab (robotics, programming, technology), and library sciences are interwoven to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.
• Writing Focus: Starting in first grade, students engage in expository, opinion, and narrative writing across core subjects, encouraging them to develop and express their viewpoints.
• Experiential Learning: Field trips to locations like the Santa Barbara Mission, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and the Getty Museum extend learning beyond the classroom.

Middle School (Grades 6-8):

• Leadership Development: As the oldest students on campus, middle schoolers have unique opportunities to take on leadership roles, mentoring younger students and leading community initiatives.
• Preparation for High School: The curriculum is designed to ensure students are well-prepared for the academic challenges of high school, with many graduates gaining entry to their top-choice schools. ​

What is Berkeley Hall’s Extracurricular Activities Like?

Education at Berkeley Hall School goes well beyond the classroom. Numerous extracurricular programs are available at the school to support students. Berkeley Hall offers a nurturing environment for personal development, regardless of a student’s interests in leadership, the arts, or STEM.

After-School Enrichment Program

Berkeley Hall School’s After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP) gives students the chance to dive into fun, hands-on activities that spark creativity and build new skills. Open to kids from nursery through eighth grade, ASEP offers everything from ballet and musical theater to chess, robotics, and cooking. Through a partnership with Parker-Anderson, professional instructors lead exciting classes that keep students engaged beyond the school day. Whether they’re learning karate, playing lacrosse, or coding their first program, students get to explore their interests, make new friends, and grow in confidence—all in a fun and supportive environment.

Events and Traditions 

Berkeley Hall School is rich in traditions and special events that bring the community together and create lasting memories for students, families, and faculty. One of the most cherished traditions is Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day, where students invite loved ones to experience a day in their school life, strengthening the connection between home and school. The Halloween Activities bring excitement and creativity as students dress up and celebrate with festive games and performances. Another beloved event is the 100th Day Celebration, which marks a milestone in the academic year with fun and educational activities centered around the number 100, helping younger students grasp math concepts in an engaging way. These traditions foster a strong sense of belonging and joy within the school community.

One of the most unique Berkeley Hall traditions is the Sugar Plum Holiday Program, a heartwarming event that dates back to 1939. During this celebration, students in first through third grade receive small decorative pouches, or “plums,” filled with goodies, continuing a tradition of generosity and festive cheer. The Class Performances give students the chance to showcase their talents in music, drama, and public speaking, encouraging confidence and creativity. Meanwhile, the Shield Dance and Graduation Class Shield Presentation allow eighth graders to leave their mark by designing a custom class crest and motto, symbolizing their journey and achievements at Berkeley Hall. These events not only create fun and meaningful experiences but also reinforce the school’s values of community, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Athletics: What Sports Does Berkeley Hall School Offer?

Berkeley Hall School offers a comprehensive team sports program for students in grades four through eight. The school fields 28 teams that compete in basketball, football, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and track and field. With excellent athletic facilities on its 66-acre campus, many games are hosted on-site, providing students with ample opportunities to participate and develop their athletic abilities.

Related Articles:

Berkeley Hall School’s Fantastic After School Program

Seventy Years of Shields and Spirit: A Berkeley Hall Tradition

The Innovation Lab at Berkeley Hall School