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Bentley School

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Bentley School is a vibrant K12 learning community located in the culturally rich San Francisco Bay Area.
Across two campuses, Bentley students are inspired by the school's motto, "Scire Desidero - I Desire to Know," through an academically challenging curriculum that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Since its founding in 1920, Bentley has strived to ensure that each student is known and appreciated for their own unique gifts as both a scholar and a vital part of our school community.
Over the course of their careers at Bentley, students achieve a greater understanding of the world around them; of their peers; and, ultimately, of themselves, preparing them for college and beyond.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 660 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $45,000
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 9
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Bentley School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1920

Student Body

Total Students
660 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Bentley School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
96 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP 2D/3D Visual Art, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP French, AP Latin, AP Mandarin, AP Music Theory, AP Spanish, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Engineering, English Seminars, Environmental Science, History Seminars, Multivariable Calculus, Physics C
Average SAT score
1310
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Lower School: $38,700 Middle School: $42,300 Upper School: $55,800
% on Financial Aid
29%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$28,500
Admissions Director
David Lazo
Admissions Associate
Lloyd Brown
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Robotics

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Drawing, Photography, Theatre

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ultimate Frisbee

School Notes

Bentley School is a vibrant K12 learning community located in the culturally rich San Francisco Bay Area. Across two campuses, Bentley students are inspired by the school's motto, "Scire Desidero - I Desire to Know," through an academically challenging curriculum that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Since its founding in 1920, Bentley has strived to ensure that each student is known and appreciated for their own unique gifts as both a scholar and a vital part of our school community. Over the course of their careers at Bentley, students achieve a greater understanding of the world around them; of their peers; and, ultimately, of themselves, preparing them for college and beyond.
  • We have a total of 650 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade
  • Bentley's Hiller campus houses our K-8 program, located in Oakland with 330 students
  • Bentley's Lafayette campus houses our Upper School program (9th-12th grades) with 320 students
  • One out of four students receive financial assistance
  • 8:1 Student to Faculty ratio
  • 56% Students of ColorStudents represent 70 zip codes from across the Bay Area
  • Over the past five years, 100% of Bentley graduates have been admitted to over 300 colleges and universities, a number that also includes 90% of the institutions named onBarron's"Most Competitive Schools" list
  • Bentley isaccredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)Bentley School encourages qualified applicants of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, races, national origins, gender, or sexual orientations.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bentley School cost?
Bentley School's tuition is approximately $45,000 for private students.
What sports does Bentley School offer?
Bentley School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Bentley School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Bentley School's ranking?
Bentley School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Bentley School?
The application deadline for Bentley School is Jan. 9.

School Calendar

View the Bentley School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
First Day of School
August 27, 2025 (Wednesday)
SCHOOL CLOSED: Labor Day
September 01, 2025 (Monday)
First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2025 (Monday)
SCHOOL CLOSED: Fall Holiday/Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 13, 2025 (Monday)
SCHOOL CLOSED: Winter Break
December 22, 2025 (Monday)

School Reviews

5  
We are so glad our daughter got admitted in the Middle school here. She came home so happy after school every day. She made friends the 1st day in school that students here are polite and friendly. Teachers are very carrying about the well been of the students and very responsive to their academic works. The best decision we made for our child to attend school here.
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 660 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $45,000
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 9
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Lafayette, CA is $29,135 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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