Bentley School

Bentley School is an independent coeducational college preparatory day school, grades K-12.
Bentley School inspires inquiry, academic excellence, personal achievement, and character by engaging students' intellect and creativity, and by encouraging them to embrace values that enrich their community and the world.
Honor, character, dignity, compassion, and ethical responsibility are fundamental ideals in our community and in our approach to teaching and learning.
Our comprehensive and academically rigorous curriculum promotes a life long pursuit and love of learning; provides a range of challenging opportunities in academics, athletics and the arts; encourages balance in students' individual interests and goals.
The support of intellectual inquiry is developed by encouraging students to explore their individual skills and talents and by provoking a willingness to articulate ideas and to engage critical thought.
We provide an environment that allows students to take risks and to confront challenges in creative and individual ways.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 700 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1920

Student Body

Total Students
700 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
43%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Bentley School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL

School Notes

  • School Motto: Scire Desidero – I Desire to Know
  • School Mascot: Phoenix
  • Bentley School is an independent coeducational college preparatory day school, grades K-12. Bentley School inspires inquiry, academic excellence, personal achievement, and character by engaging students' intellect and creativity, and by encouraging them to embrace values that enrich their community and the world. Honor, character, dignity, compassion, and ethical responsibility are fundamental ideals in our community and in our approach to teaching and learning. Our comprehensive and academically rigorous curriculum promotes a life long pursuit and love of learning; provides a range of challenging opportunities in academics, athletics and the arts; encourages balance in students' individual interests and goals. The support of intellectual inquiry is developed by encouraging students to explore their individual skills and talents and by provoking a willingness to articulate ideas and to engage critical thought. We provide an environment that allows students to take risks and to confront challenges in creative and individual ways.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Bentley School often compared to?
Bentley School is often viewed alongside schools like Head Royce School by visitors of our site.
What is Bentley School's ranking?
Bentley School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Bentley School?
The application deadline for Bentley School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Bentley School located?
Bentley School is located in the Hiller Highlands neighborhood of Oakland, CA.

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

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Our daughter has almost completed her second year at Bentley school and we are very pleased with her progress. I'm writing this review because she has flourished at Bentley, both academically and socially. In a review such as this, it is not possible to describe the full extent of the curriculum, but I have been continually amazed. Amazing faculty; thoughtful, kind, and supportive. Fabulous courses that challenge students, but also allow for balance in their lives. Most importantly, her teachers have taught her self-respect, and self-confidence, and have instilled in her a love of learning. Bentley is also striving to make improvements all the time. The present, Head of school, Christie Moncharmont passion for the school is reflected in an extraordinary commitment by the superb teachers. She is truly an inspiring educator and thinker and extraordinarily committed to issues of diversity, inclusiveness, and progressive education. I feel that Bentley is special, in a very good way.
- Posted by
5  
Bentley Middle School in Oakland, California, is a great educational institution that provides students with a well-rounded and rigorous education. The faculty and staff are dedicated, knowledgeable, and always eager to support the students in their academic and personal pursuits. The school's curriculum is challenging and engaging, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. One of the standout features of Bentley School is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The student body is incredibly diverse, and the school fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Another highlight of Bentley School is its facilities. The school boasts state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, a well-equipped library, and various athletic and recreational facilities. These resources provide students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills. The Bentley School is a top-notch educational institution that provides students with a well-rounded and rigorous education. The faculty and staff are dedicated and knowledgeable, the curriculum is challenging and engaging, and the school's commitment to diversity and inclusivity sets it apart from other schools. I highly recommend Bentley School to anyone seeking a top-quality education.
- Posted by
5  
Our son has been at Bentley for 2 years. We started in K and we have had a wonderful experience with Bentley staff, faculty, and families. Our son loves to go to school and enjoys learning because the teachers present materials in a creative and fun manner. He has made deep connections with his friends, we do play dates throughout the year and are building deeper relationships with some of the other families. As parents, our objective for our child was to put him in a safe environment where he can develop a love for learning and we are very happy with our decision. The curriculum is expansive, the teachers are amazing and I am very impressed with how well every staff member knows our child.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 700 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Oakland, CA is $24,287 for elementary schools and $23,406 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Oakland, CA is 80% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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