Crowden School (2026 Profile)

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Quick Facts (2026)

School Type: Special Program Emphasis
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 58 students
Yearly Tuition: $39,000
Acceptance rate: 78%
Average class size: 10 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 14 / Jan. 25 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

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

School Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Crowden School
Kind	8
1	4
2	4
3	3
4	5
5	5
6	5
7	11
8	13

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1983

School Calendar

View School Calendar

First Day of School

Wed. Sep 2, 2026

Last Day of School

Thu. Jun 10, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

58 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

47%

State avg.: 52%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

22 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

3:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

73%

Average Class Size

10 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Dec. 14 / Jan. 25 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$39,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition assistance available. Grades K-5: $39,000 Grades 6-8: $42,500

% on Financial Aid

40%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$18,000

Acceptance Rate

78%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Kirsten Shallenberg

Application URL

Online Application

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

12 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubCoding Club

Cooking ClubDance Club

Gardening ClubLibrary Club

Sewing Club

Arts and Music Programs:

Chamber MusicChorus

Instrument instructionMusicianship

Orchestra

School Notes

At Crowden, music is the foundation of every lesson. Our unique chamber music model integrates daily ensemble practice with rigorous academics, teaching students to think critically, listen deeply, collaborate, and lead with confidence. The result is a transformative education that prepares curious, capable learners for high school and beyond.
Crowden School fosters creativity, critical thinking, and joyful learning in a close-knit community. Our curriculum encourages students to dig deep, think expansively, and make unexpected connections.
With daily opportunities to practice, revise, and perform, they cultivate discipline, patience, and confidence to face 21st-century challenges head-on and prepare for the future.
Now enrolling for all grades (K-8) for Fall 2027! Learn more or schedule a tour at https://www.crowden.org/school/

School Motto: Music Changes Everything

Children who love music find a home at Crowden!
Intellectually engaging, project-based curriculum that develops critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity
Academic subjects: Art, English, French, History, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science
Music subjects: Instrumental Studies, Small Ensembles, Orchestra, Chorus, Musicianship and Composition, Music History
Crowden School welcomes all levels of young musician, from beginners to advanced players.
Small class settings (average class size 10)
Passionate, dedicated, and expert faculty
Excellent high school placement
After-school program available
Payment plans and tuition assistance available

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Noah Bendix-Balgley '97 - Co-concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Jonah van Bourg '99 - Global Head of Trading at Cumberland; former Executive Director at Goldman Sachs.
- Owen Dalby '98 - Member of the St Lawrence String Quartet and Artist-in-Residence at Stanford University.
- Tracey Dooley, M.D. - Digital health innovator, partner at Avestria Ventures and member of the Women’s Health Executive Committee at Springboard Enterprises.
- Audrey Vardanega - Co-Founder and COO of Arium, a streaming platform featuring global musical storytelling, Founder and Artistic Director of Musaics of the Bay, and touring concert pianist

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Crowden School cost?

Crowden School's tuition is approximately $39,000 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Crowden School?

The acceptance rate of Crowden School is 78%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.

Who are famous alumni from Crowden School?

Crowden School famous alumni include: Noah Bendix-Balgley '97, Jonah van Bourg '99, Owen Dalby '98, Tracey Dooley, M.D. and Audrey Vardanega.

When is the application deadline for Crowden School?

The application deadline for Crowden School is Dec. 14 / Jan. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 14 / Jan. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Crowden School located?

Crowden School is located in the Northwest Berkeley neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 2 other private schools located in Northwest Berkeley.

School Reviews

5 2/28/2022

We have a fourth-grader at the Crowden school. She loves it! We're happy with the academic program- knowledgeable and caring teachers, small class size, and fascinating and socially aware curricula. She loves the friends she has made across all grade levels, and the music aspect is pretty incredible. She started cello with no experience in the third grade and 18 months later is practicing the first movement of a concerto- it's amazing what two hours of music a day, five days a week can do.

- Posted by Parent - EJ

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Berkeley, CA is $26,542 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Berkeley, CA is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).