The Crowden School

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The Crowden School for grades 3-8 puts music at the center of an inspiring whole-child education, empowering our students to find their individual voices as they grow into confident, empathetic young leaders.
At the Crowden school, small class sizes and close teacher-student interactions allow for each student to be recognized and appreciated as a unique indivdual, and to develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. Through the daily activity of playing music together in ensembles, students learn skills such as focused listening, dedicated practice and perseverance, responsibility, and empathy. These essential skills are further developed in the academic classrooms, where our project-based collaborative curriculum challenges students to develop critical thinking skills, self-confidence and a life-long love of learning.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: 3-8
  • Enrollment: 53 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,990
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 25 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 3-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1983

Student Body

Total Students
53 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
The Crowden School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 25 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Lower tuition for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Financial aid available.
% on Financial Aid
45%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$16,500
Acceptance Rate
78%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Kirsten Shallenberg

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Coding Club, D&D Club, Gardening Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Music, Chorus, Instrument instruction, Musicianship, Orchestra

School Notes

  • For grades 3-8: transformative academic program with music at the core
  • Beginning musicians welcome at all grade levels!
  • 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
  • For students with a general interest in music as well as gifted young musicians
  • Small class settings (average class size 12)
  • Passionate, dedicated, and expert faculty
  • Excellent high school placement
  • School hours (8am - 3:30pm) include two hours of music daily
  • After-school program available
  • Payment plans and financial aid 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Crowden School cost?
The Crowden School's tuition is approximately $33,990 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Crowden School?
The acceptance rate of The Crowden School is 78%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
Who are famous alumni from The Crowden School?
The 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 The Crowden School?
The application deadline for The Crowden School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
What neighborhood is The Crowden School located?
The 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  
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.
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: 3-8
  • Enrollment: 53 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,990
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 25 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Berkeley, CA is $27,225 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).

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