The Crowden School offers a one-of-a-kind K to 8 private school experience that blends an enriching academic program with daily music instruction from the very start! Located in North Berkeley, Crowden 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 music as a daily foundation, they approach every subject - math, science, humanities, and more - with curiosity, creativity, and intellectual agility.
Whether learning a new instrument or tackling a complex concept, Crowden students develop the resilience to persevere through challenges.
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 (K8) for Fall 2026, including new 1st and 2nd grade cohorts! Learn more or schedule a tour at crowden.org.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 53 students
- Yearly Tuition: $40,500
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 16 / Jan. 25 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1983
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
53 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 51%
Students 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. 16 / Jan. 25 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$40,500
Tuition Notes
Lower tuition for grades K-5. Tuition assistance available.
% on Financial Aid
45%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,000
Acceptance Rate
78%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kirsten Shallenberg
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Chess ClubCoding Club
D&D ClubGardening Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber MusicChorus
Instrument instructionMusicianship
Orchestra
School Notes
- School Motto: Music Changes Everything
- Children who love music find a home at Crowden!
- No music yet? No problem. Beginners are welcome at all grades.
- Advanced track for serious young musicians
- 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 10)
- Passionate, dedicated, and expert faculty
- Excellent high school placement
- Grades 3-8 have two hours of music every day
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Crowden School cost?
The Crowden School's tuition is approximately $40,500 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 80%.
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. 16 / Jan. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 16 / Jan. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In 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.
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to The Crowden School is St. Mary's College High School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is The Berkeley School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Cedar Creek Montessori School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Cedar Creek Montessori School
Montessori School
1600 Sacramento St
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 525-1377
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 525-1377
0.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 31 students
1294 Albina Ave
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 526-9242
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 526-9242
0.2 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 627 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1310 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
0.6 miles
Gr: PK-8 Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
West-wind Academy
Special Program Emphasis
1551 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-1426
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-1426
0.6 miles
Gr: 2-12 | 24 students
Bayhill High School
Special Education School
1940 Virginia St
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 984-0599
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 984-0599
0.7 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 77 students Tuition listed
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.
Endorse The Crowden School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.
