The Academy is a private, co-educational school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school offers an accelerated academic program, rich in the arts and music, for motivated and eager learners. The Academy promotes academic excellence, creativity, and self-expression.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 107 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,000
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 18 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Elmwood Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1969
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
107 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 18 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,000
Tuition Notes
$31,642 (Lower School), $36,383 (Upper School)
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Justine Lewis
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Stem Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Extended Day
Stem Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Extended Day
School Notes
- School Motto: Omnia praeclara tam difficilia quam rara sunt— translated as 'Everything excellent is as difficult as it is rare'
- Uncommon Excellence of Thought and Character in a Vibrant School Community
- The Academy's mission is to develop thoughtful, ambitious and deep learners. We honor each student's individuality, develop their sense of personal responsibility, respect for others, integrity and commitment to service and citizenship in a global society.
- We are a small, independent K-8 school with a 50-year legacy of providing our students with a rich and rigorous curriculum in a fun and nurturing environment. Each class K-5 has approximately twelve students, and each class 6-8 has approximately fifteen. We believe that our small class sizes best allow our experienced and passionate teachers to engage all of our students in thoughtful exploration and discussion of foundational concepts across subjects and grade levels.
- Our traditional approach to education, which includes immersive French instruction K-8 and Latin instruction 6-8, is complemented by our commitment to fostering social-emotional intelligence in our students, and instilling within each student a capacity for global awareness. Students leave The Academy not only exceptionally well-prepared for the next phase of their studies, but also well-equipped to understand and address challenges on local and global scales.
- SCHEDULE A TOUR: We offers tours weekday mornings, by appointment.To schedule a tour,please emailadmissions@theacademyschool.org, call our office at (510) 549-0605, or use the form provided on our website.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Elmwood Academy cost?
The Elmwood Academy's tuition is approximately $24,000 for private students.
What is The Elmwood Academy's ranking?
The Elmwood Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Elmwood Academy?
The application deadline for The Elmwood Academy is Jan. 18 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 18 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The Elmwood Academy located?
The Elmwood Academy is located in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 2 other private schools located in Elmwood.
School Reviews
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