Walden Center and School offers child-centered academics that fully incorporate artistic expression within a supportive community of learners.
Walden is a progressive, teacher-run elementary school. Our curriculum combines developmentally appropriate expectations with challenging units of study.
The school's environment enhances each child's academic, emotional, social, creative and physical growth.
The Walden staff supports experiential learning, cooperative endeavor, creativity and appreciation of personal expression within a broader community.
We believe that children learn best in an environment that stimulates an interest in the world around them.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 76 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,970
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 3 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Walden Center & School 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-6
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Classroom teachers modify program strategies to support mild learning differences with the support of a Learning Specialist.
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
76 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 52%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 3 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,970
Tuition Notes
Payable in 8 installments: a 3 month deposit and $1,297 per month Aug - Feb.
% on Financial Aid
50%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$4,601
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Caroline Schnieders
Application URL
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Walden Center & School cost?
Walden Center & School's tuition is approximately $12,970 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Walden Center & School?
The acceptance rate of Walden Center & School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 81%.
What is Walden Center & School's ranking?
Walden Center & School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Walden Center & School?
The application deadline for Walden Center & School is Jan. 3 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 3 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Walden Center & School located?
Walden Center & School is located in the Central Berkeley neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Central Berkeley.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Walden Center & School also viewed these schools: Berkwood Hedge School, The Berkeley School, The Elmwood Academy, Black Pine Circle School and Rising Star Montessori.
The nearest high school to Walden Center & School is Mentoring Academy (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Berkwood Hedge School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Shu Ren International School, Berkeley (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Berkwood Hedge School
Alternative School
1809 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
0.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 131 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3
1310 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
0.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
2722 Benvenue Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-0605
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-0605
1 miles
Gr: K-8 | 107 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
2027 7th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-0876
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-0876
1.3 miles
Gr: K-8 | 305 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Rising Star Montessori ![Rising Star Montessori Photo - small yard]( "Rising Star Montessori Photo - small yard")
Montessori School
1421 High Street
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-4536
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-4536
7.6 miles
Gr: PK | 85 students Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Bentley School
(3)
1 Hiller Dr
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512
2.3 miles
Gr: K-12 | 700 students Avg. class size: 15 students
4315 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 531-1300
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 531-1300
5.4 miles
Gr: K-12 | 877 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Spectrum Center - Tara Hills
Special Education School
16330 San Pablo Ave
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 724-4494
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 724-4494
9.7 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 38 students Avg. class size: 8 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Berkwood Hedge School
Alternative School
1809 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
0.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 131 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3
1310 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
0.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
2722 Benvenue Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-0605
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 549-0605
1 miles
Gr: K-8 | 107 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
2027 7th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-0876
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-0876
1.3 miles
Gr: K-8 | 305 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2125 Jefferson Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 160 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1310 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
0.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Rising Star Montessori ![Rising Star Montessori Photo - small yard]( "Rising Star Montessori Photo - small yard")
Montessori School
1421 High Street
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-4536
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-4536
7.6 miles
Gr: PK | 85 students Tuition listed
2125 Jefferson Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 160 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
Global Montessori International School ![Global Montessori International School Photo]( "Global Montessori International School Photo")
Montessori School
2830 9th street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6969
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6969
1.1 miles
Gr: PK-K | 76 students Avg. class size: 28 students
American International Montessori School
Montessori School
3339 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 868-1815
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 868-1815
1.2 miles
Gr: NS-6 | 123 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Berkwood Hedge School
Alternative School
1809 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
0.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 131 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3
2125 Jefferson Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 160 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
2340 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 621-3272
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 621-3272
0.6 miles
Gr: 6-8 | 98 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
1918 Bonita Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
0.6 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 25 students Sports: 9 Tuition 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
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1918 Bonita Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
0.6 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 25 students Sports: 9 Tuition 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
0.8 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 77 students Tuition listed
2727 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 841-8489
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 841-8489
1.1 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Avg. class size: 11 students Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Via Center
Special Education School
2126 6th St
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 848-1616
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 848-1616
1.3 miles
Gr: 7-11 | 8 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Berkwood Hedge School
Alternative School
1809 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 883-6990
0.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 131 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3
2125 Jefferson Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 160 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
2340 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 621-3272
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 621-3272
0.6 miles
Gr: 6-8 | 98 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
1918 Bonita Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 345-3000
0.6 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 25 students Sports: 9 Tuition 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
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2125 Jefferson Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 841-8899
0.4 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 160 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
1310 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
0.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Cedar Creek Montessori School
Montessori School
1600 Sacramento St
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 525-1377
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 525-1377
1 miles
Gr: PK-K | 31 students
1009 Heinz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 809-0641
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 809-0641
1.1 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 431 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 15 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Global Montessori International School ![Global Montessori International School Photo]( "Global Montessori International School Photo")
Montessori School
2830 9th street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6969
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6969
1.1 miles
Gr: PK-K | 76 students Avg. class size: 28 students
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Wa
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6310
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6310
0.2 miles
Gr: K-5 | 401 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Berkeley Technology Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Wa
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6159
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6159
0.3 miles
Gr: 10-12 | 54 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Berkeley High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1980 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6120
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6120
0.4 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 3,218 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Berkeley Independent Study K-8
Alternative School
(Math: <50%)
2701 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 644-6159
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 644-6159
0.4 miles
Gr: K-8 | 19 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Wa
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6120
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-6120
0.4 miles
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