ADMISSION TO THE CROWDEN SCHOOL FOR GRADES 3–8
When we put music in the center of an inspiring whole child education, we empower curious, creative, and confident young learners.
Welcome, prospective Crowden School families! I can't wait to share our amazing school and community with you: please join me for a school tour, an online info session, our open houses, a school concert, or just reach out to chat! Fill out our inquiry form and I will contact you—I am here to help you at every step of the way, and to answer all of your questions.
Did you know that we offer generous financial aid, and that we accept students with musical experience of all levels (including beginners) into all grades 3–8? We create an engaging, immersive learning experience for the beginner and advanced student alike. There's so much to learn about The Crowden School, and I'm extremely happy to help you. I hope to meet you soon!
Kirsten Shallenberg, Director of Admissions
510.559.6910 x122
admissions@crowden.org
The Application Process
Dates & Deadlines
December 15, 2023
Early-bird applicaton deadline for new prospective families (reduced application fee, $50)
January 25, 2024
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are due for all new, prospective families (application fee, $75)
February 7, 2024
Entrance Day (grades 3 through 5)
Feburary 14, 2024
Entrance Day (grades 6 through 8)
March 14, 2024
Admissions decisions are emailed to all applicant families
March 21, 2024
Signed contacts and tuition deposits are due for enrolling families
Click here to learn how to apply for financial aid, including important deadlines.
Please submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee.
Early-bird Deadline: December 15, 2023 (reduced fee $50)
Regular Application Deadline: January 25, 2024 ($75 fee)
For financial aid applicants: The Crowden School uses FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment to process financial aid applications. All applications must be submitted electronically through the FACTS website.
Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule a day visit for your child. This is an opportunity for your child to fully experience a day in the life of the Crowden School. We assign a buddy to the visiting child, and include the visitor in all activities.
Fill out the top portion of the Teacher Recommendation Form (fillable PDF) and ask your child's current classroom teacher to complete and return directly to The Crowden School.
Submit the Transcript Release Form to your child’s current school to release progress reports from the past two years. You may also include your own copies of progress reports with the application
The Crowden School Entrance Days include both an academic and a musical assessment. Fourth through eighth grade applicants take a written test with sections in English and Math. Third grade applicants attend a mock classroom, where they complete math, reading, and writing activities. All applicants will also participate in a brief musical assessment for music faculty. Experienced players will demonstrate their current playing level, and beginners will talk with music faculty about their interest in musical studies.
Entrance Days
- Grades 3 through 5: Tuesday, February 7, 2024 (Time TBA)
- Grades 6 through 8: Tuesday, February 14, 2024 (Time TBA)
At The Crowden School, we partner with parents and guardians to provide the best possible education for our students. We conduct a Parent/Guardian interview for each applicant, so that we can learn about the family's priorities and their expectations of a school experience. The interview is also an opportunity for parents and guardians to ask any questions they may have about life at The Crowden School.
Admissions decisions are emailed to all applicant families on March 14, 2024.
Signed contracts and tuition deposits are due by March 21, 2024 for returning families.
The Crowden School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Crowden is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we value our inclusive community of students, parents, and faculty and staff of all backgrounds. Together, we celebrate our many differences and unite in our shared love of music of all kinds and origins.