We believe that the active engagement in making music, and the fun that children have in doing it, fosters a joy in learning that lasts a lifetime.

To that end, The Crowden School offers comprehensive musical training in balance with a first-class academic education. At the heart of our program is chamber music: small ensembles in which our students play music collaboratively with others.

Crowden’s ensemble-based curriculum instills in its students the collaborative, creative, and critical-thinking skills to succeed in life. This approach cultivates an environment of empathy and trust, fostering close bonds of friendship and respect among students.

In music study and in all areas, Crowden students learn the importance of discipline, preparation, and perseverance to achieve success.

Communication and concentration skills, self-confidence, curiosity, and a life-long love of music are just a few benefits of Crowden’s program.

No! The Crowden School prepares its students to excel in all areas after they graduate. 

Crowden School alumni are well-rounded individuals and confident leaders, ready to meet the artistic and intellectual challenges of the high school years and beyond. They are highly valued by all major private and public college preparatory high schools. Crowden graduates describe their experience as transformative, and go on to excel in their chosen fields.

That’s OK! We welcome beginners on string instruments into all grade levels. We value aptitude and enthusiasm for music as much as experience. These traits can be demonstrated by playing any musical instrument or by singing.

All candidates for the piano program are expected to demonstrate facility with sight-reading.

Prospective students are expected to demonstrate academic proficiency at the appropriate level for their grade.

Academic proficiency is determined by review of transcripts or report cards from the past two years, and by the results of the Crowden School Entrance Exam. The exam includes sections on English and Math.

The entrance exam also includes a brief musical assessment. Applicants with experience are asked to play a short piece (less than two minutes) that best shows off their current musical level. Beginners may sing a song. Members of the music faculty will listen and may ask a few questions. 

For all students, the school day begins at 8:00am on Monday through Wednesday and Friday. Thursdays are late start days and begin at 9:00am.

Third graders are dismissed at 2:50pm, and fourth to eighth graders are dismissed at 3:30pm.

The school building opens at 7:40am, and aftercare is available for all students until 6:00pm.

The annual tuition for the 2022 to 2023 school year is:

Grades 3 to 5: $28,300

Grades 6 to 8: $30,900

The Crowden School offers a need-based Financial Aid program, and qualified students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their ability to pay. 51% of Crowden School students receive need-based aid!

The Crowden community is vibrant and dynamic, and parents have many opportunities to get involved and build connections. The Crowden School requires the following number of hours for parent participation:

• 25 hours per year for families with one student
• 35 hours per year for families with two or more students
• 10 hours per year for families with a single parent

Crowden prepares its students to succeed in a variety of school environments. Most Crowden students are accepted into their first choice high school. Throughout the eighth-grade year, we help students get ready for high school through our High School Prep Course.

Recent high school choices include: Albany High School, Athenian School, Bentley School, Berkeley High School, Branson, College Preparatory School, El Cerrito High School, Head Royce School, Lick-Wilmerding, Marin Academy, Maybeck High School, Oakland School of the Arts, San Domenico School.