I’m so glad you’re here.
Choosing a school is a deeply personal decision. My hope is that, as you explore Crowden School you begin to get a real sense of who we are. Not just what we do, but how it feels to be part of this community.
At Crowden, music is woven into everyday. You’ll see students creating music together, listening closely, sharing ideas, and supporting each other as they grow musically. That same spirit carries into our classrooms, where learning is active, collaborative, and deeply engaging.
The best way to understand our philosophy is to experience it in person. I would love to welcome you to campus, introduce you to our students and teachers, and help you imagine what your child’s days here might look like.
Please feel free to reach out to me at any point! I’m always happy to connect, answer questions, or simply talk things through.
Warmly,
Kirsten
Kirsten Shallenberg
Director of Admissions
510.559.6910 x122
admissions@crowden.org
Connect with Admissions Director Kirsten Shallenberg for answers, application guidance, and a personalized K–8 tour in Berkeley.
1
Attend a tour or other admissions event, Sep - Jan
2
Written application, opens Sep 25
After you have completed your written application:
3
Teacher recommendations due
4
Past and current report cards due
5
Register for student visits and assessments
6
Register for parent interview
Decision Notifications are communicated through the Ravenna portal and via email on Thursday, March 19 after 12pm.
SEP
26
Application Open
DEC
15
Early Application Deadline
DEC
26
Regular Application Deadline
MAR
19
Decisions
MAR
26
Enroll
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.
At the Crowden School, the upper elementary and middle school music curriculum focuses on the bowed string instruments of the orchestra: violin, viola, cello, and bass. All younger elementary students will eventually select one of these as their primary Crowden instrument. While The Crowden School will introduce basic keyboard training to its K-2 students, we accept a very limited number of highly advanced pianists each year for upper elementary and middle school only.
Please reach out to Admissions Director Kirsten Shallenberg for more specific information about expectations for pianists, or if you have any questions.
