Visit the Crowden School
Ways to learn about our school & meet our community
See for yourself how music and academics work in harmony at the Crowden School for grades K-8!
Crowden School is a truly unique academic institution. Each morning, the sound of strings tuning sets the tone for a day of creativity and learning. Each child has music integrated into their everyday experience.
Beginning in Grade 3, students advance into Crowden School’s signature chamber music program, working in small ensembles where every part is essential. Alongside a rich academic program, this model teaches collaboration, listening, and leadership in ways that extend far beyond the stage. Families often say you have to experience it to understand, and we invite you to visit, walk the halls, and see how Crowden students grow through both music and academics.
Connect with Our Admissions Director in Berkeley
Start with a personal introduction to Crowden School. One of the best ways to begin your journey is by connecting directly with our Admissions Director, Kirsten Shallenberg. She’s here to answer your questions about Crowden School admissions, guide you through our private school application process, and help you schedule a personalized K–8 school tour in Berkeley. You can easily sign up for a time that fits your schedule through Calendly or by emailing Kirsten directly.
See Crowden in Action: School Tours
Crowden offers different ways to experience our community, depending on the grade you’re exploring.
Kindergarten–Grade 2
Join a small group tour of our Berkeley K–2 private school, offered weekly and capped at just three families. This format ensures personalized attention and provides an opportunity to ask all your questions. Tours are designed for adults and can be easily reserved through Ravenna at a time that suits you best. Prefer a one-on-one experience? We’re happy to arrange an individual K–2 private school tour for your family!
Grades 3–8
For older students, we offer a personalized school tour for Grades 3–8. These one-on-one visits welcome both parents and prospective students, providing an opportunity to explore classrooms, ask detailed questions, and see firsthand how Crowden’s chamber music model and top-tier academics come to life.
Discover Crowden: Admissions Events & Open Houses
In addition to personalized tours, we invite families to join us for a variety of admissions events at our private K–8 school in Berkeley. Each one offers a welcoming way to experience Crowden, meet our community, and learn more about our unique approach to academics and chamber music education.
Coffee on the Steps
Join us for coffee and conversation with our Admissions Director, Head of School, and current Crowden parents. This informal gathering is an opportunity to ask questions, hear authentic parent perspectives, and experience the warmth of our community. No registration required.
Kindergarten Information Sessions
Designed for prospective K–2 families, these sessions highlight our Berkeley private kindergarten and early grades program. Learn directly from school leaders about curriculum, music instruction, and what makes Crowden a truly unique start for young learners.
‘First Look' at Crowden - Sunday, October 19 10:30 AM
Experience Crowden School in one morning: enjoy a short student musical performance, an introduction from our Head of School and Artistic Director, and get any questions answered.
Family Tour Day - Veteran’s Day (Tuesday, November 11)
Bring the whole family for this special admissions event. Meet faculty and staff, explore classrooms, and enjoy hands-on activities, including music games for Grades K–3, art projects for Grades 4–8, and coffee and refreshments for parents. A fun and welcoming way to determine if Crowden is the right fit for your family. This is a perfect way to get to see our K - 8 school in action.
K-2 Crowden Exploration Morning -Saturday, December 13th 9:30 - 11:00am
Join us on Saturday morning, December 13th for a fun, interactive way to explore Crowden School! Children ages 3-7 are invited to join Crowden School teachers for fun activities.
Teacher Panel & Tour - January (save the date!)
Come for a weekday morning Q&A with Crowden’s expert faculty, followed by a guided tour of our campus. This event gives families a chance to hear directly from the teachers who make our academic and chamber music programs so distinctive.
Crowden partners with Ravenna to provide a convenient admissions experience for prospective families.
Create a Ravenna account (or log into Ravenna) to register for a tour or open house, submit your child’s application, and stay informed throughout the process:
Admissions Events
‘First Look at Crowden’ Tour Sunday, October 19
10:30-11:30 am
Veteran's Day Family Tour
Monday, November 11
9:15-11:00 am
K-2 Weekend Event
Sunday, December 13
10:00-11:00 am
Crowden School Sneak Peek
January TBD
K–2 Group Tours
Join a group tour at 9:30 am:
Wednesday, October 1
Wednesday, October 8
Tuesday, October 14
Tuesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 29
Tuesday, November 4
Tuesday, November 18
Wednesday, December 3
Tuesday, December 9
One-on-One Tours
Email our Admission Director for a personalized one-on-tour.
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.