Application Process

2. Complete the application form and send with non-refundable application fee.    

4. Submit a copy of your child’s report card/transcript.

Send the Transcript Release Form to your child’s current school (1st-8th grade applicants).

5. Schedule a Student Interview (all applicants).

After the application is received, we will phone parents to arrange a student interview. Student interviews begin in January and continue through February, or until the class is filled. They run from one hour (for the lower grades) to one and one-half hours (for the upper grades).

6. Schedule a Student Visit (3rd-8th grade applicants only)

The applicant for grades 3-8 will visit a class of her/his current and/or expected entrance grade level.  To make your child feel comfortable, we match a student with similar interests to be your child’s host for the day. Student visits begin in January and will continue through February.

1. Visit our school

Before applying to BPC, we encourage parents to schedule an informational tour on which you may learn first hand about the classroom your child is entering. Tours are led by current parents or admissions personnel. A meeting with an administrator follows in which we discuss our educational philosophy and answer your questions.  Tours are by appointment and are for parent/guardians.

3. Submit two Recommendation Forms for your child’s teachers to complete.

Two recommendation letters are required and, except for Kindergarten applicants, your child’s most recent report card.  Please send the “Teacher Recommendation Forms” to the teachers you have named on the application form, one of whom must be your child’s current teacher.  Teachers should mail their recommendation letter directly to Black Pine Circle School,

Attn: Admissions, 2027 7th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710

For K-5 applicants: Each child is interviewed by the prospective classroom teacher.  Kindergarten interviews occur in a small group that includes an individual meeting with the teacher during the allotted time period.  First through Fifth grade interviews are held individually with each applicant during which time basic skills (reading, written work, math) and social and academic potential is assessed. 

For 6-8 applicants: Interviews usually occur in a small group with an individual interview by two teachers, and a brief English (reading and written work) and math assessment.  BPC does not require a standardized test for admission (i.e. the ISEE).