List of 14 frequently asked questions.

• When can I apply to the Berkeley Academy this year?

  A. Students are eligible to apply during their sixth grade year.  

• What is the cost?

  A. The Berkeley Academy is FREE for all students who are accepted into the program. There is NO FINANCIAL COST to you or your family. The only cost for students is consistent attendance, motivation, positive attitudes, hard work and, along with the support of their families, a six-year commitment to the program. If accepted, a student will receive approximately $20,000 worth of educational and enrichment programming FREE of charge.

• What will a typical day at the Berkeley Academy Summer Program look like?

  A. Most days will be spent on the beautiful Berkeley Preparatory School campus.  Teachers will use interactive lessons to engage students and encourage their love of learning.  Students will study four core subjects during the morning sessions: English, science, math and social studies.  They will be academically challenged AND have fun at the same time!  In the afternoons, students will be invited to explore new activities and/or to participate in ones they already enjoy.  There will be a variety of athletic and exploration classes from which to choose such as swimming, tennis, world languages and theater.  There will also be exciting field trips and special events every summer.

• What are the dates and times of the Berkeley Academy for the 2024 Summer?

  A. The Berkeley Academy will run from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Monday – Friday. The Berkeley Academy will begin June 14 and end on July 24 (no classes July 1st - 5th). Daily attendance is required.
  
  (The times and dates of the Berkeley Academy are subject to change based on the transportation schedule and specific programming needs.)

• What are the dates and times of the school-year, Saturday program?

  A. School-year dates and times will be released at the start of the summer program.

• Who are the Berkeley Academy teachers?

  A. All teachers are exceptional college and high school students who have a passion for working with younger students.  With the help of the program’s directors and instructional coaches, the teachers create classes that are fun and engaging.

• Who gets accepted into the Berkeley Academy?

  A. Admission to the Berkeley Academy is selective.  The goal of the Admissions Committee is to select committed, motivated students who show a strong commitment to their education and a passion for learning.

• What happens after I apply?

  A. The Admissions Committee will review your application to see if you are a good fit for the Berkeley Academy. You will also be asked to attend an interview. The Admissions Committee strives to determine an applicant’s readiness and ability to succeed in the Berkeley Academy. Openings are limited. Once a decision is made, applicants will be notified via the online application portal. Information regarding your acceptance will not be given over the phone.

• How many students are in each grade of the Berkeley Academy?

  A. There will be about forty students in each grade.  You can expect approximately ten to fifteen students in each class.

• Will there be homework, tests and grades?

  A. On average, Berkeley Academy students will complete 1 to 1.5 hours of engaging exercises after the program each day that enhances the learning that took place. Students will not receive number grades nor will there be final grades.  Instead, students will receive consistent feedback on their work and final written evaluations from their teachers.

• Is transportation provided?

  A. Currently, transportation is only provided during our summer programming for students zoned to our neighborhood’s public middle schools, Webb and Pierce. There is no transportation provided for Saturday programming. All other students are responsible for securing transportation to and from all Berkeley Academy programs.

• What is the commitment?

  A. The Berkeley Academy requires a six-year commitment.  Your personal and family schedules should be planned around the Berkeley Academy for the first three years. Middle school students (rising seventh, eighth, and ninth graders) attend mandatory Saturday and summer programs.  Once you are in high school, we expect and encourage you to be involved in activities at your school.  As a result, we have a program during the school year that includes tutoring, mentoring and informational seminars about summer jobs, interviewing skills, the college application process and the SAT/ACT.  For more details regarding our commitment to you and your commitment to us, please see the Commitment Page found in the application.

• When are applications due?

  A. The online application and all application materials must be completed/submitted by FEBRUARY 1, 2024 by 9:00 p.m. Please use the provided Application Checklist to ensure that you have completed each step to the application.

• How should I complete the online application?

  A. Please visit theberkeleyacademy.org, click on “Future Scholars”, click on “Become a Scholar”, and lastly click on “Nominated to apply? Congratulations! Click here!” for more details on how to apply.