Admissions
How to Apply

Applying to Lower Division

Early childhood admissions at Berkeley (Pre-K, K, and First Grade) seeks to identify those applicants who would be successful within the context of the learning environment offered. Based on years of professional experience, decisions encompass all the factors which predict a “good fit” between student and school. Specifically, our placement recommendations are influenced primarily by determining each child’s developmental level of functioning rather than relying solely on chronological age, measures of intelligence or academic achievement.

Admissions for second through fifth grade is a selective process based on assessment of a child’s classroom visit, previous school records, a current school recommendation and performance on achievement testing at Berkeley. The Admissions Committee strives to determine an applicant’s readiness and ability to succeed in our program as compared with current and applying students. Openings are limited at these levels.

Admissions Checklist Lower Division

List of 6 items.

  • Campus Visit

    • Parents are encouraged to schedule a campus visit to discuss the admissions process.

  • Application

    • Application is best made in the fall of the year before anticipated entrance
    • Complete online application
    • Upload applicant’s birth certificate and optional photograph
    • Submit $75 application fee
    • Application Deadline: February 1 - Admissions applications received after February 1st will be considered for our waiting pool

  • Student Record Release Form (Grades 1-5 only)

    • Sign and submit to the appropriate official at your child’s school (ie. registrar or school principal)

  • Teacher Recommendation Form

    Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
    • Sign Permission for School to Release Student Records, located on the School Recommendation Checklist, and deliver to applicant’s current school after the first grading period
    • PK&K School Recommendation Checklist
    • This recommendation should be completed by your child’s current teacher and signed by the principal or head of school.
    • Please have completed School Recommendation Checklist and transcripts (if applicable) forwarded directly to the Admissions Office before your child’s admissions visit.
    • As a courtesy, please include a stamped envelope addressed to the Berkeley Preparatory School - Lower Division Admissions Office.
    1st-5th Grade
    • A Teacher Recommendation Form is required from the child’s current teacher before your child’s admissions visit.
    • 1st Grade Recommendation
    • 2nd-5th Grade Recommendation
    • As a courtesy, please include a stamped envelope addressed to the Berkeley Preparatory School – Lower Division Admissions Office.

  • Visits to Berkeley

    • Expect Berkeley to confirm receipt of your application via letter scheduling your child’s individual visit/testing for January and February.

  • Financial Aid

    If you anticipate requesting financial aid, please review our financial aid webpage for important deadlines and procedures.
Berkeley makes all admission decisions without regard to financial status. Families who have reviewed their financial situation and feel that help may be needed in paying tuition should apply for aid. Financial aid awards are available at any grade level to students who demonstrate need.

Berkeley Preparatory School

Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,380 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.