Admissions

Tuition & Financial Aid

Berkeley is committed to enrolling a talented and diverse student body. We strive to make this educational experience affordable to all families that may require financial assistance.

2019 - 20 Tuition

Pre-K / Kindergarten  $17,910
Grades 1-5  $21,110
Grades 6-8  $24,210
Grades 9-12  $26,730

 
 



Tuition is payable in eight installments and must be paid in full by January 1. Payments do not cover the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, lunches, laptops (if applicable), transportation, special event admission fees, or other expenses incurred in the ordinary course of a student's activities at Berkeley.

Financial Aid

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.

Financial Aid Procedures

List of 4 items.

  • APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

    In determining need, Berkeley Preparatory School follows NAIS Principles of Good Practice. Financial aid awards are based upon FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment (FACTS) financial assessment of each applicant. It is important to note that Berkeley may not be able to accommodate all financial aid applicants in a given year. Complete applications and required documents received in the Admissions Office by February 1, 2020 will receive first priority relative to aid dollars available.

    Families applying for financial aid for the first time should contact the Admissions Office. Returning families currently receiving aid must submit a new application each year. If a family’s financial circumstances remain the same, the school makes every effort to assist a family at the same level of aid.

    Please note: Returning families currently receiving aid will have a slightly different timeline. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.

    To apply for financial aid, please complete the following steps no later than February 1, 2020:
    1. Create your FACTS online account
    2. Complete your Financial Aid application
    3. Submit your additional required documents listed below:
    • Upload your 2017 and 2018 1040 income tax return(s) with signatures
    • Business/Farm Statement and Corporate Tax Return/Schedule C/Schedule F (if applicable)
    • Upload your 2017 and 2018 W-2 Forms (if applicable)
    • Upload a copy of your most recent pay stub(s)
    • By April 15, 2020, upload a copy of your 2019 federal tax forms with all supporting schedules and W-2 Forms (if applicable)

  • DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR NEVER-MARRIED PARENT/GUARDIAN

    Recognizing that each parent bears a responsibility for financing a student’s education, financial information from all family members is required. Custodial and non-custodial parents (regardless of legal settlements, who are divorced, separated, or never married) must submit their own Financial Aid application. The Financial Aid Committee will consider all household assets in determining need.

  • IMPORTANT DATES

    Financial aid applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted by February 1, 2020 to be considered for financial aid awards distributed in March.

  • SCHOLARSHIPS

    Berkeley also is fortunate to have a number of endowed scholarships available to our students. In addition to demonstrated financial need, specific criteria unique to each scholarship is outlined below. Applications will be available in the Admissions Office or online and the filing deadline for scholarships is also February 1, 2020. A selection committee will review the completed applications and announce the scholarship recipients in early March.

    The scholarship selection process is competitive and selective. These scholarships will be renewed annually, as long as there is demonstrated academic progress and achievement. Please note: Students who apply for scholarships also will be considered for financial aid awards.

    This year we are pleased to announce the availability of the following 5 scholarship awards:

    The Alumni Scholarship Fund (2) – Established by the Alumni Association, the Berkeley Endowed Alumni Scholarship Fund will provide two full-tuition scholarships to an Upper Division student. In addition to demonstrated financial need, the recipient must demonstrate the potential for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and participation in and contributions to extracurricular pursuits.

    The Baldwin Family Scholarship – Bryan Baldwin ’73 established this full-tuition scholarship fund, including ancillaries, for an Upper Division student who demonstrates financial need and academic promise, with a preference for minority students.

    The Joseph A. Merluzzi Scholarship – Originally established as the Parents’ Club Endowed Scholarship, this fund was renamed in honor of Joseph A. Merluzzi and his years of dedicated service to all Berkeley students as Headmaster from 1987-2011. Funded by Parents’ Club activities, this endowment currently provides one partial-tuition scholarship for a Middle or Upper Division student with demonstrated financial need, who have the potential for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and participation in and contributions to extracurricular pursuits.

    The Ross Brown Scholarship – Established in memory of Ross Newcomb Brown, Class of 1975, by his family, this partial scholarship is awarded to a Middle or Upper Division student who demonstrates outstanding interest and achievement in science.

Financial Aid FAQ

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • What is financial aid?

    Financial aid is an award based on a family’s demonstrated need, as determined by FACTS calculations, tax returns, and Berkeley’s Financial Aid Committee. Financial aid is an award, not a loan, and therefore, is not paid back to the school.

  • What is “demonstrated need”?

    “Demonstrated need” is defined as the difference between the annual tuition and the amount a family can be expected to contribute to the cost of the student’s education. The Financial Aid application and tax returns are used to determine need.

  • How do financial aid and scholarships differ?

    Financial aid and scholarships are both need-based awards. When applying for a scholarship, specific criteria such as academic achievement and leadership potential are components of a separate scholarship application process.

    Applications are available in the Admissions Office or online and the filing deadline for scholarships is also February 1, 2020. A selection committee will review the completed applications and announce the scholarship recipients in early March.

    The scholarship selection process is competitive and selective. These scholarships will be renewed annually, as long as there is demonstrated academic progress and achievement. Please note: Students who apply for scholarships also will be considered for financial aid awards.

  • Does Berkeley offer merit scholarships?

    Berkeley's Financial Aid and Scholarships are need-based.  We do not offer academic, athletic, or artistic merit-based scholarships.

  • What impact does a financial aid application have on a student’s admissions application?

    None. The Admissions process is distinct and separate from the Financial Aid process.  Berkeley employs a need-blind admissions policy.

  • When will I receive a decision regarding financial aid and scholarships?

    Financial aid and scholarships will be awarded in March after acceptance and prior to the deposit deadline.

  • Do I have to re-apply for financial aid each year?

    Yes. Because a family’s financial circumstances are subject to change, we require reapplication for financial aid each year. If your family’s financial situation remains stable, you can expect relatively the same percentage of financial aid, understanding tuition and fees are likely to increase each year.

  • Do I have to re-apply for a scholarship each year if one has already been awarded to me?

    As long as you remain in “good standing”, your scholarship will be awarded annually until graduation.

    Please note: Your financial aid application and supporting documentation will need to be completed each year.

  • Who can apply for financial aid?

    Anyone may apply for financial aid. We recognize that each family’s situation is unique.

Berkeley Preparatory School

Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent Episcopal day school for boys and girls in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Combining academic excellence with a spirit of social responsibility, Berkeley develops well-rounded individuals seeking to make a positive difference in the world.