Scholar FAQ

Students are eligible to apply during their sixth grade year. 

No, Berkeley Academy scholars will continue attending their current schools during the school year. However, Berkeley Academy scholars will attend specialized weekend and summer programming.

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 $30,000 worth of educational and enrichment programming FREE of charge.

Most days will be spent on the beautiful, 86-acre 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 participate in ones they already enjoy. There will be a variety of athletic and enrichment classes from which to choose, such as swimming, tennis, world languages, and theatre. There will also be exciting field trips and special events every summer.

The Berkeley Academy will run from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Monday – Friday, beginning on June 14 and ending on July 24. Note: There are no classes July 1-5. 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.)

Dates and times will be released in the future.

All teachers are exceptional high school and college 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.

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

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.

There will be about 40 scholars in each grade. You can expect approximately 10 to 15 scholars in each class.

On average, Berkeley Academy scholars will complete 1 to 1.5 hours of engaging exercises after the program each day that enhance 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.

Currently, transportation is provided only 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.

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.

The online application and all application materials must be completed/submitted by FEBRUARY 1, 2025 by 9 p.m. Please use the provided Application Checklist to ensure that you have completed each step to the application.

CLICK HERE to fill out the application, and visit the Future Scholars webpage for more details.