Admissions

Admissions FAQ

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Burke's takes pride in its diverse and inclusive community and seeks to enroll students of many cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The admissions process for students begins in the fall prior to the planned year of attendance.

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Is Financial Assistance available?

    Burke’s has a strong commitment to ensuring socioeconomic diversity in the school and recognizes that tuition and fees are a large financial commitment for families.

    For the 2023-24 academic year, more than $3 Million was awarded to approximately 28% of our students in kindergarten through eighth grade whose families have demonstrated need.

    Families receiving assistance will be awarded reductions on not only tuition, but on extended care, transportation, educational support and other school-related expenses at the same percentage rate as their overall award. For example, if you receive 75% off of your tuition, you will additionally be awarded 75% off of any transportation, extended care costs, etc. Families on financial assistance also receive a uniform stipend.

  • What kinds of admissions events are offered?

    Burke’s offers a variety of admissions events throughout the fall and winter months. Registration for tours and other admissions events will open in early September. Please be sure to submit an Inquiry form in Ravenna to register for admissions events that include:
     
    • Curriculum Preview

    • Financial Assistance Workshop

    • MOSAIC, our admissions event dedicated to families of color, LGBTQ+ families, and adoptive families to meet current Burke's families who identify with similar backgrounds.

    • Upper School Shadow Days take place in early January. Applicants to Upper School (grades 5-8) are invited to spend a school day on campus.

    • Family Visit Days, held in January, are an opportunity for your daughter and entire family to visit campus. Current families will be available, and your daughter will explore classrooms, the Makeries, and our outdoor spaces.

    • Kindergarten Academic Screenings, are required for all kindergarten applicants.  

  • How old does my child need to be to apply for kindergarten?

    All applicants to kindergarten must be age 5 by September 1 of their kindergarten year.

  • Do you accept transfer students?

    We admit new students in first through seventh grade, with kindergarten serving as the main entry point and other grade levels being filled as space becomes available.

  • What are the application deadlines and requirements?

    September-January: Sign up for a tour. This is a requirement to submit an application.

    Early January (date tbd): This is the application deadline. Please contact Natalie Mast if you need a fee waiver due to financial constraints, application fees are non-refundable.

    Wednesday, January 31, 2025: This is the financial assistance application deadline. 

    Mid-March 2024 (date tbd): This is the day all admissions decisions will be sent electronically. Parents and guardians will have a week to contemplate their decision and share it with the school.

  • What neighborhoods do Burke’s families live in?

    Burke’s families hail from over 40 zip codes, primarily throughout San Francisco, and some from the North Bay, East Bay, and South Bay. Transportation is available via two San Francisco routes and one Marin route. 

  • How many preschools are represented in each incoming class?

    Incoming students come from over 26 preschools. 

  • When does World Language instruction begin?

    Burke’s offers Spanish, French, or Mandarin to students in our Upper School. Students in fourth grade are exposed to all three languages before they make their choice.

  • How does Burke’s support the high school application process?

    Burke’s employs a full-time High School Counselor to help support students through their high school admissions process. Learn more about High School Counseling here.

  • What is available through Burke’s athletics?

    Burke's prides itself on maximizing playing and leadership opportunities for girls throughout the wide spectrum of skill levels found in any group of middle-school athletes. 

    The athletics program is available to all Upper School students with as many as six different teams in a given season practicing indoors and out. 

    Teams include volleyball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and futsal.

  • What are the opportunities for parents to get involved at Burke’s?

    All parents and guardians are members of Burke's Parents' Association!  There are always opportunities big and small to be present in the Burke’s community. Learn more about our community-building events and volunteer opportunities.
7070 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415.751.0177 Fax: 415.666.0535
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke's admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.