Walden Center & School (Top Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 76 students
Yearly Tuition: $12,970
Acceptance rate: 75%
Average class size: 10 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 3 / rolling
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

School Rankings

Walden Center & School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Walden Center & School
Kind	8
1	17
2	10
3	12
4	12
5	14
6	3

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Classroom teachers modify program strategies to support mild learning differences with the support of a Learning Specialist.

Year Founded

1958

School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

76 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

40%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

8 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

90%

Average Class Size

10 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 3 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$12,970

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Payable in 8 installments: a 3 month deposit and $1,297 per month Aug - Feb.

% on Financial Aid

50%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$4,601

Acceptance Rate

75%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Caroline Schnieders

Application URL

School Notes

Walden Center and School offers child-centered academics that fully incorporate artistic expression within a supportive community of learners.
Walden is a progressive, teacher-run elementary school.
Our curriculum combines developmentally appropriate expectations with challenging units of study.
The school's environment enhances each child's academic, emotional, social, creative and physical growth.
The Walden staff supports experiential learning, cooperative endeavor, creativity and appreciation of personal expression within a broader community.
We believe that children learn best in an environment that stimulates an interest in the world around them.

Walden Center and School offers child-centered academics that fully incorporate artistic expression within a supportive community of learners.
Walden is a progressive, teacher-run elementary school.
Our curriculum combines developmentally appropriate expectations with challenging units of study.
The school's environment enhances each child's academic, emotional, social, creative and physical growth.
The Walden staff supports experiential learning, cooperative endeavor, creativity and appreciation of personal expression within a broader community.
We believe that children learn best in an environment that stimulates an interest in the world around them.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Walden Center & School cost?

Walden Center & School's tuition is approximately $12,970 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Walden Center & School?

The acceptance rate of Walden Center & School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.

What is Walden Center & School's ranking?

Walden Center & School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Walden Center & School?

The application deadline for Walden Center & School is Jan. 3 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 3 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Walden Center & School located?

Walden Center & School is located in the Central Berkeley neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Central Berkeley.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Berkeley, CA is $26,542 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Berkeley, CA is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).