How to Apply
The goal of the admissions process is to ensure that the K-8 student population reflects the school philosophy as broadly as possible. There is no “typical” Burke’s girl as the school seeks students and families with diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests. In addition to evaluating individual merit and the appropriateness of a Burke’s education for each student, the composition of each class and what a student and family will bring to that dynamic is also considered.
Inquiries
The first step in the admissions process is to contact us! Families can request an application packet from the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@kdbs.org or calling (415) 715-0177 ext. 221. Please provide the following information:
- Child’s name
- Grade applying to
- Current school
- Parent(s)/guardian(s) names
- Mailing address
- Primary phone number
Events at Burke’s
We understand that finding the right school for your child is an exciting undertaking, but it can also be an overwhelming process and time consuming. The campus tour and parent/guardian interview are the required events families must attend in order to complete their child’s application process. Optional events, such as the Admissions Preview and Burke’s Family Festival, are additional opportunities to connect with the Burke’s community.
Application Deadline
To apply for the 2009-2010 school year, applications for kindergarten through grade eight must be received with the non-refundable $100 application fee by December 15, 2008. Families facing financial constraint may request a fee waiver by contacting Renée Thompson, Director of Admissions, at (415) 751-0177 ext. 221.
If the application deadline has passed and your family is in need of a school placement for various reasons (e.g. family relocation), please contact the Admissions Office.
Parent/Guardian Interviews
All parents/guardians are required to meet with the Director of Admissions after the application is received. It is highly recommended that families submit their application early in order to secure an interview date of your choice. Interviews begin in November 2008 and must be completed by January 30, 2009.
Application Process – Kindergarten
If you are applying to kindergarten, please give the student evaluation form from your application packet to your child’s current school and ask that it be returned to the Director of Admissions as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2008.
Each applicant to kindergarten must complete two evaluation sessions for Burke’s. The first evaluation is a kindergarten visit on the Burke’s campus in January 2009. The second evaluation is a kindergarten screening hosted at the Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco in January 2009. Please refer to your application packet for specific details.
Application Process – Grade One
Applicants to grade one are required to spend a half-day at Burke’s to complete necessary evaluations. If applicable, we will contact families in January 2009 to schedule your child’s visit.
Application Process – Grades Two through Eight
If you are applying to grades two through eight, please forward the transcript request form and confidential reference form(s), located in the application packet, to your child’s current school and request that they be completed and returned directly to the Director of Admissions at Burke’s. All transcripts must be official and include grades and comments from the current and previous two school years. Parent copies of report cards/transcripts will not be accepted. Girls applying to grades seven and eight must have recommendation letters from their (1) English teacher and (2) science or mathematics teachers. All reference forms and transcripts must be returned to Burke’s no later than December 31, 2008.
Girls applying to grades two through eight are required to spend a full day at Burke’s. If applicable, we will contact families in January 2009 to schedule your child’s visit.
All applicants for grades five through eight must take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) between November 2008 and February 2009. A copy of the scores must be sent to Burke’s. Our institutional code for the ISEE is 05406. To register and for more information, please contact ISEE at (800) 446-0320 or at www.iseetest.org
Decision Notification
Admission decisions at Burke’s are made independent of family financial need. Admission decisions for all applicants will be mailed on March 19, 2009, and parents will be expected to respond by 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2009.
Further Information
Should you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Katherine Delmar Burke School admits students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin to all the rights and 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 or ethnic origin or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, scholarship, athletic or any other programs.
