CPS, Head Royce, & Bentley: HS acceptance rates?
Friends are moving to the area and applying to CPS, Head Royce, and Bentley for 9th grade (starting next fall). Any idea on the actual competitiveness of the admissions at these schools? They are concerned that Head Royce and Bentley fill from their 8th grades so fewer outside spots. And CPS seems to be competitive all-around and they are worried admission is a long-shot. Are these true concerns? Any advice for my friend? Thank you!
Oct 10, 2021
Parent Replies
I am a teacher at a small local middle school and I regularly have students who are accepted to these schools. That being said, all three are very competitive. I would recommend that even excellent students have some backup options. I have encountered years in which few spaces open up because of continuing 8th graders.
I'd recommend for your friend to expand their search and consider other options along with these schools. High schools that have lower grades will fill many spaces in their 9th grade with continuing 8th graders. Also note that at many schools siblings get priority. And these schools all want some kind of diversity (whatever combo of socio-economic/racial/geographic/sports/talent) and will build a class for that too. My child's friend at Bentley said the backdoor way in is to apply to Bentley for 8th grade. He saw a slew of new classmates in 8th grade at Bentley.
Consider applying to the Athenian School in Danville, which is fantastic. However it's also very competitive with half of the 9th grade class coming from its own middle school, so only about 45 spaces. With sibling preference though, it's less than 45 real spots. Your friend should call the admissions office for each school and ask directly about admissions rate. No one will discourage them to apply but they'll get a better idea of their child's chances. Also consider Catholic schools like Bishop O'Dowd in Oakland with all new students in 9th grade and will have more open slots.
Since COVID, admissions is much more competitive as more parents with means are choosing private schools more than before. Many schools also dropped the SSAT/ISEE requirements because of COVID, so their child's applications will be viewed with one less criteria. This is great for not skilled test takers but makes the other parts of the application more important. Your friend should consider applying to 5 schools, and not just 3 schools.
We have a daughter who is a junior at Bentley. She went to private school in San Francisco through middle school, so not at Bentley. I can’t say much as to the competitiveness. But I can give you some pointers. Our daughter does not test well but she’s a relatively strong student and is well-rounded. For both Bentley and Head Royce, we made sure to go to all of the parent events, and we had her meet the athletic directors as our daughter is an avid tennis player. In that manner, I’d suggest that your friends show strong interest, and play on their child’s strengths whatever those are. They should do what they can to let the schools get to know their family and not be afraid to go above and beyond. Don’t be shy is what I’m trying to say.