Admissions Process

Our Process at a Glance

Sterne uses Ravenna to guide our families through the Admissions process. Registration for events and the application for the 2026-2027 school year open on September 1st.

EXPLORE:

Submit an Inquiry Form, then check your email for Ravenna log-in instructions.
Attend an Admissions event. Register for a Virtual Information Session (grades 4–8) and an in-person Parent Tour (grade specific: 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12) or High School Open House (9-12).

APPLY:

Complete application on Ravenna (by January 8, 2026)*.
Sign up for a Student Visit on Ravenna (November–February).
Sign up for a Parent Interview on Ravenna (November–February).
If needed, apply for Tuition Assistance (by February 6, 2026).
Submit required supplemental application materials (by February 2, 2026).
When you receive Sterne's decision notification, reply by the specified deadline. (Grades 4–8 are notified on March 19th, grades 9–12 on March 20th.)

* To be considered for an application fee waiver, please contact us at admissions@sterneschool.org.

The Process In Depth

Parent Tours

High School Open House - Sunday, Dec. 7th

Sterne's High School Open House
Sunday, December 7th, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for parents and students to see Sterne's campus, experience mini lessons with faculty, and hear from our student alumni panel. An informational fair will allow you to learn about student life including student government, arts, athletics, and clubs.

Please plan to arrive at 10:00 a.m. so you don't miss out on programming. To register, please fill out an inquiry form and follow the prompts. We look forward to seeing you there!

Information Sessions (Virtual)

We recommend grade 4–8 families also sign up for a virtual INFORMATION SESSION, which offers a deep dive into Sterne's methodology and integrated support for teaching math, reading, writing and incorporation of executive functioning support and SEL. A specialized INFORMATION SESSION for Sterne READS dyslexia intervention is also available. Our outcomes speak for themselves, and we want to share with you how the magic happens!

Student Visits

STUDENT VISITS are an opportunity for your student to see for themselves what a typical day at Sterne will look like: visit classes, meet teachers, and get to know other Sterne students. Once you've completed your application, you can schedule a Student Visit. Applicants for grades 4-8 will complete a math, reading and comprehension assessment in our Admissions Office during their visit, and High School applicants will have an interview with a High School teacher during their visit day.

Parent Interviews

Tuition Assistance

Rolling Admissions

A Note on Our Guidelines & Practices

Sterne School is a member of the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA), the Bay Area Directors of Admissions (BADA, K–8), and the Bay Area Admission Directors (BAAD/BAIHS, 9–12). We follow the BADA and BAIHS Principles of Good Practice and Decision Week Guidelines.

Sterne brought life back to learning for me, gave me confidence within myself, and helped me find my voice to ask for help. I still give credit to Sterne for much of my success and the ability to be where I am today.

Jillian, Sterne Alumna

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