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The admissions process for the laboratory school is similar to that of other non-public schools in the East Bay. As a member of the East Bay Independent Schools  Association we adhere to common notification dates and a commitment to supporting families in making educational decisions that are in keeping with their individual children, aspirations, and resources. We also use common recommendation forms to simplify the process for both families and schools.
As an integral part of Mills College, we do give priority in admissions to the children of Mills College faculty, staff and students. Typically about 20% of our total enrollment is from these families. We also give priority to the siblings of already-enrolled children. This is usually around 15% of the student body, and often overlaps with the Mills College portion. We look for a range of ages in our classrooms and a balance of boys and girls. We value diversity and ask, in our applications, for you to provide information that reflects the unique nature of your child and family.
The Children's School strives to create a diverse learning community. Therefore, we do not admit students based on dates of application. Prospective families are required to attend one of our frequently scheduled tours. Following the tour, parents are welcome to apply to the Children's School by submitting an enrollment application from the packet received at the tour.
Preschool Application Process
- Schedule a tour
- Review the written material provided in the application packet
- Complete and return the written application to the school, with a non-refundable $50 application fee, by February 28.
A visit to the school is not part of the application process.
Elementary School Application Process
- Attend our Family Information Morning for prospective families. This open house includes detailed curriculum information for grades K-5 by our staff of mentor teachers as well as the history, mission and philosophy of the laboratory school and its relation to the larger Mills College.
- Review the written material in the application packet provided at the information meeting.
- Take a morning tour of the elementary school with other adults, visiting each classroom in session. Observe the quality of interaction. Pose questions to the Director. Please call the school at 510.430.2118 to reserve a space on a tour.
- Complete and return the written application to the school with a non-refundable $50 application fee, not later than January 31.
- Give the Recommendation Form to your child's current teacher and ask that it be completed and mailed directly to Mills. Give the teacher enough time so that the recommendation can reach Mills by January 31. (Most teachers appreciate a stamped addressed envelope along with the form.)
- Applicants for grades 1-5 should also provide a signed Records Release form (162k, pdf) to the child's current school authority and ask that all school records be forwarded to the Children's School at 5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland 94613
When all the above steps have been completed,families will be contacted to arrange a visit with their child to the school. Applicants for kindergarten spaces will come after the regular school day. Those applying for grades 1-5 will visit the classroom for a half day.
Financial Aid
Request and complete applications for financial assistance from School and Student Service for Financial Aid. Submit this form directly to SSS by December 31 in order for the report to reach Mills in time for decisions by the Financial Aid committee in February. Award decisions will not be final until receipt of a copy the annual income tax return filed by the responsible parent/guardian.
Decision Letters
In concert with other East Bay Independent Schools, Mills College Children's School mails decision letters in mid-March.
Signed acceptance of the offer of enrollment must be received with a non-refundable $1,000 deposit by the March date, usually the Friday of the following week, indicated in the letter. Any subsequent openings will be filled from the list of remaining applicants on the basis of maintaining balanced and diverse classroom populations.
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