Application Process

As the laboratory school for Mills College School of Education, the Children's School strives to create balanced classroom populations that represent the greater community. To that end, we gather a pool of applicants each year, rather than keeping a waiting list or admitting students based upon dates of application. We value diversity and ask, in our applications, for you to provide information that reflects the unique nature of your child and family. Mills College Children's School (MCCS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or physical challenge.

We give priority admissions to the children of Mills 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 10% of the student body.

Here's how to apply:

Space is limited, so please register online for a morning tour or evening open house event. Or you may contact Whitney Walker, Admissions Director, at wwalker@mills.edu or 510.430.2053.

Review the information packet provided at the tour and return your application to MCCS along with a non-refundable $60 fee.

For the Elementary School: All applications submitted by January 12 are scheduled first for our Kindergarten visit on February 25. However, we still accept K-5 applications after this date and will add extra K visit dates as necessary to accommodate all prospective students. Those applying to 1st-5th grades will visit the classroom during a regular school day. All applicants will be given the same consideration for enrollment.  

For the 2012-13 school year, MCCS will accept Kindergarten applications for students who will be 5 years old by December 1, 2012. During classroom visits, we assess each child to determine readiness for our K/1 program.

For the Preschool and Infant/Toddler programs: Applications are due February 17. Those received after this date will be considered as space allows.

If you are applying for financial assistance, the forms may be completed online at School and Student Service for Financial Aid. Be sure that you complete this process prior to the Children's School priority application deadlines (1/12/12 for Elementary School; 2/17/12 for Preschool). Designate Mills as the receptor of your screening results, but do not send your SSS form to Mills. Before any award decisions can be made, we also require a copy of your most recently completed federal tax return.

Ask your child's teacher to complete the applicable Recommendation Form for the grade your child will be entering. These forms are confidential and should be mailed by the teacher directly to: Mills College Children's School Admissions, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613; or sent by fax to 510.430.3223. Most teachers also appreciate a stamped addressed envelope along with the form.

When all the above steps have been completed, families will be contacted to arrange for their children to visit the school. Kindergarten applicants will visit on Saturday, February 25. Applicants for grades 1-5 will visit the classroom during a regular school day.

Decision Letters
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.

For Elementary School applicants: MCCS mails decision letters on Thursday, March 9. Signed acceptance of the offer of enrollment must be received with a non-refundable $1,000 deposit by 9:00 am on Friday, March 16. If an Elementary applicant has a sibling who is also applying to our Infant/Toddler or Preschool programs, we will notify the family about placements for all of their children on this timeline.

For Infant/Toddler and Preschool applicants: MCCS mails decision letters on Thursday, March 15. Signed acceptance of the offer of enrollment must be received with a non-refundable $1,000 deposit by 9:00 am on Tuesday, March 27.

Any subsequent openings will be filled from the list of remaining applicants on the basis of maintaining balanced and diverse classroom populations.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you around our beautiful school!