Admissions Process

Before applying to Orinda Academy, we encourage you to spend some time exploring our website, acquainting yourselves with our culture, and discovering the distinct qualities that make Orinda Academy the right choice for your student. To apply for the 2009-10 school year, please complete the following steps. You may download and print all of the application materials directly from the links provided.

Application Procedures and Checklist

1. Admission Materials
Please call the admissions office at 925-254-7553 ext. 305 to request an Application Packet for the 2009-10 academic year. Packets will be available after mid-September 2008.

2. Application for Admission
Complete and return the 2009-10 Application Form along with the application fee of $75.00 to Orinda Academy. The application process is initiated upon receipt of these two items. International students, who wish to pay the fee by wire transfer, please contact the Admissions Office at 925-254-7553 ext. 305.

3. Student Application
Complete and return the Student Application form along with the Student Personal Statement found in the admissions packet.

4. Required Testing
To register for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), visit www.iseetest.org. Testing dates and locations are available at a number of East Bay schools in December 2008 and January 2009. A booklet about the ISEE and a registration form are included in the application packet.

International students should submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). You can find out more information at www.toefl.org.

5. Schedule a Campus Visit
We encourage all interested families to schedule an appointment with the Admissions Office and to tour the campus and/or to attend one of our fall Open Houses. Contact the Admissions Office at 925-254-7553 ext 305 to arrange for this appointment or email admission@orindaacademy.org. This visit is designed for families to learn more about our school and allows you the opportunity to assess the benefits of our school as they pertain to your student's needs.

6. Schedule a Shadow Visit
Shadow visits begin in October 2008 and continue through February 2009. Contact the Admissions Office at 925-254-7553 ext 305 to arrange. You may schedule this visit before completing or submitting an application.

7. Transcript
Complete the parent/guardian portion of the Transcript Release and Confidentiality Form as well as the applicant portion. Submit this to your school's office or registrar. Official transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope to the Admissions Office by January 10, 2009. Transcripts should include grades from the student's last school year, and the first semester of the current year. The Transcript Release Form must accompany the transcripts mailed to Orinda Academy's Admissions Office.

8. Principal/Counselor and Teacher Recommendation Forms
Complete the parent/guardian portion of the Principal/Counselor Recommendation Form, the English Teacher Recommendation Form and the Math Teacher Recommendation Form. Complete the applicant portion on all forms and then submit to your current Math and English teacher, and your current Principal/Counselor. Forms must be mailed or faxed directly to Orinda Academy's Admissions Office. (Fax: 925-254-4768)

9. Student Interview
Once your application has been received, you can contact the Admissions Office at 925-254-7553 to schedule the student interview.

10. Make a Reservation for one of our two Open Houses
We encourage every family to attend either our Open House on November 2, 2008 from 1 to 4p.m. -or- our Open House on December 2, 2008 from 7 to 9p.m. These events offer interested families the intimate opportunity to learn more about our school plus meet our current students, parents and teachers.

All Admission documents should be sent to:

Orinda Academy
Attn: Admissions Office
19 Altarinda Road
Orinda, CA 94563

Admission Contact:

Nettie Anthony-Harris
Director of Admissions
Phone: 925-254-7553 ext 305
Fax: 925-254-4768
admission@orindaacademy.org