New families can join Buckley at any grade, but our main entry points are kindergarten and grades 6, 7 and 9. We have several traditions and supports in place for new families to get to know one another and our returning families. We are committed to creating a smooth transition for everyone – and to have fun while we’re doing it!
“One has to work really hard to fall through the cracks at Buckley. The faculty and staff devote so much care and attention to each student. When my son and daughter each joined in ninth grade, everyone welcomed them into the Buckley community with open hearts, and for this we are deeply, deeply grateful."
- Jesse, parent of Jem ’21 and Cora ’25
New Parent/Guardian Orientations
Hear from your division head and meet new families. All new parents to each division are welcome at the orientations
Lower School Orientation: All NEW Lower School parents and guardians
Middle School Orientation: ALL sixth grade and NEW 7th and 8th grade parents and guardians
Upper School Orientation: ALL ninth grade parents and guardians; all NEW 10th-12th grade parents and guardians
New Student Orientations
All students who are new to a division or to Buckley come to campus before the start of school to meet one another and get all the information for the year ahead.
Lower School Orientation: All NEW Lower School parents and guardians
Middle School Orientation: ALL sixth grade and NEW 7th and 8th grade parents and guardians
Upper School Orientation: ALL ninth grade students and all NEW grade 10-12 parents and guardians
Middle School Welcome Week
ALL students in grades 6, 7, and 8 ease into the school year with three low-key days of getting to know one another and their new schedules. They also engage in:
- Advisory time
- Games, activities, and ice breakers
- Learning classroom expectations
Attendance is mandatory during Welcome Week, but there is no homework and students do not wear their uniform.
EVENTS
Spring (post enrollment)
- Welcome Reception: All newly enrolled parents and guardians are invited to a cocktail reception with members of the Admission staff and Senior Leadership Team.
- Middle and Upper School Welcome Days: Students and their parent/guardians visit Buckley on a weekend morning to engage in team building activities. Math and language assessments occur separately.
- Ninth Grade Bowling Night: All ninth grade students (incoming and returning) get together at a local bowling alley
- Kinder Playdate: All newly enrolled kindergarten students visit school with their families for a playdate for activities and to get to know one another. This event in May is designed to ease anxieties and connect for potential playdates over the summer.
Summer
- Kindergarten Adventure: Every rising kindergartener is highly encouraged to enroll in one session of this signature Buckley Summer Camp. Each session is two weeks long and takes place in the kindergarten classrooms to help students transition to the setting, routine, and new friendships.
- Intersections of Identity: Many rising ninth graders take this required course for all first year Upper School students during the summer. The Summer School course is three weeks; it is a semester during the regular school year.
Fall (Start of School)
- Parents’ Association: Division chairs of the PA reach out to new families to address any questions or concerns
Groups and Networks
Family NetworksBuckley lives its mission through several lively and robust family networks, based on affinities. New families are encouraged to get involved and participate in a network for which they share an identity.
Parents’ AssociationJoin a committee! Volunteer to work at an event! There is a role and place for every parent/guardian at Buckley, depending on your commitment level, availability, skill set, and enthusiasm.
Community TransportationMany students get to know one another by riding the bus. Parent/guardians can also build a network of support around carpool. We have families in dozens of zip codes across Los Angeles. The Transportation Office will connect you with someone near you.
Buckley lives its mission through several lively and robust family networks, based on affinities. New families are encouraged to get involved and participate in a network for which they share an identity.
Join a committee! Volunteer to work at an event! There is a role and place for every parent/guardian at Buckley, depending on your commitment level, availability, skill set, and enthusiasm.
Many students get to know one another by riding the bus. Parent/guardians can also build a network of support around carpool. We have families in dozens of zip codes across Los Angeles. The Transportation Office will connect you with someone near you.