Admissions directors at the many high schools that receive BHS students often remark that our middle school students are confident, well-spoken and thoughtful. We are proud of our graduates, who leave our school as exemplary young individuals to carry on with their high school journey. We believe that they – and all our students – are a reflection of the vibrant, caring and warm community that we are.
If you read our reviews or speak with someone who has experienced the magic of Berkeley Hall about what makes us special, it is clear that our community plays a very large role. This is why we pay close attention to how we build our community. We go above and beyond to make sure that each student coming into our community is the perfect fit – not only for us, but for them -– even if the best school for them is not ours. By staying “on-mission” we’re able to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals, who feel a strong sense of belonging.
This doesn’t mean that everyone at BHS has the same political beliefs, cultural background, or even financial status. In fact, our school is one of the most diverse independent schools in Los Angeles at 51%! But we focus on attracting families who have a growth mindset and agree with us that every child has unlimited God-given potential.
This principle is present in every aspect of school life. Our teachers truly care about the development of each child, and offer them opportunities to push ahead or if needed, to catch up, academically or in social and emotional development. Teachers get to know our students on a personal level, which makes it easy when the time comes to recommend high schools that are a good fit.
Thanks to the feeling of belonging and safety that our community provides our students, they are more willing to try new experiences and break out of their comfort zones, academically, emotionally, and physically. Students participate in a number of extracurricular activities, both during and after school, which allows them to discover new passions. We take pride in the quality of our athletics and arts programs but prioritize participation over competition. Students learn how to lead and practice good sportsmanship, while becoming more versatile both physically and mentally.
All our students are expected to live Berkeley Hall’s four core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion, and as a result everyone’s on the same page. Students approach new and established friendships from the same standpoint. With these shared values, they are better able to support each other. When conflicts arise, students are given ample support from teachers and administrators who partner with parents to work through issues together. They learn how to disagree respectfully while appreciating that differences make us stronger as a community.
Another aspect of our community that helps us develop strong young adults is the BHS preschool through 8th grade model. This allows our middle school students to take on leadership roles in a safe environment. They have already experienced what it’s like to be the oldest members of a community and are more empathetic, patient, and kind as a result. These leadership opportunities really help to create poised young adults ready for high school.
Berkeley Hall has been cultivating fearless scholars and conscientious citizens since 1911. These wonderful graduates leave BHS fully capable of handling the challenges ahead of them in high school and beyond.