Berkshire School
Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school for 400 ninth-12th graders and post-graduates, offering a forward-thinking curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre campus in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Berkshire's signature programs, including Advanced Math/Science Research, Advanced Humanities Research, and the Sabin Entrepreneurial Prize, are offered along with advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines.
These programs are designed to expand the minds, provide real-world experiences, and help distinguish our students in an increasingly competitive college process.
With a range of artistic and athletic offerings and national recognition for our efforts in sustainability, Berkshire provides an extraordinary setting in which students are encouraged to learn in the words of the School motto: Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus, "Learning-not just for school but for life."
Alumni Reviews Review School
- Review Description
- Bates College During my three years at Berkshire, I was able to take advantage of many unique opportunities that other boarding schools just did not offer. For example, I was able to attend The Island School during. . .
- Kenyon College Every year at Berkshire School, the school holds a Pro Vita week. During this week, students get to take classes that vary from their typical classes. These classes span from learning how to cook sustainability. . .
- Columbia University A unique aspect of Berkshire School is its Advanced Math and Science Research program. Students work with the head of the program in Berkshire's lab and are also often mentored by faculty of labs around. . .
- Show more reviews (14 reviews)
Top Rankings
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Berkshire School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 303 schools) for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Attention Low student:teacher ratio
- School Resources Highest endowment/student
- Selectivity Low acceptance rates
| Definition of Terms | 2021 School Data | Berkshire School | Boarding School Avg. |
| School Focus | College Prep | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered | 9-12, PG | 9-12 |
| School Type | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1907 | 1907 |
| Campus Size | 400 acres | 125 acres |
Student Body
| Enrollment | 419 students | 300 students |
| % Students of Color | 21% | 25% |
| % International Students | 19% | 20% |
| % Students Boarding | 91% | 70% |
| Average SAT Score | n/a | * National Avg. »View |
| Offers Post-Grad Year | Yes | No |
Academics and Faculty
| Saturday Classes | Yes | No |
| Frequency of Saturday Classes | Weekly | Weekly |
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal (Button-down shirts/blouses/dresses with a second layer: blazer, sweater, tie, cardigan, or scarf; Bottoms: pants and skirts, no jeans) | Casual |
| Average Class Size | 12 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 4:1 | 7:1 |
| # of AP / Advanced Courses Offered | 17 | 18 |
| ESL Courses Offered | No | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 71% | 70% |
| Summer Program Offered | Yes | Yes |
| Summer Program Details | Link to Summer Program Details | |
Tuition Cost
| Endowment Size | $146 million (As of June 30, 2020) | $25 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $66,200 | $59,500 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | $51,400 | $33,500 |
| % Students on Financial Aid | 28% | 40% |
| Avg. Financial Aid Grant | $48,000 | $25,000 |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | No | No |
Acceptance Rate
| Application Deadline | Jan. 15 | Jan. 15 |
| Accepts Standardized Application | No | No |
| SSAT Required | No | Yes |
| Average Percentile SSAT | 65% | - |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% | 58% |
| Director of Admissions | Dana Anselmi | |
| Associate Director of Admissions | Mark Saunders | |
Course Listings
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
AP / Advanced Courses
| # of AP / Advanced Courses Offered | 17 | 18 |
| Courses | Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Physics C: Mechanics, Spanish Language, Studio Art 2D Design, Studio Art 3D Design, Studio Art Drawing, Biology, Comparative Government, Statistics, US Government and Politics, US History | |
Sports
| # Interscholastic Sports Offered | 20 | 16 |
| Sports | Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball | |
Extracurriculars
| Total Extracurricular Organizations | 33 | 23 |
| Extracurriculars | Club or Organization: 1907 Society, Afro-Latino Society, Astronomy Club, Badminton Club, Berkshire Birding Club, Buddhist Meditation Group, Collegium Musicum, Dance Ensemble, Debate Club, Dog Walking Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Environmental Action Club, Fellowship of Christians at Universities and Schools (FOCUS), Fly Fishing Club, French Club, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Green Key Club, Greensleeves (Boys' A Cappella), Investment Club, Jewish Student Union, Kids 4 Kids (Elementary School Tutoring), Maple Syrup Corporation, Math Team, Mock Trial Club, Model United Nations, Philanthropy Society, Quiz Bowl, Student Activities Committee, Ursa Minor (Girls' A Cappella), Yoga and Meditation Club Recreational Athletic Programs: Dance Program, Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program, Theater Productions | |
College Matriculation
| Year: 2016 - 2020 | 10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled) | |
| St. Lawrence University | 23 | |
| University of Denver | 17 | |
| Northeastern University | 16 | |
| Trinity College | 15 | |
| Bates College | 14 | |
| New York University | 13 | |
| Middlebury College | 10 | |
| Wake Forest University | 10 | |
| Boston University | 9 | |
| Dartmouth College | 7 | |
| Link to Matriculation Data | ||
School Notes
- Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school for 400 ninth-12th graders and post-graduates, offering a forward-thinking curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre campus in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Berkshire`s signature programs, including Advanced Math/Science Research, Advanced Humanities Research, and the Sabin Entrepreneurial Prize, are offered along with advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines. These programs are designed to expand the minds, provide real-world experiences, and help distinguish our students in an increasingly competitive college process. With a range of artistic and athletic offerings and national recognition for our efforts in sustainability, Berkshire provides an extraordinary setting in which students are encouraged to learn in the words of the School motto: Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus, "Learning-not just for school but for life."
- Berkshire is committed to ensuring that each student has a unique and relevant learning experience. By design, every student makes an impact at Berkshire and no student is anonymous. Our enrollment size allows us to cultivate an exceptionally affirming and close-knit residential community. From the foundation of being known well, our students build confidence, which enables them to reimagine their potential in all areas of their development. Berkshire students genuinely care about each other-having a great sense of pride in seeing others do well-a distinguishing element that creates a healthy culture that balances ambition and humility.
- Berkshire's dedication to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence has led to record numbers in admissions, success and achievement in every corner of our campus, and nearly 90% of our graduates earning acceptances to the most selective colleges and universities. The talent and dedication of our students has produced Regeneron Science Talent Search semi-finalists, primary authorships on scholarly publications, Scholastic Art Award national medalists, and New England Championship athletic teams.Upon leaving Berkshire, our graduates are able to communicate effectively and persuasively, think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, and understand that they are part of something larger than themselves. They are a part of a global network of nearly 6,000 alumni, spanning 54 countries and 50 states.
- Berkshire strives to instill core values-curiosity, integrity, respect, inclusion, perseverance and resilience-along with the critical skills, initiative, and confidence that will ensure our students' success in school and in life.
- Berkshire School accreditations: New England Association of School and Colleges
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Lincoln Kierstein '26 - Co-founder of the New York City Ballet
- William Knowles '34 - Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Calvin Tomkins '43 - Author and Art Critic for "The New Yorker"
- Stephen Malawista '50 - Lyme disease co-discoverer
- Jeff McLaughlin '84 - Olympic Bronze and Silver Medalist in Rowing
- Kristin Baker '93 - Artist
- Kacey Bellamy '05 - Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Kevan Miller '07 - NHL Boston Bruins Defenseman
- Kendall Coyne '11 - Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Jack Harrison '15 - MLS Professional Soccer Player
Profile last updated: 05/12/2021
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