Berkshire School

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Berkshire School Photo #1 - Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed 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, Mass.
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Berkshire School Photo #1 - Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed 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, Mass.
Berkshire School Photo #2 - The Soffer Athletic Center houses 10 squash courts, a dance studio, locker rooms, and meeting and office spaces. In addition, the 50,000-square-foot facility features two basketball and volleyball courts, a 25-foot climbing wall, and a fully-equipped strength and conditioning area.
Berkshire School Photo #3 - Berkshire's enrollment of 400 students is a sweet spot for the School's model and culture, creating an exceptionally affirming and close-knit community.
Berkshire School Photo #4 - At the heart of Berkshire's academic program is an exceptional college preparatory curriculum that fosters critical thinking, agile problem-solving, collaboration, and curiosity across all disciplines.
Berkshire School Photo #5 - Berkshire offers a broad selection of visual and performing arts opportunities, including Studio Art, Ceramics, Photography, Digital Art, Sculpture & 3D Design, music, dance, and theater.
Berkshire School Photo #6 - Whether students are competing at the highest level or exploring something new, they spend invaluable time with teammates to experience camaraderie, new friendships and create lifelong memories.
Berkshire School Photo #7 - Each college counselor works with an average of 22 students, giving Berkshire's students a distinct competitive edge in the college process.
Berkshire School Photo #8 - The Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center features two ice rinks (Olympic & NHL) with an 800-seat capacity, 14 locker rooms, athletic offices, an athletic training room, meeting spaces, and the Picotte Family Fitness Center. One rink converts into an indoor turf field.
Berkshire School Photo #9 - Faculty advisors are committed to being available to students from their first day at Berkshire to graduation and beyond. They meet with students regularly for dinners and weekly advisee lunches and meetings.
Berkshire School Photo #10 - Dorms are by "vertical housing," which means that every dorm has students from each grade, allowing upper-class students to serve as role models.
Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed 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 Pro Vita Winter Session, 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.".

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 409 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $66,200
  • Acceptance rate: 27%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Berkshire School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History
School Resources

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1907

Student Body

Total Students
409 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Berkshire School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
17 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Physics C: Mechanics, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art 2D Design, Studio Art 3D Design, Studio Art Drawing, US Government and Politics, US History
Average Percentile SSAT
65%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Berkshire quarter zips, sweatshirts (no hoods), and team-issued tops (no t-shirts or jerseys); Bottoms: pants, and fingertip length for skirts, dresses, and shorts

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$51,400 for day students.
% on Financial Aid
28%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$46,000
Acceptance Rate
27%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dana Anselmi
Admissions Associate
Mark Saunders
Endowment Size
$195 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
https://www.berkshireschool.org/student-life/student-activities/~board/b-line/post/b-line-41-47

Arts and Music Programs:
https://www.berkshireschool.org/athletics/our-pages/afternoon-program

School Notes

  • Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed 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 Pro Vita Winter Session, 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 part of a global network of nearly 7,000 alumni spanning 60 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.
  • 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
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Berkshire School cost?
Berkshire School's tuition is approximately $66,200 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Berkshire School?
The acceptance rate of Berkshire School is 27%, which is lower than the national average of 70%. Berkshire School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Berkshire School?
Berkshire School famous alumni include: Lincoln Kierstein '26, William Knowles '34, Calvin Tomkins '43, Stephen Malawista '50, Jeff McLaughlin '84, Kristin Baker '93, Kacey Bellamy '05, Kevan Miller '07, Kendall Coyne '11 and Jack Harrison '15.
What sports does Berkshire School offer?
Berkshire School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Berkshire School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.
What is Berkshire School's ranking?
Berkshire School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Berkshire School?
The application deadline for Berkshire School is Jan. 15.

School Reviews

5  
Berkshire is a place that truly changed my life. The faculty and staff truly care about you and will do anything to make Berkshire feel like home. Without Berkshire, I would never be able to be the person I am today!
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 409 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $66,200
  • Acceptance rate: 27%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Berkshire County, MA is $9,321 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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