Berkshire School

5.00 (1 review)

245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257

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Tel: (413) 229-1003

www.berkshireschool.org

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Berkshire School Photo #1 - The Gallery, which opened in the fall of 2013, is a modern and bright exhibition space located in the new Fine Arts Center. With Berkshire's commitment to artistic excellence, the gallery's exhibitions reflect a wide range of artwork representing all fields of study offered at Berkshire. Annual exhibits showcase artwork from students, alumni and friends of Berkshire.

Berkshire School Photo #2 - In 2008, Berkshire School completed a full renovation of the central academic building, Berkshire Hall, bringing state-of-the-art technology to bright, open and engaging spaces for learning and meeting.

Berkshire School Photo #3 - Dedicated in January 09, the Stewart Athletic Center, also known as "The Jack," is a 117,000-square-foot multi-purpose athletic facility with two hockey rinks (one converts to tennis courts), training facilities, a fitness center and locker rooms for all seasons.

Berkshire School Photo #4 - Completed in the summer of 2012, the Bellas/Dixon Math and Science Center is a stunning 48,000-square-foot facility featuring six math classrooms, eight science classroom labs, a 100-seat teaching auditorium, faculty offices, and an Advanced Math/Science Research lab with state-of-the-art equipment.

Berkshire School Photo #5 - Math students at Berkshire recently built a suspension bridge using the skills they learned in class, and with help of the School's 3D printers.

Berkshire School Photo #6 - Berkshire's rural setting allows students and faculty to explore academic material in a unique way. Here students are led in the School's outdoor classroom.

Berkshire School Photo #7 - Berkshire takes sustainability seriously. An eight-acre solar field – the largest solar installation in the state of Massachusetts –began generating up to forty percent of the School’s electricity in December of 2011 and serve as a lab for its Sustainability program.

Berkshire School Photo #8 - Astronomy students are able to explore the night sky in Dixon Observatory, using its powerful telescope to observe globular clusters, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and the sun. Recently, Berkshire also acquired four portable telescopes, which are excellent for learning to navigate the night sky and observe objects like planets, binary stars, and the moon.

Berkshire School Photo #9 - Boarding school and day students are involved in all aspects of school life, including leadership opportunities, student activities, clubs, and athletics. We encourage students to take risks, to step out of their comfort zone and to have fun.

Berkshire School Photo #10 - Our dorms are modern and range in size and feel, but they share a comfortable living space designed specifically to allow our students to grow emotionally and intellectually.

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, STEAM, and the Sabin Entrepreneurial Prize, are offered along with advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines.

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 embrace the school motto: Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus, "Learning - not just for school, but for life."

Quick Stats (2023)

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:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

Year Founded

1907

School Calendar

Link to School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

409 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

20%

State avg.: 28%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

64 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

67%

Average Class Size

12 students

Number of AP Courses

17 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

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

Link to Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15

Yearly Tuition Cost

$66,200

View national tuition avg.

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

$145 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

20 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 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.

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

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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 71%. 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 9/16/2019

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!

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Berkshirestudent

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