The supportive, close-knit environment of Berkeley Hall provides for a successful transition from elementary to high school. We welcome applicants for our middle grades, six through eight.
Sixth through eighth grade applicants need to furnish an administrative confidential recommendation, two teacher confidential recommendations (English and Math), and a transcript from their current school. To assess their academic readiness, applicants must take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Once an application is received, we invite the applicant to take a student-led tour and meet with faculty members. We also ask parents to join us for an interview.
In sixth grade, students are split into two homerooms with two core teachers for mathematics, language arts, and social studies. They also continue Spanish in preparation for our junior high. Sixth grade is filled with engaging learning experiences starting with a three-day outdoor education trip that promotes teamwork and a positive approach to breaking through limitation. Students are challenged to become more independent and responsible in managing their work. Joint activities with our junior high and regular communication between teachers help prepare students for the move to seventh grade.
Seventh graders are well-supported by a caring faculty in the transition from a coreclassroom environment to five academic teachers, multiple classrooms, lockers,and appropriately higher expectations. Over the course of two years, students become confident eighth-grade graduates who take charge of their learning, assume leadership roles, and take pride in their school and themselves. As a result of this foundation, Berkeley Hall graduates thrive in their chosen high schools.