Private Boarding High School in Massachusetts

Berkshire School:
Berkshire College is a co-educational boarding school for grades 9-12 in Sheffield, New Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts (New England). At Berkshire, we offer a first-rate academic program, distinctive opportunities in the arts, and excellent athletics. We provide an exceptional college preparatory curriculum with PSAT, SAT and ACT as well as AP offerings in all disciplines. It is what happens at the periphery of this exceptional core that sets a school apart.

Boarding Programs for Boys & Girls in Grades 9-12:

Academics:
Berkshire’s academic program is firmly rooted in an exceptional college preparatory curriculum with English, fine arts, history, languages, mathematics and science. Our curriculum features a wealth of advanced and AP courses across all disciplines.

In addition, unique opportunities to excel in math/science research, student-directed independent study, and electives in science, history, and fine arts allow students to pursue advanced study at Berkshire with distinctive results.

As creative and agile problem solvers, strong critical thinkers, persuasive communicators, and active global citizens, they confidently enter the ever-changing 21st century equipped with the skills required to excel. In short, Berkshire’s balance between academic rigor and possibility is unique and allows our students to flourish as independent learners, as community members, and as professionals.

Berkshire’s experienced and talented faculty is our greatest resource. They continually challenge and inspire our students to draw upon their full academic talents and intellectual gifts.

The recently renovated Berkshire Hall is an unparalleled teaching resource and features modern classrooms, state-of-the-art academic technology, and well-designed study spaces. At the top of Buck Valley, it stands as an enduring symbol of the School’s commitment to its students.

The momentum across all corners of Berkshire’s campus is echoed loudly in our academic program and gives our students every reason to look forward to the next century with great confidence and anticipation.

Advanced Placement Courses:
All departments English, fine arts, history, languages, mathematics and science offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can help a motivated and qualified student prepare for the College Board Advanced Placement Exams. Selection for an Advanced Placement course requires the successful completion of all course prerequisites and is determined by the department.

College Preparation Courses:
We offer college preparation courses including PSAT, SAT and ACT.

Pro Vita Courses for Topics of Interest:
During the last week before spring vacation, Berkshire students, faculty, staff and guest teachers embark on a week-long journey exploring passions and interests.

Students enjoy a break from the regular curriculum and faculty turn their focus to a topic of their interest. With over 90 courses on topics ranging from presidential politics and Northern Ireland to intellectual property law and landscape design, there is always something for everyone during Pro Vita.

Advanced Math/Science Research Program:
Students at Berkshire School have the opportunity to explore mathematics and science in a way that few high school students are able to. In addition to a rigorous selection of AP courses, the students are also able to do higher level mathematics and science research with professional research mentors.

Center for Writing and Critical Thinking:
Berkshire School’s new Center for Writing and Critical Thinking offers students individual assistance with their writing, as well as weekly, form-specific faculty forums, and the opportunity to utilize a space that is exclusively dedicated to writers and to writing.

Center for Sustainability with Environmental Education:
Berkshire School’s commitment to environmental stewardship is rooted deep in its history. Berkshire School stresses learning that is rooted in what is local - the unique history, environment, culture, economy, and literature, of our particular place.

Berkshire School is the first secondary school in the country to partner with Clean Air-Cool Planet, the region's leading organization dedicated to finding and promoting solutions to global warming. Our students take part in outdoor activities and projects to learn how they can help and protect the environment.

Athletics:
Berkshire School supports a rigorous athletic development program that teaches mental and physical self discipline, teamwork, leadership, and the ability to deal with adversity.

We believe that all Berkshire students should have the opportunity to participate as members of well-coached, competitive teams, and we are committed to providing quality coaching at all levels of interscholastic athletics. Sports include basketball, football, lacrosse, baseball and tennis.