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 (2024-25)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $73,200
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- The Bears' Den, Semi-monthly Newsletter - 07/01/2024The Bears' Den is a semi-monthly newsletter that is designed to keep our Berkshire community engaged and connected. It is an opportunity for prospective families to get a glimpse of ...morecampus life. hide
- Berkshire Bulletin, School's Alumni/Parent Magazine - 02/15/2024Read our latest issue of the Berkshire Bulletin, our annual alumni/parent magazine.
Top Rankings
Berkshire School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Resources
School Resources
Selectivity
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1907
1906
Campus Size
400 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
400 students
315 students
% Students of Color
21%
26%
% International Students
16%
20%
% Students Boarding
89%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
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
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
Casual
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
17
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
70%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$195 million
(As of June 30, 2023)
(As of June 30, 2023)
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$73,200
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,600
% Students on Financial Aid
24%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$54,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 15
Jan. 15
Average Percentile SSAT
65%
-
Acceptance Rate
20%
60%
Director of Admissions
Allison Letourneau
Associate Director of Admissions
Mark Saunders
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
19
16
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
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: 2021 - 2023
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Northeastern University
13
Bucknell University
11
Southern Methodist University
11
University of Denver
9
Colby College
8
Trinity College
8
University of Colorado Boulder
8
University of Richmond
8
Colgate University
7
Amherst College
6
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 a 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.
- 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
- E.V. Day '86 - Multi-disciplinary Artist and Sculptor
- Kacey Bellamy '05 - Olympic Gold and Silver (2) Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Kendall Coyne Schofield '11 - Olympic Gold & Silver (2) Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Kevin Rooney '12 - NHL Calgary Flames
- Jack Harrison '15 - Leeds United Premier League, professional soccer
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Berkshire School cost?
Berkshire School's tuition is approximately $73,200 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of Berkshire School?
The acceptance rate of Berkshire School is 20%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%. Berkshire School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools 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, E.V. Day '86, Kacey Bellamy '05, Kendall Coyne Schofield '11, Kevin Rooney '12 and Jack Harrison '15.
What sports does Berkshire School offer?
Berkshire School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Berkshire School's ranking?
Berkshire School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low student:teacher ratio, Large financial endowment, Highest endowment/student and Low acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Berkshire School?
The application deadline for Berkshire School is Jan. 15.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Berkshire School Alumni #1
Class of 2009
5.007/25/2020
Bard College, current MFA student at School of the Art Institute
Class of 2009
5.007/25/2020
Bard College, current MFA student at School of the Art Institute
Berkshire's campus in unparalleled. The pristine architecture fits into the pristine beauty of the surrounding mountains beautifully.. . .
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. . .
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. . .
Show more reviews (14 reviews)
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