Read more details about Berkshire School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Berkshire is a small school. The fact that there were less than 400 students during my time there made it so easy for this campus and the people to feel like home. Because of it's small-nature, we were able to foster a close-knit community where everyone knows you and you know everyone. You may not interact with everyone on a day to day basis, but you will know everyone's name. Another unique aspect of Berkshire is the fact that the people will genuinely be interested in you. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever your story is-- there is a place for you at this school. The people who make up Berkshire truly care about one another. That isn't something you find everywhere. Pro-Vita is also one of the best parts of Berkshire. Pro-Vita is a week long program where Berkshire students take classes different from regular academic classes. Pro-Vita is a symbol of our school motto, not just for school, but for life.The classes offered are about things that we could use in life (how to sew, how to change a tire, how to survive in the wilderness, how to finger paint, being black in America, etc.) while there are also other super unrealistic courses like how to survive in a zombie apocalypse, but that's the fun of it!
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
Berkshire allowed me to find my voice. It shaped me and my story. Through the good and the bad, this place became my home and the people became my family. I knew that these people wanted to see me thrive and grow, and they made sure that I did.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would have gone abroad for Pro-Vita! There were such beautiful trips being offered, but I was always so hesitant for some reason. If I could go back, I'd go abroad for every single Pro-Vita.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The people. I met some of the most incredible people at this school. Berkshire is a place that attracts kind people. This place fosters some of the most beautiful friendships I've ever seen. I love that no matter where you came from, you were a part of the family that is Berkshire. Even after graduation, I know that there are so many people cheering me on and rooting for me. Berkshire is such a special place, I wish I could put into words what this place means to me.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Have an open-mind. Try new things. Go abroad for Pro-Vita. Get to know your teachers. Berkshire has such incredible opportunities for it's students, take advantage of it! Don't be afraid to be different and do your own thing– we are what makes Berkshire be the beautiful place it is.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was challenged. The most amazing part about Berkshire's academics is that it is shaped to accommodate everyone's need in the classroom. Classes are offered in a spectrum that allows for every student to be challenged, no matter their level. By offering regular, advanced, and Advanced Placement courses, all students are able to thrive at their own pace.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I wasn't big on sports during high school. But Berkshire has such diversity in sports so it was easy for me to try new things! The fact that there are JV and Varsity for all sports makes it better for those of us who aren't super athletically inclined. The coaches also understand this and work with the students on our techniques.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Our theatre director is great at spotting talent. He would incentivize people to join the program and make them to mini stars. It was incredible to watch. We had so much talent in our theatre program.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There is such a wide range of organizations to accommodate the student passions and interests. I would leave my Multicultural and Diversity Club meeting and go to Green Key society (tour guide club). It is actually pretty cool to see everyone's passions come to life through their extracurricular choices.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is great at Berkshire. First of all, the dorms are BEAUTIFUL! They have all been renovated in the last couple of years. They are small communities themselves. There are so many bonding opportunities on the weekends and during Winter Carnival.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Food wasn't the best. But I was also used to my mother's home cooked meals everyday. Best thing is that there is so many options, so if you don't like the cooked meal, you can make yourself a salad, sandwich, quesadilla, burger, etc. So there's always something to eat!
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
I'm a big city girl. Great Barrington is a GREAT little town to visit during the weekend town trips. There's a movie theater, hispanic market, cute little restaurants, and THE BEST ice cream shop I've ever tried! It's a cute little place to drink some coffee and get off campus for a bit.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Social life at Berkshire wasn't the best, but then again it IS boarding school so I always kept that in mind. Berkshire's activities club puts on a bunch of cool events throughout the year life Spring Carnival, cookouts, carnival rides during the weekends. It's also just nice to have a night in with some friends with pizza and a movie. The campus is so beautiful at night so sometimes my best friend and I would go on night walks on Saturdays.
Read more details about Berkshire School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Berkshire School Alumni #1
Class of 2009
5.00 7/25/2020
Bard College, current MFA student at School of the Art Institute
Class of 2009
5.00 7/25/2020
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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