Berkshire School - Review #2

Read more details about Berkshire School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Berkshire School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2017-2020
Sports and Activities:
I rowed on the Varsity crew team for my three years at Berkshire. I was able to serve as the Captain of the team my senior year. I was also able to ski race on the Alpine team as well as join the Nordic team my senior year. I was able to give tours to prospective students, which was fun!
College Enrolled:
Bates College
Home Town, State:
Watertown, CT

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
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 Berkshire's Pro Vita program which was an amazing opportunity. I was also able to take part in the Black Rock Scholar program which allowed me to give back to Berkshire by mapping the trail system on the mountain behind the school. The physical setting of Berkshire under the mountain was the perfect back drop and an absolutely stunning campus with fantastic facilities. The people in the Berkshire community are what will stick with me, I met my absolute best friends there!
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I feel like I became a more confident learner and individual at Berkshire. I grew literally and figuratively during my three years, and I would not trade my time there for anything!
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
My advice to new students would be to not be afraid to try new things. It can be a bit scary to put yourself out there at first, but it is very rewarding in the end!
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The people and the mountain are what makes Berkshire Berkshire... it's a very special place to me and it will always hold a place in my heart.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
I love the bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches at Shawn's... the school snack bar!

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I feel like I really grew as a learned during my time at Berkshire. I was able to really challenge myself and knew that I had faculty and a very supportive advisor on my side. I particularly enjoyed being able to dig deeper into classes such as Sustainability and AP Environmental Science. I am now interested in studying Environmental Studies at Bates.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I felt very fortunate to be able to contribute to a very successful crew program. I was lucky enough to be a part of the first boat for all three years and medalling in the NEIRA championship. I appreciated being able to ski race in a very strong program. I was also able to try something completely new my senior year by joining the Nordic team which was lots of fun!

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
At Berkshire I tried Digital Art for the first time and loved it. My teacher, Mr Roe, was amazing and helped me tap into my creative side. He encouraged me to submit my work into an Art Show in the outside community.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There are so many ways to get involved at Berkshire. If you want to start a club that is not already in existence than you and your friends can start one. I got involved in lots of ways.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I lived in Buck's dorm for all three years and had the best time. I loved the community that we had in the dorm and we looked out for each other. I made some of my best friends living in the dorm and will take those memories with me.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I enjoyed sitting at tables in the dining hall and talking with people about all sorts of things. I enjoyed advisee lunch on Wednesdays... it created a great sense of community. The food was good... could be a bit better... I really liked the dumplings!

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Berkshire is in a rural setting for sure, but a short drive away is Great Barrington, which is a really cool town. Lots of great restaurants and stores... I really liked the candy shop and SoCo the ice cream place. Catamount & Butternut ski areas are within 20 minutes of campus, which is a big plus!
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Berkshire is a very friendly place. I liked that there were all kinds of kids doing all kinds of things and everyone was very supportive. For example, the play this winter was Rent and the whole school comes out to be supportive as well as big sporting events.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
8:15 AM
start class
Weekend
8:15 AM
class
8:00 PM
evening activities
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
Berkshire's campus in unparalleled. The pristine architecture fits into the pristine beauty of the surrounding mountains beautifully.. . .
Berkshire School Alumni #2
Class of 2020
5.00 7/25/2020
Bates College
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. . .
Berkshire School Alumni #3
Class of 2020
5.00 7/20/2020
Kenyon College
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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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • 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