Berkeley School

My daughter attends this school and I can not tell you how much she loves it and how much I love the improvement that she has made while attending. The individualized attention that she receives is amazing. The teachers are so nurturing, caring, positive and exceptional. My daughter receives dance lessons, Spanish lessons, science, computer, and she is only in kindergarten. I am so glad that we sent her here. The school is very small and because of that they can give a child so much attention. The school is housed in two small buildings next to the Fullerton Museum, but don't let the small outside appearance dissuade you from going in and seeing what it is like inside and talking to the amazing staff. They can do wonderful things in those little buildings. If you are looking for a good school, I would absolutely recommend that you come and talk to Mrs. Childres.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Berkeley School for six years and we are so grateful for the preparation that Berkeley provided. He learned to express himself through writing which is a critical skill for school and life. He learned to express himself in front of people, even though he started out shy. He learned to express himself through music and art which enhances learning so much. And he learned the joys of reading good books, hearing good music, and seeing and creating works of art. He learned to interact with, tolerate, and care about other children. He learned that physical activity is fun and he learned the importance of teamwork. He felt accepted, safe and successful and he had fun. And he learned all this from the most dedicated, expert, patient, loving teachers possible.
--Submitted by a parent

Although we live in Irvine, with its highly-regarded public schools, we make the long drive to Berkeley each day because it's just that special. Berkeley has an immensely talented, experienced and loving staff, great academics, and extras you can't find at most schools -- music, dance, art, language -- not to mention a full-length Shakespeare play each spring! This is the rare school where a shy child can blossom, where a struggling child can succeed, where a gifted child can be challenged. It can do these magical things because its teachers combine enormous experience with a flexibility that allows for a tailor-made education. It's extremely rare to find this combination of fresh ideas and depth of knowledge in one place, but Berkeley has it. An absolute gem of a school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended preschool at a community college where I teach. Once he began to be inquisitive about reading and math, the CDC didn't do much for him, and he became a wallflower. I searched around for something small and Not-Fairmont (if you live locally, you know what I mean) and ended up choosing Berkeley. Berkeley's been wonderful for my son. He's blossomed into a confident, polite, and intellectual youngster, all in the course of one year. The atmosphere is incredible--personal, familial. What sealed the deal for me is this: one of my colleagues in the English department had GONE there as a child and adored her experiences. So glad we found Berkeley!
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred my child from public school to Berkerely because she needed more one on one instruction. Berkerely is not the school if you are looking for academic instruction. It seems to focus on lots of free play time & not enough academics. It has it niche to appeal to certain families but I was dissappointed.with my expierence
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a Berkeley School parent for 6 years and would love to shout praise for this school from the highest buildings! The school emphasis is on both Academics and the Arts, a policy that offers the students a very well rounded education. All students are challenged at their individual level thanks to small classes with low teacher to student ratios. Berkeley School's teachers are all of the finest caliber and constantly amaze and impress me with the education that they are providing my children. They inspire and encourage excellence academically, artistically and socially. Berkeley School offers students an education of the highest quality.
--Submitted by Deanna Murphy, a parent

My son is finishing his second year at Berkerley School and we couldn't be happier. He enjoys going to school and is always enthusiastically relating information aquired from his various teachers. Though he's only in kindergarten, he has a main teacher as well as dance, music, science, art and language instructors. He's certainly experiencing and absorbing more than I did in kindergarten. As a parent it's nice to know he's in a safe and encouraging environment. He has never been made to feel as though he's not doing enough. Within the first month of his attending Berkeley School I saw profound changes. He went from a bright and happy kid just spending time at a pre-school, to a bright, happy kid excited about going to school and just as excitedly telling his parents that evening about what blood does or showing us his latest dance move. Berkeley School is a Treasure.
--Submitted by Jeff Minton, a parent

Our daughter is a 3rd grader at Berkeley School, having been there since Pre-K. She does exceptionally well and absolutely loves it. Not only do the teachers focus on academics and the arts, but they are small enough and astute enough to recognize the other needs children have. For example, at a younger age, our daughter was doing fine academically but not comfortable socially. With the encouragement of the Berkeley teachers, she is still doing great academically and has developed into a social butterfly. I highly recommend Berkeley School!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Berkeley for 4 years and I can't recommend it highly enough. I think the school's size and its teachers/founders combine to create an elementary school experience unique on a naitonal scale. Each child is on their own curiculum and the founders still teach both the children and parents, alike. If you're anywhere close to being able to attend Berkeley, don't pass it up. It may just be the most important investment you can make in your child's future.
--Submitted by Martin Andelman, a parent

My daughter has been at Berkeley since pre-k. She has her own curriculum! Berkeley allows my child to progress at her own pace, which allows her to retain so much. Her teachers are all specialist in their fields, dance, science, art, even physical education. I recommend Berkeley School to any parent searching for the most nurturing environment for their pre-k through 6th grader!
--Submitted by Theresa Murphy, a parent