Berwick Academy

This school is my life. I graduated last year and I couldn't even imagine where I would be without having gone to Berwick for the past 13 years. The faculty are always, and will always, be there for you with anything you need. Your peers are people who will inspire you and push you to work hard, and most will form life-long friendships. Classes are small, which creates a great learning environment where each student can take part. The Berwick community is one so focused on inclusion and acceptance, everyone is comfortable and can be involved. My only regrets involving this school are the few years I took for granted. Now that I have graduated I don't understand why I didn't cherish this school like I should have every day I stepped onto the campus. Berwick Academy is an incredibly special place.

I entered BA as a freshman from a local public school. The difference is vast. A "bad" teacher here is at least average at a public school. Extra help can always be seemed if you are struggling. This school is much better for some students than others. If you are an academically motivated kid who likes small class sizes, this is definitely the right place for you. The only problem(s) happen socially. Since the classes are so small, everyone knows everyones business. The grade is usually socially split between the students who have attended here from the start, and the hockey recruits who normally arrive freshman year. Sports are a big part of the Berwick experience, and varsity athletes are very well liked by the administration and students. But overall, this school has very few flaws and is a great place to send your children.

Berwick Academy is an excellent place for your child to blossom. They have fun, make great friends and the education is spectacular. I have been attending for 3 years now and I love it! GO BULLDOGS :) -Class of 2017

Our child is in the Lower school in their second year loving it. From the moment we toured the campus, to all the teachers, staff, headmaster, principal we have been delighted with the care and sincerity we have found across the board. Even if the campus were only half as great as it is, (the facilities rival some college campuses), it would be a fabulous education and experience. The school is very communicative with parents, Teachers are kind, fun and expect a lot academically and in creating a great learning environment. Athletics are fantastic, equal billing for both girls and boys sports. There are lots of extracurricular programs starting at an early age, like private music lessons, dance or movement class. In the Lower school literacy, math, history, science, art, gym, computer, music and French class are the norm starting in kindergarten. You have the greatest sense that your child is very well cared for. My child has learned so much and looks forward to every day, not something we saw when attending previous schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Berwick Academy sadly had declined because of its insular focus. It is dominated by a Dean who is more interested in his own power trip and process than about the students. Check the stats. There is a big dip in the number of students who start high school and the number who finish. Cliches, poor administration and little support for what is really important - the kids. Favortism abounds.
--Submitted by a parent

Run, don't walk away from Berwick! The school is a disaster. The schools that are advertised for college admissions are only ones that a few smart kids get into. Rest got to not that great of schools. It's not worth the money. Administration is petty and self-absorbed. Go anywhere but here.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has gone from the Lower and Middle Schools and is entering as a fully prepared Freshman this fall. His public school peers in our hometown are far behind his overall development as a student and as a young adult. Today, his entire grade is off to an overnight orientation campout on a lake in Maine. Extravagant perhaps but, very cool stuff. Contrary to other posters here, our Head of School is open, resourceful and responsive beyond our imaginations. Fair warning, the standards here are strict in this age of mediocrity and tolerance for the lowest common denominator. Consequently, the Berwick administration's approach makes it a safe and drama free atmosphere. The campus and facilities are spectacular and rival any institution in the area. Finally, faculty and staff demand the most from the students and that is the true critical factor that we appreciate as parents.
--Submitted by a parent

There is no doubt that Berwick works for some students. There are some very fine and caring teachers. It should not surprise anyone that there are some weak and sadly inept teachers as well. Relatively new administration is surprisingly vindictive , petty, and intolerant towards any hint of difference from the 'norm.' Morale is definitely a problem. Do not go here if you tend toward original thought or want your children to turn out in any manner other than white-bread ordinary. Very poor communication with parents in the upper school. Nice buildings. Definitely not worth the money; it survives because it's the only private, non-boarding facility in a region of poor public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Berwick continues to offer an excellent education K through 12 and provides strong college placement for its graduates. Those seniors who leave find themselves well prepared for college academics.
--Submitted by a parent

BA changed my life. I was attending a public school on the way to nowhere and poor grades. I transferred to BA and there I learned the value of hard work and a great education. It really prepared me for college. I had a much easier time dealing with the workload than my fellow classmates in college because of BA. I highly recommend attending if you are given the chance.
--Submitted by a student