Berkeley Hall is one of the oldest independent schools in Los Angeles, having been founded in 1911 by sisters Mabel and Leila Cooper (both Christian Scientists). After moving several times to accommodate growth, the school built a campus in Beverly Hills and was located there for 55 years. In 1980 Berkeley Hall moved to a 66-acre campus in the Santa Monica Mountains. One of the unique features of the campus is the natural environment, particularly the oak trees, the hills and the wildlife that are seen on a frequent basis. The campus provides a very peaceful setting for a school and a great outdoor study site for science and other classes.

Berkeley Hall's mission is "to develop active thinkers in a balanced learning environment that inspires children of diverse backgrounds to fulfill their unlimited, God-given potential." Although not a religious or church-sponsored school, the school's trustees, administrators, and teachers are all Christian Scientists. After the first few years of its existence and until 1989, the students were also all from Christian Science families. In 1989, Berkeley Hall opened its doors to all students who met the school's academic and character admission requirements and whose families wanted the educational experience offered. Currently Berkeley Hall's student body is quite diverse in racial, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. As Christian Scientists, the staff members recognize that each individual has God-given qualities such as intelligence, integrity, curiosity, and goodness. Teachers help students exceed expectations and encourage exploration and discovery, while supporting and nurturing them. The school serves families who a looking for a strong academic preparation for selective independent secondary schools and public high schools and who want this preparation in a supportive, low pressure environment that focuses on individual student progress.

Berkeley Hall is a coeducational day school of 250 students primarily serving families from the West Los Angeles, Westwood, Pacific Palisades and San Fernando Valley areas of Los Angeles. Our youngest students are 3 year olds in the Nursery class and our highest grade is eighth. There is one class per grade from the Early Childhood Department through fifth grade. In sixth grade we add a second class and grades 7 and 8 each have two sections of math, science, English, social studies, and Spanish. Berkeley Hall is a member of the California Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by that organization and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school also belongs to the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education.

The curriculum includes wood shop, art, music, physical education, interscholastic sports, and drama in addition to core academics. Students participate in interscholastic sports, dramatic and musical performances, speech contests, local and state science fairs, writing contests, and other such activities. There is a school garden, screenplay writing and production class, after school Lego Robotics, and more. Berkeley Hall's character education program teaches moral and spiritual values through weekly chapels, community service projects, the decision-making curriculum of the Institute for Global Ethics and the daily interactions between students and teachers. The school is committed to educating the whole child through a multi-faceted education.

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This month's feature:

Berkeley Hall School

16000 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049

310-476-6321

Web site:
www.berkeleyhall.org

info@berkeleyhall.org (general information)
admiss@berkeleyhall.org (admission inquires)