Meet Our Head of School
Welcome!
A seed was planted at Berkeley Hall School more than 110 years ago that is very much alive today. It is the idea that we learn with effort and practice, that we all have unique abilities that we can nurture and develop.
Berkeley Hall has thrived on this growth-mindset approach to learning since its creation in 1911. Here we set aside notions of perfection and empower children to turn their fears into opportunities. Here we build skills and self-confidence in each child with patience and persistence. And here, we grow a lifelong love of learning.
Our school is also founded on a strong spiritual legacy that’s expressed in our mission and helps us view all children as having an unlimited, God-given potential. It guides us to take every opportunity to cultivate in them the values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion. This is how we help children grow into the self-confident and compassionate stewards of their world.
For the last 25 years, this way of teaching and learning has been part of my own professional journey. It is what guides me in my work as Head of School and I am grateful and excited to be part of the Berkeley Hall family.
I invite you to visit us and learn more about our very special learning community.
Warmly,
Dr. Nikki Gamrath
Head of School
Leadership Update
Dr. Nikki Gamrath, Berkeley Hall’s current Head of School is departing at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Under her leadership, BHS has continued to strengthen its position as a leading independent school in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Gamrath is responsible for numerous achievements and in particular, we are grateful for her vital role in moving our school out of the pandemic and into a new educational landscape. We thank Dr. Gamrath for her vision and dedication throughout her tenure.
Dr. Gamrath will hand the reins to Dr. Sarah Colmaire, who is currently Assistant Head of school for Teaching and Learning at Berkeley Hall. Dr. Colmaire will go on to serve as Interim Head of School for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 year during this transition. We are excited to welcome Dr. Colmaire to her new role. We know that she shares Dr. Gamrath’s commitment to BHS’ mission and educational approach, and that her priority will be to maintain continuity for our students. We thank the BHS community for its support during this period.
To empower children to fulfill their unlimited, God-given potential as fearless scholars and conscientious citizens.
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.