Elementary (K-5)

Where children grow into confident learners, kind classmates, and thoughtful leaders.

With small class sizes, expert teachers, and a close partnership with families, our K–5 program offers the perfect balance of structure, joy, and purpose.

At Berkeley Hall learning is immersive, hands-on, and goes far beyond textbooks. Students dive deeply into subjects through real-world experiences and thoughtful exploration.

Why BHS?

Teachers meet students where they are - offering support, challenge, or enrichment based on each child’s needs.
Field trips to places like the Getty Museum and Mission Santa Barbara bring history, science, and the arts to life.
Outdoor Education begins in fifth grade with an off-campus trip to Astro Camp, where students connect with nature and each other.
An exciting House Program allows students to do interactive learning across the grades.

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Three students playing together on the playground

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Kindergarten

Kindergarten is the bridge between our early childhood and elementary programs and it’s built with care. With two lead teachers in the classroom and a low student-teacher ratio, every child is known, supported, and given room to grow.

Daily instruction in reading, writing, and math is paired with play-based exploration, outdoor learning, and specialist classes. Students begin to build routines, take ownership of their learning, and discover how it feels to be part of a classroom community.

Grades 1 – 3

These foundational years are all about building strong academic and social skills. Reading and math instruction are differentiated to meet each student’s needs, and teachers work closely with families to guide nightly reading and early homework habits.

Students begin learning how to manage their time, work with partners, and reflect on their learning. As their thinking deepens, so does their empathy—restorative practices and social-emotional learning help children grow into kind, confident classmates.

Grades 4 & 5

In the upper elementary years, students step into new levels of independence. With support, they begin managing projects, developing their executive functioning skills, and leading with purpose.

Our focus on depth continues with students diving into more complex concepts, collaborate in partners and groups, and learn to communicate their thinking clearly. Integrated Studies projects grow more sophisticated, and children begin to see themselves as capable learners, creative thinkers, and contributors to their community.

A Well-Rounded Week

Students in every grade benefit from weekly specialist classes in:

Art

Art That Comes From the Heart

Our visual arts program inspires elementary students to explore creativity through storytelling, identity, and cultural connection. From traditional techniques like color theory and composition to projects using sustainable materials and contemporary influences, students develop their artistic voice while building confidence, care, and global awareness one thoughtful layer at a time.

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Theater

Engaging Students in Theater

Students meet twice a week in Performing Arts and work on building confidence, public speaking, communication, and empathy. They perform in the cherished Sugar Plum show in 1st–3rd grade, act in a 4th grade radio play, and go behind-the-scenes in 5th grade, designing costumes, sets, and hosting the Variety Show. The program lets students learn about different aspects of theater and discover the power of storytelling across subjects and borders.

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Music

Learning to Listen, Play, and Explore

At Berkeley Hall, music is a joyful, hands-on journey where elementary students build skills in rhythm, melody, and musical literacy through singing, movement, and play. From ukuleles to xylophones, they explore a wide range of instruments and global genres, learning to create, improvise, and perform together while discovering music as a powerful form of expression and connection.

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Spanish

Exploring Language, Celebrating Culture

In elementary Spanish, students embark on a dynamic journey of language and culture through songs, stories, games, and conversation. Rooted in real-world contexts and joyful repetition, the program builds vocabulary and listening skills while fostering confidence and curiosity. Along the way, students explore the traditions, customs, and daily life of Spanish-speaking countries, gaining not just language fluency, but cultural appreciation and global awareness.

PE

Daily Movement - Lifelong Habits

Our P.E. program is built into the school day, with a robust, intentional curriculum that spans every grade level. Students have physical education four to five times per week, led by teachers who focus on skill-building, fitness, and personal growth.

Students explore traditional sports like basketball, flag football, track, and soccer alongside fitness and wellness lessons.

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Library

Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Reading

The library is a vibrant hub filled with over 10,500 volumes that spark curiosity, imagination, and discovery. Elementary students build research skills and reading fluency through read-alouds, author studies, and independent exploration. With access to diverse voices and genres, they learn to think critically and connect personally with what they read. The program nurtures thoughtful, confident readers who see books as both mirrors of their own experience and windows into the wider world.

iLab

Where Ideas Take Shape

In the Innovation Lab, elementary students grow as builders, thinkers, and changemakers. This vibrant makerspace invites hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), beginning in Kindergarten. With tools for tinkering, designing, and problem-solving, students learn to turn ideas into action—developing creativity, collaboration, and confidence along the way.

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Spotlight on Integrated Studies

All students in grades K–8 take Integrated Studies, a hands-on, interdisciplinary course that connects classroom learning across subjects. In fifth grade, for example, students explore biomes through research, art, writing, and presentations. In first grade, students worked together on a mural design, combining skills in art, math, and collaboration.

Day in the Life

This sample schedule offers a glimpse into a typical day, though details may differ between grades.

Kindergarten

1st - 5th Grade

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Elementary School FAQs

How does Berkeley Hall support my child’s individual learning needs?

We meet students where they are, whether they’re building foundational skills or ready for more advanced work. Our small class sizes and experienced teachers allow for personalized instruction. We also work closely with families to support learning both at school and at home, helping children grow academically and develop important habits like independence and self-management.

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Current Parent

Meet Our Elementary Department:

The teachers are kind and nurturing - the small class sizes allow the teachers to meet each child’s needs academically and socially. The curriculum is well-rounded and challenging, and most importantly, my son loves going to school.

Verified Niche Review

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