Class of 2015

We are so proud of the Class of 2015.

For over 100 years, Berkeley Hall has prepared its students well, academically,  artistically, athletically, cognitively, and socially, for rigorous high school studies and  beyond. Over the years, Berkeley Hall’s effectiveness and success have been increasingly recognized some of the and most selective high schools in the Los  Angeles area and beyond. This important track record continued with our graduating class of 2015.

We are happy to report that our graduating 8th graders did very well with their high school admittances last spring. Continuing to strengthen our multiyear trends in this area, the vast majority of Berkeley Hall’s graduating class of 2015 was accepted by their first choice schools.

We take great pride in successfully placing our graduates at
the best schools for them. This process starts in 5th grade, when both our Head of School and Dean of Academics meet with each set of 5th grade parents to talk about their child’s relative strengths and areas for improvement, as well as that child’s  interests, hobbies, and the type of high school environment that would be most  conducive to his or her continued development.

The work continues in 7th grade,  when both our Head of School and Director of Admissions meets with each individual set of parents to discuss which high schools they should apply to the following fall. The factors discussed include identifying the best school environment for that particular child, AP courses and electives offered, college admission statistics, sports and clubs offered, the geographic location of the school, financial aid support and requirements, etc. Our Head of School and Junior High English and Math teachers write individual personalized letters of recommendation for each graduate over winter break.

In the fall, our Head of School holds mock interviews with each 8th grade student to prepare him or her for high school interviews. Then, after all the applications, recommendations, and transcripts are submitted to the various high schools involved, the Head of School and a team of BHS faculty and administrators call each high school admissions director about each BHS child who has applied to that high school. This gives us an opportunity to answer any questions that the receiving school may have about an applicant from Berkeley Hall and also to share anecdotes and other observations about each of our wonderful students.

It is quite a focused, extensive, multiyear process, but the results are so gratifying to our graduates, their families, and to all of us at Berkeley Hall!