The school is unique in the attention they give to their students and their passion for teaching. They offer both academics and the arts.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2016
Both of my children are thriving at Berkeley School! My older child had fallen through the cracks in public school and was being passed up grades without mastering the foundations needed to build on to the next level. When I found Berkeley School I couldn't write them a registration check fast enough! We have been here for two years now and my older one has a better grasp on phonics and is improving. My younger daughter started her and is actually surpassing her older sister. Berkeley School teaches to the whole child. In addition to strong academics, they offer urban gardening, science, art, music, dance & yoga! I have noticed my childre using what they learn at school to solve problems on their own, unprompted at home. I see that they are integrating knowledge not just regurgitating information for a test and to me that is true learning. I wish there were more schools like Berkeley around, as all kids deserve this kind of high quality education.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014
This is the way education should be done - at least in the elementary years: small class sizes, a nurturing environment, a strong home-to-school connection and fantastic teachers. We were tired of the 25 (or 30+ students!) to 1 teacher ratio, and Berkeley has allowed our child to soar in his areas of strength with focused attention in weak areas. If you have watched "The Finland Phenomenon," you will understand the power of small class size and the importance of truly engaging children's minds. Before Berkeley, our son was losing interest in learning - now he's back to being curious, inquisitive and learning for the sake of learning.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2013
We feel so fortunate to have discovered Berkeley School in Fullerton. Our son has just finished his 4th week at Berkeley School. Our expectations were very high when we enrolled our son here at Berkeley School. The Faculty has exceeded our highest expectations. There is a real feeling of pride inside the gates at Berkeley. The students are respectful & courteous to each other. The parents are very involved & supportive. The Administrators & Staff of Berkeley School have a lot to be proud of!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2012
When looking for a school for our son my wife and we wanted a school that had small class sizes, had an emphasis on the arts as well as academics, and had teachers that were dedicated to teaching. At Berkeley school we found all of these things and are very happy with our decision. Ultimately a good teacher are what make the difference in a child's education and knowing that our son will have the same great teachers for the next five years give a peace of mind I would have a hard time finding anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2012
My daughter attends this school and I can not tell you how much she loves it and how much I love the improvement that she has made while attending. The individualized attention that she receives is amazing. The teachers are so nurturing, caring, positive and exceptional. My daughter receives dance lessons, Spanish lessons, science, computer, and she is only in kindergarten. I am so glad that we sent her here. The school is very small and because of that they can give a child so much attention. The school is housed in two small buildings next to the Fullerton Museum, but don't let the small outside appearance dissuade you from going in and seeing what it is like inside and talking to the amazing staff. They can do wonderful things in those little buildings. If you are looking for a good school, I would absolutely recommend that you come and talk to Mrs. Childres.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2011
My son attended Berkeley School for six years and we are so grateful for the preparation that Berkeley provided. He learned to express himself through writing which is a critical skill for school and life. He learned to express himself in front of people, even though he started out shy. He learned to express himself through music and art which enhances learning so much. And he learned the joys of reading good books, hearing good music, and seeing and creating works of art. He learned to interact with, tolerate, and care about other children. He learned that physical activity is fun and he learned the importance of teamwork. He felt accepted, safe and successful and he had fun. And he learned all this from the most dedicated, expert, patient, loving teachers possible.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2011
Although we live in Irvine, with its highly-regarded public schools, we make the long drive to Berkeley each day because it's just that special. Berkeley has an immensely talented, experienced and loving staff, great academics, and extras you can't find at most schools -- music, dance, art, language -- not to mention a full-length Shakespeare play each spring! This is the rare school where a shy child can blossom, where a struggling child can succeed, where a gifted child can be challenged. It can do these magical things because its teachers combine enormous experience with a flexibility that allows for a tailor-made education. It's extremely rare to find this combination of fresh ideas and depth of knowledge in one place, but Berkeley has it. An absolute gem of a school.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2010
My son attended preschool at a community college where I teach. Once he began to be inquisitive about reading and math, the CDC didn't do much for him, and he became a wallflower. I searched around for something small and Not-Fairmont (if you live locally, you know what I mean) and ended up choosing Berkeley. Berkeley's been wonderful for my son. He's blossomed into a confident, polite, and intellectual youngster, all in the course of one year. The atmosphere is incredible--personal, familial. What sealed the deal for me is this: one of my colleagues in the English department had GONE there as a child and adored her experiences. So glad we found Berkeley!