Berkeley Hall School

16000 Mulholland Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90049

78 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 15, 2025

What a great school. Coming out of the pandemic, we had a great experience in a small state school but we felt that our children needed attention and nurturing to shore up the pillars of their elementary education. Time and attention are expensive commodities, and I am so grateful we were able to afford both. My son had issues with a different way of learning and my daughter is gifted. Both found the individual attention that they needed to thrive. Thank you to the Berkeley Hall team who helped us understand how to support our two very different learners. They both grew exponentially in capable hands and I would recommend this school to anyone. I am thankful for the not overly competitive environment Berkeley Hall school cultivates. While I feel my two kids are well prepared for the academic rigors of high school, the small class sizes and diversity in the classroom meant that each succeeded in slightly different and more personal ways. Success was lauded and appreciated but struggles were also accepted as a learning aspect of growth. Our time at BHS fostered a love of learning and a wonder at the world. I hope we have planted that seed in our kids, and they are now running with the flame of curiosity towards their high school years.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2024

We have one boy in elementary and another in middle school. We entered late after our former school ran into some issues. We were nervous about joining a new school community in the 7th and 4th grades but BH continues to address their needs thoughtfully and compassionately. One is allowed to take a Johns Hopkins accelerated math alongside his advanced math course in addition to Khan Academy High School level science alongside his BH class. My younger's math and writing have hugely improved and he is challenged both academically and in sports. He can be distractible so he is allowed to take his tests in a quiet space and utilize supportive tools for his visual processing needs. The small class size for both the 7th and 4th grades were big selling points for us as we believe individual attention is key. They even have two teachers in the 4th grade classroom and a terrific full-time learning specialist who can help both your gifted child and one that needs some accommodation. There is a consistent emphasis on social emotional learning and teachers are more than willing and happy to discuss any issues. Point is, the school meets your kids where they are and help them thrive in any way they can. There is truly a dialogue between us and the teachers for which I'm very grateful. The campus is a gorgeous oasis hidden off Mulholland which allow for greater safety and exercise. It's a close knit community with most kids having been together since kindergarten - if you're a latecomer like us, that can present some initial issues but the school helps everyone integrate and maintains an inclusive environment. The administration is a well-run cadre of smart and dedicated educators who truly do their all to get to know each family well, starting with the approachable Head of School, the amazing admissions team and the very involved Director of Advancement. I have nothing but high praise for the teachers who themselves are diverse, top-notch, kind and dedicated. Overall, my boys are happy and BH is a gem.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2024

Our daughter came in first grade this year from a highly rated charter school that we liked a lot but we are loving Berkeley Hall and so glad we made the decision to come. Our daughter is so excited to go to school and her teachers are incredible- there’s a great focus on social- emotional learning and they are not just stuck at their desks doing busy work. The assignments really get them engaged and the campus is amazing as well, as are all the activities they have planned so far. Everything is well organized and the teachers and staff are so thoughtful and intentional. My husband and I are so grateful to have her at the school.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2024

Our family just graduated an 8th grader from Berkeley Hall School. To say this school is unlike no other is an understatement. Although many schools claim to care, I have never seen a school truly embody this by embracing every child and pushing them to their potential. My student, who excelled in math, was guided by one of the best math instructors, Ms. Neale. He competed in the Math Olympiad and was accepted to all five high school choices. However, the academic achievements come second to the kind respectful son we send to high school. Middle school can be a challenging time and we are blessed to be surrounded by loving families and children who do bully; rather an inclusive and warm environment among students is fostered. My son leaves with a moral compass ready to take on new challenges . Every middle school teacher speaks about EVERY student at graduation which speaks volumes: BHS truly puts their mission statement to action! Thank you, Berkeley Hall School!
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2024

My son blossomed at Berkeley Hall. He was a kid who I did not think would come home his second year at a new school, in middle school, and say he was running for student body president. He did and was elected and I saw him evolve and grow as a leader, of his class, and of the school. I attribute this to the community's encouragement and support of him and in their understanding of who he is an individual. I cannot say enough about this school. It is a true gem. I felt all of us were supported as a family in helping my son grow and learn, academically and in regards to social and emotional learning. The plus is that it is located on 66 acres of peaceful and beautiful grounds off of Mulholland which lends itself and is conducive to learning in a gentle and loving way that celebrates the natural world and each and every child. This school is all about love and kindness. That first year I remember feeling so lucky that my son was being taken care of by nurturing adults and challenged in the best way, to teach him how to be independent and assertive as his own person. A big warm thank you to Berkeley Hall!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2024

Berkeley Hall has been an incredible experience for our family. My daughter is not only excelling academically but has also developed a real passion for learning. She’s actively involved in sports and enjoys every moment of it. The school offers a variety of activities that allow kids to explore their interests and find their true passions. What really warms my heart is hearing her say how much she misses school and can't wait to see her friends and teachers. The community at Berkeley Hall is wonderful, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. Highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a nurturing and engaging environment for their child!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2024

I am a mother of two and have worked in the education field for 20+ years. Berkeley Hall is the first school I have seen that truly walks the walk regarding growth mindset, whole child education, and creating classroom cultures of support and gratitude. My daughter will start her 3rd year here at BHS this fall, entering the 5th grade. To say she LOVES to come to school is an understatement. Her confidence has skyrocketed under the guidance of amazing teachers. She can speak to her strengths and what she is working on. She has amazing, supportive friends, and the parents are like extended family to me. Even though it's the summer, we see each other consistently and everyone is invited. The campus is unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. She wants me to mention how she gets to play every sport (she does swim, volleyball, basketball, and soccer) and be in every club (she is in chorus, Canva club, and peer tutoring). We can't wait to continue on our journey at BHS.
Submitted by other on June 30, 2024

Berkeley Hall Review.Another view (re-view) of Berkeley Hall School. I have been truly fortunate to be a part of the Berkeley Hall Family since 1993. At that time, I was hired to be the school’s music teacher (Nursery to 9th grade). As a young teacher, I was amazed that the beauty and size of the campus was equaled by the love and commitment of the teachers, administration and staff. I remember my first Sugar Plum show as the music teacher. It’s long-standing tradition and grand scale, filled with the excitement in the young students voices. I was overwhelmed with pride to be a part of Berkeley Hall School. Teaching music to nursery students learning responsibility all the way up to the confident and competent junior high, it was so clear to me that this was to be my school home. Over the years, I dreamed of having a daughter that would someday be a proud student of BHS, surrounded by the love and support of this community. Our daughter, Sofie, entered Berkeley Hall’s 6th grade and absolutely loves everything from the sports, to fine arts, to growing into a strong student in her academic classes. This year, Sofie is entering the 8th grade and will be graduating from Berkeley Hall. While our school has gone through much growth and many changes throughout the years, it’s soul remains the same. In Christian Science, we learn that God is Love. Our daughter can now testify from first-hand experience that the heart and soul of Berkeley Hall is and always will be love. As both teacher and father, I am eternally grateful to have this school a significant and profound part our lives. Andrew Germain
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2024

I am writing this review because we are just a 10 days into summer and my daughter cannot wait to go back in the fall. I think that is the biggest compliment a school. She didn't have any real friends and wasn't interested in going to everyday. My husband and I feel so fortunate that we are able to send our daughter to the Berkeley School. I can't tell you how lucky my family feels that our daughter is at Berkeley . Not only do she receives an amazing education but she is learning about what it takes to be a good citizen of the world. The empathy and compassion they show others amazes me every day. The teachers know and understand my girl and great care is taken of her on a daily basis. I know when we move on from Berkeley my girl will be prepared for anything inside and outside of the classroom.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2024

I am a parent that has sent two kids to Berkley Hall from kindergarten through eighth grade. I couldn’t be happier with the education they received and the loving and caring environment in which they received it. I would highly recommend the school to any parents.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2024

My wife & I have been very impressed with BHS's academics. Our son's math teacher, Mrs. Neale, recognizing his aptitude for math, had him enroll in the Johns Hopkins CTY Math program & today, Mrs. Neale has him learning at an 11th grade level & he ranks in the top 2% internationally in the Math Olympiad. Also, public speaking is taught in every grade level starting from the 2nd - which helped our son develop a love for acting/theater.We love BHS's strong focus on character. Admissions doesn't tolerate behavior detrimental to inclusiveness & learning & Head of School Dr. Colmaire has a direct relationship with all ~200 kids. Students are also exposed to regional touchstones such as the 'Museum of Tolerance' & 'LA Kitchen' to promote cultural understanding. This fall, our son will be attending his #1 high school choice (Geffen Academy at UCLA) as 1 of 20 incoming freshmen. We can't thank Berkeley Hall School enough for helping us raise our "scholar & citizen" over the past 10yrs.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2024

Our son attended middle school at BHS. We are very happy with our decision to have placed him there. The school provided attention and support for his growth during the critical middle school years. They nurtured his academic development and focused on building character and values. They were impressive with providing opportunities for our son to take on challenges, develop important life skills and study habits.Our son loved the outdoor space in the expansive campus, providing ample room for children to explore, play, and learn in a natural environment. He also enjoyed the small class size, formed meaningful connections with all his classmates and teachers.BHS is a well-established school, apparent in every aspect of its operation. The staff is diligent and committed to ensuring great experience for students. They are incredibly adept at organizing school events, creating memorable experiences that bring the community together. Teachers and parents alike were warm and friendly.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2024

I cannot say enough positive things about Berkeley Hall School! From the moment my son stepped onto the campus, he has been filled with joy and a sense of safety that's truly priceless. The school's stringent safety protocols, including regular drills and a secure campus, have given me peace of mind.The teachers at Berkeley Hall School are not just educators, but compassionate mentors who genuinely care about each child's well-being and academic progress. The supportive environment, from the administration to the support personnel, has significantly fostered my son's growth and confidence.The grounds are stunning, offering vast spaces for outdoor activities and exploration. The well-maintained facilities and classrooms reflect the school's commitment to providing an optimal learning environment.While Berkeley Hall may come with a price tag, it is undeniably a worthwhile investment. The quality of education and the nurturing atmosphere make it a standout choice for families seeking an exceptional educational experience for their children.I wholeheartedly recommend Berkeley Hall to any parent looking for a place where their child can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It's a gem of a school that leaves students and parents feeling grateful and fulfilled.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2023

My son, Troy, entered Berkeley Hall in the seventh grade. Without fail, every day I pick him up from school Troy is fulfilled with the experiences the school day has given him. His friends come from solid families with good morals. They talk about international events and business. They play chess online. They come from diverse backgrounds. I couldn't be more pleased with the friends Troy has made. "Stick with the winners," I tell Troy. BHS is full of them.The teachers and administration are so engaged and passionate. Troy likes what he learns. We are updated daily with online access to curriculum and progress. We have conferences every trimester. We are informed. Troy loved his mock trial and 3D printing electives. His curriculum is rigorous but not overbearing.BHS is a community. The school brings the families together regularly. We are so pleased with our experience. They are holding our hand during the high school admissions process. Thank you BHS!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2023

Overall BHS was a great experience for us. We had three kids in the program, one from first through 8th and the others to 5th grade. We experienced the school through two different administrations, through Covid and were very involved in the school community. The good: The school really loves and cares for its students. There is a focus on teachers and improving their ability to teach with the latest techniques, using the Columbia depth of study program. They focus on math and English for the kids. I felt like the school was a dream from K-5th. They care, the events are great, there is a strong sense of community and I felt like our kid was strongly prepared for High School. The not so good: There is a switchover in terms of the feeling of the school in the later grades. The school does have a reputation for rehabilitating kids who have not done well elsewhere. The language arts need to be improved as does the strength of their lower grade sciences. All in all highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2023

My son needed a middle school that could allow him to see all the possibilities and learn to be an adult. Berkeley Hall has been great with its small class sizes, larger offerings and commitment to each child by its teachers. He has blossomed. His academic focus has emerged and he’s tried everything - theater, music, sports, etc. He will be well positioned for high school and more importantly life.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2023

As a new family who had moved to Los Angeles Berkely Hall has become a community for us as well as a welcoming environment for my son who was new to Grade 6.The curriculum being different to what had been studied back in Toronto Berkely Hall helped provided the resources for my son to get up to speed and excel at his studies. The teachers are warm, approachable and really take a collaborative approach with parents to ensure everyone is working as one team to ensure their student is supported. The campus is beautiful and the sports teams are also great!
Submitted by other on May 30, 2023

Starting Berkeley Hall in 5th grade and graduating in 9th grade, I elevated my learning experience,increased my grades in subjects, and made many new, life-long friends. The opportunities and parent experience at BHS were what my parents expected. Of great importance, classes were smaller than in public school, and that served me well, for individual attention I needed to advance. For more than 50 years, I have recommended Berkeley Hall to others.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2023

We started here at BHS since kindergarten. My child loves come to school every day. The teachers are so sweet and supportive to the kiddos. Especially the second grade teacher Mrs. McNamara, she is the best teacher I’ve ever met. It’s so lucky for my kid to be in her class.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023

My daughter started with Berkeley Hall since Kindergarten, she will be a 2nd grader this Summer. We can see the difference and the progress during these 2 years of my daughter's school life. She became confidence and brave, willing to share her ideas and ask why. She made good friends. She is attending more and more activities and showing me her abilities with achievements . Academically, I personally like the tutorial arrangement. It is not too aggressive, but helps kids build their reading, writing, math and social skills. The most important thing, My daughter love to go to school every day!!!