Berkshire School
| Berkshire School | |
|---|---|
| File:Berkshire Seal.gif | |
| Location | |
 | |
Sheffield , Massachusetts United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Co-ed Private, Boarding |
| Motto | Not just for school but for life, we learn |
| Religious affiliation(s) | None |
| Established | 1907 |
| Head of School | Michael J. Maher |
| Faculty | 62 teachers |
| Enrollment | 372 students 220 Boys, 151 Girls (9-12, PG) 87% Boarding |
| Average class size | 12 students |
| Student to teacher ratio | 7:1 |
| Campus | 500 acres |
| Color(s) | Green and Grey |
| Athletics | 27 interscholastic sports teams |
| Mascot | Bear |
| Website | www.berkshireschool.org |
Berkshire School is a private, co-ed boarding school located in Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA.
History
Berkshire School was founded in 1907 beneath the "dome" of Mt. Everett by Seaver Burton Buck, a Harvard graduate who had taught at Hackley School. Mr. Buck interwove appreciation for and exploration of the mountain with classical classroom teaching.
Upon Mr. Buck's retirement in 1943 the school went on a war footing. Depleted by the call to arms, Berkshire nonetheless remained in session throughout the calendar year, with small groups graduating every twelve weeks. Many of the students became seasoned pilots through the school's Education with Wings program at the nearby Great Barrington Airport.
Headmaster John E. Godman, led the school from 1951 to 1970. During his tenure, enrollment increased to 330 boys and the faculty expanded to 35 teachers, among them the school's first female faculty members. By 1970, there were 16 major new structures, six of them dormitories, as well as a laboratory science wing added to Berkshire Hall.
But Mr. Godman's lasting legacy was his decision in 1969 that Berkshire School become coeducational. In the fall of that year, nine girls-all day students-took part in what Mr. Godman described to them and their families as "an experiment." The school graduated its first female in 1972.
The 1970s and 1980s brought radical change to institutions across the country, and Berkshire was no exception. In addition to integrating girls into all aspects of campus life, the school restructured its scholastic mission to welcome new disciplines-computer science, ethics, health and environmental science-and a formal counseling program. A new, 38,000-square-foot athletic center was built and the former gymnasium renovated to house a modern library which today boasts over 40,000 volumes.
The 1990s saw the construction of a new student center and dining hall. Also in that decade, the curriculum broadened further and innovative academic and co-curricular programs were introduced, including the Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program, the Chinese language program, and the leadership and character development program.
As a result of the school's Berkshire 2000 capital campaign, three faculty chairs were established, two new girls' dormitories were built, dorms and classrooms were fully wired, and the school's endowment nearly doubled. Other improvements included a computer-controlled observatory, an all-weather track, a new maple syrup house, and a renovated hockey rink.
On Dec. 21, 2000, a sexual harassment suit was filed against the school. An employee claimed that then-Head of School Paul Christopher had sexually harassed her in his office. As a result of extensive media coverage, the school's public image suffered. Christopher resigned in 2003.
Student Life
Students and faculty develop a close rapport living together under the mountain. In addition, student prefects work closely with dormitory faculty to create a safe and supportive environment. The leadership development and community service programs promote a sense of ownership among the students. Students can choose from over a dozen clubs and activities - including Berkshire's own 237-watt radio station (91.7 WBSL), The Dome (student literary magazine), Maple Syrup Program, and Investment Club. On the weekends students can hike the Appalachian Trail, visit New York or Boston,or attend a performance on campus - whether a student production or an up and coming band. Saturday classes occur weekly and formal dress is required for all classes.
Statement of Mission
"The mission of Berkshire School is to provide young men and women with the intellectual and moral foundations and the leadership skills that will enable them to flourish as members of a family and a community as they confront the challenges of college and beyond."