Academic Departments

The Berkeley Carroll School's college-preparatory academic program emphasizes critical thinking, informed decision-making, and life-long learning. Under the guidance of dynamic and energetic teachers, students are challenged to stretch their imaginations, discover creative resources, and strive to fulfill their intellectual promise. Teachers demand an active approach to the learning process and support their students in an atmosphere of respect, personal attention, and care.

Lower School

Grades preschool through 4

The Lower School program starts with the natural curiosity of young children and seeks to develop their innate capacity to explore and learn. The children accumulate knowledge from independent exploration as well as from guided learning. Teachers encourage the children to ask questions, to experiment with new concepts, and to demonstrate initiative in individual and group activities. The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Middle School

Grades 5 through 8

The Middle School promotes social and intellectual growth in an atmosphere that respects the emerging adolescent. The academic program includes the study of language arts and literature, history and the social sciences, French or Spanish, mathematics, science, computer, physical education, and the arts. Research, reading, and analytical skills are developed in the library media center. Community service, student government, participation in arts activities and team sports nurture group responsibility and develop student leadership skills.

Upper School

Grades 9 through 12

The college-preparatory objectives of the Upper School are reflected in the academic and co-curricular programs. A strong emphasis is placed on developing writing skills for research and analytical and creative expression. Opportunities for advanced work in foreign languages, history, literature, mathematics, and science challenge the most ambitious students. A foreign exchange program, creative arts electives, independent study, internships, and community service extend opportunities for learning and encourage students to develop new interests. Upper School students have an excellent record of achievement in Advanced Placement courses; 100 percent of the graduates attend colleges and universities throughout the country. For a list of college acceptances, click here.