Berkshire School
245 North Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA 1257
(413) 229-8511
With the Mountain as inspiration and our motto as the promise—Learning, not just for school but for life—Berkshire School creates an inclusive community where students are known well, provides an empowering educational experience, and prepares students for lives of purpose.
Founded in 1907, at the base of Mount Everett in Western Massachusetts, Berkshire School is rooted in tradition and guided by our core values: curiosity, integrity, respect, inclusion, perseverance, and resilience. There are 425 students with a 4:1 student/faculty ratio and the average class size is 12 students. The campus is on 400 beautiful acres with lots to do!
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Pieter Mulder
Director of Admissions:
Danielle Francoline
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
425
Percent Boarders:
87%
Percent International:
18%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway and SAO
Testing Plan:
Optional
Curriculum
Berkshire’s academic curriculum prepares students for college and beyond by offering a wide array of courses in Arts, Languages, History, Math, Science, and English. Our college prep curriculum is designed by Department Chairs and other academic leaders to advance our students intellectually and to help them become agile, independent thinkers. It is executed by a talented faculty that will continually challenge and inspire our students to become life long learners. Whether a student’s passion is physics, philosophy, or the performing arts, the Berkshire curriculum helps them pursue that passion as far as they are willing.
Programming
Berkshire's Signature Programs and unique course offerings are designed to expand minds, provide real-world experiences, and help distinguish our students in an increasingly competitive college process. These programs and courses complement Berkshire's core curriculum, while allowing students to more deeply explore a passion or area of interest.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Our athletics program is renowned for developing and supporting elite athletes, and for introducing self-proclaimed "non-athletes" to new sports. Whether your aim is to play in college or even professionally, or you want the skills to keep active for life, there's an opportunity for every student to be involved. As part of our Afternoon Program, Berkshire is proud to offer 17 sports and 50 athletic teams, in addition to a wide range of opportunities that includes strength and conditioning, the Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program, advanced academic research, theater, dance, art, and music.
Dress Code
Dress code is what we call business casual, students wear Berkshire Branded sweatshirts, not hooded or quarter zips and dress pants. Students may not wear ripped jeans or sweatpants.
Seated Meals
No seated meals.
Study Hall
Berkshire recognizes that students thrive in different academic environments and provides resources to support students’ various styles of learning. Faculty are available for help beyond the academic day to work with students in one-on-one and small group settings. Study halls allow for quiet study six nights each week in dormitories, academic spaces, and Geier Library.
Saturday Programming
Berkshire students have academic class every other Saturday throughout the academic year. On the off Saturdays we hold a variety of events. One addition is offering additions to our motto "Learning not just for School but for Life" so we will have for life programming, a speaker, community service or other non academic event that would be informational. We also offer sleep-ins, the SAT,ACT working with our college office for college boot camp.
Residential Life
For most of our students, dorm life is central to the student experience, fostering a sense of belonging, independence, and community. Each dorm is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a home where students build lasting friendships, celebrate milestones, and learn to live with others in a respectful and supportive environment.