Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school for 400 ninth-12th graders and post-graduates, offering a forward-thinking curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre campus in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Berkshire's signature programs, including Advanced Math/Science Research, Advanced Humanities Research, and Pro Vita Winter Session, are offered along with advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines.
These programs are designed to expand the minds, provide real-world experiences, and help distinguish our students in an increasingly competitive college process.
With a range of artistic and athletic offerings and national recognition for our efforts in sustainability, Berkshire provides an extraordinary setting in which students are encouraged to learn in the words of the School motto: Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus, "Learning-not just for school but for life.".
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 409 students
- Yearly Tuition: $66,200
- Acceptance rate: 27%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Berkshire School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1907
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
409 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
17 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Physics C: Mechanics, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art 2D Design, Studio Art 3D Design, Studio Art Drawing, US Government and Politics, US History
Average Percentile SSAT
65%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Berkshire quarter zips, sweatshirts (no hoods), and team-issued tops (no t-shirts or jerseys); Bottoms: pants, and fingertip length for skirts, dresses, and shorts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$66,200
Tuition Notes
$51,400 for day students.
% on Financial Aid
28%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$46,000
Acceptance Rate
27%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dana Anselmi
Admissions Associate
Mark Saunders
Endowment Size
$195 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
20 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
https://www.berkshireschool.org/student-life/student-activities/~board/b-line/post/b-line-41-47
Arts and Music Programs:
https://www.berkshireschool.org/athletics/our-pages/afternoon-program
https://www.berkshireschool.org/student-life/student-activities/~board/b-line/post/b-line-41-47
Arts and Music Programs:
https://www.berkshireschool.org/athletics/our-pages/afternoon-program
School Notes
- Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school for 400 ninth-12th graders and post-graduates, offering a forward-thinking curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre campus in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Berkshire`s signature programs, including Advanced Math/Science Research, Advanced Humanities Research, and Pro Vita Winter Session, are offered along with advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines. These programs are designed to expand the minds, provide real-world experiences, and help distinguish our students in an increasingly competitive college process. With a range of artistic and athletic offerings and national recognition for our efforts in sustainability, Berkshire provides an extraordinary setting in which students are encouraged to learn in the words of the School motto: Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus, "Learning-not just for school but for life."
- Berkshire is committed to ensuring that each student has a unique and relevant learning experience. By design, every student makes an impact at Berkshire, and no student is anonymous. Our enrollment size allows us to cultivate an exceptionally affirming and close-knit residential community. From the foundation of being known well, our students build confidence, which enables them to reimagine their potential in all areas of their development. Berkshire students genuinely care about each other-having a great sense of pride in seeing others do well-a distinguishing element that creates a healthy culture that balances ambition and humility.
- Berkshire's dedication to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence has led to record numbers in admissions, success and achievement in every corner of our campus, and nearly 90% of our graduates earning acceptances to the most selective colleges and universities. The talent and dedication of our students has produced Regeneron Science Talent Search semi-finalists, primary authorships on scholarly publications, Scholastic Art Award national medalists, and New England Championship athletic teams.
- Upon leaving Berkshire, our graduates are able to communicate effectively and persuasively, think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, and understand that they are part of something larger than themselves. They are part of a global network of nearly 7,000 alumni spanning 60 countries and 50 states. Berkshire strives to instill core values-curiosity, integrity, respect, inclusion, perseverance, and resilience-along with the critical skills, initiative, and confidence that will ensure our students' success in school and in life.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Lincoln Kierstein '26 - Co-founder of the New York City Ballet
- William Knowles '34 - Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Calvin Tomkins '43 - Author and Art Critic for "The New Yorker"
- Stephen Malawista '50 - Lyme disease co-discoverer
- Jeff McLaughlin '84 - Olympic Bronze and Silver Medalist in Rowing
- Kristin Baker '93 - Artist
- Kacey Bellamy '05 - Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Kevan Miller '07 - NHL Boston Bruins Defenseman
- Kendall Coyne '11 - Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey
- Jack Harrison '15 - MLS Professional Soccer Player
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Berkshire School cost?
Berkshire School's tuition is approximately $66,200 for private students.
What schools are Berkshire School often compared to?
Berkshire School is often viewed alongside schools like Buxton School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Berkshire School?
The acceptance rate of Berkshire School is 27%, which is lower than the national average of 69%. Berkshire School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Berkshire School?
Berkshire School famous alumni include: Lincoln Kierstein '26, William Knowles '34, Calvin Tomkins '43, Stephen Malawista '50, Jeff McLaughlin '84, Kristin Baker '93, Kacey Bellamy '05, Kevan Miller '07, Kendall Coyne '11 and Jack Harrison '15.
What sports does Berkshire School offer?
Berkshire School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Berkshire School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.
What is Berkshire School's ranking?
Berkshire School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Berkshire School?
The application deadline for Berkshire School is Jan. 15.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Berkshire School vs. Buxton School
People that viewed Berkshire School also viewed these schools: Northfield Mount Hermon, Deerfield Academy, Lawrence Academy, Milton Academy and The Hotchkiss School.
The nearest high school to Berkshire School is Bard Academy At Simons Rock (7.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Berkshire Waldorf School (5.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 9-12 | 630 students 58.1 miles One Lamplighter Way
Gill, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Gill, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
58.1
9-12
630
Grades: 9-12 | 651 students 50.9 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
50.9
9-12
651
Grades: 9-12 | 408 students 100.1 miles 26 Powderhouse Rd
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
100.1
9-12
408
Grades: K-12 | 1,020 students 120.4 miles 170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
120.4
K-12
1,020
Grades: 9-12 | 623 students 11.8 miles 11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
(860) 435-3102
Lakeville, CT 06039
(860) 435-3102
11.8
9-12
623
School Reviews
5 9/16/2019
Berkshire is a place that truly changed my life. The faculty and staff truly care about you and will do anything to make Berkshire feel like home. Without Berkshire, I would never be able to be the person I am today!
Endorse Berkshire School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.
