How does Berkeley High Work for Shy Girls?

Hello, I'd very much appreciate up-to-date information about Berkeley High and how it might work out for my shy daughter who has been in a private school. For example,

1. How are budget cuts impacting the quality of education at Berkeley High? What is the prospect over the next few years?

2. How does the small school concept work today? Students express their top choices and then they get into each small school by lottery? There were some postings a while back about how kids from the wealthy part of Berkeley tend not to get into Academic Choice. Is that still true? (We are not wealthy; we are just curious...)

3. Is the school safe? How prevalent are bullying, theft, harassing, other violent acts? Is Freshman Friday egg throwing still happening? Do kids get to spend most of their school hours concentrating on learning and not avoiding potential physical or emotional harms?

4. How is the quality of teaching during the first 2 years, which we believe to be most important in establishing good learning foundation? What is the average class size?

5. How are student advisors? Are they normally available when needed?

6. We don't live in Berkeley, but are thinking if it might be worth it to rent in Berkeley so our daughter can go to Berkeley High (legitimately). We also think of St. Mary's as a (gentler, kinder) option. If you have compared these 2 high schools in terms of academics and safety and college opportunitiesn and general happiness for your child, we'd very much appreciate hearing from you. Thank you! Worried Mom

1. How are budget cuts impacting the quality of education at Berkeley High? Class sizes have been quite large - the school does not publish accurate numbers. My daughter has over 30 students in 5/6 classes. Given the state's problems, it will likely get worse.

2. How does the small school concept work today? You set your choices. If you only want the big schools - AC and IB, don't put any small choices in your lottery setting. Small schools get disproportionate amount of resources (smaller class sizes, more counselors) but have not done any evaluation of outcomes of program. The standardized test results are dismal for students in the small schools, but it works for some students exceptionally well. It's just not well studied. Out of the 20 families we knew from private high schools, only 1 chose a small school - AHA - because of the art program.

3. Is the school safe? It's been mostly fine. Freshman hazing is institutionalized and accepted- pretty disgusting. My daughter avoided it as did most of her friends, but it scared them for months.

4. How is the quality of teaching during the first 2 years? Very mixed. 3 good teachers this year out of 6. 1 horrible that no one has done anything about. Teaching may be better, but expectations are very low. The school has well intentioned, but poorly conceptualized reform ideas. They consistently change seats on the titanic.

5. How are student advisors? My daughter's advisor has over 800 students. It took 2.5 months to get a returned call after several emails. She got to see him once after waiting for awhile to sign a form and then his office lost it. Took awhile to track it down. ugh

6. Is St. Mary's (gentler, kinder). True - much less variance in highs and lows. When we looked at it, the academic program looked really skills/drills and traditional discipline, etc, but the facilities and student body and activities are much more controlled and ''high school'' like. More diversity in the higher courses than at BHS, though, which can get pretty segregated by the AP years.

Good luck! bhs mom

Considering BHS for private school 8th grader

I have an 8th grade student in private school and we are considering BHS for her next year. We had a teen son who was very unhappy there for his freshman year, now happy in a small private school. I am hoping to avoid the same mistakes as last time and wanted to ask for some''pearls'' of advice from parents of kids who feel like they have some tips to share. My daughter is bright and motivated but not overwhelmed by ''pop culture'', kinda of a nerd (self described) Give me your tips!! thanks, trying to get my nerve up to give it another go

Should we send her to Berkeley High?

I have some questions about east bay private high school. I have been reading the reviews on BPN and they all sound wonderful. Our daughter will start looking at possible high schools this year and any input from parents of kids at area schools would be great. ... Or should we just bite the bullet and send her to Berkeley High? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all. berkeleymomanddad (See Private high school for N.Berkeley kids? for the full question and all replies)

Because she came in mid-year she didn't get a choice of program or classes, but the school worked with her to get her into the right level of classes, and she is certain she made the right decision. She is the only Freshman in several of her classes. So, my advice is, look into Berkeley High as a positive option, not a last resort. Many people outside of the city find ways to enroll their children in BHS because it is a vibrant community with excellent academic options. The right school for your child depends on their personality and interests. Happy BHS parent

Can BHS work for a small, disorganized boy in private school?

I am the mother of an small 7th grade boy. He has organizational issues, and so is not good at navigating beaurocratic mazes. He's been at small independent schools so far. He's intimidated by the idea of so many students, and by the idea of having to find his way around the campus. He's not good at advocating for himself. He doesn't do well in chaotic environments. We are attracted by some of what Berkeley High has to offer as far as programs and ''life experience'', but we wonder whether it is realistic to expect this kind of kid to succeed there. I'd love to hear comments about this, as well as what it's like to advocate for your child there (tutoring, class choices); what's the likelyhood of getting into one of the small schools of your choice? How are small schools, and the academics in general? Thanks,
torn mom

Need help deciding whether to choose Berkeley High

I have been watching this newsletter for a year and a half - and have put out "tactful queries" in the past about the tough decision we face about whether our son should leave private school to go to Berkeley high. No responses have been forthcoming. He just finnished 7th grade and is quite interested in changing to BHS, but has only social reasons ( which have some merit). The more I read at this site - and talk with parents - I am perplexed as to why would I choose to give up great teachers, access to great courses, lots of sports and resources and support - for BHS - which, among other things, is now eliminating history in the Freshman curriculum. All tact now aside - my kid has a strong sense of social justice, and is not in an ivory tower. He doesn't need BHS to get a taste of the "real world" _ So what is the draw, if we can afford to do otherwise. My son is not a "self-starter" who will jumpt to take advantage of what BHS has to offer academically - and is not likely to "fight" to get a few good classes" He will slide and have "fun". Lately - however, I feel like I am the only one left that doesn't see the attraction of BHS. So please - I could use some read benchmarks on which to base this decision. Thanks - Anon parent of 8th grader in fall.

Academically there are highs mediums and lows -- I'm sure you've heard testimony regarding all three. Much what you hear is true, some of what you hear is tainted by parental experience with their particular child and his or her struggles and strengths. I've heard parents who are considering BHS over private schools think that allowing their child to follow their desire to go to Berkeley is tantamount to dropping them into a garbage dump. Despite it's rough exterior (literally) and the complexity of running a huge school in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community I find that there's so much life and a good deal of excellence there that I am pleased to have given my children an opportunity to be a part of it. Wfred

I think the students at BHS are incredibly talented, vocal and multi-faceted. BHS is like a junior college. It doesn't have the same sort of "school spirit" that other high schools have. The students who graduate can articulate their experiences and social relationships in a way that most adults have trouble . Students have great teachers, the courses are of the highest quality for college bound youth. Kids who aren't going on to college or don't have the drive, interest, skills are left behind quickly. If your child joins a sports team, or club, that will help pull them along. But extra tutoring is often necessary.

If your child wants to go to BHS and you can afford a private school and you think they have the motivation to succeed. Then I would send them to BHS and monitor the situation. If they start to fail, pull them out and send them to a private school.