Berkeley Parents Network: Black Pine Circle

Berkeley Parents Network

Black Pine Circle

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Black Pine Circle

Website for Black Pine Circle: www.bpcweb.net

Sept 2007

Re: Private middle school that will be challenging for daughter
I would suggest you look at Black Pine Circle as well if it is in your geographic area. I looked at many schools and one of the things that impressed me the most at BPC was how intelligent and self-possessed the girls seemed, at all grade levels. They use the Socratic method, so even shy kids learn to express themselves, but they are also very nurturing. I saw very little make-up or trendy clothes among the middle school kids, unlike many of the other private schools. They have a fabulous math/science program, and many of the other science faculty we know at UC Berkeley send their kids there. Diversity has probably historically been their weakest area, but they are actively trying to increase the diversity of the school and I think things are better in the middle school. Our daughter is in the lower school but we've been very happy there so far. I've also heard good things about Windrush, but it was too far a drive for us. happy BPC parent

April 2007

Re: East Bay Schools for child of same sex parents
I would heartily recommend Black Pine Circle in Berkeley. The school is actively looking to expand the diversity of its community, which has been very welcoming of our particular variety of difference. The community is commited to environmentalism; the arts, particularly music, and academics are strong, and the new director has a clear vision of ways in which he would like an already excellent school to become greater. Please feel free to email me if you would like further information. ckab

December 2006

I would like to get updated information on how parents with children at Aurora or Black Pine Circle are finding things with the (relatively) new Heads of School in place. Thanks

My child goes to Black Pine Circle - in the middle school. The school has always been great but the new heads have made some improvements like starting a student council, study hall period and diversity committee. The Upper head is very very communicative and available and great with the kids. My child loves school.
Very pleased parent

My son entered BPC upper school for 6th grade this past September. I have been incredibly impressed with John Carlstroem. He definitely knows each student very well! John, (and BPC staff in general), has been very responsive to my son's social/emotional needs and is very supportive of jointly creating solutions that help my son. In a recent situation that involved communicating difficult information with parents, his integrity, sensitivity and honesty re-confirmed my impressions that he is a strong, knowledgeable and ethical leader.
Happy at BPC

re: New Head at Black Pine Circle. We have two children at BPC's lower school. The previous Head, Mr. James, was one of the main reasons why we were sold on this wonderful school. So we were a bit wary when it was announced that Mr. James was retiring and we would get a new head. But we could not be more pleased with the new Head, Mr. John Carlstroem. He is warm, approachable, and you can tell that he really, really cares about the students and the school community. He has brought families' participation in the school and the community to a whole new level. Not only he came full of new energy and fresh ideas, he has also already put many of these ideas into practice very successfully. He has only been there for a year, but it is amazing how much he has accomplished in so little time. We absolutely love Mr. C (who is also a fellow parent at BPC!), and our children do too!
VERY happy BPC parents

Nov 2006

Re: Stong music program for entering kindergartener
Have you looked into Black Pine Circle school in Berkeley? My child is not musically inclined, but I am always amazed at the ability of the children at the various concerts, such a delight to see the kindergarten class with their cellos and violins! Maybe check the school calendar online and attend a concert.
Hope this Helps

March 2006

Re: Academically strong and liberal private school
My son is in 1st grade now at Black Pine Circle in Berkeley. He LOVES it. This is the first school he has ever wanted to go to since being in daycare and preschool since he was 6 mos old. We had a bad experience in preschool -- he is very smart and very physical with lots of sensory integration issues resulting in some aggressive and disruptive behavior. I was very upfront about it from day 1 at BPC, and during kindergarten, the staff at BPC were amazingly supportive and professional and wanted more than anything for our son to succeed. They could see beyond the behaviors to the very sensitive, funny, curious boy that my son is (much much more than I can say for the preschool staff but that's another story). The music, art and academics are fantastic. The teachers are amazing. The principal is wonderful. They other families are, for the most part, people we really want to have as friends and socialize with. Many families are affiliated with UC Berkeley. The one downside is the lack of racial diversity. They have hired a diversity coordinator and hold monthly diversity committee meetings, which my husband attends, but I'm not sure how much progress they've been making.
Happy BPC Parent

September 2005

I am trying to collect as much information as possible on Black Pine Circle in deciding where to send my September 2006 Kindergartener. Many of the past entries on BPC have been positive, but there have been some mixed feelings as well. I would be grateful for anything you have to offer. Thank you! Looking for Information

Hi. My daughter attends second grade at BPC, and we are very happy with the school. I'm not sure from your post whether you have any specific concerns about the school. If so, please feel free to contact me directly. Generally, I'll say that we were looking for a school where our daughter would be challenged academically but not pressured, and I feel BPC is a good fit for her. We love the music program; she plays violin in the ''junior orchestra.'' Each lower school class works with the Spanish specialist 3x/wk (except K, but the teacher is bilingual). There ! are other specialists as well (art, music, computers, garden). BPC just built a wonderful new building w/ 2 classrooms & a greatroom/library. The long-time, well-loved director just retired, so a a new director has started this year. He seems very enthusiastic and interested in parent input. Although the kids in my daughter's class seem to get along very well, there's an excellent conflict resolution program if problems arise. I'm particularly pleased that BPC recently hired a coordinator for diversity enrollment & community outreach. The school is not as diverse as it could be (although diversity can be tough to achieve in such a small school)and I think it's great that BPC is willing to work harder to improve the situation. Hope this helps. Lisa

I have two children at Black Pine Circle this year -- one in the lower school (K-5) and one in the middle school (6-8). Since our family chose this school, we obviously were impressed with it, but I'm really surprised at how much better it is than even we were expecting. Black Pine Circle really is a hidden gem. The academics are outstanding and the children are taught at a high level, but at the same time there isn't pressure like some of the other academic schools.

Children at BPC are really taught HOW to think, not just memorize facts, and they will never be bored. Homework is not excessive and there is no ''busy work''. The school strives to be a close community, and has many optional social events for parents and families to help achieve this. Children in all grades (K-8) are placed into ''houses'' (similar to Harry Potter's Gryffindor, Slytherin, etc.) and have activities with their ''house'' to foster multi-age comradery. The school has specialists that teach art, music, drama, Spanish, computers, gardening, PE, and science during the regular school day. They also have an after school program with many options, including a large variety of music choices (choir, band, orchestra, private lessons, etc.) The middle school is small, but functions like a real middle school with a school newspaper, yearbook, lockers, team sports, and changing classrooms each period.

About the only downside of Black Pine Circle is that the don't have a large amount of outside space, although they do have a garden and a brand new play structure. There are two parks nearby, however, and the children do walk there sometimes. Their website doesn't do the school justice, but you can find out more at http://www.bpcweb.net. Then call the school and come on a tour. Good luck! - Sharon

First let me say it is such a relief to be on ''this side'' of the kindergarten decision, my child is in kindergarten at Black Pine Circle. We could not be any happier with our choice, our child loves to go to school each day and we think the classroom and school are wonderful. Since it has only been three weeks I can't offer much on our experience, however about half of the current kindergarten class have siblings in the other grades. There seems to be a good feeling of community at BPC. The kindergarten seems to be a special place with wonderful, nurturing teachers. Mom of a BPC kindergartener

August 2005

Could any Black Pine Circle parents out there help me out? I'm considering BPC for my daughter for grades 3 or 4 (depending on our family situation). I have the following questions (again, specifically to grades 3 and up) and I can't find responses in the current posting that address them all.
1. Does the Socratic method work for shy students? (I tried my best to understand the message posted on BPC website, but I'm no educator and have to admit my stupidity in not understanding ''progressively spiral'' and many other terms used there...) My daughter has done very well in K and 1st grade, but her weakness lies in the fact that she is shy and does not tend to speak up in class without teacher's prompting. Would her personality stop her from succeeding at BPC?
2. What kinds of families fit in at BPC? Would working moms and dads fit in?
3. Is the school safe? What does BPC do to ensure the safety of all students? (Such basic questions, but I have to ask!)
4. How is the academic program? I understand that math is strong. How is English? How is the emphasis on individual learning vs. group learning?
5. Are there bully problems at BPC? How do the school and the teacher deal with this problem?
6. How are the kids? Will they befriend a transfer kid who is shy? Are there prevalent clique problems? I'm particularly worried about how my daughter will adjust to the new environment and make friends.
I appreciate any advice you have. Thank you.
Worried Mom

My daughter started the BPC middle school last year and loves it. She is also shy and while her grades were mostly B's and a couple A's, every teacher remarked on her report card that class participation needed improvement. Meeting with various teachers extracted ways (bringing relevant articles to class,speaking with the teacher outside of class) around it but we're still working on the problem. Can't vouch for how this plays out in the lower school.

All kinds of families there, wealthy entreprenurs, art types, gay couples - not very culturally diverse though. The school is very safe and secure. The academics are very good. I've had no bully problems and a girl who arrived mid-year was warmly welcomed. I too was worried about clique problems but so far so good. Hope this Helps

I am the parent of an incoming 1st grader, but my niece will start 3rd grade at Black Pine Circle next month. I'll briefly answer your questions here, but feel free to contact me, and I can put you in touch with parents of 3rd and 4th graders.
Socratic Method: Black Pine Circle offers small classes (20 students with one full time teacher and one full time aid), so each student will be prompted regularly.
Families: As with most schools in the area, there are all kind of families at BPC. In my daughter's class, more than half the families have two working parents.
Safety: BPC is a closed campus. You take your child in to the fenced area through a manned gate. At pick up time, you retrieve your child from the teacher inside the fenced area. (If anything this is a little too concerned with ''safety'' for my tastes; I would be happy to let my daughter go in and out by herself.)
Academics: We find the school to be VERY academic, in English as well as math. There are times the children work in groups and times they individually.
Bully problems: No. The school has an excellent curriculum about conflich resolution, and we have had no problems.
Cliques: My daughter's class has a girl join mid year, and she was welcomed, and it's now as if she has always been there. Karen

April 2005

Re: Kids of GLBT: Where do they go to School?
We were in your shoes a year ago-searching for a school. A couple of years ago (maybe even last year) there was a school open-house event specifically geared to LGBT families. The impression I got was that most of the East Basy schools were very gay positive with LGBT families attending. It was difficult to get a feel for actual numbers but I know Park Day has many families. After being admitted to schools we asked to talk to LGBT families. That being said it was just one factor in our school decision. We choose Black Pine Circle (our son will start in Sept) based on a whole array af factors including, but not limited to LGBT families and tuition costs. We would love to have more LGBT families there.

December 2003

Re: School for highly gifted 7-year-old
Black Pine Circle (K-8) in Berkeley is an appropriate school for a gifted child. It is challenging and stimulating, never boring, and full of content. Children are never held back from exploring their own potential. It is also very accepting towards the unusual - individuality is valued and encouraged. However, if your child is uncomfortable socially, it will not be the perfect school - it is a school for individuals but not misfits. BPC Parent of a gifted child

I am responding to the Black Pine Circle parent who noted that BPC is a good school for gifted children but then went on to state that ''if your child is uncomfortable socially, it will not be the perfect school - it is a school for individuals but not misfits.'' Can people please comment on whether this attitude is prevalent at Black Pine Circle? Does the school, overtly or covertly, foster the attitude that social awkwardness makes one a ''misfit?'' This kind of intolerance seems the antithesis of a good school for any child.
- a very concerned parent

I am responding the question about Black Pine ''Does the school, overtly or covertly, foster the attitude that social awkwardness makes one a ''misfit?''''' From our experience, this is not the case. My daughter was extremely shy. She found Black Pine very warm and welcoming. After three weeks there, she remarked, ''I didn't know such a perfect school for me existed!'' It's a great school from a social and academic perspective, particularly for families that want to encourage their children to learn how to think rigorously.

In respnse to the concern that BPC would not be the perfect school for a ''misfit'', I think too much was read into the comment, and actually the person that originally posted it really meant to say it was a perfect place for the more independant individualistic kid who is pretty bright or even gifted, and that there isn't alot of social pressure to conform at BPC, but didn't have any special corner on working with kids that may be very bright but have severe difficulties with social interaction. We have plenty of ''truly originals'' there, kids that could be made fun of were they in an environment that put a high plus on conforming. Although it is a stereotype that its a school for the offspring of artsy academic types, this is a crowd of kids and parents that values, and is very comfortable with, quirkiness- I don't think a ''misfit'' would be viewed as such. If a child has Asperger's syndrome for instance, it wouldn't be the perfect school in part because the social demands of any school might present a challenge, and there is no formal therapy program for those sorts of issues, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good school for them.
Parent of 2 quirky BPC kids

In response to the person who asked whether Black Pine Circle ''foster(s) the attitude that social awkwardness makes one a ''misfit?''''

I have had a child at BPC for several years, and have met many kids there who have what might be termed ''social awkwardness.'' In my experience, they are welcomed and make friendships in school. It is a small school, with just one class per year, which I find makes the kids more tolerant of each other's differences.

November 2003

To the parent who wrote: Where do the kids who end up at high schools such as College Preparatory School go to middle school?

My son and two of his friends, all now Seniors at CPS, were well- prepared at Black Pine Circle. Colleen

I have a child at Black Pine Circle School (K-8) in Berkeley (a historic former glassworks and town hall on 7th St. near University) and we both are very pleased- she doesn't want to come home. The school makes no apologies for strong academics (kids perform highly in state math competitions and history is another strength), but it also has a great fine arts program. It attracts parents in the arts and academia, and diversity is adequate, but parents and staff would LOVE for the student body to be more reflective of its West Berkeley neighborhood. Tuition is low-moderate for local private schools.

Class size is 20 with a teacher and a uniformly wonderful aide. My child has mild dyslexia, assessed by the school's own learning specialist, but her teachers have really downplayed her differing abilities and developed strategies to help her move along. There is specialist-taught PE, Art, Music, Computers and Spanish starting in K. All K-1 students can elect to take violin or cello during school hours twice weekly- great for trying it out without much hassle. At weekly assembly, one class performs a play or musical.

The school promotes Socratic teaching (more in middle school)- teachers pose questions toward helping students explore topics and build on their knowledge to find the answers. Topics are used to teach reading, math, science, social studies, and art in an integrated fashion.

The headmasters have been very ''available'' to parents in formal and casual settings. This was one of the things that attracted me most in comparison to other schools I looked at. During parent tours, they both sat down for a long, free-ranging conversation. I also didn't feel they were trying to skim older or ''easier'' kids for admissions (mine are spirited summer-birthday kids).

There is good community within the classes but no pressure to be a strong presence during school hours, so working moms don't feel excluded. Parents have a long tradition of twice yearly class camping trips. The kids have older grade buddies to do projects and take field trips with.

A weakness of the school is recreational facilities- no gym onsite and, although servicable for PE, I wouldn't describe the schoolyard as park-like. But this summer, the schoolyard will be upgraded, along with an additional new building to include a ''great room'' for assemblies etc.

happy BPC parent

My son is currently in 8th grade at Black Pine Circle, having been there from kindergarten on. Our experience there has been consistently positive throughout. When we were taking our first nervous, uncertain steps looking for the right school for him, we immediately felt at home at BPC. It seemed to have the right mix of academics and the very important ''extras'' that round out and make an educational experience meaningful. More importantly to me, the staff and administrators really did seem to care, and, thankfully, this has proven to be true. Choosing BPC has been the best decision we've made in memory. af

My two children, who are now attending Berkeley High, went to Black Pine Circle School for their elementary and middle school years, starting with fourth grade. We arrived at the school quite by accident -- word of mouth from friends and an abrupt decision to abandon the public school experiment -- but were quite pleased to find a community of like minded parents and educators. Parents were mostly Berkeley types -- academics, artists, musicians, architects. The school curriculum was a traditional and fairly rigorous academic program, with an emphasis on the Socratic method of teaching. Lots of open discussion, challenge, debate.

I'm less familiar with the lower school these days, as my kids just graduated from middle school, so I can't report on the current state of affairs there. The middle school has a very strong math program, but it is a tracked program and some parents aren't happy with that aspect of it. The science teacher is great, english and history teachers are terrific, and the drama teacher is unbelievably fantastic. My kids left the school two years ahead in math (my ninth grader is in Berkeley High's honors Algebra II). They are both self assured and self aware kids who learned at BPC to think critically and to analyse problems creatively. In my opinion they were well prepared for the academic challenges of any public or private high school in the Bay Area.

They both loved the school and the friends they made there. Cons? the sports program has been uneven, the dances were too small, the after school program too restrictive for older kids. Pros? the school is a bit less expensive than its local competitors. With two kids, a bit less adds up to quite a bit less.

pleased BPC parent

February 2003

Re: Middle Schools with a strong math/science department
There are two middle schools that I can say with certainty have fantastic math programs: Black Pine Circle and Bentley. They both have fabulous dedicated math teachers, Mr. Gulimovskiy at Black Pine, and Mr. Lubliner (I think that's his name - they call him Mr. L) at Bentley. Both schools just placed first and second in the East Bay Math Counts competition and will be sending teams to the State competition. This has been the case for years now.

I can only speak about the science program at Black PIne Circle where my sons attend(ed) - the current teacher is a Microbiologist who returned to teaching after doing a Post Doc because she loved working with kids. It is a very sound, serious science program that is developmentally appropriate. There is a science fair every year in which all students must particpate. Lucy

Dec. 2002

I've checked previous recommendations about Black Pine Circle and Windrush schools, but have found the entries from 1997 - 1999. Since schools/teachers change, I'm wondering if anyone has recent feedback about these 2 private schools (especially kindergarden, since much of the feedback is on the older classes). thanks betty

I am one of the people quoted in the archive about Black Pine Circle School. My older son has since graduated and is a junior at Berkeley High, but my younger son is still there, now in 6th grade. I can't actually address the kindergarten issue since my younger one started in the 2nd grade, however, I CAN say that everything I said before still holds true. The school is very stable these days and changes are minimal. Yes, teachers come and go, for various reasons, but the overall philosophy and atmosphere of the school has stayed unchanged. Lucy

I have a son in the lower grades at Black Pine, and I can't say enough good things about the place. The subjects are taught in a really engaging way , with a lot of variety. There seem to be a large number of trips, with activities and lessons ahead of time to augment what the kids do. My son didn't start at Black Pine, and both the staff and the students have been very welcoming. It is urban and somewhat small, with no ambitions to get much bigger, but I think this is overall a plus. Black Pine Parent

Black Pine Circle deserves some good press, because they try really hard and their hearts are in the right place. I have had kids at three other private schools, and to me, there's nothing fabulous or awful about BPC, it's right down the middle, pretty reliable, with a wide variety of kids, and people who work really hard at what they are doing. People are accessible. My child is in 8th grade, has been there for three years. anon

Re: School for 3rd grader with Selective Mutism (Dec 2002)
Although I love the school, I do not recommend it for that child. Although it is very accepting of differences, it is not a school for children with problems. Specifically, the Socratic discovery method requires a significant amount of class participation. Someone who doesn't speak would have alot of trouble. My recommendation would be to stay in public school where there are resources for children with special needs.

Jan 2001

Are there any parents out there with strong opinions or feelings about Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley? I'd like to hear about first-hand experiences. Looks very interesting "on paper." Thanks very much, Claire

My son is a 4th grader who moved to BPC from a Berkeley public school in November. Everyone has been most kind to him, and to us. BPC is small enough that it may be fun to see a new face now and then. His class (and the others) = 22 kids and a good teacher, plus specialists for music, art, p.e. and computer. After the glorious chaos of his last school BPC seems very quiet -- and that's good. The challenges are mostly academic. He is learning more in class, and less on the playground. If you are looking at other Berkeley private schools you will be able to find one where your family feels most at home. We also looked at Berkwood Hedge which seemed less traditional and more "Berkeley". I think we made the right choice for this particular child. Hard to know. Heather

My son is in fourth grade at Black Pine Circle, and my older son graduated from the Upper School last year. Let me first say that there is no perfect school for everyone. One needs to find the school which is the best fit for the child. The important thing is to figure out what matters most to you in a school, and find the school which will best meet those needs.

For us, Black Pine Circle HAS been close to perfect. Both my sons spent an assorted number of years previously in the Berkeley public school system, which is my point of comparison.

Here's what we were looking for: a school with a rich and varied curriculum full of content where our sons would learn something not only every day, but every hour, if not almost every moment. We wanted a school which had both strong academics and a strong arts program.

We wanted a school which actually taught science and history. We wanted a challenging environment which inspired our sons to push themselves. We wanted a peer group of inspiring and creative kids who were excited about learning. We wanted a school where passions were encouraged, but also channeled. We wanted a school that was not afraid of academic competition, nor of saying something was wrong or right. We wanted a school without political or educational dogmas. We wanted a school with dedicated interesting and inspirational teachers.

We wanted a school where our sons would be valued and where their self-esteem would come from achievement, not pats on the back. We wanted a school where our sons were encouraged to think for themselves and where learning would be a continuing joy. Lucy

In response to the query about Black Pine Circle School: While my child is not at B.P.C. being too young, I run an Actor's Centre under their auspices and know many students there as well as the principal, Lawrence James. My impression has been entirely favorable. They have a committed and diverse staff, and I know the principal to be a very sincere and dedicated individual, with a strong personal commitment not only to providing his students with a well-rounded and multi-cultural education, but also to doing the right and honest thing in every situation. Susan-Jane

Lucy's assessment of Black Pine Circle was right on the mark, as far as my husband and I are concerned. For our child (now graduated) we wanted an environment that was academic without being stuffy, where excellent work was demanded but originality of thought and a sense of humor were also valued.

Laurence James, the head of the school, is a remarkable administrator---honest, charming (gives short speeches), dedicated, adored by the kids, enjoyed by the parents. The teaching is, for the most part, superb.

Of course no school is right for every kid/parent. The cozy but lively atmosphere at BPC suited our child well. He loved the school and has found himself well-prepared for difficult high school work. Colleen

April 1999

My daughter is in kindergarten there this year; we have been extremely pleased with the school and my daughter loves it as well. Susan

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