Now that folks are settled into the new school year, it’s time for some of us to start thinking about transitioning to a new program level. The types of events that are available at independent schools run the range from tours, to open house, information sessions, and coffee mixers. The jargon differs from school to school which can be confusing. It’s hard to know when an open house is just a drop-in event to look around vs. a structured program that requires your participation from beginning to end. I have received this question a few times this week, so allow me to demystify events at The Berkeley School.
Preschool Open House is a fun and engaging way for your child to experience our space and for your family to get to know us. Parents are invited to bring their children for an exciting day of exploration at our beautiful Early Childhood Campus (ECC). Activities usually include exploring our certified Wildlife Habitat, sandbox play, rock wall climbing, singing, dancing, and other activities led by our experienced faculty. For parents, there is also an opportunity to view a “model classroom” and ask questions about our program. Bring your family. Bring friends for a play date. Open House means open to the community and all are welcome! Our Preschool Division Head, Kathy Duhl, and our Head of School, Mitch Bostian will also be on hand to answer questions.
School Tours are for families looking at Preschool through 8th grade. They provide an intimate view of our campus and program while teachers and students are in action. Families have time to observe in the classrooms of not only their grade(s) of interest, but also the subsequent grade levels within that division. At the K-8 level, there is also an opportunity to catch a glimpse of our some of our specialist areas such as Spanish and Art. Classroom Observations are led by myself and our Division Head, followed by a discussion with the Head of School and a Q&A session. We have two campuses (ECC & K-8), so be sure that you designate the correct one for your grade level of interest.
Information Sessions are specifically for families looking at kindergarten through 8th grade. They are designed to provide a more teacher-centered, experiential perspective of The Berkeley School. We focus more directly on the curriculum of TBS, learning outcomes, and how we teach. This is experienced through mini-lessons and demonstrations from our amazing faculty who teach at your grade level of interest. Classroom experiences are followed by a discussion with our faculty and Division Head. Middle School sessions also include a current TBS parent/student panel discussion. These events are held at our University Avenue campus.
Alumni Panel Discussion: For some families, the most telling factor in making a final decision about a school is the success of it’s graduates. If you are considering The Berkeley School for the long haul, you should definitely come hear from our alumni talk about life after The Berkeley School–uncensored. Our graduates transition to a wide range of schools throughout the Bay Area and beyond, both public and private. We invite them back for a candid discussion with both current and prospective TBS families. Attendees can ask questions about how their experiences at TBS have prepared and shaped them for their transition to high school and in some cases college. Watch a clip here.
Attend one event or attend them all to really get to know what makes The Berkeley School such a unique place to learn and grow for the whole family. You can find a list event dates here. If you are still not sure which one you should attend, just contact me and I can point you in the right direction.