Lower Division Academics

Students fall in love with school in Berkeley’s Lower Division (pre-k to fifth grade), where experiential learning and purposeful play build fundamental academic and social/emotional skills that last a lifetime. In this safe, happy environment, Lower Division students grow with curiosity, agency, positive self-identity, and respect for others.

Lower Division Academics Include:

• a strong foundation in language arts, math, and social studies

• innovative discovery in the Pagidipati Center for Science, Engineering, and Technology (C-SET)

• fine arts classes each week and winter concerts

• Spanish, which begins in pre-k

• swimming, pickleball, golf, rock-wall climbing, high ropes, and more on our 86-acre campus in physical education classes

• an entire library devoted to Lower Division, the Rudolph Library

• learning through play at the Sneha and Vik Patel Playground Complex, the Outdoor Environmental Classroom, and the Lower Division Playground

• integrated curriculum from our Lower Division counseling team that helps grow social/emotional skills

• Apple technology to support learning

Beyond Academics, Students Enjoy:

• weekly convocations, during which students from multiple grades come together to build community

• fun annual events such as the Battle of the Books, the Turkey Trot, Farmers’ Day (Field Day), and more

• robust after-school club options including chess, flamenco dancing, karate, choir, comic book making, lacrosse, cheer, and more

• optional additional musical training through the Berkeley Conservatory of Music 

• a Buddy Program pairing students in kindergarten/third grade, first grade/fourth grade, and second grade/fifth grade to develop leadership skills

• exciting field trips to places like Caladesi Island, the Glazer Children’s Museum, Wish Farms, and ZooTampa

• guest speakers, as well as visiting authors and artists

• for those who are interested, Friday Morning Prayer in the Berkeley Chapel before school begins

• a large number of grade-level and cross-divisional community service opportunities

After-School Care On Campus

The Berkeley Educational Enrichment Program (B.E.E.P.) provides supervised, age-appropriate, after-school enrichment activities for pre-k through fifth grade students. The program includes homework study periods with helpful professional monitors, outdoor and indoor free-play and games, and arts and crafts activities. Staffed by Lower Division faculty, B.E.E.P operates every full school day from 3-6 p.m. Students may attend B.E.E.P. full time or on an as-needed basis.