Berkshire School
Berkshire School is a private, co-ed
boarding school located in
Sheffield,
Massachusetts.
Berkshire School was founded in 1907 beneath Mt. Everett by Seaver Burton Buck, a
Harvard graduate who had taught at
Hackley School. During the thirty-five years that Mr. Buck was
Headmaster, Berkshire evolved into a substantial and vibrant institution. Mr. Buck interwove appreciation for and exploration of the mountain with classical classroom teaching. Upon Mr. Buck's retirement in
1943 the school went on a war footing. Depleted by the call to arms, Berkshire nonetheless remained in session throughout the calendar year, with small groups graduating every twelve weeks. Many of the students became seasoned pilots through the school's Education with Wings program at the nearly
Great Barrington Airport.
Under the supervision of John E. Godman, who served as
Head of School from
1951 to
1970, Berkshire School become
coeducational in
1969. In the fall of that year, nine girls, all day students, took part in what Mr. Godman described to them and their families as "an experiment." The experiment succeeded, and the school graduated its first female in 1972. The 1970s and 1980s brought radical change to institutions across the country, and Berkshire was no exception. In addition to integrating girls into all aspects of campus life, the school restructured its scholastic mission to welcome new disciplines-
computer science,
ethics,
health and
environmental science -and a formal counseling program. A new, 38,000-square-foot athletic center was built and the former gymnasium renovated to house a modern library which today boasts over 40,000 volumes.
Students and faculty develop a close rapport living together under the mountain. In addition, student
prefects work closely with dormitory faculty to create a safe and supportive environment. The leadership development and community service programs promote a sense of ownership among the students. Students can choose from over a dozen clubs and activities - including Berkshire's own 237-watt
radio station (91.7 WBSL), The Dome (student literary magazine), Maple Syrup Program, and Investment Club. On the weekends students can hike the
Appalachian Trail, ride a
roller coaster at
Six Flags, or attend a performance on campus - whether a student production or an up and coming band. Saturday classes occur weekly and formal dress is required for all classes.
"The mission of Berkshire School is to provide young men and women with the intellectual and moral foundations and the
leadership skills that will enable them to flourish as members of a family and a community as they confront the challenges of college and beyond."
Ennals Berl '81*
Berkshire School*
Boarding School Review
