The Academic Program at Berkshire

At the heart of Berkshire’s academic program is a rigorous and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Five academic courses are the required full load for students though many choose to extend their course of study with an additional elective as their sixth course.  Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a subject to the most advanced level possible, which for many means taking courses well beyond those required for graduation. Each student’s course of study is planned by the advisor, Form Dean, and Dean of Academic Affairs. Form Deans and the Dean of Academic Affairs oversee and support the academic progress and performance of each student.

Graduation Requirements * One credit upon successful completion of a yearlong course * One-half credit upon successful completion of a semester course To graduate, students must earn 18 credits and meet the following distribution requirements: English All students take English each year while enrolled. Fine Arts 1 credit of visual and/or performing art History 2 years, including Modern World History and U.S. History. Third Formers must complete Ancient World History. Languages 3 years of the same foreign language through level III Mathematics 3 years, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II Science 2 years of laboratory science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)