Admission

While we encourage a campus visit when possible, we understand it is not always possible for families.  Therefore, we’ve done our best to put some helpful virtual content at your fingertips.  With the click of a button, experience a pre-recorded guided visit, peruse our videos, walk through our academic, athletic and artistic offerings, or submit a question to be answered by a student. Feel free to call 413.229.1003 or email admissions@berkshireschool.org to ask any questions on your mind.

To complete your application, we require an interview, current grades as well as transcripts from the past two years, recommendations from English and math teachers along with your principal or counselor, short answer questions on the Berkshire supplement, and a parent statement.  You are also invited to submit standardized test scores and read below for more information about our test-optional admission practice. Please follow our guide to applying for more detail. 

Berkshire has been fortunate to experience several years of record-breaking application numbers making our process more selective than ever. Our holistic admissions philosophy has always been focused on choosing strong students we believe are the best fit, based on the full scope of their talents and interests, as we seek those who will thrive and contribute to what we believe is a very special community.  We are dedicated to equity and access, and understand that the playing field is not level when it comes to standardized tests. 

Recently, we completed a two-year study to better understand the role of standardized test scores as they relate to student success.  Based on our research, we are confident that academic performance, character and citizenship, and community contributions are the factors that are most relevant in understanding a student’s fit at Berkshire.  

Coming from a position of strength and urged by the challenges of testing in the COVID-era, we are committing immediately to a three-year test-optional trial period.  During this time, we will continue to collect data to further inform the predictive validity of SSAT scores at Berkshire.  

We also know that, for some, standardized testing is a strength, and we will happily welcome scores from students who choose to submit them. When a student decides not to submit standardized test results, we will require a third academic recommendation, and their applications will be given full and equal consideration.  

Please note that students who do not identify English as their first language will be required to submit one of three approved English proficiency tests - TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS.  If you have studied in an English-speaking school for four or more years, that requirement is waived.  Students who receive narrative reports instead of grades or those who are homeschooled may be asked to submit SSAT scores and should reach out to admissions@berkshireschool.org for more clarity.

Throughout the application review process, we look for evidence of Berkshire’s core values of curiosity, integrity, respect, inclusion, perseverance, and resilience.  Affirmation of these values can be shown through academic excellence, community contributions, character recommendations, and in the interview.  Berkshire is a strong, vibrant, and open-minded community, and we are looking for those applicants who are eager to take advantage of our unique learning environment and embrace all that makes our community even stronger.