Frequently Asked Questions
What is your age requirement for kindergarten?
We follow the Berkeley Unified School District's guidelines. A child must be five years old by December 1st of the kindergarten year to enter kindergarten at Berkwood Hedge.
How large is your school?
We offer one class at each grade level, kindergarten through fifth grade. There are generally 18-20 students per class.
Does Berkwood Hedge School offer tuition assistance?
Yes, approximately 33% of our families receive some tuition assistance. Tuition Assistance applications are available at the time of the school tour and are also available on our website. Tuition awards are need-based, however every family pays a minimum of 25% of the annual tuition.
Some of our families receive additional assistance from the following organizations:
The Basic Fund provides a maximum of $1600 per year, per student.
www.basicfund.org, (415) 986-5650
The Guardsmen provides a maximum of $2,000 per year, per student.
www.guardsmen.org, (415) 856-0939
How does Berkwood Hedge School make admissions decisions?
We use a variety of criteria to make our admissions decisions, first and foremost is the child's developmental readiness. We seek students and families who help us fulfill the school's mission and whom we believe would thrive in our community. To create a diverse environment in each classroom, we consider gender, ethnicity, socio-economic situation, cultural background, learning style and family structure. Decisions are also guided by the teacher recommendation forms (provided by your child's preschool or current elementary school teacher), and by observation of your child by a classroom teacher during the applicant's visit to the school.
Kindergarten applicants visit the school in small groups on a Saturday morning in late January or early February. The visit lasts approximately one hour and is structured as a mini kindergarten day.
What kind of learning environment do you provide?
We offer a developmental education. Our curriculum reflects the developmental levels, talents and challenges of our students. We treat each child as an individual learner, meeting them where they are academically, and challenging them appropriately. Our curriculum is integrated across disciplines, and students interact as they learn. Social justice values thread through the curriculum. We want our students to be aware of the larger community in which they live and for them to develop "wide-awake" lives as ethical and articulate people with strong critical thinking skills.
What types of enrichment classes do you offer your students?
Beginning in kindergarten all children participate in Spanish, studio art, music, physical education and environmental science classes. Fourth and fifth graders also have drama classes. In the afterschool program, students have the opportunity to participate in Los Mapaches, our Latin American music ensemble. Additional afterschool classes, such as dance, cooking, and sports are offered throughout the year.
Are students given standardized tests at Berkwood Hedge?
Berkwood Hedge does not test kindergarten through fourth grade children. In the fifth grade, students learn how to take standardized tests and are given the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
Do you provide extended care?
Yes, Beforeschool care begins at 7:30am and Afterschool care is available until 6 pm. Some of our afterschool staff are fluent in Spanish, and Hispanic culture and language are integrated into the program. Many of our students attend afterschool care and we provide a warm and friendly afternoon environment. Supervised Homework Club is available Monday through Thursday.
Where do your students attend middle school?
Our students successfully move on to a variety of independent and public middle schools, including King, Willard, Longfellow, North Oakland Charter School, Julia Morgan School for Girls, Prospect Sierra School, Head-Royce, Archway, Black Pine Circle, Tehiyah Day School, Windrush, Beacon Day School, East Bay School for Boys, and St. Paul's Episcopal School.