Moving back to Berkeley
Hello, hello!
After six long years in WA and about a decade in Los Angeles, my partner and I are hoping to make the move back home to Berkeley for summer 2026. While I know some things in the Bay have changed, I'm hoping the good things we love are still the same.
We have a 1.5 yo and a 7 yo. We've been discussing Berkwood Hedge for our 7 yo.
Are any current parents at Berkwood willing to share about the school a bit?
My biggest concern for our move is transitioning our 7 yo to a new school (he currently goes to a small, religious school). I want to find a place that is a good fit for him academically and personally.
I'm also curious to hear any insights others may have--maybe you've also moved from WA back to the Bay? I know there's probably a lot to think about that I haven't yet considered. Doing my best.
Thank you!
Parent Replies
Hi! I’m a parent of a 7 year old (almost 8) and my kiddo is entering the third year at Berkwood Hedge. We’ve had a very positive experience these past two years. The teachers are amazing and all the staff really works together to support students. We have loved the project based learning, forest days, and art program especially. My kid comes home happy and excited about what they are learning. We really like the small school size and community.
Best of luck in your return to the Bay and seeking out the best school for your kiddos!
Welcome back! Black Pine Circle, Berkeley Family Montessori School, and Prospect Sierra are other good alternatives. We have family and friends who are at EB and EBI which are great if you are open to French/Spanish although they might not take new students until 6th if they don’t have background. Our kid is in their third year at School of the Madeleine which is a sweet small K-8 in north Berkeley. Happy to connect if yiu have questions about Madeleine.
HI hello hey MomJeans!
I have a 7 year old in Berkwood hedge who is thriving there. We are a couple from Berkeley and now living in el cerrito. We decided to go with Berkwood hedge because we were interested in a more whole person education. There are great public schools, charter schools, and private schools in the area so I understand the choices are plentiful. I feel like we made a good choice for our daughter because its small while also having a lot of inter class engaement that expands the experience for school. Everyone knows each other. I can't say enough good things for the teachers there so far. Hanan ( kindergarten), Silver ( restorative justice and K/1 help) are amazing people to start an education with. We had Torie for First grade who's teaching style is loving and thoughtful while introducing a more focused and fim style of teaching. We are JUST starting 2nd grade with Olivia and everyone is very excited. She is new to the school but so far I can see she is passionate, technologically competent and a good listener. What I enjoy from the school is the resources and availability of the staff. There is a strong sense of community that permeates throughout the school. I would totally recommend if possible, scheduling a visit. I believe they schedule them throughout the year. That way you, your partner and son could all have some time to get a feel for the school. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy to discuss Berkwood Hedge and/ or Berkeley or other private schools near by. Good luck!
Dear friend-
I have two children at Berkwood Hedge, a 5th grader and an 8th grader. Both children have been at Berkwood Hedge since kindergarten. Berkwood Hedge has provided my kids with what is arguably the most important ingredient for learning: collaborative, respectful and curious engagement with the world, and with those around them. For these all-important early years, Berkwood Hedge as allowed my kids to relax into a loving and thoughtful atmosphere, with an emphasis upon interpersonal relationships and open-minded engagement with academics.
The school also has a very strong community feeling- families and parents share a love and respect for one another. This has often reminded me of the smaller, religious school of my own childhood in Brooklyn- a school where many families tended to gather outside of school hours, provide care for one another's kids, and generally look out for one another. It's as though Berkwood Hedge is a neighborhood our kids live in- they miss it during the summers! There is so much play and delight at the school.
Best of luck with your move and may you find a school that works well for your kiddo!