What has been your experience at Berkeley Independent Studies?
Hi,
My teen who is currently at Berkeley High is considering transferring to Berkeley Independent Studies for next year. They have a friend who has been doing very well there and likes it. The thing is, my teen is a bit lost right now and I am wondering if this situation will make things worse...they are also quite socially anxious. In general they don't struggle academically, but I think they just want a more relaxed high school experience. I would love to hear any feedback that parents have about your high schooler's experience at BIS. Thank you
Apr 21, 2025
Parent Replies
I think Berkeley Independent Studies could work really well for your teen with social anxiety. It is much more relaxed. My son changed to BIS after an academically disastrous freshman year at Berkeley High. BIS gave him the chance to work one on one with teachers, which really helped. He bonded with a young teacher at BIS who opened up for him the joys of learning and exploration. It does require the student to stay on top of the work independently, which may not work out for every kid. But it could be a great solution for your kid.
My kid did BIS for Junior and Senior year of high school, and it was incredible for them! Chances are that this could be a really good fit for your child - but if not, they can always go back to BHS. The tricky part is that the spots are very limited in BIS, so you have to make your move. When folks wait until they are desperate, there aren't any spots available.