Each of Berkeley’s middle schools has a distinct personality, but they share a strong BUSD identity. All are committed to developing a community of critical thinkers and lifelong learners by providing the same core curriculum and offering the following opportunities:
- English language arts curriculum designed to improve students’ reading and writing skills based on California State Standards for middle school students
- Aligned science and social studies curricula including opportunities for experiential learning and local field trips
- Smaller class sizes than other districts
- Targeted instruction in English language for English learners
- Varied instructional strategies designed to serve our culturally and linguistically diverse student population
- Report cards that assess a student’s mastery of the grade level standards as well as habits of work
- An intervention model, titled “Response to Intervention and Instruction,” designed to support students at the first sign of struggle
- A specialized reading program (Read 180) for students who are reading below grade level
- A support class for college-bound students (Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID) whose parents have not attended college
- Special Education services for students with disabilities
- Enrichment classes including Spanish, technology, art, dance and drama
- Instrumental Music offered daily as an additional elective class before the official start of the school day
- Libraries staffed to teach about and facilitate research; resourced with print and digital media
- Garden and Nutrition programs that augment school curriculum and inspire urban school students to participate in the food cycle from seed to compost
- Opportunities to study and reflect on social justice movements and current events
- Physical Education classes that include a fitness program as well as a variety of sports
- Positive behavior supports that enhance school climate
- Counselors who offer individual and small group counseling as well as school-wide social, emotional, and health awareness campaigns
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention education for all students in science classes, and through school-wide assemblies and prevention awareness activities
- School breakfast and lunch program that incorporates locally-grown and organic produce whenever possible, diverse menu choices, and multiple options for a balanced meal.
- Access to tutors and other school volunteers who can provide individualized attention, enrichment and support
- After school enrichment in athletics, academics and the arts
You will find more about each middle school on their individual school webpages on this website. We value the partnership between parents and schools – you are your child’s first and most important teacher. No matter which school you choose, our teachers and staff stand ready to work with you to provide your children with the tools they need to succeed and make positive contributions to our world.