A distinctive educational philosophy and a bold, innovative streak have set Berkwood Hedge apart from other East Bay independent schools since its earliest days. Berkwood Hedge School, a synthesis of Berkwood School and the Hedge School, has a sixty-year tradition and culture of preparing young children for success in middle schools, secondary schools, and beyond.
The first racially integrated school in Berkeley, Berkwood School, founded in 1946, emphasized small classes, academic proficiency, and the development of each student's full potential. To accomplish this, Berkwood led the way in designing open classrooms equipped for small children and in developing important programs, including a national demonstration project for primary school science education. Its reputation as an avant-garde school was enhanced when it became the first school in California to train Head Start teachers.
The Hedge School, established in the late 1960's by former Berkwood teachers and parents, was organized as a teacher collective. It brought the arts, music, drama, ceramics, dance, painting, and design to the forefront and reconceptualized the school as a community of students, teachers, and families.
Berkwood and Hedge merged and reopened on the former Berkwood campus in 1975. Due to growing enrollment and expanded programs in the 1980's, Berkwood Hedge launched an ambitious building project to create the current Community Room, upper grade classrooms, library, art studio, and school offices. The summer of 2004 saw the complete renovation of our main building, including the four classrooms for the lower grade students as well as a new kitchen in our Community Room.
As part of a strategic planning process to chart the long-term direction of the school, in 2001 we moved from a collective structure to our current administrative structure. We are now administered by a Director, an Assistant Director, and our Board of Directors consisting of staff, current Berkwood Hedge parents, and community members. However, our core philosophy - a rich academic and arts program, close ties between families and school, and a strong sense of community - remains the hallmark of Berkwood Hedge School.
Berkwood Hedge School is the first school in Alameda County to be certified as a Green Business. In recent years, Berkwood Hedge has become increasingly active in integrating environmental awareness and education into both our curriculum and school culture. By consciously reducing waste within the school, engaging students in creative problem-solving about environmental issues, and guiding and inspiring families, we are helping to create an environmentally sustainable school community.