BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL
2246 MILVIA STREET * 644-6120 * LAWRENCE LEE, PRINCIPAL
When Berkeley High students talk about their school, they mention not only its academic program, but also how it prepares them for the "real world." The statistics are impressive:
- 85% of all BHS graduates go to college, many with Advanced Placement credit. BHS offers AP courses in 12 subject areas and Honors courses in 5. Through the Accelerated High School Program, selected seniors take courses at UC Berkeley. Each year the school produces a significant number of National Merit Scholar finalists and semi-finalists.
- BHS offers the equivalent of five years of French and Spanish, four of German and Latin, and three of Swahili. It is the only high school in the country with an African-American Studies department. Students can study math through calculus, and the school's outstanding dance program includes both Afro-Haitian Dance and Dance Production for advanced students.
- The school offers career education at all levels. The Biotechnology and Computer Academies combine school-year coursework with summer jobs and internships, mentoring programs, and support, encouraging students to continue their academic careers while providing them with the skills to compete in the local economy. The Regional Occupational Programs range from radio broadcasting to the campus-based Good Food Cafe.
- Beyond the academic program, students, staff, and parents praise the school's extracurricular activities. Berkeley High has 75 clubs and activities, ranging from Mock Trial to Moonlight Soccer, from NOW to the Environmental Club, and all students are encouraged to participate. "Joining a club or team connects you to the school," one student explains. "You make friends you might not have known otherwise." Among its many extracurricular activities, the school's Jazz Ensemble, newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine have all received national recognition; the school's varsity teams continue to excel in sports from football and basketball, to crew.
Berkeley high teachers are proud of their unique student population. "When we take them to state or national conferences, they stand out. They're the ones always asking questions, the students who know how to find their way around," one teacher says.
From John Muir School's young scientists, Malcolm X's Shakespeareans and Longfellow's artists and technologists, one would expect nothing less.
New facilities: Thanks to local bond funds, Berkeley High is undergoing extensive renovation that will result in virtually every building being remodeled or improved over the next several years. In 1994 a new athletic field and track were installed; in 1996-97, a lighting system will be added, allowing for night games at home. The "G" Building, which houses science, graphic arts, and vocational programs, reopened in Spring, 1996 and includes a television studio where students produce news programs for the local cable channel. The newly refurbished "H" building is scheduled for completion in Spring, 1997. The school's tennis courts have been resurfaced, and plans are underway to restore the softball field. A hardworking "school environment" committee of parents and staff have made many improvements to the grounds, involving students and the community in the upkeep of the school.
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