Berkeley High School (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berkeley High School |
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1980 Allston Way
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| Coordinates | 37°52′04″N 122°16′17″W / 37.86772°N 122.27141°W |
| Information | |
| School type | Public high school |
| Established | 1880 |
| School district | Berkeley Unified School District |
| NCES District ID | 0604740 |
| NCES School ID | 060474000432 |
| Principal | Juan Raygoza |
| Teaching staff | 162.37 (FTE) |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 3,154 (2018–19) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 19.42 |
| Hours in school day | 7 |
| Campus type | Urban |
| Color(s) | Red and gold |
| Athletics conference | West Alameda County (WAC) |
| Nickname | Yellowjackets |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Newspaper | Berkeley High Jacket |
| Yearbook | Olla Podrida |
| Feeder schools | King Middle School Willard Middle School Longfellow Middle School |
| Website | Berkeley High School |
Berkeley High School is a public high school in Berkeley, United States. It is the only public high school in the city. The school is part of the Berkeley Unified School District.
The campus is located in Downtown Berkeley. Its mascot is the Yellowjacket. Some of the school's buildings are recognized as a Berkeley Landmark. Eight buildings on campus were named a historic district in 2008. This means they are important historical places.
Contents
- History of Berkeley High School
- How Berkeley High is Organized
- Campus and Buildings
- Famous People from Berkeley High
History of Berkeley High School
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The first public high school classes in Berkeley started in 1880. They were held at the Kellogg Primary School. The first students graduated in 1884. The school's first yearbook, Crimson and Gold, was published in 1895. It was later renamed Olla Podrida.
In 1900, people in Berkeley voted to build a dedicated high school campus. Construction began in 1901. The main building was located where the "H" building stands today.
In 1902, famous naturalist John Muir helped plant a giant sequoia tree at the school. This tree is no longer there.
The main school building was damaged by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Chimneys fell, windows broke, and some walls weakened. The building was repaired and reopened. It was later torn down in 1934. New buildings, the "H" and "G" buildings, were built in its place.
In 1955, the school's band director, Bob Lutt, started the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp.
In 1964, a second campus, West Campus, opened for ninth graders. It later became the Berkeley Adult School. Today, its main building holds the administrative offices for the school district.
The Berkeley Community Theater on campus has hosted many famous performers. For example, Paul Robeson sang there in 1952. In 1957, Stan Getz performed at the Berkeley Jazz Festival.
During the 1960s, many students and teachers were involved in political activism. They protested the Vietnam War and supported civil rights. They also supported People's Park. The campus had student groups like the Black Students Union. In 1971, students elected a student who broke traditional norms for Homecoming Queen, showing their support for diversity and change.
Berkeley High School has also been a leader in school programs. In 1970, it started "Community High School," an "alternative" program. By 1974, there were several small schools within Berkeley High. Berkeley High was also the first public high school in the U.S. with an African American Studies department. This department was created in 1969.
The campus was officially recognized as a historic district in 2008.
How Berkeley High is Organized
Student Population (Demographics)
Berkeley High School has a very diverse student body. As of the 2017–2018 school year, there were 3,118 students. Here's a look at the student population:
- 15% African American or Black
- 8% Asian
- 23% Hispanic or Latino
- 40% White, non-Hispanic
- 12% identifying as two or more races
Many students also receive free or reduced-price meals (28%). About 6% of students are learning English.
Understanding the Achievement Gap
The "achievement gap" means that some groups of students perform better in school than others. This can be seen in test scores, how many students take advanced classes, and how many go to college. At Berkeley High, there has been a difference in academic success between white students and Black and Latino students.
For example, in 2017–18, 86% of white students met the requirements for applying to the University of California. This was true for 40% of Black students and 50% of Latino students. The school is working to close this gap.
Small Schools and Learning Communities
In 2000, Berkeley High started trying out the idea of "small schools." The goal was to help all students succeed. In 2005, the school officially created four small schools and a larger program called Academic Choice.
The small schools that started in 2005-06 were:
- The Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA)
- Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS)
- Academy of Medicine and Public Service (AMPS)
There are also two larger learning communities. These make up almost two-thirds of the student body:
- Academic Choice (AC)
- Berkeley International High School (BIHS) - part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program
Before 2018, incoming freshmen chose a learning community. However, this system didn't fully close the achievement gap. Some communities had more students from certain backgrounds than others.
Student Demographics by Learning Community (2010-2011)
This table shows the student population breakdown for each learning community in 2010-2011.
| Small school | Native/Asian/Pacific | Latino | African American | White | Multi | Unknown | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Choice (AC) | 13% | 12% | 19% | 41% | 11% | 4% | 1336 |
| Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA) | 8% | 14% | 30% | 36% | 10% | 1% | 236 |
| Berkeley International High School (BIHS) | 9% | 11% | 20% | 47% | 11% | 2% | 918 |
| Communications Arts & Sciences (CAS) | 5% | 19% | 34% | 27% | 13% | 1% | 231 |
| Medicine and Public Service (AMPS) | 6% | 24% | 51% | 9% | 7% | 3% | 238 |
| Green Academy (discontinued) | 10% | 12% | 44% | 20% | 11% | 3% | 261 |
| Life Academy (discontinued) | 0% | 14% | 62% | 5% | 19% | 0% | 21 |
| All of BHS | 10% | 13% | 26% | 37% | 11% | 3% | 3241 |
| Independent Study Program | 9% | 9% | 33% | 38% | 11% | 159 |
Student Test Scores by Learning Community (2007 & 2011)
This table shows how students in each learning community scored on Math and English California Standards Tests (CSTs).
| Small school | Enrollment 2011 | English 2007 | English 2011 | Math 2007 | Math 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Choice (AC) | 1,300 | 67% | 57% | 36% | 30% |
| Berkeley International High School (BIHS) | 900 | 64% | 69% | 39% | 33% |
| Arts and Humanities (AHA) | 240 | 40% | 47% | 12% | 7% |
| Communication Arts & Sciences (CAS) | 240 | 42% | 31% | 5% | 6% |
| Medicine & Public Service (AMPS) | 240 | 28% | 22% | 4% | 2% |
| Green Academy (now discontinued) | 280 | 36% | 30% | 7% | 6% |
| Berkeley High School average | 3,200 | 51% | 52% | 24% | 23% |
| California state average | 41% | 49% | 21% | 28% |
Why the Achievement Gap Exists
One reason for the achievement gap might be how students choose their learning communities. Some students chose communities based on stereotypes. Also, segregation outside of school, like where students live, can affect segregation inside the school. Students from different neighborhoods often have different family incomes.
Universal 9th Grade Program
In 2015, the school started planning a new system called "Universal 9th Grade." This program began in the fall of 2018. Now, all freshmen are placed into "hives." These are core groups of about 120 students. They share four teachers for their main subjects like Math, Physics, English, and Ethnic Studies.
The goal is to help all freshmen feel supported. It also gives them a chance to learn about the different learning communities before choosing one. Students choose their learning community for 10th-12th grade at the end of ninth grade.
Students can also choose Berkeley Independent Study (BIS). This option offers a more flexible way to learn outside of a traditional classroom.
Future Improvements
The school is always looking for ways to improve. One idea is to add a special advising period. This would give students more academic, social, and emotional support. It would also help them plan for after high school.
Some people believe that efforts to close the achievement gap should start earlier. They think elementary and middle schools should also work to reduce differences in student performance.
School Ratings
Berkeley High School has received good ratings from independent groups.
- GreatSchools gives it an 8/10. This rating looks at test scores, college readiness, and other factors.
- Niche gives it an A+. This rating uses public data and student reviews.
Departments and Groups
Berkeley High School has many departments and student organizations:
- African American Studies Department
- Athletics (sports like basketball, football, track and field)
- Computer Technology
- English and World Language
- History
- Journalism (produces the school newspaper, Berkeley High Jacket)
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Special Education
- Visual and Performing Arts (like Jazz Ensemble)
- Youth & Government
There are also parent and student groups like the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association).
Campus and Buildings
The Berkeley High School campus covers four city blocks. It is located between Milvia Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and Allston and Channing Ways. The first building started in 1901. The campus has been under construction almost continuously since then.
In the late 1930s, many old buildings were replaced. The Florence Schwimley Little Theater, the Berkeley Community Theatre, and the G and H buildings are examples of the Streamline Moderne style. This style was popular in the 1930s. The rebuilding was paid for by a government program called the WPA. These buildings have cool sculptures by artists like Robert Boardman Howard.
Famous People from Berkeley High
