Bertschi School Programs
For the past three decades, we have offered an education that successfully intertwines the intellectual, emotional, and social development of a child. We achieve this balance by weaving together discovery and challenge, individual attention and community experience, artistic expression and scientific inquiry, enthusiastic play and quiet reflection.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Recent Success
In July 2009 Bertschi School was contacted by the Restorative Design Collective, a group of design professionals who share the desire to push themselves and their firms to the forefront of the sustainable building movement. Their question: Would Bertschi partner with the them to undertake the Living Building Challenge? The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward to define the highest measure of sustainability possible in the build environment based on the best current thinking, recognizing that "true sustainability" is not yet possible.
The Living Building Challenge is by definition difficult to achieve. Although facets of this standard have been accomplished in numerous projects around the world, to date, no single project has integrated the Challenge in its entirety.
The Living Science Building was completed in February 2011. After two years of tracking its operations, it is now officially the fourth Living Building in the world, the first on the West Coast and the first to be built at the version 2.0 standards. Bertschi’s science curriculum truly lives and grows in this unique urban building.
Current Need
Believe in Bertschi: Look Forward, Give Back. Others helped build what we are today; your support ensures our legacy
For more than three decades, Bertschi School, guided by its founder, Brigitte Bertschi, has lived its mission and values. We work hard to create a culture of kindness where Bertschi students actively take part in community and learn to expect and appreciate continual innovation and growth. These principles form the essential heart of “The Bertschi Way.” Planning for the future, the Board of Trustees is establishing endowment funds to strengthen the school’s financial position and ensure long-term stability and flexibility.
This $5 million initiative will ensure that future generations of students and families experience The Bertschi Way. These funds will enable Bertschi to: Recruit and retain faculty and staff who instill a love of life-long learning and create a caring environment that inspires our children to reach their full potential Attract and retain diverse community of families who embrace our mission and core values Stimulate intellectual curiosity by enhancing our integrated educational program that recognizes each student’s readiness, learning style, interests, and social and emotional development Empower all learners through differentiated instruction and support.