Bentley School is a vibrant, intellectually curious community where students are taught how to think rather than what to think. Our motto, Scire Desidero: “I desire to know”, is evidenced throughout our Kindergarten through Grade 12 experience. Students seek to understand the world, others, and themselves through a dynamic program that ignites learning through inquiry.
During their time at Bentley, students are challenged and supported by their peers, administration and faculty, all of whom value and respect diverse perspectives. While each will embark on a unique path, every graduate is prepared and committed to make a positive contribution wherever their interests and skills may lead.
Lower School (Grades K-5): “I desire to know the world.”
In a nurturing, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate program, the foundation for academic and personal success is set by helping students develop both a deep knowledge base and healthy social and emotional growth. Faculty individualize teaching, using a combination of direct instruction, independent practice, hands-on learning, and cooperative group work to ensure each student’s intellectual growth and reasoning. In addition to establishing an important academic foundation for our youngest learners, we are committed to providing students with wide exposure to art, fitness, music, and world languages.
Middle School (Grades 6-8): “I desire to know others.”
Students move from a single-teacher classroom structure to a multi-classroom, multi-teacher model. As students grow into early adolescence, they learn skills to progress from concrete to analytical thinkers. Teachers encourage students to think abstractly and develop excellent communication skills with hands-on projects, open-ended questions, and challenging problems. Students learn to think mathematically, scientifically, and creatively and leave their 8th-grade year confident and well prepared to meet the challenges of the strong academic program at the Upper School.
Upper School (Grades 9-12): “I desire to know myself.”
Students work with their advisors to choose from academically challenging courses and co-curricular opportunities to comprise an individually tailored program of study that hones their ability to collaborate, problem solve, adapt, initiate, analyze, and imagine. The Upper School curriculum and graduation requirements align with and exceed recommendations of the University of California’s A-G requirements. Academically enthusiastic, personally principled, and intellectually vibrant, Bentley School graduates bring their love of learning and personal integrity to college, professional and graduate schools, their workplaces, and beyond.
K-8 Campus in Oakland 510-843-2512 | 9-12 Campus in Lafayette 925-283-2101
