One of the unique factors of Berkeley High School is our learning communities. We have three small schools and two other learning communities. Starting with our small schools, there is Arts and Humanities Academy (AHA), Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS), and Academy of Medicine and Public Service (AMPS). Then, we have Berkeley International High School (BIHS) and Academic Choice (AC). BIHS has a diploma option that requires extra assessments, which can be especially useful for people planning to attend a school abroad.
Academic Choice is the least restrictive path and the largest learning community; friends of mine in AC love it. I have been told it’s a great place to explore multiple interests and carve your way. Ariba Talukder, a sophomore in AC, says “It’s not as big as they describe it as. You may have multiple classes with the same people.” This being said, getting to know people in AC shouldn’t be complicated. After all, you will quickly become familiar with your classmates because, as Talukder explained, your classes should include similar people. I was surprised after talking to a current sophomore in BIHS when I learned that for her, the BIHS classes were her easiest classes. She disclosed to me that once you are in sophomore year, math and chemistry are the most complicated and where the work piles up.
Onto the small schools, starting with AHA, this school heavily focuses on creativity and hands-on learning. People talk about AHA being the easiest option because it’s concentrated on art, but that doesn’t make it less challenging. It’s important to still take the work seriously and try hard. This will prepare you for being disciplined in the future. The smallest is CAS, and many people who choose this often have an interest in things such as production. From members of this community, I learned that it is a compact group of people and that this can be a blessing and a curse. Some people end up loving the people they are surrounded by and enjoy all the class retreats that allow them to bond. Others experience the opposite, where they don’t click with the people and even have to re-enter the learning community raffle to join a new one. Finally, we have AMPS, this small school focuses on public service, specifically in the medical field. In this school, internship opportunities make it great for gaining experience in the workforce. In AMPS, there seems to be a plethora of opportunities waiting for you. Take advantage of them! You never know how much they can benefit you.
Generally, taking time to thoughtfully do assignments, being kind, and advocating when needed can grant success in any learning community you choose. To get assignments done, you may need to create a routine that includes a designated time to finish work. As corny as it sounds, I strongly believe kindness is key. If you treat people respectfully and are accepting, you can create the community you want to have. Lastly, ask for help! The school has many resources like the College and Career Center. To know more about the learning communities, you can visit the BHS website.