From the Founders' Vision
Since 2013, Berkeley Academy's vision and mission have guided every classroom, every club, and every college conversation on campus.
Vision, Mission & Values
A Mission Built on Five Commitments
Berkeley Academy for Multicultural Studies was founded in 2013 by Peter J. Swing and Yorlenny Aguilar on the belief that an international, multicultural education gives students the perspective to build a more just and equitable world. That belief is expressed in our vision, and lived out through five commitments that spell PRIDE.
Our Vision
To empower all of our students to positively impact and change the world.
Our Values
The mission of Berkeley Academy for Multicultural Studies is PRIDE — five commitments that shape everything we do.
P — Provide
Provide an exceptional educational experience that intellectually stimulates all students Pre-K through Grade 12. Our curriculum is built on the U.S. Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and Costa Rica's Ministry of Education standards — delivered by a faculty of 52 at a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.
R — Raise
Raise the awareness and importance of multicultural diversity. It's the reason “Multicultural Studies” is in our name — with roughly a third of our 350 students from the U.S. and Canada, a third from Costa Rica, and a third from the rest of the world.
I — Ignite
Ignite a daily passion for learning that prepares students for the complex technological world of tomorrow. From a “bring your own device” policy with 100% classroom internet access to Computer Science and Engineering clubs, curiosity is built into how we teach.
D — Develop
Develop and empower students to positively impact their communities. Every graduate completes 100 certified community service hours between Grades 9 and 12, and a 20-page Senior Honors Thesis as part of our AP Capstone program.
E — Equip
Equip our students with the skills and knowledge to obtain acceptance to the colleges and universities of their choice — and to be successful once they arrive. Since 2015, Berkeley Academy graduates have received offers from over 200 universities, with more than $11.45 million in scholarships.
Core Values & School Virtues
Honor. Prestige. Excellence.
These three words are Berkeley Academy's core values — and they're lived out daily through eight school virtues: honesty, courage, temperance, integrity, service, benevolence, order, and justice.
