This year was another successful one for BCD students applying for admission to independent secondary schools.  Applications went to eleven boarding and day independent schools, and every BCD student who applied was accepted at one or more of the following schools: Bard Academy, Berkshire School, Buxton School, Emma Willard School, The Ethel Walker School, Holderness School, The Hotchkiss School, Miss Hall’s School, Northfield Mount Hermon School, and Proctor Academy.

This is no small accomplishment.  The secondary school application process is rigorous, the admissions bar has been set higher at every school, and applications have increased exponentially during the past decade.  I am very proud of each of these students, and I know that these schools are excited that BCD students will be joining their communities in the fall.

I can share that we are just as proud of those students that will depart BCD in June equally prepared to flourish and meaningfully contribute at Pittsfield High School, Lenox Memorial High School, and Monument Mountain Regional High School next year.  Our students thrive at these schools and demonstrate their talents and agency as learners, and strengths as community members, year after year.  Graduates (from BCD’s class of 2014) are happily enrolled at colleges such as: Boston University, Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Northeastern University, Skidmore College, St. Lawrence University, University of Michigan, and Wellesley College.

It is clear to me that the source of our greatest pride in Berkshire Country Day School is found in our students.  Smart, engaged, capable, and prepared – each has met with great success and achievement in the classroom, on our teams, in arts ensembles, and as involved community members, mentors, and classmates.

Credit for each child’s success at BCD must be directed to our deeply dedicated teachers.  Their passion for teaching, creativity, and enthusiastic involvement throughout our community has established the culture where each student’s promise could be recognized and inspired.

Everyone in our community, whether through their hard work, support for BCD, concern for our campus and the spirit of the community, and care for each child over these many years was evidenced in our students’ character, interviews, efforts, and performance throughout the secondary school application process.  For all of these reasons and so much more, and as we collectively celebrate the achievements of our students, we can all be proud of BCD.