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BPC is a terrific school, diversity however is its lowest point, but the school is making active efforts to change that, it may be very expensive, but more than 20% of the students are on financial aid thanks to the terrific scholarship program...
We have had 2 kids at BPC, one graduated and the other is in the upper school now (junior high). Both started in kindergarten. There are some amazing teachers at the school. The quality of the work that is done in English, history, math, and science is really outstanding, and it is not just because they are cherry-picking the brightest students. Music and drama are really excellent. The school embraces the 'socratic method' of teaching, which means that kids are taught to be inquisitive and to challenge assumptions, so kids don't learn how to flatter teachers, but do learn to be active participants in class discussions- a worthy trade-off in my opinion. Drawbacks: the small size of the lower school can make things difficult socially, since the pool of potential friends is small. Not all teachers are outstanding, and they are all unavoidable, due to the size of the school.
Despite it's location in the heart of Berkeley and a slightly Bohemian feel, BPC has an emphasis on traditional academics, combined with a strong arts program. The Socratic method (or learning by discovery) is basic philosophy. Students take violin/cello and drama classes during school. Visual and performing arts integrated into the very organized cirriculum. Sports program suffers. The afterschool program is adequate with a good variety of classes, but lacking a 'cozy' place and opportunities for independant art projects. The parents are very active and social, lots of University-types, artists, small business people. There are no social strata based on income, working moms feel welcome, materialism is not rampant among kids. Administration is the most open of any school I looked at, although I don't always agree with relatively academic approach to learning and behavioral problems. A low-pressure option for smart/ motivated/ creative kids.
Black Pine Circle is a small school that uses a Socratic philosophy to education. Therefore there is a lot of opportunity for kids to engage in discussions in school and many of the assignments are thought provoking a creative. The social environment among the students is very positive. The quality of the teachers is uneven. Some are not being successful in engaging students. Communication with families is fair but could be more specific and proactive. Overall, it is an academically challanging environment where students have a chance to navigate the start of adolescence in an environment that is small and supportive. Great enrichment opportunities. Great math teacher in the upper grades.
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