“Is it possible to trace the history of a school back to informal classes held for neighborhood children?” The story of Berkeley Carroll School starts in 1883. Back then, Rev. Alfred C. Roe taught local kids in a “double villa” on Lincoln Place. This was before Berkeley Carroll even existed.
Officially, Berkeley Carroll School was chartered by New York State on April 12, 1886. It was initially named Berkeley Institute. The school aimed to educate young ladies. Bishop George Berkeley, an early supporter of American higher education, inspired the name.
In 1896, Berkeley Carroll had 190 students. The school started admitting boys in kindergarten through fourth grade. Many of these boys later attended Poly Prep. David A. Boody, a former Brooklyn mayor, helped build a three-story building with 13 classrooms. This building is now known as the “old building” at 181 Lincoln Place.
By 1917, Miss Ina Clayton Atwood became the headmistress. She held this role for 30 years. In those early days, girls attended academic classes in the morning. Afternoons were for physical education and team sports. Imagine girls playing basketball in dresses in the basement gym. The gym had low ceilings and support columns.
During the Great Depression and WWII, Berkeley Carroll faced challenges. A planned expansion was canceled in 1930 due to financial constraints. Despite this, the school continued to provide education.
The Montessori School of Brooklyn was established in 1966. It started with one teacher and 25 students. The school focused on Maria Montessori’s teaching methods.
In 1974, the Berkeley Institute became fully coeducational. John Ingersoll was the first male graduate. The Montessori School of Brooklyn purchased a building on Carroll Street.
In 1979, the Montessori School of Brooklyn changed its name to The Carroll Street School. By 1980, it added seventh and eighth grades.
The Berkeley Institute and The Carroll Street School merged in 1982. This created Berkeley Carroll School. It served students from PreK through 12th grade. There were 480 students.
Today, Berkeley Carroll enrolls over 900 students. The school values diversity and community engagement. It partners with various organizations to enhance learning.
In 2012, Berkeley Carroll eliminated Advanced Placement courses. This allowed for a more innovative curriculum. The school also implemented an iPad initiative. Berkeley Carroll was named a “School of the Future” by the National Association of Independent Schools.
Berkeley Carroll continues to focus on STEAM education. This integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The school aims to prepare students for the future.
Some notable alumni include chess grandmaster Fabiano Caruana and actress Sarah Paulson. Helen Gahagan Douglas was a congresswoman and actress. Margaret Farrar edited the New York Times crossword puzzle. Lois Lowry is a well-known author.
Berkeley Carroll stands as a testament to the power of education and community. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the school has shaped countless lives.