$5 Million in Gifts Will Benefit Berkeley Teachers and Programs

Two Berkeley families are making transformational investments in teachers and programs. Berkeley is deeply grateful to the Shah Family and the Taneja Family for generously contributing a total of $5 million to Berkeley’s endowment during the 2024-2025 school year. Specifically, these gifts will support teaching excellence, ensuring Berkeley teachers receive the support they need to provide an outstanding education to over 1,400 students.

Nita and Rupesh Shah made their $3 million dollar gift to the Berkeley Endowment for Teaching Excellence, which helps attract, develop, and retain the most skilled, committed, and forward-thinking educators from around the world. The couple says they believe deeply in Berkeley’s mission to develop future generations academically, morally, and socially—and in the essential role that Berkeley’s nearly 300 teachers play in that mission. “Having lived in the Tampa community for over 40 years, we’ve witnessed the profound impact Berkeley has had on the education and growth of the children in our family and among our friends,” they say. “The school consistently fosters well-rounded individuals who go on to serve their communities with professionalism, compassion, and a spirit of philanthropy. Our endowment gift is a way to help ensure that this legacy of excellence continues for generations to come.”

With their $2 million gift, Supriya Taneja along with Manju and Jugal Taneja chose a more specific opportunity for impact, establishing the Taneja Endowment for Teaching Excellence in Specialized Instruction. “Our family has always placed a high value on education, which is why we chose Berkeley for our children and grandchildren,” says Supriya Taneja on behalf of her family. “Berkeley’s reputation for academic excellence and its exceptional learning environment made it the ideal place for them to grow. Inspired by this experience, we established the endowment with the goal of helping Berkeley attract and retain the most skilled, innovative, and dedicated educators—those who elevate the academic experience for every student. We understand that top talent comes at a cost, and through this endowment, we hope to strengthen Berkeley’s ability to bring in world-class educators who might otherwise pursue opportunities elsewhere.”