Upper Division Academics

Berkeley Upper Division students (in ninth to twelfth grade) flourish in an atmosphere akin to a small liberal arts college, where unmatched advantages and enriching challenges create leaders of impact, integrity, and character. From advanced academics, to global opportunities, to service experiences, and more, Upper Division prepares students to enter the world with a clear direction and a strong sense of morality, ethics, and social responsibility. 

For a detailed look at our courses, read through the Upper Division Curriculum Guide, and check out how Berkeley students excel in these unique academic programs by viewing our School Profile.

In Upper Division, Students Can Experience:

• ambitious academics through AP®, Honors, and Advanced Topics courses, as well as a three-year Global Scholars program
• advanced experiential learning in institutes dedicated to business, law, health sciences, pre-med, national security, journalism and communications, and theatre 
• financial education through the Lasher Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
• STEAM-related courses in the Diasti Family Robotics Lab, the Best Family Multimedia Production Classroom, and the Smith Fabrication Studio
• meaningful leadership opportunities as class representatives, prefects, peer tutors, campus guides, and within Spiritual Life, the Leadership Academy at Berkeley, and the Student-Athlete Leadership Program
• an immense array of co-curricular activities, such as athletic teams (including beach volleyball, rowing, golf, and swimming & diving) and clubs (including a nationally ranked Debate Team and music groups such as the Beatitones male a cappella singers)
• international travel to Spain, Italy, Ireland, the Dominican Republic, and more
• personalized college counseling, beginning in tenth grade
• self-directed community service initiatives 
• learning supported by Apple technology 

Students entering Upper Division who are new to Berkeley are invited to the Berkeley Bridge Program, a one-week program that aims to prepare incoming ninth grade students for the first day of school by allowing them to meet their peers, become familiar with the campus, and practice important learning skills.