Compare International Schools in Berkeley, United States

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley – Middle School Campus

Instructs in French, English

Ages 2 - null years

Fees $38,150 - 43,200

Pupils 420

Type Co-educational

Located at 901 Grayson Street, Berkeley, Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley's Middle School Campus sits within a bilingual immersion school serving 400+ students from early years through 8th grade. The Middle School delivers an international bilingual curriculum taught in English and French, with dedicated ELA courses in both languages and cross-language skill integration. Students also study a third language, Spanish or Mandarin, with tailored support. The Singapore Math approach anchors the math program and is delivered by bilingual teams, aligned with CCSS and the French Ministry of Education standards. The school emphasizes differentiation, language development, and cross-disciplinary learning across science, history, geography, and the arts, including theatre taught in French by native speakers. Beyond academics, EB supports social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and student leadership. Notable extracurriculars include a robust arts program (theatre, visual arts, music) and service activities; field trips to cultural centers; and the TEDxYouth@EB event, reflecting strong global citizenship.

Location

Located in the heart of South-West Berkeley. The Middle School Campus is at 901 Grayson Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. It sits across from the Berkeley Bowl West grocery store and is about a half mile from the I-80 Ashby exit.

Stages

Grades 6-8.

Type

Private bilingual day school

Additional learning support

Differentiation is core to classroom instruction; students receive additional challenge and support based on their individual needs.

School day structure

Middle School day: 8:20 a.m. – 3:35 p.m. Extended Day care runs from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Application & enrollment fees
- There is no separate, one-time application fee listed. A non-refundable reservation (enrollment) deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition is required to finalize enrollment or re-enrollment; this deposit is non-refundable.

Tuition (2026–2027) — annual amounts by year group
- Preschool and Kindergarten: USD 38,150.
- Grades 1–5 (Lower School): USD 39,015.
- Grades 6–8 (Middle School, including the Middle School Accelerated French Program): USD 43,200.

Tuition — payment installments and example amounts for Middle School (Grades 6–8, USD 43,200)
- Basis for installment calculations: after payment of the 10% non-refundable reservation deposit (10% of USD 43,200 = USD 4,320), the remaining balance (90% = USD 38,880) may be scheduled using one of four payment options. The payment options, associated fees, interest and discounts below are the school's published options.

- Option 1 — Single annual payment (one payment due in June):
- Remaining balance: USD 38,880.
- One-time early-payment discount: USD 100 (applied when this option is used), so the single payment would be USD 38,780 (plus any required tuition-refund-insurance premium when applicable). The Blackbaud annual fee for tuition management is paid by the school for this option.

- Option 2 — Two equal payments (June and September):
- Remaining balance: USD 38,880.
- Two equal payments: USD 19,440 each (plus the Blackbaud Tuition Management annual fee of USD 50).

- Option 3 — Four equal payments (June, July, August, September):
- Remaining balance: USD 38,880.
- Four equal payments: USD 9,720 each (plus the Blackbaud Tuition Management annual fee of USD 50).

- Option 4 — Twelve equal monthly payments (June through May):
- Remaining balance: USD 38,880.
- Monthly payments without interest would be USD 3,240; a 5% per annum interest charge applies to this plan (reduced to 1.50% per annum for families receiving Tuition Assistance or Bourses Scolaires). This plan also incurs a USD 50 Blackbaud Tuition Management annual fee.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school's billing cycle begins in June each year; after paying the required 10% non-refundable reservation deposit at enrollment or re-enrollment, families select one of the four payment options for the remaining balance. Payment-option fees and interest (where applicable) apply as published.

Boarding fees
- No boarding program is operated at this school; the school is a private bilingual day school. There are no boarding fees.

Other required and optional costs
- Tuition refund insurance: 1.4% of annual tuition. This insurance is mandatory for a family's first year at the school and optional thereafter; the premium equals 1.4% of the tuition amount (for Grades 6–8, 1.4% of USD 43,200 = USD 604.80).
- Extended Day Package (annual; unlimited morning and afternoon care during school days): USD 2,250 (optional).
- Extended Day drop-in rate: USD 14.04 per hour (optional).
- School Breaks Package (day camps for Fall, Winter and Spring break during the school year): USD 1,250 (optional).
- Hot lunch (per meal; subject to change): USD 6.75 to USD 7.25.
- Optional overnight field trips (grades 5, 7 and 8): USD 2,650 (typical optional overnight trip cost).
- Overnight field trips that are required for certain grades (grades 3, 4 and 6): ranges from USD 695 to USD 1,370. (Grade 6 appears among the grades with required overnight trip costs.)
- After-school activities: costs vary by program and are billed separately.
- One-time enrollment fee (applies to Preschool and Lower School only): USD 1,950; the one-time enrollment fee is not listed as a required fee for Middle School. The Middle School Accelerated French Program notes a waiver of the one-time enrollment fee for AFP applicants.
- No separate uniform fee is listed among the school's published required or optional fees.

Refund information
- The 10% reservation deposit is non-refundable. Tuition-refund coverage is available via tuition refund insurance (premium 1.4% of tuition) and is mandatory for a family's first year; families may use the tuition-refund insurance for qualifying claim situations as provided by the insurer's terms.

Fee payment options and accepted payment methods
- Tuition and fees are processed through Blackbaud Tuition Management; Blackbaud accepts credit card payments. Depending on the chosen payment plan, the school or family may be responsible for the Blackbaud annual management fee (USD 50 for most payment plans; the school pays the fee for the single-payment option). A 5% per annum interest charge applies to the 12-month plan (1.50% per annum for families receiving Tuition Assistance or Bourses Scolaires).

Summary example for a new Middle School (Grade 6–8) family paying under the single-payment option (first year)
- Annual tuition: USD 43,200.
- Reservation deposit (10%, non-refundable) due at enrollment: USD 4,320.
- Remaining balance: USD 38,880. One-time early-payment discount for the single-payment option: USD 100, so the balance payment would be USD 38,780.
- Tuition refund insurance (first year, 1.4%): USD 604.80.
- Total paid in initial transactions (reservation deposit + single balance payment + tuition-refund premium) = USD 43,704.80 (this equals tuition plus tuition-refund premium minus the USD 100 early-payment discount).

Curriculum

Middle School uses an international bilingual curriculum taught in English and French. Students become fully bilingual and biliterate, with dedicated French and English Language Arts courses and cross-language skill integration. A third language is offered (Spanish or Mandarin Chinese) with tailored support. Social studies includes a bilingual French-English block and a history/geography block taught in French, aligned with standards. The math program continues Singapore Math principles and is taught in both English and French by two teachers, aligned to CCSS and the French Ministry of Education standards. Differentiation is core to instruction, and some content areas such as theatre are taught in French by native speakers.

Gifted and Talented

Accelerated French Program is available for exceptionally motivated sixth-grade students without prior French language background. Differentiation is a core instructional approach to support advanced learners.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Middle School SEL curriculum emphasizes community-building and positive self-identity. It recognizes that successful 21st‑century learners talk, think, and relate to others and the world around them. Restorative Justice principles shape the approach, with attention to social justice inside and outside the classroom. Students learn conflict-resolution, effective listening, and communication skills.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Differentiation is core to classroom instruction. Students receive additional challenge and support based on their individual needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language study supports bilingualism in French and English. Students become fully bilingual and biliterate in French and English, with dedicated courses for French and English Language Arts. French-speaking specialists teach certain content areas, and students also learn a third language in Middle School, choosing between Spanish or Mandarin Chinese with tailored language-learning support.

Mental Wellbeing

SEL supports mental wellbeing by building community, promoting positive self-identity, and teaching listening and communication skills. The program uses Restorative Justice principles to foster social justice and constructive conflict resolution inside and outside the classroom.

Safeguarding

All Are Welcome! (Anti-Discriminatory Policy): EB does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. This policy applies to all programs, services, facilities, including applications, admissions, and employment.

History

EB was founded in 1977 by Bill and Mijo Horwich, with Christine Leigh-Taylor and David Weber, after planning meetings in 1976. An entity was formed and EB qualified as a nonprofit, with Jeannette Rouger as the first head of school. It opened in fall 1977 with six teachers, 50 students, and 10 nationalities, in a building at Heinz and Ninth. The Middle School opened in 1988 and moved to 901 Grayson Street in 1991. Today EB serves more than 400 students from Toute Petite Section through 8th grade, with more than 60 nationalities represented in the community.

Community

EB sits in South-West Berkeley, a vibrant historic neighborhood, and the Middle School Campus is at 901 Grayson Street. The campus highlights include a bilingual library, science and art lab, a basketball court, an outdoor student lounge, and an outdoor stage with sound and lights. EB's community is diverse and inclusive, with parents from more than 60 nationalities invited to participate as active members. The neighborhood features nearby eateries, gyms, and EB alumni businesses such as Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Acme Bread Company, and Paper Plus!, with a biking-friendly environment.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

There is an active Parents' Association whose goal is to build positive school spirit and nurture communication between PA members, the school administration, faculty, and the Board of Trustees. There are no dues and all parents are automatically members. Parents can volunteer as Room Representatives and support teachers with field trips, prep work, and other activities; Annual Fund volunteers are also involved. The PA organizes major events such as La Place du Marché and the Gala, and ongoing involvement opportunities are shared via askpa@eb.org.

Facilities Overview

The Middle School Campus is part of Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, a bilingual immersion school where students learn in French and English. Bilingualism is integrated into daily school life, with content areas taught in French and English and some classes led by native French-speaking specialists. Language study ensures students are fully bilingual and biliterate in French and English, with dedicated courses for French and English Language Arts and language integrated across science, history, geography, and the arts. In middle school, students also learn a third language, choosing between Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. The campus is located at 901 Grayson Street, Berkeley, CA 94710.

Sports Facilities

Physical Education and the athletics program foster self-confidence through exercise and sports, with an emphasis on sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. Students can participate in co-ed team sports by season: flag football (autumn), basketball (winter), and volleyball (spring). The EB Jaguars compete against other local independent schools and hold 60 league championship titles. The program centers on having fun while learning and improving athletic ability through health-related activities.

Academic Facilities

Bilingualism in middle school is a central approach to learning the international curriculum. Students become more sophisticated learners who are conscious of their learning and language processes and are comfortable shifting between languages of instruction throughout the day. Some content areas, such as theater, are taught in French by native French-speaking specialists, with additional French practice through courses taught by French-speaking teachers. Differentiation is core to classroom instruction, with students receiving additional challenge and support based on their individual needs. Mathematics uses Singapore Math principles taught in English and French by two teachers, aligning with CCSS and French Ministry standards, while science emphasizes inquiry-based learning and cross-disciplinary STEAM connections.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Middle Schoolers go on frequent field trips to the Bay Area's cultural and artistic centers, including Catalina Island (Grade 6), Washington, D.C. (Grade 7), and France (Grade 8). Service learning and trips emphasize citizenship and community engagement, with initiatives such as environmental protection, feeding the hungry, and promoting social justice. The school hosts TEDxYouth@EB, a student-focused event featuring live speakers, TED talk videos, and small-group activities. The arts program includes Theater, Visual Arts, and Music, with bilingual instruction and opportunities for performance and art appreciation. The Middle School also emphasizes social-emotional learning and restorative justice as core components of the experience.

Academic & Intellectual

The Middle School Campus offers a bilingual English–French program. The middle school years develop a student's identity and sense of belonging while building independent thinkers who can articulate their views and respect others. The international curriculum emphasizes rigorous skill development, critical thinking, and empathy for perspectives from around the world.

Arts & Creative

The school fosters arts education with theater, visual arts, and music taught by specialists. Students explore creative practice and theory, develop performance and production skills, and engage with different artistic media in both French and English.

Cultural & Language

Language study is central to daily learning. Students become fully bilingual and biliterate in French and English, with dedicated courses for both languages and integration of language skills across science, history, geography, and the arts. In middle school, students also choose a third language—Spanish or Mandarin Chinese—with tailored support.

Social & Hobbies

The school emphasizes project-based learning that develops communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students participate in activities and courses that foster curiosity, teamwork, and social engagement across disciplines.

Community & Service

Service and citizenship are emphasized through field trips and community-focused initiatives that connect classroom learning to real-world impact.

Leadership & Professional

The program supports leadership and professional skills through a bilingual framework and opportunities for student-driven inquiry, collaboration, and presentation across subjects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical education and athletics build confidence, teamwork, and health through season-based co-ed team sports and related activities.

Language Provision

The school teaches a bilingual program in which students become fully bilingual and biliterate in French and English. There are dedicated courses for French and English Language Arts, and the French and English teachers harmonize skill development across languages. Students learn in content areas such as science, history, geography, and the arts in both languages; a social studies block is taught by a bilingual teacher in French and English, and a history/geography block is taught in French. In Middle School, students choose a third language between Spanish or Mandarin Chinese and receive tailored support in acquiring their next language.

Bilingual Teaching

The school uses bilingual teaching in middle school. Language study is fully bilingual and biliterate in French and English. There are dedicated courses for French and English Language Arts, and French-speaking specialists teach other subjects; theatre is taught in French by a native French speaker, and French-language practice is reinforced across subjects.

Immersion Programs

Middle School AFP can be fully integrated into the bilingual immersion program based on aptitude. AFP provides 40% daily instruction in French and 60% in English, with six accelerated French classes per week; PE and music are conducted in French. A third language is introduced, with options for Spanish or Mandarin, and students may access full integration into the bilingual immersion program depending on aptitude.

Admissions

1. Start by filling out an inquiry form and registering for an admissions event. This helps EB learn about your child's needs and your family's goals. You will have the opportunity to attend on-campus visits or interactive events to learn about EB's bilingual program. Space for the 2026-2027 school year is limited, so timely registration is encouraged. 2. All families participate in a virtual meeting with the Director of Admissions. Kindergarten applicants have an additional in-person 30-minute play-based interaction on campus with the child and parents. Applicants to older grades may have an assessment or a half-day classroom visit, depending on grade and circumstances. No preparation is required; simply ensure the child has had a good night's sleep and a snack before the scheduled time. 3. Kindergarten applicants participate in a group observation session typically held in February. For older grades, an assessment or a classroom observation is arranged according to grade and circumstance. There is no need to prepare the child; arrive rested with a snack. In some cases, the Director of Admissions may observe your child in a familiar environment with parental authorization. 4. Acceptance notifications are emailed in March; the exact date may vary by year. Accepted families have one week to decide. To finalize enrollment, families sign an enrollment agreement and pay a 10% reservation fee of the annual tuition. The school's billing cycle begins in June and offers multiple payment options. 5. Re-enrollment occurs by issuing a new parent agreement for the following school year at the end of January, with a 10% reservation fee due when signing the agreement (typically by February 15).

Scholarships

Need-based tuition assistance is available. Between 35% and 40% of EB families receive some form of tuition assistance. Tuition assistance can cover up to 55% of tuition, including overnight field trips. French families residing in the United States can apply for Bourses Scolaires, a government program that can cover up to 100% of tuition.

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Compare International Schools in Berkeley, United States

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

School day structure

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Facilities Overview

Sports Facilities

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

Immersion Programs

Admissions

Scholarships

Filters

Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

Other Approaches

Language of instruction