Bentley Lower and Middle School for Lafayette residents?
Our son started at Bentley Upper School this year and we are all really happy with the Bentley experience. We have also have an elementary age son and are now thinking about moving him to Bentley. However, we live in Lafayette, and we are concerned that he would be isolated and have a hard time with play dates, after-school activities, etc. because of the distance. We would love to hear from any other "through the tunnel" families about your experience with elementary and middle school. Thank you!
Feb 9, 2017
Parent Replies
We live in Berkeley, and daughter went to Bentley from kindergarten through middle school. I just looked back at some of the class lists, and I would say that 20 to 25% of the class came from Contra Costa County each year. We lived up on the North Berkeley/Albany border, and I'm not so sure the Lamorinda folks didn't have a shorter drive for school activities. As far as play dates/parties are concerned, we got used to driving to Piedmont, Alameda, and even Danville!
Both my sons went K-8 at Bentley and we had a great experience. The after school program was such an asset (and free until 6(?)). There were also many after school enrichment classes (not free). My kids took karate, cooking, art, and chess lessons (taught by Berkeley Chess Club), played sports, joined the board game club, and could have (but didn't) taken private music lessons. There were many adults on site after school and it was a calm, happy environment. They keep the kids so busy and engaged that there were almost no discipline problems during our entire time at Bentley. I got used to the commute which was usually 20-25 minutes one way from Orinda. I really thought Bentley was a great school and definitely worth the drive.