We highly recommend Bentley Upper School. Our son just finished his senior year, and the growth we've seen in him is hard to overstate. A few things that stood out to us: - Teachers truly see their students. Not just academically, but as whole people. -Creativity and rigor live side by side. Kids are pushed and trusted at the same time. - The culture encourages kids to show up as themselves. Our son found his voice here. - He's felt held, seen, supported, challenged, and loved. He arrived still figuring out his relationship to learning. He's leaving curious, confident, proud of who he's become, and headed to Harvard in the fall. That outcome is a credit to the teachers and culture here, and to what this school does for kids when they're given the space to find themselves. read more

This review is based solely on the tennis courts. This is our 2nd tennis tournament at Bentley and I love the nice and clean lay out. It's conveniently located off the freeway and very easy to find. After all, it is only 3 exits away from our house. I love that there are lots of trees surrounding the area, with beautiful blossoms. Early morning air is nice and refreshing. Might even convince myself to come out and take a nice stroll someday, which I rarely do. So good luck to me on that thought... Parking lot can get a little crowded when there are a lot of parents here to watch their kids play, but there is also street parking available. The people in charge of the tennis tournaments are good and fair. Unfortunately, seating arrangements aren't as comfortable as one would like, but it's a kids' tournament...we're not expecting pro tennis treatment. read more

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Opened in 1998 as an expansion for the middle school, the high school expands on the exceptional academics that the original school holds so paramount. This is one of the best private high schools in the area and has a very good matriculation rate especially for a school that is so new. The teachers here are also very good. It is located right next to HWY 24 and can be seen from the high way. It makes this school a good choice for your kids even if you live further away (not considering the traffic on 24, especially through the Caldecott Tunnel). The sports teams for the high school are not the best in the area but are still a good alternative for the students. The school boasts its own field and tennis courts. The buildings are painted with multiple colors which can look good to some but kind of odd to others. I personally am not a fan of the paint job. This is a great place to go to school. read more

The teachers were great, it is unfortunate that the administration isn't. Without pointing fingers, I want to warn parents of prospective students that we experienced a lack of ethical and moral behavior on the part of the administration. Before you throw all your eggs in the Bentley basket make sure you speak to families who have sent their children there and if they transferred out before graduating, find out why. It may take a little detective work, but you'll thank us. read more

My daughter has been attending Bentley upper school for a couple of years. These are the main issues: - Terrible high level school leaders/administration. Just look on Glassdoor and you can see for yourself. I have zero idea why the school board has allowed this to go on so long. - High teacher turnover due to above. The GREAT teachers leave (because they don't need to take such poor treatment). I am not sure if they try to retain these wonderful teachers - but the definitely don't do enough to keep them. We are then left with the bad teachers- until they eventually get fired (which usually takes too long) - They have terrible internet at the high school. During remote (covid period) this is ridiculous. They always say they will fix - but it never has gotten better. There is no excuse for this! We pay a ton of money - how come you can't get good internet? - Not enough AP classes for the high school. This leaves kids as not competitive when comparing to kids from other schools for college admission. To be clear, they do occasionally have some wonder staff, teachers and college counselors. The issue is that all the great ones often leave. To all the great teachers who have stayed: THANK YOU! We all appreciate you and our kids appreciate and love you!! read more

Top rate academics, but with a relaxed enviroment that allows students to grow into themselves. Unlike some other 'pressure cooker' schools in the area, Bentley is aware of a sort of balance that really makes a difference in the wellbeing of the students. Bentley is also striving to make improvements all the time, and is not content resting on their haunches - which we love to see. A fantastic school. read more

I went to Bentley for 13 years and got a great education. The school's community is strong and vibrant, and I'm honored to have come back and serve as a Trustee of the school. read more

I went to Bentley for two years and then transferred to Berkeley High School. Bentley ( in my opinion as well as my parents' ) Was the single biggest waste of money in our recent history. We didn't qualify for financial aid so we paid around 28 thousand dollars a year. The administration was completely berserk with it's conservative and unfounded policies about dress and attendance. The students didn't know how to have fun and most just sit around and study all day. After about a week at Berkeley High School, I realized that Bentley was completely overrated. The administration thinks it's competitive in sports but In all reality it's simply not. CPS And Head-Royce beat us in any game I ever watched, both with more interesting student bodies and more reasonable administrations. At Berkeley High school I took 6 IB classes junior year which are even more rigorous and educational than the very small selection of AP classes that Bentley offered. Disclaimer: This is based on my experience. I am a laid back guy who enjoys learning but with a purpose. I hate with administrations decide to punish the entire school for the actions of a select few. And the degree to which It's an unrealistic portrayal of how social relationships and communities work is actually ridiculous. Save yourself more than 40 GRAND, send your child to a cheaper school that's probably just as good even some public schools are better. Or if you want to spend that money send your child to Head-Royce or CPS. But most cities have wonderful alternatives in their public school systems (The exception being Oakland perhaps). Use that 40 grand to go on nice vacations instead. read more

The administration at Bentley is a joke to put it nicely. There is no organization and there is no communication. Changes are made last minute and without keeping the staff and students in mind. Do not buy into the facade and waste your money sending your kids to a school ran by such a pompous administration. read more

I have 2 kids currently at the US and it's been great for both of them. The teachers are dedicated, the top of their fields and accessible to students. Who got that in high school? The kids genuinely seem happy and they do work hard. Yes - you're going to pay - it is private school - so why bother trying to do an apples to apples comparison with public school. The admin is easy and open to deal with and I couldn't be prouder than to see my kids graduate from Bentley. read more

Amazing faculty; thoughtful, kind, and supportive. Fabulous courses that challenge students, but also allows for balance in their lives. What a great place where students can shine academically, excel on the playing field, and be known as an individual. Bentley has a fantastic academic program in every way. read more

The administration has negatively changed the school for the worse. Used to be super, but not anymore. They do NOT produce well-rounded individuals. They are more interested in placating those parents who contribute the most money. Save your money if you live in the Lamorinda area. Son transferred to Campolindo HS and said the experience was fantastic! Prepared him so much better for college (he's now at Purdue studying engineering). read more

The Bentley School community is amazing! The kids are kind to one another and extremely inclusive. The academic program sets the bar very high but also allows for a sense of balance. While there are several new faculty members this year, their energy and expertise adds to the overall positive culture. I'm so glad I am a part of this unique school. read more

My daughter thrives at Bentley. As a former public school teacher and administrator, I am impressed with Bentley's ability to implement its philosophy. The community is supportive, and the teachers are talented, committed and inspiring. The environment is positive and pretty chill. It is a gem, and we feel fortunate to have this opportunity for our child. Bottom line: the ​Best decision we could have made! read more

I have two kids at Bentley and they love it. The academics are rigorous, and serious, but they both seem stimulated and engaged rather than ground down. They take part in multiple sports, and the athletic program is fun, growing, and getting more competitive with every season. The facilities are great with a big new gym, sports field well-equipped, modern classrooms and a beautiful green campus. It's a community of great kids and their parents, who I believe feel involved and welcome at the school and its social life. I know we're giving our kids a world-class education, a great preparation for college and an ideal high school experience. Check it out yourself and you'll see what I mean. read more

Excellent school. Teachers are excellent and a great Head of School. My son loves attending classes there as well as being on a couple of the sports teams. read more

A fantastic high school. My oldest child has loved every minute of it and has thrived at Bentley.

We sent our son to Bentley from 2007 through 2011. He loved it. The faculty was fantastic. It's expensive but we got our money's worth.

A school that expands your horizons, gives you an edge, and creates educated individuals who will create positive changes in the world! Oh Bentley, where to start... I will start with the Pros and then move on to the Cons! Pros: - Student to teacher ratio is amazing, classes (rarely) exceed 15 students. - Teachers CARE! The teachers here WILL go the extra mile to help you out and do whatever it takes to help you be successful. If you are willing to put in the work that is. - College Counseling: This is a huge advantage that Bentley students receive. You are assigned a counselor who will guide you thought senior and junior year and help you navigate the chaotic waters that is applying for a higher education. - Students are offered a WIDE RANGE or subjects. This was one of my favorite parts about going here, as I was able to branch out to other subjects that i wouldn't of otherwise. - You have access to resources not available in many public schools. Weather this be materials, one on one time with teachers, connections, ext. - Community Service: Students MUST have a minimum of 60 hours of community service to graduate. This allows students to get involved, see parts of their community that they may have never seen before, and help people out. - Bullying and Drug use is kept under control! All schools, especially hight schools will have to deal with bullying and drugs, with that said Bentley has a ZERO tolerance policy. There is no space at Bentley for students who degrade others and or abuse drugs, if you fit that bill you wont last long. - Small classes makes for a more unified and tight nit class. My graduating class had 70 something kids in it, and we all knew each other very well. - You will always have a place to go... The school counseling center is AMAZING. I went there a couple of times during some dark days in high school. They are amazing listeners and will do WHATEVER it takes to help the students. - Freedom of Speech: Students here are able to speak and share their opinions in a safe environment. - NO UNIFORMS! :D Cons: - You miss out on the "Big School" experience. At Bentley you won't have big sports games, big dances, and other such big social events. - The Lunch Food... Bentley uses a catering service for the students lunch food, and its OK. - You don't get a sports class during school time. All sports credits must be earned after school hours. You will never have a gym period or anything like that. - A small class isn't always a good thing. Being in a small school can be hard socially. It limits the number of people you have to choose from to get to know and maybe to become close friends with. If you can't find someone, it can be hard. - Tuition: These schools cost A LOT! - No uniforms... if you like that kind of thing. Overall! I would do it all over again, Bentley has made me into the person I am today and given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams in life. Bentley has given me a well rounded education which is a huge boost in such a competitive world. I made close and lifelong friends and relationships with teachers who are supportive and have become mentors that i can ask for guidance from at any time. This school is a special place, hope you have the opportunity to experience it yourself! read more