Apple Distinguished School

Berkeley earned Apple Distinguished School status in September 2021. Incorporating technology into innovative learning and teaching at Berkeley is so essential that we have included it within the primary goal of our strategic plan. The goal, A Transformative Educational Journey, is supported by strategies that invite students to be the central participants in the learning process, becoming adept at critical thinking, goal setting, and reflection. Technology facilitates a dynamic learning environment that offers students a high degree of personal engagement through activities such as debate, role-playing, online discussion, concept mapping, and think-pair-share. Teachers model a growth mindset by using iPads and MacBooks to deliver prompt, personalized feedback to students in and out of the classroom. Apple technology gives our students the tools they need to shape their future. 

Apple technology in the hands of all Berkeley students, and technology in every classroom centers the learner in their education. Berkeley’s Apple Teachers leverage the most powerful learning tools in history to engage students in a shared experience of discovery that gives reality to the promise of a transformative education. The results are nothing short of phenomenal. Science teachers collaborate with music teachers to allow students to see and measure the relationship between pitch and frequency. When social distancing stopped live performances, theatre students produced a feature film in place of a stage production. From a Pre-K student using an iPad to photograph then study the structure of a leaf, to an orchestra student using his or her MacBook Pro to record and edit a self-duet, Berkeley students use technology to make learning personal and meaningful. The Center for Science, Engineering, and Technology contains 3D printers, green screens, and robotics that enhance our Lower Division STEAM curriculum and invites students to become innovative problem solvers. Kindergarteners used the center to create public service announcements about extreme weather conditions as part of a lesson plan on the weather. Using The Center for Environmental Research and Experiential Science, combined with our state-of-the-art fabrication studio, digital lab, and the latest digital tools, Middle Division students brainstorm creative solutions to real-world problems and then prototype their ideas. The Center for Advanced Experiential Learning gives students hands-on experience in medicine, law, and business. 

100% of Berkeley teachers have earned their Apple Teacher designation. Their knowledge of Apple products like GarageBand, iMovie, and Pages has transformed the classroom environment to become more interdisciplinary and experiential resulting in students grasping new information better. Products like these allow students to grow beyond a textbook or white board. 

Learning did not pause when a global pandemic stopped us from being together physically. We were able to shift into a remote learning model without delay because 100% of our students in grades 6-12 own an Apple laptop. Click here 

Learn more about how technology is innovating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Divisions.