Student Life
Student Leadership Opportunities
Cultivating Leaders
Bentley School offers students the opportunity to explore all facets of leadership and supports the notion that students may lead from any position in a group or organization.
From serving as the spokesperson of a group project to writing a proposal for starting a new club, students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills every day. Bentley has a robust set of leadership opportunities for students in each grade level and programs such as Student Government, Peer Counseling, Peer Tutoring, Affinity Groups, and Clubs offer unique spaces for students to cultivate their skills and serve their community.
As students' understanding of leadership deepens, they are encouraged to step into roles and take risks in order to hone their developing leadership skill set.
As students' understanding of leadership deepens, they are encouraged to step into roles and take risks in order to hone their developing leadership skill set.
DR. JASON CHANG ‘91, UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER
One of the things I really love about Bentley is how we really encourage students throughout their time here to find something they’re truly passionate about that they can pursue after they graduate.
Student Government
The Upper School Student Government is made up of five officers elected by the student body and a number of enthusiastic representatives from each grade. The two student body presidents are supported by a treasurer, a secretary, and a Chief of Operations. Student Government works to assess student needs and enhance student life and coordinates various events throughout the year, including dances, spirit week, fundraisers, and prom.
Peer Tutoring
The Peer Tutoring program provides Bentley students an opportunity to meet with fellow students and ask questions related to their course material. This program thoughtfully connects students who would like additional support in their classes to peers and on-campus study groups. Upper School tutors are paired with Lower or Middle School students on the Oakland campus or fellow Upper Schoolers on the Lafayette campus. Tutors are positioned to guide, encourage, and support the learning process, and the close relationships formed throughout this experience support a healthy and thriving academic community.
Peer Counseling
The Peer Counselors are a group of juniors and seniors who organize events centered around integrating the freshmen into the Upper School community. Throughout the year, they also host a number of different lunchtime and after- school activities designed to bring the community together. Highlights include campus-wide capture the flag, dodgeball night, painting with Bob Ross, and making dog toys for animal shelters.
Affinity Groups
The affinity groups at Bentley provide a safe and engaging space for our students to relate to each other through shared cultural and societal experiences. We believe in an environment of inclusion and acceptance. A few examples of affinity groups include:
- Jewish Student Union
- Black Student Union
- Women of Color
- Vanguard (For Young Black Men)
- Familia Latinx
- Bring Change 2 Mind
- Asian Pacific Heritage
- WE Lead (Women in Leadership)
- Spectrum (LGBTQ+)
Clubs & Organizations
Clubs bring people together who want to learn more about a shared interest. Bentley has a wide variety of leadership-based clubs and organizations. Students are also encouraged to start their own club if they are so inclined! The list below is a just sampling of what is offered:
- Admissions Ambassadors
- Arts Advocacy and Awareness
- Bring Change To Mind
- Cook Club
- Cultural Fusion Club
- Current Events Club
- Model UN
- Speech & Debate
- Young Investors Club
- And More!
