Academics
Lower School

Our Approach

The Bentley motto – Scire Desidero: I Desire to Know – informs every student’s academic journey, our collective respect for diverse perspectives, and the community’s enthusiasm for learning. 

Lower School: I desire to know the world

The Lower School (Grades K-5) curriculum is supportive, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate. Faculty members set the foundation for academic and personal success by helping students develop both a deep knowledge base and healthy social and emotional growth. They individualize teaching, using a combination of direct instruction, independent practice, hands-on learning, cooperative group work, and individual conferencing to ensure each student's intellectual growth and reasoning. 

In addition to establishing an important academic foundation for our youngest learners, we are committed to providing students with wide exposure to art, music, and world languages. In keeping with the philosophy that a healthy body supports a healthy mind, health and wellness classes develop physical fitness and students participate in dance and other performances.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Jacquie Escher

    Jacquie Escher 

    K-8 Director
  • Photo of Lindsey Sykes

    Lindsey Sykes 

    Assistant Director of Lower School

K - 8 Campus

1 Hiller Drive
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512

9 - 12 Campus

1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-2101