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.

One of the things I love about Bentley is how we encourage students throughout their time here to find something they’re truly passionate about that they can pursue after they graduate.

DR. JASON CHANG ‘91, FORMER UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER

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. In the Middle School, Student Government officers work to improve student life, organize student events, and coordinate service projects to give back to the community, both on campus and off. 

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.

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. 

SERVICE LEARNING

As part of the Bentley Promise to “be a citizen of the world in all the best senses,” Bentley students are encouraged and required to participate in service learning. 

We believe that by giving back to the community outside of the classroom, students learn the importance of volunteer commitments. A total of 60 service hours are required for graduation; It is recommended that students complete at least 15 of these service hours per year.