Believe in Bertschi

Brigitte Bertschi had a vision. She could see a school that would give children the opportunity to learn in a creative, challenging environment within a nurturing, diverse community. A school that would encourage problem solving, foster self-confidence and engage the whole child. In 1975, Brigitte opened the doors to Bertschi School, a one-room pre-school with 15 students.

Today, Bertschi enrolls more than 220 students in grades pre-kindergarten through five, on a campus of six buildings spanning an entire city block. Its educational program weaves together academic achievement, emotional maturity and social responsibility and provides students with an integrated, interdisciplinary learning experience.

From the start, Bertschi School has been infused with Brigitte’s passion and vision. Now the Board of Trustees is supporting her transition from Head of School in 2013 with gratitude and optimism, and full confidence that her work will continue under new leadership. In preparation for the next chapter in the school’s history, the Board is committed to securing additional resources which will enable Bertschi School to respond to the changing needs of the future, and perpetuate its founder’s vision.

Believe in Bertschi will secure the legacy of the school for generations to come. By investing in the fundamental pillars of the school – people and place – we will strengthen the long-term financial stability of Bertschi. Over the next four years, this initiative will fund the construction of the Living Building Science Wing (Believe in Bertschi: Where Science Lives) and significantly increase the school’s endowment (Believe in Bertschi: Look Forward, Give Back).