Berkshire School is renowned for its commitment to providing a comprehensive athletic program. Approximately 425 students participate in a total of 17 team sports across three seasons. The teams are evenly divided between girls' and boys' teams, with the exception of mountain biking and freestyle skiing, which are coed.
Among its many athletic facilities, the Stewart Athletic Center stands out. It was named after Jackman Stewart, a longtime Berkshire athletic director who also served as the school’s dean of students, dean of admissions, and director of development. The Stewart Center features two ice hockey rinks (one Olympic size and one NHL Regulation size), as well as 14 locker rooms, a full athletic training suite, a fitness center, and various conference rooms and offices.
One of the ice hockey rinks can be converted into 4 indoor tennis courts. The Athletic Center also hosts campus events such as choral festivals and the school's commencement.
Stewart Athletic Center Fitness Center
Design and Functionality of the Hockey Rink
The Jackman L. project aimed to design a multi-purpose sports facility that would support all seasonal field sports while also incorporating a two-rink ice arena. A key challenge was how to separate the two rinks acoustically and functionally.
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To accomplish this, the design provided for a four-level, central service spine/core to accommodate Competitor Spaces at Ice Level 1 with separate team entrances and corridors from locker rooms to benches. Also included is a Spectator Concourse at Entry Level 2 which connects front and rear entrances, and acoustically isolating the rinks. There is a Press Box Level 3 serving both rinks with Rink 2 side glass-enclosed.
Focal points of the structure are the exterior building form and the lobby. The exterior shape divides a long curved roof into two sections, both sloping to within 12 feet of grade. Seen from the lower driveway approach, the building blends into the Berkshire foothills beyond.
Berkshire’s campus site for this new sports complex allowed for a tiered approach to site planning with the rink at the top rear of the visual framework.
Visit the Athletic Facilities
Berkshire Bruins Youth Hockey
Berkshire Bruins Youth Hockey, located in Pittsfield, MA, is a proud member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires. They offer hockey programs for all ages from Learn to Skate to Bantam level hockey. With a focus on development, discipline, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, they welcome both beginners and experienced players to join their organization.
As a unique feature, the Berkshire Bruins' hockey rink is situated on the third floor of a building, making it the only rink of its kind.
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Learn to Skate & Play Program
The Learn To Skate & Play program is an ideal way to introduce your child to ice skating. This program is primarily for non-skaters and offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basic skating under the guidance of seasoned coaches. The program is designed for children ages 4-7 years old.
Learn to Skate & Play lessons are held at the Jackman L. Participants are advised to bring their skater dressed to play, with the exception of skates and helmet. If the skater can access it independently, a water bottle is also recommended. Crates are provided for skaters who are not yet independent.
Sticks are optional but should only be used for skaters who can stand and skate independently. After skaters are assessed, a learn to skate section is run on one end and a learn to play section on the other end of the ice. Skaters can be moved between groups as their skills progress throughout the season. There is no pressure - this is purely for fun!
Learn to Skate and Play Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my skater need all the hockey gear?
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A: Yes! Since there will be pucks on the ice we require all skaters to be in proper protective hockey gear. Plus, falling down can hurt! Falling in pads is much better and your skater will have a more enjoyable experience.
Q: Where can we find all that gear?
A: The Rattlers run an equipment swap in September. Friends and family are also a great resource. You can find used gear at stores like Instant Replay in Pittsfield, Play It Again Sports or Wesco Sports Center. New gear can be purchased through hockey stores like Pure Hockey, Hockey Monkey, or general sport’s stores like Dick’s. Some stores even sell hockey packages where you can order all gear together (Check specifics as helmet & skates are usually not included).
Q: Do we have to attend every skate session?
A: The more sessions you attend the quicker your skater becomes independent and the more fun skating is! Saturday & Sunday ice times will be posted each week but we know families have commitments. Join us as often as you are able!
Q: Can I go out on the ice with my skater?
A: We are always looking for coaches. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us.
Q: I have an older child who skates with the Rattlers. Can they come out on the ice to help?
A: Unfortunately we can’t have siblings out on the ice, there will be a lot of skaters! Later in the season coaches will invite older players to help out with LTP. We also encourage past Rattlers (high school/college) to join our student coach program!
Q: Where can we get skates sharpened?
A: Skates can be sharpened right at Berkshire School! Just leave $5 in your skates and place them on the Rattlers rack. The amazing rink staff will sharpen them for you!
Other Athletic Facilities and Campus Amenities
In addition to the Stewart Athletic Center, Berkshire School boasts the Soffer Athletic Center, which serves as the school's gymnasium. It features two basketball/volleyball courts, 10 squash courts, a 60-foot climbing wall, a dance studio, as well as exercise areas, locker rooms, and offices.
The school also offers various academic and recreational facilities, including:
- The Arthur C. The Morgan/Bellas/Dixon Math and Science Center (2012)
- Berkshire Hall (renovated 2006)
- The Geier Library
- The Kennard Visual Arts Center (2013)
- The Music Center (2011)
- The Rovensky Student Center
- The Solar Field
Former Hockey Rink: Rovensky Field House
The Rovensky Field House, the former hockey rink that had been vacant since the construction of the Stewart Athletic Center three years prior, was torn down on June 7. Built in 1960 and renovated in 1998, it was a cold, cavernous structure that in the spring was converted to indoor tennis courts and in the summer was the home of the Berkshire Choral Festival. Both functions now take place on what is the east rink of the Stewart Center, where Prize Night is also held.
According to Head of School Mike Maher, the site will be reconditioned and landscaped as a courtyard.
Student Body and Faculty
About 87% of Berkshire's 430 students are boarders, while 13% are day students. Students come from 30 states and 39 countries, with 77 international students comprising 18% of the student body. In addition to grades 9-12, Berkshire offers a post-graduate year. 71% of the 101 faculty live on campus, and 68% have advanced academic degrees.
Berkshire’s academic year is divided into trimesters with a week-long winter session. In 2023-24, day student tuition was $55,400 with an additional $2,000 in fees, while boarding tuition was $73,200.