Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School is one of three public middle schools in Berkeley, California serving students in grades 6 through 8. At Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, teachers, staff, and families work together to create a dynamic learning community where every child is known and supported. This partnership results in high academic standards and excellent teacher morale. Teachers challenge their students with rigorous, creative and relevant projects throughout the year. There are many opportunities for students to explore and develop new interests in and out of the classroom.

Mission & Philosophy

At Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School teachers, staff, and families work together to create a dynamic learning community where every child is known and supported. The school uses a cohort model in which a vice principal, counselor, and two resource teachers follow the students from 6th to 8th grade, supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally.

The ideals of Dr. King guide the work of the staff. These ideals include: Equality, Academic Excellence, Community Action, Nonviolence, Respect for Self and Others, and Leadership based on Democratic Principles.

Principal Janet Levenson believes that the strength of the teaching community is the reason behind King’s success. “This staff implemented major educational reforms over the past few years and the fruits of their labor are evident in the school climate, test scores, and staff morale. This is a mostly veteran staff with the energy and curiosity and drive of brand new teachers. There is real commitment here.” 

King is the BUSD middle school with a newcomer program for children who arrive in Berkeley from another country. The teachers provide a strong foundation and support network for the students and their families and are constantly working to provide conversation and academic English language instruction. English Language Learner teacher Patty Rathwell happily claims, “Our Berkeley classroom truly represents the world with its myriad of languages, traditions and religions.”

The King LEARNS After School Program offers a wide range of opportunities for students including intramural and competitive sports, theater activities, dance classes, sewing, gardening, homework tutoring, and much more.

King Counseling Department

We are excited to get to know you during your time here at King. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students. We are here to support and empower you. 

Each grade has a designated school counselor who will advance with you each year. Our restorative justice counselor works with all grade levels. We are available to meet with any student for individual check-ins. Common concerns that students seek support for include academic achievement, peer challenges, identity, divorce, depression and many other topics. We also lead groups on a variety of topics such as anxiety, grief and loss, queer and questioning and trauma. You may see us on campus running assemblies, leading lunchtime clubs, running circles in your classrooms and bringing school spirit to community building events. 

For students who need extra support, we are willing to pass along referrals for outside therapy for those who may benefit from weekly mental health support. We’re excited to support you academically, socially and emotionally during your time here at King!