Black Pine Circle School is a private, non-profit elementary and middle school in West Berkeley. It offers a series of workshops in the Sierra Nevada and a weeklong field trip to Yosemite. The school prides itself on its Socratic method of instruction, based on inquiry and questioning. History of philosophy is part of the eighth-grade curriculum. Detailed curriculum material is available on the school's website, including grading standards and planned textbooks. About 30 percent of students receive financial aid of up to 75 percent of tuition. There is a 10 percent sibling discount. Extended-day programs are available. John Carlstroem is the school's head.