Karl S. Bernhardt was educated at the universities of Toronto and Chicago, receiving his PH.D. from the latter in 1933. For thirty years he was associated with the Institute of Child Study of the University of Toronto, holding positions of Assistant Director (1936 to 1960), Director (1960-1964), and Director Emeritus (1964 to his death in 1967).
David K. Bernhardt, the son of Dr. Karl Bernhardt, is adjunct professor of Psychology, Carleton University.