Head-Royce School

I've been looking everywhere for a great private school, and after going to Bentley, Athenian(oh, that one was like a public school),and a few others, I felt awful. But then my parents enrolled me in HRS, and I was skeptical. But when I entered, it was like a whole new world. The teachers were amazingly knowledgeable, funny, accessible, and caring. The student body are all great friends, spirited, and smart.(generally, there are 2 or 3 that don't fit in to that category) The academics were rigorous and entertainingly taught. I'm graduating with a full scholarship to MIT with a scholarship next year, and I thank HRS for everything. I couldn't have done it without them.

The academics are what you would expect for the price tag on the education. However, there is so much more than the academics. The school s elitist and arrogant reputation is well deserved and permeates the environment. As noted by another reviewer, the school s enrollment has increased significantly and is well beyond its conditional use permit, resulting in formal action by the City. (The school has handled the problem by demonizing the neighbors who are understandably upset by the traffic, safety and lowered property values.) Despite the marketing photos, there is very little diversity. The community can be very gossipy (I read an email sent by a HR teacher (and parent) to other parents making disparaging comments about a HR student!), and there is a large landing pad for helicopter parents. If your child fits the mold , the school is a good fit. Otherwise, you may want to look to elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Class sizes in 9th grade are now up in the 20 student range. Certainly not what what we expected nor what we were told when considering our choices.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves the school !!!! Very kind and loving teachers! The lower school is amazing. All the teachers and specialists really get to know each child!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman at HRS, and I've been here since 6th grade.The teachers make this school great, as they are engaging and very creative. HRS also has a beautiful campus, top-quality athletic facilities and program, and a vast array of opportunities for everyone. From robotics to chorus to filmmaking, whatever you decide to pursue will be a quality offering. If you want to set your child up for success in college and life, Head Royce has the rigorous academic prestige and social opportunities to make it happen.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Head Royce in middle school and I hated it. Most of the teachers were very narrow-minded, encouraging earnest, po-faced political correctness rather than creativity and independent thought. In addition, their arts program is sorely lacking for any student who is serious about developing their craft.

I spent all thirteen years of lower, middle, and high school at Head-Royce and am extremely grateful for my parents' decision apply. There is such an array of fantastic, student-oriented, and dedicated teachers. The camaraderie and support provided by the other students, faculty, and staff helped me achieve my educational and career goals and allowed me the success now experience. I cannot recommend HRS more highly as a community that will nurture lifelong learning and moral character.

I am an eighth grader and have been going to Head Royce since kindergarten. The teachers are inspiring and approachable and the academics are challenging. If I am having trouble in a class, I simply meet with a teacher and have a meeting and build a schedule. I love Head Royce and the friendships and knowledge I have obtained from this school are unbelievable.
—Submitted by a student

My son has attended HRS since middle school and is now finishing high school at HRS and my daughter is now finishing the lower school and headed into the middle school. The lower school has been wonderful. The teachers are great and very child-focused. They get to know each child as an individual. The lower school provides a challenging atmosphere that is at the same time nuturing. They really work on teaching the children tolerance and critical thinking skills as well. To my surprise, the lower school is also very open to assisting children with learning differences. The middle school is more challenging, but the teachers provides a solid transition year in 6th grade. The high school is college prep and provides an exciting and challenging curriculum. No school is perfect, but HRS is very strong.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Head Royce 7th through 12th grade and found the experience to be nothing short of outstanding. I found Stanford to be a breeze, not because I was the smartest, but beacuase I was one of the bet prepared. I am still great friends with all of my high school classmates.
—Submitted by a student

I went to Head Royce. Veyr clicky, and I got bullied throughout my entire time at the school. Would not recommend Head Royce's academic and social standards to my worst enemy
—Submitted by a student

We have sent both our children to Head Royce since kindergarten. One is in high school; the other in middle school. No school is perfect but I give HRS high marks for providing a rounded experience. The lower school is loving and caring. In middle school, the expectations are raised but its manageable. The high school is demanding and academic with very small class sizes (For example: 9 students in a 10th grade chemistry class; 14 in English.) If your child is not a diligent and enthusiastic student, the high school can be a challenge. Our kids have made good friends at school and so have we. It is NOT all full of very wealthy people, although there are some. Paul Chapman, the head, promotes community service at every chance. We keep running into him at peace marches. We take this as a good sign.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Head Royce for 13 years (k-12) and I loved it. Honestly, I would return to high school in a second if I could - the teachers, administration, and student body are all outstanding. I'm currently attending an ivy and feel that Head Royce did an impressive job preparing me for both social and academic pursuits beyond high school. Send your children here. I thank my parents every chance I get
—Submitted by a former student

this school has too many students
—Submitted by a parent

I went to HRS from 4th grade all the way through my high school graduation in 2001. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2004, and will attend graduate school next fall. HRS set me on an academic path, and I am compelled to follow it. The academics gave me an excellent foundation and put me ahead of every one of my college classmates. The sports are generally well funded and supported, while the arts, last I checked, had to duke it out with each other (the music program ate the 3D art program, while photography seemed to have better equipment than film/video--but all were excellent). The parents are the only real problem. Many of them are rich and tossed their children to their nannies, and my mother refused to attend parent functions because of those types. I credit HRS with my academic success.
—Submitted by a former student

My daughter attended HRS grades 4-8, my son was there for middle school. I found the lower school close to ideal. The teachers were top notch, supported by a great group of specialists, and because of all this support, the classroom teacher is really able to focus on the individual needs of the 18 kids in their class. There was consistently an enthusiastic atmosphere of learning. However, I found the middle school rather mediocre. Although there are generally less than 20 kids in a class, the teacher has five classes or 20 and is therefore responsible for the needs of up to 100 individuals (and their paper work, etc ...) and the kids get a generic, uninteresting education in middle school. A big plus, in these competitive days, is auto acceptance into a reputable upper school. All facilities are enticing, administration solid, and generous with financial aid.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of education I recieved from this school is without compare. I attended HRS from 5th grade through completion of high school and found the Jr. High education to be roughly equivalent to 3rd year engineering at UCD. Amazing teachers, small class size, and a curriculum that encourages kids to question everything but with a discerning eye that looks for evidence. HR taught me the most valuable lesson I have ever learned... Yes they taught me facts and figures, but more importantly, they taught me how to learn. Money very, very well spent.
—Submitted by a former student

Head-Royce has solid academic program that will built a good foundation for high school and college educations. The fine art and music program are wonderful. The level of parent involvement is limited since I have a 7th grader. I wish I could involve in their school learning more.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Head-Royce grades 6-12. He attended a public elementary school. We wanted a school that would challenge him academically and intellectually, and give him a place to shine. Head-Royce met all of our expectations. Our son was intellectually challenged every step of the way. From course and extra-curricular options, to music and other fine art opportunities, the experience was fantastic. The most important thing I can say about the benefits of Head-Royce is this: the teachers are absolutely top-notch. I think all have Master's degrees and many have Ph.Ds. They are dedicated, extremely intelligent, enthusiastic, and well-liked. There is no grade inflation, though, so If you have a child who isn't into working hard, HRS is probaly not a great choice. The kids are very happy socially, too. My son is now at college (Ivy) and speaks to HRS friends almost daily.I can only say good things about HRS.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school with many excellent teachers, great facillity, small class size. High school is very academic with many bright students so very competetive.
—Submitted by a parent